[D8, EM] Blessed Morning

[Kitsune Kiyoshi]

Kiyoshi didn't know when the service at the Temple of Light would be. The Crab at the temple had said it was planned for today, but nothing else.. As the sun was a significant aspect of the religion, a morning service made sense. The Detective was in their suite at the resort, still asleep. He was not a morning monkey. Meanwhile, Souta was driving up to the mysterious temple on a rented scooter.

[Boogiepop]

It seemed that the Kitsune who played Souta's estimation was more or less right in that regard. When he arrived at the Temple of Light, the doors were open and welcoming of visitors, despite the fact that he had been ousted from the temple on his last visit. There wasn't an immediate sighting of the Hida from a few days ago, instead, there were a few heimen that made their way inside. While Tenjin Town is a poorer part of the island, the temple attracted heimen from different walks, many were labourers or worked menial jobs, but there were others who looked like they were more wealthier heimen, potentially merchants.

There was a Yasuki there who greeted everyone who walked in.

[Kitsune Kiyoshi]

"Blessed day, Yasuki-sama. I would like to attend this morning's service." He greeted the man.

[Boogiepop]

Yasuki Haruto

The man seemed initially surprised by the Kitsune's appearance at the temple, but he was welcomed regardless with a gentle smile and a bow after he finished greeting a few heimen regulars into the building. "Blessed day to you. I am hardly a -sama in the slightest, Kitsune-san. Welcome to the Temple of Light. I am Yasuki Haruto, Elder Librarian of this chapter. I will be heading the service today. Is this your first time here?"

[Kitsune Kiyoshi]

"I visited a couple of days ago and was advised that there would be a service today." He explained. "Venerating the sun, the shy and the sea seems like a natural idea. I am curious to learn more."

[Boogiepop]

Yasuki Haruto

"So I see," he nodded on the matter. "In that case, I apologize for not being here to greet you personally, but at least they've told you of our service. I would be more than happy to discuss in detail our beliefs, as well as provide a copy of the codex. Our service is welcome to all, of course. I will do my best to accommodate, but please seek me out after it is finished."

"Please, come inside," he would gesture for Kiyoshi to go inside, where the attendees were gathering. After the flooding clean-up, the interior of the warehouse looked much different than the Kitsune's first visit with his group. Light spilled in from the above windows to the interior. The flooring was laid out with rubber mats and clean rugs. The curtain walls and dividers were back to separate the warehouse into separate 'rooms' but they were open to reveal the bunk quarters, sitting spaces, and the general recreation areas. It seems that most of the attendees were making their way to one of the warehouse office spaces that have been converted to an assembly hall, complete with a stage and several rows of chairs with red felt padding.

[Kitsune Kiyoshi]

The Fox followed and found a place to observe the service.

[Boogiepop]

Kiyoshi would be taken to a sun-filled assembly hall where all of the attendees gathered. There were enough chairs for each other, with approximately 30 people in all. There were three chairs on the stage, although only one of them was filled by Haruto. The service would begin with the synthesizer-like instrument playing a piano program before switching over to an organ program. Haruto would lead the service with a hymm that seemed to be dedicated to either the realms of worship or the many guardians found in those realms (gods and angels, as it were). The hymm would be in a foreign (dead) tongue with most of the congregation either just nodding or humming along.

Once that portion is over, Haruto would read from the codex of their religion. Kiyoshi would be readily given one, which was a paper booklet that was merely kept together with metal staples, supposedly translated from the recovered codex. In the service, he would discuss a promised paradise from a deceased god. However, in lieu of that, they should continue to live their lives righteously, with kindness for each other. Everyone was equal. As their mortal selves, this realm was currently their home, and a home only exists if everyone feels welcome. The recent storms have been a good test of the community, encouraging generosity in the worshippers, which they will likely commend, likely toward earning their place in the realm of the Sun. Everyone had an equal chance, so long as they adhered to being their best selves.

This would go on for about an hour before ending with everyone closing their eyes, with everyone having different grasps of the religion, which was mostly done in silence. Then the service would end, and people would make their leave with a sense of relief on their part.

[Kitsune Kiyoshi]

Afterward, he sought out Haruto.

[Boogiepop]

Yasuki Haruto

Haruto would be found near the stage as he attended to a few of the congregation members. There were a few chats with them as they seemed to give their praises, either in the 'spiritual' nature of the service or just to give thanks for organizing the crew to clean up Tenjin Town after the storm and the floods they had to endure. After a few interactions, Kiyoshi would get his opening when Haruto bowed to greet him. "Thank you for joining us, Kitsune-san. I hope it has been enlightening for you?"

[Kitsune Kiyoshi]

"It was very interesting. I am glad I came." he smiled. "As a musician, I found the song at the begining particularly fascinating. I wish I knew more about it."

[Boogiepop]

Yasuki Haruto

"I'm glad that you've found it to your liking, Kitsune-san," he said with a pleased expression. "I know that my singing needs work, despite doing this for years but I would hope that I'm steadily getting better. That, on top of the difficulty of speaking in Galant, the execution is shaky on two fronts. I'm admittedly doing this with a bit of confidence, courage, and faith. It seems that everyone here is receptive to the message I preach at the very least."

He would go on to explain the nature of his song. "This particular hymn relates to the opening of my speech, how we should be thankful for our time here as mortals of this realm, one of the three Gifts that were bestowed upon us by the creation of this world. It is equal parts trial and blessing, in many ways. May the lesser gods and angels of the Sky bless us with good weather. May the lesser gods and angels of the earth beneath the blessed Sky bless us with a bountiful yield. There's been a bit of flooding that has made it difficult for some of the farmers here, and their ability to produce for the town."

[Kitsune Kiyoshi]

He nodded. "I saw that the temple itself was impacted by the flooding. But, thanks to your congregation, it has recovered well. I'm sure the town is grateful for your assistance. Are their other efforts planned to assist the farmers?"

[Boogiepop]

Yasuki Haruto

"Some are thankful, although some still see us as intrusive," he said with an apologetic smile. "But it can't be helped, we do our best to show our altruism by actions alone. Even though much of the island has already moved past the storms, there is still some work to be done. We do plan to help with their yield and make up for some of the lost crops. Thankfully, we might be able to look into getting some new machinery and properly compensate people in return for their volunteer hours from a sizeable donation to the temple."

[Kitsune Kiyoshi]

"That's good." He smiled. "Are you taking donations yourself?"

[Boogiepop]

Yasuki Haruto

Haruto nodded at the question. "Of course, our cause is always open to donations, but if others are able to. Our worshippers all come from different walks of life and standing, so we understand it is not always possible. Some donate with their time."

A samurai had more money than time, even a Minor Clan samurai, but Haruto presented the option nevertheless.

"This way, if you wish, Kitsune-san," he would gesture toward a donation box that was by the door of the assembly hall. Some heimen worshippers would walk by, while others would drop a few zeni. Those who felt generous would deposit some bu.

[Kitsune Kiyoshi]

"Time is actually what I was thinking. A way of bringing awareness to the difficulties here." He dropped a koku into the box. "A benefit concert, perhaps. But, my sponsors and promoters will need information, regarding hiw the funds are divided among those in need."

[Boogiepop]

The koku would hit the bottom of the box easily enough without any other coin to cushion its fall. The assembly hall facilities and chairs seemed rather good quality for what a 'business' of this size could bring in. Potentially, either Haruto more than devoted all of his personal stipend and savings to this place or the scope of the worshipers and contributions was far greater than those who attended the service today.


Yasuki Haruto

"That would be most appreciated, Kitsuki-san. Your time would be welcomed here, especially both as a visitor and a celebrity yourself. I can seek out the elder who manages the finances to provide you with such information, a summary of where our finances are allocated. Everything you see here today will be easily allocated back to the community. It isn't much, but a little bit by a little bit adds up over time."

[Kitsune Kiyoshi]

"Of course." He nodded. "If you could have the information sent to me, I'd appreciate it. I'll like into the feasibility of a benefit concert, in the meantime. Thank you again, for your time."

[Boogiepop]

Yasuki Haruto

"We will do our best to provide you with that information," he said at first before looking a bit apologetic. "That might be something I'll have to consult with more than one elder, actually. Now that I think more about this, the scope of that publicity might not be feasible on your end. I wish to be upfront with you, Kitsune-san. The Way is not like traditional religion to be received well by sponsors potentially."