A Different Path

Chapter 13

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.

TW: Ritual suicide sacrifice near the end.
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Vulcana was deep within the halls of her broken down temple. She entered a hidden room by pressing a brick into a wall. The wall was part of a long hallway that connected several rooms. It was one of the things that had remained intact within the temple. The wall opened to a room which she entered and then closed behind her. Using her power over fire, Vulcana lifted her hand and summoned flames which ignited in the torches and lanterns, lighting up the room. The light revealed several pedestals holding various objects, many of which were offerings from years past. Splendid vases, weapons, jewelry, and other things. Vulcana passed by them all, making her way to one thing and one thing only. Legend has it that a certain relic made by Chemach had been lost. The reason? Vulcana stole it from under the mad bird's nose long ago. She managed to escape unscathed... that time. Vulcana had to hide her divine power to be able to steal without being noticed by the gods, but she didn't go unnoticed by Chemach one time. She almost lost her tail at that point. Anyway, she had what she wanted. It was a rather unknown relic that came into Chemach's wings from a far away land.

A rather ordinary looking flute held a great secret and power, only revealed when it was played. Vulcana picked up the silver flute, indented and decorated with a flower pattern. Vulcana knew its secrets well, rumor has it that she made the Fanatic dance as she played it. But that's just a rumor that cannot be entirely proven. Vulcana put the flute to her mouth and played it. A beautiful and alluring song came out, it would have hypnotized anyone who heard it. It was a secret she kept quiet and only used it when she had to or wanted to. Vulcana stopped playing and smiled to herself, she still had it. Perhaps she should go herself to catch the Phoenix? She didn't know how good a musician the Fox was, and her followers needed to be very careful as they played it. Fortunately, she made sure her followers were skilled musicians. It was a requirement in order to join her Cult; a follower chooses an instrument to play and they have to master their chosen instrument. Vulcana didn't care what they picked, they just needed to know how to play whatever instrument inside and out. Preferably woodwind instruments if they were to play the special relic flute. Vulcana didn't remember what it was called or really cared, she just cared about what it did. Using it will bring the phoenix to her. She will have her power and regain her glory...

Soon... so very soon...

Vulcana couldn't wait.

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Two days passed by slowly for Rose, but they passed nonetheless. She was going to see Narinder once again! Rose portaled once again to the lands of the Old Faith, to Narinder's domain where he was waiting for her. Rose stepped through the portal and saw Narinder at their meeting spot. She called out to him and he saw her. Narinder called back happily and walked over to her. The two of them embraced tightly and held each other for a little bit. They haven't seen each other in a good while. Narinder nuzzled her cheek and she kissed him. Together, they walked into the Cult grounds where the flock waited. Rose showed him the little treats she made for the children. Her children helped make cookies and put them in cute little bags. There were soft ones, shortbread, sugar, all yummy treats! Narinder knew it would make the children happy, for they loved sweets! They headed in, unaware of what was going to happen later that day. The followers welcomed Rose back, happy to see her. Rose was happy to see them and presented the cookies to the little ones. Lelouch and the youngest ones got cookies that were easy for them to eat. Lelouch was teething and the soft cookies would be nice and easy for him to munch on.