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God Help the Outcasts

Summary:

*WARNING THAT THIS WAS MADE BEFORE THE WRITER KNEW ANYTHING BEYOND WHAT WAS IN THE STREAM AND ANNOUNCEMENT, THIS IS ALL VIBES*

After finding sanctuary in the chapel of Noble Bell College, Malleus takes the time to make a request.

Notes:

(See the end of the work for other works inspired by this one.)

Work Text:

It wasn't supposed to turn out this way.

 

Malleus had been thrilled to be invited to the masquerade ball, but after everything that happened…

 

He looked over the pews. It was late, and they'd need their rest to prepare for the day ahead of them. Everyone seemed fast asleep.

 

Well, everyone but one person.

 

"Sebek, are you alright?" He asked, cocking his head as he approached the half-fae.

 

"Young Master…" As Malleus got close he could see how the taller had Silver passed out on his shoulder. "I, ah… I merely thought it'd be best if someone stayed awake. If Rollo Flamm decided to attack in our sleep…"

 

"He cannot do that. The enchantment I cast will not allow for that."

 

"But…"

 

"Sebek, might you be questioning the power of your prince?"

 

"O-of course not! I just… I can't help but worry."

 

"It's alright. For now, at least try to get some sleep, alright?"

 

"Yes, Young Master… I look forward to seeing you in the morning."

 

"Sleep well, Sebek."

 

Malleus watched as the young guard hesitantly relaxed, leaning his head onto Silver's as he drifted off. He waited for him to be well and truly asleep before he turned to the statue at the end of the chapel.

 

The statue portrayed three figures; a young lady in cultural clothing, a man in armor, and another man clearly born with a defect. All three looked proud, and he just gazed upon them.

 

He took a deep breath as he approached, his voice soft as he sang.

 

"I… don't know if you can hear me,"

 

A step.

 

"Or if you're even there."

 

Another step.

 

"I don't know if you would listen,"

 

He stopped a few meters from the statue.

 

"To a fairy's prayer."

 

"Yes, I know I'm just an outcast, I shouldn't speak to you,"

 

"And yet I see your face and wonder,"

 

He gazed up at the statue.

 

"Were you once some outcasts too?"

 

As he sang to the statue, he was unaware of two of the sleeping students stirring awake.

 

"Gods, help the outcasts, hungry from birth."

 

"Show them the mercy they don't find on earth."

 

Azul lifted his head first, watching Malleus kneel down, head lowered.

 

"Gods, help my people, we look to you still."

 

Idia looked up next, surprised by how earnest he was.

 

"Gods, help the outcasts, or nobody will."

 

Was he… praying for them?

 

Azul noticed as Malleus got back up, pulling Idia back down to feign sleep as Malleus turned around, looking over those sleeping in the pews, practically hearing the pleas of the students from earlier in the day as he walked through the rows.

 

He looked at Ruggie, who'd grown up having to earn his keep out on the streets.

 

He was snuggled up by Rook's side, who'd switched dorms and yet still found his eccentricities driving others away.

 

Asleep curled up by him was Epel, whose country upbringing set him apart from the nobility so present in Pomefiore.

 

Malleus's gaze drifted over to Deuce, who'd set himself apart so often in his middle school years with aggression.

 

Long since having passed out on his chest was Riddle, whose strict upbringing left him lonely and socially stunted.

 

On the other end of their pew was a peaceful Jamil, who'd found himself having to serve Kalim throughout his life.

 

His gaze lingered on Silver and Sebek's pew. Having grown up only half fae had hurt Sebek deeply, he knew, and Silver had grown up so separate from others because of his human status.

 

He finally looked at Idia and Azul, a shut-in and a victim of childhood bullying.

 

With the fae prince feared by most all, it was clear.

 

They were all outcasts.

 

"I ask for nothing! I can get by."

 

"But I know so many less lucky than I."

 

"Please help my people, the poor and downtrod."

 

"I thought we all were the children of God?"

 

"Gods help the outcasts,"

 

"Children of God…"

 

It was quiet in the chapel, and Malleus sighed, lowering his head and turning down a hall.

 

Azul and Idia finally sat up, looking at one another.

 

"So…" Idia started, a bit sheepish.

 

"... he was praying for us," Azul responded, looking over the pews. "All of us."

 

They were silent before Azul pulled him up.

 

"Right, let's go find him." 

 

"Huh?! But–"

 

"I just… we need to talk to him. Figure out our escape plan."

 

"Escape plan…" Idia paused, then nodded. "Alright. I'll listen to you, then."

 

Off they went, down the hall to find Malleus.

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