Inside a sanctuary, a small gathering of people rested in the pews. The atmosphere carried sacred energy that enveloped the hearts of the members present, causing them to be fully captivated by the service. This was at least partially thanks to the speaker standing in the midst of them: a young woman. Her blonde hair glistened in the sunlight beaming from the stained-glass windows, as if she's radiating with glory. Her robe, patterned in white and gold, further embellished her presence.
"Please remember my fellow brothers and sisters, it is not sufficient to believe in our goddess by our words alone. I have seen so many believers who pursued a relationship with our goddess as that of an apostle, only to become frustrated and lose faith entirely. Do you want to know the apostles' secret? I tell you; it's not really a secret at all. In fact, the answer is simple…"
The woman pauses briefly, closely observing her audience. All of the members from the young toddler girl to the elderly man gaze at her earnestly in anticipation. They hold their breath, not wanting to miss a single word.
"...devotion. The answer is devotion. Are you willing to devote your mind, body, and soul–your very existence to our goddess? If there is even a little doubt in your heart, then our goddess will have no dealings with you. She hides her presence from doubters, only to her true devotees will she reveal herself to."
"I can see by your reactions that your hearts are convicted. Fear not, for this is a good thing; it means that you can change your hearts. As you go on about your daily life, seek our goddess. Believe in her power and authority over this world and your life. The more you do, the more of her blessings and influence will cover you. May her grace shine ever upon you all. Amen."
The woman puts her hands together and gently bows her head. The members do the same, then they proceed to stand up and leave the sanctuary.
"Apostle Nazz, that was an amazing service! Your words inspired the hearts of the people, including me!"
"Thank you, Elder Elm. Though I can't take all the credit–I wouldn't be here if it weren't for her."
"True, but you are an excellent vessel at such a young age! Most people at 21 could only dream of being chosen to be the goddess' apostle, yet here you are. Honestly, I'm quite jealous of you, haha."
"Well, I gave away the 'secret' didn't I? Though I'm unsure if I properly conveyed the requirements. I don't think any of us can explain it fully. After all, it's not as though we were taught this by others–it's something that we could only understand through first-hand experience."
"..."
"Sorry Elder Elm, I didn't mean to belittle your teachings that helped my faith."
"No no, I understand. Please excuse me, I was just lost in my thoughts for a moment there. Some of the experiences I've had can't be adequately conveyed with words either."
Nazz and Elm stood still as a wave of silence splashed over them. They look as though something is weighing on their heart, but they refuse to let it escape.
"Yo Nazz? You there?"
"!!!"
Suddenly, Nazz's irises turn into a bright red. She clenches her teeth.
"Apostle, are you receiving a telepathic transmission from–"
"Yes, it's that creep. Please excuse me for a moment, elder."
"Of course. I'll get some water."
Elm nods, giving Nazz some space.
"Did you hear me? Come on, accept my transmission already. It's apostle–"
"How many times do I have to tell you not to enter my mind without my consent, Moxie?!"
"What, you wanted me to use the boring communication transmitter? We're apostles, Nazz. We don't have to do things the way normies do."
"Just get to your point already!"
"The goddess just told me about some man and a demi-human cat who are traveling around the world in hopes of reaching her. Apparently, they are in Gannet and are coming to visit you soon. We are supposed to adhere to the goddess' special instructions when dealing with them…whatever that means."
"You're late, the goddess already spoke with me about this. Besides, do you even care? You are only interested in the demi-human girl, aren't you?"
"Ha, what can I say, you know me well! When you see her, describe everything about her to me in full detail."
"How about you ask the goddess herself or your so-called harem and leave me out of your fetishes!"
"Oh believe me, I tried to do the former, but no answers. As for the latter–"
Splash
A beam of water springs from the palms of Elm's hands onto Nazz's face. Her eyes revert back to normal.
"Thanks for that…again."
Nazz wipes her face with a small towel Elm handed to her.
"I'll always do it for you as long as I am around. You were looking as though you were reaching your limit there. Same shenanigans as usual?"
"For the most part. Though this time, he passed along the goddess' message."
"Are you referring to what you've recently discussed with me?"
"Yeah, it's the same one. I'm still conflicted about it. What should I do?"
"Follow the goddess' instructions. Her guidance is absolute, isn't it?"
"I'm not disagreeing with that, but I'd much rather you handle the matter. I can speak in front of crowds of believers, but I still don't like dealing with strangers privately…"
"Well well, I see that you are still that little girl I met deep down, huh?"
Just as those words reached Nazz's ears, she glared at Elm as he lightly chuckled. Her gaze displayed no strong emotion, but it was able to communicate something that Elm could understand clearly.
"My apologies, Apostle Nazz. It was nothing more than a small joke, you see?"
Nazz closes her eyes briefly and lightly exhales.
"I see…"
"Back to the topic at hand, since you are an apostle it's only natural that all kinds of people come to you for requests concerning the goddess. Just continue to handle them gracefully as you've done before."
"The goddess has never given me a heads-up about someone's arrival like this before. There must be something special about them that she has in mind…"
Nazz furrows her brows, feeling unsatisfied with the lack of clarity.
"I'm sure the goddess has her reasons that'll eventually be revealed to you. Anyway, I need to lock up the temple and get going."
"I'll handle that this time. You may go home."
"Are you sure about this? I don't mind doing it at all."
"Yes, I'm sure. I need some alone time in the temple for a little while longer, if you don't mind."
"Not at all, apostle. Please remember to enjoy the rest of your day while you're still young. See you next service, and may her holiness bless you!"
"Okay, take care elder."
Elm leaves the sanctuary, feeling liberated from his daunting duties. All that remains inside the temple is a young girl who looks unsure.
"..."
Nazz takes a moment of silence to look around the sanctuary. She sits down on a front pew, looking up at the massive stained glass mural above the pulpit. The mural depicts a faceless woman wearing a dress of gradient colors. Her long hair radiates a glow, befitting of a deity.
Nazz puts her hands together and bows her head.
"I ask that you bestow upon me your wisdom, Anava."