Author's note:
This one is a bit different than the others, as I wanted to branch out and experiment a bit with different species of monster girls.
If there's anything that can add to my stories that you would like to see, please feel free to get in touch. I will see what I can do to improve!
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"Father, forgive me for I have sinned."
Reverend Seymour Richards bowed his head as he sat with his hands crossed, a soft smile crossing his face as he readied himself to offer his best to console and comfort those in need.
"What troubles you my child? Speak freely, and be honest."
"Father, I... I have commited the sin of.... I-"
"You don't have to be formal. Tell me however you please."
A pause, as the hesitant male voice rose a bit, with clear relief. "Er, yeah. Well, I got really upset with a cashier today. I was at a...."
Reverend Richards leaned in a bit, hearing the youth on the other side freeze mid sentence. He shook his head as he furrowed his brow. "Yes, a cashier at a certain shop. If it troubles you, you don't have to speak of where."
"Sorry! It was... at a curiosity shop. I wanted to check into this new store in town and see what my friends were talking about. But it wasn't like any shop I've ever seen. They sold weird stuff there. Books my friends bought on...."
"Child, was this the magic store? The one that opened not too long ago?"
Silence. Richards nodded solemnly as it confirmed what he had suspected. "It goes without saying where the church stands on such things, but I commend your honesty child. Thank you for trusting us to speak about what troubles you."
"I... you're welcome? But I haven't told you where I truly sinned yet Reverend."
"No, indeed you haven't. But we have time."
"Yeah, well, I guess.... I really don't think I do have much time to talk about it right now actually. But well, I wanted to ask forgiveness for going to the store, and for obtaining special services."
Richards frowned. Special services? What exactly went on at that store? He may have to look into just what kind of practices happened there.
"You are forgiven child, but do stay away from that establishment if you can."
"Uh, heh, yeah sure."
Reverend Richards heard the young adult shuffle out of the confession booth rather quickly after that. Something about the way he ended that seemed.... off. He was certainly distracted, that much was certain.
In fact, it seemed as though this were preemptive.
Richards sighed as he leaned forward in his chair. The box was certainly not roomy, but it did allow him some maneuverability.
Another one going through the motions. He smirked as the guilt hit home for him. He knew a thing or two about going through the motions. He really only did this to be more of a counselor than a preacher.
Still, it hurt that they felt nothing towards genuine confession. He felt a bit sour for it. Perhaps he was doing something wrong. Was he too lenient? No, he really did offer a genuine hand to those with a guilty conscience. And there were those that were grateful for his shoulder to lean on.
"Father Richards?" A familiar deep voice came from the other end of the booth. "It's almost time for you to take a break."
"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't realize it was nearly 5 o'clock Reverend Daniels. Will you be taking over?"
"Actually no, tonight they are making some changes to the booth. It will closed off for the night."
"I'm sorry, I wasn't aware of any changes. Just what are they exactly?"
"Well Father, it is quite a strange request, but one that the congregation seems to unanimously want, but they want the wall seperating the father and member to be transparent."
"I thought that the wall was to retain privacy? So that nobody would feel as though someone such as myself would judge them?"
"It was Father, but it seems that most people have come to want more connection. Between you and me, I think they may be right. There's something more genuine when you can decide to see the person behind the curtain."
"So it doesn't have to be closed off? I see... Then I am truly grateful for this addition. People should feel welcomed here. And it would be my pleasure to accomodate"
Daniels smiled as he opened the door behind Richards, motioning for him to leave.
"For such a young member to be so steadfast and willing to serve.... You are going to make a huge difference in many lives."
Richards shook his head, a tinge of guilt hit his heart as he spoke. He... had some areas to work on in his faith. But that was sure to come in time. Patting Daniels on the shoulder as he went by. "I.... thank you, but I don't think I deserve that much praise. Now, I need to go out for a bit. Will everything be ok here?"
"Of course, I'll see you here tomorrow. I'll make sure things are ready for you."
Richards nodded as he walked through the cathedral, down the center aisle. He felt truly happy in those moments, but still.... that last confession weighed on his mind.
He had to make one last stop before heading home.
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The night air was a bit chillier than he had expected. He had changed out of his formal wear into something a bit more casual, but he had forgotten to pack a coat. The morning prior was deceptively nice, and he really should have known better.
Still, it did help him blend in a bit. And it would be a bit of a scandal if he were seen going into a magic shop alone.
"The Scarlet Gypsy." Read across a board in varying colors on a slightly run down building. It was recently renovated, but it still clearly needed some more work, as some of the exterior was noticeably falling apart. Richards could smell a distinctly flowery aroma coming from inside.
This was definitely the store. He had heard rumors through the staff at his church, but he had never actually been inside one. Under most circumstances, he wouldn't have cared to.
But something weighed on him. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more here. Something he needed to investigate.
Swallowing, he stepped forward into the building. The door jingled as he mustered a bit more confidence. The walls were painted all manners of colors, with shelves lined with books on one end, knick knacks lining a couple of aisles, and various candles and incenses with kits and trinkets on display.
"Good evening sir." A feminine voice echoed from behind one of the shelves. "I'll be up front in just a minute."
Richards cleared his throat as he looked for the receptionist's desk. Finding a register, he leaned forward, getting a closer look at what was on display in the glass case underneath. Old creepy looking necklaces, bracelets, and other paraphernalia lined shelf after shelf. He didn't feel quite right as he browsed through them, like he was out of his element.
That was, until one caught his eye.
It was a strange ruby, surrounded by an ornate oak, lined and adorned with scrawlings and symbols. It stood out from the rest, drawing his gaze into it as he leaned closer to get a better view. It was marvelous to see, expertly crafted, and flawless. He felt his heart beat loudly as he closed in, practically pressing his face against the glass to see it.
It was a thing of pure beauty.
"Sorry for the delay, welcome to the Scarlet Gypsy! I-oh." The voice cut off as Richards shook his head, trying to remember why he had come to begin with. Looking back up, he extended his hand instinctively.
He felt his words catch in his throat as he saw who was speaking to him.
A beautiful woman standing just shorter than him with black hair cascaded on one side of her head and down her shoulder stood just as stunned as him, eyeing him as he did her. Her soft and cute face soon blushed as she extended her hand to meet his. Sparks shot in Richards mind as she touched him, waking him up to the present. Coughing slightly, Richards regained his composure.
"Ah, yes, sorry, I didn't mean to impose, I just came here to check out some things."
"Oh, that's just fine by me. I mean, yes, erm, feel free to look around. Is there anything I can help you find?"
Richards' eyes slowly drifted back down, lingering just a tad too long on her midriff, making him blush a bit, before readjusting his gaze down to the counter. "Oh uh, no no everything here seems just fine. I was..."
Wait, why was he here again? Something about earlier today... Something about confession. Yes that was it!
"Was there a young man that came here not too long ago? Perhaps recently?" Richards regained his composure a bit as he pretended to browse some of the other wares.
The woman's expression soured a bit. "Oh that one. The leader of his little posse. Well there was a group outside, but only a couple came in, and the boy was a bit rude. Only other customers I had today. Please tell me you aren't with them?"
Richards paused. "I'm sorry, did something happen?"
"Oh no no, nothing major. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make a big deal out of it. Besides, you came here for something to help you out right?"
Richards frowned, leaning in a bit. "It's ok to speak plainly. I would like to help where I can. Is there anything you would like to talk about?"
The woman paused, a tender smile forming on the corner of her mouth as she laughed. "Well, if we're gonna talk a bit, then we may as well be introduced. I'm Vera. And you?"
