It was the next day when Khonshu woke up that he realized that he fell asleep.
"Shit." he said when he realized he missed his chance last night. Khonshu then looked around and see one is missing.
Someone then came through the stairs, carrying a paper bag. It was Zeke and the boy greeted the now woken Khonshu saying. "Breakfast". lifting the paper bag. He reached in and got out a large bagel. He then threw it to Khonshu. thankfully, he caught it after bouncing it around few times. The bagel is still warm to touch.
"Don't worry, I bought it from a nearby bakeshop. We have enough cash for that now."
Zeke said.
Khonshu took a bit from the still warm bagel. And it taste great, it's a little bland for Zeke though, he would like to add some cream cheese and bacon. But for Khonshu, it taste amazing. Any bread tastes amazing when it is freshly baked and still warm.
There is still one more bagel left and that is for Fran. said boy is still sleeping on the floor. Khonshu thinks the position is not a good one for sleeping, he actually thinks that his neck is stiff. the boy lift his hand to touch his neck. It didn't hurt that much when he woke up, but now he can feel the stiffness and sore muscles.
"We'll have to make our own bed, my neck hurts sleeping on the floor." Zeke said, sharing the same sentiment with Khonshu. And he had to agree with his companion. So far, the Attic is a bit dimmer now, mainly since the three have been patching up the holes on the ceiling as much as they can. Zeke looks at his friend sitting on the floor, too busy finishing his share. Zeke finds K to be an odd enigma. Trying very hard to be mysterious but also failing at it. Khonshu also doesn't realize that he is wearing his emotions on his sleeve without.
Fran won't tell Khonshu that his face makes it very obvious that he is lying though. It might be funny to tell Khonshu that he is fooling no one, but for now he is just going along. It will be much more amusing in the end if Khonshu realizes it for himself.
Zeke also wonder's about Khonshu's home, the strange boy sounds serious in an overly dramatic way, like those high class kids who only read Shakespear so they talk like them. And definitely not from New York.
Regardless, he feels optimistic that things will be better. And while his two companions are not the most friendly or perfect. They are actually not that bad once Zeke gets to know them more.
He stands up to stretch his muscles, maybe they will have to take a break for today. His legs and arms a bit sore. As he touches his arms, he can feel the pain bloom from where he push his fingers. He looks at Khons still sitting on the floor, there is a look of pain clear on his face
Yup, Zeke said to himself. He expected Khonshu to have muscle fatigue after seeing the other kid push himself too hard yesterday.
Khonshu tried to stand up, but suddenly he is struck with how his arms, legs and his back is burning with pain
What is this, uhg, it just hurts all over now! He thinks. His face scrunches up when he tried to move or stand up.
Zeke noticed Khonshu's attempts at standing, he also expected it. Now he just thinks Khonshu is either stupid or really, really stubborn. It's actually concerning for him to know that some one don't know how to stop or rest.
"K, you really shouldn't move alot. Your body is going to get worst if you try to move." He said. It was funny watching Khonshu fall down on his back repeatedly but now it is very concerning.
"I'm am fine Zeke, I just… Ugh…I just need to get up." Khonshu said.
"No your not, I can tell that your not used to this much work and it's really not good to move when you have muscle pain. Just try to rest for a day or two. You'll get better" Zeke said.
"What?" Khonshu said, he tried to stand again but he lost his balance and fell down on his butt. The small fall suddenly brings a sudden spike of pain on his lower back, like someone spanked him very, very hard. His face scrunched up even more and he tried to not scream or cry from the impact.
"Your not fooling anyone K. Just stay there for now. I'll bring lunch and dinner but you can't going anywhere until you feel better." Zeke said, trying to convince the stubborn boy infront of him to just rest. He don't remember seeing someone this stubborn. It's a bit admirable how someone refuses to surrender or give-up, but this is getting ridiculous. It's actually pathetic to watch Khonshu struggle to stand up now.
"I am fine." Khonshu said with conviction. He refuses to give up to muscle fatigue. He knows this very much but it wasn't a problem. He can just heal the muscles to almost new. Allowing his Avatars to run long distances without feeling any pain.
Though if he was being honest, it's not "mortal muscle" fatigue he felt. It was more like divine fatigue from using too much of his god magic and his body would slowly burn itself. It does not hurt in a physical sense, just that his powers is not working very much. He feels pain through injuries, not through muscle fatigue
He still tried to stand up, his legs shaking from the effort and now his entire lower body is blooming in pain. But it didn't last and he once again fell down on his but, the impact causing another spike of pain on his legs.
Zeke is just watching, now he is really concerned and scared for the younger boy. If Khonshu don't know how to quit ahead then he will end up in alot of trouble, maybe even worst. Zeke walked forward and pushed his hand on Khonshu's shoulder, stopping the smaller boy from standing up again.
"If you keep doing this, you are going to tear your muscles and I'll have to call 911. Do you want to stay in the hospital K?" Zeke said, seriously this time. It was fun being playful with Khonshu taking things seriously, but this is getting too much even for him. He really does not want to loose Khonshu this early, he grew to be fond of this stubborn and pretentious kid.
"If you do get admitted, You'll be in the records and they will alert your parents. You told us that you ranaway. They might sent you back." Zeke said again, hoping to give some sense to K. He can feel the younger kid trying to get out of his hold. But he knows that it won't last due to the amount of pain Khonshu is in right now
Khonshu though, thinks that this is bullshit, mainly since he doesn't have parent in this world. Not technically, the Ra and Mut in this universe is not the Ra and Mut of his universe. If anything, the Ra here is a complete stranger. But having his name in the records is going to be a problem in the long run.
As much as he hates to admit it, He knows that Zeke is right about the hospital and that people are going to ask questions about his name. And he have no time for any of that, he really have no time and patience to talk to a bunch of stuck-up officials who is going to ask about his name and possible connection to the still existing Cult.
"Fine, I'll stay put." Khonshu reluctantly agrees. He does not look up to see Zeke, he knows that the older looking boy is smiling.
You win this round Zeke, I'll get you next time. Khonshu thought as he watches Zeke walk back to his sitting spot. Said sitting spot is an old theater prop, maybe a victorian or jacobean stool covered with cobwebs. He's not sure, there is a thick layer of dust on the furniture and it looks like it might break any moment. He can hear it creak when Zeke took a seat on it with a smug look on his face.
Khonshu really doesn't like it, and Zeke can tell. The later just laughs and Khonshu's ridiculous pout.
"Hey, I'm just worried about you. You can scowl all you want but You'll thank me later for this." Zeke said amusingly.
I doubt it, Khonshu said to himself. But still, deep inside he knows that Zeke is right. But sitting is like a sign of weakness and he is not supposed to look weak in front of mortals.
Giving up is also never part of his vocabulary since the beginning. Even when others think he will surrender, he never did and kept going. It's his life, he have the freedom to do whatever he wants with it. Even if it will slowly kill him, metaphorically and literally.
Zeke decided to leave the scowling kid to his silent tantrum.
"As much as I enjoy watching you pout, I better go. I'll buy some Mcdonalds for lunch. And you might need to wake Fran up. Later."
Zeke then waved before disappearing down the stairs. Leaving Khonshu alone with the still sleeping Fran. As much as he hates it, he have no choice but to stay indoors. He is also frustrated that he fell asleep last night.
Then he felt something tight in his abdomen again. This is different from when he was hungry, that pain is more like a burning sensation. This one feels like something inside him is going to burst.
Khonshu tried to scan his memories on everything he knows about human anatomy, and he finally realized what he is feeling right now. He looks around in panic, hoping to find what he is looking for, but he can't find that symbol he is seeking.
Slowly, he turned to look at Fran. The other boy is still sleeping on the floor. Fran has messy brown hair, some freckles on his face and a lanky figure. Khonshu does remember that Fran have brown eyes too.
"Hey, Fran." Khonshu said, slowly walking. Tt's still painful but he managed a few steps. He then shook the sleeping boys shoulder.
"Fran. Francis." Khonshu said again, louder now. It took a while before Fran slowly got to his sense, blinking his eyes in a groggy way.
"Ugh, wha? What time is it?" He asked sleepily.
"It's 8 in the morning." Khonshu said. Fran then lift himself to a sitting position, rubbing his eyes from the night sand that grows in there as he slept last night.
"Ugh, my arms feel like jelly. What time did we stop last night?" he asked, just like Khonshu, he feels the muscle fatigue from overworking.
"We stopped at around, 9 or maybe 11. I'm not sure." Khonshu replied. While his time measurements is usually accurate with precision, his tiredness last night made it hard for him to concentrate to get a complete accurate reading. He end up frowning internally at his sloppiness.
"Huh? It's not that late. Anyway.."Fran said, looking around. "Where's Zeke?" He asked.
"Zeke woke up earlier than us but had an errand to run. That's what he said. But he bought us breakfast. There's one more bagel in the bag." Khonshu said, giving the paper bag. Khonshu pulled the bagel out of the bag, feeling that it's not as warm or hot as a newlybaked pastry, but it's still fresh enough and not clearly picked from the dumpster.
"He actually bought food this time." Fran commented as he took a bit from the bagel. Glad that it's not a leftover, he was getting worried that they might have a stomach infection or worms after days of eating out of the dumpster.
Khonshu watched Fran finish his bagel, he remembered that he still need to ask him.
"Now that your done, I'll need your assistance on something." He said. Internally, he don't want to ask for help, but he is not familiar with this place and his legs ache.
"You actually want my help? What happened to doing things on your own?" Fran asked. If he is being smug, then he is doing a very good job at hiding it. But Khonshu can feel it, he doesn't need to look at Fran's face to know that the other kid is feeling smug and proud. Khonshu does not want to be reminded that he is overestimating his own abilities last night and is paying the price. But the possibility and humiliation of releasing his bladder on the spot is an even worst blow to his already bruised pride.
He looks like he is trying to hold something in, and he actually is, just for another reason. Fran just looks expectedly at his friend, he knows that him saying it is going to be hard, he's actually enjoying seeing him suffer from not listening to him last night. But he rather actually wait till Khonshu actually asks for help.
"I can't help you if you won't tell me what it is you want." Fran reminded.
Khonshu took a deep breath first. Might as well get it over with, he thought to himself. Finally choosing to do it.
"Do you know the location of the water closet?" There, he finally said it.
Khonshu hopes that Fran feels great about himself, forcing Khonshu to ask for help like a coward.
"What?" Now Fran is confused. "Water..closet?" He repeated. Blinking his eyes slowly as he tries to get a grasp of what Khonshu is talking about.
"Yes. Water closet…don't you know what that is? Your kind use it all the time."
Khonshu said.
Kind? Fran thought. He is not sure if he heard it right. Or if Khonshu realized the slip on word. But he is still confused about a closet of water.
"...Are you asking for a roof full of water? Like a pool" He asked, unsure. He is also now thinking that Khonshu might be an alien or something.
"What no. You use it to uh, to relieve yourself. Aren't you familiar with this? It's everywhere and a standard now when you construct a residencial dwelling."
But Fran just continues to stare at Khonshu, still confused. Then it hit him. "Your asking for the Toilet?" He asked.
Khonshu finally looked relieved. His eyes widened with joy and his hand gestured rapidly. "Yes, that is what I was saying. The Water closer is a fixture in the Rest room where you relieve yourself" He said. Khonshu is wondering if Fran is this slow, it might be a problem if he wants to ask more from him.
"You could have just said that you needed to piss." Fran said.
"I did, I told you that I need to relieve myself." Khonshu said back, confused to why Fran is asking him to repeat his question again, when he already did.
"...You know what. Just forget it." Fran said, deeming it to be way to troublesome to argue about it.
Jeez, he is going to be a headache. He thought, now he is starting to think that offering to help him is a bad idea if Khonshu is going to be confusing all the time.
"I don't know where the toilet is. We just got here." Fran said. He stood up, slowly. He can feel his sore legs. But it's pretty manageable and small, maybe a day's worth of rest is what he needs.
Khonshu though, is just frowning at Fran. His legs and lower back are aching like crazy and he still can't stand up without feeling pain. He debated on just doing this himself, but he really needs to, as what Fran said, to take a piss.
Though he may never say it outloud, he still doesn't understand why mortals keep creating new words to describe what they have been doing for millions of years.
"Your going to stay there all day princess?" Fran said, he can't help but tease the kid. He just smiles at Khonshu's angry eyes.
"I do not find your little nickname to be amusing, Fran." he just said.
"Whatever you say your majesty." Fran said. Khonshu still hasn't gotten up from where he is on sitting on the ground. "You can't get up, can you?" Fran asked.
Now Khonshu is even more pissed, if that is even possible. He just looks mad and refuses to look at Fran, choosing to look at the set of dusty boxes on left.
Fran ends up taking a deep breath and exhaled. "Here, let me help you up." He said before he kneeled down and put Khonshu's arm over his shoulders. He first made sure he got a good grip on the younger boys's waist before he hauled them up.
"Hey, wait." Khonshu said. He didn't expect Fran to grab his arm and just pull him up.
"If you are going to say that you don't need my help, then I'll drop you. But we sleep here and I don't want this place to smell like piss." he said seriously now. He is getting tired of Khonshu's attitude but he really doesn't want Khonshu to take a leak here of all places.
Khonshu is already feeling even more humiliated and just left Fran to do his thing. Lifting the smaller boy and supporting him on his shoulders.
"You can move your legs now?" Fran asked.
"I can." Khonshu replied. Having someone support Khonshu helps a lot. The pressure is reduced enough that he can move his legs without it aching too much.
"Let's go downstairs and ask around. There's bound to be a bathroom somewhere. Hopefully it wasn't taken over by some hobo." Fran said, already leading his companion to the attic Staircase.
It took a little effort for the two to walk in synch. Their legs sometime hit each other and they needed to coordinate on which foot to go forward without loosing their balance. But after some time they managed to slowly drag Khonshu down the stairs. Fran can see Khonshu's face contort in slight pain on each movement, but at least he is going somewhere.
It took a while before they finally reached the Hallway. Like most of the building, the hallways have makeshifts stalls and tables almost everywhere. If it wasn't a homeless shelter, this place would have been glorious with the red carpets, 19th century decor that reached the high ceiling, not to mention all the intricate carvings and leaf details on the walls and mouldings that surround the columns. Now the carpet is barely it's bright red, with brown stains and parts missing. There are many shanty and small makeshift homes taking up as many spaces where a lounge had been and most of the walls are vandelized with graffiti.
The two look around, hoping to find someone that is a bit friendly. Enough to answer their questions without demanding payment or just punching them in the face. Some of the folks here look a bit hostile so they continue their search. They did manage to find one a bit farthet. An old man that looks like he is in his 60's or 50's. There is a decent size tent next to him that acts as his private room and other items such as a cup with hot water and a packed sandwich. They do not know where he got it, and don't bother to care.
"Excuse me, You know if there is a working toilet here?" Fran asked the old man.
"You must be new here. There's one down the hall then take a left. Just don't mind the smell. There's running water but you need to be quick about it." the old man replied.
"Thanks dude." Fran said and went to the instructed directions, slowly dragging Khonshu along. The old man just looks at the two kids and shakes his head.
"Kids these days." He said as he unwrapped his sandwich and took a bite
As they go closer, they can smell something horrible.
"Ugh, he wasn't kidding. It smells like someone died here." Fran commented, Khonsu is already feeling nauseated from the smell and is having seconds thoughts about needing to piss. It really smells like someone hid a corpse behind the walls and with the amount of hobo's around. It may be true.
They continue to walk closer, they passed by more homeless folks, small shanties and tents. The duo finally saw the sign that indicates the male bathroom, though it is not the clean kind. The original one is broken off a long time ago and someone painted the symbol on a plank and nailed it badly on the wall. But the door is still intact. The paint have faded, peeled off and someone draw a dick on it but it is not boarded or destroyed.
It is also heavy, Fran had to push it with his other shoulder until it finally budged. The hinges making a creaking noise from years of no maintenance or being replaced.
Khonshu felt useless, watching Fran do this while he is just literally hanging on his shoulder.
He should be used to this since he depended on this Avatars to do his will, but that was when his body was incorporeal. Now he finally have a physical body, and he is still useless. If anything, he hates this even more than the time he got banished.
Each movement and step causes pain to bloom on his legs and torso. He never understood why Fran is helping him either. Sure Fran gave some climbing tips yesterday but Khonshu waved it of as just pity, and the other two made it obvious that they find Khonshu to be a bit uncomfortable with how he acts and talks. Yet they didn't toss him out yet, normally he would be tossed with a barrage of hateful words from his Avatar on how cruel and mean he is being.
By the time the finally reached inside the male toilet, it's just as much of a mess as the rest of the building. The tiles are stained brown with dirt and other stuff Khonshu will not, and do not want to name. The mirror have cracked half way and the only parts staying is fogged up and stained with more dirt. The wall tiles would have been a beautiful turquoise and gold color, but now most of them are chipped off.
Such a shame, I enjoy the color turquoise. Khonshu thought as he looked around the dilapidated but oddly still working toilet. Miraculously, the right side that have the stall doors are still standing, though two of the actual doors are replaced with wooden plants hastily nailed together.
"I hope the lavatory pipes are still working." Khonshu said as Fran helped him to one of the stalls.
"You know how to drop you pants your majesty?" Fran said, still smiling since he knows that it will get in Khonshu's nerves.
"I know how my penis works Fran. You can wait outside the stall. Just, help me in." Khonshu said, annoyed at Fran's new nickname. He hopes this won't be a habit for the other kid. He never liked being reminded of his past, mainly the prestige he used to have as the son of Ra. And by extension, an actual prince.
Fran just helped Khonshu inside the stall and closed the stall door. With him standing outside, he mainly just turned around to lean on the other stall door and stare at his broken reflection.
The sink looks sturdy, unlike the mirror and the stall divisions, it doesn't look broken much. There is a crack here and there but surprisingly still in one piece. Like the door. Though the crack looks suspiciously like someone hit it very, very hard. Like maybe someone's head. He can tell since there is a suspiciously bright red stain.
2 of the tap's are missing and Fran moved forward and tried out the others. So far the ones that are not gone is fine, he can't say with the other 2 until he tested them.
Inside the stall though, Khonshu is just staring at the dirty toilet. He does know how his penis works but it's just the anatomy and the medical knowledge of it. In practical use though, he never used it the same way humans do.
For the first few seconds, Khonshu just looks at the dirty toilet in front of him, then to his hanging penis, then back to the toilet.
He really, really does not want to ask for Fran's assistance, or anyone really. It's one thing for him to literally bring him down the stairs, it's another to ask on how to hold your dick.
He slowly walked forward and relaxed, letting nature takes it's course.
Outside, Fran is still waiting. He is starting to doubt that K really knows what he is doing. Until he heard the sound of water rushing.
That's good, at least he finally let it out. He thought. Though from that idea, he realized he too needed to take a leak. The stall door then opened, showing that Khonshu is done.
"Took you long enough." Fran said as he moved forward to help the other kid out of the stall. "Having technical malfunctions in there?" He joked
"Shut up Fran." Khonshu said. He is just relieved that he no longer have that bursting urge, but now he will have to deal with Fran's jokes now.
"Fine, I'll shut up. Can you wait here for a while? I need to piss myself." Fran said as he lead Khonshu to lean on the sink.
"Take your time Fran. It's not like I'm going anywhere." Khonshu replied. His legs still ache a bit but he can stand on his own. But walking is another matter entirely.
"Don't worry, my dick isn't broken K." Fran said, now grinning.
"Are you twelve? Just go already." Khonshu said, now getting really tired at this. He hopes that Fran will forget about this, his frustrations is pretty clear that Fran finally decided it is time for him to stop with the dick jokes. Mainly out of pity for the younger kid. It's a bit pathetic that Khonshu is apparently having trouble doing this but it is still hilarious to think about it.
Fran is still chuckling when he enters the other stall, the one next the the stall Khonshu entered. After a second, Khonshu can hear the sound of Fran's business. While waiting, the mortal god looked around the toilet room. The original flooring is a checkered black and white and oddly enough, is still in good condition. The turquoise wall tiles are sadly missing but so far the whole structure is pretty solid. Khonshu suspects that the whole toilet is supposed to have an Edwardian theme going on. Khonshu recalls his period in Europe in the past and he has become familiar with the architect. Mainly because he would wait and observe the city while standing on the roof of such structures.
Fran finished and left the stall, going to K who is still leaning on the sink. He then helped him walk back to the attic. They passed the same old man on the way back and Fran thanked him again.
"No problem kid." The old man said back, lifting his now half empty cup of instant coffee at them.
"Your legs still aching?" Fran asked as they slowly climbed the stairs back to the attic.
"Not so much." Khonshu said, but Fran is not believing it one bit.
"Be real here K. You can barely walk and your back hurts from falling most of the time yesterday. I told you to take it easy but you didn't listen." Fran reminded him.
"I know". Khonshu said, he really doesn't like to be reprimanded now. Not while he is still unable to walk. Fran just shook his head at his friend's stubbornness.
Fran decided to try to change the subject, "You think they have a shower somewhere in here? We both smell and maybe getting clean would be a good change." He said.
Khonshu wasn't expecting this but answered, "I have no idea. The old man said that the water was running but he said to be fast about it. You'll have to go back and check again." A good shower would be nice, the thought. He haven't washed since he got here and he wants to scrub off the dirt that is on his hair.
"Maybe later though, When you get better. My legs also hurt from yesterday's work so I'll just stay here the whole day for now" Fran said.
"Wait, you're own legs hurt? Then why did you carry me all the way down?" Khonshu asked.
"Someone needs to help you dude, you need it more than I do. My legs ache but they are not paralyzing. I think I can walk a good distance, You can barely move. Beside, I can't let you just piss in near our bed. I had to help. Besides, I needed to piss too anyway." Fran said.
Khonshu went quiet after that, just letting Fran support him as they both climb the stairs to the Attic. It took a while but they finally reached to attic. Khonshu then let Fran help him to a low box to sit on. He thinks whatever is inside is hard and sturdy, it feels that way. And there's a layer of dust on it he thinks he needs to clean first. But he is just glad that he can sit down after that. He could have not believed that going to the bathroom would take so much effort and pain. He closed his eyes as he finally let his legs rest.
"Don't sulk too much K, If you rest, you might be able to walk again tomorrow." Fran said as he took a seat at the boxes across Khonshu. Though he is still annoyed at being reminded that he can't walk much. But he knows that Fran is right about this. As much as he hate, really hates to admit it, he really did push himself too far trying to prove that he is capable of climbing.
He just scowls at Fran and said, "Fine". He is exhausted from walking, so he slowly leaned back. His eyes went to the scaffolding a good 6 meters ahead of the two. His climbing skills are still poor, but he wants to improve it. He can visualize his back on the floor from yesterday, trying and failing to climb up like the other two. And he winces at how it makes him look stupid, but he wants to do it again. Not falling, but climbing. He recalls how skilled Fran is on climbing, not an expert but way better than Khonshu at the moment.
"Fran, you seamed skilled yesterday.. Where did you learn it?" he asked.
Fran is a bit taken at Khonshu's question, "I used to climb trees when I was kit, and used to keep falling alot. Like you." He said, smiling at the memory.
"It is always painful at first, but I eventually got the hang of it. My dad also gave me tips instead of reprimanding me to stop. My mom hated it though, she doesn't want to see me fall and get hurt." His smilled at the memory, but suddenly stopped after that.
Khonshu just looked at Fran. He can tell that Fran is thinking of something he doesn't want to. He sort-off get's it though, the past can sometimes be painful and you rather not dwell on it.
"Your dad sound cool." Khonshu said.
"He…he was." Fran said, but there is a lack of emotion there.
Khonshu can tell this is getting on sensitive territory, instead asked about Fran's first fall. "So, Did you get back pain when you first fell?" He quickly asked.
"Very much, I think I broke my ribs dozens of time, but I didn't want to stop. I saw my old classmates climbing the monkey bars and even trees, so I wanted in it to." Fran said.
"You didn't sound like you regretted it Fran. Aren't you tired of failing after having that much injuries." Khonshu asked, though he most likely know the answer to that.
Fran shook his head as he said, "No, Sure I had a couple of scratches and broken bones, but that didn't kill me much. I just got up once I got better, and I end up knowing what to not do when climbing. After a month or so I got so good that I am always at the top first of the jungle gym in school." Fran said.
Khonshu smirked while he commented, "If you had broken bones trying to climb, what does that make me then? All I got was sore muscles, not anything serious like broken ribs. If anything, your more stubborn that I am"
"Hell no, your even more stubborn K." Fran countered, "At least I don't try to walk out the door if I got injured, and know how to piss using my dick."
Khonshu is not impressed, "Your not going to let that one go are you?" he said
"It's just too funny to not forget. You were just hanging on my shoulder while I drag to you the bathroom, I really was half-expecting you to ask me about how a dick works" Fran said back. Now laughing at the memory.
The two just stayed quite after a while, but they went on to another conversation. Fran gave his experience and details about his injuries. Pointing out some stuff that he learned is not a good way to climb, as well as other experiences that he finds funny.
"And I just put the whole thing in my mouth!" Fran exclaimed. The two end up laughing at that.
"How are you even alive?" Khonshu asked after Fran told a rather reckless tale of him playing in the town quarry, falling and getting his leg broken.
"Luck, I guess. I was never one to just stay put. Always gave my mom quite a scare." He said. "Anyway, when is Zeke coming back? It's probably past noon now and we haven't eaten lunch." And sure enough, Khonshu stomach started growling.
"Oh yeah, you mentioned that he went to do some errands or something." Fran asked. Khonshu nodded, he remembered that Zeke did tell him that.
"Unfortunately, the fellow didn't tell us how long he will be gone. And between the three of us, He have all of our money." Khonshu said. This is a disappointment to Fran. If he had any cash, he could go out and buy their lunch for the two of them.
He does have one idea, "How about this, I'll go outside and try to find us something edible to eat." he said. Khonshu already have an idea on what he is going to do, "Your going scavaging again?" He said to Fran as the latter stood up.
"Do you have any better ideas? Unless you can just conjure up some food, I'll have to go look for some. And don't worry K, I'll bring it here as soon as I found something" Fran said, already disappearing down the stairs.
"You just stay here and get some rest. If you can walk again tomorrow, you can go with me." Fran then waved his goodbye before disappearing down the stairs.
"Stubborn brat." Khonshu said once Fran left. So now that he is just alone in the large Attic space, he decided to look around and maybe find something that is salvageable to be furniture. Maybe they can refurbish one to be a bed, or a table. Try to make it more livable.
He was just lost in his thoughts when he heard someone going up the stair.
"Huh, that was fast" he said to himself. But instead of Fran, it was someone else in a familiar beanie.
"Hey K, I brought Mcdonalds. It took a while since it was packed. You know, lunch rush and stuff." Zeke came in with 2 paper bags that have the iconic double arch of the popular fast food restaurant. The boy was instead greeted with one kid sitting on a box, but noticed someone is missing. Zeke looked around, confused.
"Where's Fran?" He asked.
"You were taking too long so Fran decided to go scavenging for lunch." Khonshu said. The child god can now smell the scent of burgers and fries from the paper bag. It only made his stomach growl even more, and his mouth almost water with the smell.
"Oh, well. We can wait for him here. In the meantime" Zeke pulls out a wrapped hamburger and tosses it to Khonshu. The latter was barely able to grab it, since it is still hot to touch. But he is so hungry that he don't care and started devouring his burger. Zeke just looks at him, wondering if this is going to be a recurring thing everytime Khonshu eats something.
Later someone can be heard walking up the stairs. "Hey, I'm back. Some guy didn't finish his foot long subway. Pretty good find." Fran's voice is heard as he slowly appears on the Stairs, he passed the last stairs when he finally noticed Zeke.
Oh, hey Zeke. Back from your errand?
Fran said.
Yup, it took longer than I expected. McDonald's is packed right now so I had to wait another 30 minute. Here.
Zeke then tossed a paperbag to Fran, who caught it immediately. He opened it and pulled out a still warm hamburger.
"I still have this leftover subway sandwich though. I'll eat this first. The burger will be my dinner." Fran said. He is holding a dirtier looking paper bag on his other hand.
"You better hide it Fran. Khonshu here eats like a beast, he might steal it of your not looking." Zeke said.
"I will not do such a thing." Khonshu said muffledly, his mouth is semi full since he is still eating his share. But it's half way done now.
"I'll just keep it with me." Fran said. He didn't really think that Khonshu would try and take it, but Zeke's comment is giving him second thoughts.
They continue to eat their lunch in silence. The sound of the city outside is like an ambiance in the room. Once they finished, the older two went deeper in the Attic to see if they can find some furnitures.
"There's bound to be an abandoned matress somewhere on the streets. We should try and bring it here so we can get a better bed. The floor isn't exactly the best place to sleep." Zeke said.
"Good idea. It will take a little elbow grease though. We could try and look around the boxes instead." Fran replied. The place is littered with dusty boxes and stuff. He wondered just want were the plays and other performances this theater used to hold. Some look large, like background props. Now abandoned and thrown like trash. But one man's trash is another man's treasure
"Oh yeah, forgot about all these crap. I'm sure Greg won't mind since it's pretty useless to him now." Zeke said.
The city outside is as loud as ever. They also heard a gunshot, a sudden zap noise and some screaming somewhere. Then the sound of something zooming across the sky.
Khonshu quickly looked at the window, his eyes alarmed by this.
"Must be another robbery, probably with lasers this time." Fran said. He sounds more chill and relaxed, the same with Zeke. They don't seem alarmed, and Khonshu is taken by this. "You're not worried about this?" Khonshu asked, confused at their passiveness
"This is the 4th one this month, besides it always gets resolved in an hour or 2 by some superhero. So we really don't have nothing to worry about. What I'm worried about is getting a better bed, and dinner. Do you think the dumpster behind the mall is open?" Zeke said.
"Maybe we should just purchase it. You do have money." Fran said.
"Yeah, but the cash is just enough for one. We're three. So back to dumpster diving. I already know how to pick out the good ones if you were wondering. I don't want to get a stomach ache so I'm careful about what I eat.
Zeke said. He sounds sure and experienced.
Just how long were you doing this? Khonshu asked.
Zeke puts his finger on his chin, his eyes a little distant. "I think, since 4 years ago? Sometime like that, I forgot. Either way, I have this down to an art now. Trust me, the first time I tried bad food I got sick for days. I practically know how to tell which one is safer to eat now."
"How did you not die?" Khonshu said. Even more surprised that Zeke have been homeless for 4 years.
"I felt like I did once, but I got better. It's not like there are always bad food in New York. The city have it's fair share of rich people who won't even finish their food after one bite, and it's unbelievable how many there are. It's a huge waste of food and effort by the chef." Zeke said.
Khonshu gets at what Zeke is saying. He have seen his fair share of upperclass people who won't finish their food, trying to eat as little to not gain weight. But on the other side of the city, hidden in the shadows behind the glitz and glamor, there are folks who are skinny and would pay their lives just to eat anything besides garbage.
The sky is slowly turning orange, painting it in a warm shade. He estimates it to be 4 pm, a few more hours before sunset.
Khonshu always felt more powerful at night, especially when the moon is out. But he can't feel her anymore, and last night. He should have healed immediately last night if he had his powers back.
Zeke and Fran are still talking in the background so Khonshu looks at the broken and opened window on the West side of the attic. Facing the streets
"I should be out and getting dinner soon. You guys want anything?" Zeke said. Shaking Khonshu from his thoughts.
"Anything not from a dumpster would be satisfactory." he said.
"I'll try to see if I can get some free food from diners. In the meantime, you two going to be fine?" Zeke said.
"We're good, though it will be a pain to go to the toilet again. Right K?"Fran said, smirking at Khonshu. The latter was not pleased at this and glared at his companion, daring him to not tell about his difficulty in the bathroom.
"Toilet? It's on the bottom floor. A little bit far to walk to though." Zeke said.
"Is there any way we can just install a bathroom here?" Khonshu said.
"Um, unless you can hire a contractor or someone to built it. But for now the only bathroom is downstairs. The only working shower is in the utilities room, but the water quickly runs out though." Zeke said. He can see Khonshu's annoyed face and have an idea on what happened.
"Don't worry too much K, if you rest you can get your strength up by tomorrow. So don't be too sad."He said.
"I'm not sad." Khonshu said back, even more annoyed now. He looks like he is on the verge of pouting again. Making him look even brattier than usual.
"Sure your not." Zeke said. Zeke left and after a while came back with a paper bag of ham omelette sandwiches.
"The customer's cancelled in the last minute so the chef gave it to me."Zeke explained, handling out them to his companions.
"That's very fortunate actually" Khonshu said, "How many diner's owe you anyway? I'm not complaining but this is actually very useful." Zeke commented. Khonshu is already eating through his share as expected, his cheeks full of food as he eats away.
"Alot over the years, I just keep going around as much as I can." He said. Soon it was sunset and the city is now enveloped in darkness. Usually this would be scary but for Khonshu, it felt like coming home. Even without his powers he feels at peace with the night. More relaxed, but just like what Zeke said, his body is still too tired to move.
There is an old lightbulb that still works, and they used it to light up the room. Tthe other two scoured the surrounding boxes for some furnitures or a bed.
"Hey, I found a couch" Fran said. He removed the cloth covering an old and exaggeration Victorian couch. It is clearly for plays and the foam is not as firm as it is anymore but it's still way more comfortable than the floor. Fran called dibs on it, but he also looked around and found what looks like an old and worn mattress hidden behind a Tree cut-out.
"You can sleep on that K" He said. Khonshu is still sitting on the box-turned chair since his body is still too sore to move around to much.
"Thanks" he said. Fran turned around and said "you found something Z?" he said to Zeke, who is still looking around. "In a minute. I think I found something" he said.
"Is it another bed" Fran called out. Zeke is still facing away, trying to move some boxes.
"No, it's something else." He said.
"Well, you can do it tomorrow. Let's just get some sleep already." Khonshu said back. Fran helped Khonshu down on the mattress, it's a little dusty but they cleaned it a bit once Fran pulled it out.
"Fine" Zeke said. "But I still haven't found a bed yet. It think there's one deeper but We're too tired for now." He said. As he walked back to the others, he eyed the mattress Khonshu is sitting on. "Mind scotching over K? Your mattress looks large enough. At least until tomorrow when I get my own." He said.
"Very well, the bed seams large enough for two anyway." Khonshu said. He managed to move a bit, allowing Zeke to drop himself on it. Letting the mattress bounce for a while until it finally settled.
"Seams pretty good, I feel jealous if I didn't find a bed like this." He said. "Find your own, there's bound to be one in those boxes." Khonshu replied.
"Anyway, we should be getting some sleep, my legs still hurt alittle and I want this to be over soon." Fran said, already turning off the lights and headed to his couch.
It may be night time but the city lights are still on and it made it almost as bright and loud as daylight. The traffic noise, sound of the other nightclubs and the occasional gunfire from a hero-villian fights are the only things that can be heard. There is also a helicopter passing by, and soon the 2 teens are fast asleep.
Despite his very aching body, Khonshu couldn't sleep yet. But it's not because of the noise, he can move lightly now after a day of rest.
Thank Ra for small graces, He thought as he carefully dragged himself to the open window on the left. The other 2 are now snoring away, used to the noise. As Khonshu leans on the window sill, he looks at the city infront of him. The tall buildings, skyscrapers, the active night life and noise make sit look like it never intends to sleep.
This place have always been called the city that never sleeps , he thought. He does occasionally look at New York, but it is always in a birds-eye view. Never like this. His non-stop duties never lets him stop, so he views the city differently. The view of a sentinel who is always on duty, always alert. As a God, he can teleport at any location in a blink of an eye, patrolling every shadowy place in case there might be an innocent soul in danger. And there always is in New York.
But this is different, he is but a by-stander. He may feel disconnected and empty, but it's a different sort of empty. More slower in his opinion. By the window, the Moon God is just watching for the sake of watching. Letting the night sing to him as he sits there, contemplating
What is he thinking about? His future? His companions? the Moon Knight of this world who have nothing to do with him and belongs to another God? Maybe all of them. After a while all that thinking gives him a headache so he goes back to mindlessly watching the city. He prefers star-gazing but the city lights will have to do in the absence of the celestial bodies
After 10 minutes, his eyes starts to feels heavy. Khonshu slowly dragged himself back to the mattress. His legs don't hurt as much but it is still a pain to walk short-distances and he had to pause between steps to collect himself. A police helicopter passed by, it's search light illuminating the attic space and casting Khonshu's shadow on the wall. Unseen by Khonshu though, the shadow quickly morphed from a small child, to a large figure with the skull head in chains, its head turning to the direction of the walking kid, before morphing back to a human.
Khonshu finally reached the mattress and carefully laid down closed his eyes and soon found himself in a dreamless sleep.