The Phoenix and the Lamb

Chapter 91

Disclaimer: I do not own Cult of the Lamb. I am simply a fan of the game. I was inspired by Jbrine061. Please check out her story. She is amazing. Now onto the story.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"And once you went to free him?" Edan asked.

"I promised myself that I would never kneel as sacrifice to another god. Ever." They looked up at Edan. "That included him." They said. Edan stayed quiet and listened.

"I regret it..." Ezra looked away. "I was blinded by my anger and hurt... I wish I had chosen to spare him...but I didn't, and I have to live with the consequences." Their Red Crown floated back onto their head. "Instead when Nebula ordered me to free the Bishops, I decided to spare them, allow them to repent. I've so far freed three... I was actually about going to free shamura before the healing tent ran out of mushrooms." They looked at Edan.

"And that's when I came falling from the sky..." Edan finished. He still couldn't believe all that Ezra had gone through. What they suffered must have been torturous and painful emotionally and mentally, as well as physically. Thinking about it, back then, the Bishops probably would have loved to torture him, but making them wait for three more months made them desperate to have him killed.

"Yeah..." To be honest, Ezra looked like they hadn't slept in years.

"... Mind if I come closer?"

"Sure." Ezra said. Edan walked over to them, knelt down, and hugged them. Ezra tensed and looked at Edan. "What the hell are you doing?"

"You look and sounded like you needed a hug. It might be childish, but it helps a lot more than you might think. When I'm down, Ebany would always hug me or wrap her wings around me. When she's not there, Narinder's there, or Ratau when he stops by. It feels nice to be held more than you know." Edan told them. Ezra didn't say anything in return. "I can let go of you want." He didn't want to make Ezra uncomfortable.

"No, it's just..." Ezra placed their hand on his. "It's been almost 400 years since I've been held."

"Well, I'm pretty affectionate. If you want to keep hugging, fine with me." Edan smiled.

"...No thank you... It brings back memories I'd rather not forget." Ezra replied.

"Then I'll let go." Edan did as he said he would and let go.

"... What about Ratau?" Ezra asked.

"He's alive and well." Edan informed him. "What about here?" He asked.

Ezra had stayed quiet after Edan told him that Ratau was alive, but nodded after Edan asked. "Oh, he's fine. I just wanted to make sure. I assume he and Flinky are together?"

Edan blinked. Ratau and Flinky? A thing?? Who would have thought! "I have no idea actually... Though... that explains the looks they give each other when I got to play knucklebones with them..." Edan thought about the subtle looks he happened to notice during previous games... He suspected something but never asked about it.

"Hm." Ezra took a breath. "... Will you come with me to free Shamura tomorrow?" They asked.

Edan looked at them in surprise. "Well... sure, if you want me too. I don't exactly know how to get home at the moment. My sister's probably wracking her head in a book right about now to find me. Isn't she?" Edan looked at Benjy who was still on his head. Benjy's reply was another jingle.

"We can find a relic on the way I'm sure. Plus the company would be nice..." Ezra said.

"Okay then." Edan agreed.