"Aphrodisia was full for the holiday but of regulars; Salarymen looking to get their rocks off after work, some sort of stag party for the tourists, and other yokai just hanging around for the vibe. As three dancers (two incubi and one succubus) perform a burlesque number on stage, Kiyoni blew a kiss to her fellow comrades in carnality as a way to say hello. Aiko and Juri quickly took notice from the bar, "Kiyoni!" Kiyoni took one look back at her friends and kept it moving, heading towards backstage. Oh, no. Not tonight, they declared. By the time Aiko and Juri find Kiyoni, the latter was in her own dressing room lighting a pre-rolled marijuana cigarette.

"Explain yourself," Aiko demanded.

"Yes," Juri agreed, "We would like some tea, please? If you don't mind."

"Close the door," Kiyoni requested before taking a long drag of her cigarette.

The girls positioned themselves around Kiyoni like they were kindergarteners ready for story time. Aiko stood on the door while Juri got comfortable on the couch. They didn't have much luck with their hunting either so they hoped Kiyoni's story would turn out better. "Go ahead," Juri encouraged. Kiyoni gave the girls the short version of what happened, learning of the clerics' names, what they were doing, and what their goals were. She never mentioned anything about the thought-provoking vibes that were shared between her and Shuuichi, though. That was for Kiyoni's thoughts and plans only.

"Nope. Something's missing," Aiko decided, "You're not giving us the full details."

"Yes, I am," Kiyoni insisted, "He talked about his church and invited me to go. What could be missing from that?"

"Yeah but how did he invite you," Juri interrogated, "Was it like...in a flirtatious way or...maybe, like, a straightforward way…?"

"Straightforward. After he quizzed me on my knowledge of the bible."

Both Aiko and Juri laughed. "The bible," Aiko repeated, "You don't know anything about the bible. You're not even a Christian."

"True…" Kiyoni toked again, "but what I did know, impressed the guy so…"

"So are you going?"

"To his church? Yeah, I'll go."

"You're not scared of burning to death once you enter, are you," Juri pointed out, "Christians love saying that."

No, I'm not scared. And I'll have you know, Aiko, that some of the ideologies studied in Kemetism are the same in Christianity. Hell, where do you think Christianity came from?"

"Ex-cuse me, Miss Holier-than-thou," Aiko hissed.

"Sounds like Kiyoni has found her new target," Juri hinted, "Though that Touya guy was cute, too."

"I'll be honest," Kiyoni admitted, "Minamino is a new one for me."

Aiko wondered, "How do you figure?"

"He's too…inexperienced? Maybe gullible. At least compared to the others I've been with."

"Which makes it perfect," Juri praised, "Extra points if he's a virgin."

"Ugh. I'd hate to deal with a virgin."

"Yeah but that student-teacher fantasy is a classic and can be quite fun. I say go for it, Kiyoni."

"I second that notion," Aiko expressed.

Being in the minority, Kiyoni sighed, "Notion carried."

Both women cheered in a sing-song tone, "Yay! Kiyoni's gonna fuck a virrrgin. Kiyoni's gonna fuck a virrrgin." May the Kemetic gods of sexuality be in Kiyoni's favor. Virgins who are completely clueless in bed are a waste of Kiyoni's time and energy.

The next morning. All Saints Day. A map on the pamphlets provided directions to one of the two most prominent Christian churches in the country, Lighthouse Tokyo. An international and inter-dimensional house of worship for locals and tourists alike both human and yokai. All forms of Christianity were welcome in this house of God. "Holy shit," Kiyoni observed, "This place is huge!"

On the outside, the building's steeple was shaped like a lighthouse with a prominent, golden cross in front, all attached to a dome-like mini arena. The entire silver-colored structure was surrounded by an organized pattern of chrysanthemums and poinsettias to symbolize the holiday season.

Further surveillance produced multiple members entering through the gold-plated doors as the welcoming bell tolled. On one side of the entrance was Brother Touya accompanied by a young nun to play the role of greeters. Kiyoni could feel the nervousness build within her midsection upon approaching the doors. At least she dressed the part for today. A soft orange jacket over an ivory-colored, mid-thigh length, turtleneck sweater dress over a pair of black leggings and the same boots from last night became the outfit of choice. A natural-style makeup look and a wash-and-go style totally changed Kiyoni's frame of mind from seduction to camaraderie. Today, Kiyoni will not be the tempting succubus she tried to be last night. Today, Kiyoni will be the friendly succubus.

"Excuse me," Touya affirmed, "I remember you. You spoke with the deacon last night."

"Yeah," Kiyoni confirmed, "That would be me. This is the lighthouse church, right?"

"Yes," announced the nun with a pleasing smile, "I'm Sister Yukina. Nice to meet you." Sister Yukina also had a winter-like appearance to her, similar to Touya. Kiyoni adored the fuzzy, white earmuffs Yukina wore along with a pair of matching gloves.

"Ikeda Kiyoni. Same. Are the two of you siblings? You kinda look alike."

"Oh, no. Far from it. We're ice apparitions. You may have seen our ice sculptures around town. Have you come seeking salvation?"

"Those were done by you?! Wow! Now I have something to look forward to within the next month at least. However, I'm good in the salvation department, thank you. I'm here out of an invitation, actually."

"Deacon Minamino invited her here," Touya informed.

"How wonderful," Yukina emitted, "I'm honored to witness the turnout our deacon has created. Warms my heart to see it. We're pleased to have you here. Please enjoy today's service."

"Thank you," Kiyoni entered, "Blessings to you both."

"Thank you. May God bless you as well."

That didn't make sense, Touya speculated. Last night, she was flirtatious. Now she's...cordial?

Inside the massive church, people were settling themselves in, filling in the rounded pews left and right. Above them, the sun slowly peeked through the lotus-shaped, crystal-cut glass ceiling creating rainbows of multiple sizes along the walls and through the stained-glass panels. "You have got to be kidding me," Kiyoni whispered to herself. In front, a large image of The Last Supper displayed behind a large, hanging golden cross with pews for the choir sitting on the ground in between the two. In two, neighboring corners, technicians do a quick runthrough of the two large video screens so that the sermon can be displayed and broadcasted in both English and Japanese, and up above the congregation sat the camera crew ready for their live telecast. Overall, it was one big, overhyped production according to Kiyoni.

And then, a familiar voice came calling, "Ikeda! Miss Ikeda?"

What a relief to Kiyoni, "Oh. Hello, Minamino."

"Good, you came. I hoped you would."

"You hoped I would," Kiyoni challenged, crossing her arms, "What would you have done if I didn't?"

"Honestly, nothing. But pray for you to eventually come around."

"Is that so?"

"Yes. Same for anyone else I invite. While it's not my place to force someone to follow the ways of Christ, I am happy to see you here."

"Yeah, well…" Kiyoni looked around, "I guess I understood the assignment you gave me."

"Excuse me?"

"You know. 'The Assignment'? From TikTok?"

"Sorry," Shuuichi awkwardly divulged, "I'm not too keen on social media."

Oh, my god. We're about the same age and you haven't heard of TikTok? Red flag! "Nevermind. Anyway, where should I sit?"

Shuuichi earnestly led, "Come. You can sit here."

"Up front? Am I a special guest or something?"

"If you want to think about it that way, sure. I just figured you would want to see how we do things from a better view."

"How considerate of you."

"Don't worry. I'll make sure you enjoy yourself here."

"Are you sure you won't convert me," Kiyoni gestured with a smirk. The only time she would flirt today.

"Again, conversion is strictly your choice. Not mine. If you feel as though God is calling you to join his army, it is purely up to you whether or not to answer. I have to go. We'll talk later?"

Shuuichi's response felt like a dagger thrown into Kiyoni's plans but she accepted it, "Sure. Okay."

"Good. I like the hair by the way. Reminds me of a wisteria tree."

Twice. That's twice Shuuichi had complimented Kiyoni to the point where she's speechless. She doesn't wear her coils often and when she does, it's not for long. That's also the second time Shuuichi's behavior befuddled Kiyoni. Still warm, still compassionate. Still complementary. No sense of judgment, no snide remarks or silly questions as to how or why Kiyoni hadn't embraced Christianity, and no negative references to her clothing. If only all Christians were like Shuuichi.

Sermon went on as planned with an opening selection from the choir setting the tone for today's mass. Both Touya and Shuuichi took the lead in a subsequent prayer and worship session with a part of it involving both the choir and congregation to come together for some hymnals. Hymnals? Kiyoni doesn't do hymnals and Shuuichi never mentioned anything about them. The butthole. After all was said and done, it was time for the "main course" of the service where the head honcho of the church, the honorable Father Shinobu Sensui, stepped up to the podium, "Children of our Lord and Savior, welcome and happy saints day to you. Rejoice and be glad to be in the house of the Lord."

The audience returned his sentiment, "Amen."

Kiyoni responded with one of her own, "Ankh-Amun."

It was clear that Shinobu meant business as he spoke, standing tall yet relaxed and commanding. His speech, stoic yet assuring. "On this day…" he continued, "we honor those who have walked this earth before and with us; to find salvation and a suitable place in God's kingdom and to find eternal peace in the arms of the Holy Trinity. We also pray for the souls who continue to walk the earth with us. We pray for those who dwell in sin to find the path of righteousness. We pray for those who live in suffering to find salvation. We pray for those who have encased themselves in the cold embrace of darkness to bathe in the warmth of light. This we shall do today, tomorrow, and for the rest of our days. Let us recite the Lord's prayer."

Kiyoni stood with the crowd and moved her lips pretending to recite the Lord's prayer. She may not be a practitioner of the Christian faith but the least she can do is bullshit her way through today's service.

"You may be seated," Shinobu instructed. Today's sermon discussed the importance of honesty and how to trust one's intuition, often referred to as messages from above. "Please open your texts to the book of Deuteronomy, chapter 13," Shinobu deflected, "Deacon Minamino shall read verses one through eighteen."

Just as she was about to fall asleep, Kiyoni instantly perked up secretly anticipating Shuuichi's speech. His sweet, robust delivery of God's word proved refreshing:

"If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or wonder that he tells you comes to pass, and if he says, 'Let us go after other gods,' which you have not known, 'and let us serve them,' you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams. For the Lord your God is testing you, to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. You shall walk after the Lord your God and fear him and keep his commandments and obey his voice, and you shall serve him and hold fast to him. But that prophet or that dreamer of dreams shall be put to death, because he has taught rebellion against the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt and redeemed you out of the house of slavery, to make you leave the way in which the Lord your God commanded you to walk. So you shall purge the evil from your midst."

Shuuichi finished, "May the Lord add a blessing to the reading of His word."

The congregation responded again, "Amen."

Kiyoni wanted to call bullshit. God? Driving people out of Egypt? Did the writers of the Bible ever think to learn that the reasoning behind the great "exodus" of Egypt was more economic than theological? God had little, if anything, to do with it. That explanation was for another time anyway. Shinobu carried on, "As it says in this great bible, we must always keep the faith when dealing with those who tempt us. Every day on this earth is an opportunity to stray away from the will of Christ. Satan and his minions will always...always find clever, more innovative ways to bring supporters to his side. You must remember that our lord and savior is the way, the truth, and the light and all who choose to go against him shall suffer and perish. And there will be those who suffer and perish."

Ausar, take the damn wheel, Kiyoni wished, May Ma'at forgive me for my actions and not hold them against my heart upon my death. By the word of Amun.

Communion time which also served as an altar call. Those who wish to walk or are walking in the path of Christ, line up in the center aisle to take in both the "blood" and "body" of Christ. Kiyoni refused because she didn't believe in the ritual and some of the elements threw her off. Crackers that were borderline stale and grape juice? All the money raised and used to build such a grand house of worship and the best they can do is serve grape juice and stale crackers for communion? Where are the priorities? At least have some rosé or red Moscato. However, there were children in line so something had to give.

Finally, mass has ended. Time to go home and perform some real devotion. Kiyoni knew she had some serious ass kissing to do for Ma'at, the goddess of justice. There were a few of the divine laws Kiyoni broke during service. "Ikeda," Shuuichi called while catching up with the departing crowd.

"Yes?"

"Hi."

"Hello."

"Did you enjoy the service?"

"Somewhat. I thought some of the holy words were BS but it was okay."

"I noticed you didn't participate in communion. Didn't hear His calling?"

"No, it's not that. I already have my own faith. The Kemetic faith."

"Kemetic?"

"Yes. Generally known as Egyptian mythology or theology."

"Ohhh. You mean the stories of Osiris, Isis-"

"Ausar and Auset, yes. Among others. For example, you say, 'Amen'. I say, 'Amun'."

"Right. Forgive me. I wrongly assumed you were-"

"A wandering soul that needed salvation? Nah. Not me."

"Deacon," Shinobu beckoned from behind.

"Father Sensui. Is something wrong," Shuuichi wondered.

"Pardon my intrusion but I wanted to commend you for your performance last night. We had a significant turn out this year. Good job."

Shuuichi bowed, "Thank you, Father."

"Is she one of the new recruits?"

Recruits, Kiyoni repeated, The fuck…?

"Actually…" Shuuichi stumbled, "she's… Uh, Father Sensui, this is Ikeda Kiyoni. Miss Ikeda, meet Father Sensui Shinobu."

Shinobu extended a hand, "The pleasure is mine, Miss Ikeda."

A good look at the man produced terrifying flashbacks to that traumatic night in the countryside. Spilled blood, screaming, and bright lights. It was as if this holy man of God was a walking mental trigger. "Miss Ikeda," Shuuichi summoned, "Is everything alright? Miss Ikeda?"

"Hm," Kiyoni blinked, "I'm sorry. What?"

Shinobu repeated, "I said the pleasure is mine."

"Oh! Yeah," Kiyoni shook his hand, "Sorry. Nice to meet you as well."

"Will you be attending our services more often?"

"I... practice a different faith, one opposite of...all of this so...I wouldn't hold my breath for my return if I were you. Thanks for the invitation, though."

"Sure. Should you change your mind, our doors are always open and so are the arms of the Lord."

"...Yeah. Okay."

"Deacon, be sure to meet with me once things are done here."

"Yes, Father," Shuuichi replied as he guided Kiyoni out, "Sorry about that, Miss Ikeda. Are you sure you're alright?"

"I'm fine," Kiyoni confirmed, "I...do that from time to time."

"The spacing out thing? How long has that been going on?"

"I don't know. A year? Maybe two? Why do you care?"

"Because the way you looked, looked serious. Like you were shrouded in fear."

"Again, don't worry about it. We don't know each other well enough to even go that far so drop it."

"Okay, I understand and apologize. Are you sure you don't want to come back? We could use more souls like you."

"Like me? What do you mean like me? If that was a reference to me being a hafu, then you can-"

Shuuichi raised his hands to his chest area as if he's surrendering, "I meant nothing by that. And given that members of this church are both human and yokai, racial identity is not as much of a determining or deterring factor, here, as others believe it should be. What I meant was people who question the beliefs taught within the faith. Those who go by their own interpretations while still following the ways of Christ."

"I just said that I'm Kemetic. How the hell would I fit in here?"

"I noticed you during the sermon, watched your mannerisms as service went on. You seemed to be for honesty and intuition but indifferent when it came to how to live by it. Then came the talk about Egypt. I take it that's a trigger for you?"

"Yes, because that entire story is BS. The Exodus of Egypt happened because those so-called plagues took an economic toll on the country. So people moved to where the money and opportunities were. Babylon being one area."

Sensing Kiyoni's hostility, Shuuichi backed down, "Wow. You seem to know your history."

Vindicated, Kiyoni stated, "Just because I'm a yokai doesn't mean I'm an idiot. In fact, my faith requires a lot of reading, itself."

"Like Christianity and the bible," Shuuichi teased.

"Nice try."

Shuuichi said with a snap, "Darn."

"Look. I appreciate the invitation but don't expect me to come back anytime soon. However, I do expect us to see each other again."

"Us?"

"Yes. As in me and you? People like you do hang out outside of the church, right? Or is it prayers, bible study, and choir rehearsal all day, every day?"

"Oh, no. We're allowed to have normal lives outside of the church. We're not that zealous."

"Okay then," Kiyoni pulled out a flier of her own, "This is old but still relevant."

"Aphrodisia?"

"Yes. I'm an entertainer there. It pays the bills. Anyway, since you invited me to your...court, I figured you can swing by mine. Weekends are best."

"I don't know. It looks like it could be out of my element."

"Oh, it is. Without a doubt, it is. However, this church was kinda out of my element and yet…"

"Understood and touché. Perhaps I'll stop by one night."

"Good. I'll hold you to it," Kiyoni headed down the steps, "See you around, Minamino."

"Yeah...sure," Shuuichi studied the flier a second time. Kiyoni's position in the center of the advertisement must've meant that she was either the star of the establishment or the most sought after. The least Shuuichi could do was to see why. Even if that meant walking into a place he's never been before.

From the top of the church steps, Shinobu watched every second of the conversation. He noticed the flier in Shuuichi's hands and gears turned in his head. For as long as Shinobu knew Shuuichi, the latter has never been to a nightclub or has partaken in anything similar to it. Shinobu has. What better person to accompany Shuuichi than someone with some experience? Looks like it will be a men's night out this weekend.