The land of the rising sun lived up to its name as a brand new morning began. Another January morning, the city of Tokyo slowly awakened to the sounds of its daily, active transportation and lively pedestrian traffic. All of that was muted from the penthouses of Motoazabu Hills Forest Tower. Looking out from the inside, the sun peeked over the Azabu area of the city, highlighting the leftover snow on the roofs of buildings and on the ground or every open field nearby. On every TV and radio station, the headline of every morning program highlighted the aftermath of the attacks at Kabukicho and the takedown of two of Shinobu's recruits. Freshly showered from a morning workout and wearing a towel around his trim waist and another around his head, Shishi paid attention to the news as it confirmed what Kiyoni and Kurama told him some time ago.

"Believe us now," Kurama asked as he quietly stepped out of the guest bedroom.

"You mean to tell me there's more of you crazy fucks," Shishi questioned from his couch with Kurama behind him.

"They're more insane than I am. At least I'm of sound mind."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Kurama spent a few moments ignoring Shishi to watch the news. A female reporter delivered the details:

"Two yokai were caught by local police between the hours of 20 and 22:00 last night near the Shinjuku and Chiyoda districts. Due to the condition the minors were found in, they are also suspected of causing the attacks within Sumida, Kabukicho, Chiyoda, Shinjuku, and other reported areas. Given the nature of their superhuman powers, despite being minors, they are currently under the supervision of the chief of the yokai division, Sachi."

Shishi looked back, "Minors? So now there are killer kids? Ugh. Good thing, I've yet to swallow any."

Holy shit! He's fully clothed and has a better physique than me? What in the fucking hell, Kiyoni?

"Right. Your kind corrupts bodily fluids," Kurama assumed, "Right."

"Yeah, yeah. We swallow, corrupt, then impregnate whoever we want with it. What happens to them, we don't care. Semen, primarily. Anyway, how many are we talking about?"

According to Kurama, "Those are the only children within the group. Overall, nine by last count. Maybe ten."

"Ten?! What the hell? Why?"

"That's not for you to know."

"Like hell, it isn't!"

"Will you keep it down? Kiyoni is still asleep."

Shishi used his cup of coffee to quiet down, "Right. So what's your next move?"

"Take down Shinobu."

"Shinobu? Who's he?"

"Again. That's not for you to know."

"Well what am I allowed to know?"

Kurama asked with a side-eye, "Why don't you tell me about the bet you placed on Shuuichi?"

"Bet? What bet? There's a bet?"

Kurama narrowed his eyes, "You'd be wise to tell me the truth. Why is there a bet on Shuuichi and what is it about?"

Shishi deflected by offering, "Coffee? Do you like coffee? It's Colombian. Straight Colombian."

"Shishi…?"

No way in Hell was Shishi going to argue with Kurama this early in the morning. It wouldn't be right for a fight to go down in such an affluent place like a penthouse condo.

"Okay," Shishi surrendered, "Everyone at the club, except Kiyoni, placed a bet on whether or not she could sleep with Shuuichi by Valentine's Day. The fact that she's one of us and that Shuuichi is a Christian and a virgin sweetened the deal. In my opinion, the wager is extra appealing now that I know that he…you…you know."

"But why?"

"Because Kiyoni…doesn't give it up like everyone else. Definitely not like Aiko. Remember her? Kiyoni is picky. Yeah, she gets what she needs, I guess, but the way she goes about it is…I don't know. Secretive? I mean, the second either Aiko or myself fuck someone and the entire city knows. If Kiyoni bangs anyone…it's her business alone."

"Meaning?"

"Think of it this way. Aiko doesn't give a damn. She'll host a train using all three stations if it'll get her what she needs and you know what I mean. Juri did it too and she was just as uppity as Kiyoni."

"What do you mean 'as Kiyoni'? Are you saying there are different types of succubi?"

"What the hell do I look like? A dictionary? Anyway, I think Kiyoni said something about soul ties or something. If anyone is granted access to her magic twat, they're lucky. They're special. Given who Kiyoni is dealing with now, you, Shuuichi, whatever the hell you wanna call yourself…are probably lucky. Her reputation is the reason why there's a bet on the two–three of you. As to your other questions, yeah. Juri and Kiyoni are different. How different, I can't say. Well, Juri hosted that sex party so…she's not that much different from the rest of us. Kiyoni is another story. I'll let her talk to you about it."

Kurama positioned himself before the doors of the main balcony to look over the city. Observing the steam coming through the rooftop vents of nearby buildings, thoughts ran through his mind concerning the interactions between himself, Kiyoni, and Shuuichi. Kiyoni gave Shuuichi access to her center at the club a few weeks ago and it was an unforgettable experience. The doors were open again the following night and it was delicious. Could all of that mean that Kiyoni is developing the same feelings for Shuuichi that Shuuichi has for Kiyoni? If so, where would Kurama fit in and how? Or is it all bullshit just for Kiyoni to finesse Shuuichi into sleeping with her?

Sometime later, Kiyoni finally awakened only to feel grumpy, "As much as I would praise the sun, now is not the time. Shit. Shishi, what kind of glass do you have? Diamond?"

"Hiruseki."

"Eh?"

"And a good morning to you too," Shishi greeted, "Breakfast? I'm making omelets. You can have some coffee if you like."

"You know I don't like coffee," Kiyoni took a seat at the kitchen's island bar.

The kitchen also had a modern feel with solid black cabinets, cupboards, and drawers. The counters and island bar display a black, gray, and white marble top with the sinks, faucet, dishwasher, stove/oven, and refrigerator all in a polished chrome finish. Shishi is making omelets using a black, non-stick omelet pan. Mini bowls of additions such as spinach, mushroom, diced tomatoes, and feta cheese sit ready and waiting for Shishi to take advantage of.

"Sorry, tea whore."

Kiyoni buries her face in her arms as if she's going through a hangover, "Where's Kurama?"

"He was just out here with me, watching the news. Heard that two of Shinobu's guys were captured last night."

"Yippee."

"He also knows about the bet."

Kiyoni quickly sat up, "Say what?"

"He knows. Heard us talking about it last night."

Life couldn't be any worse according to Kiyoni by the way she slid her hand down her face, "Ausar, take the damn wheel."

"Sorry."

"So am I. Where is he now?"

"The other guest bedroom. Go. I'll have some food ready for you when you come out."

"You're surprisingly calm about all this."

"Kiyoni…consider this my way of paying you back…for Tai."

"Payback for Tai, huh? So, in his honor and out of respect for our friendship, why did you bet against me?"

Shishi froze where he stood, "The same reason why Aiko proposed it in the first place. If you didn't know, you're one of the shittiest succubi Aphrodisia has. I mean, Tai had a higher body count than you."

"Okay, so?! One, I'm not him and he's not me. Especially now, praise Ra. Two, my client satisfaction rating is just as high, thank you."

"Yes but how? As a succubus, you're practically supposed to be open and wet every second of every day. At the end of the night, anyone with a working voice talks about their escapades to anyone who would listen. Juri hardly talks about hers but we never hear anything from you. Is it really about that soul tie bullshit or are you that prissy?"

"Let's get one thing clear, Shishiwakamaru. I don't have to be like everyone else in that damn club. I get the job done and I get paid for it. Those are the only two things that are expected upon my employment. As far as my life is concerned, the only two things I have to do are live and die and if I want to involve people in that, it will be of my own volition. You may not believe in the things I do but you don't have to and I'm not going to force you to. I've spent years apologizing for who and what I am and I am done with that shit. I am Ikeda fucking Kiyoni and I will not feel bad or apologetic for anything I do, anything I say, anything I like, anything I believe in, and anything that makes me, me. The same thing I said to Juri is the same thing I'm going to say to you. Don't cry when I come out of this happy as fuck while the rest of you end up miserable."

Shishi stood by with his back to Kiyoni and finished an omelet. If there was one thing he knew of Kiyoni it was that she was going to do whatever the hell she wanted to do. She wanted to become a succubus, she became one. She wanted to work in sex industry with her brother, she did that. If she wanted to have a threesome with a yokai fox and a church-going virgin…it's not for Shishi or anyone to know unless Kiyoni opened up her mouth to tell the tale. For as long as Shishi knew Kiyoni, she has always been unapologetic about herself and will continue to do so. It's because of that realization that Shishi decided to no longer challenge her train of thought as she stepped away to talk to Kurama.

Meanwhile, Kiyoni knew she would come under fire for keeping such a secret away from Shuuichi. She just didn't expect to be cooked so soon. She would rather watch Shishi cook some eggs instead.

Inside the unfurnished bedroom, Kurama sat in a windowed corner using the morning sun to warm his back during his meditation. Around him are multiple pieces of uncovered art assumed to be hung on a wall in the near future.

Kiyoni slowly entered with her anxiety high and her heart racing in anticipation of the pending conversation, "Kurama?"

Kurama greeted with one eye open, "Good morning."

"Eh, good morning. Am I...interrupting you?"

"No."

Kiyoni started fidgeting with the sleeves of her jacket, "Eh...well…I... I…"

"What is it?"

"I...I want to speak to...Shuuichi. Is he awake?"

"I told him to rest. He needed it more than I did."

"Well, could you wake him? We need to talk. If you don't mind."

"Just so you know, I don't think now is a good time. Shuuichi and I are aware of what you want to talk about and I don't think I should play the role of a middleman for that conversation. I suggest that you wait until Shuuichi presents himself in the flesh for you to talk."

"But we don't even know when that'll happen."

"You leave that to me. I have to confront Shinobu anyway. For now, I suggest you relax and figure out the things you want to say to Shuuichi."

"Right," Kiyoni prepared to step out, "Sorry."

"Wait."

"Yes?"

"Stay. Tell me about this...soul tie theory."

Kiyoni displayed a small smile. Kudos to Kurama for taking an interest in some of her beliefs just like his counterpart. She closed the door and sat in front of the fox in the same cross-legged position as him.

"The soul tie theory…" she informed, "promotes the idea that there's more to think about when it comes to intercourse."

"Explain."

"Well, thanks to advances in technology and science, we have products that prevent either pregnancy or STDs/STIs. That's fine. That's great. However, intercourse is more than the union of two bodies. It's the union of souls, mindsets, personalities, worlds. You get the idea.

"Anyway, when engaged in intercourse, sure, you may walk away with bodily fluids that you can easily wash off. However, you also leave with a part of their soul. Hence, the soul tie. Soul ties can be good or bad depending on the partners. For instance, say you sleep with someone who has a hard time healing from some sort of trauma and as a result is prone to destructive behavior such as violence or addiction. That...eerily sounds like I'm talking about myself. Anyway, the second you pull away from them, you take a piece of that hurt, that dark behavior away from them and it stays with you. It stays within your heart, within your sacrum and over time, it manifests within yourself, becoming a part of you. The sacrum is the source of creation after all. And then, like a contagious disease, you...exhibit that same behavior as the last partner you slept with. That type of thing is just as scary as contracting the worst STD imaginable. Unfortunately, that's exactly what we do. Well, what they do. Take energy from others and give it to others. Sometimes it's good, other times bad. I guess that's why I partially agree with the Christian teachings about chastity and abstinence and monogamy. However, I believe that sex is a wonderful thing, a natural thing. Just so long as it's done right, is fun, and is with the right partners."

Kurama concurred with that last part, "Fascinating. I never thought of it that way. Is that why you…?"

"What?"

"How should I say it? I was told that you…prefer secrecy when it comes to your service."

Kiyoni placed her hands over her sacral area, "My pussy is a sacred place, one I don't take lightly. Yes, I've dabbled in drinking from the forbidden fruit in terms of anal and oral, but I could probably count on one hand the number of times I've actually transferred energy from client to client. That and I use protection. My real technique lies in these. My hands and my eyes."

"Your hands and eyes?"

"Well, you know how there are words like whore, tramp, hoe…thot, for those who actually work in the sex industry? Those words don't bother us because…that's what we are in a sense. However, in the incubi/succubi world, those like Juri and I are jokingly called either Cupid's rejects or Aphrodite's bastards. I hate those terms. The other reference, and the one I like, is Pleasure's pets. Only Juri knows of this because we have a similar trait."

"Pleasure's pets?"

"Pleasure. From the Greek myth? The child of Cupid and Psyche?"

"Oh, that. 'Love cannot survive without trust' I believe was the moral of that story. But how does that describe your situation?"

"That's in moral terms but in our case, it's more psychological. The best way I can describe it is… Well, are you familiar with the five languages of love?"

Kurama shook his head, "Never been in love. Never had a reason to go that route."

Duh, Kiyoni. Why would you ask someone like him a stupid question like that? "Oh! Well, Pleasure's pets are incubi or succubi who can feed from others with and without the use of intercourse. They do so using the five languages of love. Quality time, acts of service, gift giving, words of affirmation, and physical touch. Juri specializes in acts of service. It's why she's a waitress for the most part. Just walking the floors of Aphrodisia feeds her."

"By that logic, your language is physical touch."

"Yes. My dominatrix work allows me to touch my clients anywhere they want me to. Go further and clients will actually imagine themselves sleeping with me when I tell them to through hypnosis. The more lusty their thoughts, the more energy they radiate. In some cases, all I give them is a simple massage and it's dinnertime for me if it's appetizing. That's why I said the story of Cupid and Psyche should be looked at from a psychological standpoint. The more one…speaks these languages, the more the mind succumbs to the act or feeling of love. I've actually had a couple of clients admit their love for me so long as I kept servicing them. My first year in Tokyo was paid off by clients I've touched."

"So why keep that a secret? Judging by your words, I understand why your coworkers have done what they've done."

"Maybe it's because ever since I learned of what I can really do, I value myself differently than everyone else. Maybe it's because ever since I realized that I don't have to use my body for financial gain, I love my body a bit more than anyone else. Here's the best reason. It's because whatever the fuck I do with my own body is no one else's business other than my own."

"Hmph. Shishi did say something along those lines. So where does that leave Shuuichi since you…? Does that make you a…? Well, virgin may not be the word for you. Celibate?"

Kiyoni grew wide-eyed from those questions, "Well…to put it bluntly, I'm no virgin. I have experience, obviously. I'm not that active so I guess you can say I'm celibate. And…oh…I did… Well, as far as Shuuichi is concerned…"

Kiyoni really had to think about it. That moment at Club Morningstar would give Kurama's question some merit. She sighed and leaned forward on her elbows after a few moments, "Shuuichi is why I don't care about that stupid bet anymore. If I allow him in, it's only because I feel that he's earned it. I'm sure he would feel the same way about me, someday, if I'm lucky, that I'm just as special in his eyes. He may not know of it but he's fantastic at speaking the languages of quality time and words of affirmation. As far as…that is concerned…I was…I was drunk and…a little hungry…"

If Kurama was his old self, he would call Kiyoni out on her bullshit. Sex is sex no matter where or who it comes from. Not only that but Kiyoni is a succubus. Sex should be the only thing she should think about and want to do regardless of who she's with. However, the way Kiyoni explained things makes sex and intimacy to be more personal to her than Kurama thought.

"You are…" he admitted with a slight chuckle, "definitely different from the typical succubus."

"Sounds like Aiko is more your style. She would fuck anything for a payout. You should've seen her at the first sex party we went to."

"You're right. Aiko would've been my next conquest but I met her after you."

"We didn't meet until last night so...you met Aiko first."

"That was face-to-face. Remember. Shuuichi wasn't the only one there in Shibuya that Halloween night."

"You...saw me that night?"

"I did. Thought of you ever since. So did Shuuichi even though he won't admit it."

"Ha. That explains his behavior the next day."

"Haha. Yes, that was...awkward to watch."

"So you were there that night at Morningstar?"

"I was."

"Now, I'm interested."

"Interested in what?"

"Your side of the story. From the dates and the get-togethers...everything."

"Prepare yourself. I have a list of opinions."

And a list of opinions Kurama had. There were times Kurama cringed for Shuuichi when he tried to get into the things Kiyoni was into. There were times where Kurama cheered Shuuichi on whenever he got close to Kiyoni. There were times when Kurama loved it whenever Shuuichi took the time to break free from the Christian background he was so immersed in and Kurama personally thanked Kiyoni for being the inspiration.

Then there was the sexy side of things. The night Shinobu accompanied Shuuichi to Aphrodisia was absolute bullshit. If only Shinobu took the opportunity to get some pussy in his life, he would be a bit more tolerable. Kurama also thought that a gin and tonic was a weak-ass drink just like the weed Kiyoni smoked on the roof. Speaking of Kiyoni, she could not be more appealing when dancing on stage. While Shuuichi played the role of the inexperienced church nerd to perfection, Kurama watched the dance with pride and desire. The same feeling applied during Kiyoni's private show and at Club Morningstar. Kurama could watch Kiyoni dance for hours and if she was comfortable with it, would be given the greenlight to dance on him. Both with and without clothes.

"So... speaking of Morningstar…" Kiyoni hinted, "In the bathroom when we…"

"I was proud of Shuuichi for the moves he made but I was also jealous. I didn't think Shuuichi was ready for something like that but he surprised me. He definitely earned some credit from me."

"So when his ears came out, was that because of you or was that done on his own?"

"Partially me. Obviously, the more energy he collects, whether internally or externally, the more changes he will experience."

"So...what's left for him? Will he turn into...you?"

"I don't think so. What I think will happen is... Shuuichi will be another version of me just like I'm a different version of him. Because of how we got together, we're essentially one, both physically and spiritually. We will fully merge and when that happens, no one will be able to figure out the difference."

That triggered another one of Kiyoni's daydreams. She can see it now. The amalgamation of Kurama and Shuuichi standing proud on top of Mount Kurama with long silvery-red hair, ears, and a matching tail, a gorgeous set of chartreuse green eyes, a body similar to superheroes such as Spider Man and Green Lantern, and a voice that could even melt the most frozen of hearts. By his side would be Kiyoni dressed as the combination of a African and Japanese woman of the highest social class wearing the finest of brightly-colored silks in a kimono from Japan done in African Ankara patterns, rocking thick, waist-length hair done in gold-adorned cornrows and braids, and a head piece that could rival a Nubian or Japanese princess. Down below would be all of the followers of the yokai world with Aiko bowing front and center as everyone else cheered on. It's a wonderful sight.

"Kiyoni…" Kurama called, "Kiyoni…? Kiyoni…!"

"Hm?! What? What did you say?"

By the time Kiyoni came to, she was totally looking at Kurama's torso. Too bad it was covered by a green t-shirt accompanied by a pair of light wash jeans and a black jacket.

"So that's what it looks like from an in-person point of view. Your daydream face."

Kiyoni sucked on her teeth, "Not you too."

"It's difficult not to notice."

Shishi performed a quick vibe check via a couple of knocks, "Everything alright in there?"

"Eh…" Kiyoni nervously replied, y-y-yeah. Yeah, we're good."

"Okay...yeah. Omelets are done."

"Okay! Thanks! We'll... we'll be right out."

"Go ahead," Kurama suggested, "I'll be out shortly."

"Okay," Kiyoni peeled off the floor, "Don't stay in here too long."

"Right." As soon as Kurama was alone again, he reached out, "Did you hear that?"

"I heard amply," responded an awakened Shuuichi.

"And?"

"To be honest, I'm torn. I want to forgive her but… Does she really think I'm special? Does she really have feelings for me? Also, I didn't know anything about love languages. I thought I was being nice, cordial."

"Neither did I. She is definitely wise beyond her years in a way. And of course she has feelings for you, Shuuichi, or else she wouldn't have come in here."

"But...what happens to her?"

"Hm?"

"What happens to a succubus when she doesn't get what she needs? What about falling in love? What happens then?"

"It'll be best for her to answer those questions. The two of you need to talk in person anyway."

"Then we'll have to go back to the church as soon as possible. The sooner we switch, the sooner I can speak with Kiyoni."

"Agreed."

Later that morning, Kurama returned Kiyoni to her home to find it a bit disheveled. "What the fuck," she questioned. It started from the balcony where the glass was busted in order to grant access inside. From there, books that sat on the bookshelf headboard of her bed were all scattered and torn both on the bed and surrounding space. None of her electronics or anything near or around the kitchen were touched but what Kiyoni saw next broke her heart.

"No," she cried, "No, no, no, no, no."

"What is it," Kurama observed.

"Those bastards. Those fucking... bastards…"

Kiyoni's precious, personal altar, the very area she took pride in building and maintaining, was utterly destroyed. All of her incense, candles, crystal bracelets, shot glasses, and mini statues were found in complete disarray. Even her rainbow-colored yoga and meditation mat was torn to bits. Tears flowed from Kiyoni's eyes as if she just lost a close family member upon looking at the chaos.

Kurama knelt next to her, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder, "I'm so sorry."

"This...this meant so much to me," Kiyoni sniffled and sobbed, "My mother gave these statues. My father bought these candles, incense, and bracelets. My brother...my brother had this mat made for me...before he…"

Kiyoni couldn't take it anymore. She lowered her head to her knees and broke down, clutching and crying on what was left of the mat.

"Not only was this altar a symbol of your faith, it was representative of your family."

"Yes! And now it's…it's…" Kiyoni continued to sob. She was that heartbroken.

Kurama looked up at an open area of a wall. What he saw pissed him off, "Kiyoni…?"

"...What?"

"I'm sorry. You may want to look at this."

Kiyoni panned her head up as well. She, too, was pissed off at what she saw. On the wall, written in blood, was a quote from the bible, Exodus 20, verses two through four. The same scriptures Shinobu quoted to Kurama the night they raided Kabukicho.

"Why," Kiyoni wondered, "Why would they…?"

"Easy. To scare you into submission."

"How did they find me? How did they know where I live?"

Kurama looked forward as Shuuichi spoke to him, "Shuuichi is asking for your forgiveness."

"Why? For what?"

"He says he's sorry…he didn't know the information he gave to Shinobu would come back to haunt you."

"Ugh! I'm tired of dealing with this. I can't take much more of it."

Kurama pulled Kiyoni close to his chest and held her tightly, "Listen to me. I'm sincerely sorry for everything that's happened. I truly am. I'm also sorry for your involvement in this mess. However, I want you to know that you're not alone and that you're not going to walk out of this alone. Shuuichi and I...were in it as well. And all of us are going to make it through. You have my solemn word."

At first, Kiyoni was surprised by Kurama's gesture. He must be developing a soft spot for her. However, upon hearing his words, Kiyoni broke down again, still wanting this day to end even though it's morning. Shinobu is getting bolder by the moment. It's time to fight back.