Katsumi gets to her feet and Harmene coils himself around her.

  “Thank you for getting me to safety and repairing my furisode Harmene.” Katsumi says sweetly pcing her left hand on his left cheek.

  Harmene leans into her hand in response.

  Katsumi removes the barrier, and they exit the cave. Katsumi gazes up at the sky determinedly with her fists clenched.

  ‘Rei you will be brought to justice for all your past transgressions!’

  She and Harmene then head down the mountainous path.

  Pastor Eric Fulton is walking through the front doors of his church. Pastor Fulton is in his thirty-three years old with fair skin, short bck hair that’s styled in a mop cut. His hazel eyes are filled with life. He’s wearing a white polo shirt, beige khaki pants and white tennis shoes. On his are a pair of bck rectangur eyegsses and resting around his neck is a cross neckce. He sees that the lobby is empty smiles before heading east. When he’s a few feet from the east lobby restroom he walks through a nearby door and heads down a hallway.

  When he gets closer to his office he stops in his tracks. He then sighs heavily and goes to grab the doorknob cautiously. When he turns the doorknob he slowly pushes it open and goes to turns on the light. He sees that his desk chair is opposite facing.

  “Who are you?” Pastor Fulton asks cautiously.

  The chair turns around revealing Rika. Chills instantly run down his spine along with a pounding heart rate. Rika pces her elbows on his desk and rests her chin on her hands.

  “If it isn’t Pastor Eric Fulton, or should I say Soul Taker.”

  Pastor Fulton gulps heavily closing the door behind him quietly.

  “Open the door Pastor Fulton, we don’t want any of your loyal parishioners getting the wrong impression about their beacon of light now do we? Because you and I both know that the one thing Christian’s love fourth to God, Jesus and judging others is gossip.”

  Pastor Fulton quickly reopens the door.

  Suto is outside in the west parking lot when his tattoo lights up. He smiles and heads inside.

  “What do you want Rika?”

  “I want you to recreate Yoroi’s Amulet.”

  “I can’t help you. I am no longer a scientist.”

  Rika raises her eyebrows with her smile still intact.

  “Is it because you call yourself becoming born-again and giving your life to Jesus Christ?” Rika mocks before ughing.

  “It’s never too te to come back to God as long as your repentance is of spiritually strong conviction.”

  “Well, amen.” Rika says in an old southern tone rattling her hands.

  “Don’t you dare mock God.” Pastor Fulton rebukes.

  Rika retakes her previous position.

  “I’m not mocking him. I know I am a creature that is deserving of being cast into the ke of fire. You however have something far more sinister that dwells.”

  “What are you talking about? I am nothing more than God’s humble servant.”

  “February 3, 1975. It was a rainy Wednesday night in Haley’s Harp, Misaki-Owens. You were hosting your annual Hope Hill Baptist Church Revival under a tent. There were eight hundred people in attendance. You were a burgeoning twenty-three-year-old reverend looking for more members. You had on a white silk robe with a purple silk scarf with gold crosses on both sides. I was sitting in the st row on the right side watching you preach as if your life depended on it. Before the revival ended everyone in attendance came up to that stage with their hearts and unclean souls in their hands. By the end of the service, they were dead, and you had become more powerful. I know that your true form desires human souls in order for it to sustain itself and emerge. You can fool your congregation with your public persona, but you can’t fool me or yourself.” Rika says before smirking.

  Pastor Fulton bares his fangs and makes a beeline for Rika when he pauses mid-step, dropping to his knees and pcing his hands on his temples.

  “Like I said before I can’t help you.”

  “It’s not that you can’t help me or you won’t help me. Please be honest with me, but more importantly be honest yourself preacher boy.”

  “I don’t trust this bitch any more than I can throw you but ultimately she can help me achieve my goal. Damn it Eric you really are stubborn, but your body is the perfect vessel to house my soul.” the demon Toru says in a low demonic voice as impa horns sprout from Eric’s temples.

  When Eric’s eyelids open his sclera’s are completely bck while the irises are electric blue. Eric’s teeth are now fangs making Rika smirk wider.

  “I’m the bitch yet you’re the one in need of help. You have a lot to learn about humility Toru.”

  “You are a bitch. You don’t do anything for anyone unless it’s in your best interest.”

  Rika chuckles.

  “Yet here you are doing the exact same thing you’re accusing me of. That is such a demon thing to do. Since Eric won’t do it, you will recreate Yoroi’s Amulet. If you don’t I will kill you both.”

  Toru grits his teeth.

  “Touch her and I will snap your fucking neck!” Suto threatens from the doorway.

  Suto is leaning against the door frame with harms folded and his left leg crossed over his right. Toru looks back at Rika who’s still smiling.

  “Yes I will help you but if you try anything I will not hesitate to annihite you.”

  “Says the demon who needs a human body as a host to sustain itself. I’m not worried about you Toru. I will contact you in four months.”

  Rika stands up and and walks over to Toru.

  “Remember who has the power here.” Rika says before leaving with Suto.

  Pastor Fulton recims his body and passes out on the floor.

  Rika and Suto are walking down the hallway towards the exit. Once outside Rika stops and looks up at the morning sky. She then exhales heavily before resuming to walk.

  “Our only task right now is to inform Master that Yoroi’s Amulet will be created.”

  “Are you saying that he doesn’t know how to recreate it himself?”

  “That’s exactly what I’m saying. I’m the only person who has in-depth knowledge of how it’s made. It has to be made by a full-blooded human in the heart of winter. If it’s attempted in summer the person’s skin will be scorched off and regenerated one hundred thousand times before disintegrating. If attempted in the autumn the person along with his entire continent will be eradicated and if tried in spring the person’s internal organs will slowly decay, then their body temperature will increase to the highest temperature, and they will explode.”

  They approach the sanctuary where Suto opens the door for her.

  “Thank you Suto, you’re such a gentleman.”

  “You’re welcome and I can’t help myself.” Suto says happily before pcing his hand behind his head.

  “So, do you think its wise that you asked for Toru’s assistance?”

  “Yes because although Eric is his host he’s still a mortal. Once it’s created I will take it and destroy them both.”

  Suto nods his head as they head up the center aisle for the exit.

  Lotus is in her bed tossing her head from side to side screaming.

  “Stop, don’t come near me! N-No! P-Please someone help-!” Lotus screams before waking up panting heavily.

  She looks around her dark bedroom. Moments ter Daijina comes in and rushes to Lotus’s bedside and turns on the nightstand mp.

  “Is everything okay sweetheart?” Daijina asks sitting down and pushing her niece’s hair behind her shoulder.

  “No ma’am. I had the nightmare again.” Lotus says sadly looking at her aunt as tears refill her eyes.

  “I’m so sorry sweetheart, come here.” Daijina says embracing Lotus.

  Lotus rests her head on Daijina’s shoulder and wraps her arms around her.

  “You can’t let your past actions control you or define who you are in the present. You must forgive yourself and allow yourself to move on. You owe it to yourself mentally and emotionally.” Daijina says comfortingly.

  Lotus looks up into her eyes with her lips pursed as tears continue streaming.

  “I’ll remember that.” Lotus sniffles before smiling.

  “Alright. If you want to try your hand at breakfast you can.”

  Lotus shakes her head.

  “No, I’m not skilled enough yet. All I know how to do is make toast and scramble eggs and that gets old.”

  Daijina chuckles softly.

  “I know what you mean. Your mother was a fantastic cook.” Daijina says standing up.

  “You know I remember her feeling guilty every time I would ask her if she would teach me how to cook. She said she would and every time we got close an expedition always came about and she’d leave for months on end.”

  “If she were alive today she’d be so proud of you. You’re a junior in high school with educational aspirations.” Daijina says before kissing Lotus’s forehead.

  “I love you Lotus.”

  “I love you too.”

  Daijina smiles before leaving and closing her bedroom. When she’s gone Lotus gets up and starts making her bed.

  Jodan is sitting at the dining room table in his school uniform having a bowl of cornfkes. As he eats the events from st repy in his head and tears begin filling his eyes.

  “I didn’t even get a chance to gaze upon your face. You died as soon as I was born. Due to that the man you married and who’s also my father has put me through so much hell. I was better off with-” Jodan thinks wiping his eyes sniffling.

  ‘Who the hell am I kidding? They died on me too. I’m just destined to be abandoned and deal with this evil drunk bastard! This will forever be my life until he kicks the bucket. Damn it all!’ Jodan thinks cynically before resuming to eat.

  Chishiki is his bedroom standing in front of his bck full body mirror adjusting his tie. Chishiki’s bedroom walls are light gray with white baseboards. Up against the back wall stands a queen size four post bed. It is decorated with a chocote brown comforter and solid white pillows. On both sides of the bed are mahogany nightstands with bck mps and white mpshades. On his left nightstand is a bck analog clock. On the left side of his bedroom is a mahogany dresser and a double sliding door closet.

  On the right side of his bedroom is an oak wood desk and right next to is an eight-shelf bookcase. It is filled with history and science textbooks. When Chishiki is finished he exhales heavily and goes to his desk chair and grabs his backpack and heads to the dining room. He sees that it’s empty and goes and makes himself breakfast. He washes dishes in between time. Twenty minutes ter Chishiki had prepared two buttermilk pancakes, scrambled eggs, two sausage patties and two slices of toast and a gss of milk. When he finishes breakfast he washes his dishes and heads out the front door.

  Ai is standing in front of her body mirror applying lip gloss when a knock comes on her door.

  “Come in.”

  When Ai sees the reflection annoyance instantly consumes her face.

  “What do you want? Shouldn’t be gone already?” Ai asks closing her lip gloss.

  “I came to tell you that st night Mom told me something important.”

  “What did she say?” Ai asks annoyed.

  “She said that Dad saying you being different is nonsense.”

  Ai rolls her eyes before turning around.

  “Get the hell out of my room and stay the fuck out of my life! In case you haven’t noticed you won! Mother loves you and hates me! You can do no wrong in her eyes while my very existence is an eyesore and hindrance to her. Go ahead and pat yourself on the back Vergil, better yet why don’t you jump off the roof of our townhouse. Lastly here’s some sage advice, when you do it make sure you don’t survive!” Ai barks coldly before going to grab her backpack off her bed.

  When she passes Vergil she bumps him and walks out. Vergil looks back at her speechless with tears running down his face. His tears soon turn into rage as he growls grinding his teeth.

  At Agarashi Castle Rei is sitting on the throne looking at Vergil through Lolita’s Gothic style mirror smirking. Lolita is standing on his left with her arms at her side peering into her mirror. Totsu Joo is a few feet away kneeling with her hands resting in her p.

  “There’s nothing more pleasurable to my ears than the beautiful bald of intent.” Rei says amused.

  Moments ter the throne room doors swing open and Rika, Suto and Kaen enter.

  “If it isn’t the Temptress Halberd, the Melee King and the notorious Pepper Jack Coitus. What news do you bring me this morning?” Rei asks smoothly looking between the trio.

  Rika and Suto step forward first.

  “Toru, the demon possessing Pastor Eric Fulton’s body has agreed to assist in recreating Yoroi’s Amulet.” Rika says.

  Rei smirks arrogantly.

  “I knew he would help. That bastard can’t keep a vessel for long.” Rei says arrogantly.

  “With that said there’s a minor problem.”

  Rei’s smile instantly dissolves.

  “What minor problem would that be?”

  “Yoroi’s Amulet must be created in the heart of winter which is mid-December.”

  Rei exhales heavily.

  “Why?” Rei asks tapping his right index, middle and ring fingers on his armrest.

  “According to legend that’s what the text requires for it to be successfully created. Also the creation can only be executed by a full-blooded human that’s pure of heart. If attempted outside of winter or by a non-human that’s bck of heart, catastrophe is bound to befall the individual.”

  Rei closes his eyes.

  “I want my amulet and I want it now Rika! I don’t care who has to be sacrificed to make it happen!” Rei shouts causing his cloak to rise off the floor.

  Totsu Joo smirks at Rika.

  “You will have it soon sir.” Rika reassures.

  “You better be certain about that!”

  Rika nods her head before she and Suto step aside for Kaen.

  In Kaen’s arms is the woman he was with the previous night.

  “This is the test human I’ve manged to seduce.” Kaen says proudly.

  “Fine work Kaen. Lolita, sequester her in my boratory.”

  Lolita nods her head before walking over to Kaen and taking the woman.

  Lolita morphs into a bck orb of light surrounded by violet electricity. Seconds ter it ascends into the air and disappears. Ten minutes ter Lolita returns in orb form and retakes her humanoid form beside Rei.

  “I want to be entertained until mid-December. Rika I want you to go down to the dungeon and remain there. You’ve been doing a superb job of persuading these lowly humans to do my bidding. You’ve also been an exquisite representative of the Hallow Phantoms since it’s creation. With that said I want you to be the first person Kiseki Ko sees when he awakens. Suto I want you to go with Totsu Joo and Kaen to help test my other precious gemstones. They’ll be going to Fountain Range Park on Saturday. That’ll be the perfect opportunity for you to give them a proper introduction of who you are.”

  Totsu Joo stands to her feet bowing.

  “Thank you for this opportunity Master.” Totsu Joo says submissively.

  “I get to bloody up my knuckles once again. I can’t wait.”

  “Don’t have too much fun Suto.” Rika chuckles.

  “It won’t be the same without you being at my side.”

  Rika smiles at him.

  “You all are dismissed.”

  All of the Hallow Phantoms leave the room.

  “I’m going to start my entertainment with some appetizers.”

  Rei’s eyes turn red with a bck circle in the center of both.

  Yukanna is downstairs in the dining room finishing her breakfast. She had prepared cinnamon fvored French toast, oatmeal and a gss of orange juice. As she’s indulging herself Aki enters the room. She’s wearing a silk wrap style blouse, bck scks and white pointed toe stilettos. Her hair is styled in a neatly kept symmetrical bob cut. Her face is made up with bck eyeliner and lip gloss.

  “Good morning Yukanna.” Aki says getting Yukanna’s attention.

  “Good morning.” Yukanna says gncing at her.

  “How are you?” Aki asks going to sit down across from her.

  “I’m still trying to make sense of this situation. So far I don’t think I’m faring well.”

  A concerned expression captures Aki’s face.

  “Do you want to talk to me about it?”

  “I don’t feel comfortable with you yet.” Yukanna says gathering her pte and going into the kitchen.

  Aki looks at her curiously before looking out into the living room.

  Kiseki is in the dining room stuffing a blueberry muffin in his mouth while slinging his backpack over his shoulder.

  “Have a good day at school son.” Yoshiko says sweetly.

  Kiseki removes the muffin from his mouth.

  “You too Mom. I love you.” Kiseki says warmly looking between his parents before leaving.

  Once outside he sees Lotus walking up the pathway clutching her backpack straps.

  “Good morning Lotus how are you?”

  “I’m okay.” Lotus says softly looking away from him.

  “Are you sure?”

  Lotus looks at him and opens her mouth but nothing comes out.

  “Let’s get going we don’t want the others waiting.” Lotus says fshing a smile.

  The two teens head out of the resident pedestrian gate. Not long after Kiseki and Lotus meet up with everyone at the corner.

  “Good morning everyone!”

  “You’re cheerful.” Chishiki says surprised looking at the raven-haired teen.

  “That’s because I believe we’re going to be the best of friends.” Kiseki beams.

  Vergil is walking down the sidewalk. He is wearing a white t-shirt, brown cargo pants and a pair of white tennis shoes. On his back rests a blue backpack. Vergil however has his hands resting on both sides of his head.

  “This song won’t stop.” Vergil says as a flute like resounds in his mind.

  Vergil sees Ai and runs across the street.

  “You evil bitch!” Vergil shouts.

  Ai turns around and gets his attention and swings the cleaver towards her.