Chaos Asunders the Gods

by Cinnamon_Squid

Summary:

You, the Lamb, have successfully defeated Narinder. Now some strange angelic being demands you fight the bishops once more, to put their souls to rest and free them. When they join your cult, tensions rise high between the siblings and you slowly learn more about their family drama and what they did to Narinder. Between the fighting and cursing the siblings seem to rekindle their bonds. You begin to grow close to one a certain worm. Will this rollercoaster of emotion end with them tearing your cult apart or perhaps learning to forgive one another and put the past behind to be a family again? Did I forget to mention that the lamb has black wool and vitiligo that's purple?

Notes:

Spur of the moment writing, I have immense brain rot of this game and have yet to actually finish it. Either way, this is a fic about Cult of the Lamb but with me being able to insert my own characters into the pre-existing characters and change some things (not major changes). Either way enjoy this.

No I don't have a proof reader and if anyone is interested in doodles of this fic then go to my Instagram @cinnamon_squid_ There's some up already, I'll be posting head canons and doodles of events that have happened already or will happen in future chapters.

Chapter 1: Nameless Problems

You had defeated The One Who Waits, The Chained One, Narinder, about a week and a half ago. Currently the once bishop was adjusting to Cult life and it was a...rough transition, to say the least. He still didn't quite listen to you nor do as told or even help out. But things weren't going to stay this way and you were going to make sure of that. He was spouting some rude nonsense about you and how he hated you and that he wouldn't conform to your ways anytime soon. You had long tuned him out. A small tap on your shoulder brought you back to the world and you looked to the golden retriever standing nervously next to you. "Uh- excuse me, sorry-" He glanced to Narinder, who's ears are flattened but is silent nonetheless. "My Lamb?"

He fiddled with his paws some, tail low. "We seem to be low on food..do you think you could bring back some more?" Perking your ears up you give Titan a warm smile and a nod. "Of course, I can head out now!" Narinder let out a low growl as his tail lashed. "Hey! I'm not done talking to-" You simply turned away and motioned for Titan to follow you. "Is there anything else I need to bring back?" He mumbles to himself as he thinks, then shakes his head with a small thankful smile. "No, I think food is all we need. Thank you, Lamb." Standing at the gateway to the main exit you turn and glance around at your cult, your followers had steadily grew over the course of years. You weren't that small, naive little lamb anymore, no. You were far from it.

That being said, you still made your mistakes.

Leaving your cult you walk over the stone teleporter and into the wilderness. Only a few moments passed by before you were where you needed to be, thankfully you could just buy seeds from the trader who put up shop heeerree- holy you who the hell was that. In the middle gate between the bishops lands, a floating cloaked being with what you could only describe as an abyss for a head and several eyes with no face was in front of it. They made no attempt to stop you or move towards you, they simply watched you. Two beings stood behind them with their eyes closed. Maybe this wasn't your problem. Hopefully.

Looking to your right there was the spider, Helob, stood staring at that being with another poor soul trapped in his web. They seemed nervous and uneasy. Walking to them you furrow your brows and follow their gaze to that strange being. "Hey, Helob! So uh...who's that?" They glance at you before back to that abyss, arms in front of them as they fiddle with their hands. "I don't like them..." They return their gaze back to you and narrow their eyes. "No like round head. Price doubles until they're gone." Furrowing your eyebrows you let out a soft sigh, you couldn't exactly argue as you probably would do the same in his situation. "Yeah, alright, here." Handing them the gold you look to the poor soul they caught, a white cat with brown markings. Their expression was akin to anger and even resentment, but not entirely towards you.

You open the portal and send them to your cult, turning to head to the mantis shrimp on the left side. You had the sinking feeling Rakshasa may also have rose his prices. The mantis shrimp has his arms crossed and glared at you when you approach him. "If I had known this place was dangerous, I wouldn't have come in the first place. Until you he leaves-" Holding your hand up you politely interrupt him. "I get it, I get it. Look, I'll work on it but first I need seeds." Once you saw his prices your heart sank. You bought what you could, pocketed it, and then immediately approached the strange being. They looked down to you with an expression you couldn't read. You were cautious as you stood before them. "Lamb, do you not heed the dangers I've warned?"

You keep your arms at your sides as you think for a moment. Then it hit you, you've seen this being before. The last thing they said was, 'Pray we don't meet again." You could only imagine what happened this time. "Look, can we make this quick? I got a cult to feed and I understand that you're..upset or angry, or whatever it is, but some of my followers are idiots." The being narrowed their eyes in silence for a moment, before leaning down some and continuing to speak. "The bishops you've slew now rest in the lands between, they do not rest. Fix this and I'll make it worth your while. All I require is a name." Now you were even more confused. "A..name? For what? Your guys back there? One of my followers-"

You can hear the slight irritation in their voice. "What do you wish to call me?" Flicking your ears up you raise an eyebrow. "You want me..to name you?" They straighten themselves and you think they give you a small nod? You're not sure. "Any name." They had no idea the power they just lent you. While it was tempting to name them something completely ridiculous on account of them disturbing your vendors so much, you decided to only be a little rude. "Leonard." You snap your fingers and point up to them. "So, you want me to go free the bishops souls from..limbo??"

Leonard blinks and you can tell they've had enough of you. "Yes, Lamb." Turning on your hooves, you give Leonard a wave and make your way back to your cult. "Sure. But first I've got a cult to take care of!"

Once you delivered the seeds, did some routine cleaning and check ups on what needed to, you stood before the exit again. You could put this ridiculous task off for a bit, but the longer you waited the longer your vendors prices would stay high. You couldn't afford that. As you thought, you suddenly remembered the new follower you had just saved. "Oh shit--" You swiftly made your way to the stone they appeared on. This cat seemed more irritated than anything, standing with his arms crossed and tail lashing side to side. It was fairly dark so maybe he was tired. "Hey! So sorry for that wait-" He narrows his eyes at you and cuts you off, his voice gruff and tired.

"I need you to let me go- I'll come back but my son is out there and--" Holding up both hands you furrow your eyebrows. "Woah woah, your son is out there?" The white cat clenched his fists, claws unsheathed. "Yes! We were foraging when that damned spider snuck up on us! I distracting it so Telly could run but now he's out there alone in Darkwood!" With a tired sigh you place gentle hands on his shoulders. "Look, you just settle in and get some rest. I promise you I will not come back until I have your son, okay?" He stares at you, pale blue eyes searching your expression before giving in. "Alright..he'd better be unharmed."

You let him push past you and you roll your shoulders. Looks like you were going to get start Leonard's task either way. Off you went, exiting camp and back before that bastard being.

You walk past them and stand in front of the door to Darkwood. Funny, you remember unlocking it once already. It was locked again and when you tried to open it... Turning to Leonard you furrow your brows in frustration. "You want me to what?!" They glance at you and all they say is, "Pick one that fulfills the requirements." Clenching your fists you huff gruffly, pinching the bridge of your nose and turning back to the door. Your cross you legs, meditating and floating in front of the door as you thought. You weren't fond of sacrificing your followers. Some of them may irritate you and even piss you off, but that didn't mean they deserved to be sacrificed. Letting your feet touch the ground you glare up at the being. "Happy?"
Leonard stares, before blinking slowly once in a mock nod. "It is done."

The door to Darkwood slammed open and you waisted no time in entering. You had two missions, find that guys son and get rid of this bastard.

Halfway through your crusade and you still haven't found the small cat the father mentioned. You were beginning to fret as you harvested wood in a relatively safer area of Darkwood, before hearing a branch snap in a nearby bush. You were on high alert, whipping your head to stare at the source of the sound. Squinting, you could just make out a brown and white figure. For a moment you thought it was a raccoon from the markings. "Who's there? Come on out, you're okay. I won't hurt you." There's nothing, then a small white cat emerged. Their ears were folded down and they seemed to be crying. Your ears flicked up and you immediately let your axe go, it morphing back to your crown as you crouched down.

"Hey there 'lil fella, your name wouldn't happen to be Telly, would it?" The cat is still halfway in the bush, but they sniff and wipe their nose, glancing around as they meekly speak. "Y-yeah...are you-..is my-?" He was stuttering, fur fluffed up and no doubt scared. "Is it safe?" You give him a nod and stay put, letting him come to you. "Yeah bud, it's alright. Your Dad sent me to find you." His ears perk up and he slowly walks closer to your, one step at a time as he continued to look around. "Is...is he okay?? That spider didn't hurt him..did they?" You rest your hands in your lap and shake your head softly, the bell around your neck ringing quietly. "No not at all, bud. I can take you to your Dad?"

Telly now stands in front of you and you move placing a hand on his shoulder reassuringly as he gives you a nod. "You're okay, but this might be a little scary, okay?" Bringing your hands up you lift the small cat in the air, pausing to let him relax and look down to the portal before back up to you. "Wh-what is that?!" You smile kindly and tilt your head some. "You're okay, it's just a portal. It'll get you to your Dad faster than walkin'. Don't worry, it doesn't hurt at all." His ears slowly perk up some and he gives you a small nod again, then you lower him into the portal. One quest done, one to go.

You were standing on the stone just outside your camps entrance, sore and tired. Mainly pissed off that you had to clear Darkwood four times again just to face that damn worm. Stretching out your back you walk into your cult, daylight beaming down. You had barely crossed the threshold before you were locked in a hug. Telly and his father both had you locked in an embrace.Once you were free, Telly was right back to his father's side, clinging to him with a wide and happy smile. "Thank you for bringing me back to my Dad!" He looked as if nothing had ever happened. His father held a relaxed smile now as he looked to his son then back to you. "Thank you, Lamb. I owe you my life."

You quickly hold your hand sup and wave them dismissively. "Oh, please, there's no need for that! Just doin' the right thing. You're welcome-" "Squirt." He cuts you off, giving you his name and you smile kindly as your arms rest at your sides. "You're welcome, Squirt." The two left and you watched them walk off. Your peace was immediately disturbed when a certain three-eyed cat growled out, "You reek of Darkwood, lamb." You look to Narinder with raised eyebrows. "Wow, I wonder why." He scoffs at you, ears back. "You still haven't completed my request. Is it that difficult for you? I shouldn't have expected you to be able to do it." Rolling your eyes you walk off, Narinder following you as you did your daily tasks. "Narinder I have bigger things at hand. Some four eyed abyss headed bastard wants me to do something for them, and with Leonard being there the vendors upped their prices- so excuse me if your request is takin' a bit longer." His expression holds disgust but curiosity. "Who the hell is Leonard?"

Rubbing your face you point at him with your hand when you finish. "I don't know- they told me to name them so I did. Their name is Leonard and they have a strange habit of collecting God tears- I don't know what they are. An angel, maybe??" Narinder's ears shot up and his expression his something you can't read. He then scoffed and turned away, muttering to you. "Looks like my request isn't the only thing that's too hard for you to finish, Lamb." He spoke your name with such venom it made you want to punch him in the face. But you didn't. You take a moment to calm yourself, going back to your routine. Check the bathrooms, the seeds, fertilizer, stock the kitchens, empty the scarecrow traps, hold a sermon, confession, and whatever else that needed to be done. By the time you finished it was fairly late.

So now you lay in your tent, staring at the ceiling of it as you tried to get some sleep, even the smallest sliver would make you happy. But you were restless. Everytime you got close to falling asleep, your mind would interrupt it with a thought. Finally you gave up, heading back out for another crusade. If you couldn't sleep then you'd crusade. You couldn't just do nothing.

You finished your crusade once and once again stood apon the stone outside your camp, staring inside. They should be fine one day without you checking in on them, right? Surely they would be. Your turn around and enter another crusade. When you finished this crusade you decided to head back into your camp to check on your cult. Three people were sick, some tents were broken, and some mines had collapsed. You were gone one day. You fixed what needed to be fixed, rebuilt your structures, and took care of those who were sick. All thatw as left was to check on Squirt and his son to see how they were adapting.

The energetic kitten was happily chasing around a butterfly and playing with a few other kids. Squirt sat on the ground chatting away to a black raven, Leio. He was your most faithful follower, his son Alphontse was enjoying whatever game he was playing with Telly. You felt rude for interrupting, so you turned to leave but was stopped when the bird spoke up. "Lamb, how can I help?" You spin back around with a kind smile and save him off. "Nothin' right now, Leio. I just wanted to see how Squirt and his son were doing. Y'all adjustin', alright? Do you two need anythin'?" The white cat looked up to you with a small smile, eyes tired still, and shook his head. "No, were alright. We're doing fine, thank you." Your smile widens more at the news and you relax some. "Well, just let me know if you need anythin'!"

Trotting off you begin to head back to an exit before a voice stopped you. "Heading out to play with Ratau, Lamb?" A lavender colored deer, well, you weren't sure what she was exactly, stood behind you with a basket tucked under one arm. "Is it Saturday already?" She chuckled, giving you a nod. "Sure is! Have you been crusading? You should take a break. Go visit Ratau and the others." You tilt your head to one sided then the other as you think. "Ehh..I would but I've got more pressing- wait where's Canni??" Immediately you glance around for the deep blue cat. Kiyoshi waves you off politely. "Don't worry, I've got her tending to my shop sorting the supplies. She's not up to any chaos." You nerves relax and you sigh softly. "That girlfriend of yours is gonna be the death of me. Keep an eye on her and Narinder while I'm out, please." You turn around and leave.

This was the final crusade you needed, you'd fight this worm one last time. However, that didn't mean he'd make it easy. The first area you entered on the last stretch was bombarded with enemies. You were stuck in a small clearing, fighting around a statue of Leshy as he summoned more and more enemies. Just when you thought there'd be another wave, they stopped. He had spewed some nonsense he and his siblings usually did, but also mentioned how this land was still his even if he wasn't here. Dear you, you just wanted this to end so you could get rid of Leonard.

Now you stood before the previous bishop, staring at his decayed form. Brain and skull showing, intestines draped over his horns, and fighting for your life. You forgot to change your fleece, so you had to be extra careful without that healing ability. You didn't fully understand how Kiyoshi was able to make those fleeces, they heightened certain abilities of yours and you were thankful for them and her. One fight later and you delt the final blow, but you were far too tired to care. Quickly shoving Leshy into a portal you made your way back home. You couldn't wait to lay down and rest.

When you arrived in camp the moon was high and you huffed when you realized you still had to indoctrinate that damn worm into your cult. Was it even a good idea to have Leshy and Narinder in the same vicinity? You didn't know the full story between Narinder and his siblings, but you knew the cat had a strong hatred and distaste for them, and they for him. Nah, it would probably be fine. They wouldn't dare do anything that may bring damage to your flock, you wouldn't allow it anyway. With closed eyes you held a hand up, moving it into a circle. "Welcome to the cult, or whatever. I'm goin' to sleep, behave." Leshy muttered something about his crown being gone and how it couldn't see, but you didn't register it at all due to the numbness of sleep consuming your brain.

Once you were inside your tent, laying down, you let out a soft sigh as you finally fell into the hands of sleep.

Chapter 2: One Becomes Two

Summary:

'Leshy seemingly is more calmer than Narinder as he adjusts to cult life. He tends to be more open and vocal about his past.After I left for three days he and Narinder fought, so I've been informed. Will these two ever get along?' - Lamb

 

The lamb has trouble sleeping and decides crusading is the best case for insomnia. Leshy is slowly adjusting to camp life but has the occasional scuffle with Narinder.

Notes:

Heyoo, second chapter drop. What do y'all think about me including small dialects written here by the lamb about characters? Let me know in the comments below and enjoy the chapter! It's a bit longer than the first.

"When the sky grows gray and a storm begins to form, some say that this is due to the bishops of old fighting. The strong winds are said to be Shamura, his mind quick to blow past his siblings. When the sky quakes with a roar of thunder it is said to be Heket, her anger screaming throughout the sky. The falling rain is said to be Kallamar's tears, for he doesn't like the fighting. There is some debate between the strikes of lighting and the damage of the storm to be Narinder. Most say Leshy tends to stray away from the fighting, chaos already being brought on from his siblings quarrel. However, others state that in the midst of all that chaos there is a moment of peace. A moment of quiet amidst the rampage of the storm, where the sky opens up and stares down at you; this is the eye of the storm, this is Leshy." A gentle voice sounds out a few feet away from your tent, you knew this voice. You had met this person twice, once on the beach and once on the docks. It was strange to hear their voice in your camp, much less telling a story you've heard from time to time.

With a gruff sigh you begrudgingly drag yourself out of bed and emerge from your tent with a small yawn. Your crown floated in its designated place above your head as you glanced around. Sure enough, there was the strange fox you had met twice. They were happily chatting away with the children who were enthralled by the story. No matter how many times they heard it they always seemed amazed. Telly was particularly curious about it, you guessed this was probably the first time he had heard this story. Trotting over you stand behind the children and gaze at the fox as the spoke, hood pulled up over their head. "Well, why don't you ask the Lamb? They were here when the Bishops of Old were still alive." They held a placid, yet teasing smile. Telly turned his head around and looked up to you excitedly, the other children following suit. "Is this true, Lamb?? You were really around while the Bishops were alive?!"

The small tabby had sprung up to his feet, bouncing excitedly as the others huddled around you. "Why yes, I was!" Crouching down to their level you smile kindly. The small white bird, Alphontse, happily chimed in. "Will you tell us one of your stories Lamb?!" A soft chuckle escapes you and you stood up, ushering the children off as you spoke. "Maybe later, you guys go play I need to talk to them." The fox stood up from their crisscrossed position, arms folding in front of themselves and settling into the sleeves of their robe. "Why, exactly, are you here Fox?" You cross your arms and raise an eyebrow as they eye you playfully. "Seeing as you've gained The One Who Waits, I've nothing more left to do other than bother you. Besides, I come here for the food."

You scoff softly, rolling your eyes as your ears lower some. "Yeah, sure. Whatever happened to those requests? You've seemed to have stopped making them...at least not with the same intentions anymore as the previous two. Now it just seems you make requests for food to bother me." They give you a small shrug, turning and walking to the exit of your camp. "You've caught me red-handed, Lamb." Following next to them you let your arms fall to your sides, chuckling softly and glance around at your camp. "Hey- where is everyone?" For the most part, some followers were hard at work or taking a break. There was a noticable chunk missing as you accounted each and every follower. The Fox nudged you softly with their elbow, nodding towards a gathering of your followers. "Over there. Thanks for the food!"

You follow their gaze and then immediately furrow your eyebrows, calling after them. "Hey! If you're gonna eat here the least you could do is-- and they're gone..." A soft, stressful sigh escaped you and you decided to leave it be. Returning your gaze back to the huddle of your followers you decide to head over. "What's goin' on, guys? Everything okay?" Titan turned looking to you then back down to a good sized hole in the ground. "Uh..yeeess??" His voice hitched at the end as he gazed quizzically down the hole. "Why is there a hole in camp." Your voice game out flat and more shocked than actually upset. Leio then piped up, "That sorm guy you brought last night made it. He's been down there all morning."

Looking to the raven you furrow your eyebrows some and look back down to the hole. "LAMB!!" You jump, startled from the shout that came from behind you. Facing the noise you find Narinder, ears flat and tail lashing as he approached you. "Could I speak to you in private?" After politely excusing yourself, you walk with Narinder away from the group for privacy. "What is it Narinder? If you couldn't tell I have a hole in the ground to fi-" His ears are the flattest you've ever seen and his expression is spiteful and angry. "Why does the camp reek of that bastard worm? Damned Lamb, what is that thing doing here?!" He growls the word 'thing', venom and grudge dripping from his voice. Furrowing your eyebrows some you begin to panic slightly. It seemed having Narinder and his siblings in the same space would end in tragedy, after all.

"Narinder, I spared you. What makes you think I wouldn't do the same for them?" He clenched his fists, leaning closer to you as he spoke in a growled whisper. "Because you didn't. What changed? They've been dead for years. How are they here and why?!" You keep your cool and sigh softly. "I don't have to explain myself to you. Need I remind you that I'm no longer yours to control?" For a moment, the cat stiffens and his eyes widened. Then his face returns to that usual sneer he always wore. "Pathetic Lamb, just because I don't control you doesn't mean I can't still-", You immediately cut him off and glare at him in warning. "Can't still what, Narinder? You touch anyone of my flock and there will be consequences. I understand you and Leshy have issues, but do not let those be the reason someone gets hurt. Just ignore him. If I find anyone hurt, you will be held responsible." You lean forwards and lower your voice, a threatening edge growing to it.

Narinder glared at you before letting out a scoff as you turned and left him. Now you had all the more reason to stay here in camp; babysit Narinder and Leshy. This is exactly what you needed right now. Staring down at the hole you think for a moment. It seemed Leshy preferred to stay underground and right now you didn't have a problem with that since it kept him away from that grouchy cat. Then again, you didn't want the worm to hole himself up all alone. Leaning over the opening of the hole you peer in, squinting your eyes. "Leshy? Are you in there?" Most of the followers had left seeing that you were now handling this situation. You got no reply from the burrowed worm. Reaching out you softly stop Titan from leaving. "Sorry, but do you know if he's come out of here at all?" The golden dog shook his head softly. "I don't think he has, Lamb."

You let out a soft hum and look back down to the hole. "Thank you, Titan." He gave you a small nod and then padded off to do whatever task it was he needed to do. If Leshy had been in here since this morning, or longer, then he probably hadn't had anything to eat yet. Spinning on your hooves you turn around and make your way to the kitchen. You gingerly pluck a meal from the serving counter and then return to the hole, setting the wrapped food down at the edge of it. "Leshy? I brought you somethin' to eat. I know things are different here, so I don't mind you being in the ground. Take all the time you need. All I ask is that you put some sort of cover over it, I don't want anyone to fall in there or anythin'." Once again you get no reply other than the eerie silence. You wait for a few moments but nothing happens, so you decide to leave. "Alright, foods on the ground. If you need anythin' at all just let me know."

You went about your daily duties, checking the outhouses, cleaning up any messes, checking scarecrow traps, checking crop chests, stocking the kitchen, and other tasks of the sort. You hold your sermon like any other day but halfway through you realize a certain grumpy cat is missing. It wasn't unusual for Narinder to sit out of sermons from time to time, since he was still adjusting to the new cult life. in fact, you didn't force anyone to join in on the sermons if they didn't wish too. In fact, Squirt wasn't at this sermon. You had just finished the sermon when the white tabby father burst through the doors with panic written on his face, fur sticking up, ears flat, pale ice blue eyes wide. The rest of your followers, aside from the children, were all in the temple with you. "Lamb? I need your assistance."

His voice is relatively calm for his panicked state, you simply give him a nod and look to your other followers, motioning for them to stay put while signaling for Leio to follow you. When you approach the father outside the building he's frantic. "Lamb I- I-" He fiddled with his hands as he searched for the right words. At once the ground shook, a terrible sound akin to a tree's trunk snapping and beginning to fall erupted. Within that noise you hear a familiar yowl. Squirt flinches from the sound and immediately motions behind him to Narinder who had just narrowly avoided a thick, thorned vines. Immediately you run over and swiftly scan the area. It seemed Squirt had already herded the children to a safe distance.

"Foolish worm!! You're pathetic and weak just as always! And a coward still! Hiding away in that damned hole!!" The dusty black cat was breaking with anger and vengeance. His tail lashed back and forth, claws unsheathed as he paced around the hole and eyed the new thorned vines that emerged. "Coward!! Come out here and fight m-" "Narinder!" You speak loudly, not actually yelling, and he's quick to shoot his glare at you. The vine goes ridgid and freezes as you rapidly approach. "What the hell are you doing?!" He simply stared at you, tail still lashing as he growled his words. "Teaching this pathetic excuse of a worm a lesson!" You furrow your eyebrows as you clench your hands at your sides. "I WILL lock you up if I need to. I told you to leave him alone and to ignore him!" The cat scoffed at you, waving a paw dismissively. "And I don't take orders from the likes of-" A loud hiss of pain escaped him as he flinched. You look down to see a green fuzzy head just disappear back into the hole, vine gone. "Leshy!" You gasp loudly as you glare into the hole. Narinder has already launched himself down the hole and your crown is quick to grab him by the scruff.

"That is enough!! I swear you two- just ignore each other! I will NOT have you guys fightin' in camp!" Narinder glared at you with daggers, arms crossed as you held him. You trot away from the hole and drop Narinder down in front of his hut and glare at him. "You're on house arrest." Before he can speak you call out for Leio who cautiously approached. "Go get me Canni and Kiyoshi. Inform everyone that they're free to come out as well." The crow gave you a small nod before hurrying off. "Puny Lamb, you can't keep me in here forever." The cat held a smug expression as his ears still lay flat. "See that's where you're wrong, I can keep you in your hut for as long as I please. It's either your own space, or I publicly lock you up for everyone to see." He narrowed his eyes before scoffing and entering his hut.

Canni and Kiyoshi were quickly at your side and once you informed them of their task you turned and made your way back to the hole. Peering down you sigh in frustration as you speak into it. "Leshy, I'm so sorry about that. However, you're at fault just as much as he is. I do not tolerate fightin' here in camp. I don't know who started it but there better not be a next time. I'm havin' someone watch you. They'll bring you food and whatever else you need." You didn't get an answer from the worm, which you weren't expecting one. Quickly you located the golden retriever and informed him of his task before making your way back into the chapel and heading upstairs into your more private room.

You had a feeling this wouldn't be the last time. Now you wondered if you should even bring the other bishops here. Who knew what trouble would ensue. Digging through a chest you pause and look over the two robes, Narinder's old white and red one that was patched up and cleaned, and Leshy's grey and gold one. The worm's robe was in bad shape as you hadn't had the chance to fix it yourself or even ask Kiyoshi. Since she was busy you'd have to do it yourself. Grabbing the garment you trot over to your bed and plop down as you get to work fixing any and all tears and holes. You'd clean it once you were done with patching it, right now you just needed a moment of peace.

You had lost track of time, sewing and stitching away at the soft cloth. The garment was fully patched and you had even managed to scrub out those strange black stains around the shoulders. Placing it neatly folded back into the chest you make your way outside. That's when you notice the sky had dimmed to its usual black hue, speckled with white dots. Your followers were soundly asleep in their huts, shared huts, or tents. You still needed to replace those tents with huts. That was, if the follower howning that home wished for better homage. Speaking of homage, as you make your way to your tent you glance to the tent Squirt had settled into. You needed to talk to him tomorrow about whether he wanted the tent, which you doubted, a hut, or share a hut with another.

Usually you take care of that thing the second you indoctrinate a new follower, but yesterday you had been busy and arrived in the late hours of the night. Glancing to Narinder's hut you find the blue cat, Canni, standing guard outside. Kiyoshi hands her a bowl of warmed food. You watch the two exchange some words, Kiyoshi draping a blanket around Canni's shoulders and placing a kiss on her cheek before making her way back to their shared hut. There's a heavy stone weight in your chest as you watch the exchange. You turn away and enter you tent, settling down for the night.

Time passed and you find yourself tossing and turning, sleep eluding you. As you stare at the top of your tent, the red fabric swaying slowly in the cool breeze, you sigh. Maybe if you walked around camp and settled your mind you'd be able to sleep easier. Grabbing your blanket, instead of your fleece, you drape it over your shoulders you hold it close with your hands. Emerging from your tent you let the cool breeze flow through your wool. You begin your stroll, circling around the outer edges of your camp at a slow pace. Closing your eyes you let your mind fall into a somber static. The silence was calming and soothed the tension from earliers chaos.

Your peace was soon disturbed by the soft cursing of someone, followed by a thud and then a pained groan. Opening your eyes you scan the area, the voice seemed to come from somewhere between the missionary and the temple, you were behind the two of them. "Hello?" You call out softly and pull your blanket around you more. You hear more cursing but no direct response to you. "Who's there?" Approaching the noise you hear panicked whispering only to find a singular hole between the two buildings. Furrowing your eyebrows you blink a few times. "Leshy?" You expect no answer and jump slightly when you hear the worm's hushed voice. "Go away, foul thing."

For a moment you're stunned, too stunned to even speak. Peering down into the hole you squint and are able to make out the faint silhouette of Leshy. "Sir could you- could you NOT make more holes in camp? I don't want anyone fallin' into them." You hear shuffling sound from within the hole along with muttering. Heaving a sigh you roll your eyes. "How are you setllin' in so far?" You stand at the edge of the hole, leaning over it and peering down at the worm. There's more shuffling and murmuring. "This place..smell different. It's strange." You hum in thought at his words. It seems he was still adjusting. Well, Narinder didn't exactly take a day to get used cult life. What stuck out to you was how he had specifically stated that the smell was unfamiliar.

"Oh, actually I might have somethin' that may help you settle in. Wait here." You trot away going around the temple to avoid the hole and enter the building going upstairs. You pull the worm's old robe and ended up giving in to curiosity. Holding it up to your nose you give it a little wiff. It smelled mostly of Darkwood, the subtle hints of camellia flowers and moss left a surprisingly calming and lightly sweet scent. There was also traces of dirt and it left the entire robe smelling like rain and flowers. To Leshy this probably smelled of home. Making your way back to the worm, you peer back down into the hole and are able to see his faint silhouette still there. "Here, it's been patched up but it might help you." Getting on your knees you hold the clothing down into the hole with an outstretched hand.

"What are you giving me?" He speaks in a soft tone, curiosity and caution evident. Leshy's voice was a lot different than Narinder's. Whereas the cat spoke with ill intent and anger, Leshy spoke calmly and it was almost peaceful. You weren't used to such gentleness. "It's your robe." A few seconds go by before the worm finally takes the item from you. Then you narrow your eyes and look around. "Hey, where's Titan? He's supposed to be watchin' over you." You go to peer back down the hole but jump when you see the bottom of the worm's robe. "Who?" He asks plainly and you get up, coming face to face with the old bishop. Well, not exactly face to face. You were a few inches taller and you come to realize the worm is looking to the side of you, not at you. "The dog? He's supposed to be with you right now."

Leshy turned as he spoke, "I don't know what you're talking about." Furrowing your eyebrows you go to speak but quickly fall silent when you watch him walk straight into the wall of the missionary. "Uh.." You gasp softly and he takes a step back and muttered some curse and it finally clicks. The bandages on his face covers his eye. "Ooohh... that's why you were askin' about your crown. You're-" You aren't able to finish before the worm, looking behind himself and not at you, speaks. "Blind? Wow, how'd you ever figure that out o' mighty Lamb?" The sarcasm is thick in his voice. Rolling your eyes you scoff softly. "Do you need help walkin'? You don't exactly have a hut or anythin' yet, but I can take you somewhere you can sleep until I build you one tomorrow? It must be better than sleepin' in that hole of yours." You watch as the worm turns around, seemingly having figured out he was facing the wrong way based off the sound of your voice. "I need not your pity! I'm fine." A tired smile crossed your lips as a small sight left them. "Look, just try it out and if you don't like it then Titan can walk you back to your hole."

Stepping closer to the bishop, you gently place your hand on his lower back to help guide him. He flinches at your touch, pulling away and glaring at the spot behind him. "What do you think you're doing?!" You tap his shoulder and he immediately whips his head around to face you, this time actually facing you. "Over here, yeah Hi. I'm just helpin' you walk, Lesh. You're alright." You could feel the heated glare from beneath the worm's bloodied blindfold. "Do not call me by a pet name." Despite the flare of anger in his voice, you see his shoulders slump and he stands still. You place you hand back to his lower back, he flinches slightly again, and you guide him out from between the two buildings. You help the worm into the temple and then stand on the bottom stair looking to him. "Alright watch your step, there are stairs here." You hold you hands out in case Leshy decided to accept the help but he didn't see it, obviously.

You curse yourself in your mind at the stupidity of your action. "My hands are in front of you if you want the help." Your voice is soft and tinged with exhaustion. Leshy managed to luck out and swat your hands away with perfect precision, but it wasn't harsh. It was more of a polite 'screw you'. "I'm fine, wretched thing. I don't need your help." You scoff playfully at the worm and begin carefully making your way up the stairs backwards. You stop every few steps so Leshy can catch up. Once at the top of the stairs you cross your arms. "See? I can walk just fine-" He's cut off when he mistakes the final step for not being there, having assumed he was at the top already. Your hands immediately shoot outwards and you gently catch the worm, stopping him from falling forwards. "Careful!" Taking a step back you help him back to his feet at the top of the stairs, letting your hands linger on his shoulders as you look at him. "You alright?"

There's silence for a second, then he pulled away from your grasp and took a step backwards. "I'm fine, I don't need your-" He nearly toppled down the stairs if it weren't for you catching him by his robe, yet again. "Leshy!!" You call out in panic. A stressed sigh left you and you pull him back to his feet, then move him around you so he's no where near the stairs now. "That's twice now! Oh my gods, be careful." You rub your face as the remaining adrenaline fled your system. "It's not my fault you led a blind person up the stairs." His tone is snarky, teasing, and you think even a little playful. "Maybe next time I'll just let you fall." He turned around and took a step forwards, cautious now. "Rude. Now, where are you taking me again?" Walking next to the worm, your hand on his back to guide him, you lead him to your room. "Just an extra room. I usually use it when I want privacy or don't feel like sleepin' in my tent. Figured you'd prefer this to my tent." You open the door and usher him inside. He stands in the middle and for some reason looked around, despite being blind. You suppose it was hard to get used to not being able to see.

Sure Narinder blinded him years ago, but Leshy was still able to see with his crown. For once in his life, he was truly blind. "Oh uh, beds to your left about four- maybe six feet? There's a desk to your right and there's a chest against the wall across from the desk. There's another chest at the foot of the bed." He turns to face you, once more he's not actually looking at you and he's facing a wall, as he speaks. "This place reeks of you." Crossing your arms you raise your eyebrows. "Wow, it's almost as if I told you this is my room. Get some sleep. Titan will be outside if you need anythin', he'll help you down the stairs." He mutters things you can't hear, but frankly you didn't care. You then stopped when he spoke louder and you turn to see him facing you but staring at the ground. "Lamb?" Pulling the blanket over your shoulders gently, you stand at the door. "Yes, Leshy?'

He's silent before looking up. "Could you..." He stops and let's out an exasperated sigh. "Will you walk with me? I won't be able to sleep just yet." You furrow your brows some at the request, once again left befuddled "I-..yeah. Yeah I can." You make your war to his side and help him down the stairs and back outside. The two of you are walking around the edge of camp now. "I was actually doin' this before I found you." Leshy walked by you at a slow pace. There was no need to guide him for the most part. "Couldn't sleep?" He asks plainly and you nod your head. Then realize the bishop is blind. "Uh yeah, had trouble." As you two walked you could make out silhouettes a few feet in front of you. When you got closer you gently stop Leshy. "Squirt, everythin' alright?" The father turned around facing you, Telly held and resting his head on his father's shoulder. "Yeah, he's just having trouble getting to bed." Holding your hands out you step closer. "May I?" Squirt looked from you up to Leshy before gently handing you his son. "Sure."

You hold Telly carefully, slightly bouncing him as you hum a soft tune. The kitten yawned and stretched before settling back down in your arms. You then began softly singing. "Five becomes four, becomes three, becomes two, becomes one. The light from the stars begins to pour, and the moon has been set free, watch as the yellows fade to blue, for the day has set and the sun is done." Your voice was smooth and gentle, almost somber as you recited the poem. You didn't even have to finish the song as the kitten fell asleep halfway through the first half. With careful hands, you give the son back to his father, who holds a thankful expression and whispers a soft "Thank you." You wave Squirt off and begin your walk with Leshy.

The worm's stare became evidently clear and you turn to face him as you walk. "Yes?" He turns away, the breeze ruffling his fur and your wool. "That poem...who wrote it?" Your ears perk up and you adjust your blanket as you adverted your gaze. "I did." There's confusion in his voice now. "Why?" You look back to the bishop with one brow raised. "Why? Well, because I wanted to." Although Leshy's eyes were hidden you could feel the eye roll. "That's not true." A playful scoff left you and you tilt your head some. "How would you know?" Looking up to the sky you let out a soft sigh as you relax. "I wrote it because...history. Someone needs to tell your stories. Just because I'm the villain of your guy's stories, doesn't mean I actually am one. I'm not going to let the world forget you." The worm let out a soft hum as he thought over your words. "I don't think that's the only reason."

Before you could ask, a figure ran up to you in panic. "Lamb! I'm so sorry but I fel- Oh!" Titan skidded to a halt in front of you then turned this gaze to Leshy. "You found him." The worm stiffened at your side before relaxing. "Who goes there?" Ignoring him, you place your hands on Titan's shoulders with a reassuring smile. "Relax, Titan. You're okay. I should've assigned someone to watch him during the night. Go and rest for now, when you wake up he'll be in the extra room in the temple." The dog let out a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Lamb." You watch as the dog left and Leshy turned to face you. "Who was that?" Raising your eyebrows you shake your head some. "That was Titan, the guy I assigned to watch over you after your fiasco with your brother this afternoon." The worm's face twisted into a grimace and he let out a gruff sigh. "I don't need to be babysat." You let out a playful scoff as you furrow your eyebrows.

"Clearly you do. After I separated the fight you bit Narinder's tail." The two of you continued walking and Leshy clicked his tongue. "He started it." A small, pained, chuckle escaped your chest and you pulled your blanket closer around you. It took you a moment to realize Leshy had stopped walking. You take a few steps backwards and arrive at his side again, looking to him with a curious expression as he seemed to be looking at the ground. "..what are you doin'?" The worm was silent for a moment before crouching down and, you assumed, prodded the ground with his fingers. You weren't sure as his robe hid your view. When he stood up you notice he had removed a weed growing next to a stray camellia flower. Strange. He began walking and you followed next to him. "You should get some sleep." The worm furrowed his brow. "Why?" Rolling your eyes you begin leading him back to the temple. "Because it's a necessity?" This didn't seem to satisfy him.

"Tired of walking the blind man already, Lamb?" There's a mocking undertone to his voice and you look at him, stop, and then stick your hoof out tripping him. He was quick to regain balance before he hit the ground. "Oops, my bad." You speak flatly and you receive a small growl from the bishop. "Vile thing." You scoff and step closer to Leshy, he instinctively took a step back. "Have fun walking up the stairs by yourself, since I'm so vile." You place your hand on the door over his shoulder, holding a smug smile even if he couldn't see it as you held the door open. He gave you a blinded glare, his words irritated. "I didn't need help anyway!" He turned, not far enough, and would've walked straight into the door you were holding open if you hadn't stopped him by placing the palm of your hand on his forehead gently. "Not that way, stupid."

You were clearly testing his patience, but you were also enjoying it. If he wanted to be a nuisance than so would you. You heave a small sigh as he slings some sort of insult at you and move scooping him up bridal style. "What do you think you're doing?!" He squirms slightly but you've trapped him in his robe. "Helpin' you up the stairs. You'd fall down them if I don't." There's a low growl and you've tuned out his bickering as you walk up the stairs. Once in your room you stand next to the bed and just drop the worm onto it. You ignore the slurry of curses and turn facing him when your at the doorway. "Goodnight, Leshy." Your tone is soft, tired, when you speak. Quickly you exit the room to avoid any other insult he may have for you and make your way outside to your tent.

However, once you laid down and attempted to sleep you couldn't. With a frustrated groan you get up, grab the fleece from next to you, and make your way outside.

You thought you'd be able to get into Anura without needing to do anything, how stupid that was. Leonard wanted you to make another sacrifice and you hated the decision. Even worse, he wanted someone with higher faith in you. You hated sacrificing followers, period. Standing at the door your glare at the wood, ears flat as you thought hard on your decision. "This is ridiculous..." You huff out as you pinch the bridge of your nose. Leonard simply gazed at you. "It must be done. A life for a life." Letting out a growl you shoot a glare at the being but say nothing. You look back at the door and sigh in defeat, waving a hand when you make a decision. "I always hated this practice. What do you even do with them? Other than 'trade their souls' for the bishops, as you loosely put it." They gave you no response.

Dejected and frustrated, you enter Anura ready to take on whatever is thrown at you.

It had been days since the worm had last caught your scent. Sure, this whole camp reeked of you, but it was faint. Leshy currently stood, well he wasn't sure where he was, somewhere near the kitchen. He could hear the scraping of the tools and smell the food as it was cooked. Titan was rambling on about something that he didn't quite care about. "Isn't that cool?" His thoughts were interrupted when the dog spoke directly to him. "Yeah. Very cool." He spoke plainly and immediately Titan gasped. "You really think Azren being beaten to a pulp by Canni is cool?!" Shit. He furrowed his brow some and looked to the general direction Titan's voice came from. "I'm just kidding, I knew you weren't listening to me." There wasn't an ounce of offense in his voice, which Leshy found strange. The other followers that tried to talk to him were always insulted when he wasn't listening. Not all of them were, but most of them.

Leio had a particularly short fuse with him. It wasn't that the bird got angry but more frustrated and stressed out when the worm wouldn't listen. "You know, you've been distant lately. More than usual. Are you alright?" Leshy let out a soft sigh as he was carefully guided to a new area by the golden retriever. "...does the Lamb usually go missing for days on end?" Titan perked his ears and looked towards the worm with a curious expression. "Uhm..sometimes, yeah. They usually are gone for this long for gathering any resources we may be low on that we can't get here around camp. Is that why you've been distant?" Leshy heard a soft gasp come from the dog and quickly braced himself for whatever it was he was going to say. "Are you worried about the shepard?!" This was a new term used to describe the Lamb. Leshy had heard 'our lord', 'our grace', and even 'God' once or twice, but never had he heard shepard be used. "Pft, please. The longer they're away the happier I am." He stiffened some from the accusation.

In actuality, the worm had mixed feelings about the lamb. On one hand, they weren't so bad and neither was this sad excuse of a cult. But on the other hand, they also had slaughtered his entire family. Titan once again continued to blabber on and only paused to eat whatever food he had grabbed from the kitchen. The sound of a bell caught Leshy's attention, but the scent wasn't right. "Oh, hi Canni!" It was just the other cat. The dog and feline exchanged a few words but Leshy had long tuned them out. What intrigued him more was the scent of his brother near the farm plots. So the worm carefully maneuvered his way over and stood, surprisingly, right behind the black cat.

Narinder furrowed his brows as he squinted at the dirt. A rabbit follower had taught him the basics of gardening, or farming, whatever this blasted task was. "You're doing it wrong." Leshy couldn't see, but he knew damn well enough that Narinder currently looked like nothing but a black ball of fur from the freight. "Shut up, insulant worm." He went back to doing his task before a vine grew from the ground and swatted his paws away from the small hole. Leshy heard a growl but seemingly decided to ignore it. "Don't put that many seeds in there, you're just encouraging their death. Though, I guess that's the only thing you're good at." The next thing Leshy felt was a strong punch across his cheek. So this was how today was going to go. He and Narinder had done nothing but get into small fights since the lamb's departure, though nothing too crazy to draw attention to who they may really be.

It was sometime after the scrape and Leshy currently sat outside Titan's tent as the dog patched him up. While he didn't need the help he had given up fighting it. He was also beginning to think he wasn't just fighting with Narinder, either. The dog left his side to retrieve whatever he had said he needed, he wasn't listening. Now he sat by himself. That was, until a small white cat's scent hit his nose. "So...are you the Leshy from the stories?" The felines voice was brimming with nothing but curiosity and excitement. The worm had a particularly soft spot for children. He couldn't explain why, but he did. "Promise not to tell anyone?" He pretended to look side to side, as if checking for people before leaning closer to the kitten. "I am." He spoke jokingly and Telly let out a small giggle. "Why'd you check if anyone was here? You can't see!" The worm reeled back and let out a dramatic gasp. "How rude! Dare you insult the God, Leshy?" There was more giggling before a more mature voice sounded from somewhere behind the kitten.

"Telly Anderson! I'm so sorry about that, Leshy." Squirt's voice grew louder as he got closer. The worm held a hand up, politely dismissing the father's apology. "No need. He speaks truth. Besides, I don't mind." He could hear the relieved sigh exit Squirt and Telly faced him excitedly. "Dad!" Their voices trailed off the father took his son. "Come on, son. You need to eat." Was the last thing he heard before their goodbyes when they left. Once again, he was left to his own devices. Standing up he began walking, being careful of his steps. It had only been a few days but for the most part, he had gotten the layout of camp down. As he walked he picked up a familiar scent mixed with iron and the sound of a bell.

The lamb had returned back to home once more, beaten beyond the word and exhausted as all hell. "You smell like shi-" You immediately glare at the worm who stood to your left and narrow your eyes. "Leshy, language. And don't worry, I'm not staying. So my scent shouldn't offend you much longer." You weren't sure if it was your exhaustion or that you hadn't seen the worm in three days, but his fur almost seemed brown. Maybe it was just the shade of the night sky. "Where were you?" A sigh escaped your mouth and you crossed your arms. "Anura. I couldn't sleep so I decided to grab resources." The worm tilted his head to the side as he gazed in your general direction. "You said you were leaving again?" Before you could respond, a familiar crow run up to you. "Lamb, you're back! Oh- are you alright, your grace?"

Perking your ears you give Leio a reassuring smile and nod. "Yes I'm alright, just went out to get resources. Please, Lamb works just fine, there isn't any need for fancy names like that. Are you alright? You look..frazzled." He let out a soft breath and his shoulders visibly slumped as he relaxed. "Yes, Lamb. Just had some.." His heterochromia eyes slid towards Leshy then back to you. "Issues. But, now that you're here it'll be easier!" Furrowing your eyebrows you look to the worm and that's when you realize his robe has cuts, slashes, and other types of damage, along with a few cuts and scrapes on his face. "Uh, yeah. Go ahead and rest Leio, I've got it covered for tonight. I'm afraid I'll be gone in the mornin' though." Leio furrowed his brows and began to fiddle with his hands. "Are you sure? You seem tired, maybe you should-" You hold up a hand and politely dismiss the bird. "I'm fine, Leio." You watch as the bird strutted off.

Turning back to face Leshy but a soft, clawed hand groped around your face before settling under your chin, the claws softly resting on your cheeks. You were pulled closer to the worm and you just let it happen, far too tired to fight. "Leshy, what are you doin'? And what in hell did you do today that stressed Leio out so much??" Leshy is silent as he 'examined' your face, brow furrowed and you hear him take a deep inhale. "Did..you just smell me?" He let you go and his hand disappeared under his cloak. "You smell like blood and you sound exhausted. Maybe you should-" You cut him off as you crossed your arms. "Leshy what did you do?" He let out a gruff groan, head tilting up as he sighed. "I didn't start it. At least, not the first two. The one today I may have started-" Your nerves were being fried as he droned on about whatever it was he did. "Leshy, what. Did. You. Do."

The worm rotated his head forwards before looking back up to you with a placid expression. "Why don't you ask Narinder." He then turned away and began making his way towards the temple. You forgot you still needed to build him a hut and ask Squirt what he wanted. Maybe you really would have to stay a few days. Shaking your thoughts from your mind, you set out towards Narinder's hut and begin hastily knocking on the door. "Narinder!! Open up!" You keep your voice low due to the hour it was, but loud enough that the cat could hear you. It didn't take long for the door to swing open in wards. "Would you quit with that incessant knocking?!" Narrowing your eyes you cross your arms, ears falling back some to mimic Narinder's. "What did you and Leshy do? I swear if you two were-" He cut you off and leaned against the door frame. "Fighting? Yeah, we were. I won all three times, too." Now that you really looked at Narinder, Leshy looked way worse compared to him.

You could feel the rage and frustration boiling up inside your chest. You had to stop yourself from yelling and instead took a deep breath, then clasped both hands together and pointed them at the cat. "Fine. If you two are goin' to keep fightin', take it outside the camp. If I find out ANYONE got hurt in the cross hairs of your guy's fight, I'll take matters into my own hands." Turning on your hooves, you left the three-eyed cat and made your way to your tent. The days had gotten cooler and the nights even worse. Fall was here, that meant winter was right around the corner.

Right now all you were currently worried about was sleep. Yet as you laid there, staring at the ceiling of your tent, sleep still eluded you. The chill in the air had began to nip at you even with your wool. Dragging yourself from your bed you grab your blanket and wrap it around your shoulders, heading towards your temple. You couldn't bug Kiyoshi for extra blankets at this hours. Your room was the warmest place for you. Hopefully your followers had been smart enough to grab extra blankets if they dwelled in a tent. As you reached the door you stopped. Leshy was currently staying in your room here.

Furrowing your brow you think for a moment. Then you turn around and simply stand there. Maybe the cold air would help you relax. The silence was calming and enjoyable. That was, until you heard a series of this and curses from inside the temple. The door opened next to you after a few moments and out came the worm. You look to him with a curious and concerned expression. "Did you just fall down the stairs?" Leshy let out a startled gasp before immediately letting out a small growl at you. "Do you often lurk about at night, blasted Lamb?" A small chuckle left you and you shook your head, pulling the blanket around you more. "Only when I can't sleep. Are you okay?" He stepped out from the door and took his place on your right side, standing next to you. "I'm fine." You hum in response and move a hand to his cheek to examine some scratches. The bishop flinched away from your touch and you immediately feel bad. "Woah, sorry. You just...well, Narinder sure as hell kicked your ass. Next time take it outside if camp."

The worm furrowed his brow and you could feel the slight glare from him. "Just because he kicked my ass doesn't mean I lost." You mentally recoil at his words and have to jog to catch up to him. "What? Isn't that exactly what it means??" You hear the slightest of chuckles leave him. "No. You kicked his ass yet he's still here, being nothing but a pain to you. So who really won?" Raising your eyebrows in thought you nod softly as you walked next to him. "Touché." You realize Leshy has lead you through camp and to the outer edge, circling around it and even managing to migrate to your left side with ease. "Why do you fight like you're running out of time, Lamb?" There's a strange softness to Leshy's voice now. "What do you mean?" You flick your ears up intrigued at his question. "Three days. You were gone for three days straight. You work as if there isn't enough time in the world, caring for these so called 'followers' like they're...almost like their children or family. You fight like you're...running. What do you have to run away from?" You let the bishop's words sink in as you formulate a response.

For a moment you aren't able to come up with the words as you watch Leshy stop and sit down near a patch of stray growing flowers. "I.." You start but swiftly abandon this explanation and sit down next to the worm. "I suppose it's all I know how to do." He hummed softly next to you and you could tell he didn't exactly buy your answer. "Fine, what about you?" Looking at the worm you pull your knees to your chest and rest your arms over them. "What happened to you?" The silence was loud as you waited his response. "Nothing that wasn't my fault." This only raised more questions for you. "I know some of what happened to you from Narinder, but why? Was- was what you guys did really deserving of everything he's done?" Once again, the silence rang out louder than anything you had heard before.

You don't know how, but you could feel the sadness in the worm's eyes, the pool of guilt that settled in his chest. The vulnerability in his voice shook you to your core. You hadn't expected this. "..yes." Was all he said. You scan the scars on his face that prodded out from beneath his bandage, then let your eyes trail downwards when you notice his robe is parted. A long his chest you find three large gashes disturbing the dark fur. You were left with more questions than answers. "What did you do?" He turned and faced you and you swear you see, what you could only guess, a stray tear fall down his cheek. His expression then turned into a scowl akin to the one Narinder usually wore. "That's enough questions." You roll you eyes as you advert your gaze, letting it slide back to the bishop's chest. "Wait, where's your shirt??"

At once, Leshy grabbed his robe and pulled it back over himself, covering up. "You try wearing those shirts your cult provides with more than two arms." Surprise lit up your expression now at this news. "..you have more than two arms?" He let out a gruff sigh and stood up at once. "Silence, Lamb." You're quick to spring to your hooves and follow after him, a wide smile on your face. "Hang on, now! If you want a short I need to know exactly how many arms you have!" He continued walking, picking up his pace as he glared at you. "I thought Kiyoshi made everything?" Wow, he knew someone's name. "Actually, I'm the one who mended your robe there. Leshy watch out-!" Too little, too late. The bishop walked face first into a light post and you have to stop from snickering at his dismay.

He reached one clawed hand up and rubbed the soreness out. You take the chance to lean forwards some to get a glance at his other limbs. Sadly, your bell gave you away and he immediately pulled his robe closed again. "Why is this a fascination of yours?!" Standing up straight you shrug at him. "Just is. I haven't exactly met anyone with multiple arms. Actually scratch that, Kallamar does have four arms.." The frustration left the worm's voice when he corrected you. "Did." Now you felt guilty swell inside your chest. Leshy seemed somber yet conflicted. Then you notice the blood dribbling down his face, above his mouth where you assume his nose is, you weren't sure as it was covered din fur. "Oh jeez- you hit that thing real hard."

You reach up again and your fingers barely graze his cheek before he flinches away once more, even going as far as to swat your hand away. "Fucking-!! Leave me be! Go to bed, go on a crusade, do anything except bother me!" You watch as he stormed off and managed to stick his hand out and open the door to the temple up before slamming into it. You let out a humoured scoff and softly call after him. "Goodnight!" All you're able to hear is a cure and he even turned around flipping you a middle finger. Now you know why Narinder was such a a nuisance to you, it was pretty amusing. A shiver ran up your spine from the cold wind and you tug at your blanket. You could go back to your tent, but there was a perfectly good room in the temple.

Obviously you weren't going to kick Leshy out, but the main area where you held sermons would work just fine for tonight. At least, until you got an extra blanket or two from Kiyoshi. You head inside and settle on the floor, leaning against the bottom of the stage. Closing your eyes you found sleep began to claw it's way into your mind.

Notes:

If you have any thoughts please leave a comment. Comments and kudos let me know to continue a story! Anyway, did y'all enjoy the lore I conjured up? I'm working on more stories and poems about the gods and such.

I also doodle these guys on my Instagram @cinnamon_squid_ if anyone is interested in seeing them! I'll be posting headcanons about certain followers, the lamb, and even the bishops and Narinder!

Chapter 3: Fear Strikes Those Alone

Summary:

When a frightened follower informed the Lamb that something has happened to Leshy, they prepare to separate a fight between the worm and three-eyed cat. When they arrive at the bishop's cabin they see a sight they never expected. Strang things have been happening, their power seems to be leaving, and wounds that should've healed on the old god weren't. They end up caring for Leshy and are even convinced to stay with him for the night.

Notes:

Do you guys like this being written as a reader point of view or would you prefer it to simply be the lamb?

CW: There is violence and descriptions of wounds. Lots of blood and some trauma. Read with caution as it does start pretty much at the beginning!

It had been days since anyone had seen the worm. The Lamb had built him a hut, on the other side of the village away from the strange three-eyed cat, Narinder. Rumors still spread that the Lamb was resurrecting the old gods, housing them. But these words befell deaf ears. Most didn't believe them and others humored the idea, but were still disbelieving. Very few followers believed these tales.

It was later in the day and Leshy was locked inside his hut. Few followers tried to reach him. Kiyoshi, the seamstress, had stopped by to check on him and gained no response. Canni, the strange gardener, lover of the seamstress, had even tried. Now, Titan stood before the worm's door and gentle rapped on the wood. "Leshy?" No response. "Are you in there?" Nothing. "It's been a few days since anyone's seen you...I brought you food!" The dogs paws clutched a wooden plate that displayed berries and vegetables. Not a single sound came from beyond the door. "Well, I'll leave this here for you." The canine, defeated, left the plate at the foot of the door and padded off.

The once bishop sat up on his bed, hands trembling as he ran clawed fingers gently over one of the many bite marks he received with the fights between Narinder. This wound, like many others he had, should've healed by now. For some odd reason it still lingered, still pained him, still marked his body as a foul reminder. His powers had been slowly fading from his existence. Why did his body still ache with sore remorse? There's a subtle sound from somewhere in his room and to the untrained ear, would've been dismissed.

Leshy sat apon his bed, weak and vulnerable. Fear began to creep up his spine, breathing catching in his throat as his chest heaved. Everything was so new, this world was far more relentless than he previously believed. The feeling of eyes on his figure began to claw at his mind, and the scent of rot caught his attention.

Turning, he set a blinded gaze up to the rafters of his cabin. A deep laugh, one that rang out with ill intent and residual anger, one that demanded ones heart to stop apon hearing it, a laugh he knew too well, sounded from above. There was a weight in his chest, which shouldn't have been possible as the lamb had long since removed his heart.

"So this is where you've been hiding, irritable heratic."

This voice spoke with venom, with such hate that it left the worms skin crawling.

Yet, Leshy remained calm. "What brings death to my door today, brother?" He spoke the last word with a taunting tone, know well that is pissed off the cat who currently lurked in his rafters. A soft thud sounded on the ground before him and he followed it.

"It's strange that your pace quickens, worm. I thought the lamb removed that treacherous heart long ago?"

He willed his breathing to still but it only sped up, growing ragged. "They did." Narinder inches closer and the smell of rot was soon overbearing. He could feel the old god mere centimeters form his face, hear the subtle growl from his throat. "Then why does your chest still beat with fear?" Before the worm could mutter out something, anything, claws shot out and pierced his shoulders. His back met a shelf, digging into his skin and drawing out a pained groan.

He knew he was too weak to fight back. Body painted in wounds from head to claw from previous attacks and fights. The most he could do was fight to live, to thrive in spite of his brother's wish. Yet, why did his body not respond to his wishes?

The cat was on him once more, claws raking down his chest and tearing the fabric of his robe. His skin ripped away and let free the warm blood from his veins. One foul smelling paw clenched his neck, and Leshy gripped the wet wrists of his assailant. Blood, ichor, and rot filled his nostrils. "Puny thing..." Narinder dropped his voice to a threatening, growled whisper as he leaned closer. "You'll suffer as I did."

The worm was flung once again, but his feet scraped against the floor and he regained his balance. He was blind to these attacks. All he could do was theorize Death's next move based off scent. Something he had swiftly grown familiar to doing. Claws strike down from above and he holds his arms out, sharp knives digging into his flesh. Pointed cartilage wormed their way through his flesh, through his muscle.

A growl left the worm and he was quick to fling the cat off, sending him backwards. But Narinder advanced, far quicker than anticipated, and he was flung into the nightstand with great force.

He wasn't sure how long the fight had drug out, but he knew his body had met every surface of his cabin on a personal level. Blood and ichor stained various places, scratch marks and broken wood, even crumpled stone, littered the place. But right now the worm was on his back, head slammed harshly against the stone as the God of Death hissed, "How's it feel to be at another's mercy? To know how easily it is that I could break you? Living only knowing that you're forever at the claws of Death's torture?" Leshy gripped the wrists of the hands wrapped around his throat, pressure immense as he struggled to breathe. His third set of arms were of no use, they weren't strong enough to shove the cat off him. Instead they slammed into Narinder's torso, clawing at his shirt in an attempt to free himself.

It was useless. To no avail would he be freed. Dark vision began to feel heavy, throat and lungs burning with pain. He was able to manage out four words, four words to get one last jab in at death. "You're...just..like..." The last word was choked out, unintelligible but the cat understood.

His throat was relinquished but his head was slammed into the wood as the cat clutched his robes. "What did you say?" Narinder's voice was riddled with anger and bewilderment. The mere comparison leaving his body quivering with unbridled rage. Yet, as the cat scanned over the frail body of the worm with disgust, he came to one realization. The wounds from previous fights had yet to heal. They should've healed by now.

Why weren't they healed?

A nearby bell sent the cat scurrying from Leshy's home, hiding away in the shadows of dusk as he rolled over on his hands and knees. He gasped and panted to catch air, lungs still burning as oxygen hit them from his choked coughs. He cupped his throat with a trembling hand and ignored the sound of of his door being flung open against the wall. He couldn't hear over the pain rushing in his head, leaving a ringing in his mind that was so loud it hurt him to his core.

"..oly La-! ...appen-...o yo-? Le-..re...ay?!"

His body racked as his stomach churned, heaving with a force so violent that shackled his abdomen and radiated out to his extremities. Dry, aching throat lurched as ichor was forced from his stomach out onto the floor. The voice speaking yelped in shock. The worms body ached, trembling and racking itself as more ichor was forced from his mouth and drenched the floor. There was a soft hand on his back and he lashed out, swatting away with one of his lower hands as the rest occupied the floor, one of his main ones loosely around his throat. "LEAVE!" Growled out against his scratched throat, voice booming as the bandage fell from his face, revealing bright red eyes, the middle one black and pooling with ichor.

The dark substance made it's trek down his face as his mouth stretched wide, teeth barred and revealing several rows of the jagged things.

Titan reered back at the sight, a chill seizing his spine. He had never seen the worm this way. It sent fright whining down his chest and into his stomach, dripping into a bundled mess of nerves. The booming command seemed to shake the cabin and he turned tail and fled, door flying closed. When he was back in the village he panted heavily. Adrenaline still had it's icy grasp on his heart when he located the lamb returning from one of their crusades. "My lamb!!" He cried out as he rushed towards his leader, brown eyes wide with fear and shock.

You turn the face the dog, rearing some when you see his freightened state. All you could think about was whether his freight was the reaction to another fight between the brothers. "Titan, are you alright?" He grabs your shoulders like they're the only thing that can ground him, panting as he rushed to get his words out. "Lamb! I- I went to check on Leshy but- but the smell-" Gently holding his arms you keep your cool, tightening your grasp slightly to try and ground the follower. "Take it easy, you're okay. Take a deep breath."

He does as told, inhaling and exhaling slowly. Once his breathing was more controlled he continued on. "I- I don't know what happened. I heard...commotion, like things being thrown and broken. When I opened the door he was- he.." Titan pauses as the sight returns to his memory. "Lamb, I don't think he's okay. I think he might've...snapped? It was as if he had a meltdown.." With gentle hands you rub the dogs shoulders softly, giving him a slight nod. "I'll go check on him. Please, go get some rest." You usher him off and look down the village towards the cabin.

Maybe he wasn't coping as well as you had thought.

With sore hooves you make your way to the medical bay. The building is empty, save for one follower who was still recovering from a sickness they obtained. The medical bay was far better than what it used to be back when your cult was small. It was built from stone and wood, the roof reinforced. Several rooms were built inside, no bigger than a tent and housing actual beds. The rooms had curtains for doors so there was easier access and a breeze could still reach those who were sick. Camellias were grown all around the building to supply the stock. Going into one of the storage rooms you grab bandages, mushrooms, and flowers. You weren't sure what to expect when you walked through Leshy's door.

You arrive at the bishops cabin and at first glance, everything seems fine. The only thing that signified any sort of distress was a discarded bowl on its side, berries and vegetables spilled across the grass. He hasn't eaten. The door is slightly ajar, squeaking on its hinges as the cold breeze drafts inside. No, the door wasn't squeaking. This sound was different, it was a chitter. Slowly, you place your hand on the door and open it.

Ichor and blood immediately hit your nose but the underlying scent was wrong. Rot, mold, the scent of..death. There's a soft wheezing coming from inside the cabin, breathing ragged. You hear mumbling and that same chittering noise. Inside is dark, all lights gone, you have to squint as your eyes adjust to the stark black of the cabin.

When your eyes finally adjust you see the bishop sitting in the middle of the floor. There's deep gashes in the wood flooring, black and red stains decorating the floor and walls like some failed paint job. Broken wood and crumbled stone are scattered around, torn cloth is shredded. Leshy's cabin looked more like Narinder's when he first arrived. Your eyes settle back on the worm with a concerned gaze. He's holding himself in a way that seems like he's trying to hold himself together, to keep from falling apart at the seems like a poorly made shirt. He's mumbling and chittering, those chittering sounds you had never heard before, they were bug like.

You realize he's trembling. His body was shaking and his chest was heaving in quick tempo, wheezy breaths and ragged voice. He was scared. As you step inside you nearly slip but catch yourself on the door frame. Looking down you find your hoof planted in a body of blood, black swirls dancing in it.

As you approach the worm he shows no indication that he's heard you. You place a hand on his back as you crouch down. "Leshy-" Recoiling back you narrowly avoid his frenzied claws. He lets out a guttural growl before hacking and coughing violently. It didn't do much to stop his advanced attacks. His claws swipe wildly at the air where you are and you narrowly avoid him again. The supplies you had brought with you were scattered on the floor. "Begone, foul thing!!" His voice scratches against your ears as he shouts. Flicking them down you grab his wrists and kick his feet out from under him, tackling him to the floor. "Leshy! It's me-"

His back hit the floor with a shuddering thud and he screeches at you. You have his hands pinned to the ground but a second pair reaches out and shoves you off. You don't get a moment to recover before you're pinned to the ground by his second pair of hands, the first pair slam into the wood of the cabin floof and leave deep gashes. His face stretches as sharp teeth are revealed, glinting in the faint moon light that flits in from the door. An animalistic growl leaves his throat as those rows of pointed, jagged knives draw closer to your face. For a moment you think he's going to snap his mouth close around you, bite down and tear your flesh right off. You prepare to meet your end, wondering what the afterlife will be like without Death guarding it. But he doesn't.

His arms tremble and his body quakes, you watch as the bishop gags. The bandage around his eyes is tattered and soaked in blood and ichor. He mumbles something you can't pick up. His hands release your wrists and he's hugging himself again, one of his main hands loosely wrapped around his throat as the other claws at his chest. "Make..make it stop-" His voice quivers as he pleads, he gags once more and begins coughing into his hand.

Ichor pours into it, slipping between his fingers and dripping onto your wool. You watch as fear still grips at your fast beating heart but you quickly pull yourself together. Carefully you slide out from underneath him and sit up in front of him. "It's okay, just relax." Reaching out towards the bishop your fingers barely graze his hand before one of his hands shoot out and grab your wrist, yanking you forwards. "You..! ..you took it." When he speaks his voice cracks, it's vulnerable and weak, he sounds shocked and panicked. "So why does it-" He's cut off as his body shudders and he gags once more.

The sound that came from his throat was a gurgle, a choked sputter as more ichor was vomited onto the floor between the two of you. The grip around your wrist loosens and you realize the worm isn't conscious when he falls against you. Carefully you hold him, picking him up with some strain as you stand to your hooves. You carefully avoid the rubble in your way as you walk to his bed and lay him down. This is when you see the wounds, deep gashes down his chest and arms, bite marks and even pieces of flesh torn off.

The air was thick with iron and mold, fear and anguish, regret and guilt. There was no way the worm did all this to himself. Recollecting your supplies you brought you walk back to Leshy's side and begin cleaning and wrapping his wounds. You had been expecting some sort of mess and destruction, but not this. Once you finished with the bishop you set out back into the village to grab a bucket, soap, rags, and broom and dust pan to clean the bloodied mess.

By the time you finished the sun was already rising over the horizon. Leshy still lay in his bed, breathing still ragged and wheezy, all while mumbling and chittering. The strangest thing you found were old wounds that had yet to heal. Wasn't he...no. Of course he was. Narinder made it a point that he held some power, stating that he couldn't die. Why would Leshy be any different? Glancing down you see that your fleece is caked in blood and ichor, some your own but most of it the bishop's. You needed a bath and to change your fleece. As you turn to leave, a soft clawed hand wraps around your wrist. Leshy was still fast asleep in his bed but he clung to you. Carefully slipping your hand out, your stare at him with a tired smile, whispering softly, "I'll be back."

When you enter the village you're immediately flocked by your followers. They crowd around you asking questions about your appearance, if you were okay, what happened to you. You don't answer. Instead, you politely push past them and trot towards the tailor shop. You open the door and Kiyoshi is currently checking the seams on a new outfit that Canni is wearing for her. The two look at you and their eyes are wide. "Are you okay?" Canni says nothing, staring at you with her dark blue and pale magenta eyes. Walking up to the cow and cat you stand there. "His shirt."

Kiyoshi's ears flick downwards as her anxiety kicks up. "Wh-who's shirt?" You keep your hands at your side, ears down as you keep your tone calm and polite. "Leshy's shirt, is it finished?" The lavender cow's ears flick up as she registers your question. "Oh! Y-yes, Lamb. I just finished it today! I wasn't aware you were back." She scurried off to the back to retrieve the garment and Canni extends a paw, poking a stain of blood on your fleece. You gently swat her hand away and eye her as she speaks up, voice dull and void of emotion. "Who kicked your ass?" You perk your ears some and look to where Kiyoshi disappeared to. "It's not mine." You state cooly and you see her pupils widen in interest. "Who's, then?" You ignore her when the cow returns with a neatly folded dark grey fabric.

You take it and are careful not to get any stains on it as you take your leave, thanking the seamstress. Pausing in the door you turn and face the blue cat, holding a polite smile. "You should wear dresses more." You hear a faint yowl and Kiyoshi quickly calms her as you exit. Now you just needed a bath and to change your fleece.

One bath later and you stand in your room inside the temple, digging through the chest across from your desk. There were plenty of fleeces to pick from, but with the sudden drain in your power you were looking for a particular one. These fleeces weren't normal, far from it, they were imbued with the power from the hearts of heretics. Finding the pink fabric you pull it out and look it over, this particular one let you heal yourself instead of using a curse. Kiyoshi didn't make this, instead the tailor Berith did. You weren't sure how the silkworm was able to do it, but you weren't going to question the schematics of it. They worked and that's all that mattered. You were greatful when Kiyoshi came to your village offering services from Berith. That long trip just to find the silkworm was cut in half. However, she had only been able to make one fleece with a heretics heart, so the trip still needed to be made to Berith if you wanted more of those.

Slipping it on you fix your collar so it rests over the collar of the fleece. With a sigh you exit your room, down the stairs, and leave the temple with Leshy's shirt in hands. You still needed to make two stops.

The kitchen was bustling with energy as followers gathered their meals. It was mid afternoon, lunchtime. Making your way over you enter through one of the curtains to the building and tuck the fabric under your arm. A raccoon looks up from the cauldron, ears perked as they greet you. "Hello, Lamb! Will you be joining us today?" You collect various fruits and vegetables, even some meat as you gather what you need for this meal. "No, I'm afraid I have to take care of someone. Sorry." Facing them you give them a shrug and begin cutting away at the vegetables and meat.

Once the meat had cooked you pick it up off the grill, placing it on the plate with the vegetables and fruits. Holding the meal in one hand, you grab the garment from under your arm and stack it under the plate. Crossing back through the village you go to the edge of it, into a more forested area. Rapping on the door a few times proved to be enough. It swung open and your met with three red eyes peering at you with a steady gaze. "What is it?" Narinder flicks his tail as you smile kindly. "I see you paid Leshy a visit." There's silence as the cat studies you. "I did no such thing."

With a soft sigh you keep up your collect demeanor. "Contrary to what you did, he'll recover. It'd be nice if you left him alone. Maybe steer clear of the garden as well, those seeds you planted died. They also spread to some other crops." There's a soft hum from the cat as he inspects the plate your holding. "You kept his robe?" You flick your ears up at his question, then tilt your head to one side as your smile never falters. "I also kept yours, you just never asked for it. Goodbye, Narinder."

Spinning around you take your leave back through the village, going past it once again. Leshy's cabin wasn't as secluded as his brother's. The worm didn't seem to mind being in the community. Sure, he didn't exactly like some of the followers, but he also didn't mind them.

Quietly you open the bishop's door and peer inside. The worm was still asleep, hanging halfway off his bed in his slumber. You stare for a moment and furrow your brows at the position. Shaking your head, bell jingling lightly, you walk inside and close the door. Setting the plate on the ground you gently place a hand on the worm's back. His hand flashes out and grabs your fleece, pulling you down to your knees and inches from his face as a scratchy growl sounds out.

You hear him inhale sharply before letting you go, struggling to sit up. "It's just you." He almost sounded disappointed. Standing back up, you grab the soft fabric from next to the plate and hold it up. "Your shirt has been finished. Make sure you take it easy, you really took a bleatin'." He rubs at his face before staring at you with an annoyed expression from your pun. "Must you mock me?" A snicker left you and you let the bishop feel around the shirt as you hold it up. "Don't worry, I made sure there's enough sleeves for your arms." At the mention of them, your gaze treks down to Leshy's arms, three pairs, six arms. Well, not fully six. The second pair of arms he had were nubs, cut off right before the elbows and the ends were bandaged and covered in ichor and old blood.

The fabric is snatched from you and you let your hands fall to your sides. "I need your robe. It needs cleaned and sewed up." He lets out a gruff groan but pulls the item off, handing it to you. There's a scar going from the left side of his neck down to the top of his shoulder. You'd never seen this one before, nor how far the scars across his chest went. The large claw scars star from the top of his right shoulder, stretching sideways across his chest and ending just before the edge of it. The scar closest to the bottom went from his shoulder, down his arm, before stopping there and starting back up on his chest.

He's struggling to pull the fabric over his head, arms trembling. You don't know why you never thought of it before now, but those scars must have disrupted how far he could move his arms. "Do you want help?" There's a condescending hiss as he finally pulls it over his head, all six arms slipping into their respective sleeves. "I'm fine." He growls the last word and you just raise your eyebrows. The colors of this garment were the same as his robe, dark grey for all of it, yet the cuffs of the sleeves and strings to tie it shut were that off gold color.

"Then you should be able to tie it on your own." You watch as he furrowed his brow, arms resting on the bed and in his lap. "What?" You let out a small chuckle and move grabbing the strings. Leshy flinches away before relaxing. "How closed do you want it?" The worm let out a gravelly groan as he thought. "Does it matter??" His voice was hoarse and cracked as he spoke. "Usually, yes. It depends on preference." Your voice is soft as you focus on tying the strings. You had settled on leaving it relatively closed, figuring the bishop wouldn't want people asking about his scars, and tied the strings into a neat bow. "There." Your hands rest on his shoulders and slide down some, he just stares emptily at you.

Leaning down you grab the bowl and hold it in front of him. "Are you hungry? I brought food." Clawed hands mindlessly grope the air before finding the edge of it. You think he's going to knock it out of your hands, but he takes it. "What is it?" Your arms fall to your sides as you watch him grab one of the berries, rolling it in-between his claws. "Something that'll help your stomach. Berries, grapes, some vegetables, and some meat." He lets out a gruff groan, setting it aside on his bed.

You look from the bowl back up to him and tilt your head to the side. "Last night, when I found you, you said make it stop." The worm tenses, going rigid at your words. "I remember nothing." You watch as he leans over, one arm going across his stomach as he clawed at his bed, gagging. However, nothing comes up and he pants softly. "If you want that to stop, you need to eat." You motion towards him, not caring that he can't see you. "I'll bring you some water."

As the soft trots of the Lamb receded, Leshy reached out to stop them but hesitated. He longed to tell them to wait, to stay, to not leave him alone and vulnerable in his cabin. But he didn't. Another wave of gagging befell him, ending in choked coughing. No ichor left his mouth. He was sore and in agony. But most of all, he was scared. He remembered last night well, too well, and the fear began to creep up his spine, making his body shudder. His four arms wrapped around himself loosely.

Rot still subtle, hung in the air despite the heavy scent of soap and even...flowers. His hand reached out, claws feeling around and landing on a night stand. His hand grazed over deep claw marks in the wood, moving forwards until he hit the base of something smooth and cold. A vase. Following it upwards he found the delicate petals of camellias and grabbed them.

When you returned to the worm's cabin, you open the door with pitcher and cup in hand. Leshy still sat on his bed, prodding around the bowl of food. You approach and set the pitcher on the wounded nightstand, pausing when you realized the flowers you had placed in the vase were gone. "Uh..Leshy?" A jolt ran through the bishop as you startled him, contents in the bowl being shaken but never spilling. A frustrated groan escaped him as he growled, "What?" Holding the cup of water out to him, you guide his hand to it. "What happened to the flowers in your vase?" He grabs the cup and brings it toward his face, sniffing at it. "What flowers?"

You roll your eyes and watch as he takes a sip from the cup, then downs it. "Careful, you need to drink it slowly." There was no use as he holds the now empty cup towards you. With a sigh, you take it and fill it up, holding it as he prods around his bowl. "Do..you like it?" He paused and glanced up to you, before returning his gaze back down and continuing. "It's fine." Suddenly, he freezes when a claw meets one of the mushrooms you placed in the bowl. He recoils and the bowl is flipped through the air, landing on one of your horns and showering you in food. You grab the bowl from your head, set it on the nightstand, and pluck a berry and piece of cauliflower from the water in his cup. "Why?" Was all you managed to get out.

His back is pressed against the wall of his cabin, main claws digging into the wood while his third set close and open. There was fear riddled in his expression, teeth barred. "..why are those in there?" He staggers the words out and his blinded gaze looks towards you. Furrowing your brows you look down to the floor, to the mess, then back up to the bishop. "For..the pain? I figured those wounds you obtained would hurt." Your expression is confusion, no kind smile as you didn't need to hold that facade up around the worm. He suddenly squirms away, backing up into the corner of his bed letting out a threatening growl.

You look to where he's staring and on the blankets lays a chopped mushroom. At least now you knew he didn't like these things. Reaching over with your free hand you grab the thing, dropping it in the bowl. "Keep those wretched things away from me!" Scratch didn't like, he was afraid of them. Placing your hand on his knee he flinches and pulls away, so you place it on his shoulder. "Okay, okay. No more mushrooms. Do you want more water?" Holding the cup out to him, he feels around for it before grabbing it and taking it. His posture has relaxed now as he sips away at the water.

Leaning down you begin cleaning up the scatted vegetables and fruits, noticing that all the meat had been eaten. Noted. Once you had the mess cleaned you picked the bowl up and turn to leave. "Where are you going?" When you turn around the bishop is at the edge of his bed, staring intently at you. His voice was anxious. "To put this up since you don't want it. Why?"

"...will you return?"

His voice is feeble, frail and consumed with anxiety and fear.

Your furrow your eyebrows and smile softly. "Sure." After you disposed of the meal and returned the bowl to the kitchen, after cleaning it, you made your way back to Leshy's cabin. He's sitting at the edge of his bed hugging himself, body trembling. The sight hurt you. You'd never seen him like this. "I can't stay long." He jumps, a chitter leaving his mouth. He was usually jumpy, but this? This was different. "It's dark so I'll have to leave soon." As he relaxed, arms resting at his side, he speaks with slight confusion. "Why?" Your narrow your eyes, just as confused as the worm and hold your arms out. "What do you mean why? I have to sleep, you know."

He turns away from you, hands resting in his lap as he leaned over some. "Then sleep here." Your ears perk up and you step closer, you couldn't make out what he said as he had mumbled. "What was that?" You tilt your head and lean down some. Leshy grit his teeth together, brow furrowed. He was struggling to speak. His hand moved grabbing the front of your fleece with accurate precision, pulling you closer as he spoke slightly louder. "Stay. Sleep here, but don't leave. ...please?" That same quiver and vulnerability came back when he spoke, pain and fear causing his body to tremble.

The request left you baffled. You hadn't expected this at all. He stared up at you waiting for your response. You want to say no, but he said please. Not once in his whole stay here had he said please. Moving your hand to the one he had gripping your fleece, you softly clasp it. "Yeah, okay." He releases your fleece and you take a few steps back to give him space.

Glancing around the cabin you begin to think. Obviously Leshy would sleep in his bed. Maybe you could grab some bedding from Kiyoshi and if she was asleep, you could just grab the ones from your tent and extra room. The worm stands from his bed, legs weak, then carefully sat on the ground in front of it. Eyeing him curiously, you raise an eyebrow and tilt your head. "What are you doin'?"

He looked up to you, one arm resting over the bent knee. "Sleeping on the floor so you can have the bed." That was...strangely nice. Holding your hands up you wave him off politely. "No, I- I can't do that. It's your bed-"

"Just shut up and accept it." His voice growls out, claws clenching. He almost sounded embarrassed but you weren't quite sure.

With a sigh, you make your way to the bed and settle down on it. Fluffing the pillow and removing your fleece. Glancing at the floor you lean over and peer at the worm, ears diagonal. "Do you want a pillow or blanket?" He doesn't look at you and keeps his gaze on the ground as he still sits up. "No." You furrow your brows and sit up some. "Really? Wouldn't you-" He groans and falls onto his side, cutting you off. "Go to sleep."

Pursing your lips you stare at the bishop a moment longer. Grabbing your fleece from the side of the bed, you gently drape it over him and drop on of the extra pillows above his head. "Goodnight, Leshy." Turning over you settle down underneath the blankets and close your eyes.

For some reason, sleep came easily this night.

Notes:

Please let me know if I make a mistake in my writing that pertains to characters/plot.

Chapter 4: Reckless Loss

Summary:

"There's a soft clawed hand on your cheek, cold yet surprising gentle. When you look up you're shocked to see Leshy kneeling before you. His usual annoyed glare was gone. Instead there was a somber and soft expression on his features. It was strange to see. His other hand came to rest on your other cheek as he peered at you. "It's not your fault, Little Lamb." His third pair of arms reached out from beneath his robe and pulled you towards him, your face resting against his shoulder.

This kindness from the bishop was unsettling, but not in a bad way. It concerned you that the God who once stopped your every attempt to kill him was now consoling you. Before you knew it you were quietly sobbing into the worm's robe, hands loosely resting in your lap. He simply held you, both sets of arms wrapped around you in such a secure and gentle grasp. His body lacked warmth though, even through his fur you could feel the cold. The bishop pulled away and cradled your face once more. "It's not your fault. Go and rest." His voice was a soft whisper, kind and small. The weirdness of it all still left you baffled."

Notes:

CW/TW: There's some heavy-ish gore in this chapter and character (not main) death. Read with caution!

Other than that, enjoy reading!

There's a cold freeze overtaking your body, air thick with the scent of dust, water, and blood. There's a darker smell that you can't quite discern. When your eyes flick open you see several billion eyes on you, screaming, bloodied, disfigured faces as their decayed hands try to reach for you.

Their wails are pain filled, so gut wrenching that your chest heaved with guilt and fear.

You stagger backwards as the stench of rotting flesh filled your nostrils. When you try to speak your voice is drowned out by the screaming and crying around you. Everywhere you looked there were those terrified, rotting faces. Decay made the air heavy as two faces stuck out to you.

"Why do you fight, little lamb?"

A deep voice booms around you. You knew this voice. When you turn around, your surroundings fade to white fluffy clouds and Narinder, giant and similar to his god form, stands looking over you. Two mortal cats sit in front of him. There's a sweat slicked to your body as you stand before him. "Because you will it." Your voice quivers and comes out dry. The cat narrows his red eyes at you.

"That's not all. Your sword isn't heavy with my burden, but that of a billion burdens. You swing your blade not with my hate, but the fury of your own. Why spare me, yet kill them?"

You raise you eyebrows in nervous concern, ears falling down. "Because it was the right thing to do." Suddenly Narinder's form morphs, bones cracking with a disgusting wet sound as he turns smaller, and you feel your own horns grow as you become the age you are now. He steps forwards as the smaller cats fade away and the space became dark once more.

"No. The only reason you spare them now is because you're told too. Say it."

You begin staggering away from him as he advances. "I did-"

"Say it, lamb. Tell me the truth."

His face peels away revealing bloodied muscle, eyes bulging as he tilts his head. "Say it!" He's screaming now, eyes popping out of his head as the blood drips down his neck, staining the cloth of his shirt.

Jolting upright from your sleep, you take a minute to let your breathing return to normal. With a sigh, you close your eyes and flip the blanket off you as you stand off the bed. When you go to take a step you trip, kicking something soft and firm. There's a scratchy groan to your left and you flick your left ear up as something moves underneath you. Peeling your face from the wooden boards you look up to find the bishop, Leshy, starting to sit up but wincing. You were laying across his lap now and he sits there for a minute, breathing softly as his claws scratched at his chest. He winced when they drug over one of the bandages and he hissed at the pain.

"Good morning." You speak up and are shortly flung off the worm, a startled bug-like chitter leaving him. You huff when your back hits the ground and sit up, shaking your head causing your bell to ring out. You had forgotten you fell asleep in his cabin. "I hate you." He speaks out, voice raspy and slightly deeper with sleep as one hand clutched his shirt over his chest. A soft snicker left you and you lean over, yoinking your pink fleece from off him. "How'd you sleep?" You can feel the glare beneath his tattered blindfold. "Suffer." His hissed at you through clenched teeth and you sit to the side of him. "I slept great, thanks you asking." When you pull on the strings, destroying the nest now you made, he flinches away from you. His back hit the nightstand and the pitcher tips onto its side, drenching the bishop.

You have to stop yourself from cackling at his dismay and he just growls at you. "What are you doing?" Placing the pitcher back upright, you return to your knees and begin loosening the strings. "Checking your bandages, I'm sure they need cleaned." There's a soft mutter of protest from the worm but he doesn't stop you. Pulling the fabric away you peer at his chest but it proves useless as you can't see much. Letting go of his collar, you rest your hands in your lap and look up to him. "Can you pull your shirt up?" He holds a confused sneer, brow furrowed as he looked vaguely at you. "What for?" You roll your eyes and look back at the bishop with a placid expression. "I can't see all the bandages."

He lets out a gruff sigh but does as asked, pulling the bottom of his shirt up and holding it there. The sleep had finally faded from your eyes as you begin tenderly unwrapping the bloodied bandages. His wounds still looked ugly but no doubt less inflamed. Wrapping them back up you let your hand linger at the bottom of his chest. You can't help but gently slide your hand up, feeling his soft...wait. The bishop shudders under your touch and you meet his gaze with a shocked one. "What are you doin-" You quickly cut him off, hand still lingering on his chest. "Why are you orange?!"

His mouth is slightly ajar, staring at you like you're stupid as he lets the end of his shirt go and swats your hand away. "I've been orange." You retract your hands when they're swatted and furrow your eyebrows. "No, just the other day you were green- dark green!" You hear a soft, slightly annoyed and slightly amused growl leave his throat as he speaks. "That was the last time you saw me. It's fall." The sheer shock leaves you sitting down as he struggles to stand up, clawing at his bed to balance himself as he nearly falls back down but managed to stand. "What do you mean it's fall??" You look up to him and finally get to your hooves. You could feel him roll his eyes.

"I mean it's fall, so I'm orange. In the summer I was green." He takes a step forwards with a hand reached out, you gingerly clasp his arm and he swats you away refusing your help. "So..you change with the seasons?" An exasperated huff leaves him as his hand rests on the bed, using it to still himself. "Wow, aren't you smart." He speaks with sarcasm as he looks over his shoulder towards your voice. Turning around you stand next to him with raised eyebrows. "What color do you change to for the winter?" You could tell you've waisted his patience as he turned away from you, feeling around at the edge of his bed. "What are you looking for?" He let out a soft sigh, using both of his main hands to search now. "My robe."

Looking to the bed, you spot the garment pressed against the wall still stained with blood and torn. "It's right here. I need to take it to Kiyoshi still." You pull it from him just as his claws feel it and he glared at you. "I need to grab you more bandages, too." You step towards the door and open it, turning around to close it but are met face to face with the worm. "I'll come with you." You raise an eyebrow as you stand up straight. "Really? You should be resting-" He pushes past you, limping and then staggering as he nearly toppled over. Rolling your eyes you walk to his right side and softly put his arm over your shoulders, right hand clutching his robe as your left gentle holds his waist. He flinches from your touch before ultimately accepting your help. "I'll be fine."

You sigh and help the bishop walk towards the village. As you get closer his hand rests on your shoulder, softly clenching it. You look to him with one eyebrow raised before being softly shoved to the side. Staggering to catch your balance, you wave one hand and stand up eyeing Leshy with a playful glare. You knew he just didn't want to be seen needing help in front of your followers, but still. Walking back to his side you stick your hoof out, tripping him and catching him by the back of his shirt. There's a growl from the worm as you set him back on his feet and continue walking. "I could've just let you fall." You speak matter-of-fact, smiling as he walks next to you.

Once in the village a few followers stop to greet you and the worm, he ignores them for the most part. When you spot Titan you trot over and hold out the bishop's robe. "Titan, do you mind running this to Kiyoshi?" The dog turns around and happily takes the fabric from you. Then his face pales when he sees Leshy next to you. Before you can ask he turns away and you shoot a glare at the bishop. "What did you do to him?" The worm stands to your left, arms at his sides as he faces you with a furrowed brow. "Who?"

You let out a huff, rolling your eyes and motion towards the canine. "Titan! I don't know what you did, but you'd better apologize. Hey, Titan!" He freezes in his track and nervously turns to face you as Leshy groans and makes his way towards him. You cross you arms and watch but are soon distracted when Leio approaches you and begins informing you of what the village is low on.

The worm stood before the dog with his arms at his sides. While he didn't want to apologize he knew the dog had done nothing to deserve his wrath from last night. "Titan.." He began, the canine squeaking in anxiety. "I'm sorry." He extended his hand, groping the air trying to find the follower. "I was out of place to- can you give me a hand? Something? Where are you?" His voice was gentle and when he felt the dogs paws he gingerly wrapped his claws around it. "You didn't deserve that, I'm sorry." There's silence before both paws are placed around his own hand. "It's.. it's okay!" Had it really been that easy? The worm stands there for a moment longer before Titan retracted his paws, leaving the Bishop and the Lamb.

"Now that that's taken care of, let's get you to the med bay." You watch as Leshy jumps from the proximity of your voice and snicker softly when he gives you an irritated glare. "You'd think with that bell you'd have I'd hear you more often." He grumbles and you just give him a shrug as you walk. "I don't know how you don't hear it. I'm not tryin' to scare you." It seemed you'd drained the bishop of talking, he was 'ignoring' you. When you arrive at the medical building, you hold the curtain open and lead the bishop inside to a room for privacy. "Can you take your shirt off for me?" He's sitting on the bed when you turn to him, shirt removed. "Thanks." You mutter to him as you begin removing the old bandages. Pausing on wrapping them, you look them over and furrow your brows some. They looked..so much better than when you checked them earlier. They were no longer inflamed and some even seemed to be closing up nicely. Weird.

As you continue to wrap the bishops wounds, his body stiffens and one of his hands grab your left arm, body beginning to tremble slightly. When you look up at him his face is twisted in slight terror, looking over your shoulder. Turning around to see what he's scared of, you find nothing but a thin black tail leaving. Turning back to Leshy you place your right hand over his arm, trying to comfort him. "You're okay, I'm still here." He faces you then Yanks his hand away, flinching from the pain. "Are you almost done?" You scoff and finish bandaging the last wound, grabbing the old ones and disposing of them. "Yes I'm done." Well, clearly you couldn't go on a crusade. Not with Narinder lurking around and waiting for his time to strike. But you also still had your duties to attend to. You'd have to talk to Leio to figure out how to get those supplies.

When you exit the bay with Leshy, you spot the crow and make your way to him. The bishop stood behind you, either out of respect for your conversation or disinterest in it.

The bishop heard a soft gasp before something wrapped around one of his legs. "Leshy! You're finally out of your house!" He knew this voice, it belonged to the son of that one cat. "It appears so." He looked down towards the small kit as the hugged his leg. "Woah- you have more than two arms?!" His voice is filled with excitement and awe, bringing a faint smile to the worm's face. "I do." Small soft paws reach up, grabbing the claws of his third pair of hands, splaying the claws and examining them. "That's so cool! I bet you're great at getting stuff done and-- and giving hugs! Oh! I want to show you something!" He let the small kit drag him off. "Where are going, child?" Telly is practically running now, dragging the bishop carefully. "You'll see! Er- you'll find out!" An amused scoff left the worm at his words.

Before long Leshy was standing somewhere outside the village, judging how the sounds of work and voices had died down. Now he was standing, Telly next to him as he tried to figure out where they were. "Get down! You're gonna be seen!" The small cat tugged at one of his arms but he stayed standing, the scent of rot faintly wafting by. Unease began to creep up his spine as he looked down towards the kit. "Where are we?" Telly peered from behind his bush at the cabin a few feet away from them. "There's this guy- he's big and tall! Some folks around the village say strange things about him, but I think he might be your brother!" Dread began to numb at his claws, cold seeping into his bones. Reaching down he gently grabbed the cat, turning around to leave. "We shouldn't be this far from the vi-"

A deep voice growled out behind him, taunting and threatening. "Leshy. Come to welcome-"

When the worm turned around, Telly in his arms, Narinder fell silent. "Hi Nari!" The kit waved excitedly at the larger cat, eyes wide with enthusiasm. There was a scoff and then receding footsteps. Leshy took this opportunity to swiftly walk towards the village. "Do you even know where you're going?" Telly happily sat in the bishop's arms, ears forwards as he tilted his head. "Of course I do." The worm joked and let the kit go when he sprung from his arms, grabbing his claw and leading him back into the village with a giggle. "It's this way, silly! You were going the wrong way." He sighed as the kit lead him back to the village, anxiety slowly fading away.

Once in the village his freedom had yet to come. Telly still held his claws captive and lead him to another location. "There's one last thing I want to show you!" The worm simply let himself be dragged along. When they came to a stop he heard more voices, young and squeaky, life had yet to tamper with the youthful naivety of these voice. Telly released his hand and padded off, talking with some of the other children before returning to him. "Can you come down?" The question, while innocent, would've left any other that used to be a God baffled, for Gods knelt for no one. However, this was just a child and a child didn't know any better. So he crouched. Placing his hands on his knees he eyed the cat curiously as something was outstretched towards him. "This is for you!" His hand was grabbed with gentle ease and guided to a small stem, a flower.

"Oh, thank you." He spoke softly as he held the stem between two claws only for it to be plucked from his grasp. A soft paw rested on his shoulder while the other one fiddled with his fur. "There- now you don't have to hold it." The plant was tucked into the farthest side of his blindfold. While he couldn't see, he could tell the kit held a triumphant smile on his face. There was another voice but he didn't pay much mind to it. Only when Telly gasped in awe and faced him did he listen. "Oh! Would you play with us?" Before he could decline, his hand was grabbed and the kit drug him off once more.

Now he sat on the ground, Telly and the other children spouting on about something he wasn't exactly paying attention to. The small cat gasped dramatically before fainting into his lap. "You vile beast, defeated me at last!" Paws grasped his shirt and he looked down to the small child. "Leshy, avenge me!" There was a gasp, then a dramatic death act from Telly, and giggles from the other kids. Looking back down to Telly he raised his brow. "I'm afraid I'm weaponless." The white tabby paused in his 'death', sitting up and looking around. "Oh yeah. Hmm...here!" He was handed a long and flimsy piece of grass to serve as a 'blade'.

The bishop inspected the grass before holding it outwards, swinging it to one side. "Take this!" An eruption of giggles came from around him. Clearly he wasn't aiming the right way. "Oh? That's funny? Well, take this!" He swung the grass to the other side only to earn more giggles. Telly had his mouth covered, rolling out of the bishops lap as he laughed. One of the kids lightly poked his shoulders with a stick and he dropped his grass, falling onto his side. "Oh no, I have been defeated." Telly moved, grabbing his arm and helping him back up with all the strength he could muster. "Maybe we shouldn't have let you fight." He speaks with playful innocence. The worm picked up his piece of grass and softly bonked the small cat. "Nonsense, my blade strikes true." There was a squeaked out and giggled, "Hey!" As the kit playfully swatted at his grass.

A small faint smile returned to the bishops face. Finally, the grass was plucked from his grasp and Telly let out a triumphant snicker. The kit stood to his paws as his friends approached, eyeing the bishop with curiosity. "Can we decorate your fur?" He paused, looking to where the voice came from. He had learned this voice belonged to a small bird named Alphontse, Telly's best friend. "With what?" Telly eyed him, studying him with pale blue eyes before holding up a finger. "I know! We can use flowers!" A defeated sigh left the worm, but he didn't refuse the children.

By now most of the kids had left, returning to their parents or simply being distracted by something else. Telly plucked the last few flowers from the worms fur, making sure to leave the one he gifted to him. The kit then sat down next to him while twirling a white flower in his paws. "Sometimes I wish you could see." Leshy raised his brow, turning to face the cat with a curious gaze. He dropped the flower and leaned back on his white paws, looking to the bishop and then away. "My Dad says there are some colors we can't see. I don't know which ones, but I can't see some color. That makes me sad because the world is full of so much color!" He threw his paws up, leaning forwards and resting them in his lap. "But then I remember you can't see any color. That must suck. Not being able to see anything, how do you deal with it?"

Leshy hummed softly, hand resting under his chin as he listened to the cat. "I just don't think about it. It's weird, going from seeing to nothing." Setting his hands in his lap he looked away. "But there's more to the world than color." Telly furrowed his brows in thought. "Really?" The bishop turned back towards the kit with a faint smile. "Really." The sound of a bell made him look away.

You finally found the bishop, along with Telly. They had disappeared earlier and you spent your day trying to find them in between doing your duties. "There you are." Both the worm and kit look up to you. You think you see the remnants of a smile on Leshy's face, but it's gone before you're able to focus on it. "Hi Lamb!" Telly gives you an enthusiastic wave and you smile, a bit sadly. "Why don't you find your father? He wants to talk to you." Once the kit scrambled off, you set your gaze on Leshy. "It seems you had an adventure today."

The bishop seemed slightly embarrassed, furrowing his brow and waving you off as he made it to his feet. "More like kidnapped." A soft chuckle leaves you and you take your place next to him. "Have you eaten?" He glanced at you before turning away and letting you lead him. "No." While the children had stolen him for most of the day, they did drag him to the kitchen but he didn't grab a meal. That ordeal was still strange to him. He used to not need nutrients and now suddenly there was so much he had to take care of just so this flimsy body wouldn't give out on him. With a hum you start directing your walk towards the kitchen. "What would you like?" Leshy let out a grumbled sigh as you approached the kitchen. "Nothing." You wave him off and look to the raccoon currently putting items and food back in their rightful storage. "Oh- I hadn't realized you'd be eating, Lamb. Would you like me to make you something?"

You hold a polite smile and shake your head. "No that's alright, go enjoy your meal I've got it covered." Stepping inside after the follower had left, you begin grabbing the utensils you'd need to cook just about anything. The worm stood behind you and you glance to him. "Do you prefer meat?" He crossed his arms with his brow furrowed. "I don't want anything." Clicking your tongue you turn back to cooking, nothing fancy just a simple meal. "Well that's too bad. You're gettin' food." There's another annoyed groan from the worm but you ignore it.

When you finished cooking, you held the plate out to Leshy who blindly grabbed it. Turning away you begin cleaning up. It was the same meal you had brought him yesterday. "There's no...mushrooms, right?" With a scoff you put the freshly cleaned knife up. "No, there isn't any mushrooms in it. We keep those in the med bay. You're fine, now eat." Once you finished tidying up, you turn to face the worm but are met with an empty bowl. Looking at it your furrow your brow and swiftly scan the ground. "What'd you do with it?" Taking the bowl you examine it and then look back up to the bishop. "I ate it." He states plainly as he turned and exited the kitchen. You scan the ground once more but find no traces of him dumping it out, you checked around the entire kitchen but there wasn't a single piece of misplaced food. "Huh." You mutter to yourself then quickly clean the bowl and put it back.

When you exit the kitchen you find the worm standing, claws flexing. Your eyes trail down his back and you notice his tail. The thought of the bishop having a tail never crossed your mind but frankly you were too tired to care at this point. Suddenly he turns, blinded stare gazing at you. Then he speaks. "Your horns grew."

All this time when the bishop had looked towards you his gaze had always been pointed down, as if you were younger. But now he stared directly at your face. In your tired gaze you raise your eyebrows and speak with dulled sarcasm. "And you're still a pain." The sudden recognition that Leshy had made a notable comment about your appearance began to dawn on you. "Wait-" He turned and began blindly walking back to his cabin.

You swiftly jog after him, eyes wide with enthusiasm and curiosity. "What did you say?"

He's ignoring you and taking long strides to escape. "Nothing, petulant thing."

Once at his side you walk backwards, eyeing him with ecstatic vigor and a playful smile. "If anyone's petulant it's you. You said my horns grew? Leshy did you-"

The bishop finally stopped stalking and now fell into a calm walk. "A guess, Lamb. Clearly it has been years since you last slew me with your blade." His blinded gaze is once more looking vaguely in your direction, not quite at you. There's a bitter resentment in his voice, but more of a remorseful peace.

"Oh." You state as your eyes trail down to the grass, an almost blue hue speckled on them from the cover of night. "But I could've sworn-" A disgruntled groan left you when your back met the wood of the worm's cabin with great force. Wind was knocked from your lungs and a dulled pain began to radiate from the back of your head, your back, and your right elbow.

Leshy stood in his doorway with an amused and chaotic thin smile. It gave off the impression that he was going to pounce you and tear the flesh and wool right off your bone. He's snickering at you, sinister smile parting to reveal those sharp, jagged canines of his. An underlying chitter is faintly evident in his snicker, bug-like and akin to the ones you heard him make last night.

Rolling your eyes you step away from the wood, small smile toying at the corners of your lips. "Okay, get it all out. I'm not the one who continuously runs into things." Holding your arms out with a smug smile you scan the bishop's face.

His smile is gone and an irritated sneer replaced it. "Choke and die." He spoke through gritted teeth, claws leaving gashes in the wood of his door as he held it open. With a faint growl he entered his cabin and you follow after him. The stench of rot was all but gone, only a vague trace of it lingered in the air. Claw marks still stained the wood and stone of his house, an ugly mystery. You had your theories, though. You cross your arms and glance back up to the bishop with tired eyes. "Do you-"

A knock at the door cuts you off and you take a step back so Leshy can open the door. "Hi Leshy!" A squeaky voice spoke. Turning your gaze downwards you find a familiar white kit with a asymmetrical raccoon eye mask. Now your confusion grew.

"Child. Why are you-" The worm is cut off as Telly energetically pushed past his legs and darted into the cabin. "Dad's on a mission! He wanted me to stay with Leio but I didn't want to. So I snuck out when him and his son fell asleep. Can I stay with you?" The white tabby turned facing the worm with his hands clasped behind his back patiently, tail up and still. "No." There's an annoyed tone to Leshy's voice as he held the door open, pointing outside. "Begone. Go back to.. whoever's house you said."

Telly snickered faintly and turned on his heel, wide pale blue eyes gazing around the cabin with interest. "Wow, what happened here? Did someone try to break in?" The kit padded to the nightstand and inspected it with curious eyes. Then, he rushed to the bed and clambered up onto it. You couldn't help but smile at the child's antics, guilt weighing on your shoulders.

The village was short on meat, Leio had informed you earlier. At first you were going to set out on a crusade to get the supplies, but after Narinder's surprise visit to Leshy you swiftly had to rethink that. Squirt had overheard your conversation and insisted he go on a mission to repay you for saving both him and his son, stating it was the least he could do. You declined in the beginning but he persisted and ultimately got you to agree. You had been hesitant for the fact that Telly would be left alone.

Leshy was holding the kit from underneath his arms, scowling at him as he began to make his way to the opened door of his cabin. "None of your business, go back." Telly's ears went flat against his head, arms outstretched and loose, tail downwards and slightly curled around one of his legs as his ice-blue eyes were wide and pleading. "Please? It's lonely without Dad and..I can't sleep. Just one night? I promise I'll behave!"

A deep sigh escaped the worm as he hung his head. For a moment you think he's going to send the kit back on his way to the village. He turned facing you, holding Telly out with a tired expression. "Fine. I don't know any of the poems, the lamb will have to-" He's cut off once again when Telly threw himself forward, small fuzzy arms wrapping around the bishop's neck in a hug. "Thank you!!" Once Leshy held him correctly, the cat pulled away, paws resting on the worm's shoulders as he gazed at him with a wide smile. "I don't want a poem! Do you think you could tell me a story?"

You close the door to the cabin and lean on it, arms crossed as you watch the two with an amused smile.

Leshy exhaled softly as he gently held the kit. "I don't know any stories." Telly flicked an ear as they perked, tail swishing back and forth playfully. "Sure you do! Tell me some about you-" He suddenly cut off, pupils narrowing in on you before he moved a paw covering his mouth to hide whatever he whispered to the worm from you. The bishop furrowed his brow as he made his way to his bed, one arm outstretched so he could easily find it. Once he located it he sat down on the edge. "Okay, but I'm not the best story teller."

Telly happily got comfortable in the worm's arms, shifting so he was slightly cradled. You watch as the worm thought for a moment, searching for words as he began. "This...is the story of five siblings. One of the siblings wanted change, but the oldest told him that it was forbidden. So he fought them and the other three. Eventually the oldest won and imprisoned him. They told the others that it had to be done, to protect the world.." As Leshy continued on, Telly began to grow drowsy. Pawing at his eyes he let out a small yawn before succumbing to sleep.

"Shamura goes by them?" You speak in a hushed tone as to not wake the sleeping kit up. The bishop jumped slightly, seemingly forgetting that you still resided in his cabin. He shot you a glare as he stood to his feet, placing Telly in the bed and covering him up. "Yes, they go by them." His voice was filled with a stinging remorse when he spoke.

Your eyes trickle down to the floor in shock. You hadn't known this information and now you had several stories and poems to rewrite. "Well, since you have company I'm going to-"

Leshy sat on the floor in front of his bed, head immediately turning towards you and you think you see fear. "Stay." With an amused chuckle you roll your eyes and make your way towards him. "There's not enough room for me to stay, Leshy." He motioned behinds him towards his bed and you glance to the sleeping cat before back to him. "Fine, I'll stay." You weren't going to sleep on the bed.

Removing your fleece you carefully hand it to the worm, who feels the fabric, touch lingering for a moment as a twisted unreadable expression crossed his face. He then abruptly pushed it away. "I don't need your charity." He grumbled out as he laid down, rolling over so his back faced you. "Fine, freeze then." You joke softly and make your way across the room. Sitting down you let your hands rest in your lap after putting your fleece back on. It had been awhile since you last meditated and frankly, you weren't looking to have another nightmare. Closing your eyes you inhale softly and let your body relax, clearing your mind as you let peace and relaxation overtake your body and mind.

 

A bird's song rang out softly somewhere beyond the cabin, chill air setting small pricks along your skin. A flash from the nightmare from the previous night. You open your eyes. There's a fog hanging over your mind as it began to clear. Peering around your surroundings, black eyes settle on the bishop laying on his back a few paces in front of you. There's a small, white tabby happily curled up on his chest. The worm had one arm lazily draped over the kit, his other over his face covering his bandages. The blanket that used to reside on the bed now folded over the two figures.

Two dark brown ears perk up, white paws stretching outwards as small claws unsheathed and pulled at the bishop's shirt. Telly let out a yawn as he rubbed sleep away with one paw. Pale blue eyes peer at the bishop before landing on the golden strings of his shirt. Mittens reach up, batting at the string as his pupils widen and then turn into slits when the worm stirs. He paused in his play, watching as Leshy settled, before batting at the strings once again.

Judging by the flinch from the, now orange furred, worm, Telly's claws must've pierced through his shirt and grazed his skin. Leshy drearily moved the arm from his face, blind gaze moving down to the white tabby as his elbow rested on the wooden floor, arm in the air. Telly's pupils immediately widened and he gives the worm a wide and cheerful smile. "Good morning!" A gruff, exhausted groan left the bishop and he let his arm fall to the wooden floor with a soft thud. Telly sprung off the bishop, a soft 'oof' leaving him as the cat stood to his paws and stretched.

"I'm hungry." The cat stood with his paws on his hips, peering down at the worm.

Leshy rolled over, pulling the fabric of his blanket over his shoulder. "And I'm tired."

Telly smiled as he carefully stepped over the worm, using white paws to roll him over with great effort. "Come...on! We're gonna miss breakfast!"

In dramatic flare, Leshy allowed himself to be rolled over only to open his mouth wide, letting out an exaggerated snore.

A giggle erupted from the kit and he moved standing over the worm, grabbing the hands that belonged to his third pair of arms and tugged in attempt to get the bishop up. "Wake up!"

 

An amused scoff left you and in return, Telly jumped, landing on all fours resembling an aged dandelion ready for the wind to spread it's seedlings around. Leshy exhaled sharply as the cat landed on him, orange fur spiking up from the startle of your noise. "Oh, it's you! Did you stay the night?" The kits fur began to lie flat as he sat crisscrossed on the worm's stomach, head tilted in curiosity as his pupils widen in on your form. "I did." You reply back nonchalant as you approached the two. Leshy gingerly plucked the kit, setting him aside as he sat up, wincing only slightly now from his wounds.

Telly, now standing as he eyed you with one paw raised near his mouth, flicked his tail. "Are you two-" Before the kit could finish, he was hoisted over the worms shoulder as he stood and began briskly walking towards the door. "Aaand we're leaving." You're left with a piqued interest and puzzled look. Trotting out after the two you walk behind the worm and into the village.

Immediately you're approached by a black crow. "Lamb, can I speak with you?"

Facing Leio you set your attention on him with a kind and placid smile, nodding. "Of course." For the most part he was just informing you of supplies that needed to be grabbed, mainly camellias. Surely you could run and grab some and be back before nightfall.

How wrong you were.

 

You arrive back at the village after three days. Three days of hunting for flowers in the purged lands of Darkwood. You hadn't realized it before but ever since the Bishop had died the lands morphed and changed, chaos erupted and it was almost as if the realm mourned the loss of their God. Night covered your tired form as you skulked back, unaware of how long you had been absent from the village. While on your hunt for camellias you managed to snag seeds and other valuables. Gingerly trotting down the stairs from the teleportation stone, your roll your shoulders as a sore ache settled within you. Glancing around the village you don't notice any disarray or anything out of the ordinary, nothing to signify that anything had gone wrong since your leave.

A familiar tall and lanky figure caught your attention from the corner of your eyes. Black pools immediately dart towards it and you find Leshy walking the edge of camp. What intrigued you more were the three, faint red eyes in a push several feet before the bishop. With a sigh, you jog to catch up to the worm and raise your ears.

"Little Lamb, you've returned." He doesn't make any indication that he's heard you other than his words, voice tired and slightly gravelly.

"Oh, usually you're startled. Where's Telly?" Looking around for the kit you don't find him.

The worm still didn't look your way as he spoke. "Asleep in my cabin."

Weird, not only was Leshy avoiding you by not looking at you, but Telly was still residing with him. "I figured you would've kicked him out by now."

Suddenly the bishop came to a halt, blinded gaze still not turning towards you. "It's been three days."

Furrowing your brow you stop and eye the worm. "What? No I left yesterday. Has it really?"

Leshy turned on his heel and began, briskly, walking away. A sudden sinking feeling hit your chest, like something was pulled from you and lost. "Wait, has Squirt returned? He was supposed to come back today- Is he here? Why isn't Telly with him?" There's a groan from the bishop as he hung his head. He sounded agitated and even...upset. "No, his father hasn't returned." He even called you 'Little Lamb'. You hadn't heard that since years ago when you first started to terrorize the worm's domain, and him for that matter.

That sinking feeling began to over come you in anxious waves, consuming you with dread and nausea. "He....didn't?" Numbing cold seeped through your wool, escaping through your skin and making homage in your bones. You turn on your heel and immediately began walking back towards the exit, pausing at the stairs when Leshy spoke, turning to face him. "Leaving so soon again, Lamb?" He seethes the words, a subtle growl. He almost sounded pained. Flicking your ears down you bring your hands up in nervous fidget. "Well, yeah- I'm gonna look for Squirt."

The bishop dawned his robe, the fabric being raised as something jutted out. Black eyes settle on the worm as you realize he was hugging himself. "You reek of blood and your bell sounds different... you're limping. You shouldn't leave." It almost sounded like a resentful plea, petty, even. Letting your hands fall to your sides you single your ears forwards towards the worm. "Then come with me." The retort is rhetorical but there's a subtle hesitance as he though, never once looking at you.

"What use would I be? You're more of a fool than I." He grumbled and you place your hands on your hips, just catching his last few words. Was he angry at you?

Actually, now that made sense. Leshy wanted you to stay around, to sleep in his cabin. He was scared. He was scared and you left him alone for three days.

Perked ears droop now as you look to the grass. "I'm sorry, Leshy. I-" You pause as you look back up to the worm. "I didn't mean to be gone for so long. It was meant to be a short trip." Finally, the worm's blinded gaze turned vaguely towards your direction and your ears flick upwards, with hope? Excitement? You weren't sure. Then he sneered at you, teeth barred as a blind glare tore into you. "Shut up. If you want to be reckless than go, I need not your apology." He turned away and left.

You take that as a win. He finally looked at you and his words didn't seem as harsh as when you first conversed with him when you returned.

Shaking your head you turn on your hoof and swiftly trot through the entrance of your camp, past the teleportation stone and through the forest to the gateways. Now you stare at the doors with lowered ears in panicked thought. You weren't sure where the father had gone. Maybe someone, or something, did know. Settling your black gaze on the floating...thing in the middle you cautiously approach. "Leonard?" Asymmetric eyes flit towards you and you get that strange floating and dizzy feeling in your head and ears, a faint ringing. "Did you happen to see a white cat come through here about three days ago?" At first you don't get a response as it stares at you. Then it's eyes narrow onto your form. "They ventured into the woods, off that way, infant." Their eyes slide to their left, your right to the thick brush of trees and under growth. "Thank you!" You usher out quickly before rushing off in the direction it pointed.

It didn't respond, simply watching you with its eyes.

You searched high and low yet still found no sign of the white tabby. When a heretic sprung from a bush you dodged and held your arm out in an attempt to summon your sword. For a moment your hand grasps empty air before your crown forms, warping and shifting more chaotically than usual. However, when you finally summoned your weapon of choice, you were left holding a broom.

A fucking broom. What were you going to do, sweep them? Actually...

While the heretic stared at you with disbelief, you take the chance and flip the broom around so the bristles faced you and swept their feet out from under them. A thud sounded behind you and you immediately duck, avoiding the blade from another heretic. Spinning around you sweep their feet out from under them and spring to your hooves. Letting the broom go the crown forms back on your head. Plucking the sword from the second heretics side you turn and drive the blade straight through the first one's stomach, turning the blade with enough force that you cleave through their side.

Swinging the blade up and over your head as you turn, it slams down and slices through the second heretics shoulder, cascading down to their mid chest from your force. Wretching the blade free you let them fall, blood spurting out from the wide gash. You pant slightly as you drop the weapon, turning and trotting back through the brush. A soft cough catches your attention. Flicking your ear you turn and immediately scan through the brush. A white paw, speckled with blood sticks out.

The impending dread immediately worsened. Maybe it wasn't him, maybe it was some unfortunate person. Trotting closer and around the bush, you find Squirt laying on his back. From the looks of it he had been attacked not too long ago, probably from those heretics you just killed. Grey ears flick downwards and you rush to his side, frantically searching his body to find a wound in his stomach from a sword. You knew enough about bodies that this wound was fatal. He wouldn't live. You knew he'd die before you got back to camp but some small hope, miserable and scared, told you he'd be fine and that you could make it in time.

"..Lamb? Is that.." A cough interrupted the cat, voice husky and weak. "Is that you?"

Immediately you grab his hand and press your other to his wound. "Y-yeah! Hey, it's okay. You're gonna be okay!" It was feeble hope.

Squirt's free hand swung over weakly, paw clasping your hand that occupied his other paw. "It's okay. I don't mind." He's holding a warm smile despite the pain he was in. "I'm.. I'm sorry I couldn't complete my mission."

Immediately you shake your head as you turn to face him. "No, no! You're fine- it'll be okay. I just...I just need to get you back!"

His paws tighten around your hand. "Lamb, do me on favor?" When you look away from his wound back to him, you can't stop the tears that form and begin to fall. "Keep an eye on Telly for me, please?"

You wanted to tell him no, that he'd be able to do so himself. But you knew it was too late. Sniffing, you give the father a small and curt nod. "Yeah..I will. Rest now." The smile he gives you nearly breaks you.

While the tabby took his final breaths you stayed by his side, warm tears streaming down your face. When you were sure he had passed on, you finally let the grief hit you. With shakey breaths, you pick up the side bag he had, filled with all sorts of different meats. Then you carefully cradle him and stand to your hooves. The trek back to camp was more calm. No heretics or enemies at all. When you had Squirt wrapped and buried, the sun still had yet to rise.

You told yourself you'd hold the funeral in the morning, before the sermon. This was not a date you wished on Squirt and his son, Telly. And the worst part? You had to be the one to shatter that poor boys world. You had to wrench out his heart, his happiness. You had to be the one to snuff the light. The tears in your eyes had finally left as you began trotting back towards your tent. You'd tell the small cat tomorrow before his father's funeral.

"Lamb! Is my father back?" A small and enthusiastic Telly spoke from behind you. Leshy is walking behind him.

Turning to face the cat, your ears immediately lower. Your hesitance was enough to tell the bishop what happened and all he did was stare at you, then down to the kit.

Telly is looking around you, peering behind you as he stands before you. "Well, where is he?" He looked up to you with wide blue eyes. "Is he at home?" He looked so happy.

You're quiet for a moment longer as the tears begin to reform. Knelling down you place a hand on Telly's shoulder and hold a remorseful smile. "Telly, your Dad...he-" You choke on your words in attempt to keep yourself together. "He isn't coming back."

His ears lower slightly, pupils widening and smile faltering. You watch the enthusiasm fade away to a numb disbelief. "What?" His voice is frail and small. "Your father passed during his..his mission." Suddenly the Kit's ears flatten against his head, pupils going wider before small slots as large tears began to fall down his cheeks. "You're... you're lying! You're lying!" Small claws shoot out from their sheaths and before you can say another word, Telly turned and ran. Black eyed stare at the ground as your own tears start to fall, failing in your puny attempt to keep your composure. After all the years of death, all those funerals, all those heartbroken sobs, you think you'd be used to this. You've had to tell few children bad news about a parent or two, but no matter how much death you saw it still hurt. More so with children.

There's a soft clawed hand on your cheek, cold yet surprising gentle. When you look up you're shocked to see Leshy kneeling before you. His usual annoyed glare was gone. Instead there was a somber and soft expression on his features. It was strange to see. His other hand came to rest on your other cheek as he peered at you. "It's not your fault, Little Lamb." His third pair of arms reached out from beneath his robe and pulled you towards him, your face resting against his shoulder.

This kindness from the bishop was unsettling, but not in a bad way. It concerned you that the God who once stopped your every attempt to kill him was now consoling you. Before you knew it you were quietly sobbing into the worm's robe, hands loosely resting in your lap. He simply held you, both sets of arms wrapped around you in such a secure and gentle grasp. His body lacked warmth though, even through his fur you could feel the cold. The bishop pulled away and cradled your face once more. "It's not your fault. Go and rest." His voice was a soft whisper, kind and small. The weirdness of it all still left you baffled.

Leshy stood after releasing you, turning and walking off. You're left staring at his back as you tried to wrap your head around the whole interaction. Maybe he wasn't that ruthless God that struck you down all those times in Darkwood.

 

The worm stood beneath a tree, blind gaze peering upwards to somewhere in the branches. Almost all the leaves had fallen this time around. The wind was cold and carried the soft cries from a small cat within the trees. "Child?" His voice was soft with pain. Telly peered over his arm down at the worm. "H-he can't be g-gone...he c-can't.." The pain tore deep inside his chest. "It's th-their fault..!" A sad and small smile braced the bishop's face. "Come now, you know that's not true. Could you come down?" No response. With a soft sigh, Leshy removed his robe dropping it to the ground and moved his hands to the trunk of the tree feeling around.

When he found a branch to aid his journey upwards, he began the climb. While blind, his extra arms helped make sure he had a secure grasp. He guessed he was close enough to the kit when the soft sobs got louder. Peering towards the aching sound he clung to the trunk as he stood. The sobbing slowly quieted down and reduced to sniffling. Telly pawed at his eyes with one paw, wiping away his tears. "H-how'd you get u-up here..?" The worm gave a small shrug. "With great effort-" Then, he dramatically nearly 'slipped' before getting his footing again. "Believe me, it wasn't easy. Will you come down?" There's a soft sniff, and then the sound of claws digging into the bark as the white tabby descended from the tree.

Leshy stood on his branch for a moment in thought. It was one thing to get up here, but getting down? That was a whole other story. With careful hands, he felt his way down the tree. Just as he reached the last branch he lost his foot and fell backwards. The ground met his back with impending force, drawing a soft groan for him. "A-are you okay?" Sitting up the bishop vaguely faced the kit. "I'm fine." More sniffling. Reaching out he pulled Telly into a hug, holding him in a secure and soft grasp. At once the kit began to sob into his shoulder.

The bishop murmured soft and calming words and eventually Telly calmed down. "..does it ever s-stop hurting?" A frail and fragile voice drenched with ache. Leshy could feel his chest lurch with sympathy for that cat. "..no. But it does get better, because-" Pulling away he placed a clawed finger softly to the tabby's chest. "Your father will always be with you, right here." Telly is quiet, looking down to the worm's finger before back up to him. "My shoulder?" The bishop furrowed his brow. "What? No-" Moving his finger he finally prodded the cat's chest. "Here, your heart. No matter where you go he'll be with you. If you need him, talk to him. He may not answer but he'll hear you and...it helps." Telly, ears flat, gave a small sniff as he thought over those words.

There was no reply and Leshy hadn't been expecting one. Standing up, after feeling for his robe, he held the kit close and wrapped him in the dark grey and gold fabric. "You'll be okay with time, little one." He made the trek back to his cabin, setting the now sleeping child in his bed and taking his place on the floor. However, the grip Telly had around his neck kept him from going anywhere. So he gave in to holding him as he laid on the bed.

Come mourning you gather everyone in the temple and hold the funeral. The father was laid to rest and the son wept once more. Other followers shed some tears but not near as many as Telly did. When you preached the sermon you dedicated it to Squirt and the life he lived.

Then you threw yourself into another crusade. Not for the need of supplies or even to make good on your deal with Leonard. No, you needed to not think. You needed to feel pain and to be numb, with nothing but a blade in your hand and a heretic's innards spilled at your feet.

You were sloppy. You weren't careful. Through the days of your battle you sustained far more sounds than usual and they weren't healing. Not near as fast as they once would. They hurt and ached yet you still pushed yourself.  You fought with wrath and anguish, guilt and resentment.

 

It had been days since Leshy had last seen you, maybe even a week or so. The strangest feeling made him pace around his cabin at night. It made his hands tremble. Was it fear? No. He didn't fear- he couldn't. He had no heart. His limbs were cold from numbness. He had no heart yet he still bled. The only two things that kept him from thinking and jittering were Telly and the...the fear of Narinder. It didn't make any sense to him.

Right now he was in the village, sitting underneath a tree and eating a meal with Telly. The small cat still grieved the loss of his father but seemed to be doing better. After the sermon you had offered to bring the child's father back, but Telly insisted that he didn't want his father to suffer a painful death again. "You know.." The kit spoke, staring down at his partially empty bowl. It took him a few days to start eating again. "He wasn't my real father." The bishop, intrigued, turned facing the tabby as he held a partially empty bowl. "He..found me. I was small, far smaller than I am. Too small to remember my actual parents. He told me but it didn't matter. As far as I know he was my Dad."

The worm felt his chest sink, knowing there were tears in those eyes. "He was..pretty amazing." He barely knew the cat but from what he heard from Telly, Squirt was an outstanding father. A small somber scoff left the kit. "Yeah, he was."

 

Later during the night Leshy was taking his usual walk around camp, enjoying the cold chill in the air as winter drew closer. Iron hit his nose and the jagged jingling of a bell and heavy, ragged breaths caught his attention. Something was right, something felt and sounded wrong. You were halfway keeled over, rubbing at your side as burning pain seared it. Shaking your head, blood splattered on the paved dirt path and stones of the steps. When you went to walk down them you stumbled and fell, only being held up by a familiar orange worm. "Oh, hey-"

Your weight slacked and Leshy was just about the only thing keeping you on your hooves. Something was off about the bishop, though. His face was slightly twisted as he held you. Was it concern? "You're...bleeding." Grey ears flick up and you look down to your fleece, a steady flow of blood was staining the pink fabric. "What- oh. Holy..that- that's a lot." Fatigue stained your hoarse voice as you pressed a hand to your side, wincing from the pulse of pain. Your vision was fuzzy and your head was light, the world began to spin. Nausea hit your stomach like a punch and your vision wemt black.

Chapter 5: Bitter Past

Summary:

You could almost feel his pain, almost. You never experienced or did what the worm went through, but you could imagine all that pain. "It's alright, it's... It's in the past, Lesh. I'm sure if you and Narinder talked about it then you two could-" Your hand in swatted away with frustration.

"Alright? How could it be alright? If you haven't noticed, we're far from 'talking' about this." As he steps closer you take a step back, his hands coming up to make air quotations while the others angrily made motions as he spoke. "Why would I try to talk my way out of something I deserve? You couldn't even understand a fraction of it all!" You fall silent, taking more steps back before you hit the back wall of the temple. Leshy's teeth are barred at you and that same fear began creeping back. Holding you hands up, you flick your ears down in surrender. "Leshy that's not what- I'm sorry I just- Leshy, wait!" You're on the end of a rather nasty growl, one that shook your bones from the ferocity of it, and even flinch because you think he's going to jump you then and there.

Notes:

Be advised, this chapter does get deep and touchy. A traumatic past is brought up so read with caution!

There's also violence, as to be expected.

Enjoy!

When you awoke your brain drummed with sharp pain, torso pulsing with agonizing hurt. A groggy groan left you as you sit up, one hand tenderly touching the side of your forehead as you open your eyes. The sunlight that poured in from the curtains made you hiss in pain. A soft yet firm hand rested on your shoulder as someone stilled you. Peering to who helped you, you're surprised to find a familiar orange worm. He looked concerned. "Easy." Once you were sat upright, you look around and find yourself in the bishop's cabin. "How long was I out?" The words escape your dry throat and you look back to the worm. He sits next to his bed, notably tired, with his hands in his lap. "Three weeks."

Immediately your ears perk up as youurch forwards slightly. "What?!" Then that chaotic, sniveling grin of his graced his face. His usual sinister snicker, bug-like chitter hidden within it, sounded out and you glare bombs at the bishop. "How long have you been waitin' to use that one?" Rolling your eyes you lean against the bed frame as he speaks. "Three days. You've been out for three days. Leio will be pleased that you're-"

Energetic knocking breaks his voice.

A groan left the worm and you can feel him roll his eyes as he stands up and walks towards it. He opens it and a familiar white kit rushes inside. "Is the Lamb-? Oh! You're finally awake! Thank goodness you're okay-" Telly rushes to your side and takes Leshy's seat beside you. Soft white paws grasped your hand. He's so full of joy and excitement that it startled you. You would've thought the kit would hate you, but here he was happy that you were okay. "You are okay, right??" Before you could answer, Leshy speaks up. "Telly give them space they just-" More knocking at the door. Did your followers know about your state?

A growl left the worm as he opened the door, only enough so he was visible. "What?!" A higher pitched voice sounded from the door way. It sounded familiar but you couldn't quite place it.. "Helllloooo Lesh!! Telly told me you hadn't eaten today and I thought that I'd pop by and bring you some food!" Leshy slouches as his claws tense, looking over his shoulder to the kit. "Did he, now?" Telly gives the bishop a shy and nervous shrug. "Go away." He spoke through gritted teeth before being shoved aside. "What are you- get out!" Whoever this was was clearly ignoring him. "Oh don't be like that, dear! Besides, I brought some things to lighten up your cabin! It's so drab in here so I thought- oh, hello Telly."

The cat's fur stands on end when this person behins to make their way inside and you're swiftly rolled off the bed, forced into the crack between it and the wall being perfectly hidden. "H-hi Fenrir!" The chair scrapes, signifying he stood up. While you can't see, you can definitely tell Leshy was doing everything he could to not snap. Wait, Fenrir? She was that butterfly you had saved early on during your crusade. But why was she here and bothering Leshy? Most everyone in the village chose to leave the bishop alone unless HE came out into the village.

Leshy balled his fists in quiet anger as the female follower wandered into his house, chipper attitude flaunting about. "Anyways- here!" She shoved something into his stomach lightly and he's forced to take it. The worm could only assume it was food since she spoke about him not eating. "I don't want this." His claws dig into the wood of the bowl and when he goes to speak, a piece of fruit is shoved into his mouth. "Nonsense! You have to eat." Immediately Telly speaks up, grabbing one of his hands nervously. "Oh wow, would you look at the sun?! Leshy promised to take me into town and, uh, see my friends! Well, we'd better get going!! And you'd better leave! He doesn't like people lurking here other than me!"

The sounds of shuffled footsteps draw closer towards the bed and you momentarily panic. Cearly your followers didn't know about your state if the two were hiding you from one of them. "But just look at the state of this place! Your bed is a mess and it's so dark in here! You two go, I can tidy up in here!" A nervouse chuckle sounds from Telly and the bishop's voice is louder, closer now. "I can't see. It doesn't matter how dark it is. Get out of my house." A moment of silence passes before the chipper female speaks again. "Oh you kidder! I don't think Telly likes the dark all the time! With him staying here it'll need to be better! I'll come back with more supplies, I'll leave these here. See you later Lesh!" She calls from the door and the worm growls. "It's Leshy!" The door is closed and Telly's small paws begin attempting to pull you from the crack.

"You know, I don't mind the dark! Besides, I've already been redecorating in here. Uh- Leshy? Can I get some help?" Claws reach down and easily pull you from the crack, carefully setting you back in the bed. You stare at the two with furrowed brows. "So...she just..comes in whenever she pleases??" There's a scowl on the worm's face, teeth slightly barred. "I've already asked Titan about a lock." You shake your head and look from Telly to around the cabin. You notice an added hallway and door separating a room from this one. "Wait, you redecorated?" The worm stands from his bed with his main arms crossed. "Nothing I wished for. The little cretin moved in and now I guess he needs a room of his own." He speaks with distaste but he's doing a poor job of hiding the faint smile he held. Telly snickers and softly shoves the bishop playfully. "You said I could! Besides, you were lonely!" The cat teases softly and the worm stuck his tongue out at him.

"Was not." Telly returned the favor, tail lashing playfully. "We're too!" Then the bishop waved his hand dismissively. "I don't even know why you needed a room, you always end up kicking me out of my bed." You watch as Telly crossed his arms with his ears folded back in a playful pout. "Only because it's cold at night." A scoff left the bishop and the bowl he held in his third pair of arms is thrusted out towards you. The sight of it makes your stomach growl but you hold up a hand in defense. "No, that's yours-" It's shoved into your hand and he walks off farther into the room. Telly perks up and sits back in the chair next to you. "You know," He peers at Leshy before back to you and covers his mouth with a paw. "Leshy won't say it, but he was worried about you. The night he found you he practically tore the door down! He made sure you were okay without telling anyone. He figured you wouldn't want them to know. When people would ask about you he just told them you were on a crusade and were fine! He hasn't moved from this chair since he brought you here. He only slept when I drug him away."

You purse your lips in interest and look down to the bowl of fruit. There wasn't any meat in it. No wonder Leshy didn't want it. "Oh...really?" The kit nodded enthusiastically and a hushed swear draws your attention to the worm. A pitcher of water is held in one hand while a cup occupied another. He's spilt water on the floor. Telly immediately springs forwards and takes the two from him. The cat had gotten taller since you last saw him. He returns and holds the cup out towards you and you happily accept it. "Thanks." Leshy goes to sit in the chair but Telly scrambles into it before him, so he resides to sitting on the bed a few feet down from you. You take a sip of water and set the now empty bowl in your lap. You hadn't realized how thirsty you had been until now. Looking back to the two you smile softly. "Thanks for..not tellin' anyone. And for seein' I was okay."

Setting the cup on the nightstand you struggle to your hooves. "I should-" Pink fabric is thrust towards you from the worm. "I'd advise against it." You raise an eyebrow as you take your, freshly cleaned and sewed up, fleece from Leshy. "Then why are you-?" He cuts you off with an annoyed expression. "Like you'd actually listen to me? Just be careful." A small smile tugs at the corners of your mouth and you carefully slip the fleece back on and make your way to the door with the empty bowl. "I will. Besides, Leio probably can't wait for me to take over again." You think you hear a genuine chuckle leave the bishop, even if it was faint and soft. "Oh! Come on! You promised to take me into town to see my friends!" The bishop is tugged off the bed and dragged outside past you and you can't help but chuckle. The worm let out an over exaggerated groan as the cat pulled him along.

 

When you arrive into town you're immediately flocked by your followers, some faces you recognize like Titan and Kiyoshi, some rather new like Fenrir. It takes you a moment to get passed all of their comments. Fenrir not only thanked you for saving her, but also requested you to get her some flowers from Darkwood for someone. For some reason you couldn't place, you didn't quite like her. Kiyoshi asked how your fleece was doing, seeing as Leshy told her it needed fixed but nothing else and you reassure her that it and you are fine. Titan simply welcomed you back and let you know about how Leshy was adjusting. He spoke of how the worm was recently more present in the village, spoke more to others even if they were just snarky comments, how Telly really brought him out more, and that Fenrir has seemed to taking a liking to him. Apparently the butterfly thought he was a caterpillar.

You found that amusing simply for the fact that you knew it pissed the worm off. Once Leio caught sight of you he immediately ran over and seemed relieved. He informed you that the village had been doing fine while you were gone but supplies was short. Once you stocked what you had brought from your crusade everything was perfect. Leio even told you that you wouldn't have to get supplies for about a week or so. Thank goodness for that because you needed a break.

Either way you did still have to make a run to Darkwood, this time you were set on coming back the same day. But first, you wanted to let Leshy know. You didn't know why, but you figured he'd want to know. Trotting down the path you soon spot the worm, arms crossed and not dorning his robe for once. Titan stands before him and is energetically chatting before stopping and looking up. "Oh, Leshy? You've got a little... something." The canine snickered and the worm only stared in annoyed confusion. "What?" Fenrir giggles from standing atop his antlers, clearly too light for him to feel. A growl left the worm as he swatted her away carefully. "Go away!" One orange clawed hand came up covering his face as he growled, Fenrir cheerfully leaving to go do whatever work was assigned to her.

When you trot up Titan gives you a wave, bids farewell to Leshy, and then takes his leave. The bishop crossed his main arms, vaguely glaring at your direction. "Didn't I just get rid of you?" You scoff, playfully smirking as you tilt your head. "From what I heard, you didn't mind havin' me there." He bares his teeth at you, mumbling softly. "Shut up. I'm glad you're gone, couldn't care less about you. What do you want?" Raising your eyebrows teasingly, you cross your arms. "That's not what Telly said." Another growl escapes his throat and you cut him off. "Anyway, I have to run to Darkwood. Don't worry-" You hold your hands up and stop him from speaking, concern hidden in his expression. "It's not a crusade. I just have to pick up flowers and I'll be back before nightfall, I promise." You place a hand to your chest and hold the other up. Leshy stared at you for a moment before scoffing and turning away. "Your promise means nothing."

You roll your eyes and turn on your hooves, heading for the exit. You were going to make sure you were back before dark this time around.

 

Thankfully you were back mid afternoon with all the flowers Fenrir required. It didn't take long for her to flutter up to you and happily take them. You immediately begin looking for the bishop and it didn't take you long to find him. Near the water fountain in town you find the worm playing with several of the children, Telly snickering and cheering. From what you could see they were playing tag and to your surprise Leshy was navigating his way with practiced precision. Had you really been gone on that crusade that long? Long enough for Leshy to get the layout of town and for Telly and the other children to grow?

The worm snatched up Telly with a playful grin and the cat squealed, wriggling in his grasp. The worm tumbled backwards and fell, he twisted around during the fall so he fell on his back and Telly wouldn't get hurt. The kit simply laughed more and scrambled off the bishop, playfully splashing him. It didn't take long for the other kids to join in on playing in the fountain. Leshy sat up and before you could make your presence known, Fenrir was already there and trying to help him up. He swatted her hand away and made it a point he was happy where he was, sitting drenched in the fountain.

Then she handed him the bouquet of camellias.

And for some reason that display soured your chest, making it tighten.

You ears flicked backwards and your smile thinned.

She left and he stared down at the flowers in utter confusion. You were close enough to pick up the conversation between him and Telly now. "I think she likes you!" He stared up at the white cat with an expression mixed between utter confusion and disgust. "What?" Telly swung his arms back and forth happily, flinging some water onto the flowers. "Yeah! I've heard some of my friends talk about how adults will give each other flowers when they like each other!" The worm looked back down to the flowers with a disgusted grimace. "Ew. What a disgusting display."

Telly snickered, one paw to his mouth before shrugging with his arms held out. "I think it's sweet! Camellias are pretty!" The bishop scoffed as he looked back up to the child. "You know what else they are?" The kit perked his ears up, head tilted to the side. "What?" The worm then brought the flowers to his face and took a giant bite out of them, all the heads gone and only the stems remained. "Tasty." Immediately the cat and other children laughed at his antics. "You're not supposed to eat them!" Well, now you knew what happened to those camellias you put in his case that one time.

Trotting up towards the group you tilt your head to the side and cross your arms. The children all immediately either hide behind Leshy or the statue of the fountain, peering at you. "Well, you guys look to be havin' fun." The worm jumped, startled, and dropped the flower stems as he stared in your general direction. For a moment he doesn't say anything, then that conniving grin hits his face once more and you're left wondering what he's about to do. Until a wave of water soars in your direction from his tail and you hold your arms up to block most of it. The children all gasp in the pure astonishment that someone would dare to splash water at the esteemed leader.

That scheming snicker of his sounds out and you glare at him. He doesn't seemed bothered in the slightest at his actions. Frankly, you're more amused than upset. The fact that someone dared to do something like he did brought a playful smile to your face. As much as you wanted to splash him back, you couldn't quite climb into the fountain just to do so. What would your followers think? However...

Holding your hands out in front of you, it takes a moment before your crown (thankfully) forms into a bucket. Leaning down you scoop some of the water out, and then dump it onto the worm who attempts to scramble away. He hissed out at you and you dust your hands off as the crown reforms back onto your head. The children all relax and come out of hiding, resuming to splash each other. When Leshy's claws spring forwards your blood runs cold. Maybe that was a bad idea. Just as you expect his claws to dig into your skin, all he does is fling you into the fountain. You peer up at the worm with your mouth agape, gasping in playful offense.

He stands there with his claws outstretched, evil toothy smile still evident. He then points to you as he speaks. "You're it." A playful and determined smile hits your face and as you stand up, he and the children all immediately scramble to get away from you.

You hesitate at the thought of entertaining his shenanigans. With a quick look round to make sure no one other than him and the kids could see you, you take off running after the worm with determination. Leshy slows down to a jog, muttering about how you wouldn't dare chase after him. Only when one of the kids shouts that you're coming does he turn around, help, and immediately bolt off away from you as fast as he can. This would be the real test to see how much of the village he has to memory. Surely this would be easy.

It, in fact, was not easy.

The bishop dodged and weaved through people and between buildings like no problem. That combined with your wounds made you slower as a dulled ache began to throb in your side. You weren't giving up though, he had to make a mistake soon. Whenever some of the kids came in view you pretended to chase after them and let them escape. You were set on getting Leshy. Before long the two of you are headed out of the village and the bishop is having a harder time getting around and that's when you notice exactly where you two are. Before you can warn him it's too late. He trips over a branch and is sent face planting through a bush. When you catch up, panting and pressing a hand to your side, there stands Narinder.

The worm let out a soft groan as he propped himself up on his elbows. He wasn't quite sure where he was but when the scent of rot hit his nose, he froze. Slowly, he moved his gaze upwards where a lithe black cat stood, staring down at him. A scoff leaves Narinder as he glared down at his brother with three red eyes. "Thoughtful of you to bow, brother." He says the last word with such venom you half expect him to just attack Leshy then and there. Said bishop simply lays there unmoving. Narinder steps closer, going to lean down until a small white cat bursts through the foliage and immediately crouches next to him. "Oh, there you are Leshy!" Telly moves helping the worm up and then turns back to Narinder with a bright smile. "Sorry! I was playing a game with my friends and we strayed from the village- he was trying to find us. Well, we'll get out of your fur now, Nari!"

A scoff left the god of death and you step out, eyes narrowed in polite warning at him. Red eyes flick up to your form as his nose twitches. His tail flicks and a smile hits his face as he peered at you. "Is that blood I smell?" You step aside so Telly can lead Leshy back to the village, crossing your arms as you stare at the black cat. "Wouldn't you like to know?" The retort is sarcastic and snarky but it does little to deter the cat. "You should be more careful, Lamb. We wouldn't want something happening to our leader, now would we?" You scoff as you raise your eyebrows, turning to take your leave. "And you'd be stupid to try anything." A hiss sounds from behind you but your focus is on Leshy now.

The worm is being dragged by one claw from Telly. You slightly jog to catch up and flick your ears forwards as you look to him. "You alright?" He immediately shoots you a glare, but you can still see the residual fear. "Why wouldn't I be?" A soft hum leaves you and you nudge the bishop playfully. "Because now you're it." He usher's Telly off as you two enter the village and immediately shoots you a glare. Rather than tagging you back, or some snarky remark like you expect, his glare softens and you think he looks you up and down but the movement is so subtle that you're not quite sure. ".. how's your side?" The question makes you stop in your tracks and you blink.

He walks a few feet before stopping and turning around to face you. "What?" A playful and smug smile hits your face as you resume walking next to him. "I just didn't know you cared." At once you receive a hiss. "I don't, but if you don't want your precious followers finding out that you can get hurt; it'd be wise to take care of yourself." You scoff and roll your eyes. "I'm fine, Leshy." A soft hum left the worm and he comes to a halt, crossing both sets of his arms. "Then why did Narinder say he smelled blood?" You come to a stop and slightly panic, holding your arms up. "It- uh- must be old blood from the bandages!" The worm simply raised his eyebrows. "I've been changing them for you while you've been asleep. There was no blood when you woke up this morning." Furrowing your brow you stutter for an excuse but find yourself without one. And, as luck would happen, the two of you happened to stop in front of the med bay. Looking around shows there's a few followers here and there.

You shrug at the worm as you lower your voice so they can't hear. "Okay, fine! But not right no-" Suddenly Leshy collapsed to the ground clutching his leg, one hand pressed to his forehead in a dramatic display of 'pain'. "Oh! By the Lamb! I think I hurt my ankle!! Oh gosh!" The few followers nearby stop and look to the worm with worry and you deadpan at him as he holds that very familiar conniving smile. You roll your eyes and move 'helping' him to his feet while looking to the followers. "Don't worry, he'll be fine."

Once situated in privacy of a room, you cross your arms and glare at the bishop. "Y'know, sometimes I just wanna punch you in the face." He digs through some of the supplies before finding bandages and turns back towards you with a smug smile. "What's stopping you?" At the question you raise your eyebrows and look back up to him. "Actually, nothin' is now." Your fist draws back and flings forwards with great force, before being stopped by one of the worm's main hands, so you swing your other fist. He drops the bandages, catching it with his third pair of hands, and catches your first once again. You're left glaring at him with such distaste you envy that he can't see it. "Leshy, let me go-" He leans forwards with that same mischievous smile, the one that makes you think he's going to take a bite out of you. Now that you thought about it, any time he smiled at you it was the same 'Im going to rip your throat out' smile.

You don't think he's ever smiled differently at you. "Make me." He slightly seethes the words, a subtle hiss behind it. You roll your eyes and the grip he has on your hands falters, as does his smile, and stops you from speaking. He brings your hands down and in between the two of you as his smile all but faded away to a subtle concern. "Just..let m-" He cuts himself off and furrows his brow, looking away from you before standing up straight and releasing your hands to cross his arms. "Fix it yourself. If you won't, I'll fight you to do it myself- I've been itching for a rematch. Even better, maybe I'll go tell someone and let them tell everyone else and have them fix it for you." That same grin returned to his face and you snatch the bandages from his hand. "Fine, only if it shuts you up."

Once you were finished patching yourself up, the two of you left the med bay. It didn't take long for Telly to drag the bishop off once more. By this time night began to fall and you were left with taking care of small things around the village. Leio voiced his concern about the strange cat at the end of the village, stating he hadn't come by to eat in a while. So you pick up the task of delivering food to him.

Gently rapping on the door leaves you waiting for a few moments with the bowl before it's flung open. Narinder glared at you and you hold the bowl out. "When I said stay away from the garden, I didn't mean stop eating." He simply glared for a moment longer before turning to slam the door. "I don't want it." Swiftly you place a hand on the door and stop him. "It's fish." The old god paused, hesitating, then leaned closer to peer at the bowl. "I've been meaning to ask you-" You pull the bowl away just as Narinder reaches for it and he lets out a hiss. "Oh what is it this time?!" You look down in the bowl and peer back up to him with polite curiosity. "Why'd... why'd you take Leshy's eye?" A scoff left the black feline as he furrowed a brow. "Because he deserved it." He reaches for the bowl again and you pull it away once more, pointing to him with your other hand. "No, you specifically chose his eye, Heket's throat, Kallamar's ears, and Shamura's brain. So, why his eye?"

Sharp claws dig into the wood of Narinder's door as you test his patience. "Ask that fraudulent worm." You hum softly and hold the bowl towards him, keeping your hand on the door. "Then why his arms?" Narinder takes the bowl and it disappears into the darkness of his hut. Once again he quizzically stares at you with annoyance. "What do you mean?" You cross your arms as your own patience begins to flee. "His arms, Narinder. He had three pairs- the second pair is missing. Gone. You took them, am I wrong?" Suddenly the cat's eyes soften, pupils slightly widening as he perked his ears. "..they didn't heal-?" His voice is soft and you tilt your head. "What?" His glare returns and he softly growls at you. "Collateral damage. Now leave me, foul traitor." The door is slammed shut and you're left with more questions than answers.

Either way you were going to get answers from someone. Whether by prying them from Narinder or from Leshy.

The trek back to the village was shorter than previously, the path to Leshy's cabin even shorter.

 

Leshy, currently outside and tending to his garden behind his cabin, was crouched down and feeling a leaf from one of the plants. He couldn't quite explain it, but the plants made him feel as if he could...see. It wasn't color, nor was it actual sight, just pitch black with very vague and faint blurry outlines of everything. It didn't happen often so for the most part he pretty much ignored it. His attention is torn away from the plant when rot hits his nose. The once soft and silky leaves of the leaf slowly grow coarse, dry, and crunchy. The bridge of his nose scrunches as he turns to face the perpetrator. "It's one thing to terrorize me, but really? Telly worked hard on this-" The words forming in his throat are choked off when a blacked clawed paw viciously grabs it.

He's raised to his feet and his hands immediately grip at Narinder's hand, but soon fall limp to his side. He was beginning to grow tired of fighting. Maybe he should just give in. No, even if he did give in Narinder would still let him live and come back another day. Maybe that's what he deserved, though. "Silence." The word is growled out and his feet soon leave the ground, air growing harder to catch as the feline's grip tightened around his neck.

Then it all but stops. He's dropped to the ground, left on his knees and coughing, gasping for air. There's a shift in the intense wrath Narinder once radiated. Now there was...fear? No. That couldn't be right. He may be one to fear, but his brother? The God of Death, afraid?

"Your...arms. I see I've permanently removed them." He's circling the worm now.

The worm stands to his feet with struggle, standing still as the assailant sized him up. "I bet that just fills you with joy."

A gentle, yet threatening touch to his tail sends him spinning on his heel. No matter, Narinder was already behind him again.

"It does, but something's off about you, worm." Narinder growls the last word with vicious hate.

Leshy simply slowly turned around and stood still once again. "Tch, what are you? Scared? Say it."

The presence of death lingers in front of him, the stench of rot and decay overwhelming his nose. "If I didn't know any better, I say you've..." The cat trails off and a bitter sweet silence settles like knives. The bishop furrowed his brow and clenched his hands. "Say it." He seethed through gritted teeth.

Now that Narinder actually stood before his traitorous brother, he came to the realization that Leshy was...

Tired.

Taller.

And most of all...he was older.

His mortality was gone.

Leshy was a mortal, and he had grown older.

He had aged.

Narinder glared daggers into the worm now, disbelief at the revelation and hate. Hate for the fact that...he grew worried for his brother. A fragile hint of fear for the fact that, his brother could die. No. That was stupid- crazy, blasphemy, even. Leshy wasn't a mortal. He couldn't be. The rising anger began to overflow and he moved, grabbing the worms neck once more with great force that a choked yelp wasn't even able to escape. "You'll rue the day you let me live."

Suddenly a small, frail, and uneasy voice spoke up. "Leshy? A-are you okay? Is that...Narinder?" A white cat was peering through a curtain-less window at them. Immediately the old god dropped the worm, slinking off into the cover of night.

Leshy kept his back turned, watching Narinder leave before turning to face the kitten's voice while holding a calm and placid expression. "I'm fine, child. We were just..talking."

 

When you arrive at the cabin you hesitate before knocking. Why were you here? Did Leshy even want you around still? Just as you go to pull your fist away from the door, a slightly hoarse voice spooks you. "Can't stay away?" The fright makes you jump, whelp slightly, and you turn to face the worm leaning against his cabin, arms crossed, and conniving smile evident. However, the bishop seemed out of breath, almost like he was struggling to catch it. He even seemed scared. "Oh, I thought you were inside." With a sigh, the god of chaos pushed off his cabin and began walking.

"Couldn't sleep." You trot next to him and he maneuvers to walk on your left side. He seemed to favor your left side and it always piqued your interest. "Why do you do that?" Your question paints a confused look on the worm's orange face, scarred face. "Do what?" Looking him up and down, you motion towards him. "Well, that. What you just did-" "I can't-" You scoff playfully and cut him off. "See. I know. Everytime we walk, you always walk on my left side. Why?" The bishop raised his eyebrows and fell silent now. He almost seemed nervous, embarrassed even.

Then he gave you a shrug. "If I can't see, how do you expect me to know what I subconsciously do?"

You narrow your eyes, head tilting to the side as you eye him suspiciously. "If you know you're subconsciously doing something, then clearly you know why you're doing it."

Leshy let out a gruff sigh, head rolling in place of his eyes. "I liked you better when you were unconscious and quiet." He faced you with a distasteful frown with the hint of jest in it. What was he supposed to tell you? That he favored your left side because he had conflicted feelings about respecting you? That he favored your left side because of the possibility that it represented he saw you higher than him? Better than him? Hell, not even he actually knew. He only knew that he just preferred walking to the left side of you. The rustling of leaves catches his attention, head snapping to the direction of the sound.

You furrow your brow in concern at the movement. "Hey...are you okay?" The bishop glared back at you before it faded away, faster than usual. Then he looked down as you two walked. "..no." Grey ears perk up as you just catch what he said. Leshy admitting to you that he wasn't okay? You really missed a lot. "Well, talk to me. What's wrong?" The orange being sent you a glare mixed between confusion and contemplation. Then a heavy sigh left him and he looked away from you.

"I just..had another visit from my dear brother." One of his hands comes up to rest around his neck, then fall to his side just as fast. When he spoke he sounded upset, scared, remorseful, even regretful. He sounded so many things at once. But the one that stood out the most? He was conflicted. Immediately you glare at the thought and huff in annoyance. "He's really startin' to piss me off-"

"Don't be."

"What?"

"It's not his fault."

A scoff of disbelief and frustration leaves you and you throw up a hand as you speak. "How is it not?! Whatever happened between y'all is in the past and has been for.." Trailing off you begin to count the years with your fingers, then let your hands fall to your sides looking back to the worm. "However many years! So please, enlighten me on how him attacking you, unprovoked mind you, ISN'T his fault." There's a moment of silence before Leshy looks at you again.

"Yet you still carry that same wrath after all these years, Little Lamb." Your ears flick back and you squint at him. "What?" A calm sigh leaves the bishop and he shakes his head, looking away from you. "Why do you fight?" There's that same question again. Rolling your eyes, you advert your gaze. "I already told you-" You're cut off by him. "You did, but not the truth. Lamb-" Suddenly he stops walking and turns, facing you as he speaks with his hands. "You killed me. Not only me, but my siblings. Yet you scared Narinder and you say it's out of kindness and that it was the right thing to do-" He stops, clawed hands moving to grab your hands. "But we know you did it in spite. You could've spared me, us. But you didn't. You killed us because we deserved it. You spared Narinder because he wanted death, so he deserved to live knowing you bested him. Just as I deserve whatever he has planned for me."

Your ears go limp as you stare at your hands in his, slowly looking back up to him. Where you expect to see hatred and anger, is only peace and..acceptance. This whole side of Leshy made you uneasy. "I-" Once again, he cuts you off. His hands grip yours tighter and there's a faint, somber smile on his face. "I don't blame you. After all, I deserved death after what I did to you..all of you." The worm adverts his gaze, before looking back to you with his usual scheming smile. Sharp teeth glinting in the light of the moon. "I would've killed me, too." His tone is sarcastic and playful but the undertone was...truthful. Your eyes widen some but before you can speak he starts walking.

"But alas, fated to live on this dreadful planet. It's so boring." He lets out an exaggerated groan, tone lavish and playful. "There's nothing interesting here. Everything's so- normal and un-fun. There's no chaos." He slouches as he walks, raising a hand and motions it in a circle to prove his point. You perk your ears and raise an eyebrow, smiling as you tease. "I thought you were the God of Chaos? Can't you just...I'donno, summon chaos?" There's a scoff from him and he stands up straight, hands covering his face before going up and then to his sides. "Ughh, I wish."

Now it was your turn to stop walking and stare at him. "What do you mean?? You can't just...cause chaos?" The bishop went ridgid, orange fur spiking as he slowly turned to face you. "Of course I can! But since someone," He crossed his arms and you can feel him roll his eyes. "Yelled at me for making holes around here when I first arrived, I figured you'd frown on any chaos I'd cause." You hum softly in good humor, resuming to walk around camp once more. "That someone, agrees with you." You snicker softly as Leshy legs out another exaggerated groan.

For a while, the two of you just walk around camp in silence. Until you remember you questions that needed answers. "Hey, Leshy?" The worm looked in your general direction, humming in response. "If you don't mind me askin'...why'd Narinder take you eye? Don't give me shit about 'I deserved it'." You make air quoted as you roll your eyes. "He specifically chose your eye, just like he did with Heket's throat, Kallamar's ears, and Shamura's brain. So, spill."

A sigh left the bishop and he slouched as he walked once again. "Eyes." He corrected you and you give him a quizzical look. "What?" One of his hands move up to his bandage, his thumb slipping under it before hesitating. He then decided to just motion towards it instead of doing whatever he previously thought. "Eyes, not eye. He took my sight. Wait- did you just think I had one eye??" Your lips straighten into a line and you advert your gaze nervously. "I uh- yeah?? Do you have two??" A scoff left Leshy, soon turning into his usual mischievous snicker. "I have six, five are on my face." You cock you head to one side as you eye him. "Then... where's the sixth one?"

The sinister grin he held grew wider, stretching across his face and sending a shiver down your spine. The snicker he let out grew darker, more... eerie as that same bug-like chitter became more evident. You regret asking that. Shrinking away from the worm, you flatten your ears. "Actually- I don't want to know-" He inches closer to you, smile parting some. "Are you sure? I won't bite." The tone shifted down to a more, well, chaotic one. A tone that made you want to flee right then and there. Surely he was going to rip your throat out this time. But to be fair...you were fairly curious. Did you really want to risk it, though?

Holding a hand up in polite decline, you shake your head sending your bell ringing. "Maybe another time. You're not escapin' my question that easily." Leshy immediately stepped a comfortable distance away, crossing his arms and clicking his tongue. "Tch, you're no fun." Flicking your ears up you snicker softly, nudging him playfully. "Come on, I won't stop buggin' you until I get an answer. Why'd Narinder take your eyes?" You put emphasis on 'eyes', correcting your previous question.

The silence that settled over the two of you was cold and somber. The shift in the worm's attitude went from playful and chaotic to... regretful and resentful. "...because for years I watched him suffer. He suffered long at the hands of Shamura, far before he decided to break away. We all did, but Narinder? They were...brutal after receiving that prophecy. We-..I watched and did nothing. I saw the pain he was in, the suffering he received, yet turned a blind eye. He pleaded and I did nothing, we did nothing. All those years, all that pain and suffering, and we were all to scared to do anything. Shamura changed and they-...they became something they once were not. All the cries of help I saw, the tears Narinder shed, the blood they spilled-" He paused and takes a breath and you realize that...tears are falling from beneath his blindfold. He brings a hand up, covering his face loosely. "I saw it all and I turned away, acted as if I saw nothing. Acted as if my brother, no matter that he was older, didn't need my help. I never told a soul what I saw. And when I did it was far too late." The bishop's hands, all four of them, come up to hug himself as his body quivered. Guilt began to settle on your heart. "So, yeah-" He turned facing you with anger, not at you but himself. "I don't blame him for what he does, for- for the attacks I receive. I deserve them." An orange hand makes a singular motion forwards as he speaks, only to return to hugging himself when he finished. His gaze settled on the ground as the two of you came to a halt.

The whole time you were under Narinder's reign, never once did you think to ask what happened. Sure, he said his siblings were traitors, that they deserved a fate far worse than death, and yeah he was right based off what you just heard, but also the didn't deserve that at all.

If the others felt any way like Leshy did, then they didn't deserve this anger and hatred. Clearly they understood what they did wrong- well, at least Leshy did. Narinder couldn't punish him worse than he did himself. With a heavy heart, you place a hand on the bishop's shoulder softly. "Hey.." The sight shocked you. You'd never expected someone like Leshy to open up the way he did. It left a weird taste in your mouth and left you feeling rather...guilty for asking the question. You could almost feel his pain, almost. You never experienced or did what the worm went through, but you could imagine all that pain. "It's alright, it's... It's in the past, Lesh. I'm sure if you and Narinder talked about it then you two could-" Your hand in swatted away with frustration.

"Alright? How could it be alright? If you haven't noticed, we're far from 'talking' about this." As he steps closer you take a step back, his hands coming up to make air quotations while the others angrily made motions as he spoke. "Why would I try to talk my way out of something I deserve? You couldn't even understand a fraction of it all!" You fall silent, taking more steps back before you hit the back wall of the temple. Leshy's teeth are barred at you and that same fear began creeping back. Holding you hands up, you flick your ears down in surrender. "Leshy that's not what- I'm sorry I just- Leshy, wait!" You're on the end of a rather nasty growl, one that shook your bones from the ferocity of it, and even flinch because you think he's going to jump you then and there.

However, the old god spins around and storms off in the direction of his cabin. You're left feeling even worse as you drag yourself into your room in the temple. Clearly you weren't wanted over tonight.

You lay in your bed, willing sleep to take over, but it doesn't come. So you spend the night laying on your back staring at the ceiling while fidgeting with your hands. All you could think about was how bad you felt, which made you feel worse because you knew Leshy felt even worse. Then that just made you feel terrible. You were stuck in an endless pit of despair and pity, then anger. It wasn't like you could just go do something either. The wounds you sustained were still too bad to go on a crusade and Leio had done an exceptional job of filling in for you while you were away. There was nothing to take your mind off of things.

Well, there was one thing. Getting out of bed you sit at your desk. The one thing you could do was correct the stories and poems you had written, not only about Leshy's apparent six eyes, but Shamura using they/them. If you were going to keep history then it needed to be correct.

Chapter 6: Crusades and Conversations

Summary:

Lambert is forced to gather more supplies as half the villages stock goes bad, under suspicions of a certain cat. With winter coming they purchase supplies from the local merchants on the beach, but also force a worm to go on a crusade with them.

Notes:

UHMM this chapter is very long. I could've made it 2 parts but I'm lazy, so enjoy a really long chapter!

Just as you finished rewriting the last of your stories and poems, then sun barely begins to peak above the horizon. While staring out your window you let out a groggy sigh. There was nothing left for you to do while the sun woke up and you still weren't tired. You slouch in your chair and stare at the parchment and quill on your desk. The longer you stared, the louder last night's conversation got. In defeat, you grab your fleece and throw it on to leave. Early or not, you could get started on harvesting any crops or attending to them. That was better than wallowing in your own depression and regret.

Just as you expected, no one was up. Well, almost no one. Canni, the strange purple feline was up and about at these odd hours. Her and the shadow of death lurking in the trees. As much as your frustration for the black cat was tempting, it was better to just ignore him unless he started something. Or if Canni decided to toy with death. Dear you, you hoped she wouldn't.

To your surprise she spent the morning in calm silence helping you with the crops and farm plots. She wasn't one for talking much but you could tell she knew something was wrong with you. The only person she really spoke to was her girlfriend, Kiyoshi. You were still waiting on when they decided to marry. While lost in thought you don't even realize when the purple feline leaves, then returns and stands in front of you. Only when she clears her throat do you look up from watering a pumpkin.

She looks to you and then away, ears going flat as she held a bowl out to you. "Here." You stand up and dust your hands off before accepting the bowl. She made you breakfast. "Oh..!" Flicking your ears up you offer her a half real smile. "Thanks, Canni." She crossed her arms, rolling her eyes as she kept her dark blue and pink gaze off you. "Shut up. Go take a break, you've been working all morning." Black eyes scan around and you notice the sun is well in the sky as followers begin to hustle around doing their jobs. "Wow, really?" You look back to her and only receive a nod.

Deciding to take her advise, seeing as it's the first time she's made you food and suggest you take a break, you find a quaint place under a tree near the fountain. You never really ate food but recently you began to crave it once more. Honestly, you didn't quite miss having the at. At the same time, though, you did miss enjoying food.

A white kit dragging a familiar orange worm passed by you. Telly stopped and gave you an excited wave and 'Good morning!' You can't help but smile and return the favor. However, your mood immediately dampens when you look to Leshy. He didn't even bare his teeth at you, he didn't growl, hiss, or insult you. He just quietly looked away and ignored you. For some reason you would've much preferred a hiss, even an insult, just something, as long as it wasn't his quiet anger. This would be the second time he chose to ignore your presence and you weren't a fan of it.

You didn't know why it upset you so much. It shouldn't bug you as much as it did. Eventually, just like everyone, he'd get over it and talk to you again.

But you wanted him to forgive you now.

You wanted him to talk to you again, now.

Suddenly you weren't as hungry as you once were.

Standing up with a tired huff, you make your way to dispose of the food responsibly and to clean the bowl.

After that, you spend the rest of the day avoiding Leshy as much as you can and keeping yourself busy with a smuch work that was available.

The only time you stop is when you're helping Titan in the smithing shop. He was currently making a lock for Leshy. While the task revolved around the worm, it was better than doing nothing. A small, white cat darted past your view before rushing back and staring at you excitedly. "Oh, there you are! I was wondering if you would play with me?" A smile graces your face and you chuckle softly. There were plenty of children in the village, surely you weren't the only person that could entertain him. "Sorry bud, I've got work here with Titan." The golden canine turned around perking his ears while holding a polite smile. "Actually we're just about-" The feline was quick to cut him off. "Aw, shoot! Well, that's okay!" And just as quick as he came, he was gone. Weird, he didn't even seem upset. You were beginning to wonder if Telly really had wanted you to play with him, or if he was trying to figure out something. You weren't sure what that something was, but you had a feeling he was trying to uncover it.

 

The bishop sat underneath a tree just near the villages edge, within the fence. The children were all currently playing some game a few feet away from in in the clearing, the only one missing was the small white cat. "Are you okay da- Leshy?" Telly spoke up from next to him. Usually he would've jumped, startled, but he knew the child had run off not too long ago and would return shortly. Telly had announced loudly that he'd be back. Spinning the blade of grass in his claws, he flicked it away and turned facing the kit. "What do you mean?" The feline swung his arms before sitting next to the bishop. "Well, you just seem...sad? Or angry? You seem upset and..I'm a little worried." Leshy, knees already pulled to his chest, rest an elbow on one and cupped his face with furrowed brows. "It's not your job to worry about me. Besides, I'm more..confused than angry and upset." Dark brown ears perk up excitedly and the cat sprung back to his paws. "Oh! Why don't you talk to the lamb? I just saw them so I can go get-"

The bishop reached out, gently grasping the arm of the white cat and stopping him from leaving in a panic. "No!" While without sight, he could feel the confusion from the child. "I just-" Letting Telly go he sighed and rested his cheek back in his hand, flicking his tail. "I.. don't want to talk to them. They're why I'm confused and angry." Telly brought a paw to his mouth as he thought for a moment. If Leshy didn't want to talk to the lamb, then who? Flicking his tail up he gasped as someone came to mind. "Oh! I know! Wait right here- Titan said he was almost done anyway!" The young cats voice trailed off and Leshy was left wondering just who Telly figured out to drag over.

When an overly chipper voice sounded out he groaned in exasperation. "There you are Lesh!" So far he had been avoiding Fenrir perfectly, but it was only a matter of time before he couldn't escape her. "Why, I've been searching for you everywhere! How are you today dear? Have you eaten?" The butterfly's voice grated against his brain in a way he wished he could just drop dead. Maybe if he ignored her she'd go away.

That didn't seem to work. Instead, it seemed Fenrir decided to sit next to him and continue chattering on about whatever came to mind. "..then I realized that color just didn't look good on me! So I ended up going with th- what are you doing?" The bishop was already halfway up a tree when she looked to him. At once she sprung up from her spot on the ground, wings fluttering slightly. "Oh, Lesh! Dear! Why don't you get down before you hurt yourself??"

The worm's claws sank deeper into the tree and he looked down towards her voice, hissing angrily. "Just because I'm blind doesn't mean I'm helpless." He growled to himself and clung to his spot in the tree. It seems he couldn't even escape her from here. The flutter of wings, while faint, sounded from next to him and that same, annoying voice started once more. "Lesh, hon, why don't we get down from here?" He could feel her irritating smile. With a growl, he moved a hand swatting away at the air in a frenzy. "I'm perfectly fine here! Just- go- away-!" His grip slipped. The next thing he knew he was face down in the dirt with pain radiating from his nose.

Several voices from the nearby children all asked if he was okay, but Fenrir's is what made him growl. "Oh my!! Are you okay dear?! Wait right here- I'll go get some medical supplies!" A defeated groan is all that left him. "I know, but this is important! Leshy is upset and he doesn't want to talk to the Lamb! I don't think I'd be able to help him so YOU have to talk to him, Titan!" Telly's frantic and pleading voice came into ear shot and he pried himself off the ground. After reassuring the children he was fine, there was a more mature voice from next to him.

"Wow- that looks bad. Are you okay?" The bishop politely waved the canine off, sitting up and using the sleeve of his shirt to lazily wipe the blood away from his nose with a sniff. "It's fine- more used to it than you'd think." Titan tilted his head to the side but didn't pry any more. Instead, he sat back next to the worm and watched as Telly happily joined the other children. "Telly says you're upset, he's worried." A gruff sigh left the worm. "He doesn't need too." Perked, yellow ears face the bishop as the canine leaned back against his hands. "Then talk to me, please? It'll reassure Telly and he won't worry anymore." Leshy furrowed his brow, glaring at the canine with a touch of playfulness, pointing to him with one claw. "That's low, especially for you." All he heard was a chuckle from the dog.

Rolling his eyes he slouched, one elbow on his thigh as he sat crisscrossed, resting his chin in his hand. "I'm just..confused. Sure, I'm angry and upset, but I don't want to be. The-" He trailed off, glancing in Titan's direction and then away. "This...person, is the first one to ask me anything.. personal." He rotated his hand in a circular motion as he attempted to keep some secrecy. "They..listened to me and they didn't interrupt me. Then they told me it wasn't my fault and that..I didn't..ugh this is stupid." The bishop growled and fell backwards softly, laying on the ground. Titan simply chuckled softly and laid back with the worm. "It sounds like you've never really had someone listen to you and understand where you're coming from." He only received an incoherent murmur from Leshy. "It sounds like you're upset because you don't want them to understand you, almost like you.. don't deserve it. Am I right?"

The bishop sat up, propping himself up on his elbows as he eyed the dog's direction, face twisted in confusion. Titan sat up, mimicking Leshy's pose and held a kind smile. "You've...never had friends before, have you?" He watched as the worm turned away and furrowed his eyebrows. "By that I take it you've never really talked to anyone about how you feel and about your past at all. It's okay to be upset with them and even confused. Not everyone knows how they feel all the time-"

 

"Really?" The worm's response was quick and curious.

 

The golden canine gave a vigorous nod. "Well, yeah! They feel all kinds of things at once and that's okay. Just go back and talk to them." The face of uneasy and slight disgust from Leshy drew a snicker from the dog. "You're a strange person, you know that? I'm not sure what kind of village the Lamb saved you from, but you...you have a lot to learn about people. You're okay here." The bishop scoffed, rolling his head to the opposite direction of Titan. "I'm weird? At least I don't chase a stick when it's thrown." For emphasis, Leshy picked up a twig and tossed it past the dog. Titan immediately followed it with his eyes, then gasped and playfully nudged the worm. "Hey!" A mischievous snicker left the worm and he couldn't help but chuckle along. "Anyway, this 'person', sounds like they care about you and just want to help. I have to get back to work now, you take care, Leshy."

Once the golden retriever left, Telly was quick to run up to him. The kit tripped over his feet and face planted in front of the worm. Leshy raised his eyebrows, eyeing the spot where the sound came from. "I'm okay!" Once those words left the cat's mouth, he immediately snickered and pointed at him. Telly moved nudging the god playfully. "Well you seem to be feeling better! ...are you?" The worm snickered more and moved a hand, taking a moment before finding Telly's head, and immediately ruffled his fur. "Much better. Now, get over here!" The bishop sprung to his feet, four hands raised in a playful attack. Telly immediately fuzzed up, turned around, and scrambled away while laughing.

 

It was around mid afternoon now and you spent the whole day helping your followers wherever, with whatever you could. In all honesty, you were trying to avoid Leshy at all costs. There was a few times you attempted to talk to him, but either the children and Fenrir made you walk away, or just yourself. Sure, as much as you wanted to apologize to the bishop you just got neverous or worried, or something. So all in all you just outright avoided him. Once or twice you spotted Leshy approaching you, but he was either swooped up by the children or Fenrir.

The more you saw that butterfly, the less you liked her. She just got on your nerves. She was always hovering around Leshy, always talking to him, and always... Why did she bother you so much?

Your thoughts were interrupted when a familiar raccoon spoke up. "Excuse me, Lamb?" Shaking your head to clear your thoughts, you look to him with a well practiced smile. "Yes, Johnathan?" He switches between handing out bowls of food, to tossing more ingredients into the large pot. "Some of the followers were wondering, since it's been awhile and all- Enjoy your meal! Sorry, they were wondering if maybe we could have some sort of event or celebration?" He pauses in his question to participate a handshake from a fox. "How ya doin' Luke?" Once handing him a bowl, he turns back to you and clasps his hands together. "What do you say?" You tiredly stir the pot and perk your ears up. "What do they have in mind?" Johnathan perks up excitedly as you take interest. "Well, some of them wanted a feast. But! The brewery you built hasn't been used except for after you built it, so some of them were thinking about that?"

Your smile thins slightly at the mention of the brewery. Last time it was used you spent the whole night breaking up fights and cleaning, the aftermath still needed to be cleaned well into the day as well. Closing your eyes you sigh softly and tilt your head to the side slightly. "We can open the brewery tonight." The raccoon's eyes immediately lit up and he showered you in thanks. While you weren't excited about the cleanup after tonight, it would do good for a little enjoyment.

 

Just as dark began to set, you were busy setting up small decorations and making sure everything was ready for tonight's event. Once it started you took a quick break in your temple room. Usually you weren't too big on this particular event, but there was only so much Leio could handle. Especially when followers were drunk. Lugging yourself out of your bed, you drag yourself down to the brewery. As you expected, it was full of followers and just as loud as anyone would think. But everyone seemed to be having a good time. Even Canni was conversing and having fun with other followers, albeit with a very loud and drunk Kiyoshi on her arm. The pure warmth radiating from everyone lightened your mood. The yellow lights strung up added to that warmth, but that didn't matter because your flock was your warmth.

Maybe you'd even get yourself a drink. This time around you'd have to be careful though. When you first held this event the alcohol didn't really have an effect on you due to your powers. But since they seemed to be...weaker, there was every possibility that it would have an effect this time around. The last thing you wanted to do was get wasted and do something the flock would deem unworthy of you.

When you sit down at the counter you contemplate on skipping the drinks all together before a familiar voice speaks up. "What's your poison?" Looking up from the wood of the counter, you find none other than Leshy. On top of that, he was adorned with the usual outfit for bartenders. He looked...like a responsible follower. It was strange, but not terrible. You can't help the snicker that escapes your mouth and quickly cover it. The bishop raised his eyebrows before furrowing them realizing who you were. "Shut up and order." Quickly you wave a hand dismissively, still snickering softly. "Sorry! Sorry, I just- you look good. You look like a responsible adult." He gave you an annoyed groan and sneer, pouring a drink way easier than you expected and sliding it to the person with just as much ease.

"You know, sometimes I want to punch you in the face." He frowned at you as he quoted your words from yesterday. Folding your arms over the counter, you raise your eyebrows in amusement. "What's stoppin' you?" This earns you a frustrated groan from the worm. "Either order, or leave my bar." He flings the rag over his shoulder with one hand, then proceeded to cross all four arms. Tilting your head quizzically at the god, your smile only widens. "How'd you end up doin' this anyway? And how'd you get so good at it?" His patience wears thin as you prod at him. "Ugh, I hate you. The..brewery was brought up one day and there wasn't very many people who knew how to work it. Those that did know, were few and worried that if it opened they may not be able to work. So.." He sighed dramatically, folding his main arms over the counter and leaning towards you. "Titan suggested I try and, I don't know, do something around here. I asked Leio about this and he made sure someone taught me. I also.." The bishop's face twisted into a grimace as he lowered his voice, leaning in a bit closer so only you could hear him. "Had plenty of practice. You were gone for weeks, I needed to do something until you waltz back here the way you-"

He then stopped, leaned back, and raised his eyebrows tauntingly as his usual chaotic smile returned. "Wait, you think I look good?" Your ears perk up, then angle backwards as you hold a smug smile. "No, I was lying. You look terrible. Like a villain." An offended, dramatic, gasp leaves the worm and he sets a glass cup down in front of you. "For your information, that's a compliment considering my...background." His tone is jokeful yet there's a subtle pain to it and you're immediately left feeling bad again. "Here." He nudges the cup towards you and you furrow an eyebrow looking from it, up to him. "What is it?" His chaotic smile returns and you grow a little more weary of the drink. "Your poison." Judging from your tone, he snickers and turns around, speaking to you over his shoulder. "Relax, you'll like it."

Cautiously, you grab the glass and look back to the worm. "But I didn't order-" He waves you off, making a drink for another follower. "You didn't have too." Was he really that good of a bartender? Only one way to test it. Raising the glass, you take a small sip just to be safe. Surely enough, it's exactly what you would have ordered. With a soft hum of impression, you take a bigger drink. You would've downed it if Telly hadn't sat next to you, white paws resting on the counter as he waited for Leshy. "Hi Lamb!" You set your glass down and perk your ears up. "What are you-?"

He interrupts you when Leshy approaches.

"Hi Leshy!"

"Gh-! What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to ask you a question!"

"No."

"But you didn't hear what I have to-"

"It's still no. Go home."

"But-"

"You're too young to be here."

Telly flicked his ears back, determination and frustration evident as he crossed his arms. "Would you please listen?" The bishop, turning back from serving another follower, crossed his arms. "Fine, but walk and talk, buster." The kit let out an exaggerated groan, clearly Leshy's dramatics were rubbing off on him, and hopped off the stool beginning to walk away. "I was wondering if I could go to Raelyn's house tonight?" His voice got louder as he got farther away. At the question, Leshy leans past you staring in the cat's direction. "What? No! Go home!" An orange hand swung forwards and pointed in the direction of their shared cabin. A loud groan escaped the kit and a chuckle sounds from next to you. "Oh come on Leshy. Raelyn's parents are nice, he'll be fine." You look from Leio, to Telly when the tabby cups his mouth with his paws. "Yeah!! Come on, Dad! They're nice I'll be fine!" The worm looked to Leio with a small scowl. "I don't care, I don't know the- What did you say?!" He whips his head back to face the child, who's fur stands on end nervously. His voice twangs into an innocent plea. "Nothing..?" His pale blue eyes were wide, pupils large and catching the light just right to give him that puppy expression.

The fact that Telly called the worm 'Dad' not only warmed your heart, but several other followers all collectively let out an, 'Aww'. This left the orange worm looking around the vicinity from their collective voices, back to Telly as he stuttered. You could've sworn there was a darker hue of orange covering his cheeks in embarrassment. "But I- Well-" The bishop let out a groan, face palming and then pointing to the cat, who held wide, pleading puppy-eyes. It seemed even if Leshy couldn't see it still worked. "Fine! But you'd better check in tomorrow!" You snicker as the crowd cheers, Leshy shouting at them to shut up, and quietly sip the rest of your drink. The small cat let out his own cheer, shouted a thank you, and then scampered off.

Setting your glass down, you look coyly at the bishop with one eyebrow raised. "So, 'Dad', huh?" He slowly turns to face you, usual smile nothing but an unspoken threat as he glared. He then mockingly folded his arms behind his back, "You know what?" The bishop leaned in closer, whispering with spite. "I spit in your drink." Abruptly, he turned away and marched off to make another drink. Your mouth goes ajar and you desperately look from your glass to the worm. "Wait- what?!"

Safe to say you didn't get another drink the rest of that night.

For the most part the rest of the night went smoothly, the only issue that came up was when some poor soul decided to hit on Kiyoshi.

Canni was not happy.

That follower ended up with minor wounds, but it took ages pulling the purple feline off them.

When everyone left, or passed out, you were left staring at a mess you didn't have the energy to clean.

While looking around and walking back towards the temple, you stop when you spot a certain worm making his way home. You couldn't avoid him forever. Besides, tonight went well. Sort of. It takes you a moment to catch up to Leshy and pain shoots through your side, but you catch him just as he reaches his cabin. "Hey, Leshy!" The bishop, who was staring off to the side, perked up when you approached. He turned around and leaned against his door with crossed arms. "What do you want?" While his voice was drenched with playful dread, his face holds a very faint smile, still chaotic in nature. His once neat bowtie was untied and loosely draped over his shoulders, collared shirt unbuttoned and halfway untucked from his pants. "Wow, you look rough." You cross you arms retorting back in a teasing tone.

He placed a hand on his chest, feigning offense. "So you come to insult me? Wow, I feel special." A snicker escaped you as you shake your head. "Well, you're the only one I insult." Suddenly your mind wanders back to your drink and your smile thins, ears angling backwards. "Did you...really spit in my drink?" The worm's smile widens as he leaned forwards some, then rests back against the door. "Hah! No. I don't need powerful tricks to cause some chaos. A well placed lie works just as good." A sigh of relief left your chest and you playfully glare at the bishop, pointing to him with a laugh. "Haha, very funny." He uncrossed his arms and pushed off the door, standing up straight and leaned fowards taking a bow. "Thanks, I try." He leans back against the door, giving you a small shrug.

Your smile grows more and you shake your head some. "Anyway, listen I-" He looks away from the side of his house back to you, interrupting you. "Do you want to sleep with me?" The sentence you were forming is gone and you raise your eyebrows. "E-Excuse me?" Immediately the bishop furrowed his brow, raising one as he stood up straight. "What? Why do you sound like that?" Your ears flatten and you move, pulling at the collar of your fleece while looking away. "Do..you mean stay the night??" Leshy stares at you for a moment before tilting his head to the side. "That's what I said." Both your hands fall to your sides, smile thin and awkward as you stare back. "No- you said somethin' completely different-" He waves one hand at you while the others stay crossed. "Mh, they mean the same thing."

A deep inhale fills your chest and as you exhale you bring both hands up. "Actually they don't- Are you drunk?" When you squint you can just make out the dark orange hue dusting the bishop's cheeks. Could Gods get drunk? You couldn't when you had your power. Then again, you weren't much of a drinker. He falls silent, all arms crossed, then rotates his head in a circle before staring in your general direction. "No-? Maybe. I've never-" He trails off before snapping his claws and pointing at you with that conniving smile again. "Yes." You furrow your eyebrows together, smile stretched far too thin, then shake your head. "Nevermind-" Suddenly the worm takes a step forwards towards you. "Shut up-" Crossing your arms you glare slightly at him. "But I was-"

His hands come down grabbing your shoulders, "Just shut-!" Then he lets you go. His hands hover over your shoulders before he points them at you. "Up. I just-" You watch as he exhaled sharply. Whatever he was trying to say seemed to be hard for him. Leshy took a step back, turned to the side, and pinched where the bridge of his nose would be if it weren't covered in fur and a blindfold. "Ffffphhew..okay." He turned around, one arm on his hip as the others fell to his sides. "I want..to say.." Once again he's struggling to get his words out. "Are you okay?" His hands come up about halfway, palms facing upwards as his brow furrowed. "I'm trying!" You can't help but snicker slightly at him. "I'm...sorry. Okay? About last night. I didn't- I was- Ugh." His arms fall to his sides once more as he slouched, face angling downwards to gaze at the ground. "Never had anyone to talk to. Nor were they ever...you know." Orange face turns to face you again, one hand making a circular motion.

Your smile returns and you sigh softly. "Wow, Lesh. I wasn't expectin' that. But-" Standing up straighter, you flick your ears forwards. "I'm sorry, too. I shouldn't have pryed like that into your past. I'm glad you told me, though. I'm happy you trusted me enough to open up like that. Truce?" You hold your arms out for a hug, he stares blankly at you. "What?" He couldn't see, but he definitely heard your movements. "I'm offering you a hug." Immediately he stood up straight, face twisting into a disgusted sneer as two hands come across each other in defense. "Don't push your luck, Lamb." You snicker, rolling your eyes and cross your arms as he turns to open the door. "Alright, alright." The sound of the door handle falls silent and the bishop thunks his forehead softly against the door, shoulders slouching.

"What?" You ask with slight concern but mostly confusion. A groan left the worm and he looks over his shoulder to you. "The door is locked... I gave Telly the key." The defeated expression would've made you snicker but you refrain from doing so and instead offer up a shrug. "That's fine! I still have that room in the temple. You can stay there and I can- whh!" Suddenly Leshy's hands gently clasp your shoulders and he shakes you. "The window!" When he stops shaking you, you give him a look of pure bewilderment. "..what about it?" He holds an excited smile, tone triumphant. "I have WINDOWS!" He shakes you again before taking off in a run around his house.

You swiftly jog after him and just catch him vaulting over the fence to his garden, only to trip and face plant onto the ground. It doesn't take him long to spring to his feet, spitting out the bits of grass and dirt from his mouth. "Earlier when I was out here- HA!" He turns to face your direction but completely faces the opposite direction while motioning to the halfway open window with all four arms. "Tada!" Carefully walking through the gate, you close it and cross your arms while standing behind the bishop. Looking to the window you narrow your eyes playfully. "Yeah, it's a window. What about it?" He lets out a startled chitter, stumbling forwards and nearly falling over before catching himself.

Then he turns around and faces you, pointing at you with his usual chaotic smile. "So, this." Once those words left his mouth he darted to the window and dived through it. He would've made it all the way through if it weren't for his tail. Now, he's only halfway through it and slinging curses like a sailor. "Oh shit--! Fucking- hhph!" You just watch as he continues to try and squeeze through the window.

After about a few more seconds, you walk over and use both hands, pushing the window up and then stand back with your arms crossed. "Better?" Leshy tumbles through to the ground, then springs up and turns to the window with a glare. "Shut up." He stalks off and as you make your way back to the front door, you hear several things either being knocked over, or broken. You weren't sure. It only takes a few moments of waiting at the door before it's swung open. Somehow throughout his trek through his cabin, he only looked more like a mess. His bowtie was lost into the unknown, his shirt was fully untucked, and a few buttons were missing from his vest. "How did you-?" He steps aside inviting you in. "Either come in or leave. I'm not standing here all night."

A playful scoff leaves you and as you step inside you quietly mock the worm. It didn't take long for you to meet the ground. If you hadn't thrown your hands out then you would've smashed your face. The door closes and you look over your shoulder to that evil grin occupying his face. He simply snickers as he walks around you. When you're back on your hooves, you dust your hands off and decide to flip the bishop off.

You don't know how he knew, but he whips his head around and meets you with a glare. "Rude." Your mouth hangs open as your hand falls to your side. "How did you-" Once again, that same scheming smile. "Guessed. Anyways-" He motions towards his bed with one hand. "The bed is yours." You look from the bed back to Leshy and shake your head slightly. "Lesh, that's your bed I'm not-" He motions towards a couch not too far away, against the wall opposite from the door. "I have- uh..this. I can't remember the name. The wood..smith? Person. Wood person made it for me today and--" You watch as he explains with his hands, tapping above his mouth, motioning to the couch, and then let his arms fall to his sides. "You mean Carpenter?" When he points at you, the force nearly makes him fall forwards but he just stumbles. "Yes! That! They made this. So I don't have to sleep on the floor."

Before you could object, he flings himself on to the couch in one of the most uncomfortable looking positions you could think of. His feet rest over the arm closest to you, chin on the opposite arm, left arms glued to his sides, while his right ones limply dangle off the side. For a moment you just stare at him before deciding to settle into his bed.

"Goodnight, Leshy."

Within the darkness you can see one arm come up lazily waving and hear a mumbled out "Ghniht."

 

That morning you spent cleaning up the aftermath of last night. Some of your followers even had the balls to ask if you could open the brewery again. It was an easy no. However, you did settle on a feast to please those who didn't get to attend for whatever reasons. It was barely the afternoon when Telly approached you, chipper and bright. "Heya, Lamb!" You meet his gaze happily and offer up a welcoming smile. "Howdy! What are you up to?" The tabby swung his arms innocently as you set down the large bucket of water. "Well, Dad is still asleep when I went to check in. I was wondering whenever he wakes up, if you'd tell him for me?" A light chuckle escaped you and you hoist the bucket up with both arms. "Well, let's go wake him together." Telly gave you an excited nod before leading you to the bishops cabin.

Sure enough the worm was still deep asleep, lounging on the couch in yet another uncomfortable position. He was laying on his back, somehow flipped around so his head was on the arm rest his feet used to be and his feet on the other arm rest. His left main arm was lazily draped over his face, covering his eyes while his right one was hanging off the couch. His third pair of arms were neatly folded over his stomach. Meanwhile, the worm's left leg was hoisted up over the back of the couch, right leg outstretched off and onto the ground. Carefully you set the bucket down, along with the rags, towels, clothes, and soap you brought. It was bath day.

Telly quietly peered at his father before looking back up to you, pointing to him with both hands. "See? He's out cold!" The kit spoke in a hushed whisper. He had spent the last five minutes trying to wake the bishop up in every way possible he thought. Crossing your arms you hum in thought, watching as Leshy moved his left arm so it hung over and off the arm of the couch. Perking your ears you smile some. "I wonder.." You mutter softly and inch closer. You never had seen his eyes before. While you slowly move your hands closer to the blind fold, you concentrate on the God's face, scanning for any signs of him waking up.

So far you see nothing, other than the bright pink scars that stretched out above and below from underneath his blindfold. They were nasty, large, and not as noticeable when his fur was orange. Actually, speaking of his fur, it was a lighter color of orange. Paler, even. Almost like it was fading to another color. That made sense since the colder months of winter were beginning to draw closer and closer. Just as your fingers softly grasp the blindfold, Leshy's third right arm shot up grabbing your wrist. His mouth was formed into a frown and he slowly turned looking in your direction. "What do you think you're doing?" His voice was deeper, groggy and hoarse with sleep, slightly scratchy.

You jump slightly and go rigid. Grey ears flick down as your eyes go wide. "Uh- nothin'!" There's a subtle growl from the worm but he lets you go and you immediately back up as he sits upright. Telly immediately tackled him and a sharp exhale left him. "Good morning, Dad!" Leshy held the cat up from underneath his arms, faint smile evident. "How was last night?" The tabby is set down on the floor and the bishop leans forwards, third pair of elbows resting on his thighs as his main arms hang loosely. "It was fun!! Me, Raelyn, and Alphontse talked and played games, we even told some stories! But don't worry, his parents made sure we went to bed early." A soft hum left Leshy as he nonchalantly scratched at his chest. "Good." The small cat then turned, looked down to the items you brought, then back up to you. "What's all that for??" Looking to the child you look to the supplies. "Oh, it's for you two. It's bath day."

Immediately Telly's pupils go into thin lines, fur standing on end. He slowly turned facing Leshy before darting off in a hurry. The bishop let out a long sigh, stood up, then turned to you. "Wow, thanks." He spoke in a dull and sarcastic tone. Had you done something wrong? "Uhh.." You hold a finger up but decide to say nothing else as Leshy stalked off after the cat. He stumbled over some of the fallen items from last night, but eventually he enters the cat's room.

Then you hear a gasp. "TELLY- Get back here!!"

A hiss that turned into a growl. "No!! You can't make me! I don't want a bath- they're YUCKY!"

There's a commotion from within the room, objects falling over. "Well YOU'RE yucky, you need a bath!"

Telly darts past you, fur still on end and blue eyes wide and wild. Leshy comes skirting around the corner, grabbing the door frame to keep himself from falling over. "Get back here mister!" You have to jump out of the way to avoid Leshy and end up falling on the couch. Suddenly the bishop stands still, arms poised to grab the cat, looking around with confused concentration. Telly doesn't make a sound and for a moment you think he escaped.

Until you look up and spot the child clinging to the curtains above the ground.

The bishop is quiet as he tries to listen and for a moment it seems he gives up.

Then Telly sneezes.

Immediately Leshy's face whips to where the sneeze is and he seems confused, for all he could remember there was a ceiling there. Then it clicked and he gasped. "Are you on the curtains?!" He walks closer, standing in front of the couch and you, all four hands on his hips as he sternly stares at the tabby. "No!! I don't want to! Dad, that water is gross! I hate it!" The child is desperate, trying to climb higher but stuck due to the roof. You look up and then back to Leshy as he points to the ground. "Get down here, young man." Another hiss from Telly and another gasp from the worm. "Don't you use that language!!"

The bishop reached up towards Telly, you desperately scoot over to avoid being stepped on as he used the couch, and Telly decides to jump.

There's a moment where you see the two free fall and you expect the worse.

Yet only Leshy ends up, back against the floor, holding a desperately wiggling Telly up in the air.

The bishop is quick to stand up, hissing softly as the child's small sharp claws nick his arms. "Telly I have to take a bath too! We're suffering together, calm down!" The cat lets out one last growl before Leshy is finally able to grab him by the scruff. His dark brown tail immediately curls, ears flatten, and he hangs limply in his father's grasp. A sigh of relief leaves the worm and you blink a few times, stand up, and slowly inch towards the door. "The bucket is in front of you along with the was rags, towels, extra clothes, and soap. Okay, good luck, bye!!" You take the moment of peace to quickly scamper out of the house and close the door with a sigh.

The whole ordeal was hilarious to watch, but from the looks of it this wasn't the first time Telly had thrown a fit about taking a bath. You calm yourself and then head back into the village to finish delivering the last few people their bathing supplies. There were only a few houses left. You save the worst for last.

 

With a deep sigh, you set the giant bucket and supplies down neatly in front of the door. Then you softly knock. A moment passed by, then another, and then another. So you decide to knock again but just as you do the door swings open. Through the crack of darkness you make out three red eyes peering down at you. The foul stench that came through was so vile it made you gag and that rarely happened. With a cough, you reer back slightly and wave a hand in front of your face. "Go away." You roll your eyes and point down to the bath supplies. "I brought you bath stuff. Though, maybe you should use it to clean your house. I don't think it's been this bad in awhile." A growl leaves the black cats throat. "More insults? You're a fool." The door opens more and Narinder leans forwards, sneer revealing pointed teeth.

With a groan you cross your arms. "That's not what I meant- hey what happened to your fooooohh my God.." Looking down to the discarded bowl of fish, reveals black and green rotten flesh, white maggots wiggling inside and covering the fish. It definitely wasn't like that when you first gave it to him. "Again??" Looking back up to the god of death gives you just enough time to avoid his claws. Shooting him a glare you sigh. "Look, either clean your house or yourself. I'll clean this up for you." You take a step back and, reluctantly, clean up the decayed mess of fish, discarding it responsibily away from the village.

 

When you return back to Leshy's cabin to retrieve the bathing supplies, you give a knock on the door. There's no answer but you find what you're looking for on the ground next to it as a voice calls out. "In the back." Deciding to take a break on retrieving items, you make your way to the back and find the father and son in their garden. Your face lights up immediately. After you had cleaned up all the mess from the brewery, you stopped at Kiyoshi's to shear your wool. While you normally wouldn't do it this close to winter, you realized both Leshy and Telly didn't exactly have winter clothes like the other followers. Somehow, and you're not quite sure, but somehow when you made sure all the newest followers had appropriate clothes for the seasons, you forgot about these two. So you used your wool and had Kiyoshi make the two sweaters.

Now you stand, staring at the two in matching, thick dark purple, wool turtleneck sweaters. It was an adorable sight. Despite the cold wind, the two had their sleeves rolled up as they were attending to the plants, watering them and even planting new seeds and relocating some of the potted plants. "Oh- hi Lamb!" Telly pauses in digging a hole to wave at you excitedly. "We're planting new plants! Some that will live through winter, Dad says." Leshy's hands search the ground before coming up to rest on his knees. "Mmh, probably wasn't the best idea to start a garden around this time." The bishop grumbles to himself and you snicker. "Didn't you two just bathe?" Both of their furs go on end and they look from each other, up to you. Leshy is the first one to talk, waving you off with both of his right arms. "We'll wash our hands, don't worry. Why are you here? What do you want now?"

A playful scoff left your chest as you roll your eyes. "Wow, you always assume I want something. I just wanted to ask how the new sweaters fit?" Telly immediately brightens up, pupils wide with excitement. "They're amazing!! And they're so soft! I love the color of them!" The bishop let out a soft chuckle as he placed some seeds into the hole and covered it up, blind gaze falling on your general spot. "The material is..different." Furrowing your brow, you cock your head to the side some. "Is that good or bad?" Telly stands up, grabbing the watering can with both paws and carefully watering the freshly planted seeds. "Did you use your wool for these?" He speaks innocently but the look he gives you says something else, you're not sure what it says. Suddenly Leshy gives Telly a puzzled look. "That's stupid. This close to winter? Why would they do that?"

You give an awkward chuckle, rubbing the back of your neck as you advert your gaze. "Yeah- why would I do that?? No! Psh- I didn't use my wool for those!" The child sets the watering can down and crosses his arms, eyebrows raised and eyes narrowed. The smile he gave you was far to close to that chaotic one Leshy favored. "Oooohh, okay. If you say so!" There's a knowing and sarcastic tone to the child's voice and your ears flatten in embarrassment. His attention goes back to his father when he speaks. "Hands, please." The kit holds his hands out and Leshy moves feeling for them, before tipping the watering can over so he can wash the dirt from his paws.

Telly proceeded to do the same thing for the bishop, then squeaked at him. "Hey! Don't forget your other hands." The worm stopped form standing up, groaned dramatically, then held his third pair of hands outwards to wash the dirt from them. "There, happy?" The watering can was set down and Telly crossed his arms triumphantly. "Yep! Can I go play now?" Leshy stood up with a huff and crossed his arms. "Hmm...sure. Just don't get dirty, okay? Do you have the key?" A small key was thrusted into the air as a small 'mm-hm!' left the child. "Good, be back before dark." Just as Telly begins to scamper off you speak up. "Actually, I also came here to tell you guys we're having a feast tonight. Leio will be there so-"

As the bishop closed the gate he gave you a disgusted expression. "Pass." You raise your eyebrows curiously. "Pardon? Just last night you were-" He approached you with Telly by his side, intently listening to the two of you. "It's one thing to serve drinks. But to actually sit there and talk to people? No. You said Leio was going to be there?" You flick your ears forwards and nod softly. "Uh, yeah he and Alphontse will." The worm glanced down to Telly and fell silent for a moment, before giving him a playful nudge with one of his third arms. "Fine. Have Leio walk you back when you leave though, buster." Telly immediately jumped up, fist punching the air as he celebrated. "Yes! Thank you Dad! Loveyoubye!" He spoke the last words quick as he ran off into the village, key safely in his pocket. Leshy is left standing with his eyebrows raised and mouth slightly ajar. Then he moved looking to the ground and moved a hand to hide his wide, giddy smile. The soft sniff that escaped him is what really caught your attention, though.

Leaning forwards, you tilt your head to the side and look up at the bishop with a teasing smile and tone. "Are you cryin'??" Immediately his free hand finds your face and shoves you away. He's glaring as he adverts his gaze but his hand never moves from his mouth, muffling the, "Go fuck yourself" that he growled out. As you stumble backwards you snicker while regaining your balance. "Well, I have some errands to run around the village. I'm surprised you have a heart." You taunt the worm and quickly take your leave, scooping up the bath supplies as you go.

 

Mid afternoon Leio approaches you with a concerned look. So you usher him off to speak privately. "My Lamb? It seems that..some of our supplies has gone bad." The information leaves you surprised, eyebrows raised and grey ears perked. "Wuh- uh..how much of it?" The crow's expression worsens and leaves your stomach sinking. "Do we still have enough for the feast?" He gives you a solemn nod and you bring a hand up to your forehead as you sigh. "Okay well, I can make a run for supplies. I need to pick up wood anyways." His hands clasp in front himself, both index fingers pointing to you. "Then you'll be glad to know you won't need to get much. Some of the merchants from a few towns are here." Relief washes over you and you begin to relax. "Ooohkay. I'll stop by them before I leave." Suddenly the crow's eyes go wide, looking from you to something behind you as a yowl sounds out.

 

Leshy was currently in the village, somewhere near the fountain as one chatty butterfly approached him. "Leshy!! How are you? Oh. Your sweater is...pretty, I guess. Did the Lamb make that for you?" The distaste in her voice is high but he's far too annoyed to particularly care. The deep gravelly voice from behind him is what he tunes on.

"Blasted being... Winter won't be so cozy this time around. Death will be heavy at every doorstep. Soon it will be at yours.."

The grumbling from his brother usually would've sent chills down his spine, but for some reason this time around it just pissed him off. Reaching forwards he found the shoulder of the female follower, his voice flat and soft. "Fenrir, give me a rock." She stops on whatever story she was droning on about and he could feel the excited smile she held. "Oh, whatever for my dear?" His teeth gritted as he glared at her general direction, one of his third hands coming palm upwards. "Just give me a rock." When he felt the stone he clutched it and turned around. The grumbling had yet to cease. All he needed was to concentrate. "Come on.." He muttered to himself, eyes closed even though it did nothing. He summoned every ounce of concentration he had. Then, very faintly, those same blurry white outlines returned.

He wasn't sure how long they'd last so he was quick to scan around. Once he spotted the outline of the black feline, he passed the rock to one of his main hands, reared back, and then chucked the thing as hard as he could. The fleeting vision he was granted was gone but the soft grunt and growl that followed told him enough. Narinder turned around on his heel, thin tail lashing as he looked for whoever decided to throw a rock at him.

 

There stood that traitorous worm.

"You." He growled out with venom, hiss passing his lips as his ears flattened.

The bishop only glared back, mouth stretching into a threatening toothy grin. The smell of rot overwhelmed him and he was tackled to the ground.

There was a fleeting fight for power as he wrestled the claws away from his face. He was even able to roll over and pin the God of Death to the ground, land a blow with his fist before he was kicked off.

Now he was on the receiving end of blows to the face. His third pair of arms shot up and grabbed the wet wrists of Narinder, stopping his attack. Then his main hands grabbed the collar of his shirt, pulled him down, and head butted him as hard as he could.

The was a yowl of hatred and pain mixed together. Before he could sit up fully he was tackled once again. They rolled and he was once again getting pummeled to the ground.

Several followers, including that irritating butterfly, either gasped or cried out. The only voice that mattered was the Lamb's when it rang out.

"Are you two kidding me?? Stop it!"

While they were furious, the didn't yell.

During the fight, in the middle of you separating the two brothers, Narinder's elbow flung back and made harsh contact with your face. Stumbling backwards, you bring a hand to your nose and glance at it with a groan. Blood painted your fingers and you look back to the two. They're both paused, Narinder with one hand gripping the bishop's sweater, other hand rested back for a punch, and staring at you. Leshy has two hands holding the one Narinder had holding his sweater, other two ready to block a punch, also staring at you. Once the worm registered your groan, he flung forwards and bit down on the cats shoulder.

You hear a wet crunch and your eyes go wide. "Leshy!!" Your cry causes him to loosen his grip, Narinder hissing and growling in pain. Then as the bishop is pushed off, a horrid tearing sound ringing out, a black fist flies down and sends him flat on his back a few feet away.

You had enough of this. Opening your hand you will the crown and it flickers, morphing dangerously, until the gun forms. That's not what you wanted. You had actually been hoping for the axe, maybe even the sword. Definitely not the gun. Aiming it up you fire it off and the shot echos, Narinder stops right as he was about to launch himself at Leshy. His black fur spikes up and three red eyes stare at you wide. The bishop still lays on his back, blood and ichor decorating his mouth and slowly dripping from his nose, light orange fur spiked up just as startled. "Enough, you two!" The grip around the guns handle loosens and it falls, morphs, and goes right back to the crown on your head.

Narinder lashes his tail and you spot Canni and give her a nod. The black feline is on his feet and stalking off towards his cabin.

Leshy props himself up on his elbows, rolls his head to the side, and spits out a dark mixture of blood, ichor, and flesh. After so long without a fight between these two, why now? No doubt Narinder had something to do with the supplies spoiling, that was bad enough. Now this? You stand next to Leshy and glare down at him with crossed arms, fingers tapping your arm. The worm glances upwards towards you, more to the side, and let's his head fall to the side. "What?" Fenrir is on the opposite side, helping him to his feet as he refuses her help. "What? Seriously? That's all?" Irritation taints your tone as you follow Leshy as he stands.

The bishop stumbles as he gets to his feet, shaking his head as he attempted to regain his balance. That last hit landed on him was a heavy one. "How's your face?" Your throw your arms out in exasperation, eyebrows furrowed. "You're worried about me?? Leshy- you can't fight!" He points at you and wobbles. "Hah! Clearly I can-" A loud groan leaves you and you face palm, then point at him with one hand as the other rests on your hip. "That's not what I meant and you know it! Besides, you should see your face. Are you okay?" A light orange hand waves you off but you have to still him from staggering, waving Fenrir away as you begin to lead him to the med bay. "I'm fine- dizzy. But fine." You give him an eye roll and hold the curtain aside. "How can you be dizzy when you can't even see?"

When you get him sat down in a room you're quick to start cleaning him up. You're surprised to see his sweater doesn't have a single hole in it, nor does he have any serious wounds. "You'd be surprised." He mutters out and flinches away when you dab at the blood near his nose. "How's your side?" Discarding the dirtied cotton balls you scoff and look over your shoulder to the worm. "You just got your ass kicked and you're worried about me??" When you turn around you're slightly startled to find the bishop standing right behind you. One of his hands rests on your cheek, the other gently over your waist where old bloodied bandages are. "If it's fine then why do you still have bandages? You never answered my other question." For a moment you're silent, looking Leshy up and down quizzically.

Then you politely move his hands away from you and roll your eyes. "My face is fine. And my side is-" You speak as you unwrap the bandages then pause. The wound is completely healed up. A wound that serious shouldn't have healed that fast. Was it the fleece you were wearing? Or were your powers returning? "Well?" Looking back up to the worm, you toss your bandages away and sit him back down. "It's healed. I promise." You turn back around to grab a new cotton ball to continue cleaning up the bishop, but stop when someone barges in from the curtain.

"Dad!" Telly immediately runs up to the bishop with a worried expression. "Are you okay? What happened??" Leshy pulls the child up onto his knee, a faint reassuring smile evident on his face. "I'm fine. Just a.. disagreement." The tabby's ears are flat and his eyes wide and teary. "..was it Narinder? You guys are family! I wish you two would get along.." Turning around you scoff and mutter to yourself, "Me too, kid." You can feel the glare from Leshy as he speaks, smile still evident as his focus is back on his son. "It's.. complicated buddy. I'm fine, you don't have to worry about me. Go have fun." Telly is placed back on to the ground but holds a reluctant expression, tail dragging on the ground. "Are you sure...? I don't mind staying with you!" The worm nods, giving the kit a nudge towards the door.

"I'm sure. Besides, the Lamb is here. They'll make sure I stay out of trouble."

"Promise?" Telly holds a paw outstretched, pinky raised.

"Promise." Leshy locks his pinky with the feline's.

"Okay," Telly sighs out and makes his way towards the exit, looking back at you. "Make sure he's okay." Then he leaves. You turn back around to face Leshy and he's frowning at you, arms resting on his knees. "Don't." He warns and you roll your eyes, dabbing the rest of the ichor and blood away from his face. "I wasn't going to. Hhgh.." Huffing, you step back when you finish and toss the last cotton ball you used away. "Look," You begin and place your hands together, pointing them at the bishop as your ears lower and you hold a pleading expression. "I have to leave. The merchants are here and I need to get supplies and wood. I'll probably have to go on a crusade, do you think, just for once, that you can behave?" Leshy is silent as he stares at you, smile stretching to his usual chaotic one.

"Leshy," Your tone grows more desperate and you think for a moment. Then you clasp your hands together, mimicking the puppy face Telly usually made. "I am begging you. If you can't behave, then come with me. I could use the extra hands and you'd be really helpful-" In a flash he stands up, chair nearly falling over if it weren't for the wall. His fists are balled and he's too close for comfort and he throws his hands out, then points at you. "Are you kidding??" His tone is growing more intense and frustrated, face twisted into not only concern, but irritation and...fear. "I can't. The last time that- If I leave- Telly already-" He stops, takes a breath, then face palms and holds a hand up before pointing at you as you make your pleading face more innocent and intense. "What are you doing? Stop- quit it!" You take a step forwards and he steps back, so you continue.

The bishop grows desperate now and steps back more, the back of his leg hits the chair and he stumbles into it. You stand in front of him and lean closer. He tries to shrink away as his hands rest on the chair and the wall, his breathing is hitched. "I-I can't- stop doing that! Telly will-" You watch as he panicked, then slouches in his chair. Main hands covering his face as his elbows rest on his knees, third pair of arms falling limp to his sides. His voice is meek and soft, it quivers slightly; unusual for what you're used to hearing. "..fine, fine. Just- stop. Please." You take a step back and hum in victory. Then you cross your arms feeling a little guilty. "Thanks, I know I'm askin' a lot from you here-" His hands fall from his face, arms resting on his thighs as he glared at you, one hand pointing threateningly. "If ANYTHING happens to me, you are responsible. You're not only responsible for me, but for him." You follow his finger as it points towards the entrance, no doubt mentioning Telly.

You feel bad but you needed the help with how poorly your powers were going during recent crusades. Besides, this was Leshy you were taking with you. What could go wrong? Looking back to the bishop you hold your hands up in defence, voice truthful and earnest. "I promise you, with all my heart; that you will be fine. Besides, you're the God of Chaos. Relax, you'll be fine. You can just, summon up that chaos of yours and we'll be done faster than you know it. Now, come on!" You wave the worm off and then grab his sleeve, pulling him out of the med bay and towards the missionary.

You couldn't leave without gathering supplies, that and you needed to give him time with his son.

Maybe this wasn't such a good idea. Telly would clearly be against the idea, considering what happened last time..

But it was Leshy. The same God who struck you down plenty of times. Surely he still had his powers.

 

Just as you gear up, bags with food and jerky along with plenty of room for gathering items and enough gold to buy most of the supplies, you wait at the entrance watching Leshy and Telly.

The little white tabby stops chasing one of his friends to peer up at his father and the sight is enough to nearly break you. Those same innocent eyes as before. "Oh, heya Dad! How are you feeling?" Dark brown ears perked, tail up in warm greeting, one paw near his face in that usual inquisitive way of his. Leshy stood still and silent, but whatever face he made was enough to set the kit off. "What's..goin' on, Dad? Are you okay?" His ears slowly sink down with his tail, arm lowering to his side. The bishop crouches down with one knee up. You'd never seen a God kneel, but you saw it more and more with Leshy whenever he spoke to Telly or any of the other children. "Hey, bud.." He starts off in a soft voice and those ears perk right back up. "I have to leave. I'm..." A deep and somber, nervous sigh leaves him and Telly grows more worried. "I'm going with the Lamb..on a crusade." He nearly mumbles the last part.

You watch Telly sink in on himself. "What? ...no. No. No, no, no! you can't go-" The cat shakes his head, pale blue eyes are accompanied by panicked, slitted pupils. His white paws, tinted with dirt, rest on the light orange hand of the worm's on his knee. "No! What if-" Tears begin to well up, thick and globby as he pleads; begs his father. His fur is beginning to spike up and the tears start to fall, he sniffles and his pupils go into wide circles. "What if something- something happens!" The bishop brings his main hands upwards, gently cupping his son's cheeks and wiping the tears away. His third pair of hands cup Telly's hand, holding it off his knee. "Hey, hey.. It's okay. Come here," He pulls the small, sobbing feline into a hug. Telly is quick to cling to him, paws balling up his sweater as he nuzzles and buried his face in his neck. "I'll be fine. I'll be with the Lamb and besides.." He pulls Telly off him, holding his face with a tenderness you've never seen. His voice is lowered to a whisper. "This is me we're talking about, Telly. Leshy, God of Chaos. You know I cause trouble enough here, just imagine what I'll do out there!" The bishop's tone has turned upwards, more joking and light-hearted. "B-but you get your ass kicked here!!" He snickers and softly shakes the tabby's head. "Hey, I can hold my own just fine. Stay with Leio for the time being, okay? I'll be back before you know it." He pulls his son into a loving embrace and when they depart, Telly holds up a white pinky. "Promise?" The worm locks his pinky with the kit's, pressing his forehead against his. "Promise."

Telly gives one final sniff and hug before stepping back, wiping his tears away with his sleeves. "Okay...be safe." Leshy gives the cat a vigorous and playful head ruffle before standing up. A small wave is exchanged between the two, before Leshy turned around and approached you.

You didn't realize it, but tears were streaming down your face. Telly gives you the meanest glare you've ever seen and you just blink at him. When the bishop approaches you, there's a hidden expression on his face. "Are you crying?" He teases but there's an underlying threat to it. You give him a glare, hold out the side bag to him, and wipe your face clean. "Shut up- we'd better go before it gets dark." As you approach the teleportation stone you let out a deep sigh, recollecting yourself. Turning, you face the bishop with a smile. "We're going to the beach first, I'll meet you there?" You don't give him time to answer before you're raised into the air, then dropped down into the portal.

Leshy is left standing, one arm on the bag strap across his chest, staring at where you once were. You expected him to use this stone just as easily as you had? Great. With a gruff sigh, he approached the stone and stepped as close into the center as he could. While there was a time he was able to easily use these to travel, for whatever reason, to his siblings domains, he wasn't as good as he once was. That time was far in the past and his power seemed to be long gone. After a few moments of trying to will the stone to take him to you, he decided to stop embarrassing himself and stepped off it. Now he stood at the edge of the steps, arms crossed and claws tapping his arms one after the other as he impatiently waited for you to return.

After some time waiting for the bishop you decide to head back. When you're set back on the stone, arms down to your sides, you open your eyes and inhale sharply from the scare. Leshy stood before you, arms crossed tapping his fingers with a very irritated expression. "Geez- what's wrong? You were taking awhile so-" You fall silent when he stands to the left of you, third right arm coming up to softly grasp your fleece. His main arms stay crossed and he still holds the same scowl while not looking at you. "Shut up. Just- go. I'm a bit...rusty at this. That's all." Your mouth forms a circle when it hits you.

It must've been centuries since he last did something as simple as this. Flicking your ears up, you move your arm and lock it with his main one. "Sorry- that's on me, I should've expected that. Exactly how long has it been since you last did somethin' like this?" Instead of giving you an answer, he rolls his head to the side glaring at you and you just snicker. You're lifted into the air and Leshy's arm tenses, his free main hand quickly gripping your bicep as momentary panic filled his body. Then you're both dropped through the portal and on a new stone in no time.

You didn't give the bishop time to adjust as you make your way through the forest path, arm still looped through his. "I've never really had anyone join me before." He furrowed his brow as you drug him along. "Yay me." His voice was sarcastic and slightly irritated but you brush it off. "It's nice to have company, for once. It beats the silence. Have-" You're cut off when the worm stops in his tracks, causing you to jerk forwards before stopping. "Shut up." With a small glare you flick an ear in annoyance. "Oh come on, you're not already fed up with me-" A groan escapes him as he moves his free hand covering your mouth. You glare at his hand and look back to him with your ears back. He tilts his head to the side some, focusing intently on whatever was bothering him.

He raised his eyebrows and removed his hand from your mouth, crossing his arms as he tapped his foot. "Just because I'm blind doesn't mean I'm stupid, Telly Anderson." Confusion lights up your face as you glance around. Telly squeezes through a bush holding one arm, ears flat as he looked to the side. "How did you-?" The tabby rubbed his arm nervously and kicked a small pebble. "I..jumped in after you guys." The bishop unhooks his arm from yours and turns around to face the child's voice, claws tapping against his arm as he raised his eyebrows. Telly stands there with a defeated and crestfallen expression. "Just let me come with you guys! I can- I can help!"

Leshy let out a soft sigh, one hand covering his face and dragging downwards. "Absolutely not. It's too dangerous." The kit throws his arms out and let them fall to his sides in desperation. "But Dad-!" A claw points to the feline, stern expression on Leshy's face. "No buts." Looking from Telly to the bishop, you hold a faint smile. "Well, he can at least join us here? The beach is plenty safe and we can send him back home before we go." He turns to face you're general direction with a small scowl. Then he sighed and shook his head. "Fine, fine. You're going home right after this though, mister." He points to Telly once again and the kit just smiles triumphantly. "Thank you!"

You loop your arm back through Leshy's as Telly happily walks next to him and begin heading back towards the beach. "Do you think the water will freeze?" A small chuckle leaves you and the bishop only frowned. "What? No. I don't think it gets cold enough to freeze the ocean." A stick is held in the tabby's paws as he swings it around carefully. "Aw, that's stupid!" When you arrive at the beach you can feel the unease from the worm. Placing a reassuring hand to his arm, you lean in whispering. "You're fine, Lesh."

He faces you with a disgusted look and you just smile. Other than that he doesn't say a word. While you only recently indoctrinated Narinder, it took you years to defeated him, and years before that to defeat his siblings. There wasn't a chance they'd recognize Leshy.

Stepping forwards you head to the merchants who have set up shop a safe distance away from the waters edge, yet the bishop is quick to slither his arm from your grasp and stay put where he was. You glance back at him with curiosity but return back to your task.

Telly takes a moment to soak in the sight of the beach. Taking a deep breath in he relaxed some. Even when it was cold, the air smelled heavily of salt. He had never been to a beach before. Squirt, his father, would talk about taking him to see one one day. Even if he wasn't here with his father, he was here with Leshy. Even if it hadn't been that long he considered the possible god to be his father.

With excitement brimming from him, he moved grabbing the worm's third pair of hands and began dragging him closer to the water. "Come on!!" He could tell Leshy was nervous but he assumed it may be that he was scared of the water. Despite this, his father let out his patented overly dramatic groan and followed after him. His stick was long forgotten when his paws touched the cool sand. The bishop stood with one hip jutted out, left main arm holding the strap of his bag, right main hand tucked into the pocket of his pants, and his third pair of arms loosely at his sides.

The kit happily bounced over to his father's side and hoisted the bag open. Peering inside he sniffed at the contents. "Do you have food in here?" As he rummaged through the bag he found jerky and was quick to grab it, looking up to his father as he presented it to him. "Can I have this?" There was a look of confusion on his face, arms raised as Telly still held the bag open with his free hand. "What is it?" The tabby smiled, tail flicking upwards. "Jerky!" The bishop held a faint smile, rotating his hand so it was palm up. "Yeah, go ahead."

Once he got confirmation, Telly immediately took a bite from the dried meat. Reaching back in the bag he pulled another strip of jerky out and held it up to his father. "Here!" He spoke through a mouthful of food. Leshy, having looked away, returned his gaze back to him and shook his head. "I'm good." He narrowed his eyes at his father now, determination evident as he chewed another bite. "Mmh!" He pushed the jerky forwards again and spoke when he swallowed. "Eat!"

The worm smiled more and ruffled the fur on his head playfully. "You eat." A soft huff left him and he, once again, pushed the jerky towards his father. "Eat! You didn't eat before you left." A sigh left the god and he plucked the meat from him. Telly flicked his ears up happily and went back to rummaging in Leshy's bag.

Other than more dried food, there wasn't much in it. Probably to save space to gather items. "Oh!" He dusted his hands off once he finished his jerky and grabbed the left third arm of his father. "Can we see what the vendors have?" He didn't exactly wait for an answer before he drug his father towards their shop stands.

He glanced around a few shops but the one that caught his eye the most, was the one you were currently at. Scampering over, Leshy following, he perked his ears up as he gazed at the wooden and metal mixed instruments. You were currently chatting to the vendor, asking about wood prices.

He found it a little weird that someone would sell instruments and fire wood together.

Pale blue eyes fell on a particularly stringed instrument and he peered up at you. Once you finished talking to the vendor, he politely tugged at your fleece. "What's that?" He pointed to the instrument and you give him a kind smile. "That's a..violin I think they call it?" You look back to the vendor and they give you a thumbs up.

Looking back to Telly you watch as his pupils widen in awe. Then you notice a clawed, light orange hand softly tracing the wood of the violin. Black eyes settle on Leshy as you look to him with mild interest. "Do..you know how to play?" Immediately the bishop retracted his hand and grasped the strap of his bag. "No." His tone was flat and dismissive while he gave you a slight deadpan sneer. You didn't quite believe him. When the vendor turned back around you happily took the wood and stuffed it into your bag with the other items you had purchased. You made sure to shift the wood so it was at the bottom of the bag and the rest of your items were on top of it.

While you were able to purchase more supplies, you rather save up your gold in case the flock ended up in a tight spot. Turning to face the father and son you find Telly excitedly explaining something to the bishop with his paws. Leshy simply stands, one hand on his bag strap, one in his pocket, and the others limp at his sides. You're only reminded how the two of you still needed to go on a crusade and how Telly would be left alone.

With a deep sigh, you clear your throat as you approach the two. "You two ready to go?" They both look to you and Telly's ears fall down. The bishop gave you a nod and you lock arms with him again, leading him back into the forest to the teleportation stone.

Now you watch as he bids his son goodbye once more. Telly tried as hard as he could to convince the two of you to let him go with you, but the bishop was adamant on him going home. Leshy plucked the camellia flower from tucked under his blindfold, the same one Telly originally gave him, and held it out to him as he knelt. "Hold on to this for me." White paws gingerly grasp the flower, reluctant and sad look in his pale blue eyes. You never took notice, but that flower looked as fresh as the day it was picked from the earth. They exchange a hug, bunt heads, and then Leshy stands up and steps back. You raise your hands up and the small cat is lifted into the air as a muted red light glows from the stone. When the portal opens up you carefully send Telly through, back to the cult.

You loop your arm back through the worm's arm and lead him to the stone once again. Turning to face him you smile wide. "Mind takin' us back?" At once he gives you a glare, arm limp as you hold it. "No thanks." Perking your ears you let out a lighthearted chuckle and playfully nudge him. "Oh come on, I'll help you." A groan left his throat and he hangs his head back, face up to the sky. "Why?" Retracting your arm, you cross them and raise your eyebrows. "Well, I imagine you don't like being stuck in the village forever. If you wanted to come back to the beach, when the vendors aren't there, then it's good for you to get here on your own. Unless you prefer walkin'?"

He looks back to you, then slumped his shoulders with another dramatic groan. "Fine, I'll try." He stands up straight and brings his hands up, palms pressed together as he began to concentrate. You watch for a moment and glance down to the stone. The markings didn't even have a faint glow. Had it really been that long since Leshy did something like this? Glancing back up to the bishop, you hold a passive smile still. "Have you tried-" His head snaps to your direction and you receive an annoyed sneer. Holding your hands up in defence, you take a step back. "Okay, okay."

The worm stands there for a moment longer, concentration thick and irritation beginning to show. Then he starts muttering in an old language, one you've learned to understand from the years under Narinder. It was a prayer of some sort. When you look back down to the stone the markings faintly flicker with a red light, too soft to make out unless you squinted. Just as they begin to grow brighter, the light snuffs out. However, Leshy still hadn't given up just yet.

You return to his side and lightly grasp the strap of his bag, closing your eyes and concentrating. All you wanted to do was give the stone a little nudge in the right direction, a single ember to start the fire. That wasn't the case. Instead, you're both lifted into the air far faster than usual. When you felt the ground again, it's not a gentle touch. It slams into your back and knocks the wind from your lungs, which contradicted the force that fell on top of you at great speed.

You open your eyes to see the bishop prying himself from the earth, off of you and stand up. Getting to your hooves, you dust yourself off and immediately check the contents of the pack on your back. Nothing was broken, thankfully. Even the gift you had grabbed for Leshy seemed to be almost perfect aside from a few scratches. Fixing it back to your back, you adjust the straps and look back to the worm with a cheery smile. "For not doin' that in a while, we sure came crashin' down!" He stops in dusting himself off to shoot you a glare. "Don't patronize me, that was your work."

Pointing at him as you turn to leave, you raise your eyebrows. "Actually, if it was just me, we would've had a much smoother landing." He gives you a scoff as he takes up walking by your left side. As you pass the celestial being in front of the main gate, you look to them and wave. "Helllloo, Leonard!" You stop in your tracks when you realize Leshy isn't next to you. Instead, he's standing in front of the stairs glancing around with confusion. "Who the hell is Leonard??"

Pekring up, you jog back to him, place your hands on his shoulders, and turn him so he's facing the being. "I know you can't-" The being interrupts you. "Hmm, your progress is...slow. But it's progress, nonetheless." Leshy jolts, pale orange fur standing on end as he staggered back some at the voice. "That's Leonard. Don't be rude, say hi." You nudge him forwards and he goes rigid, limbs stiff as he's nudged. Leonard stares at the bishop before slowly sliding his gaze to you. "The feeling is mutual. How goes your quest, infant?"

You furrow your brow some but ignore the previous comment, playfully glaring at the being. "It's... it's goin'! That's for sure. Anyway, we gotta go, sooo...bye!" Looping your arm through Leshy's you lead him through the gateway to Anura. The bishop has one hand pressed to his temple, befuddled expression on his face. "You alright there, Lesh?" His hand flings outwards, then presses to his temple again as he speaks. "They felt...wrong. Different. Do they look how they feel?" With a humored scoff you shake your head as you walk. "If you mean look by lookin' like the feeling of static and second-guessing yourself, all while wantin' to pass out and vomit and scream until your throat is hoarse all at once? Then, yeah they look just as every bit of strange as they feel." You wave your hand as you explain and look ahead of yourself.

He simply grunts in response, claws still pressed to his temple. You release his arm and trot off as you begin to lead the way. The first few sections were relatively easy, few enemies, lots of food to gather, and now you had found Clauneck. Walking down the path you pause when you hear a stumble and a mumbled curse. Perking your ears as you turn around you spot Leshy standing back up. "Everything alright?" He adjusts the strap to his bag and holds a scowl, shoulders slumped as he never really stood to his full height. "Oh yeah, everythings perfect. Just a blind man wondering around the forest, no idea where he's going. Did I mention I'm blind??" The sarcasm was thick in his voice as he spoke. "This is stupid- what do you expect me to do, Little Lamb?" Now he speaks tauntingly, irritation beginning to worm it's way through.

"All I'm able to do is trip over every rock and twig in existence!" He crossed his arms as he glared at you, standing up straight as his claws dug into the fabric of his sweater. You roll your eyes playfully and take up walking on his right side. "Leshy, I literally watched you throw a rock at Narinder today." There's a subtle growl behind his words now. "That was dumb luck and while you're dumb, I'm not that lucky." Placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder, you offer a smile. "Relax. If things keep going how they are, the most you'll have to do is just stand there and look pretty." You joke as the stars and moons overhead begin to get more cluttered.

The bishop gives you a deadpan scowl, throwing a hand out. "What if someone recognizes me? What then, Lamb?" Waving him off, you set your black gaze on the purple and gold tent as you approach. "No one will, just breathe." Right as he goes to say something, you speak loudly over him as the red and brown clothed bird comes into view. "Clauneck, hi!" Said bird merely tilts his head towards you in greeting. Instead of his usual comments, his gaze turns towards Leshy and you slightly panic. Motioning towards the bishop you smile. "This is..! Bob! Bob can't speak." Pointing to the worm you furrow your eyebrows and stop whatever words he was about to say.

He simply gives you a thin, very smug smile as the duck speaks. "Leshy." He crossed his arms as he faced the direction that Clauneck's voice came from. "Clauneck."

Now you were the confused one.

Looking between them, you raise a hesitant hand. "You two know each other..?" The worm let out an amused scoff and you look from him, back to the duck. "Why, of course. I don't only read your cards, Lamb."

With your mouth agape slightly you look between the two, then shake your head and hold your hands up. "Should'a guessed," You mutter to yourself as your hands fall to your sides. Stepping towards the fabric on the ground with cards laid out on it, you think for a moment. Clauneck holds his hands palms up, moving them away from each other as he displayed the cards. "The fates have spoken, who will listen?"

A hand comes up to rest under your chin as you ponder the two cards that are flipped up. Once you pick your desired card, you bid farewell to the duck and begin dragging Leshy along once more.

As much as you didn't want to pry the words slipped past your lips before you could think. "So..how do you know Clauneck?" The bishop angled his gaze towards you. "Didn't he just tell you?" There was a teasing and irritated tone in his voice. You advert your gaze innocently and adjust the straps of your pack. "Well yeah, but you don't strike me as a 'fate' kind of guy." Gazing back at him you hold a small smile and give him a little shrug. The worm sighs and looks away from you. "I wasn't. Still not. When things went-" He stops himself and there's a flick of remorse on his face. "It was Shamura. They called upon Clauneck's services. Kallamar just found tarot interesting whereas Shamura knew it's intricacies and secrets." A small hum leaves your throat and you lightly move a hand to grab his sleeve, pulling him closer so he doesn't shoulder check a nearby tree.

If they knew Clauneck, did that mean they knew Kudaai and Chemach? From your understanding they were all siblings. "What about Kudaai and Chemach?" Once again the bishop vaguely looks in your direction as he speaks. "Kudaai would make weapons, not solely for us. Him and his brother's services were more of a 'for everyone' kind of deal. Although, I'm not sure who Chemach is." Right when you begin to ask your next question, Leshy speaks first. "What about you?" The puzzlement was evident on your face as you trotted. "What..about me?" You repeat the question and earn a small scoff form the worm. "I mean-" He looks away, brow furrowed with slight anxiety. "Nevermind." Then he walks ahead of you to avoid any more questioning you may do.

What about you?

Had he been asking how you knew the siblings? That seemed clear enough.

Was he asking to get to know you?

Your thoughts are disrupted when a small drop of water lands on your nose. Shaking away the cold you peer up to the gray sky with perked ears. Then suddenly, and without proper warning, a barrier of rain begins all at once. The rain came quick and hard, soaking you in an instant with no promises of slowing down any time soon. Quickly you tuck yourself under a tree for shelter and scan the area for your companion.

He's not far away from you, but the rain makes your visibility poor. The bishop is just standing there, face tilted upwards towards the sky as he let the rain pelt him. Ringing out your fleece you squint at the worm. "What are you doing?" You have to yell slightly just so he could hear you. He doesn't move or speak. He just remains with his feet planted in the grass. "Leshy! Get out of the rain, you'll freeze!!" Finally he turns to face your voice, but he seems confused. "What?" Groaning some you decide to bolt to the tree behind him. Placing a hand on his shoulder, you flick your ears back. "I said-"

You're immediately pulled forwards and into the rain. When your world stops speeding by you, you blink and look up to the bishop. Leshy has two hands on your arms and held you to his chest. His gaze isn't on you, but staring at one spot before moving to the next. "Hey! What the hell was that for?!" When he looks down to you there's concentration and concern. He didn't even have to ask you to stop talking, his expression silenced you enough. Perking your ears you begin to listen as he did. The rain drowns out almost everything. When you catch a glimpse over his shoulder you find an arrow. Sticking out of the trunk of the tree, deeply in the bark, right where your head was. "We're not alone."He mutters to you with a steady voice.

There. Just a few feet away you can barely make out the sound of a bowstring creaking as it's pulled back. At once you lightly push the bishop and take a step back, avoiding the arrow that flew past your face. All at once you were surrounded by heretics, Leshy being the only one free. The crown morphed, threatening to break and jutting out in strain as you called for your weapon. In your hand is the handle to a pan. First a broom, now a pan? You really needed to figure out what was going on. A cracked snicker sounds from in front of you. The heretic here is holding there stomach as they peer at your through their hood. "What are you going to do with that? Cook us a meal?" Mismatched colored ears fall as you scan each heretic. They all had shields.

Maybe if you...

Looking to the pan the determination returns once more and you spin then let the pan go. It frisbees in a circle, making the beartics lose their shields by either hitting them or the heretics in the head. One of them didn't seem to be getting up any time soon so you duck to avoid the pain and snatch up their weapon, a dagger. The pan flies overhead and thwacks the heretic behind you who was advancing, then morphs back into the crown above your head. You waisted no time to start attacking, retreating when you needed to to avoid getting hit. In the midst of the chaos you weren't really paying attention and in between the blood you spilled from two heretics, an arrow hits you right above the knee.

It shouldn't have hurt as bad as it did.

You keep over now that your mobility has been decreased, but you still push through. Rolling out of the way of an axe you use your good leg and launch yourself off the ground onto the larger heretic, dagger finding it's way to their throat and harshly slicing away the flesh. The wet ripping and crunch it made would've made anyone gag. The force you used nearly took their entire head clean off, now it hangs limply as the two of you fall.

Thank goodness for the rain, otherwise you'd have so much blood to clean from your wool. Just as the rain clears your vision you remember, Leshy.

Frantically scanning around you just make out the pale orange worm, struggling to avoid a swinging sword from a heretic, another off to the side ready to spring into action. He'd be fine. He had to be fine. Any second now he would get out of that mess.

Flicking your gaze around you spot a sword slamming down towards your head, you bring the dagger up flat against the swords blade just in time. Your left leg is weak from the arrow so it doesn't take them long to force you to kneel as you struggle to over power then. Then you take the chance to check on the bishop again.

You watch him tagger backwards again, a cut from the sword placing itself across the front of his shoulder, down his bicep. It didn't look deep but the sweater hid most of the blood. Then he trips over a rock and is forced crawling backwards, until another rock stops him. Now he's pinned and the heretic brings their sword up, thrusting it down at his chest. Time seemed to move in slow motion for you. Leshy brings a hand up and the drops of rain look like small crystals as you watch. Then, you scream his name.

Time began to slowly speed back up to its original pace. You can't tell from where you are, but the flinch from the worms body told you the sword still penetrated his flesh, hand gripped around it with blood steadily being washed away. However, he wasn't struggling to breath so the wouldn't couldn't be bad. The heretic you're struggling with freezes and you take the opportunity to get the upper hand.

The heretic above the worm stood still, eyeing him carefully as they examined him. They could practically feel his heart beating through the hilt of their sword, the fear. Gods don't feel fear. However... Removing the tip of their sword they carefully lift the bandage, then the blade is slapped away with a bug-like hiss. "Your grace..?" They almost couldn't believe it themselves. Their Master's brother, here and alive, out of purgatory. Glancing over their shoulder to the second heretic they tilt their head. "What does Her Voice say?!" The second heretic is quiet, the ground rumbling slightly, then their eyes widen as they step back. "It's..Him."

Right as you spring forth, using your good leg, ready to cut down the heretic who's got Leshy pinned, a hidden one intercepts you with a hard punch across your jaw. When you hit the ground there's a moment where your vision is clear, blurs, and then disappears as you black out.

 

When you come too, you shake your head to clear your senses. Opening your eyes shows you Leshy hissing at some of the heretics and they quickly back away from him. The rain was still heavy as it fell, like it carried the weight of thousands of souls lost and trying to find their way. Finally your thoughts collect themselves and you immediately try to stand to your hooves, only to find yourself tightly bound by wet rope. Pain throbbed from your leg and when you look down the arrow is still sticking from it. The only change on the arrow was that it had been broken in half, still lodged between your flesh like a parasite. You flick your ears down and squint through the rain to peer at the worm. The heretics and him were tucked under a tree and sheltered from the rain. You were in the middle of a clearing, suffering the wrath of the storm.

Glancing around made you freeze. This clearing...was all to familiar. While the markings are shattered, there's a circle drawn around you in the dirt with broken symbols. A larger heretic welding an axe stands underneath a tree to your right, waiting and sharpening their blade. Fear began to set in and your heart began to stagger, breathing hitched as you faced Leshy again. Your body began to tremble and not just from the cold. Wide, black eyes scared and in disbelief. You couldn't hear whatever conversation the bishop was having with the heretics.

Was he really going to kill you?

Sacrifice you just like all those years ago?

...maybe this time you'd stay dead.

The heretic welding the axe looms closer, foot steps practically shaking the ground beneath you. All you can do is shrink in on yourself. Lean away as far as you can as your heart starts to whittle, skipping beats, breathing far too fast for you to even notice if you were actually breathing or had stopped. The back of your fleece is grabbed and your thrown forwards onto your knees, leaning down and exposing your neck.

Why?

Wasn't he different?

Hadn't he changed?

You could've sworn he wasn't the same man he used to be.

But maybe that was just naive hope.

Futile, stupid, worthless hope.

You squeeze your eyes closed and hold your breath. Were you really going to give in again? Let them kill you just as you did all those years ago?

You let out a quivered sigh, open your eyes, and give a placid stare up to the heretic as they raise their axe. What was it your followers had started saying a few years ago? History was bound to repeat itself.

The sound of a whip hit the air, nearly masked by the crack of thunder screaming from the sky. Or were they both the same sound? Something large and green streaked past your face, blood splattering over your face only to be rinsed clean by the rain. When the thing stopped moving you realized it was a thick vine. Following it with your eyes shows it began to thin out, the thinnest piece attached to Leshy's arm. The vine unfurls itself from his soaked fur and immediately more vines tear through the earth violently like shrapnel. They pierce, strangle, or even flatten the few heretics that barely had time to register what happened.

Not even you fully believe it.

You're still trying to wrap you head around it when the bishop rushed your side, claws easily slicing the rope that bound you. "Are you okay?" He sounded more pissed than anything. You struggle to your hooves as you glance at him. "I'm fine-" Despite your efforts your voice cracked and waivered. The pace beating inside your chest was still fast as was your breathing. Right as you take a few, staggered steps, limping to collect your supplies, your vision spins. You will yourself to calm down but you only take three steps before you start to collapse. Gentle hands grasp and hold you up but your out, cold and shivering in the bishops grasp.

 

Flashes of an axe make you flick your eyes open, trying to sit up but nearly throwing yourself out of Leshy's arms. His grip steadied around you and you're left peering up at him with wide eyes. You didn't realize how cold you or how badly you were shivering until the warmth of a nearby fire graced your skin. When you look to the flames they're struggling against the rain. It wasn't as harsh now, more of a drizzle. When your breathing calms down you blink a few times. The way this fire was built... Looking around you don't find the moth, Monch. Probably due to the rain. All you could think about was that axe, the heretic, all the way back to when that axe first swung down onto your neck.

Rubbing your hands up your arms you pull your fleece tighter around yourself. It did little to warm you since it was still damp with freezing water. The worm inhales sharply and you narrow your eyes while keeping them on the fire, ears down in defeat. "I know. You told me someone would recognize you and I didn't listen." You feel his chest fall as he exhaled and cut him off again. "I should've listened. Go ahead and say it." As you stare at the fire you let your eyes fall to the ground and realize it's much closer than it should be. How long had Leshy been sitting here? "Actually, I was going to ask how you feel. But I won't pass that up; I told you so." Your ears twitch some and you finally peer up at him. He's cradling you in his arms close to his chest. "..what?" You blink a few times as you furrow your brow.

The bishop's face angles away from the fire down towards you. His voice is much calmer than the last time you heard it in the heretic camp, slightly edged with fleeting concern. "How are you feeling, Lamb?" When was the last time someone asked you that and meant it? When was the last time you could answer truthfully? Even now, could you tell the truth. Suddenly there are walls closing in on you and pressure compressing your lungs. You tremble more violently now, not just from the cold, but from the pure anguish that overwhelmed you. Tears steadily glob down your cheeks and you hug yourself. But all you can muster up is..

"I'm fine." It's choke doubt in a sob and you're left just as confused as Leshy is. You didn't know why this sudden wave of terror and sadness came from. Maybe it came from reliving your death again, or the fact that you nearly got Telly's father killed again. Maybe it came from the fact that you're a failure. You couldn't do anything right; you promised a feast and lost half the supplies for winter in a single day. Narinder still hated you and was constantly plotting not only to kill you- but his own brother. "That's...not fine." The bishop mutters softly and your pulled against his chest fully.

The second your face is buried in his chest, hidden by his sweater, it all comes out. No matter how hard you try to hold it in, it just gets worse. You're a sobbing mess in his arms, knees pulled to your chest and hands desperately clutching his sweater in frail attempt to calm down. Yet all he does is sit there, holding you, rubbing small circles in between your shoulder blades, letting you cry. "You know..kids are much easier to soothe." You perk your ears up some but keep your face buried. "Usually I just have to say something stupid, 'accidentally hurt' myself, or make a dumb face and they're okay." When he finished talking you lift you head up, only slightly to peer at him as you hide your mouth. "..what?" It's muffled but he still heard you. Leshy peers back down to you and theirs a faint smile. "But sometimes, you just need to let them cry."

you were just more confused. Lifting your head up all the way, you let you hands rest on his chest. You don't bother to wipe you face because it's still drizzling. That doesn't stop the bishop, though. One clawed hand comes up to gently cup your cheek and he tenderly wipes his thumb across it. "See? All I've said is nonsense and it helped you." A small huff leaves you and you glare at him. His hand lingers on your cheek and he gives you his patented conniving grin. Then he pulls you back into a hug again. There's a certain softness to his voice that puts you on edge when he speaks. "..I'm sorry. It couldn't have been hard going thro-" Immediately you pull away and stare at him in disbelief and irritation, ears perked. "You're sorry? Leshy, I almost got you killed!! I dragged you into a mess I created form the very beginning! I've managed to lose half of our stock for winter and- not to mention Narinder tries to kill me all the time! I got Telly's father killed and then I didn't listen to you! I should be sorry!"

As you rant, the bishop raised his eyebrows. "Lamb." It didn't get your attention. "Lamb." Still nothing as you go into depth on how you're a failure, a fraud of a leader. Just before you can make your point a clawed hand is softly placed under your chin and your face is mere inches from the bishop's. "Lamb." This finally shut you up. "You're not a failure, you're not a fraud, sure sometimes you don't listen to me but who would? I'm snarky, sarcastic, and an ass. I cause trouble for you. But..I also admire you. You disappear for days, maybe even weeks, just to make sure everyone in your village has more than enough of what they need. You stress over small things. When they're scared you put them at ease and forget how to be scared. You act like you're perfect because you think you need to be, because you feel like you can't be anything else in front of them."

Despite the little warmth from the dwindled fire and major cold seeling into your bones, your face feels unreasonably hot. All you can do is stare at the bishop as he trailed on. When he finally stopped, you don't hesitate when you wrap your arms around his torso and hug him for a change. Your face his halfway buried in the book of his neck, hands gingerly placed on his back as you embrace him securely. "What...are you doing?" A small scoff left you. "It's called a hug. Clearly you know what they are since you've hugged me twice now." He lets out an over exaggerated groan, letting his head fall back and loosely hugged you back. "Fine." He stays this way for a second before patting your back to let you know to get off him. You just hug him tighter, careful not to hurt him. He's quiet for a moment, claws twitching against you back slightly, the faintest quiver running through his body. It felt like he wanted to melt into the hug.

Had he ever been hugged before?

Then he began attempting to pull you off. "Okay- enough. Let go. Lamb-" A small snicker left you and you cling to him. "Just let it happen!" A small twinge of humor enters his voice now as he continued to lightly push you off him. "Lamb- I'm serious! Let go." Another snicker left you and you let him pull you off, his hands under your arms as you cross yours. "Lambert." Confusion painted itself across his face now. "Huh?" When you're set down you rub your arms. "That's my name." He stares at you for a moment and you give him a smile before going to stand up, only to flinch from the pain in your leg. If it hadn't been for Leshy catching you, you probably would've fallen into the embers of the dead fire.

"Careful." He's on his feet standing at his full length. You hadn't realized before, but he's actually three inches taller than you. The only reason you've ever been taller than him was because he always slouched. "I can walk, Lesh. It's nothin'. I'm used to worse." Peering down at your leg you flick your ears up. There's a bandage where an arrow used to be. "Sure, but we've been in the rain for hours. We're both probably sick." Looking back up to him you roll your eyes and let him assist you in walking. When you go to speak he interrupted you. "Yes, I got all our supplies. They didn't touch our packs. I did loot their camp though. We should have plenty for winter with what we found and what you bought, Lambert."

Small sigh left you and you smile up at him. "Good. Maybe I can actually rest for a few days." A scoff left the worm and you snicker. "You're probably right, someone will be knocking on my door sooner or later." Leshy glanced at you with a rather tame, faint smile. "Not if you stay at my place. People avoid that place like the plague. Funny, since I'm not Kallamar." His words earn a more humored laugh from you and you swear you see his smile widen. "I'll think about it. Telly might not want me around after this."

 

It didn't take long to get back to camp and thankfully the rain had stopped. The moon hung lazily overhead, shining through the clouds. Just as the two of you walk down the steps a crow approached the two of you. "Oh, Lamb! I..thought you'd be gone for longer. The feast just ended." Leio looks from you to Leshy, then one of his brows raise. "Would you two like some towels?" Alphonse shyly met your gaze and gaze you a wave. While the rain had stopped you both were fairly damp still. "That would be nice, thank you Leio." The crow and his son quickly left and it didn't take long for Leio to return with two towels and a change of clothes for the two of you. "I can take those packs as well?" Leshy supports you while you suck off your pack and hand to to the bird, trading him for the towels. You made sure to snag the violin and bow before he took off with both supplies. "What are you doing up this late?" You tilt your head slightly as you lean against the worm who remained silent. "I was walking Telly home, the feast ended not too long ago. We saved you a plate?" Shaking your head you give the crow a tired smile. "That's alright."

Finally Leshy spoke up, body slightly stiff as you shivered from the cold wind. "He couldn't sleep?" Leio shakes his head, shifting one of the packs some. "No, I was going to stay over there with him. Me and Alphonse were going to grab some bed supplies when we found you." The bishop hummed softly and you look from him back to Leio. "Don't worry about the supplies right now. You can tend to it tomorrow. Get some rest Leio, and thank you." The bird gave you a nod before stalking off back to his home. Leshy then helped you towards his own. "You can stay, you know." Flicking an ear you peer at him with a smile. "I don't mind staying in my own home, you know." He shrugs while keeping his blind gaze off you. "I just don't want to walk your crippled ass all the way to the temple after getting home."

Clicking your tongue you roll your eyes. "I can walk there myself." A scoff left Leshy and you shake your head, cutting him off. "I know, you don't want me walking." You speak mockingly and he shoots you a playful glare. Stopping at his door he uses his free hand to gently knock. It wasn't loud, probably because he didn't want to wake his son if he was asleep. A few seconds pass before the lock clicks and the door opens. Telly peers through the small crack of the door before either flings open. He holds a wide smile, tail and ears raised ecstatically. "Dad!!" You pull away from the worm as Telly flings himself at him, nearly knocking him over. A small chuckle left Leshy, and then a mischievous snicker when his son quickly pulls away. "EW YOU'RE WET!" The bishop ruffled the kits fur on his head with a playful smile. "That's what happens when it rains. Now go back to bed, mister." Telly groaned but walked inside heading to his room. He paused, turned to peer at you, then ran over embracing you.

When he pulled away he gave you a genuine smile. "Thank you." Then he ran off to his room, leaving you and Leshy. He moved back to your side to support you and helped you inside closing the door. When he left your side to lock the door you took the opportunity to place the violin neatly on his couch, then turned and held a neatly folded towel and changed of clothes to him. "Here." He gropes the air before finding the pile and takes it, hesitating before speaking. "You...don't have to stay here if you don't want too." You offer a smile and shrug, narrowing you eyes. "Please, you'll chase me down if I try to leave." A soft amused scoff left the worm and he maneuvered to his bed setting the items down. When he pulls his sweater off you immediately turn around to give him his privacy.

Leaning on your healthy leg to support yourself you tap your fingers on the towel in your hands. "Usually people ask someone to leave the room so the can change." You speak out as you keep your eyes glued to the ground. "Right, sorry. I forget other people aren't blind." The worm's voice is sarcastic and snarky and you shake your head softly. "You can turn around." When you turn around he's sitting on the edge of his bed in the new clothes, damp ones discarded to a corner of the room as he dries his face. You stand there for a minute and advert your gaze nervously. "Uhm.." Glancing back at him you carefully rock on your hooves. "Is there somewhere I can change?" The towel is draped over his shoulders as he raised his brows. He gave you a snarky smile and waved one of his hands in front of his face.

Your ears flick downwards in embarrassment and you sigh softly. "Right.." Staring down at your items you tap them and hesitate before turning around. "I'm kidding. Just let me in when you're done." Before you can say anything he's up and outside closing the door. Peering down the hall to Telly's room you quickly get undressed, dry yourself off, and changed as fast as you can. You fold your damp clothes neatly and leave them in the corner Leshy threw his, you'd take care of them tomorrow.

Limping to the door you open it, only for the bishop to come falling down onto you. Thankfully you were able to catch him under his arms, wincing from the strain on your leg. He let out a startled chitter before looking up to you. "I figured you'd knock." Raising your eyebrows you take a step back and let him fall to the ground. "And I figured you'd be smart enough to not lean on the door, but here we are." Stepping around the worm you hold a hand out, it takes him a few tries before he finds it. Once he's on his feet and your both inside, you close and lock the door. He's already turned and headed for the couch. Swiftly you limp in front of him and hold your hands up. "Woah! Leshy, I swear you've slept either on the floor or couch more than your own bed. Let me take the couch toni-" There's a placid glare on his face. "No." Raising your eyebrows you cross your arms, jutting one hip out to keep your weight off your injured leg. "Well, I'm not taking your bed again." His expression only grows more stern.

"Yes you are." With a soft hum you shake your head some. "Make me." You weren't actually expecting him to do anything. Much to your surprise he hoists you over his shoulder and plops you on the bed. However, you grab the straps of his tank top, stopping him from leaving and you can feel his gaze narrow. "Let go-" Furrowing your brow you narrow your own gaze. "No. Either take the bed, or share it." There's a sneer forming on his face before he lets out a gruff sigh and hangs his head. When he looks back up to you, you can see the exhaustion on his face. He was far too tired to argue with you. "Fine, scoot over." Your grip loosens and he stands up, leaving you befuddled. "Wait-" A small growl left the worm and he carefully rolled you over towards the wall. You didn't think he'd agree to share the bed. You expected him to just give in and let you take the couch.

When you register what happened, he's already settled underneath the covers with his back facing you. "Goodnight." You blink once, twice, then look away from the worm. A moment passes before you settle underneath the covers yourself and get as close to the wall as you can. "Goodnight." You were still in disbelief when you drifted off to sleep.

Notes:

Don't get me wrong, Narinder and the Lamb is a very cute ship and I support it. But also the Lamb x Lesh or any of the other bishops is cute as well and I personally favor Leshy.

Leave kudos/comments so I know you're interested! It lets me know that I can continue the story.

I apologize that this chapter is pretty short, hopefully others will be longer.