The Lambo continued cruising through the streets of the Ginza Ward in Tokyo for about another hour until it arrived at a part of Sendai Bridge that was closed due to construction.

In the middle of a smoke session, Shuuichi observed the surroundings, "Is this the place?"

Half of Sendai Bridge was still open for normal traffic flow but it was only one-way. The other half is the one Kiyoni is going to use.

"No," Kiyoni answered, "Remember? This bridge has been closed for the last few months. In reality, it's a gateway between here and the other side, the makai world."

"Wait. Really?"

"Yeah. Just let me handle this part," Kiyoni exited the car to step over to a lamp post with a scanning system exclusive to yokai. A quick scan of Kiyoni's thumb gave her the greenlight to go through the gate.

Just as Kiyoni gets back into the driver's seat, one of her favorite songs plays on the radio, "Ayyyyy! What's poppin'? Brand new whip, just hopped in."

Shuuichi laughed at her sudden rush of excitement.

"Ready?"

"As I'll ever be."

"Ayyy! Let's go!"

Kiyoni puts the pedal to the metal, taking off through the gate and entering Shiodome Tunnel where a portal leaving the human world will be at an upcoming fork.

"What's it like," Shuuichi asked over the music.

Kiyoni paused her solo party by turning the music down, "I'm sorry. What was that?"

"The other world. I'm asking what it's like."

"You never been?"

"No."

"Wow. Of all the yokai you hang around with, no one has told you?"

"No. I mean, Sister Natsume shared a few stories but nothing too memorable."

"Well, from what I know...it's a big world. There are cities and counties just like in the human world. Uh, I think there's a structured government."

"What about…its people?"

Kiyoni had to think about it for a moment, "Depending on where you are, there are nice ones, there are...nasty ones. Ones in between. Eh, there are ugly ones, pretty ones, scary ones. Ones that are extroverted, ones that are introverted-"

"What about where we're going?"

Kiyoni sighed, "To be honest, I'm walking into that club as new as you. Like I said, it's exclusive to the highest of socialites so... there's no telling what or who will see when we get there."

"Reason why I'm asking is because…of what Touya told me."

"About?"

"My powers. We both think that my powers are a result of constant exposure to yokai. Since we're going to their world, maybe...things will progress?"

"That...makes sense to me," Kiyoni shrugged.

The car entered the tunnel to the makai where the area is illuminated only by the Lamborghini headlights. Proclaimed "hottie", Megan thee Stallion, was now playing.

Growing nervous, Shuuichi queried, "Do you have your rolling papers?"

"Check the glove compartment. Don't tell me you're gonna roll up?"

"Honestly, yes. I am."

Sure enough, Shuuichi did find what he needed and rolled a joint.

"Look at you! Rolling joints now."

"I learned from someone I know."

The joint was lit and Shuuichi took the first hit. If he was going to a nightclub, a body and mind high would be fitting to keep him relaxed.

"Better?"

"It's a start."

"Well, you rolled in a good time. We're approaching Gandara."

"Gandara?"

Gandara. Just before the pair officially enter the other world, a stop light puts the game on pause in favor of another vehicle leaving for the human world. The car pulled off again, cruising out of the mountainous border into yokai territory.

"Welcome to Gandara," Kiyoni announced, "And welcome to the world of yokai."

Shuuichi leaned forward and observed the city skyline as Kiyoni drove over a bridge leading into it. Gandara was like any other metropolitan city in the human world, Tokyo included. It had its skyscrapers, bright lights, and good share of traffic and pedestrians. It had a portion of homeless yokai, street workers, and gang bangers. Street vendors, mom and pop shops, and corporate businesses. The downtown district was the heart of the city-state for not only were the best restaurants and stores there but also the area's nightclubs including the one destined for tonight. Club Morningstar. The only thing that stood out was the still, thunderous clouds that hovered over the city-state.

The nightclub was definitely the one to go to tonight as a block-long line gave the location away. Above the marquee was a holographic image of the famous angel, Lucifer, who turned from God's right hand man to a charismatic man who represented the real world.

"I'm not sure how to feel about that," Shuuichi observed as the car pulled up.

"What? Lucifer? Eh, try not to think about that."

A valet stepped up to offer services. He looked to be either in high school or college given his youthful appearance.

"Dent or scratch it," Kiyoni threatened, "and it's your ass."

"Must you be so threatening?"

"Did you not hear me when I said that a part of my paycheck pays for that?"

"Fair enough. Continue."

After presenting the invitation, the pair enter the club with little to no questions asked. Kiyoni heaved a sigh of relief after worrying about presenting her ID.

Music, although muffled, blasted through the crimson-lit entrance hall. Although Kiyoni was used to the vibe, everything was new to Shuuichi. He saw two yokai making out, vampires feeding from a human, and a living, normally-sized, tattooed Gashadokuro smoking a cigarette. It was hard for Shuuichi not to be surprised.

"Careful," Kiyoni warned, "Keep looking like that and someone will fix your face to permanently stay that way."

"Oh. Right."

Two men stand at the door ready to open them. They were on the big and burly side with one of them being part dragon complete with blue skin and five, small horns on his head. The other looked like a typical demon, green skin, breath that could peel paint, and a small tail.

"Mm," the blue one developed an interest after taking a quick whiff, "You're a succubus. Mmm…"

"First of all, ew," Kiyoni specified, "I may be a succubus, but even I have my standards. Second, I'm with him tonight. No one else."

The other bouncer checked out Shuuichi, "Wait a second." He sniffed again, "Whoa! Hey, check this one out."

Shuuichi peeked over at Kiyoni as he was sniffed for a third time.

"Holy shit," the blue one said, "Whoa. We didn't know you were with him, ma'am. Please go on in. Have a good time."

"What was that about," Shuuichi wondered.

"Don't think about it. Just move," Kiyoni insisted while gently pushing Shuuichi inside.

As expected, the club lived up to its name. Under the bright lights of red and silver disco balls and flashing laser beams, dancers and party goers boogied the night away out on the dance floor. Patrons of all shapes, sizes, colors, physical traits, genders, sexual identities and affiliations, and places of origin were all represented tonight as the entire world celebrated the end of one year and the beginning of another. Even the music was diversified with tunes from around the world. Whatever got bodies moving, got bodies moving.

"This is awesome," Shuuichi shouted, looking up at the club's multiple floors, "I've never seen so much life!"

"I know, right?! I can see why it's so popular. Stay here. I'll get us some drinks," Kiyoni approached the bar, "Yo! Barkeeper!"

"Kiyoni," shouts a female bartender, "Remember me?"

"Get the fuck out of here! Ruka?! What are you doing here?!"

Ruka, a fellow succubus and former employee of Aphrodisia, was a sultry redhead who had a reputation for bringing in clients as much as Aiko does. She displayed her hot body in a golden, g-string bikini while serving drinks.

"Working, duh. Oh my gosh. How long has it been," she asked.

"Too long, love, too long."

"Yeah, since… Anyway, what can I get you?"

"Oh, you should know my drink by now. Also…" Kiyoni glanced over at Shuuichi, "a vodka/pineapple for him. Emphasis on the pineapple."

"Oooh. A new man?"

"Just my date for the night."

"He's certainly a cutie."

"Yeah. A bit on the awkward side but he's growing on me."

"What did Aiko and Juri say? I miss those two."

"Aiko has my pussy on the chopping block if I don't fuck him by Valentine's Day and Juri thinks we're bound for marriage. They're both on some bullshit if you ask me."

Ruka gets to work on Shuuichi's drink, "You never know, Kiyoni."

"Yeah, yeah. You know succubi don't fall in love unless they want to die," Kiyoni pulled out the black card, "Keep it until I ask for it back."

"You got it." Ruka looked at the card, "Butajiri?"

"Hey, Suu'chi," Kiyoni approached from behind, "Here's your drink."

"Thank you," Shuuichi proposed, "To tonight."

"To tonight...and the new year. Kanpai!"

"Kanpai!"

Throughout the night, the pair lived it up on the Black Black Club member's dime. With every dance came a drink. With every drink came a dance. Whether on the floor or on a table, Kiyoni let herself loose in celebration of the new year. Shuuichi, however, discovered a new side of himself as the alcohol kicked in. Not only did he join the crowd in the latest dances, he stood out on his own, moving to the beat of whatever was blasting through the speakers. Kiyoni recorded every second, uploading bits and pieces to her TikTok with the captions, "When the alcohol [champagne bottle emoji] hits just right for a newbie…" and "Go off, Suu'chi. Go. Off. [Dancer emoji]" It was a wonderful sight to see, for anyone to see.

Of course, with all that drinking, breaks had to be taken. Time to sit the next few songs out for a bit.

"Kiyoni," Shuuichi said as he joined her at a private, empty booth on the third floor, "I am having...the time of my life. I never had this much fun, in like...ever."

"Glad to hear it. Sorry if the drinks were sneaking up on you."

That was made evident by how red Shuuichi's face was, "You know...I don't...I don't really care about that...right now." He made it his turn to lay on Kiyoni's shoulder, "All I care about...is you."

"Me?"

"Yeah. I mean...next to the...the church, all I think about is...you."

"How sweet of you."

"Hey, I have a confession to make."

Oh, how Kiyoni loved to hear drunk confessions, "What's that?"

Shuuichi sat up and leaned forward, gazing deep into her amethyst eyes, "I took a look at your Instagram."

Kiyoni did the same, locking her inebriated eyes with Shuuichi, "Oh, yeah?"

"Yes."

"Did you like what you saw?"

"I didn't see much but...yes."

"What did you like then?"

"That video...of you as a nun."

"That one? It's so old."

"Yes...that one. That was my favorite. It was really...sexy."

"Ooh. I don't think I've ever heard you say that word for as long as I've known you."

Shuuichi inched himself closer to Kiyoni, reaching behind the back of her head, lightly caressing her neck and back. Kiyoni peeked at that hand, those fingers sliding around her shoulder. It gave her goosebumps and her nipples to harden.

"Kiyoni, I think...I think you're very...beautiful. And indeed, you are...just as sexy."

Kiyoni's heart raced upon hearing that admission. However, a little voice in her mind asked why. Before Kiyoni could even get a word in, Shuuichi's lips met with hers. Though the moment lasted a couple of minutes and The Weeknd's version of Drunk in Love played in the background, it felt like hours the way the two were going at it.

As the pair pulled each other in, Kiyoni developed an idea, "Wait. Wait."

"What is it? Was I too forward? I apologize if-"

"No, no. You're okay. Actually, I can't believe I'm saying this to you. Hell, I can't believe I'm even thinking about this but...come with me."

"Sure."

Kiyoni led Shuuichi to the women's bathroom where they grabbed the largest, empty stall to finish what they started. It was beneath Kiyoni in her mind but it was an enticing idea to experience with Shuuichi. Using the space, the pair locked lips in just about every corner with each taking turns occupying the walls. It was exciting to Shuuichi especially whenever he felt Kiyoni's leg slide up and down the side of his body. Shuuichi adored Kiyoni's figure as he couldn't keep his hands off her. Kiyoni kept Shuuichi just as interested, caressing his neck and torso. Finally, she sat him down on the porcelain throne and she occupied his lap. Their passionate, alcohol-fueled, tension-based make out session was getting wild and crazy with Kiyoni removing Shuuichi's jacket and Shuuichi lifting up the bottom hem of Kiyoni's dress revealing her underwear.

"Kiyoni…" he huffed, "I've never...done this before. This is...all new to me."

"I know. Just go with...how you feel."

"Well, I...I want you."

Kiyoni broke away just enough to say, "Prove it."

"How?"

Time for a new lesson. "Like this," grinning, Kiyoni grabbed two of Shuuichi's fingers and slid them down her underwear. Finding the ultimate pleasure center, Kiyoni taught Shuuichi the inner workings of finger play.

"Whoa...is it supposed to feel like this?"

"You mean this juicy? Only when I want you...which is now."

With every second of assisted pressure applied, Kiyoni moaned in ecstasy. In turn, Shuuichi allowed Kiyoni to play the teacher role, witnessing a hands-on experience in sex-ed. Meanwhile, Kiyoni taught the upcoming priest everything she wanted him to do to increase her desire for him, instructing him to nibble and kiss her neck and chin. Instinctively, equal opportunity pleaser, Kiyoni, reached for Shuuichi to get him off.

"What are you doing?"

"I have a thing for...simultaneous orgasm," Kiyoni uttered as she unzipped Shuuichi's pants and reached inside to meet him.

"Just as hard as last time," she marveled and grinned.

If Shuuichi's face could turn any more red, it would match his hair.

"Tell me to stop and I will," Kiyoni offered, "But please...don't stop with me. You are doing...so well."

"Go right ahead," Shuuichi requested with a kiss that reignited the make out session.

For a period of sweet time, the two were engaged in digital foreplay, each testing the waters, each attempting to bring the other to a satisfying climax. Kiyoni went cross-eyed every time she felt Shuuichi find his way inside her. There was a sweet spot he was touching. Every time Kiyoni jerked Shuuichi just right, he would nibble on Kiyoni's neck a little harder.

"Suu'chi," Kiyoni cried, "Oh...you're almost...there…!"

"Don't you dare stop with me…"

With all their might, both reached the pinnacle of pleasure. It didn't matter if there were others in the bathroom.

While each took some time to get their wits together, Kiyoni discovered traces of Shuuichi's seed on her fingers. True to form, she lapped it up, ingesting his carnal energy, eyes glowing in the process. The taste reminded her of the delicious egg white omelette she had for breakfast that morning. The only difference was that her omelette was stuffed with vegetables and cheese. Shuuichi analyzed his fingers that were covered in Kiyoni's essence. The lubricated look and feel of it reminded him of fresh aloe vera gel. Especially when Shuuichi got to spreading his fingers, noticing the saliva-like string they made.

"That was…" she concluded, "quite the lesson, yeah? Are you okay?"

"I think...I will be…"

Kiyoni cradled Shuuichi's head in her bosom, getting another feel of his freshly-colored hair, "Well done."

It's not until she felt something abnormal that changed the situation of the moment, "Ra's grace...what is…? Holy shit! Suu'chi? You need to take a look at this."

"A look at what?"

Kiyoni stood up, "That! What, what is that?"

"What is it?"

"Your head. Take a look!"

Shuuichi bursted through the bathroom stall to gaze at his new developments. A pair of animal ears were sitting on the top of his head in the natural color of his hair.

"What…" he gawked, "What is this…? What am I…? Kiyoni, what's going on?"

"I don't know! I'm just now seeing this myself! Your guess is as good as mine!"

Shuuichi took a second look at himself, reaching for those new ears. Once one of them wiggled, both he and Kiyoni jumped back in shock.

"What in the world is going on," he shuttered.

What made things worse was the momentary bout of vomiting Shuuichi endured afterwards. Alcohol with no food or water makes for a very sick deacon.

Once that was done, Shuuichi sat on the floor in deep thought, "Kiyoni...what's happening to me? First, it was the thing with Natsume. Then it was the greenhouse…"

"Suu'chi…"

"There's more. My agility, speed, and strength have all improved. So have my powers. Now...now...this?! Kiyoni...I need answers. I need answers…"

The terrified look on Shuuichi's face and the shivers he produced tugged on Kiyoni's heartstrings like a professional guitarist on tour.

"Suu'chi, I am so sorry. Yes, you do need answers. You deserve answers. Sadly, I'm not the one who can give them to you. I wish I could but I can't."

"What am I supposed to do?"

"For now, nothing. You're wasted, I'm wasted. For now, we just...we'll have to rest up for the night. Start off fresh tomorrow morning. We can do that, right? That's a good idea, yeah?"

Shuuichi nodded, "Yes. I...I can do that...for now."

"Okay. Okay, let's go. Let's get out of here."

The two eventually grabbed what they could and left the club without taking the Lambo due to intoxication. Fortunately, a nearby hotel had enough room for them to stay for the night and since it was on someone else's tab, paying for it was nothing. The room was a little bigger than a college dorm but it was enough for the time being. There, the couple laid on the bed face-to-face still in shock over tonight.

Kiyoni tried her best to console Shuuichi, "It's gonna be okay. We'll figure it out. For now, get some rest."

Shuuichi grasped the hand that caressed his cheek. He was still afraid of what was happening but the effects of both the alcohol and marijuana were preventing him from completely freaking out.

"You're not going to abandon me, are you?"

"Are you crazy? Hell no, I'm not leaving you. Why the hell would I do that? Look, just go to sleep, okay? I'll be right here when you wake up."

"...Alright."

Slowly, Shuuichi closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep. Kiyoni joined him soon after but not before thinking about his case. Is he a human or is he not? Only time will tell.