sacred place- whumptober 12
cw: religion/ cults. implied violence and brainwashing
Whumpee knew they were the most devout believer who had ever walked the Earth- how could they not be? Whumpee was chosen specially. Being a conduit of the powers was a privilege, the greatest calling a human being could possibly have.
Everything had been leading up to today. Whumpee had been waiting for this their whole life. All the training, the suffering, the blood and the tears, it would all be worth it, when Whumpee got to see the Temple.
Whumpee was deep in meditation on the Rites they would be receiving today. “Whumpee.” Whumper’s voice made Whumpee jump. Whumper was already in long, black robes.
Whumpee's chest erupted with emotions and anticipation, but they managed to nod evenly at Whumper. Whumpee tried to focus on being present, on being a good conduit, as they began to prepare for the sacred rite of entering the Temple.
The Helpers dressed Whumpee in the ceremonial garb, careful not to touch them. Whumper stood silently, observing Whumpee as they got changed. Whumpee was careful to be good, moving evenly and smoothly.
Whumper led the way outside into the Citadel, where the Temple towered above them. It didn’t feel real to Whumpee, as finally, finally, they got to climb the giant marble steps.
Whumpee’s steps faltered as they entered the building- it was enormous, gold-painted and shimmering in ways Whumpee hadn’t known were possible. Whumpee barely managed not to stop and stare, only muscle memory keeping them moving. Whumpee was beginning the Holiest of Rites... now was not the time to stumble.
Holy People lined the walkway, all watching Whumpee serenely. The Speaker was beginning the sermon- beginning the ceremony. Whumper led Whumpee to the center of the room, then stopped.
Whumper turned back to Whumpee, and held out their hands. Whumpee poured the oil into their cupped palms. Whumpee lowered their head respectfully.
Whumper’s oil-coated hands came to rest on Whumpee’s head- it was all Whumpee could do to not gasp.
Whumpee had never been touched before, not that they could remember- it was too much, and Whumpee couldn’t help the tears that sprang to their eyes. They felt like they were flying. They was absolutely dizzy with the sensation of it, the Holiness, the strength of it overwhelming their nerves-
Whumper’s hands retracted, and Whumpee swallowed back the whimper. Whumpee knew that was just a taste of the Holiness they would experience, once Whumpee completed their Rites.
Whumpee knelt on the ground. In Whumpee’s periphery, they saw the Anointer preparing, but they kept their gaze obediently on Whumper.
Whumper was looking back at Whumpee. For the first time that Whumpee could remember, Whumper’s gaze was not entirely blank. Whumper looked…fond? proud?
The Anointer raised their arms to the sky. Beneath the drone of the Speaker’s voice, Whumpee heard Whumper chuckle.
“What a good little lamb,” Whumper murmured, and Whumpee’s chest filled with pride.
And the Anointer brought down the axe.
