Honkai Impact 3rd: Don't Die For Me/ Book 3 Paradise

Chapter 62 My Valkyries

<The Grand Cathedral Of Paris>

The echoes of Notre Dame's bells shivered the rose windows of the Grand Cathedral. The clergy were somehow short staff but they prepared for mass. What was once the duty of priest Will Apocalypse had become the duty of Bishop Hays. He was an old man with a glint of faith in his eyes. A kind wrinkly smile was always present on his face.

"Ah!"

It was a cry that came with a certain amount of pain. One of the nuns, clearing the pews, had made a misstep. He was suddenly upon her, offering a helping hand that looked more withered than winter branches.

"The pews have their nooks. Best be careful,"

She gave him an embarrassed look. His hand though old was firm and soothing. She was young, almost too young to be a nun. Fresh out of deaconhood, where any mishaps could call her faith into question.

"The Father Above All, doesn't see your actions as a sin. Worry not young child he merely wishes for your health."

He checked her ankle, it was swelling and slightly twisted. The bulb was about the size of a knot on a rope. She could walk but the recovery would be slower if it weren't treated properly.

"I will clear the pews. Lean on me we must get you to the infirmary."

"But your Excellency-"

"Saint Will would do the same. If we follow his faith, we follow the Lord's faith."

She no longer protested, the body hidden by the robes was stronger than one would imagine. Reliable and peaceful were his movements. With his support, her foot didn't ail her on their trip. It was only a few minutes before she rested on a bench, with cooling scents on her ankle.

The bishop hummed, now back in the aisle. He crouched low and controlled his position. It was muscle memory, scraps of clothes and other oddities were fished from under the pews. They were disposed of with practiced haste. The few clergymen by his side soon set up the Grand Cathedral for mass. They had hours to spare and so they prayed.

It was a tranquil moment interrupted by the sudden ghastly creak of the Cathedrals being forced apart. They turned to see a small group of nuns with crates in hand. One didn't even need to be sensitive to the devil's energy to know what they had brought in. The orange-cloaked cardinal followed after the nuns, humming an eerie tune.

"What's this?! By the authority of the Heavenly Father, I beseech thee! What beguile corruption has granted thee the right to sullie this sacred space?! Move these crates! Rid this Holy place of such filth!"

"Dear Bishop, the Overseer has endorsed this. I-"

"Nay, his Holiness should not be addressed so casually. Do you think us withered?! Blind? These crates, they're corrupt! Full of the Devil's energy! Oh, have you fallen?! No, you show no signs but you shall repent! Repent for your sins and leave this place!

"Bishop you see not my robes? You see not my status?"

"A cardinal would not-"

"Bishop, you haven't been carrying out the executions. Rumors say that heretics are treated fairly under your judgment."

"Our duty compels us to save their souls!"

"Yes, that's true. After all the heretics are innocent. Quite the innocent flock of sheep. Slaughtered by wolves. The contemporary affairs will never change. They'll grow for the worst."

"How can a Cardinal speak such Blasphemy?! Have you no faith in the Lord? Thou art a true heathen!"

"Mmmm," The Cardinal inched closer. "Blasphemy stems from a feeling of wrongness. You discount my rank, Bishop. Isn't that wrong? You disobey my orders. Aren't you wronging me? And there's your past, have you truly repented? Have basked in the lord's forgiveness? Have you forsaken your negligence?"