Chapter 5: True colours

The chill of the evening settled over the town as Shiki and Isaac stood on the quiet street. The noise of the festival had long since faded, and the stars began to twinkle in the clear night sky. Shiki, his expression serious, broke the silence that had enveloped them.

"I don't believe in God, Isaac."

Isaac blinked, caught off guard. "Oh yeah? I didn’t know that."

Shiki’s gaze grew intense. "Why wouldn’t you know that? You should pay more attention to the things around you, Isaac."

Isaac looked down, feeling a pang of guilt. "Sorry. It’s just that you’ve always seemed happy at the church with everyone."

Shiki’s features softened slightly, though his tone remained firm. "Sorry, I shouldn’t have said that. Yeah, I’ve always been happy at church, but it was never because of some God we can’t even see."

Isaac looked puzzled. "What was it then?"

Shiki’s voice grew quieter but more earnest. "It was the orphans, Isaac. It’s always been them. Vanessa and I are the oldest at the orphanage. I got to see all those kids grow up. I saw them fall, cry, and play. I witnessed everything."

Isaac tried to offer some solace. "Yeah, but—"

Shiki cut him off. "If there was a God, he would have at least done something for those kids. Not for me, but for them instead. But no, it’s never that easy. In this life, the only thing to believe in is yourself. Otherwise, failure is inevitable."

A heavy silence fell between them. Isaac wrestled with the realization that his friend held such a stark disbelief in the faith he clung to, yet Shiki’s words made sense in the context of their lives. Meanwhile, across town, Father Jacobs and Sister Lily were engaged in a somber conversation within the confines of the church.

Sister Lily, her frustration barely contained, asked, "Did those kids skip the church service again?"

Father Jacobs, maintaining his calm demeanor, responded, "Now, now, Sister. They’re only children in the eyes of the Lord. The spirit of youth is always rebellious until it finds its place in the world."

Sister Lily’s brow furrowed. "Maybe you’re right, Father. But..."

Father Jacobs, sensing her unease, asked gently, "Is something troubling you, Sister Lily?"

Sister Lily hesitated. "It’s just that boy, Shiki. I don’t trust him that much."

Father Jacobs raised an eyebrow. "Oh my, has Shiki done something wrong?"

Sister Lily shook her head. "No, he’s a respectful boy. But he always sneaks out into the dead of night."

Father Jacobs leaned forward, intrigued. "Very interesting indeed."

Sister Lily continued, her voice low. "Even Vanessa has been seen sneaking out too."

Father Jacobs seemed surprised. "Wait, you mean Vanessa? But she’s such a kindred soul."

Sister Lily nodded. "She doesn’t do it as much as Shiki, but it’s still suspicious."

Father Jacobs placed a hand on his chin thoughtfully. "Sister, those two were the first orphans we took under our care. I’m sure they would not stray from the path of peace."

Sister Lily sighed. "Maybe you’re right. I hope I’m just worrying for nothing."

Father Jacobs shifted the conversation. "Sister, if I may ask, how is Isaac?"

Father Jacobs’ enthusiasm was palpable. "The boy is growing more mature every day."

Sister Lily’s curiosity was piqued. "Pardon my abrupt questions, Father, but has Isaac felt the presence of the Holy Spirit yet?"

Father Jacobs’ tone turned serious, almost dark. "No, Sister, he has not. And I intend to keep it that way."

Sister Lily, bewildered, asked, "But Father, it is his birthright to know the truth. He carries the prestigious Yoshua name. A name that is—"

Father Jacobs interrupted sharply. "I know! A name that is related to Jesus Christ himself."

Sister Lily’s eyes widened. "Then why withhold the truth from the boy?"

Father Jacobs’ face hardened. "You know why, Lilith. It’s the exact same reason we left the life of a priest."

Sister Lily’s expression softened with understanding. "Oh yes, I see."

Father Jacobs’ voice grew reflective. "You still remember why we left that life, right?"

Sister Lily nodded slowly. "Yes, I remember all too well. It was a treacherous life, always facing death and seeing your loved ones perish."

Father Jacobs’ eyes were resolute. "Exactly. I can’t let Isaac go through that. He’s too young to fathom what it takes to survive against demons."

Sister Lily’s concern remained. "But it is inevitable he will encounter a demon someday."

Father Jacobs shook his head. "Not while I’m here. I made a promise to Isaac’s mother before she passed away that I would protect him at all costs."

Sister Lily accepted this with a nod. "I see then. What is your plan for him?"

Father Jacobs smiled with a hint of resolve. "I’ll tell him of his heritage when he’s at a more mature age. Right now, we just have to make sure nothing triggers his powers."

Sister Lily sighed. "Very well, Father. I trust your judgment."

As Father Jacobs and Sister Lily discussed their plans, Isaac was about to receive an invitation from Shiki that would leave him astonished.

Shiki turned to Isaac, his tone casual yet hinting at something more. "Hey, Isaac, you free tomorrow night?"

Isaac nodded eagerly. "Sure, I have nothing to do. I’m free all day."

Shiki’s eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief. "Good. How about it’s time I show you my job."

Isaac’s curiosity was piqued. "Wait, really?! That’s even Vanessa’s job?"

Shiki chuckled. "Yeah, sure. We work the same job anyway."

Isaac’s confusion showed. "Why all of a sudden do you want me there? I thought you said I was too young."

Shiki’s expression softened. "I thought you were too young, but after telling you about my atheism, I thought you might take it the wrong way. But you’re more mature for your age, Isaac."

Isaac smiled, a bit shy. "Whoa! I mean, I wouldn’t say I’m mature, but hey, I try."

Shiki laughed. "Nah, you’re mature, bro. Sister Lily would have blown a lid about my atheism."

Isaac’s curiosity returned. "Hey, is Vanessa an atheist too?"

Shiki shrugged. "Well, I don’t really know. Every time I ask her, she never answers me."

Isaac’s resolve was firm. "It really doesn’t matter. Even if you guys don’t believe in God, you’ll always be my friends, no matter what."

Shiki’s smile widened. "With friends like you, who needs family, right?"

The two friends laughed together, their bond feeling as strong as that of long-lost brothers. As night deepened, they prepared to go home.

Shiki glanced at Isaac. "Well, I think it’s time to go home."

Isaac agreed. "Yeah, it’s been a long night, right?"

Shiki called out to Vanessa. "HEY VANESSA! Time to go!"

Vanessa, half-dazed from drink, responded groggily. "Wha-a-t? Fun is over? Ooh, okay."

Shiki turned to Isaac. "Well, see you tomorrow night, bro."

Isaac waved. "See you guys. I’ll be sure to make it on time."

Shiki guided Vanessa away. "Yeah, let’s go, Vanessa."

As they walked, Vanessa’s voice was filled with concern. "Hey Shiki, did you tell Isaac about our... about our jobs?"

Shiki’s response was steady. "No, not yet. I’ll tell him tomorrow."

Vanessa’s voice dropped to a whisper, tinged with anxiety. "Shiki, we can’t let Isaac work such a terrible job. It’s not right, it’s—"

Shiki’s gaze was cold and resolute. "It’s fine, Vanessa. Remember, Isaac is our friend. We can trust him. With him on the job, we’ll make more money."

Vanessa’s disgust was palpable. "I hate that job. I hate it with all my being. It makes me sick to my stomach. I don’t know how long I can do this for."

Shiki’s tone softened, though still determined. "You do it for as long as you can. Remember, we’re doing this for the orphans. They deserve a brighter future than we’ve had."

As the night grew darker, the weight of their choices and the promises they made lingered in the air. The friends parted ways, each contemplating the uncertain path that lay ahead.