Reverend Wally
Wally X Reader
AO3 Link
Content Warning: Psychological Horror, Scopophobia, Religion and Religious Symbolism, Christianity, Demons
"Our father, who art in heaven-"
Hands clasped tightly together, you pray alone in front of the alter. It's far too late for anyone else to be here, but that is somehow more comforting in a time like this.
"-hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven-"
You stare up at the large pillars of the church, the tall sharp architecture and the stained glass windows. If it were day, the windows would show the stations of the cross, going through the entirety of the crucifixion. Now though, they're only dark and hollow, the reflection of the candle's light on the surface mimicking eyes.
"Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses-"
Are you speaking to no one? Will no one answer your prayers?
"-as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation-"
You feel a warm hand curl around your shoulder. They recite the last line of the prayer in unison with you.
"-but deliver us from evil."
You whip your head around only to see Father Wally Darling smiling down at you. You're used to seeing him in his mass attire, but now he wears more casual clothes. The only indication that he's a reverend is the small cross he adorns around his neck.
"Father-"
"Why are you here so late, my child?" He asks, tilting his head. His eyes are soft and kind, just as you always remember them.
"I-" You look at the floor, then back to the alter. "Father... have you ever performed an exorcism?"
He freezes, then chooses his words carefully. "Why would you be getting mixed up in such dark things?"
"I fear there is a demon following me." You tell him, standing from your kneeling position. "Or some dark energy, in the least."
Wally runs a hand over his chin, his eyes trained to the floor. "These things don't just appear. Did you-" His eyes flick up. "-invite them in somehow?"
"I swear, I have been faithful to you and our church." You bow your head. "But lately I feel as if I've been watched. Even now, I can feel the eyes boring into me." You glance around the dim chapel. The statues, the paintings, even the knots in the floorboards are eyes staring into your soul.
"Of course you have been loyal to me, my child." He grips your chin, moving your head so that you're staring into his eyes. "The only pair of eyes you have to worry about here are mine. This place is safe."
You grasp nervously at your hands, continuing to stare helplessly up at him. "Father, what am I to do?"
He lets go of your chin, running a hand through his hair. "We won't perform a exorcism, that is only for the most extreme of cases. We shall have a baptism of sorts."
"But I am already baptized." You tell him, confusion written all over your face.
"Of sorts, I said." Wally leads you up the steps to the alter. "It's bit different."
You let him take the lead, following his instructions as you set up the equipment. You've never heard of another type of baptism, but you trust that a reverend knows more about this than you do.
Once everything is set up, he motions with his hands, "Kneel before me, child."
You fall to your knees. It feels like worship.
He dips his hand into the water, bringing it to your face. You had watched him bless the water just moments earlier. He presses his thumb against your forehead, drawing some sort of shape. It doesn't feel like a cross.
"You've always been quite the dedicated follower." He whispers quietly, wet hand moving to now cup your cheek.
"Yes, father." You agree, unsure of where he is going with this.
"I wish to have you." He says, voice low. "What do you wish for in return?"
You blink up at him, "Have me?"
"Semantics." He brushes it off. "I merely mean to have you in the sense of a loyal worshipper of the church."
"Oh, okay." You pause. "I wish..."
What do you wish for?
"I wish to be safe."
"Oh, I would never let anything hurt you." He assures. Still, he extends his hand. "I wish to have you. You wish to be safe."
You're not quite sure what he expects from you, but you take his hand. He gives a large smile, holding your hand tight. "Thank you, my dear."
There's a gush of wind and the candles go out in the church, leaving you in darkness.
The eyes.
The only thing that is luminescent in the darkness are Wally's eyes. They glow, staring down at you. You yank away your hand, scrambling backwards as more eyes appear in the blackness. You have to escape.
You have the church layout memorized and move easily through the pews. The eyes appear everywhere, lighting your way. When you reach the door, you find that it's locked. You bang against it.
The window. Your hands scramble to find anything heavy. A small Jesus statue sits upon a table.
Sorry Jesus.
Taking the statue, you heave it against the window. Despite the statue's weight, the window doesn't shatter. It only stares down at you.
"Is this any way to act?" It's Wally's voice, but it's more distorted now. "I promised you that you would have your safety, didn’t I?"
"I didn't agree to this!" You protest, chest heaving. You feel cornered, the eyes are in every direction now.
"Oh, but you did." He laughs. "That's how it works, you shook my hand and made a wish. I'm keeping up my end of the deal."
Something grabs onto your ankle. You try to kick it off but it yanks you, making you fall to the floor.
"It's time to keep your end. Don't worry, I take good care of my playthings"
You're dragged further into the church, kicking and screaming.
This was never a holy place.
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