Archive of Our Own ^beta

Over 20 years ago…

It was a cold rainy night, the sky was dark, and the clouds were spilling their frustrations, sighs, and woes into the bleary city. Father Cain forgot his umbrella, and had no choice but to stay under the shade of a bus stop.

The priest was soaking wet and cold, the black haired man shivered, his wet clothes clinging onto him. The harsh cold made him whimper and whine. He could only hope that the rain would stop, or at least, he would make it through the next day and make it back…

Footsteps, he heard, came from far distances, slowly approaching the bus stop. . .

A tall man with blonde hair was returning home from his night shift, off to retire for the night. He held the umbrella high over his head, his gait slow, his eyes closed as he tried to calm and relax himself from the stress of the day’s labour…

He was about to walk past the shivering priest, but the tip of his shoes brushed past the priest’s. He was snapped out of his zone, now his attention turned to the shivering man trying to sleep and keep warm. . .

Aiden was tempted to leave the priest alone, it was late after all. However, something deep in him wanted to help the man, perhaps it was the remaining good he had left from a life he had already thought died inside of him, or was it the fruit of the love that his lady left for him before she went to the other side of life.

“ Hey, are you alright? “ the blonde man asked the priest, offering his umbrella to the priest. His gaze is kind and gentle so as to not overwhelm the black-haired stranger. “ You must be cold… “

Cain looked back up at the male standing before him, prepared to face that maybe the stranger is just teasing him and will abandon him right after, but was then surprised when the male offered his own coat and scarf for him.

“ I don’t recognise you from around here, you must have come from a faraway city. Want to come crash at my home for the night? “ The blonde man was gentle with him, his hand extended to Cain.

“ . . . “ The priest was still surprised at the sudden kindness. Everyone wasn’t this nice and kind to him, they all shunned the man at every opportunity, left him on the street, and turned their backs on him… all except the man before him. “ Thank you. . . “

The blonde hung the coat on the priest’s shoulders and wrapped the scarf around his neck. Cain’s brown eyes stared back into the stranger’s golden ones.

Father Cain remembered that act from the stranger. When the world had its doors closed to him, forcing him out with no shelter, only one had opened their door to him…

The other man felt his body take control of him as he helped the poor stranger back to his feet. He just had to help him, it would never sit right with him to actually abandon someone there when the world is cold, he would just be reminded how he was left at the outskirts of society when he was a kid, it's something he would never wish upon anybody….

That night, the blonde man gave the priest clothes, fed him, gave him food to eat, and kept him safe that night. He saw it as nothing more than a kind gesture towards the priest… The two of them were just some people who had the misfortunes of living in this miserable life together

However, Father Cain thought otherwise, he found someone worthy to serve him till the end of days, someone who could follow him to the ends of the earth…

“ I offer you my peace, sir… Aiden. Thank you for everything “ The priest blessed the kind man.

“ How did you know my name- “ Aiden’s eyes darted to the table, he saw his left sleeve rising up a bit, showing engravings of his name on his wrist. The blonde man pulled his sleeve down, and cleared his throat.
“ It’s nothing much father. I just couldn’t leave you behind at the bus stop like that. “

“ My peace I give you, Aiden. “ The father then said out of the blue.

Alcor was confused by this, but just listened. He wasn’t a faithful believer of such things, but nonetheless, he let it slide. He wasn’t the type of man to get offended so suddenly when a religious figure is to spread words of yore to him. He was used to it. He had no need to take offense to it.

So he just quietly nodded along as Father went on to his ramblings, however, Aiden didn’t know, he would find himself slowly falling for the man’s words, hypnotised and danced into his rondos and serenades. Subconsciously, he findself moved by his philosophies and his ideals, almost to the point he believed in them…

This was the moment of vulnerability that the priest was looking for. He knew Aiden would be a man that would take too much risk just to have him sit in one place. So he did what usual ‘divine’ entities would do when seeking followers, appear weak before the unsuspecting one, and then move their hearts to believe in you…

====================================================================================

40 Days Later…

“ So, do you want to join me? serve me til the end of your days, Be the salt of this earth for me, and follow me to the ends of the world? “ The priest asked kindly, a warm smile on his face, his brown eyes holding an air of kindness and welcoming air for the man across from him.

“ I fear I have no faith nor love in my heart to believe in you Father. ” Aiden replied coldly, staring down at the contract and empty wine glass at the table before him. Father just smiled at him, the same smile he always wore for anyone, to the businessmen and the vineyard workers, tax collectors and ordinary salarymen, and the sinners and saints. “ I don’t deserve your kindness, really. You shouldn’t waste your breath on someone like me. “

“ Oh, pray tell, Mr. Polaris. Why would you think of that? Do you not trust me to believe in me? “ The kind priest replied warmly at the man, his hand reaching out to calm the other male’s shaking left hand “ Do you doubt me, Aiden…? Where is your faith? Do you not remember You trusted me enough to welcome me into your house? “ His fingers gently traced the burnt engraving on his skin, as if that would comfort him.

The blonde man wanted to reply to Father Cain, yet his words never left his lips. Aiden felt his mouth run dry. He didn’t know how or what to respond to the kind man before him. He didn’t know how the reverend father before him would think of the truth of who he really is. He feared deceiving others, for it may reach a point where he deceives himself…

Aiden resisted the urge to pull away. Yet weirdly enough, he felt relaxed… comforted even by the gesture of the priest. He felt his defenses weaken, however deep down, something about his feelings changing so drastically felt off, as if he was being danced into the harmony of Father’s eminence. Despite this, he trusted in Father, and found himself agreeing and hanging onto every word he said…

So, Aiden agreed to believe in something once more. He didn’t know why, was it to feel like he’s alive again? Know whether or not life's journey made him numb? To fit in with the other humans like him who had something to believe in? Afterall, man needed God, right…? That was what made humanity stand out from other beings of sentience or the living kind…

These brand new feelings felt unfamiliar to him, he can’t tell if it was old feelings resurfacing him, something he’s learning how to feel for the first time, … or feelings being forced onto him.

The idea of it disturbed Alcor to the core. This would have been the 5th time. He’s a grown man now, he shouldn’t be falling for these, for the sake of God or whatever higher entity out there. He didn’t know how or why he is falling for the flowery word’s of the priest, but he felt as if he should stop, before he’ll end up worshipping him like the golden calf after Moses returned God’s people from Egypt.

Perhaps it had been silent for far too long, when Father’s voice suddenly cut through the air.

“ Ah, zoning out again, Aiden? “ This time, the smile unnerved the man rather than calmed him. It carried an air of danger, straight up telling him he has no choice but to comply with the request of the man.

“ . . . “ The man just nodded, biting his lips, preventing himself from uttering another word, words he may regret later on.

….

With a gentle sweep of the edge of a sharp cross, a cut was formed on the right palm of Aidem, the sweet colour of wine flowed from his hand, into the empty glass of wine. The deep crimson filled the empty glass halfway, then mixed with the rich hues of the brew of the ternate pods that Aiden deeply treasured. The two colours combined into a rich maroon colour

Cain brought the glass up to his lips, and slowly consumed the rich deep hue of violet, tasting the blood– and the companionship he’ll find with the man.

The drink was sweet, like mead mixed with honey, only to be drunk on a romantic night with someone you love and hold dear… At least, that’s what another person would think of the taste, but to Father Cain, this is a bad sign.

There will come a day where the man before him will turn his back on him like what the world did to him that night, where Aiden’s peace will never be with him once more. Time will turn Aiden into an unforgiving man, someone whom he will not recognise, and yet…

Father Cain still wanted to invite the ‘tax collector’ before him to dine with, he would have wanted to walk his mission with the man even if he’s a lowly as a leper cast out by society. If Aiden was the apple in the Garden of Eden, then Cain would be the weak man who would take it from the hands of the snake, yet never share it with another soul.

Even with the divine voice telling him to turn away from the monster amongst men before him, but something about the taste of the sickly sweet venom of Aiden’s humanity lured him further, the same way he serenaded and swayed Alcor into his harmony.

Without another thought, he took the right hand of the blonde, and brought it up to his lips, his lips just hovering over where the gentle brush of the sharp edge of the cross, where the mead of Aiden’s temptation still flowed. Without hesitation, his lips brushed against the red running venom, and then, with a gentle sweep of his tongue, had a direct taste of the poison of Aiden, even more sickly sweet than the cocktail of ternate pods and this.

Aiden began to panic, not for himself, but for Father Cain. The man was treading down a dangerous path, like how man created the Tower of Babel to reach God. He felt lowest of the low, Aiden believed that he was the cancer they warned about to never be touched. How could someone like Father look at him with empathy beyond human measure? To love him like he’s worth it? To sit with him at a table like he isn’t someone society hates?

Aiden was confused at the sight and the man before him, the way he lapped up the rich red wine of his being as if it was the sweetest honey he’s ever tasted. This isn’t how Father should be around him. He thought that deep down, maybe Father harbored some sort of disgust or unease towards him. The kind priest shouldn’t be this nice to someone like him.

Suddenly, Father’s mannerisms switched up on him, his tongue retracted from the palm of Aiden, and his gaze went to the back of the blonde’s hand. There he saw a bright red mark of the caduceus, a symbol of medicine and health practice– and resolution and peace, something that Aiden clearly was not. His nails dug into the skin of the man, treading on the thin line of spite and recognition.

“ Pray tell, what’s this on the back of your hand, Mr. Polaris? “ The priest brought the hand closer to his gaze for further inspection. “ The caduceus? My, you also know medical practices? “

The blonde man wanted to reply, but it seemed the words never left Aiden’s mouth. His lips quivered as he tried to think of a response. Father was an ordained clergy, a man worthy of respect and worship. Aiden had to show it in his words, he didn’t know what to say or do.

“ I… I had it over 11 years ago, when I was 17… “ Aiden replied, his golden eyes staring away from Father. “ I am licensed for advanced levels of oriental medicine and caretaking… “

“ Ah, we’re the same age. Interesting. “ Father stood up from his seat, and took Alcor’s hand along, forcing him to stand up. “ You’d fit just fine with us- I mean, it’s just us two, Mr. and Mrs. Francis, and their first born, Jamie… “

“ You’d make it far, even further than my deacon, I have a job I want you to do. “ The priest requested him.
“ You can cook all types of meat, right? “

“ Yeah? Pufferfish, ox meat, and whatever style… “ Aiden was confused by the sudden question of the priest.

“ How about the flesh of humanity? “ The priest dead panned at the man. His brown eyes looking back at Aiden’s golden ones, daring him to disobey or lie to him.

This earned a gasp surprise from the blonde, his eyes widening. He did know how to cook that kind of meat. Even so, this frightened the man, to the point he didn’t respond to the priests for a few minutes.

“ Aiden. Answer me. “ The gruff voice of the man snapped Aiden back into reality.

“ I do, Father. “ Aiden felt words leave his mouth unwillingly, these weren’t things he’d say, as if some being is puppeteering him to follow THEIR bidding.

“ Good… “ The priest seemed to be in deep thought for a while. “ Then, do you promise… you’d serve me as my deacon, attending to ALL my needs and desires as a priest. “

“ … I do… “

“ No matter what? Even if the world goes against me? Should I be seen as a monster? “ The priest continued to test him, even though he knew the answer could possibly be a lie from the other man.

“ I…. I- uh… “ He didn’t know what to say, he feared lying to the man– not because of the punishment, but this would end up with him lying to himself, doing all that to fall for the same tricks he did for the fifth time. It’s rather pitiful, to the point of pathetic. “ … I do. “

“ I am delighted you’re with us, Mr. Aiden. “ The man then suddenly reached for the blonde’s long hair, brushing a few stray locks from his face and tucking it into the back of his ear. He reached it for the man’s tied hair and brought its end to his mouth, his lips brushing against the golden hair.

Aiden found himself in a trance, willingly or unwillingly. Something about this man seemed alluring, was it the calm colors? The non-chaotic odor? Or how his face seemed to suddenly stand out, compared to how it was 40 days ago.

“ That thing is a fake, Aiden. “ The priest suddenly commented, dropping his hold on the hair. “ Well, the gold colour it is. It used to be very vibrant over a month ago.. “ Father Cain tsked. “ Lying to me already? And it’s not even your first day yet. Ah, what must I do to you, Aiden… “

There it is. The thing that the ‘blonde’ man was looking for. The real mannerism of Father. He was used to recognising patterns and identifying characteristics from behaviour and mannerisms. This one seemed more like the ‘real’ Reverend Father Cain Ashveil to him.

“ I advise you to take it off, along with the… mark of the caduceus on your right hand. It doesn’t suit you at all. “ The priest sighed, retracting his hands from the male’s hair , and letting it rest on his sides. “ We’ll take it off tomorrow, we’ll get you new clothes befitting your role as my deacon and servant. I’ll take you as to where you would be staying in your years of servitude to me. “

Aiden looked at the man uneasily. So this is his new life, huh? He can’t believe he’s been this weak to join ANOTHER one of these groups. Well, he can just hope it isn’t as bad as his past others.

“ Oh, and I don’t like your name, Mr. Polaris. It doesn’t suit you… “ The priest then said softly, stepping closer to him, closing their gap, his hand touching the blonde’s cheek, his brown eyes meeting Aiden’s golden colored ones. They had quite the height gap, he had to really bend his neck down to meet the blonde’s gaze.

“ Mind if I change it? I want to call you Alcor from tomorrow on. You may be a faint star in the sky, but noticing you is a sign of a good eye, and wisdom. I’m very honoured to keep you as my deacon. “ His fingers brushed against the skin beneath the eye of the shorter man.

Aiden– or now known as Alcor was frozen in place from Cain’s sudden actions. Is this really how he should act around him? With fondness and kindness?
…

4:30 AM, 195X

He was in the bathroom, doing what Father instructed him about his unnaturally golden hair…

The man lifted his head from the bucket of water, gasping for air, as if he rose from the great flood that punished all. This may as well be his great flood, The punishment from a higher entity for being this weak to fall for another religious scheme. The first, second, third, and fourth were reasonable– he was still a young soul then, but now should be unforgivable.

His hair was now white as snow now that the blonde dye had been washed off, along with his golden eyes. Before, this would have given him many compliments; this would have given him a saintly and innocent air, his beauty would have been called divine… and yet…

He looked at the man in the mirror before him, a body scored with branding resembling the Aquarius constellation spanning from his neck to his lowermost rib, his left inner wrist with the engravings of his name. His back was bare and exposed for the world, bearing a branding resembling an hourglass from the back of his neck to his middle back, and a large burn scar from a fire from an old sacrilegious building he once worked at and called his home.

His eyes were tired, deep bags from countless night shifts from his past, from the hardships of his life, and the toll surviving had on him. He survives, not lives his life day by day. He should have died long ago, and yet someone out there keeps him alive… He dried his hair with a towel, and then brushed it neatly…

His eyes landed on the set of neatly folded clothes on a chair behind him. It looked too holy for him to wear, pristine white and gold, colours of divinity… But nonetheless, Father expects him to wear it. He carefully put on the clothes for him

“ Not too bad… “ Alcor said to himself upon dressing up. It fits him just fine. It’s just what the church expects of him to be, clean, proper, demure, and whatever words that clearly didn’t fit him, and was forced onto him.

He took an elastic band and tied his hair up into a side plait, it was long, yes– not long enough to just have it rest on his back without something holding it together neatly.

He left his room, and off to do whatever Father needed him to do, help him preach, serve the masses, and whatever the holy clergy did as expected from God.

Father Cain was pleased with him throughout the day. Each service went by smoothly, every ritual and seemed to be remembered and known by Alcor like the back of his hand. Perhaps THEY weren’t wrong about seeing potential in that man. He didn’t regret welcoming the man in the arms of his church.

But the divine being had other plans. They didn’t like how Father welcomed Alcor into the faith. THEY knew who and what Alcor truly is. They have warned the man of the dangers and hells he’ll witness should he have the man walk with him to the future where THEY have seized life and balance from the gods themselves…

. . .

He washed his hands and readied himself for the last task of the night… cooking Father’s meal…

He had to bite his lips to prevent himself from recoiling at the sight. It seems that Father was really serious in being served meals cooked from the flesh of his fellow men. With a deep breath and holding back a sound of disgust, he immediately went to work, slicing away the sores of the skin, erasing all identities of the corpse before him, just to cook and prepare Father’s meal.

Deep down, he felt disgusted. This may have been something he’s learned from half a decade ago, but it still brought the feelings of shame and illness. He felt himself about to react to these feelings when he felt someone from behind, their fingers ghosting over his shoulder. It was Father Cain, his breath ghosted over Alcor’s ear, and then with a low whisper of his gruff voice:

“ Show any sense of disgust in your actions of love and worship, and I’ll make you feel and see what the angels felt when God casted them out of heaven for heresy and disobedience. “ It was a threat, it made Alcor’s blood run cold. Just as he was about to turn his back to respond to Father…

He’s not there. As if those words from him were just a figment of his imagination and thoughts… Yet, it still felt so real to him. The tone and diction of the priest’s voice… it was real. It reminded him of what is truly real and what’s not

Suddenly, the sick feeling was easily ignored. His gut strengthened, and he was able to sweep his knife cleanly to Father’s needs.

Soon enough, a whole table was prepared with a meal for Father. Alcor followed what Father requested from him that day. Now all that's left is to wait for Father…

…

Strange.

The priest still hasn’t shown up when he promised he would. Alcor was a lax man, he can excuse 10-45 minutes of tardiness… but he’s been waiting for almost two hours already. It’s nearly 12 AM. Just where would Father be at this time? Did the man fall asleep? Or was he busy again?

He thought he should have let it slide, but something within him felt worry and fear as to what happened to Father. So, he took a lamp, covered the meal in a fly net, left the kitchen and locked the door– to prevent anyone else from seeing the monstrous feast laid out on the table.

He traversed the halls and buildings, looking for any sign of Father. He was greeted by nothing but the lifeless bland walls, who seemed to have more gray and cream hues while it was blanketed by the shadows of night. Even so, it wasn’t as overwhelming as the lights casted by the stained glass of the holy chapel of the day. Sights like these would often calm him down from the overload of worship and colours of the day…

It was 12:30 AM now, and he still hadn’t found Father. He had exhausted all possible means to find the priest– except the Chapel. The thought was absurd, he saw Father lock it before dismissing him for his nightly duties. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to try, right?

He went up to the chapel gates, it was still locked. However, he knew of a way for him to get in, from the back doors of the Chapel. It was forbidden for him to use it, like how one no one is to work on the Sabbath day. However, like the Sabbath day, this chapel was made for man’s refuge and sanctuary.

He disobeyed the rules, and went in from the back. He was right to check in here, Father was kneeling before the altar. His hands clasped together tightly in prayer, his holy robes barely hanging onto his body, leaving his back exposed to the world.

Along the priest's spine bore the markings of the divine, resembling the wood and branches of a large black tree, symbolising Cain’s shade of protection over his Church. This was a man who is supposed to be seen and revered as someone like God.

The Father whispered his prayers profusely, gasping for air in between words, his eyes closed tightly. His body shaking, perhaps from the cold Chapel air or the power of whatever he’s been praying to. His body had signs of the divine laying their hands on him, punishment it seems. Even with the punishment-like nature of it all, Father took it kindly, like how the apostles accepted the scorn they had faced while doing God’s work…

Frozen in his tracks, Alcor felt fear at the sight before him. He couldn’t bring himself to approach Father. He felt pity for Father. Alcor knew what it felt like to be in his shoes, when others would convince him that every pain and suffering from the day’s labours would amount to something in an unconfirmed paradise somewhere…

Breathlessly, the priest just accepted the punishment from the Divine, it’s just one step closer to Godhood, right? To become someone false and old God’s feared. It has to be worth it right…?
He felt his body take control of him, and he quietly walked towards Father, standing behind him quietly, and then he took off his white blazer, and placed it on the priest’s shoulders. It was almost the same comforting gesture from the past month, it’s just this time, it’s laced with the ‘love’ a deacon should have had for his priest…

“ Father…? Are you alright? “ The deacon knelt before Father Cain, his arm wrapped around the other man’s shoulders, offering his presence and shoulder to the priest. “ You still haven't had your supper. I’ve been worried… “

“ Alcor… you shouldn’t have. “ The priest weakly smiled back at the man, leaning onto his shoulders slightly, his fatigue perhaps from the strain of the forced prayer from the divine… “ I’ve told you not to come in here once the door is lo- “

“ And I shall leave you to freeze to the cold air? I won’t. “ He the man gently stood up, helping the priest back onto his feet. “ Let’s tidy you up before you eat… “

The deacon helped the priest fix his clothes back onto his body. Nothing but silence between the two. Alcor was gentle with the priest, his fingers brushing over his skin gently as he covered up the signs of divine punishment on the man before him…

This was just another reason why Father would never regret welcoming the man before him under the shade of his tree. Even if told ‘No’, Alcor was the type of person who would break all rules, laws, and orders, just for the interest of his companions or whatever… and he liked that. Who cares if the man before him would at some point treat him like some insignificant scum? A passing season? He didn’t care. As long as he knew Alcor saw him and recognised him in some way, that’s what mattered. He just smiled warmly at the man before him in gratitude.

Alcor was used to being kind to people no matter what. He was just doing his job, and yet… something about doing things for Father Cain made him feel warm inside, alive and human once more. However, this conflicted him, are these his own natural feelings? Or are these feelings the divine is writing into the code of his nature and humanity? He could only return Father Cain’s kind gaze with a forced smile that could hopefully convince the taller man that everything is alright…

The two walked back to the kitchen in quiet solitude, the priest still relying on the deacon for support. The deacon was slow and careful in his steps, ensuring Father’s comfort beyond all things.

And so, for the next 20 years, Alcor never left Father Cain’s side. He had learned to love his grace, to walk with him, and have Father as his lamp and light onto his path, wherever he shall be heading... Father Cain was the easy colours from the way too colorful and stressful life Alcor lived. He had long lost the clear vision of whatever are his true feelings or just one of the divine’s tricks on the script of his being.

Alcor took up his cross and followed Father. Willingly or Unwillingly believing in the gospel spreading from the priest's lips. Father didn’t care if some day the other man would no longer accept his spirit of peace. Alcor didn’t care if the melody of his being is his own or another's … at least that’s what he had thought for now. They were just two souls with the misfortune of being on this rocky planet of misery, just walking along in the valley of tears, sighing together, mourning their pasts, and weeping for the future…

Surely nothing will shatter that, right…?

====================================================================================

SOME YEARS LATER…

“ Look at him, Alcor! Isn’t he adorable? “ The priest showed him a small infant child in his arms, baptised into the church…

“ That’s… still an infant baby. Are you sure you should be passing him around the whole church? “ Alcor took a step back, afraid to hold the infant.

“ Come on, look at him, he wants you to hold him. “ The infant had its eyes wide at Alcor..

“ Uh… sure… “ Alcor was hesitant to hold the infant, but he was careful as he held the little one. The baby played with Alcor’s long white hair…

“ Well… he’s a cute one… What’s his name? “

“ Ah, the second born of Mr. and Mrs. Francis. Samuel Edward Francis… “

“ I see… “ Alcor lifted the child closer to him, and had a blank smile on his face. “ Nice to meet you Samuel… “

“ He’ll make it far with us, don’t you think so, Alcor? “

“ Yeah, I think so too… “

“ Good. “ The priest took the child back into his arms, nd then turned around leaving the deacon in the Parish office.

“ I better not get wind of you poisoning the mind and spirit of this one, Mr. Polaris. It’s a shame, they’re a direct gift from God… “ And the priest left that man alone in the parish office.

The usual life of being Cain’s deacon. Father Cain can be as kind as the devil to him at some times; tempting and sweet as sin. There were times where he was as evil as God; unrelenting and steadfast in his punishment. Even so, Alcor couldn’t turn away. He was just a man, temptations can get to him easily, even if it must string like the bite of a snake.

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PRESENT TIME

“ Alcor, wake up. “ the priest violently shook the shoulders of the man that was napping below a shade of a large tree. He was standing, his height hovering over the man sleeping on the grass.

“ I’m up! I’m up! Is there anything you want from me, Father? “ Alcor groaned, sitting up, his other hand rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. He made sure that the sleeping little girl in his other arm wouldn’t be disturbed.

“ Ah, it’s you and Willow again… “ The priest smiled at the sight before him “ Isn’t she usually with Samuel? “ The priest then sat on the grass beside the deacon.

“ Oh Samuel uh… He’s busy with the other kids. Willow wanted to tag along wit him, but she wanted an afternoon nap, so she just plopped down beside me, and never left since then. “ Alcor sighed, adjusting the child in his arms a bit to rest more comfortably on his chest.

“ Why must you wake me up again Father? And couldn’t you have done it more quietly? “ Alcor complained , his hand brushing the messy hair out of his, ensuring he looks proper and tidy as he talks to Father. “

“ Watch your tongue, Alcor. “ Cain's tone was sharp, reprimanding the man for the disrespect.

“ Sorry, Father… “

“ Anyways… “ Cain leaned his back against the wood of the soft tree. “ Mother Megara and I will have an important discussion later that night. I want you to go out and buy the finest tea for later. “

“ Noted. What time do I go out? “ Alcor gently set Willow down to keep sleep on the grass.

“ Depends on what you plan to buy. I mean, if it’s a tea made for the finest people, I assume it takes a long and tedious process to prepare it, hm? “

“ Right… “ Alcor stood up from the grass. “ Can you watch over Willow while she takes a nap? “

“ Sure thing, Deacon. That was supposed to be my job, taking care of the children. “

Alcor could only sigh at the Father’s pettiness. Really? He’s been like that ever since Samuel had been growing more fond of him, and would choose to listen to him instead of the gospel from Father’s lips…

…

He purchased some fine Osmanthus leaves, to be steeped with tea from dried Golden Carnations and Begonias. It was a rare yet calming combination of herbs and flowers. Something he once brewed for old customers of the top elite…

He quietly brewed the tea in the kitchen, adding along some other herbs to flavour the tea. He drank a bowl of his usual blue ternate tea.

The quiet solitude of brewing tea made his thoughts race. Was it the smell of sweetness from the dried flora? The absence of sound? Was it the rush and flow of colours flowing from the steeping tea? Or perhaps, his thoughts were much louder now that he was alone and safe from the outside world.

This made him think of his past before meeting Father Cain. The smell of the tea made him reevaluate the thoughts and feelings he had about the church and Father Cain. This brought back the questions and beliefs that he thought he buried with his past. Why must it come back at such a time to haunt him?

The idea that once he entered this cult; that his thoughts were no longer his anymore and is just script and code from a divine being, irritated and bothered him deeply. This made him feel weak and pathetic. He who had once sworn freedom from God, now finds himself enslaved by the love and salvation of a man who transcends divinity? Pathetic. That’s a lot to come from him.

This made him doubt the reverence and love he has for Father Cain. Was it truly coming from the bottom of his heart? Is this another false miracle from the works of the divine? Is it even love and reverence? Or just spite and anger masked just to mock the Father’s naivety for trusting a man like him.

The lines between love and spite have blurred to the point where it’s one colour. Afterall, spite is just love without patience and tolerance. Love and spite can kill, it’s just a murduer motivated by spite leaves a festering scar, like a grit in the eye that’s always scratching at the surface, yet never to be removed. It's easy to get those things confused, especially when the divine makes their way into the scene. No one would tell the difference with their eyelids lowered.

His heart and thought raced while he was in deep reflection, his eyes focused on the purple liquid in the wooden bowl in hand. The overabundance of blues, purples, and other colours stressing him out along with the crisis of the real truth of his love and reverence, his being and humanity, his life beginning and ending. He felt as if he should look away from the drink, but he had too much thoughts in his head to even do that.

Knock Knock “ Hello? Mr. Alcor? “ the voice of a fellow deacon cut him out of his trance. “ Can I come in? “

This had cut Alcor out of his trance in the crisis, jolting him awake, back to reality. He approached the door and opened it, seeing another Deacon, Ryuu, a harefolk new to the service of the church.

“ Oh, it’s you Ryuu. “ Alcor breathed a sigh of relief. He stepped back to welcome the fellow deacon in. “ What brings you here? “

“ Father just asked how the tea is going? Mother Megara would arrive in half an hour from now… “ Ryuu looked at the deacon, noticing how the man seemed to be a bit bothered. “ Is everything alright? Need me to get something or- “

“ It’s nothing Ryuu. It’s just… I’ve been too stressed from the glass panes in the chapel. “ Alcor hoped that lie sounded convincing.

“ Uhuh… sure… “ Ryuu didn’t sound like he believed that, his rabbit ears twitching a bit. “ Anyways, I’ll go prepare the table for Father and Mother Megara now- “

“ Hey, can you stay back for a while? “ Alcor asked the deacon. “ I’m overwhelmed by colours, can I just look at you for a few minutes? It won’t take too much of your time…

“ Hm… “ The harefolk were quiet, seemingly in contemplation, an ear twitching along, their hand pressed to his mouth in thought. “ Sure, as long as you have something for me about Father’s next meal… “

“ I always knew I could rely on you. “ The older deacon tossed the harefolk a small notebook, there were a few ID’s and small documents. “ Go on, read it, I worked extra just for you. “

It was an uneventful night, just the usual exchange of two religious figures. They talked about his church, the orphanage, and the other works of good he had done… The usual superiority talk of those of men who think they're above man, yet are lower than the maggots that eat at rotten flesh.

====================================================================================

Ah, Father was late again. He’s always in the chapel. Alcor thought. He and Ryuu were finishing up making Father’s meal for that night. Just a few more dishes and plates, and they can call Father in…

“ Hey Ryuu, how long do we have left before we have finished cooking? “

The harefolk glanced at the clock on the wall in the kitchen, his ears twitching lightly. “ About 15 minutes left… “

“ Ah I see… I’ll go look for Father Cain. Just finish up on that for me real quick, alright? I’ll work extra to get you the information you want about the next two corpses Father will feast on… “

“ Deal. “ Ryuu raised a thumbs up. “ You better make it worth it. “

“ I will. “ Alcor sighed humorously, walking towards the . “ I will get Father now, alright? Make sure no one else gets in but me. “

Alcor left the deacon there in the room, off to the Chapel, where he would always find Father whenever he’s late for his supper..

…

The priest knelt on both knees before the altar, his hands clasped together, holding a rosary. It would look like he’s in prayer before the Lord. The air of the chapel felt heavy and grimm, as if they were mourning a funeral.

“ One of your thirteen deacons shall perfidy against you. They will grow thorns and choke you in their blood and kindness, betray you and sell you out to the ones who shall lay you upon a cross of wood, thorn, and nail. “
THEIR voice echoed throughout the chapel walls, warning the priest of the demise he’ll meet in the unseen future.

“ You shall breathe your last after the demonic crowd condemns you to the pyres of Hell. You shall return anew 3 days from that hour. But until then, you’ll feel the pain of their spite and disgust at you a thousandfold in the Nether realm. “ the sound of THEIR presence boomed through the quiet and bleary chapel. A tone like a mother scolding her child.

“ Just do tell, how would that deacon betray me? “ The Father’s voice sounded sad, fearful even. Comparing him to an image, it’s as if one saw Jesus weep in the Garden.

“ They shall come up to you with a gentle brush of their lips against your neck. Their hands on your cheek in a guise of comfort and safety. From there, the law will take you away, where your voice shall be silenced. The one who had stabbed you in the back shall watch you, carelessly, without the room to do anything… “

THEIR prophecy continued. “ Then you shall arise again on the third day, and you'll give that treacherous deacon of yours a piece of your mind. “ The prophecy ended there, and the presence banished from the Chapel.

The priest was there, left alone in the dark and quiet to think and reflect on the future. He saw it coming the moment he welcomed Alcor into the shade of his tree. The very moment he had a taste of that man’s humanity, he knew, he was sin incarnate, a temptation from hell. Yet, even so… he would always sit with him at any table, hold his hand, doing his best to guide him back to THEIR Light.

….

Alcor hid behind a pillar of the Chapel, his hand over his mouth to quiet his panicked breathing. There is no way he’ll betray Cain, right? It had to be someone else, not him?

Everyone knows that once the seed of the words of the ancient divine had been planted into the soil of Human Life, only time can tell before it shall grow and fester into a tree. It was clear as day, the fuse of destiny has been lit, its only minutes before the bomb shall explode, and set the whole thing on Fire…

“ Oh, it’s you… Alcor, looking for me? “ The gruff yet warm voice of the man surprised the deacon. Making him unsteady on his feet. Just as he was about to trip, the priest caught the man.

“ Come, Alcor. Eat with me at my table. “

The two then went back to the kitchen. The priest had dismissed Ryuu, and it was just the two of them, The Priest and his First Deacon, and dined together, in a tense silence. For they both knew, they were just in a cutting edge dance together from that hour onto that fateful day, waiting for the Chainsaw to strike through the Father, due to his Deacon’s cowardly nature.

====================================================================================

A WEEK FROM THAT NIGHT…

Alcor sat beneath the shade of the tree, thinking of the unforeseen future. He had the heart and the mindset to do that, and yet… he felt regret and grief weigh down on him. He thought about what would happen to the church once Father Cain is gone, forever…

His thoughts kept racing, the shifting hues of green is not helping him at all with these things, it made him . Would the betrayal possibly be fueled by envy? Or would it find its motives in grief and spite? Is this betrayal a result of his own human weakness and flaws? Or this another circus only to serve the high elite divinity?

His thoughts were then cut short when he felt a weight beside him on the grass. It’s Father Cain. Wearing that usual smile, carrying warmth and kindness that Alcor felt he wasn’t worthy of. Alcor wanted to look away, convince Father to spend his remaining days on Earth with someone like Joel or the children… anyone but him.

He then felt Cain’s hand intertwine with his, the priest’s fingers reaching for the engraving of his old name beneath the white cuff of his clothes. Even with the holy gloves of the priest, it still felt warmer than the love Jesus had for his beloved, John. The same comforting gesture the other man once used on him two decades ago. It should’ve brought him comfort, but all he could feel is distress and conflict within him. Making him avoid Cain’s gaze. He tried to pull his hand away, but a part of him didn’t want to, and let the priests touch him like that, once more. Perhaps for the last time.

“ Alcor, it’s me… “ Father Cain’s reassuring voice broke the silence. His hands held Alcor’s tightly in place. “ Look at me, please. “

Alcor bit his lip, finding the strength within him to turn to face the friend before him. It took a few minutes, when Alcor finally gazed back at the man, his golden eyes meeting Cain’s brown and amber shades, almost overwhelming him.

“ So, is this about what happened last week? “ Alcor retracted his hand from Cain’s touch, pulling his sleeves back down. Telling Father Cain to keep his distance already.

“ Not quite… “ Then suddenly, the priest stood up and dragged the other by the arm, forcing Alcor onto his feet.

“ What was that for?! You know I’m anemic… “

“ You’re not. The taste of your blood says otherwise. Now, follow me. “ The priest dragged the deacon away, off to somewhere.

Alcor just gave up on everything, and let Father Cain drag him away. He’s only a deacon, there’s not much he can do for Father other than just offer a false blank smile at whatever the man is planning to do.

Cain lead the man through old familiar halls and walls. His grip on the man’s wrist was tight, yet it was a gesture of comfort and reassurance, as if telling the man “ I’m always here for you Alcor. I’ll always hold onto you tightly”. He hoped that’s what Alcor interpreted his hold on him as such.

They arrived in a hidden room, a room once used for converting the older people, and the rite of passage of the children who reached their Adult years. Where death and life meet at the crossroads, when the line that divides the living and the dead blur past recognition and comprehension. Where many have found their old selves dead. Where Father had brought them back from the Netherworld as a new and holistic version of them.

…
The man placed a disk on the phonograph, started its motor, and turned the stylus to the disk, and music played. It was a tune of romance and love, at least that’s what the usage of violins of pianos would want to convince the listeners. The slow tempo and tone of the rondo was a sign clear as day

“ Really? What kind of ritual are you planning this time, Father. “ Alcor sighed, his arms crossed as he leaned against the wall, unimpressed.

“ It’s not a ritual. Alcor. “ The men took slow steps to where Alcor stood, and then extended his hand. “ Care to dance with me? You know, comfort me before the hour of death arrives. “

“ Ask Joel or the other deacons to do that. “ Alcor replied, rolling his eyes with an annoyed sigh. “ I am the fig tree that bears no fruit. I am not worthy for you to enter the roof of my being. “ The man pushed himself off the wall, about to walk away and leave Cain alone to dance by himself. However, the priest had other plans. Just as the deacon was about to walk away, The priest pulled him by his wrist, and dragged him into his arms.

“ But if I say the word? “ Cain’s warm and sweet gaze met Alcor’s unimpressed and cold one. His arms wrapped tightly around the male’s waist.

Alcor’s right eye twitched in annoyance. Why is he so persistent? Can’t he not see that wolf in sheep’s clothing before him? Does Cain not feel the rot of the lines of Alcor’s spirituality? Does the priest not sense his deacon’s lack of faith in him. “ What word? “ Alcor replied sharply, his arms already pushing against Cain’s chest, trying to free himself from Cain’s warm gaze. “ Nothing you do can change me. That’s how I feel about you, Father Ashveil. “

The priest just chuckled warmly, and spun the man around, and then pulled back closely. His hand landed on Alcor’s waist and the other gripped the other man’s wrist, his fingers lightly brushing against the engraving again.

“ Father, you can stop this non- “ Alcor was about to reprimand the priest but felt some power weaken his body and his resolve. It must be Cain using that power on him again… “ I hate it when you use your divine powers on me like this. I feel like I have no choice but to believe you. “ The man had no choice but to rely on the priest, his left hand was placed on Cain’s arm, his right hand surrendered to the man’s grip.

Cain chuckled in reply, his hand caressing the branding on Alcor’s wrist. “ It all depends on how you feel once I enter your roof through the door of vulnerability. You really do want to surrender yourself to me… I am almost convinced you will not betray me, and THEIR prophecy was a lie. “

Slowly, Cain led the slow and romantic dance. Slow steps and gentle spins, ensuring the man would land back into his arms. The priest’s lips would brush against the ends of the deacon’s hair or the finger tips after every gentle spin and desperate dip . This dance was of elegance and poise, giving Alcor a last glimpse of the man Cain was before the hour of death. Cain made sure everything is balanced and slow, giving Alcor the time to catch up to the rondo of the phonograph.

The violin and piano played a sad and romantic tune. The slow strum of the violin strings carried an air of longing and betrayal, carrying a sad and gloomy tune of the rondo. The piano’s repeating melody and romantic voice intertwined with the violin to put together the rondo that creates an image of return and departure.

“ You still seem tense, Alcor. “ Cain spun the man back into his arms, his arms locking the deacon into a tight embrace, and his nose brushing against the back of Alcor's shoulders. Alcor tensed up contact, he bit his lips to prevent himself from spilling woes and angers he’ll regret saying.

The priest chuckled at the silence. Then he brought Alcor’s right wrist to his mouth, his lips gently brushing against the branding. “ Not planning to say anything? I’m hurt. “

Alcor just squinted his eyes back at the man judgmentally. No one in their right minds would treat their betrayer like this. “ You’re insane, Father. Have you forgotten to take your medicines again? “

“ Ah, there it is. There’s a reason why I trust you the most out of all the other deacons and acolytes. “ he smelled the cologne of the man “ You care for me more than I care for myself”. Then he dug his teeth into the flesh where the branding was planted, biting hard enough to draw a bit of blood. The priest then licked up the spilled blood, like a thirsty man offered wine after a long day of labour.

“ It’s as sweet as I remember. “ The man licked and then kissed where he had once been, his lips trailing upwards to Alcor’s shoulder. “ Too bad, this might be the last time I’ll taste it. “

The deacon felt Cain’s embrace weaken as he kissed the man’s body. Alcor took this opportunity to break free from his grasp. He pushed himself away from the priest's embrace, and took large steps to the door of the room, planning to leave the man in the room.

Cain stopped the man in his tracks, and swiftly pulled him back close to him. “ Please, Alcor… “ Their intimate dance changed dynamics and now his hand was on Alcor’s shoulder. “ Take my hand… “ He wanted the other man’s feelings to run freely. Father Cain would have easily gone without regrets should Alcor express what he truly feels about him, whether it be as sweet as the wine cultivated from the grapes from God’s vine or the fruit from the Garden that had brought upon Man’s ruin.

Alcor felt conflicted through this whole dance. He felt like he wasn’t worthy of the love that Cain is giving to him, especially knowing that his most trusted deacon will be the very cause of his downfall. This can’t be a dance chosen by humanity; the greed and selfishness of mankind won’t even prompt them to deign their last dance with the very hands and feet who would trample their body and wring their throats of the air they breathe. This must be a script of the divine, all made for their joy and delight, watching as the people they lead writhe and sigh in pain at their miracles and trickery.

Alcor's hand would now rest on the priest’s waist, his hand intertwined with the priest’s. The rondo from the phonograph is still playing, playing that tune of melancholy and betrayal, under a mask of romance and affection. It’s not romantic, but it’s there, at least, just like how Cain’s feelings for him are there. They exist, just lying on the blurred lines of friendship and romance.

Alcor felt a small fragment of him coil a selfish, barbed wire coil around his heart, yelling at him “ He will never understand! He’s God! You’re just a filthy, lowly being who grew up knowing nothing but spite and love! “ Alcor wanted to listen to that voice, and push the man away for good, run away from the church, and follow his love to the field where the purple flowers bloom forever… Yet, are these thoughts even his? Is this a part of the show that the Gods wanted to see? Is this really something THEY would find delight at? The Last Dance of Spite and Love of a God and his nonbeliever?

Struggling with his emotions, Alcor led the dance. It wasn’t gentle and reassuring like how Cain one’s lead him, but desperate, suffocating, raw, and intense. Each spin and dip were deliberate, off beat, and painful to look at. His grip on the man’s hand and waist was tight and painful, yet it fully conveyed his shallow and complex emotions and feelings about Cain.

Their whole dance was full of Alcor’s confusion and desperation, he poured out the fullest of his sincerity. It was an unrelenting dance, conveying the complex emotions he had about Cain and their relationship. This was how Alcor loved Cain; sincere yet painful.

“ Is this how you wanted to know how I feel, Father? “ The man roughly spun Cain around and forced him into a dipping position, purposeful and intense. Cain winced lightly at the rough change, but weakly smiled back at Alcor.

“ This is how I feel about you. “ Alcor said to him coldly through gritted teeth. His golden eyes full of hate and conflict as he looked back at the priest’s brown eyes.

“ I feel nothing but spite and pity for you. You willingly entangled yourself in my vines even when the overgrown thorns have wrung out every other weed and plant dry. “ He pulled the man back up to his feet abruptly, and pulled him close.

Alcor whispered in the man’s ear. “ You know I am not the one who would always welcome you under his roof. I am someone where your peace will turn into a war. I will be the storm that you will never calm even with the most desperate of miracles. “ His breathing was heavy from the intensity of their dance. “ So why do you insist on spending your last moments with me? “

Cain merely smiled back at the man. “ Because I love you, Alcor. I have forgiven you so many times already, long before the hour of betrayal has arrived. “

“ Please, Alcor. Allow me under your roof and let me drown in you. Please, Alcor. “

“ Uh-huh… “

“ I’ll miss you so much when the hour has finally arrived. “ Cain tucked a stray hair behind Alcor’s ear. “ I have forgiven you already. Please, allow yourself into my paradise. “
“ I can’t even tell if you’re being sincere with me right now. “ Alcor snapped back, his voice colder than intended.

“ Ah, you’re doubting me again. “ His hand caressed Alcor’s cheek. “ You of all people know how much I hate people who doubt me even when I offer them my saving grace… “

“ Yet you still love me even when I told you how much I spite you “ Alcor’s hand reached for Cain’s, his fingers wrapped around “ That’s how I truly feel about you, I doubt you fully and utterly. “

“ Because I know that doubt in you isn’t real. “ his hands caressed the skin under Alcor’s eyes, as if his touch would soothe the shadows beneath them. “ You’re doubting because you think this is not real and that it is a farce gifted by God. “

“ So? “ Alcor’s fingers slipped under the man’s glove, his fingers gentle yet firm, as if urging Cain to leave him be again. “ I have no reason to trust you, not after the many times you’ve pulled stunts on me. Making me feel like my thoughts aren’t my own. You’re still God and- “

Cain shivered at the contact “ You’re my most trusted deacon. “ Cain took a hold of Alcor’s waist and his hand, welcoming him into another, much more gentle dance. “ You’re worried your feelings come from divine intervention rather than human existence, but it’s all real Alcor. “ Cain gently spun him around and dipped him, a large contrast with how Alcor handled him “ It’s not the typical type of connection, but it’s all real. “

“ Uh-huh… “

“ You really want to believe in me, Alcor. I know you do “ Cain whispered to Alcor’s ear. “ But your past is at odds with the present, making you believe that not every thought you have is yours but some entity’s code and script. “

“ But this dance is real, It’s something only humans can do and have. These are feelings no machinery or any divine being could recreate. “

“ You don’t normally dance with the same people who will trample you and take advantage of you. “ Alcor snapped back at Cain, trying to pry himself away from him.

“ Please see yourself, Alcor. “

“ I am seeing myself. “ Alcor looked at him, annoyed and disgusted. “ And I see myself meters away from you. “

“ Keep doing this and you’ll go crazy. “ Cain reassured him, pulling him close again after a spin. “ Don’t let your past chain you and control you into doing things you won’t regret. “

And so, the two had their last dance together until the late evening. It was just them in that room, conveying their feelings that was the fruit of whatever life has blessed and cursed on them in the over 20 years of their fates intertwined as one. Their dance can be something of a mixed bag, dynamic and always changing. At some point it’s as soft as the dance Samuel had with his mother, Hannah, in the early years of his childhood. Contrasting to this soft and gentle dance, there would be moments reminiscent of Noah's Ark, sailing through the flood that God had casted upon the world.

There are many words, sighs, joys, mournings, weepings, and regrets the two of them wanted to share, but no word of the mouth can fully convey what they wanted to say. They hoped that in this whirl of a gentle and chaotic dance tucked away from the gaze of the world, would express their hidden meanings and show what others can’t see or feel.

Cain’s eyes have always looked so beautiful, they’re easy to look at and get lost into no matter what time of the day it is. The way each hazel hue and color blend together perfectly. It was a sight that Alcor would never forget, especially since it was because of Cain’s easy to look at colours that made Alcor calm down from the stress of the day’s labours.

At the end of the day, it’s just them two, too similar to the point where their love and spite for each other get blurred, shrouded in a veil of a night beneath the north star. Dancing together in a zephyr of love and hate, denial and acceptance, and emotions only the two of them could describe. They understand and feel each other in ways deeper than the love David and Jonathan, Jesus and his disciples, and Moses and Aaron.

Eventually, all things had to come to an end. Cain pulled Alcor close for one last time, taking his right hand, and brushed his lips against it. His gaze at the man, sweet and tender, like how Jesus looked at his apostles.

“ Thank you for having this last dance with me, Alcor. “ Cain whispered into the man’s hand. “ Thank you for removing the cross of fear off my shoulders, and reassuring me you’ll be fine when I’m gone. “

“ You’re welcome, Father… “ Alcor replied quietly “ Very off to say that for the same man who would send you to the masses and bring you your end. “

“ Those were words from the Divine, Alcor. “ the priest breathed down Alcor’s ear. “ It’s very much unlike you to follow the words of the divine. “

“ Anything a God says has to be followed through, no matter how harsh the prophecy they give to their oracles and priests, it always comes into fruition. “ Alcor looked away, focusing on the phonograph, “ I am a normal human, Father. I can’t do much about God's prophecy. The only thing I can do is to ensure my thoughts are my own. “

“ You still don’t know how or why you would betray me, Alcor. “ He grabbed Alcor’s chin, forcing him to look at him directly “ Maybe you’d still find a way to change this narrative. “

“ Only you can probably do that, Father Cain. You’re someone who goes beyond mortals and is the closest to God. “

Alcor pushed himself away from the man, and walked away. Never looking back at Father Cain.

Then the two parted ways in the late evening, never looking back, as if all things that needed to be said and conveyed had already been shared in that intimate dance. Now that is left is a long waiting game, for the hour to come.

…

“ I pray for peace upon my dear friend, Alcor. “ The priest prayed fervently as he knelt before the altar. “ Please, give him my peace so he may rest easy. “

“ I’ll change his destiny. “ The priest clasped his hands tighter “ He shall now brush his lips against mine in front of the law. He’ll weave the crown of thorns upon my head, and nail my cross together. His betrayal will never be out of his own free will. “

“ He will deny and disown you three times before the entry hour of the day after your trial. “ THEIR voice boomed throughout the chapel “ A part of you live on with him til the rest of his days. Your memory shall fester on beyond the grave like a cancer that can never be uprooted. “

“ I shall return from the dead 3 days later, carrying the violet flowers from the realm of the dead, to show him that I have returned and forgiven him. “

Many more prophecies have been exchanged in the chapel, all to be never be heard. All of them waiting for their time to take place.
====================================================================================

40 DAYS LATER…

Alcor followed closely behind the authorities, his hands behind his back and his head hung low. This is the hour THEY warned about that time. Alcor had done it, he shall surrender Father Cain to the law. He slowly tailed behind those who sought to put Father Cain to death.

There would be no due process for the writ has been suspended due to Father Cain’s allegations of Heresy, Witchcraft, and Tax Evasion. All written down in the warrant of arrest, death penalty and how the church must be dissolved.

Alcor felt disgust well up as he followed the authorities. Who do they think these laughing monsters think they are? They’re just people killing Cain’s light to fill the void within them. The dirty tricks they have gone through just to have him surrender Cain to them.

It’s not like he had any other choice, the law had a tight grip on him, his wrists chained up behind him, records of the man once buried many years ago had returned from the dead and had come to haunt him. He had no use for the dead man being alive once more, and had no choice but surrender Cain to the law to ensure that what’s dead will stay, and no longer fester in the light of the living.

After an arduous journey to the chapel, they were greeted by Cain outside the compound of the chapel and all the buildings that . Wearing that same smile that has once welcomed curious outsiders, sinners, and children. Alcor couldn’t look at Cain, ashamed as to what his weakness had made him do.

A lawyer from behind him untied the chains that bound his wrists together, and then roughly pushed him forward. Alcor stumbled on his feet and fell to the ground on his knees. His hair covered the anger he held for the law.

“ I command you, Aiden Gungir! “ The lawyer’s voice is sharp and unrelenting “ Show us the man we seek through your spite! “

Alcor looked over his shoulder, glaring at the man, and then stood up. He slowly approached the priest, his arms slowly reaching out for the man. Once at a close distance, he pulled Cain into his arms, one hand on the man’s waist, the other on his cheek. He pressed his face into the priest’s neck, savouring his scent for the last time, and was about to press a kiss on the man’s jaw.

Cain had other plans, with one hand, he lifted Alcor’s chin up to meet his gaze, the other intertwined with Alcor's hand on his cheek. Without another word, his lips crashed onto Alcor’s, pouring out more unsaid words to the man, hoping this kiss can convey it all before the time comes up

Alcor’s eyes widened at the sudden kiss, but eventually surrendered into its rondo. He had one last taste of the man Cain used to be; sweet and divine. His eyes closed in surrender as the priest kissed him hard, letting the priest’s lips scar him til nothing was left of him. He wanted to drown in Cain’s gaze, and he let Cain do it. Let this hour remind him that not everything is a theatre play for the sake of entertaining the Gods above, but make him remember that his body and soul can wither like any other living being.

Their last kiss poured out their unspoken words and desires. Alcor felt and knew that Cain wanted to drown in this dream they call reality, make Alcor realize his hidden pains. Alcor wanted this night to freeze forever in time, let it be lost to the blur of time and let Cain drown in his spite. Yet they knew the hour of death had to come, no matter what they wished or prayed for. They pulled apart after a few minutes, and Alcor sent off Cain with a gentle kiss on his neck, just below his jaw line.

The authorities roughly took the priest’s hands, and cuffed them together, and then led him away from the scene, awaiting trial. Alcor was there left alone, seeing how the priest never turned back, content in their final exchange. Alcor wanted to chase after that man, pull him into his side, and run away somewhere, where no God or man could follow them.

But what can he do? He’s just an ordinary man, incapable of changing or twisting divine epics and prophecies. As he stood there alone, quietly welling in his thoughts, he felt a gentle tug on his hair. It was Willow, holding her plushie, Mr. Sprinkles. He sighed, he knew the girl should have been asleep by now…

“ Where are they taking Papa Cain? “ The little girl asked Alcor.

“ Uhm… they’re taking Father Cain to.. “ Alcor didn’t know what to say. Matter of the law is something that wouldn’t interest a child, if they could care about it as much as they would care about the world around them. Alcor sighed, and knelt down before the kid, his hands gently holding the little girl’s.

“ Willow, my dear. Father Cain might have done something bad, and they took him away to see and test if he really did do the bad thing. “ His hands gently squeezed the girl's fingers. “ You wouldn’t understand what is actually happening, just… pray, that Father Cain would come back home with us and everyone else, Alright? “

“ Okay, Dad! “

“ It’s getting late, Let’s tuck you into bed. “ Alcor picked up the little girl in his arms and carried her away. “ We wouldn’t want to upset Father Cain while he’s away, my child. “

“ And we won’t upset Mother Megara too, right? “

“ …. Yes. “

“ Dad, can I ask you something? “ The little girl adjusted her grip on the unicorn, holding it closer to her form. “ Do you love Papa Cain? Is that why you let him eat your face? “

“ . . . “ Alcor was silent, he didn’t know what to say to the child. She probably didn’t understand love that much yet “ I don’t love him, WIllow. He loves me, but I don’t love him. “

“ Why don’t you love him, dad? “

“ I just don’t… “ Alcor sighed, “ It’s complicated. Worry about sleeping more, please? “

====================================================================================

“ CRUCIFY HIM! CRUCIFY HIM! “ The jury of the common masses yelled from their thrones in the court house.

“ But there’s clearly no evidence? This man has done no wrong, and has proved himself clean from practices of witchcraft. “ The judge spoke loudly before the, their voice firm and full of conviction. “ Do you really desire to send him to death? “

“ CRUCIFY HIM! CRUCIFY HIM! “ The crowd yells in unison, as if the priest’s death would fill the empty void in their hearts “ THIS MAN HAS NO RIGHT TO LIVE! “

Alcor watched from his seat, beside him sat Samuel. Samuel only watched in horror and fright as the masses condemned the Father for sins he committed and he did not. He looked over to the man beside him

“ Mr. Alcor? Are you alright?

“ I’m fine, Sam. “ Alcor said, clearly not fine.

Alcor watched helplessly as the law and the people damned Cain to the death penalty. He can’t testify or stand as witness, for the law had unlabelled him as unreliable not trustworthy. He was only there to cast a vote as to what punishment the priest will face. He is not the most devout of people, yet in this moment he wanted to pray. He wanted anyone out there, someone, to hear his sighs and woes about this trial, even if it were to fall on Satan’s ears or some evil being’s, as long as he’s heard.

After a long session without conclusion, the judge stepped down, and with his final words.

“ I shall leave the punishment of this man up to you. I have nothing to do with what happens after. “ And left the courtroom. This did not please Alcor at all. Really now? Is this man really backing down from his job? This would now have Cain’s fate be left at the hands of the masses.

Cain just stood there, his head hung low yet still wearing that kind smile. Accepting everything and whatever is thrown his way as if THEY can save him from this mess. Where are THEY now? Are they really just letting their priest’s fate at the hands of the masses?

Alcor just sat there and watched, thinking through with his votes. He prayed that the jury will come to a tie, and he will be the one who would shatter the balance, and change Cain’s fate.
……..

Alcor was taking a long time to think it through, the furious masses thought. Maybe they shouldn’t have let him speak, or better yet, sent him to the death penalty as well. But alas, they needed a tie breaker.

With a heavy sigh, Alcor was about to cast his vote, he chose to have Father Cain live, yet in the cold confines of prison. However, just like Cain’s prophecy, it won’t end just like that.

An angry man fired a gun at his hand. The bullet firing through his hand. This caused the whole jury to erupt in fear and fury. This startled Alcor, and caused him to cast his vote into… giving Cain the death penalty. He watched the vote fall down into the box, and soon it was finalized.

“ THE VOICE SHALL BE SENT TO THE FIRE AND THE CROSS! HIS CHURCH IS DEAD! THE VOICE SHALL BE SENT TO THE FIRE AND THE CROSS! HIS CHURCH IS DEAD! THE VOICE SHALL BE SENT TO THE FIRE AND THE CROSS! HIS CHURCH IS DEAD! “ the violent masses chanted repeatedly

Alcor watched as he felt disgust and lightheadedness overwhelm his senses. He didn’t know if it was from the wound from the bullet or was it from the sickening chanting of the masses. No matter what, he wanted to just go back, and forget that he unwillingly gave Cain’s life away to the people.

He felt a journalist from the press media tap on his shoulder.

“ Hello there, Mr. Polaris? “

“ Yes? “ Alcor winced slightly “ A little help here pl- “

“ May I ask about your relationship with Cain Ashveil? “ The journalist seemed to ignore Alcor’s injury.

“ You- I uh… “ Alcor was frustrated, is their daily morning gossip more important than his safety? “ It’s strictly one sided professionalism. I hated serving him. “

“ You are with that man! “ The other furious people of the jury yelled and chastised him. “ You woul have voted for his freedom! “

“ I would not! “ Alcor snapped back at the mass, completely ignoring the pain in his hand. “ I was paid to vote for him! “

Alcor was carried by his emotions that he hadn’t realised what he was saying to everyone. The sounds of terror, fright, and delight were slowly getting drowned out in white noise in his ears. All he could think about was what Cain was thinking through this whole charade of the law?

Cain watched as THEIR prophecy and his came into play. Alcor’s three denials before tomorrow, The masses had condemned him to the Death Penalty. This has lit the fuse for Cain’s destiny

“ You have never fully died, You will come back once again as a new being. “

====================================================================================

After a quick trip to the hospital, he and Samuel returned home, Alcor stayed in his room, alone with his thoughts once more…
Alcor glanced at his bandaged hand. He felt numb as he stared at it… yet also an intense fury bubbled up inside of him.

How dare that man let his fury graze the hand that Cain once held with love and devotion in his eyes and touch?

Alcor thought back to his last interaction with Cain. That kiss, it didn’t speak of the divine love they told about in any holy text or scroll, but the love that had been lost to the blur of time as stars died and decayed. This was something no word or thought could describe, no servitude or acts of kindness can compare and measure it…

His thoughts raced with memories and their moments so unbearably shameful. The times of laughter and sorrow, when he leaned on Cain’s shoulder and when Cain needed him to navigate the unknown city. Their relationship had come beyond priest and deacon, brothers in arms, lovers, and whatever label or identity this material world wants to place on them.

“ Why is it when someone will die that we fully realize who they are to us? “ Alcor began muttering to himself, thinking back on the memories. “ We were people who didn’t need words to let each other know how much we care for each other, we didn’t need flowery words and phrases to express their gratitude. Just one look at each other's eyes, and they’d know how they feel about the world.. “

“ Yet in the end, we needed to yell out our feelings and our woes to each other, for the whole world to hear. All in a desperate attempt for us to see each other out simply because we didn’t fix the bridge that drew us farther and further apart. “

“ I am sorry Cain, I really am. I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof. I didn’t go to you, but only say the word, and I shall be healed. “ Alcor felt tears dripping down from his eyes “ I am so sorry that even in your last moments in the courtroom, I couldn’t stand up for you… “

There was a gentle knock on the door. Alcor stood up and wiped his tears, facing whoever it was behind it.

It was Samuel, he seemed a bit distressed and bothered, and with an envelope in his hands, he handed them to Alcor and went away.

Alcor gloomily closed the door, and sat back down on his bed. He opened the envelope and read what's inside. Its contents made his eyes widen, out of a mix of fear, horror, and some other mixed emotions he can’t describe. Right at the front, in bold and big letters:

“ Rev. Fr. Cain Ashveil of The Pale Hearth, Sentenced to Death by crucifixion. “

It further detailed on the punishment he will face, Flagellation and he will be tied to the cross with barbed wire and old rope, rusted nails will be used on his arms and feet and shall don a crown of thorns. A bale of hay and dried grass shall be burnt below the stake. It shall take place in front of his temple.

He read the whole contents of the envelope, he was the one requested to weave together the crown that shall laid upon Cain’s brow.

How sickening.

Truly the divine has left them, got bored of the theatrics of humanity. Now it's those in power and the law themselves who will use them as their puppets for a theater play. Does toying with the hearts of the hidden masses really serve them delight?

What void are they filling with a punishment like this? This is not punishment for witchcraft and others, but for the practice of another religion. Seems the losers in the politician’s games are always the ones who don’t stand with them in the chess boards of faith and philosophy.

There was another knock at the door, but the person behind it opened it without Alcor’s approval.

It was a figure of the law.

“ Come with us, Alcor Polaris. I want you to witness his final hours. “
Alcor was frozen. It seems that he really had to take the fall. Betray Cain, Deny his love and affection for the man in front of the masses, watch him suffer, and be by his side in his final hours?

Humanity can be cruel sometimes. Sometimes more crueler than the Gods themselves.

And then it hit him.

This was all a calamity orchestrated by humanity. There was no reason for him to think God was at play here. God had left them for good.

How foolish did he feel that his thoughts and actions weren’t his. He didn’t fall prey to any divine power or miracle, but fell for their false illusion, now shattered before him in a way he wished it didn’t.

====================================================================================

Alcor winced in pain as he wove together and braided the thorny shrubbery and prickly vines to form the crown that will be laid upon Cain’s brow. The thorns and spikes of the dried vine poked and pierced his skin lightly, his blood lightly misting over the thorns. How cruel, the blood of the one who had trampled your feet has found its cruel threads woven into the crown that the people will lay upon your head.

“ My pain is nothing compared to yours, Cain… “ Alcor whispered to the wind, choking back his wince and little groans “ Only my inner pains and turmoil wound me as of now, Father. The whole world will hammer the nails of their spite, tie their selfish wires and thorns of fury around your body that I once embraced and supported with much love. “

He brought the crown of thorns up to his lips, brushing his lips against the woven prickles and thorns, as if Cain would feel the kiss upon his brow. “ I hope you'll make it to heaven, my dear friend… Rest in peace… “

Alcor continued to braid and weave the crown together, even if the thorns prick his skin. A part of him would die with Cain, whether it be the wine from his being that Cain loved the taste of, or the 20 years of a war of love and spite where the lines have blurred beyond clarity. Hopefully the little bits of him would give Cain some comfort before the end.

….

The law and the government can be a cruel joke at times. Perhaps as a mockery of the worship and reverence the church once held for Cain, did they choose to torture him in an old abandoned Government building that once went down in flames akin to the fires of Hell, its former glory now covered in nothing but soot and ash from time.

The priest cried out in pain as the whip made contact with his back, the lash of the whip causing his skin to bleed out in small cuts. The lacerating pain burned through his body, sending his nerves into a frenzy. The whip continued to lash and cut at flesh, his humanity bleeding out through every cut. He had to endure it, he’ll ascend to a being higher than a mortal if he did. Right?

It would come in fast and slow intervals, perhaps to torture him more by throwing him off guard and not catch a breath of relief. Like the last rondo he had, it had patterns of unpredictability, yet each lash and cut off brought by the metal end of the whip made his body ache and bleed.

The world truly wanted to mock him. They really had to whip and lash at his body while wearing his holy robes.

He could only cry and wince in pain as the end of the whip lashed at his back, a far cry from the kind treatment he had. He would think of the times Joel would rub and kiss his back, How Alcor wrapped an arm around his shoulders every time he needed a little help walking because of stress and fatigue from the day’s labours.

Alcor stood from a higher part of the setting, like a prince watching as they stone his commoner lover, his eyes widened in horror as he watched the agony and strife the priest is going through. He stood frozen, he wanted to whisk Cain away from the law, and live somewhere where those parasites of the government could never eat their flesh. He wanted to yell at the law, and demand that they punish him instead, but those words never left his mouth.

Alcor clutched the crown of thorns in his hands, the thorns and prickles digging lightly into skin. His hands were bloodied and decorated with many of the much smaller wounds he had from the thorn and vine. He didn’t care if the blood stained the ground and his white clothes. He deserved it, to be viewed as a traitor with red on his hands. The real blood can be washed away by blood, but each dream will haunt him with the tarnish of blood and sin on his fingers.

He has woven the crown of thorns that is to be laid upon Cain’s head, and his words and actions woven Cain an image and memory he would treasure, even as the clock strikes to his final hour.

He wanted to go closer, hoping that maybe Cain would sense or feel his presence, but he was afraid and too ashamed to do so. He didn’t have the right to see the man, not after he betrayed him out of his own will. Even if it was a forced surrender, he still chose that path.

He felt his body take control of him, and he stepped closer to the scene, his hand on the railings, seeing the priest below, being scourged at the pillar like the second mystery of woe and suffering he once used to pray upon many years before meeting Cain. His hands gripped the railings tightly, not caring about the sting the dust and soot brought on the small cuts on the skin of his hands. He wanted to cry for Cain, but he knew that Cain’s world deserved the salts that weren’t his, he had long lost the right to weep for the priest.

Perhaps, it was by some cruel miracle, did Cain look back up at him, smiling warmly at him. Even with the pain and the blood, he still managed to carry that same warm smile. He noticed and felt Alcor’s presence. Alcor felt touched.

That’s how close they were, they recognised the sound of each other’s footsteps, the smell of their colognes and clothes, and their breathing patterns. Even despite their bond going beyond blood and romance, they needed to yell out their frustrations and feelings to the whole world just for the other to feel it, overly flowery words and actions have been exchanged, and too many things happened that they got lost in it’s darkness, and lost sight of the reality and intensity of who they really are as two individuals tangled in this world of lies and passion together.

Now he had a role to do, lay the crown of thorn and prickles on Cain’s head, as if it was flowers Alcor would have braided into the priest’s hair in another life, hopefully.

Alcor stepped down the staircase from the floor above. The crown of thorns clutched tightly in his hand. In slow strides, he walked meekly to Cain. He couldn’t bear to see the wounds of the whip on the man’s back and shoulders, he wanted to close his eyes, and pretend it’s Cain’s alright, just freshly awake in the morning. He couldn’t. He felt that Cain wanted to see him like this one last time. He had to give the man his final wishes after all, before he’ll bear the weight of sin to his final punishment.

With a heavy sigh, Alcor looked at Cain, mixed emotions on his face, he couldn’t bring himself to smile or frown back at the tortured priest before him. He gently placed the crown of thorns upon his head. The thorns pricked the priest’s skin, and blood trickled down like sweat.

Alcor used his sleeve to wipe away the blood that cascaded down the man’s face, as if that would stop the humanity of Cain from dying out and spilling onto the ever changing world. With his hands, he held the priest’s face for one last time, meeting those eyes that always calmed him down from the stress of the chapel’s stained glass windows and the colours of the garden. He wanted to see Cain in all different lights and shadows, the light of a grassy field in spring day, or the raunchy shadows of a run down motel by the road.

He cut out of his daydreaming when he felt the iron taste of blood on his lips. Cain had pulled him close, and pressed on the last kiss on his mouth, without a care if the Alcor would taste his blood. This was a kiss of goodbye and no return, where they tasted and had each other for one last time before the law played again with them for their amusement. This was their last rondo together, where they feel each other repeatedly, even if it left scars beneath their eyes and forced many sighs and frustrations out of their lips.

Just like two lovers on their date on a romantic night, they exchanged the wine’s of their beings for the last time. Cain’s sweet taste of hazelnut and dried fruit would forever be stuck like a grit in the eye in Alcor’s mind. However, Alcor might never know what would be on the other’s mind, in his dying wishes.

====================================================================================

It all went by in a blur. Alcor couldn’t bear to think of the image of Cain struggling to carry his cross to where he will spend his last hours. Alcor drowned out the sounds of agony and death as the wood stung on Cain’s raw and wounded back, his feet struggling to support his weakened body and the heavy cross. They now arrived at the place where Cain would spend his final hour, the tall hill behind the church’s compound.

He closed his eyes as he followed behind, pretending that he was just following the priest on his usual charity events in and out of the country. Truly, humans can be crueler than the divine themselves.

The priest stumbled and fell under the heavy weight of the cross many times along the way, yet no one had come to help. The wood splintered into the cuts on his back, making the sting hurt even more. The mix of sweat and blood from the crown of thorns made him feel dizzy, he didn’t know if it was from the loss of blood or the hot air of the day.

Just a few more steps left… and he can finally lay down his cross, and have his body be handled by the authorities, suffer and die, descend into the Nether realm, and return once again. A new body and soul, a be the true and holistic version of himself that everyone will follow.

….

The authorities gently laid Cain down on the cross, laughing at the struggling and dying man below them. Does this man really think he’s divine? Why isn’t he using his divine power?

Alcor had enough of their incessant laughter, and had the deacon Ryuu distract the authorities, to buy some more time for him and the priest.

Ryuu caused a somewhat large commotion with an unsuspecting journalist and cop, this caused the authorities to stop laughing and gloating at Cain’s misery. Alcor knew that these types of folks always choose to ensure their pride and dignity over their enjoyment.

While the authorities were distracted, Alcor made his way to the dying priest’s side. Alcor wanted to look away at the sight of the suffering Cain, but he knew he didn’t have the right to do that. He made Cain’s death bed this way, and he had to watch him perish in it. He slowly knelt before the dying man, and with a white cloth, he wiped away the blood and sweat from Cain’s forehead.

“ Thank you, Alcor… “

“ … “ Alcor bit his lip, not knowing what to say to Cain. Perhaps it's better that way. Maybe Cain wanted no more words exchanged between them, presence and actions should have been enough to tell each other how much they care.

Alcor looked down at the cloth, Cain’s face was imprinted on there with his blood. With a heavy sigh, he took out a knife. He looked for the longer strands of Cain’s hair, placed the sharp edge of the knife near the scalp, and cut off a lock of his hair. The bloodied strands of black felt gently on Alcor’s hand.

“ What are you doing? “

“ Remembering you… “ Alcor stood up, pocketing the hair. “ Not every part of you deserves to be reduced to the dust we once were. I hope we meet again someday, in much better circumstances… “

He felt the ground shake before him as the authorities slowly returned.

He swiftly left the scene, careful not to leave any footsteps or sound. He looked over his shoulder for one last time, and they shared their final look. Perhaps that’s why he never looked back at him when he was first taken away, he knew there would be a real last look. Maybe that’s one of the things that entranced him about Cain. He knew things far better than him.

Alcor retreated to the hidden shade of a large building where everyone in the church lived together. Underneath the shade stood Willow and Samuel. His expression softened and r

Willow was confused, clinging onto Samuel as they watched them wrap the rope, thorns,and barbed wire around the priest’s wounded body. The prickles and barbs digging into the man’s skin even further. This elicited a loud groan of pain from the priest.

Samuel covered the little girl’s ears, Alcor could only look away as the barbed wire, rope, and thorns coiled around the Father’s body in layers, drawing more cuts and wounds, and further tearing apart Cain’s holy robes. There was barely any left of the cloth that hung on his body, now torn apart…

Cain’s cries and shrieks of agony and pain echoed through the . It was painful to look at the suffering of the priest, Alcor can almost feel the tail end of the whip lashing at his own back, the crown of thorns digging into his brow, and others.

Then the authorities readied the nails and the hammer. Alcor knew it was time to usher the kids back inside.

“ Samuel… “ Alcor’s gaze went to meet the boy’s eyes. “ Please, take Willow with you, and head inside my room… “

“ Are you sure? I mean… He was there for me, Willow, and the other children’s lives as a father and caretaker… it’s probably only right I stick- “

“ Head Inside, I’m not repeating myself. “

Samuel knew that serious tone of Alcor, and just followed. He carried the little girl in his arms, careful to ensure the little one’s unicorn wouldn't slip out of his grasp, and walked into the residence. Willow looked confused at it all, why are they walking away from Papa Cain?

“ Big Brother Sam? “ Willow hugged the plushie closer. “ What will they do to Papa Cain? “

“ . . . “ Samuel didn’t want to answer that. “ Father Cain is being punished for things he did and didn’t do… “

“ What did he do? “

“ I-... I don’t know… “

“ I hope Father Cain learns from it though… “ Willow held the plushie tighter “ Maybe he won’t do it again when they’re done with him. “

It’s concerning at times. Willow is unaware that Father Cain wouldn’t return from this. Oh, how would Samuel and Alcor explain that to a child that their Papa Cain is gone for good. Death is a simple matter, yet it’s hard to speak in the words of mouth to convey properly.

The authorities placed the nail over Cain’s wrist, the hammer held high, about to nail him to the cross. Can braced himself for the impact.

Cain winced and groaned in agony at the first strike of the hammer. Cain shrieked from the heavy weight in the second strike, and lost sense of his hands. On the third and final strike, it was the heaviest strike; he cried and yellowed out loudly, his voice echoing through the compound.

It reminded everyone that their beloved Cain Ashveil shall soon fall asleep in the shadows of the resurrection and enter the light of death. Everyone in their own way mourned and felt the gloominess of the air. The bittersweet smell of sickness and death wafted through the whole compound. Everyone felt it, just in different ways as their mortal bodies knew how to react and adapt to the event.

The cross was then held up high from the hill, as tall as a spruce tree that built the fence of the compound, towering over everyone else below. They nailed his feet to the cross. His cries of pain echoed loudly. He can feel pain from all part of his body, the sharp embrace of the coiled wire, the wood of the cross splintering into his back, the intense force of the nails piercing through his most vulnerable joints.

Alcor stood from the shadows helplessly as the authorities continued their punishment. They began to splash kerosene and alcohol at the ground and at Cain's body, preparing for the fire they would burn him in. Alcor drowned out the sounds of Cain’s anguish. It was all unbearable to the ear, further reddening the red on his hands, forever irremovable like a bullet wound scar.

Piles of hay and dried grass began to pile up around the cross, its peak barely above a meter and a half above the ground. Should the priest squirm and struggle from the heat of the fire, he will have to fight through the nail binding his feet to the wood. This was all a cruel re-enactment of the passion of Christ, something that the law would have really found delight and humor in.

Alcor then felt someone drag him back into the light. He tried to dig his feet into the ground, but the other person was strong enough to manhandle him. They were leading him to stand directly in front of the cross to be burnt. Alcor didn’t want to see him, he didn’t want Cain to die seeing him in his final hours. He should have been gazing down at Joel instead.

Alcor had forgotten Joel in the back of his mind, probably because of his pretentious attitude or just looking at him hurts Alcor’s eyes. Maybe Cain’s love has just lost direction because of some unspoken past between him and Joel. It’s too late now to think about Cain and Joel, too much has happened.

Whoever was dragging his body suddenly pushed him down onto the ground. Alcor stumbled on his feet, unable to look back at the man on the cross.

Then he felt the hot air of fire. The officials really had to drag him out to watch Cain burn and die in the flames. How cruel of those monsters. Couldn’t even let Father Cain suffer in peace…

====================================================================================

CAIN ASHVEIL POV:

“ I trusted you, Alcor. “

“ What happened? I expected you would be as open as you were during our first interaction many years ago. “

“ Why the sudden doubt? You think I wanted you to feel that? You think THEY wanted that to run in your head? “

“ You shouldn’t have denied what you truly felt until it was all too late. “

“ You who I have danced with for one last time, now know what it's like when love has no where to go. “

“ We were special, Alcor. We didn’t need lingering touches or flowery words to convey our thoughts. “

“ Our last dance was unnecessary. My lingering kisses and your longing touches were all too much for the both of us. “

“ This is my revenge, Alcor Polaris, my faint guiding star. You who have thought your feelings were deceptions from the divine have deceived yourself in the end. “
“ You who now stand before me as they burn the ground before me. Watch what your deceptions and lies made you do and what it did to me. “

…

ALCOR POLARIS POV:

“ I should have been better as your deacon. “

“ No, you were looking and expecting something more from me. I should have been someone who can understand you. Bear your daily woes and crosses. “

“ I thought I was protecting myself and you when I kept pushing away you and my true feelings. “

“ In the end, it was my great denial that I nailed you onto this cross and lit the fuse of the fire that would melt your body, and leave nothing but ashes. “

“ It’s too late for ‘maybes’ and hoping. I now stand before your cross, waiting for your final breath. “

“ I hope we meet again someday, somewhere, where I no longer run from my feelings. Where I can fully embrace you and brush my lips on your hair. “

“ I always knew that we were something beyond labels, we were beyond family, lovers, friends, travel companions, colleagues, and so many incessant labels. “

“ My misery should not be the flower bed you will lay your cold body on. Even so, I’m glad you’ll lie on my sorrow and fears. “

“ Thank you, Father Cain Ashveil. For welcoming me, chasing after the feelings I ran away from. May you rest in peace, somewhere. You deserve it. “

====================================================================================

The authorities proceeded to throw more bales of hay and dried grass, adding along cut branches from a large tree. Further fueling the fire below Cain’s feet, now the fire kissed the ends of his feet and carved blood with it’s icy kiss.

Cain struggled with the kissing flames, his body writhing from pain, yet he couldn’t do much, the nail still wearing down on his feet. The warm fire made the barbed wire coil tighter around its body, its spikes and barbs dug further into him.

Alcor stood there, the noise of the authorities laughter rang loudly in his ear. He can’t drown out the noise of those idiots. Even with the noise of pride and shame from the law, he couldn’t tear his gaze away from the crucified Cain in the flames.

He had made the bed of wood, thorns, and wires that Cain now lies in. It would be rude for him to not look. He was a fool for even thinking of doing that earlier. This is the pain and consequence he must take.

The law continued to add more hay, dried grass and even more wood to the fire. Then, it all went in flames, the cross and Cain’s dying body were engulfed by the hungry reds and oranges. He let out one last loud cry and scream of pain and anguish, before eventually, the biting flames had gotten his body. He was silent as the fire died down…

Alcor was snapped out of his acceptance and gratitude as he heard his final shout. Humans melt, not burn. Maybe not all kinds of light and shadows suit Cain. His silhouette was buried behind the large and angry fire. He couldn’t say a word, his mouth and eyes wide.

Ryuu, his fellow deacon, looked just as much disturbed and scared. He may not be the one in the flames, but he can feel what it was like. It’s like watching your body get sliced stitched together continuously, like a rondo that would only end when the phonograph is destroyed.

“ Alcor… “

“ Yes, Ryuu..? “
“ What’s gonna happen to us now? “

“ I… I have no clue. “

The hare and the fox just stood there unmoving as they watched Cain die in the flames. Not knowing where they are headed… well at least that’s what Cain had thought.

…

“ Where did Papa Cain go? “ Willow watched from the window of her room. They extinguished the fire, and there was nothing left on the cross.

“ . . . Cain ran away while the fire was up. “ Samuel tried to explain to Willow about Cain’s death. This was a very heavy matter to explain. “ I don’t know where he ran off to, Willow… “

“ But Papa Cain will come back one day, right? “

“ . . . I don’t think so… “

“ But, wherever he is, just hope and pray that he is okay, alright? “ Samuel then turned away from the window.

“ If you say so, big brother Samuel! “

Samuel left Willow alone in the room. These all happened too fast, he couldn’t process what he truly feels. One one hand, he felt regret and sorrow. Cain was a better parent than his own Father afterall… On the other hand, he felt nothing, perhaps joy even. Cain had done many things, both evil and good, and there is just no way of redeeming him other than death.

Perhaps it was even good that the body was burnt to nothing in the fire. There is no way for Cain to return now… right…?

====================================================================================

The remaining church members put together a memorial for Father Cain. Open to all journalists, outsiders, and anyone who knew and respected the late priest.

The chapel was decorated grandly and simply, dark and heavy, like the weight of Cain's love that he left on his passing. The gloominess of the chapel held an air of mourning. They had a long box mimicking a coffin, where they placed Cain’s belongings in. His high school photobook, his glasses, and some gifts and cards he received from the kids.

Today is the third day of the seven days of mourning…

The whole compound seemed to be decorated in mourning flowers. Everyone was quiet, even the once noisy children. The whole church seemed to have died that day when Father returned to dust, and yet he was the only one who’s now flying amongst the free wind.

Everyone remembered Father to be a great man, in some way. Many eulogies and regret were spoken through the chapel. Joel Francis spoke of his 30 or so years of regret and longing for the man, something that Alcor drowned out, perhaps out of selfishness or something else. Samuel spoke little, yet it carried all the message he wanted out, his mixed feelings of regret and anger were spilled out onto the air, all for them to hear…

Everyone was there, except… Alcor. The Father’s most trusted deacon… Strange, he’s always early. He’s even the one who planned the whole decoration and the memorial for the late priest…

…

Alcor stood before the bathroom mirror, and he pulled out the lock of hair he cut from Cain before he was nailed onto the cross.

He washed the bloodied lock of hair, and dried it off with a towel. This was one thing he’ll never put in the casket of Cain’s belongings. This part of him will forever be with Alcor. All of Cain was burnt in that fire, but this lock of hair.

Alcor braided the lock into his hair, the long streak of black standing out in the low ponytail he always wore. This might have been unconventional, but he’s used to Father Cain being somewhere just in the other room or another part of the compound. This might be the love that they talked about in the bible, life changing, and refreshing.

This single lock of hair will remind him of their love that transcended all words and labels the normal mind can conjure up. One would call him crazy for keeping Father alive this way, but he didn’t care. They have done many things together that are better off between them both.

“ Missed me? I was only in another realm.. “ the familiar gruff voice of a man echoed through the bathroom.

Then he felt an embrace around his waist and smelled the familiar air incense that someone once carried. It was Father Cain. Cain’s hands then went to feel Alcor’s.

Alcor’s eyes widened upon the resurgence of the smell. Is this real? Not a trick of the divine? His hands brushed over Cain’s knuckles, and then his hands, the scar of the nails were there. He was real.

“ Doubting me again, Alcor? How silly. I thought three days ago would be the last time that you would doubt me. “

“ You’re alive…? “

“ I’m back… “ Cain turned the man around, and tucked a few purple and violet flowers behind Alcor’s ear. “ I think they look beautiful on you. “

Alcor stood there in surprise and shock, and eventually, embraced Cain. He didn’t have any tears to shed, perhaps his touch alone can convey what words of the mouth can’t. Perhaps, his touch can give him comfort and healing after the barbed wire and thorn that coiled around his body.

In their warm embrace, Alcor forgot… Father Cain’s love can be quite different. Spite and love can be truly lost within the lines when you’re too mesmerised by its illusions. Alcor was smiling warmly, hugging Cain back tightly until he felt the cold edge of a gun meet the back of his neck.

“ I am so sorry for this, deacon. I really am. Someone just really wanted to meet you “

…

“ Alcor… Father Cain… “ Samuel’s voice called out, stepping into the Alcor’s room. The bathroom door was opened and…

His eyes widened at the sight of Father Cain, embracing Alcor in his arms… yet… there was blood on the floor. Alcor lost his arm’s grip on Cain.

“ What did you do to- “

“ Alcor is having a really long rest, don’t mind him. Hm? “

====================================================================================

IN ANOTHER LIFE:

Alcor leaned close and licked the cheese stain below Cain’s lips. He pulled back laughing as Cain just stared back at him, dumbfounded and wide eyed.

“ What was that for?! “

“ Relax… “ Alcor rolled his eyes at the man. “ Just doing what friends do you know? Keeping each other clean? “

“ Alcor, this is beyond regular friends! “

“ So? “ Alcor just chuckled while the other man just rambled on about their relationship. “ You said it yourself, our relationship is a mixed bag… “ He held up a chopstick full of some food. “ Eat up! Come on, my sister just made extra for us! “

“ Chione doesn’t think we’re dating? “ Cain pulled Alcor’s hand closer to him, and ate the food off of the chopstick.

“ She probably does, but I can care less about it. “ Alcor merely shrugged “ She’s probably got that idea when she saw you drunk, kissing my neck and biting it! “ Alcor handed him the other bowl of food.

“ You didn’t try swatting me away. “ Cain argued, taking the bowl from him. “ That says alot about you. I mean, would you really call us friends after how we kept each other warm during our exposure trip? “

“ You mean when I told you to get your clothes off and cuddle with me because the fireplace went out and you were cold? “

“ . . . “ Cain just looked back at him. “ There's more before that as well, Alcor. “

“ Okay okay… caught me red handed… “ Alcor just chuckled. “ I’m glad to know you, Cain. “