The next day started off with some more breaking news; another wave of deaths plaguing Tokyo once again. Not only was the yokai community involved but humans fell into the fray as well. "This is rather troubling," Shuuichi concluded as he watched the news from the community room of his dormitory building, "Ah! Aoyama?!"

"It's so sad to hear," Yukina commented while holding back tears, "We have to pray for them."

"We will, Sister Yukina. Count on it."

"You said Aoyama. Were you there?"

"Sort of. Last night."

"Did you see anything or anyone?"

"No. Then again, I wasn't looking for any trouble, exactly."

"What were you doing in Aoyama?"

"He was on a date," Touya blurted as he entered the room, "Remember the woman with the curly hair? He was with her last night."

"Oh, my goodness! Is that true?"

"For the last time," Shuuichi stated, "her name is Kiyoni and yes, I was with her last night."

"That's so cool," Yukina expressed, "I'm happy for you, Shuuichi. No wonder you've changed since you met her."

That made Shuuichi smile a little, "Thank you, Yukina."

Touya joined Shuuichi on the couch, "So, how did it go?"

"You see I'm still alive, don't you? That should give you a clue."

"Come again?"

"It's not nice to brag but...you were wrong, Touya. Kiyoni didn't hurt me, she didn't seduce me, there was no trap placed for me, and I'm still pure."

"Wait, nothing happened?"

"Nothing out of the ordinary. We went out, took a few lines around town, got some McDonald's in Ikebukuro, had some insightful conversations, visited the tower, and I walked her home," Shuuichi lightly caressed the cheek Kiyoni kissed which was opposite and out of sight of Touya. Didn't hide the slight blush in his cheeks, though.

"That's so sweet," Yukina commented, "Sounds like you had a good time. Will there be a second date?"

"Yes but I think I'm going to let Kiyoni plan it this time just to be fair. She's a really nice girl once you get to know her."

"Maybe you should bring her back here. We want to get to know her. Don't we, Touya?"

"Sure," Touya answered, "and find out why she doesn't like the church. It's not like we're diseased."

"Honestly…" Shuuichi clarified, "Kiyoni doesn't have any ill will towards the church or Christianity, I don't think. It's just a difference in beliefs that's all. Her faith is quite similar to ours in some ways. For example, did you know that in the Kemetic faith beef is voluntarily cut out from the daily diet?"

"Beef," Touya repeated, "Like in burgers and like wagyu?"

"Yes. The reasoning is a…derivative of the Christian faith, if you will or an inspiration of it."

"Explain," Yukina requested.

"Okay, so, the way Kiyoni explained it was this. To consume beef is to ingest the goddess of love or love, itself into one's body. If one is not looking for love, then beef is not consumed. Romantic love, I think."

"Why beef, though," Touya wondered.

"Beef comes from cattle which are the sacred animals of the goddess of love. Much like how we consume bread and wine as the body and blood of Christ, the Kemetic faith has a similar system. Ingesting the blood and body of Christ is to ingest his love. Ingesting beef or beef-based products is to ingest the goddess of love. It's very fascinating."

"So what does her faith say about...marriage, purity, loyalty to one's partner?"

"Excuse me?"

Touya tried very hard not to blush, but he had to know, "You know...intercourse. I bet her lifestyle is the very reason why she is what she is."

"Touya, please don't be so judgemental. That's for the higher ups to do should we arrive at the gates of Heaven. And to clarify, Kiyoni was raised on Kemetism by her mother who's from America. As far as sexual relations and marriage are concerned, I'm sure it's the same as ours. I wouldn't know. I didn't ask."

"Well, what about holidays," Yukina queried.

"Turns out there's plenty. Special days dedicated to specific deities including a five-day new year's celebration held every summer instead of the winter like most of the world."

"Is there a Christmas?"

"No. However, Christmas is one of Kiyoni's favorite holidays so she celebrates that. Not to mention now that she knows who's behind the ice sculptures around town, she said she couldn't wait to see what you come up with this year."

Yukina's eyes glowed brightly, "Ah! Of course! We'd be glad to. Right, Touya?"

Touya was distracted by the news, "Hm? Oh...yeah. What were we talking about?"

"The ice sculptures for this year. We have a new fan now!"

"Oh. Yeah. We should talk about that, sometime."

"Right," Shuuichi stood to do a quick body stretch, "Mmmmm...Mmm! Well, I should get to work on the yard. Those poinsettias aren't going to grow themselves."

"See you later, Shuuichi," Yukina waved.

"I'm worried," Touya professed out of Shuuichi's earshot.

"About what," Yukina quizzed.

"Shuuichi. Hanging around with a succubus?"

"A succubus? What's a succubus?"

"Her! Kiyoni. She's a succubus. A lustful creature that does nothing but lure men into bed with them only for those men to end up dead. Think Gomorrah. Think of the jezebel. Revelations 2:20:

"Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.

"Does that ring any bells?"

Yukina shook her head, "What are you saying?"

"I'm saying Kiyoni is Jezebel. A prophetess of a different faith whose goal is to seduce Shuuichi, take him to bed, and condemn his poor, gullible soul to Hell."

Yukina heard enough, "Touya, you're a lot of things but I never thought you would be this zealous. Perhaps we should get to know Kiyoni more before we throw stones. You know, kinda like what Shuuichi is doing? At least he's happy about meeting someone for once. Come find me when you have your head on straight. We have plans to make."

Touya was left alone with his thoughts. He knows he's right. Sadly, he's the only one who believed it.

Inside Aphrodisia, the daylight hours are burned cleaning up and restocking the place and dance rehearsal on the stage. Kiyoni and Juri practiced a choreographed routine that involved a few spins, kicks, and sexy booty shaking. "Looking good, girls," Shishi admired from the bar, followed by a Gatsby-like toast.

"You know it would be really nice if you could get off your ass and help out," Aiko hinted while collecting garbage.

"Last time I checked, I no longer work here. Besides, cleaning is so beneath me."

"Then why the fuck are you here?"

"To gloat in all of your faces," Shishi sipped, "And to drink and to meet women. Europe has its share of beautiful women but there's no place like home."

"You know, you two dancing bitches can come down and help out too."

"Bitch, you're just mad because it's your week to take out the trash," Kiyoni clapped back.

"Ugggggggh!"

Juri stops the music, "Yeah, let's pause here."

"Fine," Kiyoni grabbed a towel, "I could use the break."

"Yeah," Shishi teased, "I'm dying for some tea. Ahem (Kiyoni) ahem!" Others agreed.

"Yeah, no."

"Come on, Kiyoni. We all wanna know."

"There's nothing to know. Shuuichi was a perfect gentleman."

"Booooooo!" Others joined Shishi.

"What? It's true. Nothing happened."

"Oh, come on, Kiyoni," Aiko urged, "You could've at least shown him what that mouth do while on the train." Giggles followed.

"No. I told you. Nothing. Happened."

"Nothing at all?"

Kiyoni sighed, "We rode on a few lines, hit up Aoyama, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, got something to eat from McDonald's, visited the tower, did a lot of talking, and he walked me home because he didn't want see me get caught up in those random yokai killings." Everyone booed.

"Booooooo," Aiko emphasized, "What kind of succubus are you? You were supposed to have his seed swimming in your stomach by now and he should be looking five years older. And all of that happened? Face it, Ikeda. You're losing your touch." Others agree.

"I am not losing my touch. I thought I made it crystal clear that I'm taking my time with this one."

"Suuuure you are," Aiko winked at Shishi. That pot is as good as theirs in their minds.

"I'm sure you know everyone here works in different ways."

"Yeah but what you have is one of the most sought after types out there. A Christian virgin. It's like you've hit the jackpot only to forget how to spend it," Aiko inched closer to Kiyoni, whispering in her ear, "It's an absolute waste of time for the gifts that have been given to you."

Kiyoni grew serious and threatened, "You have five seconds to get out of my face."

"I wonder...what would your brother think of you."

That did it. A quick shove came Aiko's way and people stepped in before the potential fight even began. Kiyoni was absolutely pissed at this point, "Don't you...DARE mention my fucking brother. He has absolutely nothing to do with this!"

"Yes he does. He's the reason why you became one of us, remember? And this is how you're honoring him? You're pathetic, Kiyoni. You're becoming more and more human by the damn day and it's sickening. You might as well admit to the bastard that you're in love with him and be done with it because if the opposite was true, he'd be crawling back here craving for your pussy right about now with his soul buying a first-class ticket straight to Hell. Have you forgotten what you are?"

Frustrated, Kiyoni pinned Aiko to the ground with hands clasped around Aiko's neck and in full succubus mode, snarling as she spoke, "Listen here, you impatient dick whore. I'm not like you. I don't have to be like you. I don't want to be like you and if I was, I would've killed myself a long time ago. I am doing this MY OWN FUCKING WAY and I don't give either a shit or a flying fuck what you or any other bitch or fuck boy has to say about it. Now, unless you value your mouth, your pussy, your ass, or even your fucking life, I suggest that you leave me THE FUCK ALONE! Because if you don't, I will rip out your vocal cords and USE THEM AS earrings." The point was emphasized by Kiyoni's thumbnails digging into Aiko's throat.

Aiko surrendered, "Okay...okay, I go-I got it."

"Kiyoni," Shishi insisted, "Kiyoni, honey, that's enough. You made your point."

Words were ignored as Kiyoni developed another flashback, one of her own making. This time, she's choking the one responsible for causing that traumatic night. Only this was a vision that never happened in reality, an imagined memory.

Shishi called out again, "Kiyoni…! Kiyoni…!"

"Huh?! What? What?"

Shishi sighed, "Welcome back. Damn. Are you two okay?

At the same time, Aiko is coughing for air after nearly slipping into unconsciousness.

Kiyoni stood up, "One of us is." She headed to the back for some much-needed, herbal relief. Kiyoni had a habit of bringing at least three, pre-rolled marijuana cigarettes to work with her and she's going to use one of them.

Shishi arrived shortly after, absolutely concerned, "Are you okay?"

"Does it look like I'm okay?"

"Still bothers you, doesn't it?"

"Of course it fucking does! She knows not to talk about my brother like that. You all do!"

"Yeah, I know. It bothers me, too."

"You?! How? Please tell me."

"Kiyoni, just because I wasn't around that doesn't mean-"

"You weren't even there for the funeral! Your ass hauled ass all the way to Europe shortly after! Shishi...we lost some of the most important people in our lives that night."

"And if some of them, your brother included, hadn't pushed us to run away, we would've joined them. Remember that?"

Kiyoni's bottom lip quivered as she held back tears. She knew her life was saved that night even if a part of her died.

"Kiyoni," Shishi continued, "just because I didn't attend the funeral doesn't mean I didn't grieve. I grieved like hell. Your brother was awesome. However, it's been two years. We shouldn't be grieving still. We have to move on. Tai wouldn't want you to be like this. You know it, I know it."

Kiyoni mumbled, "I know."

Shishi stepped inside to console his friend, giving her a kiss on the forehead, "It's going to be alright. You're gonna be fine by tonight, right?"

"Yeah...I will."

"Good," Shishi departed, "I expect nothing less."

Kiyoni took a long drag of her cigarette and exhaled heavily to release both the smoke and negative energy. That banana kush was doing it's exact job. Nevertheless, it wasn't until she received a text that her mood lightened up a bit. Shuuichi sent Kiyoni a photo of the freshly-planted poinsettias around the church for the holiday season. "Nice but I'm not really a poinsettia fan," she admitted.

"Oops. Meant to post that to my Instagram. Sorry. Hello btw."

"Hello. How are you?"

"Blessed, of course. And you?"

"Me too [smoking and leaf emojis]."

"[Two crying laughing emojis] you're welcome."

Kiyoni found it hard to keep the conversation going. She wanted to release her feelings like one, big, emotional geyser but feared that doing so would upset Shuuichi so she said, "Are you busy today? Tonight?"

"Today, I have yard duty. Tonight, no."

"Come to Aphrodisia."

"[Uncertainty gif]"

"idk about that."

"Just come to Aphrodisia. I'll sign myself up to be your hostess."

"You're requesting my company so soon? Is everything okay?"

"Everything is fine. Are you coming or not?"

Shuuichi had to think about it. Another opportunity to dive into Kiyoni's world was just presented to his face. Should he stay or should he go?

"What time should I be there?"

"The club opens up at 20:00. Just come, okay?"

"Okay... I'll be there."

"[Smiling emoji] Awesome. See you then."

Aphrodisia turned high-class for the evening. No one but the finest and biggest money makers around were allowed to enter and were served the finest of drinks and appetizers such as champagne, expensive whiskey and bourbon, and caviar which made things difficult for Shuuichi to get inside given his social and financial status. The club's bouncer found it hilarious as he roared with laughter, "You?! You want to get in?! Oh! Oh, this is good. Hahahahahahahaha!"

"Check your list. I believe Miss Kiyoni added my name to it. She's to be my hostess this evening."

"Your hostess? Please," the bouncer checked the list, "Name?"

"Minamino, Shuuichi."

"Yeah, yeah. Uh...oh. I guess you are on the list. Last minute entry, I guess. Get in there."

Compared to the vibes of the room, Shuuichi was severely underdressed. While everyone was dressed to the nines, Shuuichi tried to fit in but stood out like a sore thumb. A gray hoodie, medium wash jeans, and a white pair of Chuck Taylors did not fit the bill. It didn't take long for people to notice as tongues started wagging upon Shuuichi passing the bar. This was the guy Kiyoni was so hung over for? After a couple of weeks, he's still a virgin? What a joke.

"Hey, I remember you," Juri announced with a welcoming smile.

"Yes. Juri, right?"

"That's me! What are you doing here?"

"Eh, to be honest, I should leave since this isn't really my thing and...am not adhering to the dress code. But Kiyoni invited me here as my hostess for the evening."

Juri gasped, "Oh, you're going to love it here! Let me check the chart. Stay right here. I'll get you seated in a moment."

And so, Shuuichi stood there, arms crossed and feeling extremely awkward and out of place. Scanning the room, he saw many patrons enjoying themselves with beautiful hosts and hostesses with some of them actively engaging with their nightly companions. International millionaires and billionaires, movie and tv stars, high-class socialites, social media celebrities, it was a literal who's who of people at Aphrodisia.

"Hey," Juri called, "Right this way. You get a private room."

"A private room? Is that good?"

Juri smirked, "I'll let you be the judge of that."

"Kiyoni is really going all out for me, isn't she?"

"And why shouldn't she? She likes you enough."

Shuuichi blushed upon hearing the news, "She...does?"

Shuuichi was led to an unfamiliar hallway of the club that was only lit by violet light, the dressing rooms, "Are you sure we're going the right way?"

"Yep," Juri knocked on the door, "Here's your complimentary water. Enjoy!"

"Wait! What's behind-?"

Just then, Kiyoni opened the door revealing her high-end look, "Evening, Minamino."

Shuuichi was stunned. The sight of Kiyoni's silky, red dress against her blemish-free, honey brown skin made his jaw drop faster than it ever did before. Kiyoni's dress presented more than enough cleavage and leg to entice anyone.

"You may want to take a sip of that drink," she flirtatiously suggested, "Don't want to catch a case of dry mouth."

"S-sure," Shuuichi took a sip of that refreshing water.

"Would you like to come in?"

"Y-yes."

Enchanted by Kiyoni's beauty, Shuuichi glided into her room as if he floated on a cloud. Even though it was Kiyoni's dressing room, it did look inviting. It also felt very warm upon crossing the threshold, as if Shuuichi was transported into a world of seduction, intimacy, and privacy. Reddish-pink walls and ceilings encircled an illuminated but organized vanity area complete with hair and makeup tools and accessories, all of her costumes hanging neatly on a clothing rack, and images of Qetesh and Hathor plastered in a corner hovering over an altar containing offerings of pomegranate wine, chocolate, honey, pomegranate arils, bracelets made of carnelian, malachite, and red Jasper, all accompanied by the incense smokes of frankincense, myrrh, kyphi, and cinnamon.

"Welcome. I usually don't allow regular patrons to come here but you're an exception."

"How...how nice." Shuuichi never took his eyes off Kiyoni as she joined him on the plush, two-seated, burgundy-colored couch and on his lap. The scent that radiated from her chest permeated his nose in ways Shuuichi never thought possible.

Kiyoni brushed a lock of her straightened hair behind an ear showing off her ruby and diamond earring, "Comfortable?"

"I-I am. Wow...you're beautiful."

"Thank you. Fits the theme for tonight, yes?"

"Indeed."

"Drink."

"Right," Shuuichi sipped again.

"Breathe. Relax. You're fine."

"That fragrance. What is it?"

"Princess Noir. Vera Wang," Kiyoni slid a finger up and down Shuuichi's torso, lightly grazing near his nipples, "I'm glad you're here."

"Same. Thanks for the invitation. I wanted to see you...to be honest."

"So did I. It's why I invited you here."

"So...what happens now?"

"Now…" Kiyoni stood up to turn on some music, "you get this."

Using the table as a personal stage, Kiyoni gave her guest the private show of a lifetime. Despite the full-length dress she wore, the double leg slits allowed Kiyoni to grind, swirl, spin, twirl, twerk, pop, lock, and slide all over that table like nobody's business. She definitely had sex appeal befitting of her yokai nature and Shuuichi visually ate it up like Moses admiring the burning bush. The song Kiyoni danced to may have been called Wild Side but if things go well, Kiyoni would get the chance to explore Shuuichi's.

Definitely has a love of dance. That's evident. "That was…" he commented, "wow."

Kiyoni flirtatiously giggled, "Is that the word for tonight? Wow?"

"Basically."

"Drink."

"Right," Shuuichi took another sip.

Kiyoni stepped down from her makeshift platform and sat next to Shuuichi, "Here." Her offer was a neck massage.

"Wait, I...ooh…"

"Oh, wow. Your neck is so tight. Studying that bible too much."

"Among other things...yeah...ah, go up, go up." Kiyoni's touch on the middle of Shuuichi's neck made his head collapse. "I didn't know...I needed that."

"You're welcome."

"Kiyoni...be honest with me. Why did you invite me here?"

"I told you. I wanted to see you. Is that so wrong?"

"To be honest, I thought we'd wait...a couple of days at least...to see each other. Oh, that's nice." The massage stopped when Shuuichi grabbed the hand Kiyoni was using and gave it its own massage.

"That's new."

"What?"

"Never got a random hand massage before. Unless I went to get my nails done." Kiyoni held tightly to Shuuichi's hand.

"Are you sure there's nothing wrong?"

At that moment, Kiyoni couldn't do it. There was no way in Hell she was going to seduce Shuuichi that night. It just didn't feel right and it was way too early. To hide her defeat, she simply asked, "Shuuichi...what would you do if you feel like...the world is against you...and you didn't do anything to deserve it?"

"Would you like for me to answer that as a deacon or as myself?"

"...Both."

"Well, the deacon me would say...to push forward. When the world is pushing you, you push back. God never gives us tasks that we can't handle. The only thing that's holding us back, our crutch, is our own self-doubt. Now, me, me would say that you already have the tools to fight back. Whether you see them or not, whether you believe it or not. You are already prepared for this. Analyze the situation, determine what's the right solution for you, and put it into action. Seek additional help if necessary. Simple as that." Moved by Shuuichi's words, Kiyoni laid her head on his shoulder.

He, in turn, wrapped an arm around hers, "Did that help?"

"...Yeah. It did. Thank you." Shuuichi's advice gave Kiyoni incentive to move on with her plan, doing things her own way.

"Anytime."

"Mind escorting me home again?"

"Haha. Sure. We can go now if you're not doing anything."

"Unfortunately...I have to make sure you have a good time for as long as you're here, which is usually until closing time."

"Think about it. For as long as I'm here, you have to entertain me but you want to go home. If we leave, you win by going home and I'll win by escorting you there. Plus, it doesn't seem like there are many eyes watching us. I'm failing to see a downside to this."

"... Alright. Let's go." Time to enact Kiyoni's escape plan...by changing into some street clothes and using the emergency exit that was supposed to be used for emergency purposes but has never been used for said purposes.

"It still boggles me that we can go out this way and not get caught."

"Not my problem. Please don't make it yours."

As the couple rode the trains back to Shibuya, Shuuichi teased, "Kiyoni?"

"Hm?"

"We're train hopping again."

"I know. So?"

"Will this be a common thing between us?"

"...Maybe," Kiyoni smirked.

Shuuichi pulled out his phone and sent Kiyoni a gif that showed a smiling anime character. Kiyoni replied with one of her own of two teddy bears hugging. Digital flirting at its finest and it was only the beginning.