Fractured God

Tibaut immediately pushed the old man back and grabbed him by his collar.

“What the hell are you doing!? Isn't he your son!?” Tibaut shouted at the man before pushing him aside to run over to Ezekiel.

He quickly pulled the knife out of him but… he noticed Ezekiel suddenly start coughing. He moved a hand down, trying to use a piece of his cloak to cover his new wound.

“Get up, boy, you're not finished yet. My Lord, I can't believe you haven't gotten rid of this welp yet. Just use the powder and don't hold back this time.” The man sternly stated, somewhat anxious.

“What are you-?” Before Tibaut could ask what the old man was talking about he felt himself be pushed away by Ezekiel’s magic. As he was pushed away he saw there was a substance on the blade that wasn't red.

His heart began racing and he quickly backed away as far as he could, hoping to exit the range of Ezekiel’s magic.

(“Are you shitting me!? Was there some some healing bullshit on it!?”)

No, but it seemed the blade carried a strong stimulant on its edge that promptly woke up the unconscious Ezekiel. Mr. Bently quickly ran to his son's side.

“You worried me for a moment there sonny, now get up and get this over with. It seems this old man will have to be the one to kill the boy. You've dirtied your hands enough for this lifetime.”

Mr. Bentley stated as he pulled out another knife.

Ezekiel began coughing and gave a small chuckle. “That's rich coming from a man who can't even get it up anymore, much less fight.”

“If you have time to tell jokes, you have time to get to your feet.” Mr. Bentley responded, unamused.

Ezekiel continued coughing as he looked at the ceiling.

As he did so, Tibaut began heavily weighing his options. Now that he knew the man in black was Ezekiel, was there any more need to fight this fruitless battle? Other than scepticism from Elizabeth, what was stopping him from turning around and leaving? His arm was dislocated and his entire body ached. He heated up one of his hands and used his gauntlet to close up the wounds he got from Ezekiel’s knife.

He prepared himself for retreat, but it seemed he wouldn't need to.

“Ah, shit,” Ezekiel stated.

They both turned to him with confusion in their eyes. “Old man… I don't think I can move.”

The old man got to his knees and moved to Ezekiel’s face. Worry became apparent on his face even as he tried to hide it from his voice.

“What do you mean? This isn't the time for jokes boy, that welp looks like he's going to escape!” He said in a raised voice, sounding almost choked up from his nerves taking hold of him.

“I'm not kidding, old man. This kid, he gave me a good hit. It fucking hurts!” He complained as he stared at the ceiling. “I don't think I've taken anything as bad as that shit before. If I'm telling the truth I can barely breathe right now.”

Tibaut decided to risk it and started walking over.

“Stay back from him!” Mr. Bentley shouted. He knew it wasn't in their favour but he didn't know their situation was this dire.

“Chill it old man, he's not gonna do anything.”

“Nonsense, he's going to finish you off.” The old responded as he held the knife forward. “Stay back boy, it won't be a good look if anyone else comes across this scene!”

The old man was jittering like a frightened rabbit as he stared down Tibaut. Even with one hand, he was likely more than enough for the old man. Tibaut stopped and sighed.

“Ezekiel, could you tell me what's going on here? I can't imagine it's nothing, considering you faked your death.”

“That's none of your business, you twerp!” The old man shouted, with shaky legs.

Ezekiel sighed, trying to lift his head and failing. As his head came back to the floor he opened his mouth. “It's over, old man. I fucked us over.” He said. “It was stupid of me to think I could see them again.”

“Can it, boy. If we're leaving, you should be able to see them happy before you go. Blame me for thinking it'd go smoothly. At least that woman stalled Elizabeth, so maybe if I…”

“Old man…” Ezekiel said as he heard his father try to scheme his way out of this.

“Damn, to think it'd end like this!” He said, sounding almost pained by the reality of their situation.

Tibaut could only sigh and started looking around the room. “I swear I'm sounding like a broken record.” He walked over to Ezekiel and the old man got in his way again.

“I'll get to your explanation Tibaut, just let me have a moment with my Pa, here.”

Tibaut rolled his eyes. “Fine. Just explain what's going on. Were you trying to get us to take the cult more seriously or something? Its kinda shitty but I'm sure we could convince Elizabeth to let you off wit-”

The door to the building soon opened. The two men turned to it to see a singular figure standing at the door. It was a tall woman with tan skin and pink hair. And she was currently wearing a velvet dress.

She was breathing heavily, her chest moving in and out. Given how dirty her shoes were it seemed she rushed over.

(“Are they a part of this too?”) Tibaut thought as he turned around.

He readied himself, only able to bring up one hand and waited for her first move.

Mr. Bentley fell to his knees and almost started crying. He wasn't a religious man but the moment he saw her, he started thanking every one of the four gods of this world.