Chapter Text
"When did I ask for this?"
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The Lamb sat at the edge of the cliff. One move could send him down. To the very bottom. Right where he belonged. Trash, worthless and pathetic.
Empty eyes rose to the sky. The clouds blocked any attempts of light to break through to the earth. With a small chuckle, full of irony, Lambert took the Crown off his head. The red eye looked at him as it always did. Calm. Without emotion. Without expectations.
'Master, you look lost. What has happened? Do you wish to do something about the cult? Go on another crusade? Just give the order, and I will once again become an extension of your will.'
A quiet, almost demonic, yet still servile voice sounded in the Lamb's head. The eye stared straight, meeting the gaze of the Shepherd himself. He shook his head and slowly stroked the black, sticky surface of the Crown.
'No... But I don't see the point. I don't see... why I should continue this. I achieved revenge... But... I don't feel worthy. I don't feel ready... for something greater. I'm just... a little sheep. I've always been... weak...'
'But, my lord, you are not weak—'
'No, no. I know, but... Inside. I killed. I personally tore the bones from my enemies... I liked it, but... What is it worth after a hundred years? What am I supposed to feel when I go against my enemies again?'
'If I may, you are a magnificent leader. All these mortals obey you only because you give them hope with your strength. With your kindness. You have always told me that you wish to make them happy...'
'Ah, you're right, but...'
The Lamb hesitated for a moment. His gaze fell to the side. His hand grabbed the grass beside him. Thoughts began to thicken inside his little head. Images. Blood, skulls, Gods. Their enemies. The Old Faith.
'I... only wished... to avenge myself. To savor their suffering. I... achieved that. Made them mortal. All of them. Every single one... But... Why? I don't feel that I got what I wanted...'
The Crown moved closer. Its form changed for a moment, becoming like a snake. It slowly crawled onto the Lamb's neck and warmed itself against his chest.
'Lambert. Your kind was slaughtered. Your family... was brutally executed. So ask yourself... What is it that you lack? I have watched you. For years. Every memory, every thought. We share them between us. You and I... I am merely a tool. But... Will you really allow yourself to be a toy of revenge?'
The Lamb opened his eyes wide. Drops of tears gathered at the corners. A dark, thick liquid poured onto the ground. He raised his hands and covered his face with his palms.
'Ah... No... Crown... I... I can't... What if... They won't forgive me? I've caused so much pain...'
'Think of the one who has already forgiven you. Of the one who made a mistake himself. Of the one who wishes to receive forgiveness as strongly as you do...'
Lambert turned around, hearing the sound of footsteps. The silhouette of a dark figure appeared behind him. It lowered itself beside him. A white robe made it hard to see the person's face.
Their hand moved and covered the Lamb's palm. Black wool showed through their garment. The figure bowed its head and leaned it against Lambert's shoulder.
'Hey... Why did you leave? I thought we were planning to sleep... Usually, you're more responsible about things like this...'
Their voice was quiet. A gust of wind could have muffled their words, but a note of sadness... and hurt was clearly visible in them. Their fingers tightened around the Lamb's hand.
'Don't... leave so suddenly, okay? At least give me a warning... Sigh, let's go back? I... still want to sleep, and alone...'
At last, they turned their head. Three red eyes looked at Lambert with a mixture of longing and hope. A faint smile played on their lips, barely visible under the shadow of the hood.
Lambert looked down at the Crown, which had closed its single eye. A smile reflected on the Shepherd's face. He looked at the sky one last time. A small ray of light managed to break through the darkness and pointed into the deep sea, illuminating it with all its strength.
'Yes, of course. Let's go... I... love you...'"