Springtime in Tokyo. Easter had already passed which left space for many more seasonal activities. One of which was Tokyo's Rainbow Pride festival. An event celebrating the country's LGBTQIA+ community. While a small percentage of Japan's citizens are comfortable with their place in the LGBTQIA community, many others still have trouble in "coming out". It doesn't matter. Come April, the streets near Shibuya leading up to Yoyogi Park will be filled with the colors of the rainbow. But first, preparation.

On one end, former succubus, Kiyoni, looked forward to the festivities. As a member of the bisexual society, the rainbow pride gala is something she couldn't wait to go to. Something about the way the colors of the bisexual flag that just make her feel so…open and free.

To make her mark this year, Kiyoni joined her former coworker, Juri, and a group of other dancers in practicing a dance routine that will take place on the main stage of Yoyogi Park. How fitting for Queen Beyoncé to release her latest album for that will be the lifeblood of the celebration. Voguing, death drops, and poses that could rival the hottest models will be included in this choreography. Until now, the group of ten dancers have only practiced wearing normal shoes. Next week, everyone will do so in heels.

"Okay, okay, okay," a dancer exhaustively asked, "Can we take like…a ten minute break now?"

"Yeah," Kiyoni confirmed with a towel over her face, "Ten minutes, everyone."

"Oh, my god," Juri heaved before collapsing,"I'm so tired."

"Same. Just imagine when we gotta do all this in heels."

"I do not miss Aphrodisia at all," Juri sarcastically said.

Kiyoni reached for her bag, "I know, right? Hey… Wait a minute… Where…? Have you seen my water bottle?"

"You didn't bring one?"

"Well, yeah, I brought one. I thought I…brought one. Where the…? Where is–?"

"Looking for this," affirmed someone from behind.

"There it is! Oh, than–Suu'chi!"

"Hi," Shuuichi waved.

"This is a surprise," Juri noticed.

"I'll say," Kiyoni agreed, "Suu'chi, what are you doing here?"

"I…" Shuuichi calmly answered, "decided to take off work early so I could come here and surprise you."

"Mission accomplished. I'm surprised…and flattered."

"You certainly showed up in good timing," Juri questioned, "Are you sure you're not a stalker?"

"You know what," Kiyoni thought, "I don't think I've ever told you about my schedule for this. How did you–?"

"You didn't have to," Shuuichi informed, "For the last couple of weeks, you've either showed up at the greenhouse or texted me informing me of your whereabouts all within a set time. So, I figured if I could get here early, I could catch you in time. Looks like my plan worked. Besides, have you forgotten what I used to be? Reconnaissance is kinda my thing."

Kiyoni was flattered once again, "Suu'chi…that is so sweet. You, coming to see me. You are the absolute best."

Juri smiled in false agreement, Stalker…

Then she came up with an idea, bouncing like a bunny as she shrieked, "Oh! Kiyoni! I got an idea, I got an idea, I got an idea, I got an idea, I got an idea!"

Kiyoni returned the favor, "What, what, what, what, what?"

"You should totally talk about your idea!"

"My idea? Wait, no. No. No. I told you it was a bad one."

Shuuichi wanted to know at this point, "May I be included in this?"

Juri said, "Yes!"

Kiyoni replied, "No!"

"Kiyoni…!"

"I'm not talking about it. End of story."

Shuuichi affirmed, "Are you sure?"

"Yes."

Juri blurted, "Kiyoni wanted to know if Lighthouse can come to the rainbow festival."

Kiyoni whined, "Juri!"

"Shut up. It's your idea!"

Shuuichi processed, "Lighthouse? At the festival?"

Kiyoni relented, "Yeah. Of all the times I've been there, I've yet to see any churches represented. Since you've given the church a…makeover, I…figured Lighthouse would…be the first."

"Hmm. Sounds plausible. What all would I need to do?"

Juri listed, "You've never been? Oh, my God… Wait…that makes sense. Anyway, you could make a banner for the pride walk, set up a booth at Yoyogi Park filled with pride stuff and stuff. Talk about why Lighthouse could be great for those in the community who are into religion."

"Really? And all of this was Kiyoni's idea?"

Juri enthusiastically nodded, "Mhmm!"

"Is this true? Why didn't you tell me about this earlier?"

Kiyoni bashfully wiggled, "...Yes."

"Why did you tell me?"

"Well, because…because…I thought…I thought you wouldn't go for it. I mean…I didn't really think this out and…I thought you were going to say no because of that."

"Well…in terms of timing, I would have to agree with you. I would really have to scramble to get anything together in time. However, as far as the invitation is concerned…I'm for it."

Both women widened their eyes, "Really?!"

"Yes. I am aware of the religious teachings that divide sexual orientations. Nevertheless, if I can see Lighthouse opening its doors to spirituality, dissolving the line between devoutness and sexual orientation should widen those said doors."

"Yes, yes," Juri added, "And since Kiyoni is bi and a member of your church, she should lead the way!"

"I…I don't know about that," Kiyoni deflected, "I…can't…"

"Yes, you can," Shuuichi assured,"And I say so because you won't be alone. You'll have me."

Juri followed,"And me!"

"And the church. The only obstacle is you."

"C'mon, Kiyoni. Just say yes, please…?"

Kiyoni said yes which delighted not only those within her dance group but some of the members of Lighthouse. That was surprising to Shuuichi. For as long as he's been around the congregation, he had no idea just how many of those who were willing to come out. Just what did Shinobu and others before him do to these people? Nevermind all that now. The church had a festival to get ready for.

Inside the sanctuary, a group of twenty to thirty members got together to plan things out for the celebration. Even children got involved, designing and coloring not only the parade banner but pictures torn from coloring books in nothing but rainbows. Rainbow fanatic, Lisa Frank, would be so proud.

"Well, what do you think," Shuuichi queried while observing the banner.

A piece of white fabric about twenty feet long was seen spread across the open pulpit. While the kids painted rainbows and religious insignia in just about any open space, there was a message on it that was forbidden to be touched. The message, written in both Japanese and English, read, "Lighthouse Tokyo welcomes all. We celebrate with you."

"Hmm," Kiyoni observed, "Not bad. Wait…"

She grabbed a paint brush that sat in a small can of black paint and got to work, etching out the cross and the ankh in the first "O" of "Tokyo" and the "O" in "you", respectively.

"There. It's perfect."

Shuuichi seconded, "Yes. It is."

Romantic vibes were felt by Kiyoni as Shuuichi was found hovering over her shoulder. He was earning some major brownie points for his unwavering support and Kiyoni blushed because of it.

Picking up on those vibes, Shuuichi questioned, "Something the matter?"

"Thank you."

"Hm? For what?"

"This. All of this. You know, only Tai was informed of my sexuality."

"Really? Your family doesn't know?"

Kiyoni shook her head, "No. Tai didn't figure it out until my final year of high school. I confirmed it when…I was initiated. Attending rainbow pride…was so liberating for me. Still is. However, now…now with all this, I feel even more free. Then there's you… Why you?"

"I remember what you said back at that coffee shop. It's not my place to judge how others live their lives if it doesn't affect me. Even if some religious circles say so, it's not my place. You were a succubus, you went through great trauma, you're a practicing Kemetic, you're attracted to both men and women, you're of two different, racial backgrounds, you've dealt with me, and despite all of that, I still stuck around because deep down, I saw you as you. Unapologetically you. Just like those who will be at the festival who will be their unapologetic selves."

Kiyoni popped out of her squat to embrace her favorite fox,"Thank you. I love you."

"I love you too."

The day of the festival had arrived and the Shibuya district is about to see so much of the rainbow, its citizens would think either unicorns had a bad case of vomiting or it's the molting season of the karyōbinga. Speaking of the rainbow, Lighthouse Tokyo treated it as both a symbol of pride and as God's promise to the world. Those within the LGBTQIA community draped themselves in pride gear including pins, tshirts, hats, sunglasses, and mini flags ready to walk the streets of Shibuya. Kiyoni wanted to join but had to stand in solidarity with her dance troupe. She wore a sports bra and the famous "TikTok leggings" in purple, and the ends of her curly twin ponytails in pink and blue with purple eyeliner and lipstick.

Twirling in her display, she asked, "How do I look?"

"Colorful," Shuuichi stated, "Very colorful."

He decided to go with a white graphic tee and a pair of dark wash jeans. On the front of the shirt was the cross over a heart over the pride flag. On the back it said "Jesus loves and welcomes all" in both Japanese and English.

"Are you sure," Kiyoni teased, flirtatiously wiggling her backside at an angle.

"Very but…" Kurama whispered in Kiyoni's ear, gently squeezing said bum, "you know as well as I that anything you wear looks better on the floor. Alright, everyone. Are we all ready to go?"

A spirited cheer came his way. Everyone was decorated and ready to go. Time to walk with pride.

And walk with pride, Lighthouse did. Kiyoni and Shuuichi led the way, standing in the center holding the banner created by the congregation along with others. Beyonce's Break My Soul played in the background during the march and Kiyoni wanted to show off but had to keep it together for the sake of solidarity. Instead, she waved and smiled in spirited and rhythmic enthusiasm at the surrounding crowd who showed up displaying their own fair share of pride in the form of shirts, flags, face masks, sunglasses, and phone covers. It was interesting for a church organization to show up at one of these.

Juri and Kiyoni didn't lie when they informed Shuuichi of what to expect on the grounds of Yoyogi Park. Booths everywhere. Rainbows all over. Colorful merchandise at every turn. Food, fashion, and trinkets galore. Kiyoni quickly bought a stuffed unicorn without a second thought along with a couple of rainbow pins that she strategically placed over her breasts to add some decor to her ensemble. Shuuichi couldn't help but laugh upon setting up the booth.

"Laugh all you want. You know I look good," Kiyoni shimmied while doing her best Little Richard impression, "Woooooo!"

"Hey, there you are," Juri discovered, "I've been looking all over for you."

She wore the same clothing Kiyoni was but her top was purple and her pants were pink. She saw Kiyoni's pins and laughed as well.

"Kiyoni…what, why…?"

"Juri, not you too."

"I mean…"

Kiyoni shimmied again, "Wooooooo! Don't hate. Appreciate."

"So what do we have here?"

Shuuichi grew nervous, "Eh…we have our share of pins, stationary items, pamphlets. I'm not sure if it's enough to bring anyone in."

"Suu'chi, you worry too much," Kiyoni encouraged, "Don't you remember how we met? Just use that same charm."

"This is different."

"How?"

"Well, we–"

"We, nothing," Kiyoni assured with a finger on Shuuichi's mouth, "All you have to do is convince the public that religion is not as judgmental as most would believe. Christianity included. The same thing you did for me. Not to mention, you're a fox now and foxes are charming. I mean…I'm charmed and I'm just standing here."

"You are way too kind for me, Kiyoni."

Juri didn't want to but she had to interrupt, "Eh, as much as I would like to watch this love fest go down, Kiyoni, we have to go."

Neither Kiyoni nor Shuuichi paid attention as they were lost in each other's eyes. Juri had to try again.

"Kiyoni…! Kiyoni, we gotta go," she yanked her dance partner by the arm, "Kiyoni, let's…go!"

Success. Juri led Kiyoni away towards the main stage. Much like they did that Halloween night, Kiyoni and Shuuichi kept their eyes on each other the further they separated.

While the dance group practiced one more time backstage, Shuuichi joined a few of his church brethren at their assigned booth. Like every booth on campus, Lighthouse Tokyo was full of rainbow pride along with symbols representing Christianity, Hinduism, Bahai, Buddhism, Kemetism, Universal Unitarianism, etc.

An American woman approached the booth heavily ready to criticize, "Wait. I thought the church and queerdom didn't mesh here."

"Things are different now," Shuuichi stated, "I cannot speak for all of the religious organizations here, only this one and this one welcomes all. As you can see, Lighthouse Tokyo is opening its doors to not only those of different faiths but of different sexual orientations and identities."

"How does that work? Doesn't the Bible forbid homosexuality?"

"Actually, that's up for interpretation but for years, centuries, that has always been the argument to justify and promote procreation and procreation only. However, times have changed. While it takes a sperm to unite with an egg to create a baby, the parents of said baby aren't really required to raise said child together. Especially if the parents aren't compatible or capable of raising a child. There are people out there who can reproduce asexually. There are transgendered people who can reproduce using their own biology. Heterosexual child rearing is only encouraged out of morality. Not only that but when have you ever heard of anyone within the LGBTQIA community causing harm to anyone out of spite or discrimination? Like actual, physical harm? While it's believed in the Christian faith that God is masculine, God could also be feminine. The perfect mesh of masculinity and femininity who shows love to all regardless of any status. So if they show love to all, why can't we? You see that ankh symbol up there? The one on your right? That is for the Kemetic faith. My girlfriend is a Kemetic and is bisexual. Her faith includes deities that govern femininity, masculinity, and everything in between. Other polytheistic faiths like Kemetism would do the same. So if the gods we worship can find love in others, platonic, romantic, or otherwise, why can't we? We of Lighthouse Tokyo want to be a beacon of light, a spiritual home for those who feel like they're in the minority whether spiritually or socially."

"Hm," the woman plucked a pamphlet from the table and gave it a look, "And you host all of this?"

"Yes. Minamino Shuuichi, deacon of the church. We try to keep them on a set schedule so as to not confuse anyone. On Sundays, Christian services are held in the mornings while the afternoon is left for everyone else provided it's pre-planned."

"Okay and what are you?"

"Hm?"

"Christian? Buddhist? You don't look Islamic or…maybe gay?"

Shuuichi was slightly offended but didn't show it, "I'm a Christian. As far as my sexual orientation is concerned, both my girlfriend and I are comfortable with it and that's all that matters to me."

"Hm, fair enough. You did say your girlfriend is bi. Alright, I'll give this a shot. Thanks."

"My pleasure. Live blessed," a quick check of the time brightened Kurama's mood, "Sister Setsuna? Brother Matsuri? Could you hold down the fort for me? Gotta go check on Kiyoni."

"Sure, no problem," Matsuri responded.

Unfortunately, a light drizzle was about to come into play as Shuuichi approached the stage. A rainbow umbrella became his protector because he had only one job. Capture his star dancer on stage and on camera. Kiyoni was more than a star, she was a diamond. To the tunes of house music, Kiyoni and her group gave it their all with style, grace, spirit, attitude, and flair. The partner performances she did with Juri and another dancer were especially entertaining as said dancer donned a black tutu skirt and rainbow makeup. The stiletto boots he wore gave Shuuichi some ideas. When all was said and done, the rain picked up but Shuuichi waited for Kiyoni by the stage to greet her.

"There's my favorite fox," she greeted, "How'd I do?"

"You were exceptional as always. Nearly scared me a few times when you did the drop thing."

"Ugh, honestly, I hate doing those things and they scare me too but it's all a part of the aesthetic. I swear it is. How are things on your end?"

"Great. Getting a fair amount of traffic."

"That's awesome! Did you use your charm?"

"My charm?"

"Yeah, your…foxy charm? Kitsune charm?"

Shuuichi blushed, "Yes…maybe. We'll have to see in the future."

Kiyoni couldn't explain it but seeing Shuuichi in pride gear and being a good sport about it made her desire level go through the roof, "Grr. Why do I want to…?"

It didn't take Kurama long to see, smell, and figure it out, "Later, Kiyoni."

"No, seriously. Suu'chi, I'm really happy you're here with me. It means a lot."

"Kiyoni, I'm honored to be here. I can see why something like this means so much to you. It's a part of your overall identity."

"You have no idea. A hafu who's also a part of the rainbow community. I feel so…out of place, weird about that."

"I don't think the term, weird, is the right word."

"Then what?"

"Special. You may be seen as a rarity in some eyes but that's what I like about you. About as rare as the things I used to…pilfer back in the day but still valuable. And like a rare and valuable treasure, I'd like to keep you…for a while."

"Sure but I have one condition."

"Name it."

Kiyoni peeked over to where Juri was talking to a couple of dancers, "We bring her in…just once."

Shuuichi's tail jumped just a bit, "So you are attracted to her. Are you sure? What about the soul tie thing?"

"Well...yeah, there's something there but nothing serious. I may be bi but I'm a monogamous bi. I'm too selfish to be poly. Besides, you said it yourself that she's a sweetheart and I agree. Not only that but…she wants to know…what you're all about…in bed. I guess I've been smiling or bragging too much."

Shuuichi exhaled, contemplating the proposal, "I'm not saying yes but I'm not saying no either. We'll have to…see where things go. Natural flow. Yes?"

Kiyoni smirked, "Okay. I can work with that."

"Come back to the booth with me?"

"After you."

Tokyo Rainbow Pride continued on without a hitch despite the weather and Kiyoni developed a newfound respect for Shuuichi. Lighthouse Tokyo did receive some interested and potential members in the aftermath and Shuuichi was grateful to both Kiyoni and Juri for the invitation. So much so that he eventually became the meat to their sexual sandwich much to everyone's delight. From now on, Shuuichi will make it a point to celebrate pride in any and every form because that's what good, open-minded people do.