The next morning, Gandara resumed its daily activities as if it was another work day. At the hotel close to Club Morningstar, Shuuichi and Kiyoni were in a deep slumber, sleeping off the alcohol. It wasn't until a couple on the next level up chose to start the day off with a morning romp in the sack that the former pair woke up.

"We are never coming here again," Shuuichi declared through a pillow.

"Copy that," Kiyoni groggily replied while on her back.

Lucky bastards.

Shuuichi washed his face with water, leaving the bathroom faucet running as he looked at himself in the mirror. Those ears were still there and he wondered if they were there to stay. He was clearly hungover and felt like shit but all he cared about was the ears.

He sighed as he asked himself, "What is happening to me?"

Kiyoni approached the doorway, feeling guilty for everything that's happened, "Are you okay?"

"To be honest, no. I have more questions than answers and...I feel so confused. Why does it seem like everyone else knows about me...but me?"

"Don't say that. I'm standing right here and I don't know anything about what's going on with you. I thought you were a normal human too."

"You've never experienced this before?"

"Someone I care about going through a change they never thought possible? Not since my brother, no. Not like...you."

Shuuichi determined the next course of action, turning off the faucet, "We have to go back. Now."

"Sure. I'll go...get the car."

Given the upcoming holiday, traffic in and out of the human world has picked up with more yokai leaving it than returning which makes the drive to the human world easy for Kiyoni. As she drove in silence, she peeked over at Shuuichi who sat in deep thought clutching his cross close to his mouth. Outside, a lake separating the country from the bordering mountains was seen partially frozen and covered in morning fog. Clouds still hung over the city but weren't as thunderous as the night before.

Kiyoni broke the silence, "I'm assuming you're going to...talk to Father about this?"

"I'm not going to tell him everything. Just-"

"Okay, okay. Just making sure you won't get in trouble for living."

"Excuse me?"

"I'm sorry, Suu'chi, but if I were you, I'd embrace this change. Right now, you're sitting there looking like you're ashamed of what you're becoming. Like being a yokai all of the sudden goes against everything you were taught in church."

"Could you not…?"

"What? It's the truth. You were a human when you gave your life to God, right? Emphasis on were. Now, you're a yokai. What's the difference?"

"What if I'm not? What if-?"

"You're a yokai, Suu'chi. I have no doubt that you are."

"And what about you?"

"What about me?"

"Were you always a succubus or was it a sudden change for you?"

"Are you fucking serious right now? A child-a baby succubus, knowing what succubi do? That sounds disgusting as fuck. What is wrong with you? To answer your question, I chose to be a succubus, okay? My parents are strictly human and they birthed a human. Two humans."

"Your brother was an incubus?"

Budding anger reduced to melancholy, "Was. He...passed away two years ago."

"My condolences. What was it like with him?"

"Great. Taught me how to play the game."

"How did he-?"

"Can we not, please? I'm driving."

Shuuichi dropped the subject and returned to his thinking. Seemed like both sides had lines that neither one wanted crossed.

Back in the human world, Shuuichi was dropped off at the church grounds. Before anyone could see anything, the hood of his coat was thrown over his head to cover the ears. He didn't mind if anyone noticed the new hair, but the ears were a big, fat, no-no. If there was anyone who could provide clues to Shuuichi's recent changes, it would be Father Shinobu and it was Father Shinobu whom Shuuichi looked for. He found Yukina first who had just finished her morning prayer in the sanctuary.

"Father," Yukina repeated.

"Yes. Have you seen him?"

"I have. He's doing confessionals until this afternoon."

"Perfect. Thank you."

"Oh, deacon?"

"Yes?"

Yukina gave away her traditionally warm smile and with approval. "I like the new color."

"Yeah," Shuuichi laughed awkwardly, "It was Kiyoni's idea. It's growing on me."

"Will she be attending our new year mass?"

Shuuichi replied from a distance, "It's possible. I'll have to talk to her about it."

"May peace be with you, sister," Shinobu wished to another parishioner as the woman left. Shinobu was left all alone.

Perfect.

Shuuichi barged inside the confessional like a cold, winter storm bursting through an open house, "Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned. It's been...some time since my last confession."

Obviously nervous, many thoughts ran through Shuuichi's mind over the possible outcomes of the day's confessional. The amount of trouble he could be in was one of them.

"Deacon," Shinobu calmly greeted, "Good morning. Do not worry. As you and I both know, you are safe in the house of our Lord. Please, lay down your burdens."

"Father...I'm afraid that...things are changing around me. I'm afraid I'm changing."

"Nothing wrong with evolution. Nothing stays the same forever. Could you be more specific?"

"Last night, while I was out with Miss Ikeda, I...encountered a transformation."

"What kind of transformation?"

"Ears, Father. Two...animalistic ears."

As quietly as possible, Shinobu gasped in his throat as if he was on high alert, "Deacon?"

"Yes?"

"Meet me in my office...right now. Go."

Suspicions confirmed. Shuuichi was in trouble. Big trouble. Just how much trouble he was in, Shuuichi would find out as soon as he reached Shinobu's office. Walking from the sanctuary to the office was similar to one's execution or the same energy as a child being sent to their room for a spanking. Shuuichi had hoped this confrontation would not be as painful.

Across town, Kiyoni laid the Lambo to rest after a great night out. The car and the night was a fun ride but the morning felt like total crap. Kiyoni's little confrontation between herself and Shuuichi had really triggered her emotions, leaving her in a temporary state of confusion.

What the hell is Suu'chi's problem? What the hell is my problem? Why am I feeling like...like I just…?

Kiyoni sighed before exiting the vehicle, "Fuck it. Not my concern. I got part of what I wanted."

The taste of Shuuichi's inner juices felt like receiving a participation trophy, one Kiyoni humbly accepted. Getting him drunk and comfortable enough for him to really let himself loose was the better part. The more Shuuichi was comfortable with Kiyoni, the easier it would be to sleep with him. That is the M.O. of Ikeda Kiyoni.

Inside Aphrodisia, Aiko sat in her dressing room painting her nails and she was the only employee there. She had her reasons why and one of them is on her way.

"Had a good time," she asked.

Kiyoni approached the doorway wanting to laugh over the fact that she was caught, "Plenty. Ruka said, 'Hi'."

"Did you fuck him?"

Kiyoni bypassed the question in favor of tossing the card over to Aiko, "Give...Butajiri my regards."

Aiko grinned as Kiyoni stepped away. She knew Kiyoni hadn't given in yet which meant that the bet was still ongoing.

"Tick tock, Ikeda," she quietly warned, "Tick. Tock."

Tension was built within Shuuichi's body while awaiting Shinobu's arrival. With his right foot wiggling over his left knee and thumbs twiddling, Shuuichi silently prayed to the Lord above for a pleasant turnout.

Please, God, let this go over well…

"Deacon," Shinobu entered.

"Father."

"Huh," Shinobu sat and noticed, "You have gone through some changes. I don't remember seeing your hair that shade of red before."

"Miss Ikeda thought that I...needed a makeover."

"Everyone is entitled to one at least once in their lives. Give her my regards. However, I'm sensing a new hairstyle isn't what we're here for."

"As I've said. Last night brought out a different side of me."

"How different?"

"Well…" Shuuichi removed his hood, "Would you count this as different?"

Shinobu's eyes widened upon the sight. His brightest pupil with a pair of, "Fox ears?"

"Fox ears? Did you just say that these are fox ears? Father, am I a fox yokai, a kitsune?"

"Calm down, deacon. Let's ease into things."

Shuuichi urgently stood and paced back and forth, "What's next? Am I gonna sprout a tail soon? How many tails would I have? Would I yelp like a fox?"

"Deacon, please-?"

"Is this to be expected? How long have I been like this? Were my parents like this? Matter of fact, Father, you've never told me much about my parents. Are they the reason why I'm like this?"

"Deacon, please? Have a seat."

Shuuichi finally sat back down and took a deep breath, "Sorry. I've never been this...worked up before."

"I can see that. I have something that just may answer one of your questions," Shinobu reached beside him and pulled out a box that was no larger than a coffee mug.

"What's that?"

"Your parents...left you here on our doorstep when you were an infant. Raised in the church ever since. However, they didn't leave without a parting gift. This necklace."

"A necklace?"

The necklace contained an uncut bloodstone encased in a cross-shaped binding on a thin, leather strap that could reach Shuuichi's navel.

"They wanted me to have that?"

"Yes. They specifically asked for it to be given to you when you've reached this stage in your transformation. Would you like to try it on?"

"Yes. If that is what I have of my parents, then, yes."

"Very well," Shinobu pulled out the accessory and hung it around Shuuichi's neck, "How does it feel?"

"Father, I...I don't know what to say. It's such a...sentimental moment. It's like I can feel the energy of my parents coming through this stone."

Shinobu smiled, "That's good because…"

"Hm?"

"...In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." At that moment, the stone around Shuuichi's neck glowed brightly.

"What's happening? Father, what's going...on…?"

Shuuichi hunched over as if in pain. He grunted and huffed in anguish as his entire body was transforming. Elongated nails, longer, silver-gray hair to match the ears and tail, and a slightly, more muscular frame. The last of the metamorphosis ended when the eyes shifted from green to amber gold and the mindset from mild-mannered to wild and perverse.

Shinobu leaned back on his desk, cross-armed and satisfied with what he saw, "Welcome back…Kurama. It's been a long time."

Confident to the edge of cockiness, liberated, cool, calm, and with that same right ankle over that left knee, Kurama rested his head on the back of his right hand, "Honestly, Shinobu. Did you really think I was going to lie dormant in that body for another ten years and not find a way to say hello? How many times must we go through this?"

"For as long as I live and breathe and as long as I am your master. That's how long."

"You know I am highly capable of killing you," Kurama snarled.

"And yet, you won't. Not as long as you're under the mercy of my control. And they say foxes don't make great pets."

Kurama growled, "Shinobu…"

"Easy there, now. I'm sure there's a logical reason as to why you decided to come out now. However, you're early. Way too early."

"Too early for what?"

"To go on an escapade with us. Honestly, when was the last time you've shed some blood, hm? I know you miss it."

"More than you know."

"Well, I'll have you know I've recruited quite the team since our last outing. An ice apparition who can make snowflakes feel like needles, a humanoid yokai who can light the town pink, a master of aqua manipulation, a young psychic who can create realistic worlds just by playing video games, and then there's me, the orator, the shepherd of that very flock with you as the right-hand man."

"Sounds like a pretty pathetic flock if you ask me."

"Come again?"

"I've dealt with opponents that were far stronger than your team combined. From deadly, dark makeup magicians to invisible bomb makers. Who do you think was responsible for blinding counselor Yomi?"

"That was you? Nevermind. That's not the issue here. The issue is now and tonight."

"Tonight?"

"Yes. The city is getting ready for the new year festival which means activity will be out and about and things will be busy here as well. This is your only chance, Kurama. Your only chance at freedom."

Kurama raised an eyebrow, "You're...letting me walk?"

"Of course I am. However, don't think I won't need you later. I have my ways of getting to you."

"Hmpf. That's all you needed to say."

"I'm serious, Kurama. One. Chance."

Kurama stood at the doorway, silently laughing at Shinobu's assertion, "If that's a threat, then it's a weak one. However, I will take heed and enjoy my freedom. For now."

"Good."

Out of sight, Shuuichi, now Kurama, returned to his dorm to plan out the activities for the day. There wasn't much he wanted to do except maybe cause some trouble and be petty here and there. Tonight would be the star of the show. Using the memories of his human host, Kurama knew of one thing he wanted to do and whom to do it with. He just had to find her.

As soon as the sun disappeared from sight, Kurama took off, leaping from building to building with great speed and agility. It had been so long since he felt the wind blow through his luscious locks that the cold, December air didn't bother him at all. True to form, Kurama did what he had originally set out to do. He pilfered a few delivery trucks during their stops to grab a bite to eat and bothered a few pedestrians on their way home. The redeeming thing he did was pick up some flowers for his lady of the evening. The bad thing about it was that the flowers were stolen from residential gardens and flower shops.

Stepping up to Aphrodisia, Kurama noticed the bouncer allowing some patrons inside. He adjusted the thick, dark hoodie taken from Shuuichi's closet and walked through the crowd with his game face on.

Knowing what he knew about how the bouncer treated Shuuichi, Kurama came up with a plan, "Hey! Asshole!"

The bouncer was a muscular man of Afro-Asian descent who had the looks of the character, Blade, and the attitude of a biker. He looked over to his left and was taken aback by what he saw, "Who the fuck just-? Shhhhhhhhit! It's...it's you!"

"Sorry. Have we met?"

"N-n-n-no, sir," the bouncer trembled.

"Thought so. Oh, wait. I remember now. You're the son-of-a-bitch who kept treating my colleague, Shuuichi, like shit. Can't say that I blame you but that still doesn't sit well with me."

"P-p-p-please! Whatever I said to that guy, I-I-I didn't mean it. That's just how I am, okay? I'm sorry."

"Here," Kurama handed over the bouquet of flowers, "Hold these for me, will ya?"

Kurama pretended to re-tie his shoes and adjust his pants. Still trembling, the bouncer grabbed the bouquet only to be stabbed in the stomach with its leaves.

"Oops," Kurama observed, "Didn't mean to do that. That's just how I am. I'm sorry. Maybe you should do a better job at treating people with respect. You never know just who they know."

Kurama repossessed the floral bouquet and flicked off any traces of blood before the bouncer collapsed at his feet.

"You might want to get that looked at," he said prior to entering the establishment.

Those around quickly tended to the man's needs. Blood spilled in the Kabukicho district doesn't happen too often.

Aphrodisia was popping in spite of the upcoming new year celebration. Both incubi and succubi were on hand entertaining guests both on the floor and on stage. Kurama walked in like he owned the place, holding the collection of floral fare over his right shoulder. At the bar, Juri hung out with Aiko and Shishi while replacing empty glasses and grabbing new ones.

Shishi gawked at the man entering the club, "Holy shit, it's him."

Juri looked over and gasped as well, "No way…!"

And so did Aiko but she wasn't as shocked as the former pair, "Oooh. Eh, who's him?"

"You mean you don't know," Shishi questioned.

"Nope...but I'd like to."

"Aiko," Juri proclaimed, "You really don't know?"

"I said no. Ears like yours and you still couldn't hear me?"

Shishi squeezed the bridge of his nose, "Aiko...that's...that's one of the most...feared, sought after, ruthless, intelligent, cunning yokai around. His name is Kurama and he's a-?"

"Sexy-ass silver fox? Yeah, I've deduced that. Why is he here, though?"

"No, no, no. You don't understand," Juri informed, "That guy...brings trouble everywhere he goes."

"And the thing is," Shishi added, "he does it all with a smile on his face. If he's here, that can't be good for this cum bucket of a business."

"Sounds like my type of man," Aiko grinned with carnal malice while plucking an olive from a martini glass, "I'd drink every drop of man juice he has. Mm!"

And if Kurama would allow it, he'd let Aiko do it. Kurama had a thing for the incubi/succubi aesthetic. Highly attractive, sexually manipulative, carnally driven. It was all about the numbers for creatures like them and Kurama was there for it.

He occupied an empty booth where a waitress stepped up to meet him.

"I'm not here for drinks," he stated, "I'm here for her."

"I'm sorry," the humanoid tigress server digressed, "Who are you here to see?"

"...Kiyoni."

"Oh. My apologies, sir. Miss Kiyoni is unavailable for tonight. I think she'll be here tomorrow night if you'd like to come back. Would you like a different hostess-?"

"Did you not hear what I said," Kurama commanded with illuminated eyes and a threatening tone, "I'm not here for any other one of your whores. I'm here for one woman and one woman only. I want her here now."

"Like I said, sir. She's not here tonight. If you would like, we can offer you a different hostess-"

"I'll take it from here," Aiko assured from behind.

"Aiko!"

"Go on. You have drinks to serve."

"Th-thank you," the waitress took off with her tail literally in between her legs.

Kurama returned to his normal demeanor, "And you are…?"

Aiko casually sat down across the table from the foxy guest after lighting a cigarette. She toked and exhaled before saying, "Yamashita Aiko. Word on the street is that you're like the big, bad wolf in the yokai world."

"Fox," Kurama specified while looking at Aiko's ample bust in her red babydoll outfit.

Game recognized game so Aiko played along, "Like what you see?"

"Indeed. Nice pair."

"Thank you. If you like, we can go-"

"But I'm not here for them."

"Excuse me?"

"I'm not here for either them or you. I'm here for someone else."

Aiko looked around the room, "Take your pick. We have plenty of options. Of course, all of us have a price-"

"She's not here."

"Who?"

"While I respect the work you do, I'm not here to partake in any of it. The one I want isn't here and I want to know where I can find her. If you were wise, you'd tell me now."

Why the fuck is that cunt muffin getting the good ones?! "Are you sure," Aiko slid a foot against Kurama's leg, "Another word on the street is that you haven't experienced the pleasures of a woman's touch in years. You don't think I'm up for the job?"

By now, said foot has inched along Kurama's inner thigh.

Kurama put an end to that, "I'm sure you could but it'll be a waste of your time and my...desire. Information. Now. Or else this eloquently-pedicured foot...will be split in half."

Aiko could feel the pain burning within her foot as Kurama squeezed it, "Ahh, ahh! Okay, okay! She has the night off. If I know her, she should be at home. I-I-I can give you her address. Please stop!"

With a sadistic grin, Kurama released his grip, "No need. I have what I came for." He grabbed the flowers and exited the club like the bandit that he once was.

Aiko cradled her injured foot as Shishi and Juri approached her.

"Aiko," Shishi called, "Are you okay? What were you thinking?"

"Shit," Aiko winced, "That son-of-a-bitch."

"What happened," Juri questioned.

"He...he was here for Kiyoni. What the fuck does she have that I don't? A magic, magnetic twat or something?"

"Kiyoni," Shishi repeated, "Well, that just sweetens things, doesn't it?"

"What do you mean," Juri queried.

"First, it was choir boy. Now, it's the most popular fox yokai known all over? I can imagine the threesome."

"I'd watch that," Juri admitted.

"Same, Juri. Same."

"Will you assholes shut up and help me," Aiko roared, "You look like Kiyoni's daydreaming has gone contagious."

Kurama took off once again towards Kiyoni's apartment, smiling over the possibilities he could have with her. Oh, the possibilities...

And that concludes part one of this story. Arc one: The Introduction. Part/arc two begins with chapter twelve. Stay tuned!