Upon returning to Aphrodisia, Kiyoni found that the festive vibe was at a stand still. No music playing, the main lights turned on, no laughter, and no one drinking or dancing. Every patron and employee either stood near the back way or near the entrance wondering why the party was placed on pause. It was concluded that Kiyoni wasn't going to get her fix on this night.

"Yo," she called, "What's going on?"

"It's ugly," Shishi responded.

"Ugly?"

"Yeah. Something happened to Risho."

"What happened?"

"Let's just say…" Shishi sighed in a somber manner, "Kurama."

If Kiyoni's heart wasn't inside her rib cage, it would be touching her intestines the way it felt when she heard that name, "He's here?"

"Was. He got Risho."

"How? No one saw him? Where is he? Where's Risho?"

"Kiyoni, no," Shishi insisted as he held Kiyoni back, "Leave it. Leave it alone!"

"I wanna...see! Risho may be an ass but…"

"Kiyoni, stop it! An ambulance is on its way."

"An ambulance?"

Shishi finally released Kiyoni, "Yeah. Risho got fucked up pretty bad. You'll see."

"So it was…?"

Kiyoni thought about it. That scream she heard after Juri's dance must've come from Risho.

Fear has yet to leave Kiyoni at this point, "Shit. Kurama was here."

"That's what I just said."

"It would make sense. I heard something coming from the back after Juri did her thing. He must've snuck inside from there."

"That would be his M.O."

"Shishi," Kiyoni beckoned with an intense look in her eyes.

"Yeah?"

"I need you to tell me...everything you know about Kurama."

"Everything?"

"Every. Thing."

Things didn't look good for Risho as he was carted out of the establishment via a stretcher. Multiple stab wounds made of wood and vine were found all over his bludgeoned body including one that went through his cheeks that prevented him from speaking if he could. None of the wounds were fatal but neither of them were pleasing to look at.

"That is ridiculous," Aiko observed, "Risho is a shitty owner but...he didn't deserve all of that."

"No doubt, this was Kurama's doing," Shishi claimed, "You still wanna know about Kurama, Kiyoni? That's a part of it."

"I want to know as much as you can tell me," Kiyoni proclaimed.

After everyone was questioned by police, Shishi joined Kiyoni along with Juri in Kiyoni's dressing room. Her heart dropped again when she discovered two roses along with a note from Kurama on her vanity.

"What in the bloody fuck?! Ra, what the fuck did I do?!"

"God, what's with all the screaming," Aiko followed, stepping inside, "Are we all having a shitty day?"

"Look at this!"

"Look at what?"

"This! Roses, a note...Kurama has been here."

"Oh, wow," Juri stated, "Never known to be the stalker type. That's scary."

"What does the note say," Shishi queried.

Kiyoni read, "It just says, 'I'm sorry. Please don't be afraid of me. I mean you no harm. I will explain myself if you let me.' I don't know how to take that."

Aiko snatched the note, "Easy. You just take it."

"What?"

"Kiyoni, you have a well-known yokai who likes you. If that thing between your legs can take him down, the rest of us can sleep at night."

"Do you realize what you just said?! Pimping out my own body just so you can have a good night's sleep? The man straight-up tricked me! And then has the nerve, the audacity, the gall, the gumption, the bandwidth to pull this?! You can forget it!"

"Have you forgotten what you are? You are a fucking succubus, sex incarnate, nothing but a slab of pussy, a piece of ass, and a wide-open mouth all on legs. Kurama is a walking cauldron of hormones and energy with morning, afternoon, and evening wood just waiting to be released and soaked in cunt juice and he wants you to be the one to drain him dry. For your sake, I suggest you find him, get on your damn knees, and give him brain so amazing, not even the most prestigious colleges and universities can compare. Put your magic candy cunt to use and get the cobwebs out. Either way, Kurama is a much better option than that stuck-up redhead you're trying to fuck with."

"Why are you still pushing me with that?!"

"You wanna know? You really want to know? Because this whole damn club wants to see you fail, Kiyoni!"

Kiyoni already knew but pretended to be surprised, "Wait. You're not talking about that bet, are you?"

"Yes. All of us have placed a bet on you this time. Even Risho! Judging by how you've been all lovey-dovey with preacher boy, there's absolutely no way, in any hell, that you'll be able to take him down. At least not by Valentine's Day anyway."

"Valentine's Day? You're giving me until Valentine's Day?"

"Tick tock, Ikeda. Tick. Tock."

"You stuck-up, insensitive, careless, heartless, cum bucket having ass, pussy-ass bitch!"

"And you're a scared, uptight, picky, passive-aggressive, pathetic excuse for a sex demon! I'm better at what I am than you and you know it. Why? Because I understand the stakes. You...have forgotten them. Why did your brother bring you into the game I will never understand because this is so not for you. I figured that out the night Juri had a train run on her. As I've said before, admit that you're in love and die already. We'll be more than happy to use the jackpot to pay for your funeral," Aiko stepped away, uttering, "An absolute waste of time and talent!"

Juri consoled Kiyoni as soon as she could, "Kiyoni-"

"Juri, she… She didn't have to..."

It's evident that Aiko's words have gotten to Kiyoni as soon as the former mentioned the latter's brother.

"Shishi, could you…? I'll handle it from here," Juri offered.

"Yeah…" Shishi responded, "...Okay."

Out of Shishi's earshot, Juri incited, "Okay…we're alone now."

"Was it always like this with you? Did–?"

"Yeah. For as long as this club and the red light district became what they've come to be known for…our situation is nearly uncommon."

By now, two tears have fallen from Kiyoni's eyes with more on deck, "How? How did you deal with it?"

"Like Aiko said. I…I did what I had to. I was just like you until…I said…fuck it."

"Is that why you backed down when Shishi was making fun of my first date with Shuuichi?"

Juri nodded, "Yeah. It's not as fun as you would think."

Like Aiko and Shishi, Juri had seniority over Kiyoni and because they share the same condition, become quick friends over time. Like Kiyoni, Juri was placed under pressure due to her services. To deal with it, Juri cracked and hosted a sex party in which the highlight of the night involved Juri hosting a train or gangbang session live for any and everyone to see. While the audience cheered for the succubus, Kiyoni watched in horror and shame. Kiyoni's brother, Tai, was there as well. According to the way he viewed the show, he enjoyed the idea but hated the reasons behind it. Both siblings left the party early afterwards.

"So I'm really alone in all this," Kiyoni assumed.

"Not necessarily. I may have allowed the pressure to get to me but it doesn't have to with you. Kiyoni, you have the potential to set a new standard, to stand out. Ever since I met you, that's all you've done, stand out. Like…I'm really here for your relationship with Shuuichi because honestly, I haven't seen you this happy since you first entered this place and that is a huge come-up coming from…your lowest."

"What about Kurama? What should I do about him?"

"I don't know. I really don't. From what I know about Kurama, this is totally new to me."

"I'm scared, Juri," Kiyoni quietly admitted, "Like…legit scared."

Juri pulled Kiyoni close, "Kiyoni…my best piece of advice is to…call the police. If he shows up, you call the police. Kurama is someone you shouldn't handle alone. I mean it."

Kiyoni broke away to pick up her phone, "Hmph. I doubt the police would do anything if they didn't catch him the last time he was here."

Juri noticed, "What are you doing?"

"I have some apologizing to do."

Catching a name that started with an "S" on Kiyoni's call log, Juri knew what to do, "Oh. Okay. I'll, uh…let you be. Hey?"

"Yeah?"

"Are you going to be okay? I can walk you back home if need be."

"I'll be fine, Juri. I know exactly where I'm going after this."

"Alright. Call me when you make it home?"

"Yeah."

Alone and confused, Kiyoni sat with her thoughts. She never thought she would get caught up in such a dilemma. It was one thing for someone to chase her. That's expected. It was another thing for Kiyoni to initiate the chase. That's also expected of her. However, those things would happen on separate occasions. For all of that to happen at the same time? That's a rarity, if not, a first.

But that was the surface. The bottom of the iceberg contained Kiyoni's feelings about the situation. First, there was Shuuichi. He's sweet, polite, and giving with a growing interest in the inner workings of the world. Not to mention his green game is a ten out of a ten and worth the recommendation. He was also fun to hang out with and didn't require a flashy show to be impressed. That worked for Kiyoni because she was realizing that her life could slow down a bit.

Then, there was Kurama. From what Kiyoni knew of him, Kurama was bad news. Sneaky, conniving, and frightening with a penchant for violence. That may seem fitting for Kiyoni's libidinous, party girl lifestyle. Then, there was that night. Was it bad? Generally, yes. Kurama performed oral sex on Kiyoni and she never knew. An example of stealthing, which is what a stealthy fox like Kurama would do. On the other hand, the act, itself, was exactly what Kiyoni was looking for. That tongue was indeed tonguing. Now, Kurama wants to have a face-to-face meeting with Kiyoni. Kiyoni was caught between a rock and a hard place, between falling in love and continuing to live in lust. At the moment, all of that was set aside when Kiyoni's call went straight to voicemail.

"Hello. You've reached the phone of Minamino Shuuichi. I'm sorry I couldn't take your call. Please feel free to leave a message and I will return your call at my earliest convenience. God bless."

"Wha-? Shuuichi, it's Kiyoni. Look, things are…pretty messed up right about now. I'm scared as hell. Please…just call me back, okay?"

Meanwhile, on the way back to the compound, Shuuichi received a text calling him to meet up with Shinobu, Touya, and Natsume in the church sanctuary. When he got there, he found the three but were joined by more yokai. Most of the main lights were shut off leaving the emergency lights to take over.

"What's all this about," he surveyed.

"Deacon," Shinobu greeted, "I'd like you to meet our newest members. Rinku, Zeru, Roto, and Urashima Ura."

Rinku was significantly older than a human child but was just as immature. His specialty lay in Bluetooth-controlled, robotic yo-yos that launched enhanced ropes through the use of his energy.

Zeru was a fire wielder and was known for his uptight nature, one similar to a high school jock.

Roto was a run-of-the-mill, low-level yokai. A cheater and a thief, his claim to fame are his two middle fingers that double as machetes.

Urashima Ura was a fisherman by day and a mischievous demon at night. His fisherman line and reel serve both as his bread and butter and his weapon.

"Pleased to make your acquaintance. Deacon Minamino Shuuichi. Father, I must speak with you at once. It's important."

"Later. We have more important things to do."

"Such as?"

"Such as indoctrinating our newest members," Shinobu pulled out the necklace and said a few things to his congregation.

"Shuuichi," Kurama summoned, "I need you to listen to me."

"I thought you said you were done talking," Shuuichi retorted.

"I'm serious. Just listen. That necklace is the catalyst to our transformation. Once applied, Shinobu is going to say some stupid phrase and the two of us will switch places. I need you to let that happen."

"Why? So you can ruin Kiyoni's life again? Over my dead body."

"You're only half wrong. Those roses were left for her with good reason."

"A reason you have yet to tell me."

"I want to make amends."

"Blasphemy. You want to save your own hide."

"You wish. Look, if Kiyoni is going to get used to you, she would have to know about me or else she will continue to be an outsider. We need her as an ally."

At the same time, Shinobu spoke to his new followers concerning Kurama's upcoming appearance, "I must warn you now. Kurama is quite strong and ruthless. I highly advise you to not aggravate him."

"I'm serious, Shuuichi. Once we shift, I will find her and I will apologize for my misdeeds."

"Why do you want to do this," Shuuichi questioned.

"Because you care about her and I know she cares about you. Shinobu was right about one thing. Kiyoni will know about us. Wouldn't you feel better knowing that, that secret is out?"

"By having you be the one to tell her? I'd rather do it myself."

Shinobu approached Shuuichi, necklace in hand, "Are you ready?"

"For what?"

"You'll see," Shinobu hung the necklace around Shuuichi's neck, "For in the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." With his back turned, Shinobu listened as Shuuichi disappeared only to reappear as Kurama, "Welcome back, Kur-"

Before Shinobu could finish, he was knocked to the ground by his "pet".

"That's for the last time," Kurama declared.

When he looked up, he saw Shinobu's crew with their weapons drawn from deadly blades to fire to toys. They were also entranced and completely submissive to Shinobu's commands.

"So, this is what you've resorted to? Hypnosis?"

"Exactly," Shinobu answered as he stood up clutching his jaw, "I'm having a hard time taming you so I looked elsewhere. It's amazing how easy it is to capture your kind. So many to choose from."

"Like I thought. Absolutely twisted. Why am I here?"

"Because the final part of their training...is to take you down," with the flick of a finger, Shinobu's crew lunged towards the fox despite the fact that everyone was in the sanctuary.

Kurama managed to avoid Roto's blades and Touya's shards of winter or sharpened snowflakes and Natsume was too easy with another wound to her midsection. Urashima and Rinku were another story as Kurama was taken down by Rinku's yoyo serpentine attack and Urashima's energized fishing line wrapping around Kurama's body, both weapons capable of draining his energy. As Kurama struggled, Zeru surrounded him with multiple fireballs that were more than capable of burning the fox to a crisp.

Shinobu approached Kurama again with a sadistic look in his eyes, "Looks like it is easy to catch a fox."

"You're a dead man...Shinobu."

"More like you. You've done well working for me. However, I'm impatient and can no longer wait for you to come around to aid in my mission."

"What mission?"

"Simple. To convert all yokai to follow the ways of Christ. Creatures like you are an abomination, are disgusting, and must be purified in his holy light. Don't you remember the word from Numbers 27:16 - 17:

"May the LORD, the God of the spirits of all mankind, appoint a man over this community to go out and come in before them, one who will lead them out and bring them in, so the LORD's people will not be like sheep without a shepherd.

"All of you are dark, undesirable sheep that need proper herding and I'm just the shepherd to do it."

"You are full of shit if you thi-" at that moment, Shuuichi's phone rings.

"It's Kiyoni," he determined, "She always calls me around this time if I'm not with her."

"Now that's ironic," Kurama admitted, "A succubus playing the role of a guardian angel."

With the energy he had, Kurama summoned a group of vines to not only free him but to do away with his opponents including Shinobu who dropped his necklace. Seizing the opportunity, Kurama grabbed said jewelry and bolted out of the church before anyone could do anything but not before dodging more fireballs from Zeru and an energized swipe attack from Roto.

"You might want to return that phone call. Kiyoni gets a bit worried if I miss her call."

"Noted," Kurama scaled a building and stopped on the roof. He listened to the voice message and called Kiyoni immediately afterwards.

"Suu'chi?! Oh, praise Ra."

Using Shuuichi's voice, Kurama replied, "Yes. It's me. Is everything alright? I received your message."

Kiyoni collapsed emotionally, "No. Everything's not okay. Everything is fucked up. I'm sorry I lashed out at you. Suu'chi, I'm scared."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Easy now. Tell me what happened."

"Kurama! He happened! He was here!"

"Here? Where? The club?"

"Yes! He broke in somehow, fucked Risho over, and left me flowers and a note asking me to meet with him."

"She received the note at least," Shuuichi stated.

"Suu'chi, I don't know if I should. What should I do? Nevermind. Don't answer that. Where are you?"

Kurama was considerably far from the church when he lied, "I'm at the church."

"I'll be right there."

"No! That's not...that's not a good idea at the moment."

"Well, I'm not staying here! The police are here, asking questions and everything."

"Nor should you be."

"Suu'chi, just let me come over. I could…" Kiyoni wiped away some tears, "could really use some green right about now…and you."

"No."

"Then what the hell am I supposed to do?!"

"Kiyoni...go home."

"What?!"

"Go home. Go home, lock all doors and windows, and stay there. I'll meet you there."

"What if Kurama finds me again? What if he's already there waiting for me?"

"...You let me handle that. Now go."

Kurama ended the call and looked over the city, the light winter winds dancing in his hair. Downtown Tokyo was quite far from where Kurama stood in the Sekiguchi ward so all he saw was the nearby residential apartments and small businesses.

"You're going to come clean, aren't you?"

"I told you. I wanted to make amends," Kurama held out Shinobu's copy of his necklace, "I have to."

"Are you prepared to handle the aftermath? Kiyoni can be quite feisty."

"As much as I like a feisty woman, there's no telling with her."

"You care about her, don't you?"

"I know you do. I just want to know why. And show her what she could be dealing with. Are you prepared for that aftermath?"

Shuuichi sighed, "I guess it'll be a first for the both of us."

"Agreed."

Kiyoni followed Kurama's instructions to a T, going straight home and locking herself in. Still in her outside clothes (a black cutout top and pant set), Kiyoni sat in complete darkness and on her bed with a knife in her hand and in anticipation for anything. It had been a little over two years since she was this frightened and Kiyoni thought she had gone over it. Little did she know, her nightmare was going to last a little bit longer.