Chapter Text
The early morning breeze slowly drifted into the room. The delicate spring rays landed carefully on top of the blankets that protected the ant from the wind which would, and most likely, make the man uncomfortable.
Sozonius- or Sozo- whichever was more preferred by the lamb. Usually gets up around this time. There was enough light in the room to see in front of him. He carefully crawled out of bed with a small groan. He took a minute to stretch out his arms and legs, roll his neck, and flick his antennas. After completing the mundane task of stretching- he looked at himself in the mirror. Ever since the Mushroom fell off, he’s taken the time out of his day to remind himself of how strong he is. How brave he was for maintaining his composure in such a rough state- how despite his unlawful ways- was able to fix himself and become a better person. A person he now recognizes. Today marks a year of being clean, and he is proud of himself.
Sozo sighed before getting dressed. His arms carefully caressed each scar the mushroom left behind. It was important for him to get dressed in front of the mirror. He often avoided looking at his body too much out of shame and regret. However- if he ever wanted to get better. Exposure therapy it is.
Though he wishes he could make it all go away.
“Calm down, Sozo- Today’s a new day.” He muttered to himself.
He sat at his desk and read over his journal, the page he wrote last night talked about his time at the farm, how he loved the way the berry bushes felt, how the sermon that Julbre performed as nearly as good as the Lamb’s, how dinner was wonderful, and how he spent the majority of the day finalizing his sketches of the camellias outside. Content, he closed the book and headed outside- besides. It was breakfast time.
The air was crisp, thin wind blew by his face. The smell of morning dew was evident, Sozo loved everything about it. Ever since he was free, he took advantage of the beauty of nature. The greenery, the flowers, the water, the rain. Everything about it felt so good. He loved to lay on the grass and listen to the birds chirp their tunes every morning. He loved to watch the rain pour over his hut and hit his window. The beautiful displays of lighting and the loud clap of thunder- everything about the world was so beautiful to him.
What a silly thing to think about- but when you lose control of your mind for years, you forget how good it is to just enjoy life.
Sozo eventually joined the rest of the cult at the table which was already covered in food. Different kinds of eggs, waffles, pancakes, jellies, and bread alike. Sozo grabbed his usual toast slices and jam. Taking a seat next to one of the cult members- A gray spider with webs hanging off her antennas, her black and purple eyes seemingly lost in the delicious aroma of the pancakes in front of her. As Sozo sat down, the spider looked over, a smile growing on her face.
“Why- Hello there, Sozonius! How has the morning been treating you?” She smiled. Sozo returned the gesture, “Ah- great as always. Thank you for asking, Fentre. How has the morning been treating you? Are you busy writing the sermon today?” Sozo beamed.
The spider, Fentre, chuckled as she picked up a piece of her pancake. “My morning’s been good! I got to visit my father’s grave today, and as much as I wish I was- I’m not doing the sermon today,” Fentre paused to eat her pancake, “Narinder told me not to worry, it was his turn to do the sermon.” She finished. Sozo nodded.
There were four disciples in the cult: Leshy’s former disciple, Valefar. Pana and Tyreon’s daughter, Fentre. Gregretry and Hegrejul’s son, Julbre. And the Lamb’s husband, the former God of Death, The One Who Waits, Narinder.
That was something Sozo and the rest of the cult had to get used to.
Sozo and Fentre sat in comfortable silence as they finished their meals to be rudely interrupted by screaming at the end of the table… followed by the sound of something slamming head first, making the entire table shake.
Sozo looked over, not surprised to see a familiar green leaf-covered worm rubbing his head. Jana holding her plate of eggs over him with horror in her eyes. Behind the worm was yet another familiar lady. A red four-eyed frog stared daggers into her brother. She swiftly took his palm and started writing.
“HEY! For the record, I’m still LEARNING the layout here! No matter how many years that damned lamb keeps us, I will NEVER get used to dodging things!” Leshy yelled. Heket grumbled, taking a plate of eggs and devouring it in an instant. Fentre looks over at the two and giggles, Sozo shakes his head as he picks up his plate. Making his way over to the two.
“Hello, Heket. Hello Leshy. How’s the morning treating you two?”
Leshy was too busy devouring the plate of eggs and berries in front of him, Heket held up her hand to sign. ‘Uneventful and miserable as always. Leshy kept snoring all night.’ she signed rather harshly.
Sozo chuckled, “Ah- I see. I understand the annoyance of being forced to stay awake because of noises- especially snoring.”
“HEY!” Leshy shouted through a mouthful of food. Making Heket and Sozo cringe at the sight. Heket swiftly slapped the worm back onto his plate before continuing the conversation, ‘Yeah, well. What else can you do?’
Sozo nodded, “Agreed. Not much. Anyways, have you two heard anything about the Lamb? I’ve been wanting to talk to them about the recent discovery I made about the camellias.”
“She’s been busy in Silk’s Cradle, I heard a rumor that he’s planning on bringing Shamura back before Kallamar.” Leshy hissed. Heket nodded at the response, Sozo cocked his head. “Shamura? You mean the Bishop of War and Knowledge- correct?”
‘Former. Former Bishop of War and Knowledge.’ Heket signed sharply. The annoyance spilled over her eyes and fingers. “Yeah, that lamb is determined to make our lives hell- well, out of purgatory at least,” Leshy added.
“I see,” Sozo drifted, the conversation died the minute the sermon bell rang. “Ah- well, I hope I get to meet them soon..” Sozo finished before heading over to the hall.
The sermon hall was vast, dark red and black everywhere the eye could see. Lately, The Lamb has been taking the time to decorate the area. Adding more greenery and flowers they found from Darkwood. In Sozo’s mind, he thinks it made the sermon hall smell better. He was starting to get sick of the smell of old blood. As the rest of the flock settled into their seats. The disciples took their place near the podium in front of everyone. Julbre and Fentre were on opposite sides of the hall, Valefar on the floor in front of the podium, and Narinder behind it. Each of them wore pure white robes and the ever so familiar black veil the former god depicted wearing.
The hall fell into a hush as Narinder raised his hand, eager to begin today’s agenda. Sozo wasn’t the type to fall into worship, in fact- he lost his faith years ago. However, living here in the cult along with The Lamb and everyone else- made his life seem bearable.
Narinder began to speak, his words flowing throughout the hall like a river, each member taking the time to soak up all the knowledge he gave. The idea of working long and hard for the sake of the cult, the idea of life continuing after death ( how ironic- ), and the idea of fasting for days to become one. Sozo always found himself so entranced whenever the cat spoke, his years of speech were evident every time he spoke. Everything always sounded smooth and clear, as if he had never made a mistake.
The sermon halted at a sudden bang. The flock jumped at the noise, and the disciples smiled.
Julbre stood up, “The Lamb is here!” he spoke.
Fentre was next, “They bring food, seeds, supplies, and more!” she clapped her hands.
Valafar followed. “Along with a very powerful presence- perhaps a new follower.” they smiled.
Narinder raised both his hands, his red eyes glowing behind the veil, “Go meet the leader outside, Praise the Lamb.” he finished.
“Praise the Lamb!” Echoed throughout the hall as the followers rushed outside to greet their leader. The Lamb stood in front of the statue, gathering the bits of devotion that remained after they left. Their smile grew as the flock greeted them.
“My Lamb, you have returned safe and sound!” Shouted a little orange cat, Arnaty. “Praise you!” Jana followed.
The Lamb giggled, their crown glowing as it spoke for her, ‘As always! I’ll always return to you safe and sound. I hope things ran smoothly while I was away?’
“Why, of course, my leader. It’s so great to have you back.” Valafar bowed as they approached. The Lamb returned the gesture, ‘I always expect the best from you, my trusted disciple.’ Valafar smiled at the compliment, “Thank you, my lord.”
“My lord! If I may- we felt a presence was with you? Is it another follower you indoctrinated?” Julbre asked with a bow.
The Lamb beamed with pride at the comment, ‘Why yes indeed!’ Their crown shot up and hovered over the indoctrination stone.
‘Leshy, Heket, and Narinder. The former bishops of Chaos, Famine, and Death. These three were all given a chance at life after I graciously spared and brought out of the hells of purgatory.’ The crown laid out, The Lamb smiling wide.
Sozo couldn’t help but stare at the bright red light from the stone, a black figure slowly forming from inside.
‘As I promised, I brought back yet another former god, the bishop of war, the bishop of knowledge.’ The crown lit up as the light swallowed it whole.
The black silhouette of a large spider hid in the deep light, their body slowly weaving themselves back together, their limbs and organs reattaching to the body, their skin slowly regrowing, shrinking in size. As the light died down, sat on the stone, was a purple spider.
Their head was covered in old bandages, their robe was torn and burned, and their purple eyes were slits under the vast black of their irises. The spider slowly stood up and stared at the flock in front of them.
‘Welcome Shamura!’ The Lamb beamed. Sozo’s mouth fell open, he knew the Lamb was planning on reviving the Bishops- however, Shamura was the last person he considered would be given the luxury. They were the reason why the lambs went extinct in the first place- has he forgiven them all these years?
The Lamb sure was a mystery to Sozo. But their thoughts didn’t last long, running past him was a splash wall of red and green. Heket was the first to embrace Shamura, Leshy soon followed suit.
“Shamura! You’re- You’re alive!” Leshy cried.
“...Thank…the..Lamb….you…are…..here…” Heket croaked despite their words being interrupted by harsh coughs.
Shamura didn’t move, their eyes darting all over the place. As if their mind was in deep thought. “I- I could not rest,” Shamura whispered, Heket pulled away. Her eyes furrowed.
“I have known all but I have not known this…” They continued. Leshy lifted his head, “We all didn’t expect this, sibling.” he winced. Heket agreed with a nod.
Shamura’s eyes glazed, “Where am I? Who… are we..?” They smiled innocently. Heket grimaced at the questions. “You are Shamura, Bish- Former. Former bishop of knowledge and war. You’re in the new red crown’s domain. The new Bishop of Death, The Lamb, Emery.” Leshy answered, his tail slowly curling around Shamura’s leg.
Sozo watched as the siblings tried to bring the spider back to reality. The Lamb, Emery, stepped back from the three to give them more space. ‘I.. should’ve known their memory would decrease after losing their crown… If Leshy’s sight was gone completely and Heket’s speech was no longer- I should’ve known.’ She sighed, the crown floating next to them as it spoke.
“Spin my web, I catch my prey…” Shamura whispered. Their voice sounded light and airy.
Emery took a few more steps back, the flock following suit. Sozo tried to remain farther- he had a bad feeling.
“Spin my web, day by day… in the night… I hear them pray…” They trailed, slowly pulling Heket and Leshy away with their free arms. Heket held on to their arm, Leshy remained on the floor unsure what was happening.
Shamura’s eyes gazed over the crowd that surrounded them, their eyes slitting more and more as they took in the sights around them. Eventually landing on a small clearing between Fentre and Julbre. A voice traveling towards the siblings.
“I heard there was a new follower today, who’s the fresh meat?” Narinder smiled, walking by the disciples and behind the Lamb. Emery looked up at Narinder with a smile, ‘I brought your sibling back!’
Emery watched as Narinder’s face dropped. His gaze slowly met Shamura’s, the two remained staring for what felt like hours. Sozo winced, slowly backing away from the crowd, and pulled down his antennas.
“Mercy… Is not my name…” They growled, their eyes widening at the sight. The once dark purple shifting red.
“Oh fuck-” Narinder was cut off by the sound of Shamura’s shrill, Their bladed arms attempting to slash at the cat. Emery’s crown quickly shifted into a sword. Their eyes matched the spider’s as they fought off the blades. ‘RESTRAIN THEM!’ Their crown roared. As swift as the demand came, another black spider, Webber, and Heket pulled Shamura back. Their speech was slurred with hisses and cackles.
Emery gazed down at the Spider, their crown floating back onto her head. Sozo and the rest of the followers all stood away from the action. However, he caught some of them starting bets on who would win in a fight.
Sozo shook his head, ‘Put Shamura in the prison, I’ll reeducate them later.’ Emery waved. Heket’s eyes widened at the idea, “I….can’t….sorry..Lamb…” she croaked out followed by louder coughs and wheezes.
‘I understand, Heket.’ Emery winced, ‘Webber? Will you may, please?’ He shifted to face the black spider.
“O-Of course, my lord.” Webber bowed. He was carefully holding Shamura’s blades behind their back. Their hisses softly died down as they made their way to the prison. Heket waited for the two to be out of sight before turning around to glare at her brother. Narinder’s expression never changed. His eyes were wide and his mouth small. Emery eventually looked over the flock, their hands laced together.
‘Since this event led to some unpredicted outcomes- I declare the rest of today a holy day. Please take this time to relax and gather yourselves for tomorrow.’ The lamb announced. The flock all collectively let out a sigh of relief before dispersing into whatever activity they planned on doing. Heket and Leshy trailed back to their huts, Emery left with Narinder’s hand laced in hers.
All that was left behind was Sozo.
The holy day was uneventful, the followers all spent their time playing games until the sun fell over the horizon. Sozo spent it inside, he felt off after witnessing the whole dissenting go down. Not because he dissented himself before- but the way that the dissension happened. Sozo has never seen dissension occur by a person- there have been arguments, loss of faith, and rejections that would cause a dissension to happen. But to dissent because Shamura saw Narinder?
Sozo couldn’t lie- it was rather interesting.
Once he knew The Lamb had called it a night, he made his way over to the prison posts. The prison wasn’t much- two wooden posts where a dissenter would usually hang their head in shame. However, when Sozo laid eyes on Shamura- He couldn’t help but get lost.
Their posture, yet being held down, remained elegant. Their eyes shone brightly against the dark twilight of the night. Sozo couldn’t help but stare. There was always something too elegant about the body of insects. The way they’re able to hold themselves strong in moments of weakness. Some even keep the act up to impress potential partners. Sozo sat next to the spider, his eyes glimmering as he took in the sight of the dissenter. The wind was still yet it still felt so cold. What are you doing staring at a former bishop like that? Sozo’s eyes wandered to the ground. There’s no reason to be so disrespectful-
or…
Is it out of admiration…?
Sozo slapped himself after that thought. Nope. He isn’t having any of that right now. Too complicated for Sozo. Why was that a thought for Sozo?
He shook his head once more, “Ah- Sorry. I uh- got caught up in my own… head.” The ant smiled, Shamura glared at him. Their eyes were sharper compared to their hands. Sozo wanted nothing more than to melt away from the gaze- hell. He’d go back on mushrooms just to avoid being looked at that way.
“Right- Um... My name’s Sozonius, but everybody here calls me Sozo.” He continued. Shamura didn’t seem interested in talking but Sozo didn’t care, he continued talking. “Your… siblings told me very little about you- But. They seem to care a lot about you. Hell- they were so excited to see you again as if you were….” Sozo trailed, his eyes widened at the direction that conversation was heading towards.
He cleared his throat, “Sorry- I didn’t- um…” Sozo gave the spider a cheeky smile. Shamura’s eyes were still sharp as ever. Yet the more they stared at each other, he swears he saw their eyes soften a bit. The man wanted to stay there forever, wanting to dive in deeper into those eyes of theirs- despite the constant look of murder there was- he swears there was something else past it. Or- Sozo could be completely out of his mind. Which, in all fairness, was most likely the answer.
With that, Sozo stood up, “I would love to continue this chat later- you know. When you’re more talkative,” He gleamed, “I wish you a goodnight, er- as whatever you consider to be good.” The ant winced. Sozo quickly turned around and headed towards his hut, ignoring the idea of looking back at Shamura, he didn’t want to know what that person was thinking at the moment.
Hopefully, they ignored the fact that the whole conversation was very short and weird.
Sozo quickly entered his hut and shut the door behind him, flopped on his bed, and screamed.
“WHY ARE YOU SO AWKWARD??? IT’S NOT HARD TO BE NORMAL!” He shouted through the bedsheets. Lifting his head to answer the question, “Well- Sozo has been loopy for years! Sozo forgot how it felt to be considered ‘normal’!” Sozo mocked himself.
“Quiet you!”
“Sozo will not! Sozo doesn’t appreciate Sozo’s tone!”
“I’ll end you-”
“End Sozo? Sozo will end Sozo?”
That got the ant to shut up… realizing that he was arguing with himself took a minute.
With a sigh, he got up from his bed and started his journal entry for the night. The tranquillity flooded the room, the occasional pen scribbles danced about.
Hopefully, tomorrow will be a better day.