Sunna the Heaven-cat sat in the back of a clean flying taxi, the seats white and well-kept. She wore a beautiful long teal dress with a white Christian Cross in the center. Her long brown hair was pulled back in a braided ponytail, and she had several sapphires in her hair. Her necklace consisted of small white light orbs like glowing pearls against her furry light brown skin.
Sunna's cellphone rang and "Docile" appeared on the screen.
"Hi Dad," she beamed. "I'm off to the party in Chasity! There'll be heaven-cats and elves there. Oh, I'm super excited!"
"Are you meeting Portal?" Docile asked.
"Yes," Sunna blushed, remembering Portal inviting her to the party during autumn break.
"Be careful around him," said Docile. "Remember what happened last time."
"I will," said Sunna, soon hanging up.
The taxi flew through a portal and the sky changed from sky blue to the light pink of Chasity. They flew through the sky and landed on a well-maintained street. Signs around the city read, "Good things come in moderation!" Other signs read "No sex", "No excessive alcohol", "No excessive food." In all the restaurants, everyone got equal portions of what they needed, and the rest went to charity. Classical music and meditation music played throughout the streets and the lights were never too bright. Marble and gold statues of angels holding scales and swords stood over glistening gardens and pristine parks. Fountains held golden water which poured from one stone cup to another before settling down at the bottom. White doves and black doves flew around the denizens of heaven, who happily shared their bread and treats. Ying-Yang symbols dotted several shops. Of course, there were also many signs and advertisements promoting good marriages, abstinence, and safe sex.
No loud parties, no big celebrations. Only a sense of peace and calmness.
"Want me to drop you off here?" asked the female driver as the taxi lowered and slowed to a stop.
"Yes, please," said Sunna. She got out of the taxi and saw a dazzling sight. She saw the large ruby-colored restaurant in front of her where elves and heaven-cats wore formal clothing; dresses and tuxedos studded with gems. They quietly talked and danced inside. No one stuffed their faces nor ate big portions…there was a politeness and serenity about the place. Even though it was in the Chasity Halo, the culture reminded her of Temperance. "Camael's Concert at Camael's Corner" shone in gold letters on a banner over the door. Classical music flowed through the restaurant, delighting the guests.
Sunna wondered where the party music was. But she decided that classical music was great, too.
"Sunna," called Portal. The muscular white feline walked over, dressed in a light gray tuxedo and a blue tie.
"Portal!" Sunna smiled.
"Glad you could make it!" Portal smiled.
"Yeah, thanks for inviting me," Sunna added.
"You're welcome."
Portal led Sunna into the restaurant. The top of it was a large dark red dome with glowing heart designs that matched the sky. The double doors were made of rose quartz and the handles looked like curved in white angel wings.
"Dinner for two," he said. The waitress, a white cat with black stripes wearing a black dress smiled and said, "Right this way."
She led them to a table with a white cloth where a golden rose in a small vase was placed in the center. They were near the dance floor, where heaven-cats were waltzing with each other. Portal and Sunna sat down, taking in the tranquil atmosphere. The serious angel Cassiel was playing the piano on a stage, to the delight of the guests. There was also the golden cross stage where Camael and Holly Wata had performed.
"Hey everyone, meet my new friend," Portal called. Other heaven-cats meowed in greeting to Sunna, while a few rolled their eyes. One looked at Sunna in disapproval of her dress that revealed her legs. Near a magenta lava lamp, against a wall of golden ambrosia was the pink sigil of Camael.
The striped cat waitress came over to their table.
"Can I get you anything to drink?"
"One glass of Holy Spirit on the rocks, please," Portal replied.
"Cloud Nine wine for me," Sunna said.
"Okay then, they'll be right over," said the waitress, "But remember, everyone only gets one drink per serving." She smiled and left.
Sunna shrugged. "I don't get it. Heaven has endless feasts of food, yet we can't even have another glass here? I mean, what if we spill it?"
"It encourages moderation and enjoyment of what you have," Portal responded. "Especially when it comes to relationships. Unlike Earth, Heaven takes careful consideration of everyone's needs. Just be glad the alcohol we have doesn't affect us angels."
"It still tastes good, at least."
Sunna glanced at her menu: "Holy Trinity Dinners! One appetizer, one meal and one dessert…only 333 spirits!"
Sunna sighed. "Everything is getting so expensive nowadays."
"Tell me about it," Portal replied. "But at least we're not in Earth or in Hell; their prices are outrageous!"
"Say," said Sunna as the waitress placed their drinks in front of them, "You still working for Verosika? I mean, Veronica? Uh…"
"You mean Kiva Perdera? Yes," Portal replied.
"Wait a minute! Didn't you guys get arrested on Earth? And didn't Kiva get banished to Earth? How did she get back into Heaven?"
"Must have been her fame," said Portal. "She still has many fans in Heaven and they eventually overruled Deere's decision to banish her. Or…"
Portal twiddled his furry thumbs, "I may have also created a portal and got her back in. Following orders to make sure there's no conflict."
"Following whose orders?" Sunna implied.
"Welcome ladies and gentlemen to our special celebration tonight," said a voice. "Live at Camael's Corner." An angelic figure strolled onto the dance floor while several angels with glowing lotus flowers over their heads played a nearby grand piano and a violin.
"Him, of course," said Portal.
"Wait…since when did you also work for…" Sunna began.
"Are you ready to celebrate with the King Pin of Chasity?" said the voice.
Applause followed.
"Let us begin."
The spotlight revealed the angel of Chasity, Camael himself. He wore his usual pink suit, dark pink top hat, and often carried a hidden sword just in case. His hair was short and brown, his skin white. He played a love song on his golden lyre and the audience was entranced by magic visions of peace, love, and harmony.
Portal clapped and Sunna was genuinely pleased.
"Hello, Portal," called Camael, who came over in the blink of an eye. The two of them shook hands.
"It's great to see you again," said Portal. "How's Holly?"
"Holly, Kiva, and Veronica? Still doing their work. Kiva is doing her performances and Holly is mostly on her missions to stop the spread of sin on Earth. Veronica is keeping to herself lately. Frankly, I think Holly would be better suited for the next mission…Kiva went a little overboard last time."
Camael paused. "Oh, is this the kitten you were talking about?"
"Yeah," said Portal. "Sunna this is Camael, the boss of my so-called boss, Kiva."
"So…you're alright with being with lower-status beings like cherubs and elves and cats?" Sunna asked nervously.
Camael shrugged. "We need as much help as we can get. If those guys can do their part for the Lord, I'm all for it."
"Yeah, sure," said Sunna, suddenly feeling self-conscious at all the elite cats around her.
"Anyway, hope you have a nice night," Camael said. "See you guys around."
Camael left into the shadows as Cassiel mentored a group of angels about various dimensions.
For the next half-hour, Sunna was attempting to use the right forks and spoons for her meal. Portal helped her with choosing the correct utensils for her Golden Honey Soup, Ichthys eggs, lobster bisque with gold flecks, heavenly salad, and traditional angel food cake for dessert. She enjoyed the food and resisted the urge to lap out of her bowl.
One of the elite cats raised her eyebrows at Sunna's hippie demeanor, while another cat wore a bracelet that read "The cat's meow." Another cat wore a suit with "I am purrfect" on it and another wore a "divine lives" shirt.
After Sunna finished her meal and after an awkward waltzing with Portal, she got a phone call.
Sunna answered. "Hey Dad."
"I'm on my way to your party."
"Why?"
"Just to see that everything's alright. I still don't trust that Portal guy."
"Dad, he's fine and very nice. Give him a chance."
"No promises."
Soon enough, Docile had arrived in a fancier version of his E.L.F. getup.
"Enjoying your date?" he asked, arms folded.
Sunna blushed. "It…wasn't really a date. We just talked about work and stuff."
"Hello, Docile," said Camael, appearing behind him. "You were just here the other day, yes? How's E.L.F.?"
Docile smiled nervously. "It's going great, sir. Some wild mishaps here and there, but otherwise alright."
"Just be sure to stay out of trouble," Camael said. "I'd listen to your sister if I were you…she has a pretty good idea about an ideal world in Heaven and Earth."
"Right," said Docile with a sigh and roll of his eyes. He turned to Sunna. "You ready to go?"
"Actually, how about a fun little contest?" asked Camael. "You still fresh with your vocals right?"
"Been a while since choir, but I'm up for it," Docile said.
"Whoever can sing the greatest hymn about God, wins," said Camael. "Cassiel will judge."
"Bring it on," said Docile.
Sunna drowned out the devotional droning and the ritual riffraff until, to her disappointment…
"Better luck next time," said Camael to Docile before leaving. Docile groaned. "I was so close." He turned to Sunna. "I'm ready to go home."
"Me too," said Sunna. "This party is getting boring for me."
The elite cats stared at Sunna with judging eyes as she and Docile headed out the door.
They arrived back at their house in Humility, Docile and Sunna heading to their own rooms. The walls were emerald and sapphire with pictures of the E.L.F. crew.
"I love you, Sunny," said Docile.
"I love you too, dad," Sunna replied. "You know I'll always be there for you."
"Be where?"
Sunna laughed. "Everywhere, with you whenever you need me."
"Spoken like a true E.L.F. member. Hey, don't forget to help open the office in the morning."
Sunna sighed. "Almost forgot about that."
Both went to their respective rooms for a good night's sleep.
