Neverending Loops

Chapter 5.

Joey and Henry stared in shared disbelief at the ink covered figure now standing before them. Robes made of patched up fabric adorned him, a semi-crown of lit candles dripping from the top of his head down to his chin. A wide grin was split across his mouth, revealing needle sharp teeth.

In his hands was a tray, with cans and a pitcher of some sort. It was like a communion gone horribly wrong, corrupted with mold and mildew. A slim but noticeable knife hung from his belt, glinting in the dim candlelight. He looked around, before settling his gaze on the pair.

"Hello newcomers. Have you come to join us?" His voice was low and whispery, as if he was taking great care not to disturb something.

"Join you?" Joey tried to peer behind the curtain to no avail, if there were other people, he couldn't see them. He felt something press into his hand, and looked over to find Henry grasping at his hand like a lifeline. He squeezed it reassuringly, hoping to give it least a small bit of comfort.

"Yes! Our little congregation may not be much, but its ours. After all, we're just here to appease our lord."

Ooh, he's insane.

More like hopelessly devoted, I think.

I don't think I'll ever understand you humans.

"Your lord?" Joey wanted to keep this conversation going, if he did that they might be able to get on Sammy's good side. Or better side at the very least.

"Yes, yes our lord!" If it wasn't for the fact that he was holding a tray, Sammy looked like he was about to start clapping excitedly. "As if late he hasn't been around, but we just take it as a sign. We need more followers."

The least part of the sentence took on a malicious nature that didn't sit right with either of them.

"Now don't look so concerned little lamb! We won't do anything to you. Other than treat you with hospitality." This was directed at Henry, who was currently trying to stay semi-hidden behind Joey.

"Sorry, we're both just a little, on edge you could say. But, we would be grateful for anything you offer." Joey could see the smile grow even wider on Sammy's face, less welcoming and more intimidating.

"Of course, of course! If you'd like, I can leave this here, and come back in a few minutes." He brushed past the pair in order to sit the tray down on one of the few intact pews, before murmuring to himself. "That would give me time to converse with the others..."

"That would be fine, right?" Joey turned to face Henry, who hesitantly shook his head yes.

"Well, I'll leave you alone. Be back in a few." Sammy walked back to the curtain, casting them a quick wave before ducking through it and put of view.

Joey blew out a breath, glad that nothing violent had occured. He loosened his grip on Henry's hand before speaking, though he didn't let go entirely.

"That was awful."

"Very. Is that what he looked like for you? In your loop. I mean, he was kinda on the creepily and religiously devoted side in mine but...this is terrifying."

"Actually, come to think of it, I never saw him. The real him. Only imitations, of him and everybody." He averted his gaze, suddenly feeling tears prick at his eyes. "It wasn't pleasant."

Henry bit his lip, hesitant about the one question he really wanted to hear the answer to. Finally deciding it would be easier to just get it over with, he led Joey over to the pew with the tray; hoping it would aid as a distraction.

Joey seemed eager to deviate from the topic, immediately sitting down and picking up one of the cans, examining it closely. The label read 'Bacon Soup' and a small grin formed on his face.

"Do you think this is still good?" Both lids on the cans were opened, the contents strangely free of mold and decay, unlike the other things on the tray.

"You seriously want to try and see?" Henry picked up the other can, cradling it in his hands, not really eager to try the stuff.

"What could be so bad about it? It's just soup. Probably." Before any objections could be vocalized, he took a sip of the soup, which admittedly wasn't that bad. "It's just cold. Honest."

That is repulsive.

Nobody asked you, sunshine.

He brought the can back up, earning a copied reaction from the other. Joey nearly spit it out however, when Henry made a nearly comical face of disgust.

"What the fuck is wrong with you?? This is normal to you?" Joey couldn't stop the laughter bubbling up in his chest it the genuine distress in his companions tone.

"It's not that bad! Maybe you're just delicate." Joey practically hid behind the can in his hand, giggles still escaping his mouth. Having riled Henry up over small things in the past, in their normal lives, he knew what reaction this would provoke.

"Delicate? I'm the one who got my hand crucified here! And you're calling me the delicate one?? I bet- " Henry paused as a hiccup interrupted his little rant, and Joey barked out a loud laugh once more. "You did that on purpose."

Joey chose not to answer, instead smiling vaguely in the others direction. It was normally irritating enough to cause another good natured ramble. That, and he was feeling...tired. The giddy feeling still lingered though, and he didn't want that to go away just because he was tired.

So he got up, although a bit slowly, and sat uncomfortably close to Henry. He took another deliberately slow drink of the soup, just to spite him.

"You're disgusting." Joey could tell he was tired as well, and was aware that it was a bit strange that it happened so suddenly.

"Mhm, sure. It's not my fault you're fragile." Joey's eyes were slightly closed, his head was feeling strangely fuzzy.

"As if you're different..." Henry placed his can, now half empty, back on the tray. He had absentmindedly taken sips due to Joey's sheer annoyance, a strange motivator. He took Joey's, now empty can, gross, and placed it down as well before facing the other man again.

"What do ya mean by that?" Joey didn't get a vocal response, and instead felt warmth on his face. He automatically leaned into it, earning a laugh. Immediately opening his eyes, he was met with a victorious look from Henry.

"I told you so." Joey lifted a hand to his face, placing it over Henry's before slowly lowering them both and pulling their fingers together. "Can I ask you something?"

"What?" Joey felt a weight on his shoulder, and looked over to find Henry laying his head on it. Joey leaned his head against the others, trying to fight the tiredness trying to overtake him.

"Did...did you ever see me in your loop?" It was quiet, as if trying to tread lightly.

"Yes." It was an even quieter answer, causing the conversation to fall off until Joey asked something else.

"Do you- do you feel tired all of a sudden? Or is it just me?" He was met with silence, the hand in his own gone limp and the weight on his shoulder now heavier. Henry was asleep, with Joey close behind. He tried to think of what could be causing it, from the exhaustion of earlier to just plain being tired.

Right as he was about to close his eyes, Joey realized what it was. The cans had been rigged; drugged. This wasn't a peaceful encounter, it was a trap. And if he were lucid enough to panic, he most certainly would have. But all he could do was close his eyes, and let the world disappear.

Sammy re-entered the room as they voices finally fell silent, Searchers trailing behind him. Now, the real trial could begin, showing who was worthy enough for his lord.

He could hardly wait.