TW: This chapter depicts themes of SH (Self-Harm)!
Zane wastes no time in getting the boy into his "room". Which is just a glorified prison cell. "Connor, this is your new home. As the god of Vey, you will be worshipped! And to compensate for 'forcing'" he speaks with sarcasm, "you to become our deity, we've gotten you a gift!"
The boy, "Connor White", starts to cry. "Please sir, why are you doing this to me? I just wanna go home!" He sniffles in despair as he pleads for his freedom.
Zane's head snaps in Connor's direction. "No."
Connor bangs his head into the ground enough to make his forehead bleed. The taste of iron drops into his mouth, as the blood seeps down his cheeks.
Zack glares at Connor. "What are you doing? We're giving you what you deserve! By the way..." His eyes turn into those of a demon, no mercy, no compassion. He grabs Connor's hair tightly. "Try that again, and your first official experience in our Church will be a display of your immortality."
Connor stops, eyes wide, red, and puffy. "Why are you doing this to me?" He can barely get any words out through his sobs.
Zane, who seemingly calmed down, speaks calmly, but firmly. "Because I need a god, and how many immortals are there? Besides I know you can also see the unseen, the mana."
Connor screams, "You crazy fu-!"
Before Connor can finish Zane grips his hair tighter and uses his other hand to backhand Connor. "No such filth shall come out of a deity's mouth! You are supposed to be holy, not like those street urchins!"
Zane leaves the room, leaving Connor tied up, the bleeding has stopped- thankfully, but the fear only intensifies.
Zane opens the Church doors and welcomes in the scouts, "Did you spread word of the sermon and get the pet?"
The scouts nod twice, indicating both tasks were completed. "But sir, why do you need a pet?" A young scout asks, he's a young blonde, very green- obviously.
Zane stares, slightly annoyed before nodding. "Come with me young scout, the rest of you are dismissed."
The exit the Church and scatter. Zane leads the Scout towards the back of the building. "Tell me, young scout, what is your name?"
The young scout, nervous, but slightly interested in what he will witness answers immediately, "Fynn Lukrus, Sir!"
Zane nods, "Drop the 'sir'. You'll work for me privately from now on, as a scout, bodyguard, and caretaker."
The scout nods, "But sir you seem well off to afford someone of higher quality than me..."
Zane shakes his head. "Not for me, you'll be working for our god. And he doesn't need someone expensive."
The Flynn's jaw literally drops. "Did you just say I'll be working for a legitimate deity?"
Zane nods, a sly grin gripping the edges of his face. "Indeed, and that is why I'm leading you here..."
They enter the room Connor is in. He's still tied up and on the ground, although now asleep from exhaustion, which was caused from sobbing.
Flynn freezes at the sight, such poor living conditions, and a mere child tied up inside the back of a Church of all places...
Zane smiles and strokes Connor's white hair. "So adorable, isn't he just divine? He's a perfect deity for the Church of Vey."
Flynn, still in shock at this sight, "But he's just a child... And this room! Am I supposed to help him?"
Zane chuckles- it's not quite a "dark" chuckle, but it isn't at all cheerful. "No, no! Don't misunderstand, he's ours, a possession we can use as we please. And you'll serve the Church. Keeping him healthy and occupied."
Flynn looks nearly disgusted, barely hiding it despite being trained to. "This is... Disgusting. Aren't you a church?! He's a child! I would understand if he were a mage and you bought him... But this living conditions- and..." He's at a loss for words.
Zane stands up, no longer stroking Connor's hair. "Work for us or be eliminated. His name is Connor White. He may try telling you otherwise, and you have permission to punish him if so..."
Flynn, no longer able to disguise his disgust, screams at Zane. "Why would I hit him?! He's probably not even old enough to start working!" The working age is 12 and up, since many orphans need to work for food.
Zane, "Who cares? By the way, he's immortal, and is a very special type of being. He's able to see mana. Although I doubt he's a mage."
Flynn stops ranting, conflicted. Mages are trash in this world, mere tools, and Connor, being just short of that- and an immortal too, no less... "Fine. But I refuse to be cruel to him."
Zane nods, "Good enough for me. You may stay in the room next to his. And make sure you bring him the leftovers of our breakfasts. Until he behaves he won't get any warm meals. Oh, and I need to pick up that pet for him."
Zane leaves the room and Flynn picks up Connor, pity, that's the only clear expression on his face. "Poor kid..." He lays Connor on the thin mattress, and leaves the room.