Chapter Text
Droplets of water fall from the heavy clouds hanging in the sky, leaving their dark marks as the ground absorbs them. Despite this, I cling to the belief that rain or shine, everyday was a perfect day to walk with the Spawn. Nothing—no tornado, famine, or war—should prevent a loyal follower from seeking the guidance of our Divine Creator.
My blue robe gracefully falls into my grasp as I remove it from its hanger. Pulling it on and adjusting it accordingly, its sleeves drape elegantly off my arms, providing warmth yet style at the same time. An elder like me must always appear well-kept when meeting fellow Spawnists and the almighty Spawn itself.
Adjusting the metal frames sitting on my nose, I open the door. As expected, I was met with water rolling down my head. Just a puny drizzle won’t kill me, so I put up my hood, sheltering me from the precipitation. The rain was such a generous gift from the One Above. It provided miracles that the people have taken for granted, and it pains me to see non-believers just brush it off, labeling it as something “science can prove”. A scoff at their absurdity escapes me; if only they could realize that it was the Spawn’s doing.
My shoes bathe in the mud as I continue on. I’ll have to notify Aetherius to clean them later, once the sun burns the remaining clouds and dries the mud. Speaking of my apprentice, I wonder how they’re doing. I hope they understand that the deed had to be done. Even if I hadn’t killed their boyfriend, Azure, he would’ve been sacrificed one day—it was just a matter of time and who did it; after all, this is the life of a Spawnist. They seem to be handling it alright, although something is amiss. But Aetherius was a rather strange being, cast out at a young age, they have anomalistic tendencies with an eerie presence. Not to worry though, the Protector will guard me from any harm and misfortune that the fellow believer might attempt to inflict.
The trees that surround my path begin to grow scarcer. Eventually, my steps lead me to a clearing, one that I’ve spent countless hours amongst, basking in the warmth of the Spawn. I kneel down beside a rock, resting my elbows on them as my knees dirty themselves. Clasping my hands, I close my eyes and clear my head of any impure thought. One must be reverent when around the Holy One, making sure not to disrespect it.
Breathing in a steady rhythm, I mutter prayers of my endless gratitude towards The Almighty One, a wide smile crossing my face as I reflect on all They have given to me. My head lowers in humbleness, not caring for the relentless onslaught of rain. It too is a gift from the glorious Spawn, after all.
A faint rustling sound can be heard from behind me, barely audible. Assuming it is an animal, I pay no mind to it, and bury my stray thoughts in a deeper prayer. Again the blasted noise rings out, however, too loud to ignore this time. May the Spawn forgive me for leaving my position, however it is clear that the source of the noise must be immediately eradicated lest it distract me further.
Elegantly rising from my position, I slightly dust my immaculate robes before striding over towards the origin of the noise, head held high. It is important for any dedicated follower of The Spawn such as I to maintain composure even in troubling situations.
I swiftly approach a tall, wizened tree which appears as if it has withheld the test of time and inspect it carefully. Curiously, it appears to be surrounded by crushed foliage and flattened daisies, impossible for a simple animal to leave. Crouching over to inspect it, I brush my fingers over the remnants of leaves and furrow my eyebrows. No devotee was aware about this spot, so who-?
I spot something from the corner of my eye. A glint of intricate silver steel approaching me at an alarming rate, preceded by a blur of deep blue and pale white. Swiveling around, I hastily attempt to reach for my own sacrificial dagger hidden in my robes, however the attacker leaves no opportunity for me to. A sudden, horrific pain like none I have experienced before erupts from my chest, an enormous amount of blood glimmering in the rain like thousands of miniscule rubies spilling out.
Gasping in agony, I raise my head at the one wielding the dagger, trying to focus on who stood before me, and-
Oh Spawn.
Acerbus 'Aetherius' Thyme- my once admirably devoted student- clutched their weapon as if their life depended on it, shaking violently. My terrified eyes met theirs, and the ones that stared back were manic and radiating pure rage. Tears flowed down their pale, grimy face covered in dirt and dust, while they sobbed uncontrollably. It truly was a shame The Spawn refused to grant them some form of sophistication no matter their state. Always emitting a crazed, unstable aura one way or another. And now was no different.
“I hate you,” Acerbus whispered, voice trembling slightly yet evidently certain. “You do not deserve a second life as pure and true as Azure’s, you terrible liar.” As they held onto their blade once more, I narrowed my eyes at their sheer impudence in the presence of someone as holy and dedicated to The Almighty Spawn as I, daring to bring harm on Its worthiest vessel.
”You…” I hiss, every word filling me with a colossal amount of pain I force myself to endure. “Ungrateful brat.” Every syllable out of their disgusting, traitorous mouth enraged me, and I would like no better than to use them as an example for the entire church. I was always aware that I would return to the Holy Spawn to receive my second life some day, however at the hands of someone like them— who is clearly beneath me, an elder of high status beloved to The Great One, was a thought that disgusted me.
The traitor stood up gingerly, wiping the tears off of their face and replacing their distressed expression with a considerably more neutral one. They turn their back towards me, pocketing their now crimson dagger that sparkled eerily with every drop of rain that The Spawn sent down. I knew there was not much time before the Spawn took me into It’s embrace, so I was determined to etch one singular message into their head.
”Acerbus,” I called out weakly, and they froze at that name. Their head tilted towards me, eyes widening with a mix of horror and despair.
“You truly are a bitter stain upon this world.”