By the time Kurama arrives at the DRC, everything is pure chaos. One of our new hires hasn't been able to get clearance from Spirit World yet, Kido sprained Yana's wrist when they were sparring, and Mitarai's blaming himself for not stepping in, Ibiki is nowhere to be found, and I've somehow managed to misplace the counseling guidebook. Furako and I have been tearing apart the building for at least an hour with no luck. I think we're as good as doomed.

"Should I come back later?" Kurama asks, standing in the doorway to my office. He'd sent me on my way early this morning so I could go home, shower, and get changed before coming in. Even so, I look a mess while he looks well-rested.

"Not like it's going to be any better later," I groan, flopping back onto a pile of papers. They're strewn everywhere, so it's impossible not to make paper angels in them. There's a rustling sound behind me, and I turn my head to see Furako pop her head up from behind my desk. "Furako, this is Kurama," I tell her, gesturing absently at my boyfriend. "Kurama, this is Furako, Director of HR and basically the only person keeping me remotely sane here."

"I-it's a pleasure to m-meet you," Furako says, snapping to her feet and bowing deeply.

"Likewise," Kurama replies, nodding his head. He holds a folder out to me, and I sit up, taking it from him. "I passed an unhappy-looking demon on the way in who said you would be needing this. Apparently, your father had to make some changes to whatever's inside."

Flipping open the cover of the folder, I have to suppress the urge to scream. "Are you kidding me? This office has a phone. He could have called." Getting to my feet, I walk over to the desk, slamming the folder down. "Here it is, Furako. Now we can finally get some work done."

"Oh, that's excellent, Miss Asaki," Furako sighs, rubbing her eyes. "Should I clean the mess?"

"No," I tell her. "We need to get started on this." Turning to face Kurama, I say, "I don't suppose that unhappy demon is still around?"

"He went to talk with Kido, Yana, and Mitarai," Kurama says, the smile on his face a little too bright.

"Can you tell him I need to see him."

"Sure," Kurama replies. Once he steps out of the room, I push some of the papers out of the way to make space for two chairs, both of which I grab from one of the other offices. Then, I rip out the staples in the guidebook, taking a seat at my desk. Furako takes a chair, running her hands over her face a few times.

"I'm sorry," I tell her. "I forgot to mention my boyfriend would be coming. He's got Spirit World's okay, so you don't have to worry about what you say around him. If you're not comfortable with him here, I can send him home." I really should have thought about someone other than myself when I invited Kurama last night, but I was so emotionally out of whack I didn't even think about it.

"No, no, it's all right," Furako says. "Really, it's fine. The idea of sharing space with a legendary fox bandit is...f-fine."

"Furako?" I frown. My father must have told her about Kurama's past. Either that or Spirit World. I know Yoko Kurama was one of those boogeyman figures for demons in the past. I don't blame her for being afraid when she doesn't know the new him. "He's not scary like that anymore. I promise." At least, not if you don't threaten him or his friends and family.

"Yes, of course." Furako nods, but her hands are shaking. "You would never put me or the others here in danger, Miss Asaki. I trust you."

Which is a really heavy thing to say to someone you barely know. "Thank you, Furako. I'm glad someone's got faith in me." I give her a wry smile, and she attempts one back. It lasts for all of a second until Kurama comes back in with Ibiki in tow. The sight of both of them makes her jump and nearly fall out of her chair.

"I'm fine!" she shouts before I can say anything. "I promise, I'm fine." She looks miserable, but her eyes are imploring me to believe her. So, I will.

"Ibiki, you're late," I say, getting to my feet. I gesture for Kurama to take a seat beside me, and he does so, the expression on his face neutral. He's probably got some sassy quip bottled up about me directing him like this that he'll save for later.

"Yes, Miss Anno. Your father had need of me."

"As do I," I reply. "You do know we're opening in less than two days?"

"I am aware, Miss. I apologize for my tardiness. It will not happen again."

"Also, do me a favor and inform my father, just because he owns this business does not mean he can just come in here whenever he wants and take things without telling me."

"I will pass on the message." Another one of his 90 degree bows.

"Make sure Yana doesn't do too much today. I just fixed his sprained wrist. I don't want to do it again. Thank you."

"Of course." He bows once more and then leaves. As soon as he closes the door behind him, I slump into my seat, dropping my head onto the desk.

"That was well-handled, Miss Asaki," Furako says.

I sit up straight, looking over at her. "Think so?"

"It was certainly interesting to watch," Kurama adds, and I feel my face start to burn red.

"What does that mean?" I sputter at him.

"I've never seen you so stern and commanding. It's almost as though you were born to be in a setting like this."

"I wonder," I grumble.

"O-of course she was!" Furako barks at Kurama, looking somewhat indignant. I'm impressed she's talking to him after how frightened she seemed earlier. "Miss Asaki is amazing. She's been an asset to this project, and I'm grateful to get to work with her."

"Furako," I say, pressing a hand to my heart.

"I'm glad to hear you say that," Kurama replies smoothly. "She's been dedicating all of her time to this, so it's nice to hear her endeavors are bearing fruit."

"They are! They most definitely are!"

"Okay, okay," I say, putting up my hands. "You guys are embarrassing me. We've got work to do. You too, Kurama. Another set of eyes couldn't hurt."

"Do I get paid for it?" he teases, and I raise an eyebrow.

"I'll take you to dinner," I tell him.

"Make it tonight and tomorrow night, and you've got a deal."

"Greedy," I reply.

"Lonely," he counters, making my face flush again.

"Okay, fine, whatever. Just, read some stuff." I push some of the pages of the guidebook toward him and some toward Furako. "If you see anything questionable, mark it and we'll go over it later. Once we're done reading, we'll brief each other."

And so we do. Digging through these papers, most of it seems pretty standard. However, occasionally I come across sections that are crossed out with TA initialed beside them and a little number. At the end of the guidebook, on some blank paper, are handwritten notes, presumably by TA with either addendums, suggestions, or reasons why certain parts were crossed out. Apparently, my father and Spirit World weren't entirely on the same page with bits of this procedure. I'll probably retype this and then send it to Koenma for one final read-through tomorrow. Then, we'll be ready to open shop on Monday.

"Your father was very thorough," Kurama says once we've discussed the guidebook in full and at length.

"He's never anything but," I reply. "It's interesting that he took care of things like this. It means he was giving me a chance to veto any of his changes if I thought they weren't good enough or necessary."

"Perhaps bonds of trust exist here after all," Kurama says.

"Or maybe he's finally going to start trying." I tilt my head to one side, thinking. "Okay. Let's go over everything again. I want to take notes, condense some sections for a quick reference and the like."

"Yes, ma'am," Furako says, dutifully picking up the first pages of the guidebook as we start again.

Kurama comes back tomorrow to help me make sure I haven't missed anything as far as opening goes. We're still going to be short-staffed as we're waiting on one more clearance, but I told Furako I wanted to be hands-on for a while anyway so that when issues arise, I have experience with them.

I order lunch for everyone, and we do our best to relax. Kurama hangs out mostly with Kido, Yana, and Mitarai, and I'm glad to see he and Mitarai aren't openly hostile to each other, even if they're not as warm as I'd like them to be. Ibiki and Furako are going over security details over their meals because it turns out neither of them can stop working for more than a few seconds. I don't know how Ibiki doesn't scare Furako half to death with his serious, no-nonsense demeanor though.

My time is spent getting to know the receptionist and the two counselors we managed to hire in a week. The receptionist, Yui, is a yuki-onna, a snow woman, who kind of reminds me of Yukina with her short stature, and formal mannerisms. Her hair is a light blue, and her skin is literally snow white. She's quiet, but she's also quick to smile and kind of comforting to be around, despite the slight chill that follows her.

One of the counselors is An, is a bakeneko, a cat demon who can shift from human to cat. When I'd seen her on the list of potential candidates, I couldn't help but be drawn to another person who couldn't stay in one skin. She likes to sport her tabby cat ears and tail above her dark brown hair, and she's got a light, flippant personality. She would definitely make people like her feel right at home.

The other counselor, Kenta, is an imp demon. He's got little wings, short black hair, and a much quieter personality. He's personable, definitely, but I can tell he's quick to read a situation and adjust accordingly. There's something about him that actually reminds me of myself, if I'm being honest. He just slips into different skins whenever the situation requires it. While entirely over-qualified if his resume is any indication-he's worked for countless companies in Living World and has been doing so for centuries-the only reason I hired him is because I'm a little suspicious of him. I think he's got ulterior motives for joining up with the DRC and not just a sense of "wanting to help others" like he said in his interview.

"Yes, but just imagine, for a moment," Kenta says, leaning in and lowering his voice so we have to get closer to hear him, "dehydrated water."

Which has An and Yui cracking up. I smile, casting my eyes over the party, relieved that we can enjoy ourselves like this after all of our hard work. This place, which looked like it needed to be condemned when I first arrived now feels like a real business. It just remains to be seen what kind of activity we get. I'm not expecting a lot in the first week, but hopefully we steadily start to get appointments. Then, maybe other places like this can get footholds in Living World, and demons can start finding new homes away from whatever miseries they're leaving behind.

"Five yen for your thoughts?" Kenta asks, making me turn to look at him. An and Yui have gone to get more food from the buffet-style set-up, so now it's just the two of us.

"I was just thinking about the repercussions of what we're about to do here," I tell him, shrugging. "I mean, can you imagine regular old demons just living peacefully among humans?"

"It's a stretch," Kenta says, rubbing the back of his head. "But I think it'll be kinda nice if things work out. Freedom and all that."

"Freedom. A novel concept, huh?"

"But not unattainable?"

He's looking intently at me, and I have to resist the urge to take a step back. "No. Freedom is never out of reach of those who seek it for the right reasons."

"And what reasons are those?"

"Whatever you want them to be," I reply, which makes him laugh.

"You certainly are interesting, Asaki Anno. I look forward to working with you."

"Likewise, Kenta."

"Mind if I cut in?" Kurama asks, appearing at my side.

"Hey," I say. "How goes it?"

"It goes," he replies, a mild smile aimed in Kenta's direction.

"I can take a hint," Kenta says, putting up his hands in surrender. "Keep an eye on her, Mr. Fox. She's craftier than she lets on. Even a trickster like you might find yourself in over your head."

"Thank you for the warning," Kurama replies. He gives Kenta a nod, and the other demon waves as he turns to head over to where Furako and Ibiki are still deep in conversation. "Be careful with him," Kurama says to me, his eyes not leaving Kenta.

"I know. I don't know what he's up to, but I'd rather have him close and getting in trouble than somewhere I can't watch him."

Kurama squeezes my hand, and I look up to find a warm smile on his face. "Do you know, I think I'm growing fond of this side of you."

"What side of me?" I ask, feeling the blush that creeps onto my face.

"This shrewd, businesswoman side. I can tell you're enjoying what you're doing and that you're good at it as well."

"Thanks, I think?"

He chuckles, the sound soft and sweet. It makes me wish we were somewhere I could be a little closer. Just his other hand. Maybe a hug. Traitor brain. "I look forward to getting to see more sides of you."

"It's no fair if I'm the only one showing off here," I tell him, bumping his hip with mine. "I want to see more of you too, you know."

"I suppose that's the natural course of these things," Kurama says. Sighing, he says, "Although, with as sordid a past as I have, it might be difficult for me to learn to share."

I make a face, sliding my hand out of his. "I get that."

"You know I'll try," he says. "I owe you that."

"You don't owe me anything," I reply, turning to face him head on. "Nothing more nor less than you're comfortable with sharing." I raise a hand toward him, palm up as I say, "And if, for any reason, you want to get out of that comfort zone and need a little help, you know I'm here for you."

"I do," he says, smiling as he takes my hand.

"Hey, Boss!" Kido shouts, making me jump and nearly let go of Kurama. His tight grip is the only thing that keeps me holding on. "What's next?"

What, indeed?

...

When I walk into the DRC on Monday after school, the phones won't stop ringing. Yui is answering them at lightning speed, writing things down and sighing between each call. When she sees me walk in, she waves me over.

"It's been like this for the past hour," she says in between calls. "I've got five appointments scheduled for this week and three already for next week."

"That's...that's insane," I say, shaking my head. "I wasn't expecting more than like, one appointment the entire week."

"Apparently, word got out," Yui says as another phone rings. She picks it up, and I give her a wave before walking to Furako's office.

"Hey, Fura...ko?" The woman in question is sitting slumped over, her elbows resting on her desk and her hands gripping either side of her head. She looks up at the sound of my voice, her eyes going wide. "What's wrong?" I ask, dashing to her side.

"Nothing," she whispers, clearly on the verge of tears. "Everything's been going just fine today."

"Then why do you look like you're going to have a heart attack?" I ask. Well, more than usual anyway.

"Because something has to go wrong. Every time I've been put in a position with TA Corp, something goes wrong. Where is the wrong, Miss Anno?" She sits upright, her hands balled into fists on the table as her yellow eyes bore into me, begging to find some kind of disaster, it would seem.

"The wrong is in the fact that you're dooming us before we even begin," I tell her. "Come on. Yui says we've got appointments coming out of our ears. This is our chance to put all of our hard work to the test. Don't fail me now." I put my hand on her shoulder, and her pale face immediately flushes red.

"I-I-I don't know," she says, looking down.

"Come on, woman!" I cry. She jumps at my emphatic tone, but I slap her gently on the back. "We've got this. Have a little faith."

"Faith?"

"Yeah. Or if not faith, maybe just trust. In me. In you. In what we're trying to do together."

"Together." She nods, abruptly getting to her feet. "Okay. I can try."

"That's all I'm asking for."

There's a knock on the door frame, and I turn to see Kido standing there, his face very red. "Uh, hey, boss-aski, there's three pretty demon ladies here for their appointment. An said you wanted to sit in on the first couple sessions?"

Pretty demon ladies, huh? That would explain the fact that Kido looks like a strawberry right now. "Thanks, Asato. I'll be right there." He leaves still looking a little dazed, and I glance back over at Furako who is taking slow, deep breaths.

"Have we had any appointments so far today?" I ask her.

"No." Her voice has returned to the usual amount of warbly, which is comforting. She's pulling herself together. "An and Kenta spent the morning going over the guidebook and the reference guides we made. We only just opened for appointments now."

"Okay. Do you want to come with me, or do you have things to do?"

"I've got to get our last counselor into the system, but if I finish before your session does, I'll be there."

"All right. Keep up the good work, Furako."

"Thank you, Miss Asaki. Good luck."

"Thanks." We're going to need it.

I make sure to smooth out my uniform skirt and tighten my ponytail, wishing I'd thought to bring a change of clothes. I really hadn't expected any appointments on the first day. I'll have to keep a few outfits here so I look less like a high school kid and more like someone fit to be a director. It's not like these demons are going to know I'm over 300 if I look like I just got out of class. Regardless of the truth behind that statement.

When I knock on the door to An's office, I hear her say, "Come in." What I find when I do elicits a most unprofessional squeak from me.

"You three?" I gasp as the "pretty demon ladies" turn to stare at me much in the same way I'm staring at them. It's Koto, Juri, and Ruka. All three of them are dressed in nice blouses and jeans, which would make them blend in pretty well if not for Koto's cat ears, whiskers, and tail and Juri's fish...ears and tail?

"Hey, it's Asaki!" Koto says, and I'm surprised that she's actually smiling at me. "Your fights in that Demon World Tournament were absolutely gruesome!"

"Um, thanks?"

"Too bad I missed them," Juri says, a pouty look on her face. "Ruka and I were looking into apartments when that whole thing...happened."

"Turns out it's really hard to get humans to treat you seriously when you look like you're cosplaying a fish," Ruka says. She looks me up and down, frowning. "You know, the innocent school girl look isn't great on you. You won't catch any men that way."

"I'm not wearing this to catch men," I snap, crossing my arms. "It's my school uniform. And I already have a boyfriend, thank you."

"Oh, who who who!" Koto asks, grabbing my hands in hers. "Dish, Asaki. A girl's gotta know."

"Wh-what? Why?" I'm completely flummoxed. I barely know these women, but they're treating me like we're old pals or something.

"Becaaaause," Koto whines. "It's girl talk!"

"She just wants to know who's off the market," Ruka sighs, shaking her head.

"Isn't it obvious?" Juri asks. All of us turn to face her, even An who has remained remarkably composed during this entire circus. "It's got to be that fox guy, right? The one who beat Karasu? It was...Ku-"

"Kurama?" Koto gasps. She leans into my furiously blushing face, peering into my soul, it feels like before letting out an, "Oh my god, no way."

"So, what's he like?" Ruka asks. "I bet he's a stud."

"A stud?" My mind immediately goes to horses. Stud horses are typically ones with good genes used for b...b...breeding…. I take a step back, smacking my head and shoulder against the doorframe. "Wh-what are you talking about?"

"Oh, come on," Koto says. "You may look like a teenager, but you're not a kid. So, how is he? Yoko Kurama is my exact fantasy."

"Okay, let's just get started," I say, my skin prickling with fire. It's been a while since I've lost control of my fire like this, but I really want to be anywhere but having this conversation.

"You're no fun," Juri pouts. "Wait, don't tell me you're a virgin! After all these years?"

"Next conversation!" I shout, taking the chair next to An's desk. "What brings you guys here?"

"Oh, that's right!" Koto sits down, scooting her chair closer to An. The other two women follow suit as Koto says, "So, we want to start new lives here in Living World!"

"Ones sanctioned by Spirit World?" I ask.

"Like I said earlier," Ruka says, flipping her long red hair over her shoulder, "nobody wants to rent to us when we look like this. We thought maybe you guys could help."

"That makes sense."

An takes the wheel from here, referring to her notes as she writes things down on some forms Spirit World sent us. She's professional and polished, which I expected from her. She gets along perfectly with these women, their personalities meshing like they've known each other for centuries. It seems like An will have no problem with this position, which is a relief. I think I'd go crazy trying to connect with people like this all the time.

"Idols?" An nods when she asks the trio what profession they intend to pursue. "Yeah, I can see that. You guys could totally rock that. And since you'll look this way much longer than humans, you won't have to worry about aging out of it any time soon."

"What's an idol?" I ask. The wrong question, apparently.

"Oh my god, do you live under a rock?" Juri asks, blinking rapidly like she just can't fathom anyone not understanding pop culture.

"Yes. What is an idol?" I say the words slowly so they know I'm not here to be insulted or teased this time.

"You know," Koto says. "Like, singing, dancing, modeling, acting. We want to be in the spotlight."

"That seems like the exact opposite way to fit into Living World without making waves," I reply.

"No one said we were trying not to," Ruka replies. "If you think all demons are just going to want to slip in here, you're crazy."

Do you know...that is exactly what I'd thought. I had just assumed everyone was going to want quiet lives pretending they were just as human as everyone else, but that's not even a possible thing for a lot of demons. Bubble burst. But at least it was done this early and with people I know so that I don't say something stupid in front of people I might actually hurt.

"This is actually a great opportunity," An says, tapping her fingers on the papers in front of her. "I mean, think about it. These three hit it big, get in the spotlight, people fall in love with them, right? And then, poof, turns out the idols you absolutely adore are all demons! Do you just forget about how much you love them or do you accept them and maybe find a little spot in your heart for all demons?"

"That...that's interesting." She makes a really good point. I really can't see not signing off on this once An has them finish things up. Here, today, they'll apply to be relocated. I get the applications with the counselor's recommendations, and then I get the final say on whether they go through. Then it goes off to Spirit World so documents can get drawn up and the demons can start their new lives. At least, that's how it's supposed to go in an ideal world.

"See, we're not just pretty faces," Juri says, smiling brightly. "We're interesting too!"

"Riiiight." Because I'm sure they thought that far ahead. "Anyway, I'll leave the rest up to you, An." Getting to my feet, I stretch my arms over my head, taking a deep breath. "It was nice to see you guys again. I wish you luck with your idol dreams."

"You too, Asaki!" Koto says. A mischievous smile creeps over her face as she says, "And you take care of that foxy hunk of yours."

"Yeah, yeah." I wave absently, despite the blush on my face before leaving the room and heading out into the lobby. The phone isn't ringing anymore, thank goodness, and Yui and Kenta are talking, the latter leaning against the desk while the former writes something on a notepad.

"Hey, how'd it go?" Kenta asks as I approach them.

"Fine, fine," I reply. "I know those three, and they're pretty harmless, so I can't see Spirit World having any issues with it."

"Good to hear. Yui says I get a go tomorrow."

"I'll sit in on that one too," I say, "although I'm sure you'll do just fine."

"Aw, thanks Boss. You've got so much faith in me."

"I wouldn't have hired you if I didn't."

Kenta smiles, practically preening, and I shake my head. "Anway, Yui, don't forget to take a break. Come to think of it, maybe we should get another receptionist." I tap a finger against my chin, thinking. "There are a lot of things we still need." Turning, I walk away, down the hall to my office, making a mental list of positions that should be filled.

As I walk past Furako's office, I notice she's not alone. Ibiki is in there with her, and while their voices are too low for me to hear, it's impossible to miss his hand stroking her hair. She's leaning into him, and I don't know that I've ever seen her look so calm before. Suddenly, I remember that Furako mentioned she had a partner back when we first met. But no...Ibiki?

It's not any of my business. That's what I tell myself as I keep walking to my office, sinking down in my desk chair and staring at the sea of papers in front of me. The knock at my door a few minutes later doesn't surprise me. Maybe Furako was absorbed in her partner's attentions, but he never misses anything.

"Come in, Ibiki."

And he does, bowing that perfect ninety degrees. "Miss Anno."

"Ibiki."

"I would ask that you not relay what you saw, if possible."

"I can't think of a reason I would do that," I reply, raising an eyebrow. "Do I seem like the gossipping type?"

"Of course not."

Silence falls between us, and I push my chair back a little, crossing my arms. "So...you and Furako are…?"

"Together, yes," he says, nodding solemnly. "For some centuries now."

"Centuries." I can't even fathom choosing to spend that long with someone. "Is that how she came under my father's employ?"

"That is how both of us came to work for Mr. Anno." When I don't say anything, Ibiki lets out a sigh, easily the most "human" sound I've ever heard from him. "I'm sure you know that my lady is a half-demon." He waits for my nod of confirmation before continuing. "Because of that, she's been running and hiding most of her life. When she and I met, she was half-dead and on the run. I took care of her, and we simply ceased to be capable of separating."

Ceased to be capable of separating? What a strange way of quantifying a relationship. Maybe Ibiki can't say words like "like" or "love". Or maybe his feelings for Furako just...go beyond normal expressions like that.

"When I sought employment with your father, it was because I had heard rumor of his half-demon daughter. I thought...I had hoped he might offer some kind of protection. He did."

"Surprising," I reply, shaking my head. "So, he put you both to work?"

"He did," Ibiki says. "I as your bodyguard, and Furako as a bookkeeper and at various other administrative tasks. She's always found it difficult to speak with others, likely due to the abuse she suffered before we met. However, I think she admires you."

"Me? What for?"

"You are a half-demon living your life. Thriving through your own hard work. I think she wants to be more like you."

I uncross my arms, sitting forward in my chair. "I think Furako's fine just the way she is."

"As do I." Ibiki smiles slightly, an expression that looks so foreign to me that I can't help but gape. "However, if exposure to you grants her the confidence to live her life more freely, I cannot say I will complain."

"Well, now that my father's abolished the Eradication Law, I hope a lot more half-demons can live more freely," I reply.

"It will not be easy. Prejudice runs deep."

"I know." I push my chair out even further so I can get to my feet. "Trust me, I know." A beat passes, two, before I can ask. "Furako's not able to form-shift like I can, is she?"

Ibiki shakes his head. "You, Miss Anno, are an exceptionally rare case. True Half-Demons are one-in-a-million. Furako merely has the blood of both sides running through her veins."

"I see."

"Miss Anno, I have a request, if I might be so bold."

"Shoot," I reply. "You've already spoken more candidly to me in the past few minutes than you have my entire life."

He smirks at that, another unnatural expression. "Look after Furako. Continue to be someone she can look up to."

We stare each other down for a few seconds, the silence stretching between us like mochi. After a while, I shrug. "I'm going to keep marching down this path I've started walking, regardless of how others feel about it." Folding my hands in front of me, I say, "If she wants to follow in my wake, I cannot stop her."

Ibiki nods before bowing low. "Thank you, Miss Anno."

"Don't thank me," I reply. "I'm...happy my capriciousness has led to good things."

"You've changed much in the years since I served as your bodyguard." Ibiki gives me an appraising look, that small smile on his face once more. "I am glad." With that, he turns and leaves. I think that's the first time he's ever just left without being dismissed before. Okay. Sure. Just leave me with that, you absolute jerk.

And yet, I find myself smiling at his words. I may not be Ibiki's biggest fan, but he may be starting to grow on me. Like a fungus.


A/N: If you want to know what a completely unplanned chapter looks like, it's the above. As a matter of fact, the next few chapters are going to be this way because I have end game planned but not how tho get there! Yay brain cells! This is how writing works. To that end, I apologize in advance if Kurama's not around as much. He has nothing to do with this mini-arc, so he'll show up here and there, but I don't want to force him into places he has no reason to be. I already tried that here and it was kind of...weird.

Anyway. Thank you so much to everyone for reading, and special thanks to everyone who left a review. Some of you have this story planned out better than I do, I'm not gonna lie. Stay safe, and I'll catch you guys next time!