Chapter Text
It was any ordinary day for Medkit.
He got up at his 6 am alarm, reluctantly pulling himself out of his covers and off his couch. Medkit would sleepily make his morning coffee, rubbing his good eye as he did, before reading the news while he languidly drinks. He would fetch his clothes out of the dryer and get himself dressed, snapping his eyepatch in place and leaving his apartment complex.
Today was his bi-weekly grocery trip, and he balks around the Crossroads shops before arriving at his destination. He wasn’t in a rush today, so he took more time to examine all the produce and essentials he needed for his fridge. He decides he wants pasta tonight, so he remembers to pick up some tomatoes and cheese. After grabbing the last few groceries, he checks his watch. 2:20, just 10 minutes before his meetup with Sword. Thieves’ Rest wasn’t far from here, so he had time.
As Medkit passed the restaurant’s window, he spotted Sword, exchanging waves with the young inphernal. He always enjoyed the frequent meetups with Sword, it was the only part of his day where he felt relatively at ease. Never fully, though. He was always on guard. The pair would eat lunch together, always chatting about their day (Sword did most of the talking, there wasn’t a day where he was quiet. In a good way, of course. Medkit always enjoyed his talking). And when the two would finish, Medkit would often pay and he would walk the red horned inphernal back to his mentor’s place. The two would share goodbyes, before going their separate ways for the afternoon.
Medkit returns home, hands clutching his groceries and a lingering ache in his legs as he threw his coat on the back of his chair and slid into it, sighing heavily. He had much to do tonight. Picking up his pen and the closest sheet of paperwork, he began to write.
———
He wasn’t sure how long he was working, but he knew it had been a while due to the gnawing emptiness in his stomach. He should get started on dinner, he thought, but quickly grimaced at the time. 23:59, the bright red numbers illuminating the room. He always lost track of time, a habit he needed to fix. But as the clock struck a new day, the worst thing possible could’ve happened.
The telephone rang. He was jolted out of his thoughts, the ringing filling the air. His gaze quickly darted to the device, its bright red hue seeming to mock him as the grating noise continued to grow louder by the minute. He clenched his fists and jaw, the papers in his hand crumpling before he slammed them down and reached an uncertain hand out, hesitating before he picked up.
“…Hello?” Sweat beaded at his temple.
“Hey Meds, almost thought you weren’t going to pick up!” That sickly cheerful voice followed by laughter filled his ears. But, the playful tone didn’t last long. “The Father has requested your presence at once.”
Medkit felt nauseous, his face paling as the crystal between his horns jolted in surprise and trembled. His jaw was left agape, shocked as he tried to find words to muster up but failed. Why did The Father-
“Awfully silent today. You’re not busy, aren’t you?” Seriousness turns into suspicion.
“I’m-“
“Good! You know he doesn’t like to be kept waiting.” Medkit’s eyebrow twitched as he was cut off. “…Just don’t mess it up this time, The Father can only be so forgiving. Honestly, you moving into Crossroads has been nothing but an inconvenience for all of us.” The irritating voice continued. “I thought we were supposed to protect you, y’know? That’s kind of the entire deal? If I didn’t know any better, I would think you’re trying to run away from us!”
“So, what will it be?”
Medkit’s expression hardened as he gripped the telephone tighter, scowling at the inphernal through the line before suppressing a sigh.
“..I’ll be there soon.”
“Haha! Knew we could rely on ya.” Sweet again, before a long pause.
“Don’t mess this up.”
Medkit felt like his heart was about to pound out of his chest. His fist tightened, face clammy with sweat, before taking a deep breath and hanging up, the click resonating through the room.
He didn’t feel hungry anymore.
———
“Well?” The Father’s voice cut through the now silent room as The Broker drummed his hands on the table.
“He’s on his way, best to send transportation as soon as possible. Strike whilst the iron’s hot, as they say!” His neck craned upwards in his chair to make eye contact with Father Overseer, his cheery personality an abnormality in the tense setting.
“Excellent. Him and I are going to have a little chat about how to become a valuable Church member, as well as his recent… ‘rebellious streak’.” His voice tightened at the last part, grip tightening on his staff.
“Aw… Y’know, I wouldn’t be too hard on him. Blackrockians are all the same! They don’t like being complicit, it’s not their forte. Especially this one, hehe~” The Broker’s giggle hung in the air, obviously trying to ease up the atmosphere.
“Are they not supposed to be Inpherno’s greatest minds? Who knew they could be such a pain!” The Father’s irritation was now evident. “We’re under armed as it is! We can’t afford to wait for him to come around?” This time, The Broker didn’t say anything, resting his face in his chin as if he was deep in thought. After a few moments, he snapped his fingers, a lightbulb lighting in his head.
“Ah-ha!” He leaned back into his chair, fingers resting in a triangle. “See, there may be a way to keep him more… obedient. A dog at your beck and call, if you will.” An eerie grin split The Broker’s face. “Though… I’m afraid there may be some initial pushback, Father Overseer.”
“I’m listening.”