"Well, this is a god we're dealing with," Riley started to answer Izzy, "We can't banish it or destroy it. We're going to ask it for a favor. Beg for mercy, really. The thing with gods is that they see the bigger picture. Japanese gods are like that especially. They recognize humanity, but not so much individual humans. Between the three of us, the Heavy Crab probably can't tell us apart. So we'll just have to hope for the best and see what works." He scratched his chin, now free of stubble. "I don't think you'll be in the way, but if things go south, I'll need you to protect Holden. What's that immortal body of yours good for, after all?"

Riley continued his preparations. He retrieved a small jar of what seemed to be salt, and stood over Izzy and Holden as he sprinkled it into their hair. He next produced a small censer on a rope, and with a match ignited the incense within. He blew on it a few times to get it burning steadily, and swung it around the room to spread the thick, cloying smoke. He particularly waved it around Holden, who coughed lightly. Between the wine, the smoke, and the general strangeness of the ritual. Holden seemed a bit out of it. Sweat beaded on his forehead and his eyes seemed unfocused. After a while of parading around with his censer, Riley stopped suddenly, and his usual sort of strange smile appeared on his face.

"Bow your heads, children," He said, sounding particularly pleased with himself, "You're in the presence of a god."