Posting this here because yeah! Here’s my secret Santa present for @solqrays ! Hope you enjoy!
Dee stared out the window of her mushroom house, hands clutching the windowsill. Their neighbor, Prima, was having a social event of some kind. Everyone was in normal clothes, with the exception of Prima and Cod, who wore matching dark robes. Prima had swapped out her regular pink cherry blossoms for a deep red rose, and Cod sported a matching one.
A small crowd of people had formed at the doors of the Skizzlechurch, waiting for the doors to open. Dee couldn’t see Prima anymore, but she easily spotted Cod’s dark form at the top of the stairs. He opened the door, holding it for the followers to file in like ants to an anthill. Cod glanced around the vineyard. Dee jerked away from the window as his eyes wandered a bit too close to their house. He ducked under the windowsill, staying silent.
When nothing happened for several seconds, Dee cautiously peeked over the ledge. She couldn’t see Cod anymore, but she did see Prima, running around the side of the church and out of view.
An eerie melody pierced the air, and Dee watched Prima run back to the entrance. She stopped at the doors to adjust her robes and fix her hair. Then, straightening up, she marched forward into the church.
From what he’s heard, Prima was supposed to be a prophet. Em’s warned them about her missions across the server, persuading people to join her cause and worship her “god.”
Dee was very grateful for that warning, because now they were able to conveniently be at the shopping district, or in a cave, or literally anywhere else, when Prima’s around.
It’s nothing against Prima! She’s been a good neighbor, and other than the killing chamber that popped up between their houses, Dee hasn’t really had anything to complain about.
It’s just. Very unfortunate, the kind of memories that religions bring back.
So yeah, Dee’s kept her distance. It’s been successful in avoiding any religiously-charged actions, or arguments, or pressures to join.
Until today, that is.
With all of his neighbor’s guests inside, Dee went out into his garden.
“Hey!” A voice called. Dee tensed, turning to face the voice.
It was Cod, still clad in his dark robes, was rapidly approaching. He was smiling gleefully and waving rapidly.
She thought there was supposed to be a ceremony happening. What is Cod doing here??
Dee backpedalled as he barreled closer, keeping some distance between them. She eyed him warily. “Do you need something?”
“Are you part of the Skizzlechurch?”
An innocent question. One that made Dee deeply uneasy. “Um. No, I’m not.”
“Oh! Well, you should consider joining! Skizzleman is a very kind God, and he blesses his followers with-”
Cod’s voice faded out against the ringing in Dee’s ears. They knew it was only a matter of time before someone asked them. They just barely escaped the sun cult, they can’t get roped into another cult.
“Uh, I think I’m okay. Thanks though.”
“Come on, at least hear me out! Why don’t you want to join?”
That’s an awful pressing question. “I have my reasons,” Dee answered, unwaveringly.
“Oh.” Cod deflated. “That’s fine, I guess.”
Oh good, he’s backing off. Dee didn’t think they could handle it if they were pressed any more about this.
Actually, now may be a good time to get some more information about this “Skizzleman” figure. Dee doubts they have any association with the sun cult, but maybe the church has other beliefs about the sun?
Judging by Cod’s robes, they must be decently high up in the church, so hopefully he’ll have answers. (Dee could go to Prima, but going to the founder of the religion scares them more than going to a high-up follower.)
“Actually,” Dee asked. Cod had been starting to walk away, but turned back at her voice. “What does the church think about the sun?”
Cod’s face lit up. “The sun!” He cheered, “We love the sun!”
Dee’s heart sank. Dread filled his entire being. “Why do you like the sun.” He demanded. “Don’t you know the horrible things its’ done?”
Cod recoiled so violently, Dee thought he’d get whiplash. “What are you talking about? The sun is great! She’s bright and vibrant, she wouldn’t do anything horrible!”
Okay, so the Skurch is in support of the sun cult. Great. At least now Dee has a reason to be suspicious of them now. “It doesn’t matter. I’m not joining. Please leave me alone now.”
Cod gave her a weird look before walking away, back to the gathering of Skurch-cult-followers.
Maybe they made the right call staying away from the Skurch.
