Oh Altar Boy Confess Your Sins To Me

Summer 2021, Week 3

Wednesday midday

St. Peter's Light Cathedral, Old Towne

Storyteller

The grandfather clock struck 12 at the turn of the hour, echoing throughout Saints Peter’s Light Cathedral. The church was silent, mass having ended almost 30 minutes before. It had been a short mass, something simplistic had been the father’s first sermon, discussing forgiveness and love for all. Now the only noise was from the wood booths hidden against the left wall. Past the pews and near under the stained-glass windows away from the glowing light of day. Confessions were to be said in quiet between a worshiper and God, but deals were to be made in the shadows out of his holy light. Sitting in the sinner’s booth was a young gang banger, his fingers wrapped tight around a rosary in fear. He was not a good man, and feared the holy wrath of God, smiting him down as he spoke business unfit for a church to the heavenly father. “Yes Father, I know of the demons you speak of. Are you sure of this? The chica isn't weak. The brujah is strong and has big men behind her” The young gangster didn’t know why his boss had told him to come confess, nor did he understand why when the father spoke, he called him out by name, and called out his crimes. He knew he was a drug dealer, and a killer. Yet, he spoke of salvation and forgiveness if he was willing to help the church with this little matter. Repent through service, and you shall be rewarded.”   Spoke the hidden father, his voice was soft, yet bore the weight of a thousand years seeming to echo in the small velvet lined booths. “Yes, my child, I am quite sure. Do not worry about this... Brujah, she will fall before our father’s light. Just make sure she is there on the corner of Saint’s Drive and Bridge Road. Late past the witching hour. And God shall save her soul... And forgive you for your transgressions.” There was the sound of clothes rustling and through the small hole that connects both sides of the booth slipped a parcel of leather wrapped in the beads of a rosary. "Deliver this upon your boss, and my orders. He understands what it means. With this, we shall remove those who darken our Lord's mighty image. In his name” Both voices spoke out then. “In his name, Amen.” The young gangster took the package and all but ran from the booth, tossing open the thick wooden door and bolting out of the church. Moments later the left door swung open, the Father stepping out with a look of indifference on his face. The young man was beyond redemption, just as his associates were, but it was not his place to judge, merely guide those who seek it. With a small adjustment to his collar, he drew a cross upon his chest, stopping with the bible in his left hand over his heart. His face twisted into a warm smile as he saw a young mother waiting for her turn. Bowing his head, he reached over and opened the sinner’s door. "Come my child, let us see your sins in the light of God and seek forgiveness."   The heat of the sun beat down on the good peoples back. The small tents they had set up was mostly used for seating. They didn't want to take away from those who came here for food and shelter. The city, like most had a problem with homelessness and poverty, therefore every day a church set up a soup kitchen. A different church in a different part of town did it in cycles. That way no church was overworked and could easily ask for donations for the kitchen. Thursdays were Saint Peter’s Light. This Thursday was nothing special though it was hot, the large congregation ladled out large bowls of gumbo, sticks of freshly made bread, and cups of ice water to the poor who needed it. Directing them out of the hot sun and under the tents were tables lay. Everything was made from scratch. While this wasn’t always the case, Father Cal had insisted, for his children shall toil in his name to help others. The good father himself was currently bent over a large oven that had been set up in the back of the church his normal robes hanging over a branch and an apron covering his bare chest. Slick sweat dripped down his back as he toiled away, doing his best not to burn the fresh batch of bread he was pulling out of the oven. He had spent most the time cooking. This gumbo was an American thing, but not the hardest thing he ever cooked.  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

Aloy hadn't been to the church since his....condition began. He once again caught public transport and walked to the churchyard. Sure, he could have flied but he tried the other night and let’s just say… that billboard that's all banged up was his fault.   Aloy's strong figure cast a shadow to the few people in front of him. A few of the homeless and definitely the volunteers gave a questioned look to Aloy before he warmly smiled. Wrapping a larger apron around his tall muscular frame.   "H--hey, I--it's A--Aloy....y'know t---the young m..meek one." He softly waved to the new priest who he hadn't met and slid behind the counter grabbing a hairnet and covering his black hair that cascaded around his eyes like a curtain up and showed his soft welcoming expression before he awkwardly stood there.   "H--hey uh....D--do we need help in the back?" He seemingly asked to the air everyone working around him as he waved to a few of the homeless. Even his voice was a surprise to the people around him, it was low and dragged itself a bit. Of course, Father Cal had no clue who this young man and Aloy was Not on the list of volunteers. Aloysius was but not Aloy  

Father Cal

“In his name” Growled the Father, stepping back he stared down at the burnt bread with a scowl. This was the first batch out of the last 24 that he had burnt, yet he had still close to 29 more batches to go. With a shake of his head, he grabbed the burnt bread and tossed it aside. “At least the birds will eat”...Sigh “We must take care of all the children...animals and all.” *There was a call out to the good father. With a turn he rested his hand on his hip. Looking out to who called for him. He was enjoying the heat of the sun on his bare back, it reminded him of home. He may wear the robes with honor, but anyone who got a look at his skin could tell it wasn’t always that way. His apron swayed with the slight breeze. Wet abs hidden beneath, peeking out with each blow of the wind. “Yes, my child? Yeah, I could use some help. Come help me get this pot of soup and bring it to the front.”  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

"Uhhhhhhhhhhh...." Aloy stared at the shirtless man, who was baking burnt bread again and throwing it out. He could smell how many times it had been burnt.   "Uh w--why a-aren't you wearing a s--shirt?" Aloy was so confused for a second, he thought a homeless man had wondered back here and acted in charge. He rubbed his hands on his neck… no then why was he baking bread…   "You should be wearing a shirt in the kitchen you know we could get in trouble, right?" His first sentence to this new man without a stutter. Aloy wasn't sweating which was odd in the heat.......he also was wearing long tracksuit pants..........and a hoodie. He walked over and started looking for the soup pot. He grabbed it effortlessly. Which given his new physique wasn't surprising.   "I h-haven't seen you around before you must be n-new here. Names Aloysius Y-Yumi, but you and everyone else can call me Aloy, or Ally."  

Father Cal

He tilted his head. He didn't really understand what the boy meant. Shirtless could be in trouble...Must be an American thing. "Yes, I am a bit new here. Actually, I'm new to the States, in general. I am Father, Callixtus VI Summanus, through you my child can just Call me Father Cal." He leaned back and rubbed the burning on the back of his neck. The heat was odd without the salty breeze of the water to cool it off. "Don't hurt yourself now, let me help you." Father Cal walked over and reached to grab the other edge of the large pot but frowned and looked at the kid when he noticed the boy held it with ease. "My my, you are quite strong. I do hope you use that gift for good." He chuckled a bit and turned back towards the oven and his burnt bread. the boy would be the first person in years to see his back, as he was alone in the small makeshift outside kitchenette. It was scarred, heavily. Slashes, stabs, and even burns once horrid, now nothing but healed tissue marked him from the nape of his neck to the base of his spine. Both self-inflicted and otherwise. "Either way, young Aloy, can you bring that to the front. One of the ladies was calling for more soup. I need to figure out how to make this thing called… white bread..."  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

"Nice to meet you Father cal. I--I'm n--not that strong...." Aloy didn't ask about the scars he just nodded.   "N--no shirt i--is unsanitary f--father. W--we could g---get shut down." He added softly before he walked over towards where the ladies were serving and smiled softly.   "Father Cal i-is having some trouble making bread c--could some of you go help him?" Aloy reached down and put some gloves on to help serve out food. His large frame oddly intimidating for how warm his smile was and shy his voice seemed.  

Father Cal

One of the ladies sighed and headed towards the back where Father Cal was working. There was a soft gasp before the sound of grumbles about bread. The girl of course was ogling over the new father, before noticing her large waste of bread. Grumbling, she rushed over and began to show him where he was wrong. He had been keeping the oven too hot. Cal sighed and tossed his hands up. Grabbing his robes off the branch, he asked the girl for forgiveness before sliding his robes on once more. It didn't take long to adjust his collar tight.   "Yes, yes. I swear Sister, this is the first time I've baked bread...especially bread like this. It's quite different than anything I've created." Coming around the side of the church with a mirthful laugh, Father Cal rejoined young Aloy and moved to help ladle out some soup. "Young man, do you know how much trouble you got me in with sister Maria?" He said with a gentle, playful chuckle.  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

Aloy loved volunteering, sure he wasn’t paid but he genuinely liked to be there for people. He understood what it’s like to be left alone and wanting people to talk to or live with. A family, a warm meal. He’d been on the other side, because he never learnt how to cook. Some of the mothers had complimented him on his new physique. Y’know saying how he was always handsome and how the ladies must be throwing themselves at him, but it seemed to be less of a lie now. He was blushing as he mixed the soup rather easily and poured it out his pale cheeks flush red.   “O-oh s-sorry father I-I didn’t mean t-to get you in trouble.” Upon closer inspection the boy had some cuts and bruises. On his face and hands.  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

“I-if I-it makes you g-feel any better f-father I-I’ve been s-single my whole l-life s-so no o-ones s-seen me s-shirtless…”  

Father Cal

The Father all but fell over as laughter burned out of his throat. True laughter, the kind that came from the soul and flowed over the lips like water. "Ki..Kid.. That's not something you should tell people He rolled his eyes a small bit before handing a bowl to the next person in line  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

“j-just thought y-you appreciate the uh….absti… absta… thingy.” He rubbed his neck softly. Blushing again. you’re a fuckin’ idiot Aloy He kept pouring soup into the bowls. Getting a nice rhythm down.   “A—anyway….so w-when did you start working here?”  

Father Cal

The Father gave a small chuckle shaking his head "I started just this last Sunday. I've barely been in the states a full two weeks. It's quite a different place." He kept pouring the soup himself, adding a piece of bread before handing it over to the next man "While yes I appreciate the abstinence thing, I am not dumb to the modern world. The Father above wants us to be happy, while that doesn't mean to break his tenets. It does mean to seek love, and a happy life. A full Life."  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

“Oh my you’re quite new to here. Well, if you ever need a hand with where things a-are I-I’m sure I c-could help. I-I know this city like t-the back of my hand. Where y-you f-from Father?” Aloy filled another bowl with soup, and another and another. He had clearly been doing it for quite a while definitely longer than Father Cal had been here.   “I guess. I’m not really religious anyway Father Cal, but eh I dunno if I wanna seek love and all that.” He said with a shrug and a smile clearly enjoying helping people.  

Father Cal

The good Father paused a bit. The boy was clearly a good person, he could feel nothing but kindness radiating off him, but he wasn't walking in the light of God. That would change with time. He hoped. "I think I would take you up on that offer my son, Me? I am from Rome, born and raised there."  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

Aloy was uh well it's arguable if he's good or not. Hotheaded for sure. A bit too violent. "I can give you my number is need be. I don't really use my phone besides for.......calling the church and letting the orphanage know I'll be late to volunteer.......and yep th--that's it. R--rome t—that’s i--interesting."  

Father Cal

Cal stuttered a bit here, his persona breaking as he frowned, and a bit of a blush came across his lips. "W...Why I can give you the churches phone... I personally do not own a ...Cellular phone....As I said I grew up in Rome or rather the Vatican, I never had a need for such a thing..." The good Father looked away with a small blush and stared down at the soup. "I suppose I will need one now in the States. Wont I?"  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

"Probably a good idea. My phone number should be somewhere in the church since I gave it to the last priest here, and the people who work here k--know it. B--but it's good to have h-here for like....police a--and hospitals and the like." The young man kept continuing to ladle food into the bowls. "We're getting close to empty."  

Father Cal

Looking down at the pot he gave a slow sigh. The boy was right. He was almost out again. Clearly the homeless population here was far worse than he was expecting. Truly this is a broken nation. "Yes, it looks like we are. Care to run to the back and start another round of soup? The Sisters may attack me if I ruin anymore food." Handing out the last bit of soup in the pot he Smiled to the homeless man who thanked him. His eyes sparkling a small bit as he reached out and shook the man’s hand. "I shall Join you in a few moments."  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

"I-I'll try b-but......I--....I usually j--just cook instant ramen s--so soup i--is kinda new..." Aloy nodded and headed to the back opening the fridge and grabbing some of the hopefully pre-frozen soup. He stared for a few minutes before he shook his head. "Uhh shit. Fuck. Uhhh" He looked around and seemed to get a bit stressed out. Someone. An evil soul. Had either moved the ingredients or moved where the fucking soup was  

Storyteller

Inside the fridge, right near the back door of the Cathedral was not pre-made soup, but rather ingredients. Carrots, fish, potatoes on the counter next to it. Greens, and several others. All fresh as if they had been bought right from a market. The good Father had gone out the day before with the sisters to find only fresh produce. His old-world ideas being to help the local community the best he could. Large boxes of broth were sitting with the potatoes. The Father did come around a few minutes later, after one of the sisters came over and began to help the poor kid.  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

Aloy softly chuckled and rubbed his neck with his bruised and cut up hands. “Heh sorry Sister. My mind is a bit all over the place at the moment. I-I got the car w-working and it’s s-still s-splitting a bit and all.” He grabbed the stuff and began preparing it making sure to wash his hands, throw on a hair net and put gloves on.  

Father Cal

Cal Turned the corner with a large smile. Heading back towards the young Aloy with quite the pep in his step. Humming a small hymn to himself. "I see you have already begun, my young friend." Walking right towards the setup he grabbed a knife and began to cut up some of the carrots  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

“Y-yep only a freak out later.” He chuckled a bit and grabbed a knife and a cutting board to cut cup some other things to put into the soup as the stove heated up. “Any reason for New Victoria father? Or was it just the next step in your life and as simple as that?”  

Father Cal

This caught Cal off-guard. He had to lie. He couldn't tell the boy the truth or at least not the whole truth, yet he could not tell a lie. Perhaps he could stretch the truth? Rolling a knife between his fingers, he thought for a moment, clearly struggling to answer the boy’s question. "Neither. I was asked to come by the Vatican to replace the old Father of this parish." He would need his own sets of Hail Mary's tonight, but he could not reveal his true purpose. He was here to hunt and act God's vengeance on those who practice witchcraft.  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

“Huh didn’t know the Vatican decided all that, I will admit he was getting old. Well, welcome to Evo central Father Cal.” Aloy joked with a chuckle as he kept chopping with a smile.   CRACK DUNK   “Ah fuck.” Aloy murmured to himself, accidentally cutting through the thick wooden chopping board and into the table a bit but quickly pushing it back together with a chuckle. “Guess the woods old huh?”

[Type x 2 Normal - 3ep 22/25]

 

Father Cal

"The Vatican decides many things child. And no, I bought the cutting board earlier when I learned the church didn't have one. Though you are a young lad, and the knives are quiet sharp." The Father laughs, much like a ...father would, patting the boy on the back with a large smirk. Through his eyes seemed quite intense almost knowing something happened the boy didn't want to admit. Cal's touch would be like a small static shock, and it forced him to step back looking at his hand in confusion. "Hmm mm Ow. Ok then." He said with a mumbled chuckle, but never broke his gaze on Aloy.  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

“Please uhm don’t touch me Father Cal, it’s a boundary I don’t like crossed.” Aloy said gritting his teeth, he didn’t want to punch a man of the cloth….well for the moment at least. “Sorry, I’ll buy you a new one s-sorry I’ve been working o-out more recently a-and I’ve kind of forgotten my own strength.” Aloy chuckled trying to act casual but his state matching back to Father Cal with the same burning look that he gave anyone who touched him without his permission did.  

Father Cal

The Father didn't quite understand, but he knew a threat when he heard one. He already suspected the boy of being a witch. You didn't just cut through nice cutting boards, without trying like he claimed. The devil gave many gifts, one of them great strength to crush one's enemies. The touch of a holy man being repulsive. This is but another checkmark on the Father's list. This boy was becoming more and more of a threat, but never let your enemies know before you’re ready. "Of course, forgive my child. I meant no harm. Promise" The good Father now had reached into his clothing and pulled out his cross letting it hang on his robes out in the open, eyeing the boy as they continued to cook.  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

“Don’t worry, Father. It’s not just a you thing. I don’t like people touching me.” Aloy cutting through the chopping board was in all honesty, a complete accident. Aloy was sore and tired from his usual nighttime incidents, but last night was… chaotic. He noticed the Father pull out his cross and seemed to shrug at it calming down. “That’s a nice cross Father, though I guess all people of the cloth should have a sturdy one, shouldn’t they?”  

Father Cal

Cal stared rather intensely towards the boy when he thought he wasn't looking. Wanting to see any fear of the cross that hung on his neck. The devil may be strong, but he had no choice but to respect God's might. "T'was a gift from my teacher, a good bishop, and a better man. May he rest forever in God's arms." He bowed his head in respect, quickly drawing a cross on his chest before returning to his work. Keeping his stares for the most part hidden. "Though I do believe all should have a nice sturdy cross, for God watches and cares for all his children. Not just those of the cloth." Lifting the food he had prepped; cut carrots, diced tomatoes, and bits of potato, he walked them over to the large pot and slide them into the already once more boiling water. A sister nodding as she continued to slowly stir it.  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

Aloy had no fear for the cross in his eyes at all. He seemed to calm down a bit knowing he wouldn’t have any physical contact again and finished cutting up his food and put it in too. “Your teacher sounds like he meant a lot to you. May he rest well.” Aloy softly bowed his head down for a second before grabbing something else and dicing it. “Well, I don’t think people who aren’t of a faith that has a cross should have one. Even if God is still watching over them. I have no issue with faith though, long as you’re not causing harm.”  

Father Cal

The good Father merely watched, his eyes almost wanting to see something that wasn't there, but after a small time he relaxed. Perhaps he was just paranoid. God's enemies wouldn't just wander onto church grounds. They couldn't.   "Many people would agree to that, myself included, While I believe all most serve and find faith, I do mean that there are not good people who aren't of faith. Nor that there are not people who use the faith to be a good person when they are not. We should all strive to be a good person, not just because he is watching. But because it is right." Stepping back from the cooking area, a Sister ran over asking the Father to come quick. With a nod he wiped his hands on a towel and followed the good Sister to the front. One of the homeless men was starting a small fight with another. Currently just arguing over who's trash was whose, their yelling getting quite loud.  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

“Exactly, shouldn’t be good because God is watching, should be good because it’s the right thing to d-“ Oh shit. Aloy dropped what he was doing and rushed out hoping that Father Cal could finish this fight without needing Aloy to tip them off each other, but followed anyway cracking his neck and rubbing a cut on his face ripping the gloves off. “I’ll join just in case. You take the lead Father.”  

Father Cal

The good Father ignored the young boy, though not because he didn't care. Rather he didn't seem to notice him. The stench of liquor and piss was far too strong to really notice anything else. The two men fighting, neither seemed large, but both were clearly quite drunk. Yelling and threatening death to each other the good Father walked up. His rather large frame blocking the two of them from view for a moment as he spoke "Now, now my children. This is a--" One of the drunks turned and spat at the Father, tossing a plate of food at him. Cal stood dumbfounded there for a moment before starting forward quite angry. "The Father above preaches for non-violence, and for peace among brothers, but he does say not to let people walk all over you. Treat others like you want to be treated...and I see how you want to be treated."  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

“Oi. No fighting.” Aloy joined the Father and sighed. These two were always a problem and he stared them down with a sigh and stood over them crossing his arms protecting the other people with his body from being in harm’s way. Don't make me punch out a hobo c’mon.  

Father Cal

Father Cal was a large man. There was no doubt but as a man of the cloth it was unlikely, he was a built man, right? Wrong. Reaching forward the father grabbed one of the homeless men by the scruff of the neck, much like you would a cat and dragged him away from the other. Laying him out across the ground with a quick twist of his arm. Holding him down he went to say for Aloy to grab the other, merely wanting to hold them till the police arrive. But something about the father intervening made the men forget they were fighting. The other homeless man jumped on to the now turned Father's back, screaming like a banshee as he did.  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

“Striking first isn’t a good ide-“ Aloy acted almost instantly on instinct, ripping the man off the Father and slamming him into the ground before pinning his skull down with one hand. Well I didn’t punch him. “Okay now stop, let’s talk this out before the police get here and maybe you’ll be welcome fuckin’ back.” Aloy sighed and seemed to rather effortlessly holding the man down. “S-sorry, everyone I-I’m sure this is all just a misunderstanding a-and I’m sorry I-it came to violence.”  

Father Cal

Cal had fallen over the other homeless man. The man who had jumped on him having knocked him atop the man he was holding down. The air grew heavy under the small white tent they used to keep the tables out of the sun. The hair on the necks of those around the good Father would stand up as if they were standing next to a live wire. While the good Father couldn't control his powers or even really knew he had them, they were there, and like an animal his body would use them reflexively. Rising up over the man, both his hands on the fallen man's back, a powerful shock left Father Cal and went into the poor homeless man who jerked once before going limp. The shock, the liquor, and having been fallen to the ground and then someone tossed onto him, left him out cold.

[Type 2: 1 normal, -3 EP (12/15)]

 

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

Aloy didn’t respond just held the man he had down and looked over. “C-can an ambulance t-to… Jesus Chr-….I mean Jeez.” Aloy pulled out his phone and called the police as well as an ambulance to come get everyone. “Everyone please stay calm, you’re safe, I’m certain the man will be okay both the Father and Phil.”  

Father Cal

"Don't worry about me... Ah... I may not be as young as I used to be, but I am quite fine." The good Father slowly stood up, shaking his head a small bit as if he wasn't quite sure what just happened. One hand on his back, the other on his head, he moved off the man and leaned down to check his pulse. It would seem the drink got to him. Probably passed out as soon as I helped him to the ground.  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

“Yeah, Father it was for both of you.” Aloy stated simply. Sighing. “Didn’t know Evo’s were allowed in the Vatican.” He said as an offhand comment still squatting next to the other man and holding his head into the ground softly looking around. “I’m s-sorry about this.”  

Father Cal

The good Father seemed puzzled by the boy’s statement. Not really saying much on it or thinking on it. "They aren't" He said it in a matter-of-fact tone, moving over to slowly push the growing crowd away from the tent, urging them back and away so the police could move in and secure the men quickly.  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

The fuck? Did this guy just admit to not being in the Vatican? Okay now this is gonna get confusing. Aloy looked to the nuns with the most confused look the young man had ever been. Well besides every face he makes when he studies or does an exam.  

Father Cal

Father Cal seemed just fine. Directing those around and away from the scene as the police arrived. He was at home when he was in-charge and it showed, everyone falling his orders and running around to do as he said and wanted. The police didn't take long to arrive swooping in and taking control of the scene from the Father, who quietly slipped out. Heading into the church and towards the under-croft were his room lay. He needed to get out of these soiled robes and fast.  

Aloysius ‘Aloy’ Fumi

So he’s either a liar….or the Vatican was going into a cult like belief. Doesn’t surprise me. I bet they think some Evo’s are chosen by God. “Tch.” Aloy didn’t like the idea of people saying he was chosen or above someone else. He casually still sat on the hobo and waited for the police to come making a statement, and the church seemed to calm down as they say got as close to normal as it could, and Aloy walked home. “Chosen ones, yeah right. And I’m in love.” and with that sarcastic comment, he rode the train lines alone again