"Who are you? And what are you doing here?" Kenjiro demanded, leaning over the captured cult leader, trying to project an aura of intimidation that was somewhat undermined by his bunny suit.
The leader just chuckled, a low, gurgling sound. "You're too late, little Lily," he rasped. "The beacon has been lit. He will know where to find us."
Despite being tied up, the leader's hand lifted, a faint silver light glowing from a hidden ring on his finger. The light shot upwards, breaking through the church's crumbling ceiling and into the stormy sky. For a moment, there was silence. Then, a brilliant flash illuminated the world, and a wave of energy pulsed outwards, vaporizing the rain.
Through the broken ceiling, they could see the sky, which had been a churning black, was now, for a few breathtaking seconds, a perfectly clear, star-filled night. Then, just as quickly, the oppressive darkness and cold rain returned.
