A week had passed before Elis fever had finally subsided. He now sat up in bed, alone in his room. Sunlight streamed in his open window, birds chirping outside in the trees. It was quiet outside now, Eli wondered if the protests had stopped. He looked over to the empty bowl and towel that laid beside it. A small plate of fresh fruit was set out for him to eat but he didn't feel like he could stomach anything at the moment.
He couldn't remember the last time he had seen or heard from Reuel in the past week. He vaguely remembered the first night he had been sick and had called out for Reuel, his friend having been helping cool down his fever. But everything after that was black. He couldn't remember being conscious at all after that. His body still ached, but he was now cool. His clothes still clung to him from his sweat having drenched his entire body.
When he felt like he could get up, he changed his clothes. He brushed his hair and pulled it back with a leather string. Testing his footing and current energy, he decided he was okay to go for a walk. Maybe he could find Reuel and see if he was okay. He was sure Reuel had been extremely worried about him.
As soon as he stepped outside, he noticed something different.
The town center in front of the church had its usual business, but everyone seemed on edge. Everyone he walked past had an air of tension around them. They almost didn't seem to notice him as he walked by, almost bumping into him instead of their usual aversion. Each face he looked at was almost stone cold, stressed, and tight.
He had been out for a whole week, what could he have possibly missed?
After walking through the market stalls, he couldn't find Reuel. He headed to the church. When he reached the entrance, the sight shocked him. Painted signs littered in front of the church.
God has abandoned you all!
All praise Mettatron!
Praise Michael!
Praise the new god of humanity!
No one was currently in front of the church but the signs alone made a small chill run down his spine. He looked behind him and saw people finally looking at him.
"The devils whores child.."
He could almost hear them whispering.
"Child without god.. Falsely worshipping."
"He will bring about the devil.."
Eli pushed open the front doors of the church and went inside.
The church was empty, which was unusual. Even during a normal day, the church would have people quietly praying inside. But there was no one.
He walked down the middle isle then turned right, heading to the stairs near the side entrance that led up to where the Father stayed. He climbed the stairs and knocked on the door.
"Come in."
He opened the door, quietly going inside. In the room sat the father at a desk. The father had his head in his hands, papers strewn across the desks surface. From what Eli could see, it was more papers condemning the church and the "God" it worshipped. Other letters from concerned residences of the town were asking the father for guidance.
"Father.." Eli began.
"Ah.." The father looked up with a stressed smile. "I am happy to see you are feeling better. Poor child, your illness is robbing you of a fulfilling life."
Eli sat down in the chair across from the father on the opposite side of his desk.
"My life is already fulfilled having you graciously take care of me."
The father sighed. "Things have not been great young Eli. Ever since those protesters of the church have come to town, Everyone has been fighting among themselves to keep faith."
"I do not know much of faith father.." Eli said truthfully.
"I am aware of your circumstance. I do not blame you for your lack of faith.. But these people.."
The father gestured to notes and signs in front of him. "These people are completely without reason.. Really.. God having abandoned humanity for ages and his most trusted angels claiming to take over the divine duty over humanity and the earth.."
The father looked like he himself haven't slept in a week.
"I am unsure what to do.. I am just one man here.."
Eli took some of the signs and turned them over so they couldn't be read.
"You have helped these people since you were young.. I cannot imagine them all turning their backs now to this sudden new.. Revelation?"
The two sat in silence, Eli giving the father a moment of peace.
After a few moments, Eli stood.
"Have you seen Reuel, Father?"
The father shook his head.
"I haven't seen him since you took ill young one.."
---
Back outside, Eli shuddered at a new chill in the air. Fall was coming in quick, the warm days of summer fading. The sun was already setting fast.
He was about to head back to the orphanage when he heard a familiar voice calling for him.
"Eli!"
He turned quickly and saw Reuel rushing toward him, his face in an intense expression of worry.
"I'm so glad I found you! I was so worried seeing you weren't in bed!"
"I'm sorry to worry you Reuel, I felt much better and I wanted to come out to find you, but I spoke to the father for a while.."
Reuels face was strange now that his worry was fading.
"Its not a good idea to be out right now... the protesters.."
Reuel took Elis hand and began leading him, but Eli soon noticed it wasn't back to the orphanage.
"Where are we going? The orphanage is back that way.."
Reuel said nothing, quickly leading him away.
After a moment, Reuel sat Eli down on a low wall.
"Stay here and do not move. I will go and get you some food."
He left in a second, giving Eli no room to protest. As sat quietly, watching as the Town center started to crowd once again. It became noisy, Shouts began and people murmured to themselves and others. Once again paying no mind to him.
A long time seemed to pass and Eli began to worry about Reuel, food was nearby, where could he have gone?
He waited a little more before it suddenly became too crowded, even near him. The noise became louder, his ears beginning to hurt from the volume increasing.
Eli was debating going against Reuels orders and going to look for him, when a deafening explosion shook everything around him. Everyone turned and looked towards the church.
The explosion had happened at the church!
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