Acts of Faith

by Ron Jeremy Pony

The Sekirei Plan has roused the suspicion of the Church. As such they have Father Jason who is also known as the Death Angel. He has become a player in the game, but his mission is something else entirely. Follow him, Takara, his Sekirei, and the Red Bishop, the one person in the Church more feared than Father Jason, as they attempt to end the game.

2. Path of Righteousness

Acts of Faith

Chapter 1 – Path to Righteousness

(Saint Thomas' Cathedral – two hours later)

Takara walked into the building unsure of what exactly she should expect. She knew that her Ashikabi-sama was connected to this place, but the exactness of it was slightly beyond her. A few moments later she saw a shorter man walk out and lightly bow to Jason.

"Ohayō gozaimasu, Father Jason. It is our pleasure to receive the servant of the mother Church," the other man said.

"Dōmo arigatō, Father Yoshi. Please, do not fall on tradition for my sake. I know my presence here makes things tenser for all involved," he said as they walked toward the back.

"Hai, I will not lie to another man of the cloth. You're being here places a great deal of stress upon us, but we are honored to have you. Our purpose is the same as your own. We serve the Almighty through the Holy Father," he answered.

"That is a recited answer, and one I hear far too often. Please, say what you wish to say Father Yoshi," Jason replied.

"You've placed those in my care in danger. Your presence has the potential to bring down the threat of the beast upon us, and I wish to know when you will be done," Father Yoshi replied.

Jason stopped and looked at Takara who had taken a moment to admire the statue of the Madonna. A gentle smile crossed his face.

"I am here for as long as I am needed Father Yoshi. His holy father knows the secret happenings of this city. Our informant, one of your own, has reported the happenings from within M.B.I. I am to stop his travesty, and do so by whatever means necessary. The master has many tools, and for this job he has chosen his sword," Jason stated.

"I will not argue that the findings reported are disheartening, but if we do nothing there is nothing to fear," Father Yoshi said.

"Father, when people do nothing they give power to those who would exploit others. They allow the evil, which lives in the hearts of all men, to grow and fester. It takes only one, a single man or woman, to stand and show they are not afraid for this evil to recoil in surprise and fear. If that same man or woman acts the evil retreats. The evil here has been allowed to fester for far too long. Action is needed," Father Jason replied.

Father Yoshi shook his head and looked toward the statue of the Madonna.

"What about turning the other cheek?" he asked.

"We have, again and again, but each time we have the result has been the same. There is a time when retribution is needed," Jason answered.

"What of her?" Father Yoshi asked.

Jason looked toward her and could see how Takara was studying everything inside of the church. Her eyes seemed to take in the story printed in the stain glass windows.

"They are not the sin Father. They exist, they live, breathe, and are no different from any other child of God," he answered.

"What is she to you?" Father Yoshi asked.

A light smile crossed Father Jason's face.

"From my understand of their ceremonies she is my wife," he replied.

"You speak of Heresy Father Jason," Father Yoshi replied.

"No, I speak the truth. There is a connection formed between us. I can't explain it, but I feel her emotions. It is as if we had been married," Father Jason said.

"What of your commitment to the Church? What of your mission? Where does she fall in with that?" Father Yoshi asked.

"I fall in with my husband's decision. He wishes to stop the game, to end the suffering here, and I wish to help him," she replied.

She walked toward him and for the first time Father Yoshi took in her appearance completely. She was tall, shorter than Father Jason, but still tall. She stood at least five foot and eleven inches tall, if not more. She appeared to be gifted with a figure that would make most men of the cloth consider turning to sin, and she had hair the color of hell fire. Yet it was her eyes. The most beautiful green eyes he had ever seen looked back at him. There was a sense of security in them.

"What are your plans?" he asked as he turned to Father Jason.

"We need lodgings for the night, Tomorrow I plan to assist the escape of other Sekirei and their Ashikabi if they wish to leave," he replied.

"What then? What shall you do when it is finished," Father Yoshi asked.

"I have been sent to kill a serpent Father Yoshi. Once I have saved those affected by it I shall lop off its head," he replied.