"Think she'll survive it?"
Rabbit stood across from The Hawk, chicken grease slathered his grimy white T-shirt as he took another bite of the chicken leg prepared for the occasion.
Hawk stared into the coals of the fire.
Making small talk wasn't his game. The Rabbit was sloppy, unimpressive, most of all, his devotion was questionable.
Rabbit finished the chicken leg, tossing the bone to one of the pups sitting at the farmhouse stoop.
"You shouldn't do that, pups can't handle the spine of the bone, it can kill them."
The rabbit groaned and wiped his hands on his brown stained overalls.
"I'm sure they'll be fine. Since when does the Hawk care about puppies?"
Hawk turned to glare at the Rabbit. "You seem to forget your place, Rabbit."
Rabbit tensed, "My place? I don't know who you think you're talking to but-"
Hawk took a step toward the stoop and removed the bone from a pup's mouth, before turning back to the Rabbit.
"Unfortunately, I'm talking to you. An imbecile, that was only allowed to keep breathing because you're easily controlled. I know it, The Fox knows it. And when he emerges from the cellar in his true form, to finally take the prophet's place as our great leader. When he finally bares his face, you'll be cast into the ether to meet God."
Rabbit raised his mask, rage in his eyes. "Say another word and I'll kill you."
Hawk began to chuckle, "Put your face back on, it'd be embarrassing if the newer ones discovered your angel didn't survive the transition."
The door to the house swung wide, two people emerged, a woman with the head of a coyote and a man with a bear's face. Behind them, was what used to be a woman. Now however, it was the third day. She had been properly tainted and prepped to transition.
Her gurgled moans were quiet as she drooled blood and infection from where her face, eyes and tongue used to be, the dressing on her hands had been removed to expose the open, fingerless nubs. A symbol carved into her chest. The symbol of God. A circle of femininity, punctured by the thorn of man.
The Coyote and Bear guided her to the platform above the coals.
Hawk reached over and pulled the Rabbit's mask down onto his face. "She survived the prep. Fox will now gain his true face and lead us in the next step to salvation."
The woman wobbled in place as the coyote and bear released her. As they took the Bear took his place on the other side of Hawk, Coyote re-entered the home and returned with The Fox, still sporting his old mask. He too wobbled as he was guided to a wooden throne, placed in front of the platform.
As he took his seat, the coyote softly removed his mask, revealing the open wound where flesh once had been. After a moment, the Fox raised his hand.
"This is my favorite part."
The Rabbit responded, walked to the base of the platform he began stoking the coals, flames started to lick at the platform. Hawk and Bear stepped forward, to each side of the throne and turned to address the rest in attendance.
Hawk Rose his arms forward and began.
"Children of Artemis, we are gathered here today to witness the end of the hunt. The dressing of the prey has been completed and she is ready to ascend, to join the game in which our divine creator can endlessly enjoy. In turn we ask his blessing to she our mortal skin and become one with the great landscape beyond humanity. Taking the place of the prey, we so humbly send to our Beloved Father in the forests above."
Rabbit then grabbed a canister of kerosene and dumped it on the whipping coals, igniting the pre-saturated platform. The girl moaned weakly as she to, began to combust.
The Coyote presented an ornate wooden box, opening it for the crowd to reveal a mask and leather work needle.
Bear continued Hawk's prayer.
"As we ignite the flames of transformation, we will also begin the stitches of rebirth. And with every stitch, closer to a new life of complete assimilation will we forever be. Let us bear witness to the great exchange. Combing the tanned flesh of an angel with the animal she embodies, bestowing those blessings unto the Hunter."
As the leather work pierced into his face, he moaned in pleasure, the process had begun, The Vixen, The Fox, their flesh infused into a master work. Her survival of the prep gave him this. Soon, her soul would ascend, freed to run the forests of Artemis, forever hunted, and soon, her supple skin would forever serve as the intermediary between him and his true face, The Fox, to never again be removed.
"A new prophet has been born."