Sunrise, the first one of the new year. A popular new year thing to do is to travel towards mountainous terrain outside of the city to watch the event to not only appreciate the dawn of a new year but to admire the magic, beauty, and potential the rising sun can bring as it hovers over the earth. In Tokyo and at Kiyoni's apartment, she and Shuuichi laid comfortably on her couch, in each other's arms, and under her favorite blanket. Shuuichi awakened first to find Kiyoni asleep on his chest. She must've had a good dream, was very relaxed, or was more tired than she led on due to the small spot of saliva found on Shuuichi's shirt. He didn't mind because it was going to be washed out anyway.

"Hey. Kiyoni," he whispered, "Wake up. Kiyoni…"

Kiyoni scrunched her face upon waking up, cutting off the small stream of drool, "Mm. Yeah?"

"Good morning."

"Mm, good morning," Kiyoni realized, "No! Sunrise! I wanted to see it!"

"Kiyoni, there was no way we were going to do that in time. We didn't go to sleep until about 3 in the morning."

"Aw, man. But it was the first one of the year."

"Aww. I'm sorry. There will be others in the near future. Though, watching you was enough for me."

"Hm?"

"Your headwrap and the way you sat up just now reminded me of the sun rising."

Kiyoni wore a yellow head wrap that matched her shorts. It was tied to where there was a knotted bun over her forehead.

Kiyoni looked up and sucked on her teeth upon hearing that comment, "That was so lame."

"Sorry. I tried. Could you do me a favor?"

"What's that?"

"Could you get up? I, eh, gotta go-"

"Oh," Kiyoni stood up, "Sorry. Yeah, sure."

Shuuichi rushed to the bathroom, "Thank you."

While he was away, Kiyoni made a beeline to her kitchen. It was time to prepare for her new year devotional to her deities.

After relieving himself and washing his hands, Shuuichi proceeded to throw some water over his face to wake himself up some more. How refreshing. Once his face met the mirror, he's startled upon seeing his reflection again. His heart raced and his body shivered by the time human fingers touched clawed ones. Even though the reflection was visually different from the real thing, the movements were the same. Shuuichi analyzed his impression in the glass like he had just shaved his beard. The image had a sharper jawline, a smaller nose like a fox, menacing eyes, and of course longer, silver hair.

"It was you," Shuuichi said, "It was you."

The reflection moved on its own, taking on Kurama's personality, "You're right. It was me. However...you and I...are the same. So what does that make you?"

"What are you talking about? Don't you dare bring me into this. I wasn't even there."

"Yes, you were. We were there. No matter how you rationalize it, we were there. I just did what you wanted to."

"Lies! Kiyoni is not that kind of woman."

"She's a succubus, Shuuichi. She is that kind of woman. A succubus that wants you, us, as much as we want her. I just have the bigger balls to give it to her."

"Stop it. Stop it right now. Kiyoni is different. I know she is."

"And you're naive if you continue to think that way. She's only around you until we give her what she wants. It's how she lives. It's how they all live. How long will you lead her on, Shuuichi? How much longer will you continue to deny her the very thing she needs to survive? Forget your bullshit teachings and give in."

"No."

"Do it."

"No."

Kurama increased intensity and volume, "Fuck her, now."

So did Shuuichi, "No."

"DO IT!"

"NO!"

"Suu'chi," Kiyoni knocked, "Is everything alright in there?"

As if coming out of a trance, Shuuichi returned to reality breathing heavily. Another look in the mirror revealed his true, red-headed self this time and Shuuichi relaxed upon the sight.

"I'm...I'm fine. I'm coming out."

Kiyoni displayed a serious look of concern on her face by the time she saw Shuuichi step out, "Hey. You okay?"

"Yes," Shuuichi said in a perky tone, "Yes, I'm good. Did you need to come in?"

"Yeah. Thanks."

"Sure," Shuuichi stepped out to allow Kiyoni in.

He caught the familiar scent of burning incense and took a quick peek. Kiyoni had refurbished her altar to include offerings of water, milk, and wine to four goddesses.

"Hey, Kiyoni?"

"Yeah?"

"Who are these...goddesses?"

"Eh...the first is Ma'at, the goddess of balance, truth, and justice; Auset or Isis, the queen of the gods and goddess of magic and marriage; Hathor, the goddess of femininity and love; and Bastet, the goddess of the home and domestication."

"Bastet? But it's a cat."

"Bastet is a cat goddess. Early followers believed cats were just as sacred to the goddess as cattle were to Hathor. Not to mention, cats are adorable."

"What about the offerings?"

"Pomegranate water to Ma'at since water balances all things, pomegranate wine to Auset and Hathor because they're akin to wine, chocolate to Hathor because chocolate is an aphrodisiac, and almond milk for Bastet because cats like milk."

"So how do you perform devotion? …Kiyoni?"

"I heard you. I'm brushing my teeth. I'll be out in a moment," eventually, Kiyoni stepped out to find Shuuichi kneeling before her altar, "Hey. What are you doing there?"

"Admiring this. It's impressive. How do you…?"

"Oh, sure," Kiyoni knelt next to Shuuichi, "Well, I've already presented my offerings so…"

"Care to show me?"

"...Mm, okay. To perform an offering ritual, I would prepare my altar by first clearing out any dust and debris left behind from last time. The gods have a thing for cleanliness. Second, I would gather the necessary items such as the water, the milk, and the wine. Then, I'd light my incense. Then, I would grab the offering, sit on my knees like this, hold out my sacrifice, and recite this prayer:

"Take to yourself this…[wine, water, milk, chocolate], as an offering to your ka (ka is another word for spirit or power). Goddess, how beautiful is your beauty. May you consume it and your heart rejoice; may anger be removed from your face. It is pure.

"Once that is done, I simply cross my arms like this, like the Wakanda thing from Black Panther, bow to all of them and say, 'Along with the incense of frankincense and myrrh, I submit these items to you in exchange for your blessings. By word of Amun."

"Nice. What about...random praise or a prayer out of the blue?"

"Kinda like what's done at the church?"

A nod was the answer.

"Well, it's really no different than what Christians do, I think. We hoist our arms and hands to the sky to thank the gods for whatever we're grateful for, we kneel before our altars for praise, we outstretch our hands for blessings or pieces of their energy. It's really not that different in that regard."

"Except there isn't a church or temple to go to."

"There is. Hell, there were temples built throughout Egypt and the surrounding areas dedicated to gods, some as magnificent as some churches and temples now. So yes, temples existed. However, there's nothing wrong with having a personal altar built right at home just like anyone else. There are priests and priestesses with a partially-structured system of order. Women have power, just as much power in the church as their male counterparts. I mean, hello, these goddesses right here. Magic spells are performed just like the Christian-"

"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Magic? No, no, no. Magic is strictly a form of witchcraft. The work of Satan and his minions."

"Oh, that is bullshit and you know it. Given the yokai population, including yourself, in your church with special abilities, do you really want to call that witchcraft?"

"That's different."

"Different?! Different, how?"

"They're God's gifts."

Kiyoni cupped her hands around Shuuichi's face, "Oh, my poor Minamino. You're so cute when you're like this. Suu'chi, it's not witchcraft. That was just some bullshit excuse old Christians used to gain control over the masses and to kill people that even thought about rebelling against them. That's one of the reasons why Christianity has dominated the world. Fear brought on by overzealous people who feel that those who don't worship the same God are doomed to fail in life. I praise and worship these goddesses any chance I get and I'm still standing. Open your mind a little. As I was saying, Christians practice magic too."

"Now that's ludicrous. Christian magic? And how do you know so much about Christianity considering your attendance record when it comes to church?"

"I know so much because of the books I read. You know, kinda like those books on my headboard? I believe I said something about that during our earlier meetings. Yeah, Christianity and Kemetism are just about interchangeable. In fact, just about any form of religion or spirituality practices magic in some way. Take a look at the entire book of Psalms. You got a whole spell book in one collection of books."

Shuuichi quickly denied the claim, "No way. There is no way that's possible."

Determined to prove Christianity's upper hand and purity, Shuuichi stood up to grab his phone to research Kiyoni's claim, "A spell book?"

"Go ahead. Take a look."

"Okay. Here's one. Psalm 1:1:

"Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way the sinners take or sit in the company of mockers."

"Mm, that sounds a little spell-ish. Like a…good wish upon someone."

"Psalm 37:18:

"The blameless spend their days under the LORD'S care and their inheritance shall endure forever."

"Okay, that's a better example. Again, same tone."

"Okay, okay. Something more commonly known. How about Psalms 23:1 - 6:

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me lie down in green pastures, he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul. He leadeth me along the right paths for thy name's sake. Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou are with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Thou preparest a table in the presence of my enemies. Thou anoint my head with oil; my cup floweth over. Surely thy goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

"Hm, thy rod and staff? Sounds eerily similar to the crook and flail Egyptian royalty used and was buried with. The valley of death? Similar to the path of judgment the dead take led by Anubis but I digress. Now, do you get it?"

Shuuichi tosses his phone on the table, "Well I'll be… In some aspects, the bible could come across as a collective spell book."

"See?"

"Are you going to rub it in my face now?"

"No. Your face took care of that for me."

Shuuichi ran a hand through his hair, "Just what have I been taught exactly?"

"Suu'chi, I'm not here to convert you. That's your choice and your choice alone. Weren't you the one who praised me for questioning the bible's teachings?"

"That does ring some bells."

"Okay, then what's stopping you? Just because I gave you a new perspective doesn't mean you should abandon everything. You can still practice your faith just like I practice mine."

"You're right. You're absolutely right."

"Yep. Besides…" Kiyoni joined Shuuichi on the couch, sitting on her knees, "the day you're ordained as a priest, I want to be there. I think you're definitely going to be the hottest priest in the country and that's on God, himself."

Shuuichi blushed with a palm to his face, "She's baaaaaaaack."

Kiyoni wrapped her arms around Shuuichi's neck and kissed his cheek, "Oh, stop it. You know I'm right."

"So...breakfast?"

Kiyoni stood right up, "Oh! You're gonna think I'm crazy but my mom taught me an American recipe that she makes every year for the holiday. It's really good too. Well, I think it is."

"What is it?"

"Ever heard of black-eyed peas?"

"Black-eyed...peas?"

"Yeah," Kiyoni headed to her kitchen and pulled out a bag from a cabinet, "See? My mom sent me a care package about a week ago. When I was a kid, my mom would make some black-eyed peas along with what's called collard greens for the new year. Tradition says that eating these brings good luck and prosperity for the year. She sent me this bag and this can."

"Uh huh. And you used to eat that?"

"Yes and it's soooo good. Cook this up with some fried chicken and chef's kiss. I am more than happy to whip this up for breakfast."

"You? Cooking? Does Succubi possess such culinary skills?"

"Can't say about all but this one does. Sexual energy isn't the only thing that feeds me. You know that. Now watch me work."

Shuuichi couldn't help but smile and watch as Kiyoni got to work. A can of greens managed to cut some time as all it needed was heat. The peas took a little more time boiling in water. What piqued Shuuichi's interest was Kiyoni's skills in cooking chicken. It was one thing to watch her season the meat. Watching the way her butt jiggled in her shorts as she shook it like a salt shaker was another.

"Just how much seasoning does chicken need," he observed.

"Enough. Because the ancestors say so. That's what my mom says anyway. Never stopped any of us from eating it."

The ancestors must've been watching because the fragrance of the incense was quickly replaced with the scent of Kiyoni's mother's chicken recipe cooking in the air fryer. Seasonings such as lemon pepper, garlic salt, cajun seasoning, grated parmesan cheese, paprika, and panko crumbs were expected to come through in Kiyoni's cooking.

It made Shuuichi's stomach growl in a surprising manner. Sooooo hungry…

After a little over an hour, breakfast was complete. The first one and first meal of the new year.

"Ta-da," Kiyoni presented, "Fried, boneless, skinless chicken thighs, black-eyed peas, and collard greens. Happy new year."

"Honestly...I've never had something like this."

"Well, what better time, on the very first day of the year, to try something new?" Kiyoni took the first bite, the chicken provided a satisfying crunch, "Mm…! So good."

Shuuichi tried the greens first, "Whoa! Whoa, what is-? What is this flavor?"

"It's good, right?"

"Yes, this is...wow, this is new. What is this called again?"

"Greens. It's like…well, my mom says it's like…cabbage. In its raw form, they grow out to look like cabbage but with bigger and greener leaves. When cooked, it's boiled in water or broth and flavored by salt, pork or turkey, and red pepper flakes. Try the peas."

Shuuichi looked at the serving of peas on his fork, "Ohhh. I see the...the black eye part."

"I added some bacon for flavor."

"Okay...wow...the texture...is different."

"I hope you didn't think they were like green peas. Still edible, though."

"Actually, I did think that," Shuuichi praised the chicken, "Oh, my god. This is heaven!"

Kiyoni laughed in victory, "I told you! The ancestors knew what they were doing."

"This is...this is incredible. So many flavors and the juices… Kiyoni, this is amazing. And your mother would make this every year?"

"For new year's day, yep. New year's eve if she wasn't busy."

"My compliments. My sincerest compliments. Should you ever visit your mother, please take me with you."

That surprised Kiyoni, "You'd go with me?"

And that brought Shuuichi back to the real world, "Sure. If you asked me to. I've never traveled outside the country or Tokyo anyway. America seems interesting."

"You'd have to meet my mom."

"And I wouldn't mind. If the apple didn't fall too far from the tree, then I'm sure your mother is a remarkable woman. And...I must have some of her chicken."

"I knew it," Kiyoni reeled her head back, laughing.

At Lighthouse Church, Shinobu sat alone in his office with his copy of Kurama's necklace twirling in his fingers, contemplating his next move. Because of recent events, the church had received a small uptick in member participation so Kurama did his job and did it well. Shinobu's train of thought ended when a guest knocked on the door.

"Enter," he said.

"Father," entered an entranced Touya, "They're ready."

"Excellent. I'll be on my way."

In an underground basement of the facility is a torture chamber full of yokai and superpowered human captives who have been held hostage for the last few weeks or so. During that time, they were subjected to audio and visual torture and hypnosis, watching Armageddon-based movies and wartime news reports while listening to the book of Revelations from beginning to end.

"That's enough," Shinobu commanded as he observed his work, "Shut it down and release them."

On the Father's command, every captive is released. "Welcome to Lighthouse Church," Shinobu greeted, "and welcome to God's army. As you have seen, the time of reckoning is upon you and your kind. God had already punished you for being what you are. However, by the power invested in me and by His holy word and blessing, you all have been given a second chance to enter His kingdom. With my guidance and leadership, you all will walk through the gates of Heaven and into the bosom of his Holiness. But first, you must prove your worth in his eyes by striking down those who refuse to accept God as their savior. I ask you...will you join God's side?"

"Yes," they all answered.

"Will you fight the good fight and rid the world of creatures who only want to destroy it in the names of darkness and evil?"

"Yes!"

"If necessary...will you die in God's holy name?"

"Yes!"

"Excellent," Shinobu smirked, "Touya, prepare our new recruits for their baptism. We will begin their training shortly afterwards."

As Touya led the crowd away, Shinobu's smirk turned to a smile that turned into a simple laugh to a nefarious laugh. Looks like Shinobu has just as much hope for the new year as everyone else.