(12) Broken Effigies v (13) Kitty Pimps

[Wrath]

That morning was cold and bitter.

“Are you ready?” Wrath asked despondently, leaning against a balance beam.

For the third time Sloth checked to make sure that his gauntlets fit correctly, every hook in place, sufficient dexterity of the fingers, and fingertips sharpened to match an eagle’s talon. The steel was cool against his skin. His linen pants were aptly supported with suspenders, no need to worry about tripping and falling flat on his face with his pants down for what would be the most embarrassing moment of his life, as well as his last. At his back, he could feel the weight of a sickle in its leather casing.

Wrath had her sword and that was all she ever needed.

When he was certain that everything was in order, he dug his claws into the polished surface of the beam and he sat there, near Wrath, with his feet dangling inches away from the dirty, smoke colored matt beneath them as his eyes wandered about the room.

“If you really want to go through with this…” Wrath discontinued, looking for advice to give but she had already told him to turn back again and again. “Then you're a fool,” she finally sighed.

"Yeah," Sloth said. "I get that a lot."

"Try not to die," she said.

She was still with her arms crossed against her breast beneath the black of her pelerine. Her fox green eyes were solemn and fixed. Death was on her mind and when death is on her mind there is no room for much else. Her actions last night were still fresh in her mind. Sloth had never seen her kill. She took no pleasure in it and no regret. Before the final strike there is always a thrill: anger, excitement, or deep sorrow. And then there is nothing. Nothing but death.

Would he crave more and live up to Envy‘s standards? Would he despair? She could leave him in Lornius then. He’d manage on his own. Bringing him back would only mean his death. Would he refuse to remain behind? Would she kill him then and save him from the torment of the others? Whatever she’s going to do, she’ll find out soon enough.