The courtyard of the Lighthouse compound was filled with parents and children leaving for the school day, most of them taking the bus to the city's international schools. Other residents who were employed, left to take on another day. Those who remained got to work on the campus maintenance including the church.

After assisting Kiyoni with the cleanup of her apartment, Kurama made the trek back to the church. It tugged at his heart the string of bad luck that fell on her and it pissed him off over who was responsible. Shuuichi felt the same way in terms of anger but he was confused as to why Shinobu would go so far. What did Kiyoni do? Was it because she turned down Shinobu's offer to return to church a few months back? If it was, Shinobu is extremely petty.

Due to leaving the window to his dorm unlocked, Kurama finding a way inside was easy so long as he was unseen.

"And you said that was a bad idea," he teased.

"It is," Shuuichi responded, "I'm willing to bet it's freezing in the room right now."

"You'll get over it. There are more important things to think about."

A couple of knocks on the door brings momentary tension.

"Deacon," Touya called, "Are you awake?"

"Shit," Kurama breathed.

"Do something," Shuuichi urged.

Kurama leaned against the door and spoke using Shuuichi's voice, "Brother Touya? Yes, I'm awake."

"Oh, okay. I didn't see you at all last night. Where did you go?"

"Oh, you know. I went...train hopping...again. You know."

"Oh. Well, Father wants to see us in the sanctuary. He said the church was attacked last night."

"Bastard," Shuuichi proclaimed.

"Why am I not surprised," Kurama gritted through his teeth.

"What was that," Touya questioned.

"You go ahead. Thank you for the message. I'll be there shortly."

"Okay," Touya took off.

"This is not good," Shuuichi stated, "No one knows about us."

"That's probably why Shinobu is calling for this meeting," Kurama guessed, "He's clearly taunting us."

"Should we go?"

"We don't have a choice. We have these necklaces. Only he can switch us over and neither of us know how or why. We have to go through this."

Shuuichi sighed in his throat, "Ready when you are."

The sanctuary of Lighthouse Tokyo looked like a small tornado went through it as people entered the establishment. More than half of the pews were either destroyed or blown away towards the front door. Areas of the floor looked like a Chicago street in the middle of winter with its multiple potholes. Shards of glass from the windows and ceiling were scattered near the choir's sitting area and underneath the audio and video area. The large cross that was hung by two wires was now dangling by one and bits of The Last Supper were charred. It was devastating to look at it all.

Yukina joined Touya, Natsume, Zeru, Makihara, and others in the impromptu meeting. Shinobu stood in the middle of the devastation, visibly upset and disappointed in what happened to his blessed home.

"Father," Yukina queried in between tears, "Father, what happened?"

"Who would do such a thing," Touya followed.

"Brothers and sisters of Christ," Shinobu announced, "I'm afraid...I'm afraid the war has finally come to us. This was clearly the work of those who are against God's word, God's love."

"Father…" Natsume stepped forward, "just who? Who would do something like this?"

"If you can, find a seat and I will tell you...the one responsible."

"You know," Touya inquired.

"Yes. In fact, he's on his way here."

Everyone found a seat with the ice apparitions creating ones for themselves. Those with superpowers developed a sense of anger at the destruction and they wanted retaliation. Why? Why would someone want to attack a church? A church is just as respected as a traditional temple. Who would go against God so much to destroy one of his many houses? For those deep in the faith, they believe in karma. They believe that whoever was responsible will get theirs in God's holy name.

"I'm willing to bet it was Kurama," Makihara assumed.

"Kurama," Zeru questioned, "You know of him?"

"He ain't hard to ignore. Word about him travels faster than a landslide after an earthquake."

"Hmph. You're not wrong about that."

"Brothers and sisters, relax," Shinobu assured, "The guilty shall receive their punishment in God's name. And we will be the ones to do it."

At that moment, the back door to the sanctuary creaked open. Everyone inside stood at attention for what or who was about to come.

"No way," Zeru noticed.

"It's him," Natsume concluded.

Kurama had finally made his presence known to the church community. He stood there in front of Shinobu and his followers as if he was the guilty party and didn't give a damn about it. However, if Kurama was going down, he wasn't going to do so alone.

"Welcome to Lighthouse Tokyo," Shinobu greeted, "Are you here to finish what you started or have you come seeking salvation?"

Kurama stood there giving Shinobu the side eye. Shinobu knew damn well he was the catalyst behind what went down last night.

"What is everyone doing," Shuuichi wondered, "Can they not see who the culprit really is?"

Kurama scanned the room and sensed the tension. How dare this yokai come and destroy a house of worship so near and dear to the congregation's hearts? Just who does Kurama think he is?

Simple, he's a strategist. "Forgive me, Father," Kurama apologized while kneeling before Shinobu, "I've seen the error of my ways and have come to seek salvation."

Shuuichi doesn't protest, thinking that this was Kurama's way of isolating Shinobu in front of the congregation.

Shinobu displayed that sick, sadistic grin that has fitted him so well, "Salvation? You're here for salvation?"

Kurama read the room again, noticing just who he saw last night. Just about everyone but Yukina remained in Kurama's memory except they were conscious and devoid of the memories of last night. Didn't stop them from looking at their surprise guest with vengeance on their minds. Shinobu is more deranged and powerful than Kurama thought.

"Yes," he said, "Salvation."

By then, Natsume, Zeru, and Touya all have their weapons drawn.

"Brothers. Sister," Shinobu pleaded, "Please. Despite the disarray, this is still a house of worship. Kurama will receive the brunt of our wrath but not like this. Besides, he has come of his own volition seeking Christ's love. Isn't that right, Kurama?"

"Yes, Father," Kurama answered.

"But, Father," Touya argued, "He is one of the worst of the worst. An absolute lowlife. Destruction is all he knows. We may not be the ones to inflict judgment but he still committed a crime in the eyes of man. I say we should turn him over to the police." Others agree.

"No," Shinobu insisted, "I will handle him. We have many things to discuss anyway concerning his initiation to God's army."

"Like what?"

"For instance, take a look around this room, everyone. When I called this meeting, I asked every member of the clergy to attend, did I not?"

"Well...yes. That's true."

"Right. Who are we missing?"

Everyone looked around again. "Wait," Yukina gasped, "Deacon Shuuichi! He's not here!"

"That's correct, Sister Yukina. Want to tell us more, Kurama?"

"If he's hurt in any way," Natsume threatened, "I'll send you to Hell, myself."

"Father…" Kurama recommended, "perhaps now isn't a good time?"

"This isn't a good place, either," Shinobu replied, "Everyone, grab what you can to get the clean up started. I will handle Kurama, myself."

"Are you sure," Touya volunteered himself, "Allow me to join you in case he tries anything."

Try anything, Kurama thought. Allow me to introduce you to a succubus I've recently gotten to know. The two of you seem to have the same mindset.

Shinobu rejected, "No need. I will be fine, Brother Touya. You'll be more useful here."

Touya glared at Kurama as the latter stood. Kurama glared the same way. If only Touya knew the way things were going.

Shinobu entered his office first with a smile on his face. He predicted the turnout he witnessed and felt the need to gloat about it.

"I was wondering just how long you were going to last out there."

"Enough bullshit," Kurama demanded, "You have some serious explaining to do."

"Oh? Concerning?"

"Just what the hell is your deal? The ambush on me last night, breaking into Kiyoni's apartment," Kurama pulled out the necklaces and slammed them on Shinobu's desk, "These?! You better start talking and start talking right now or else this church is going to have to look for a new 'Father'."

"Tsk tsk, Kurama. Thou shalt not kill. He who is without sin, cast the first stone. You must be full of sin considering there's a mountain named after you."

Kurama grabbed Shinobu by the collar and growled, "I don't have either the time or the patience for jokes! Explanation. Now."

Shinobu peered down and picked up one of the necklaces, "I assume your plans with Miss Ikeda last night didn't go well?"

Kurama narrowed his eyes, "Not that it's any of your business but concerning that thing you have in your hand...no."

Shinobu chuckled, "You've lived for hundreds of years and yet you know nothing. Hilarious. Kurama, the reason why the switch didn't work is because only I can perform the ritual."

"Why you?"

"Because we signed a blood oath. I put in my signature the night of the soul transfer. You and Shuuichi signed your names the day Shuuichi scraped his knee."

"What?"

"These two stones have been anointed by both my blood and yours. The stone that was used to collect your blood the moment you died had already had my mine on it, symbolizing your submission to me. The day I rubbed Shuuichi's blood on the other stone, mine was applied to that stone afterwards. That sealed my ownership of you. As I've said, for as long as I live and breathe...I. Own. You."

Frustrated, Kurama tossed Shinobu towards the other side of the office where stood his bookshelf full of material concerning Christian ideologies and theories, history, alchemy, psychology, and books on ancient magic.

"Let's get one thing straight," Kurama snarled, "NO ONE owns me! I am not a possession and I will not be the property of an overzealous, hypocritical asshole like you," Kurama obtained the second necklace, "You're going to do two things. One, you're going to switch the two of us. Two, you're going to break this god-forsaken blood pact you've made. DO IT NOW!"

"And what will you do should I break that pact? Will you live? Will Shuuichi live?"

"What?!"

Shinobu slowly rose to his feet with a hand on his lower back, "I was never told this nor did I care to ask. I have absolutely no idea what happens to you should the pact ever break. I was hoping I'd die with that frame of mind."

"You're lying!"

Shinobu shook his head, "No. I'm not. For all we know, your life literally depends on mine. If I die, you may die as well. Same goes for Shuuichi."

That was something Shuuichi didn't expect to hear, "What?!"

Kurama gritted his teeth while clutching the necklace, "You...you sick, sadistic... manipulative...conniving…"

Shinobu clasped the other necklace, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."

Shuuichi was brought to the forefront once more, "How...how could you…? How could you…?" It was obvious Shuuichi was boiling in anger.

"It was either this life or death," Shinobu said nonchalantly, "I'm sure you wouldn't want the latter considering what you have now."

"You sacrificed my life...and for what? For what? For glory? For recognition?"

"For God."

"Enough! It's becoming clear that your own plan was never for God! It was for your own insignificant, selfish reasons!"

"It is for God and you're too naive to realize it! Look around you, Deacon! Yokai intermingling with humans? Humans blending in with yokai?! It's ridiculous! It's disgusting! This is not the world God wanted when he created it! We are in the final days, Shuuichi. The four horsemen are already making the trek around the world in preparation for Satan's arrival. I intend on saving souls before the great rapture, bring yokai to God's light so that he may reform them in his kingdom."

"While senselessly murdering those who refuse? What sense does that make?"

"Plenty. If they won't repent, death will come for them. Who's to say that we're not the ones to bring said death?"

"Who's to say we're the ones to bring death?! I can't believe what I am hearing and seeing from you. I am in utter disbelief. I trusted you. I've respected you!"

"I'm still to be respected and trusted. I saved you, took you under my wing. Did all those things to prepare you for the war to come."

Shuuichi stepped forward, "You're right, Father. There is a war to come. Sadly, you and I...are on opposing sides." He stormed out of that office, slamming the door behind him without a second thought.

"Believe me now," Kurama questioned.

"You rest now. I'll take it from here."

Kiyoni was left feeling alone and distraught over the damage done to her apartment. She was grateful for Kurama's assistance in the clean up but there was absolutely nothing that could repair the sentimental destruction. Kiyoni cherished everything she had on that altar and for all of it to be destroyed felt like an immediate and irreplaceable detachment from her family and faith. The way her rainbow-colored, chakra meditation mat was ripped apart felt like her spiritual self was broken. It was the first housewarming gift she received from her brother upon her settlement in Tokyo and it was one of the last gifts she received from him before his passing. The icing on the shit cake was the writing on the wall. Reading the passages felt both racially and sacrilegiously triggering. Why? Why is Shinobu such a "Karen" when it comes to religion? It all added weight to the beef Kiyoni has with the church leader.

"What happened," asked Shishi and Juri via a video call on Kiyoni's laptop.

Kiyoni sadly looked at the broken pieces of her mini statues. All but one of them were destroyed, "My apartment was broken into last night. They broke these. Ma'at, Auset...Hathor. My mother gave me these."

"Holy shit," Shishi sighed.

"Do you know who did it," Juri prodded, "Did you call the police?"

"And tell them what, Juri? 'Yeah, hi. I'd like to file a police report. Yeah, some religious assholes broke into my apartment and busted my shit and then had the nerve to write on my wall in blood all because I'm not a Christian," Kiyoni placed a hand down as if she was hanging up the phone.

"Well, that counts as breaking and entering, right?"

"Wait, wait, wait," Shishi pointed out, "Did you say someone wrote on your wall…? In blood?"

Kiyoni panned the camera of her laptop towards said wall, "See?"

Half of the writing was scrubbed off the wall. All that remained was the second half with a bucket and sponge sitting on deck.

"What the fuck?! Gross! Blegh! Do you know how long that's gonna take to get that off and disinfected? Blegh!"

"I'm with Shishi," Juri agreed, "Blegh! That's really disgusting."

"Given what's written on the wall, it's obvious who's behind it," Kiyoni stated.

"What did Kurama say about it," Shishi inquired.

"Kurama," Juri repeated, "You saw Kurama?!"

"Juri, calm down. I talked to him too."

"Wait, what?! Okay, what's going on here?"

Kiyoni's phone rings. Shuuichi is calling. "As much as I'd like to explain things," Kiyoni announced, "I gotta take this. Shishi, you can do that."

"Why me," Shishi exclaimed.

"Because I want to know," Juri answered, "The both of you dealt with Kurama and have the nerve to live and talk about it?! One of you is going to serve some tea today."

"Later," Kiyoni ends one call for another, "Moshi Moshi? Which one am I speaking with?"

"Kiyoni," Shuuichi stated, "Go to Shibuya. I'm on my way there at the moment."

"I...I really don't feel like going out today."

"As understanding as I am about that, I need you to come out and meet me. Shuuichi, me."

Suu'chi… "Okay. I'm coming."

Sometime later, Shuuichi waited for Kiyoni in the sitting area of Shibuya's hachiko statue, a popular place to meet up with friends and family. Hachiko statue is named after an Akita dog named Hachiko who loyally waited for his master, a professor at Tokyo Imperial University, to show up back in the 1920s. He continued to wait for his master for up to ten years after said owner passed in 1925. A bronze statue was made in his honor and Hachiko reunited with his owner in Aoyama cemetery. If anyone was looking for anyone in the Shibuya area, the statue would be a great place to start.

The area itself did contain traces of frost and ice from a short snow shower and the sun melting some of it on the benches, the ground, and statue surrounded by frost and ice-covered bushes in the back. It's a weekday so pedestrian traffic is expected and busy with those who are commuting, shopping, resting, or loitering. Given the cold, Shuuichi decided to bundle up this time, bringing out a thicker winter coat complete with a scarf, gloves, and a hat for his ears. He checked his phone a few times just to keep up with time.

Kiyoni finally emerged from the station after looking everywhere for Shuuichi, hoping she would find him both in mind and body. Just look for red hair, just look for red hair…

"Shuuichi," she called, approaching the meeting point.

Shuuichi looked behind him, "Kiyoni."

As if Shuuichi had covid, Kiyoni stood within the six feet range of him, unsure of who is who. Shuuichi stood there, himself, to get a read of her. Despite wearing the same winter outerwear Kiyoni wore the night of the first date, her pheromones screamed uncertainty. She had every right to feel that way.

Shuuichi repeated, "Kiyoni-"

"How do I know it's you? How do I know I'm speaking with Minamino?"

Shuuichi knew that Kiyoni would have some trust issues given what she went through and understood that. However, he had his own share of trust issues given what he witnessed.

He made it known through his facial expressions, when he said, "Kiyoni...we need to talk."

"About…?"

"Let's start with that bet."

Adrenaline kicked in. Kiyoni felt her heart drop to her stomach only to jump right back to its normal spot. If Kurama cared about the bet, he would've said something about it back at Shishi's condo. However, the wager had nothing to do with him. Kiyoni figured it out right then and there.

"Yep. You're Shuuichi," she claimed.

"I am."

"And you know."

"I do."

"And you're pissed."

"That's more informal than the word I'm thinking of but yes."

"I should start talking."

"Sounds like a wise decision to me. You should."

Because of the weather, the pair decided to take their conversation indoors to nearby Tokyu Plaza where some stores were already preparing for the Valentine's Day holiday, promoting sales for goods and services such as clothing, jewelry, sweet treats, flowers, makeup and accessories, home goods, and spa treatments and massages. Shuuichi and Kiyoni settle for the fourth floor where one coffee shop is joined by a plethora of fashion, lifestyle, and cosmetic stores from brands such as Asics and Mary Quant.

As the two passed the decorative selections of athletic, casual, everyday, and conservative outfits on mannequins, Shuuichi began talking, "Why here?"

"I don't know. I just thought you didn't want to wait for me to start talking. So this floor was random."

"Okay. That's just fine. So…"

Kiyoni sighed, "It was Aiko's idea. That's not to say all of the blame should be on her because it shouldn't but that's where it came from. Matter of fact, Aiko didn't know that I knew because Juri told me about it. When Aiko brought it up to my face, she expected me to go apeshit. Jokes on her."

"Why did you go along with it and why didn't you tell me?"

"I went along with it because I wanted Aiko to shut up. She's been on my ass about the way I do things ever since I became a succubus and began working at Aphrodisia. In her mind, I'm not a real succubus if I'm not busting it open on a daily basis like she does. She and I are on completely different levels."

"And the second question?"

"How would you have taken it? 'Hi, my name is Kiyoni and I'm here to fuck you for a big payout. Mind if I take your virginity from you?' Honestly."

"Honestly, I would have found you to be unethical and definitely fitting for your...lifestyle. Well, I shouldn't say unethical, more like impractical. Is that how you usually approach someone?"

"No. I would at least learn of their names first. Then, after discussing boundaries and fantasies, either I'm on my knees, bent over, or playing touchy-feely with my massages. Well, the latter really. Either way, I'm feeding."

"So by that logic, would you have won the bet if you...did that to me?"

"The bet was placed on my pussy, Shuuichi. If I could get your penis in my vagina before or on Valentine's Day, then I'd win. Simple as that." An elderly couple caught wind of Kiyoni's words and gave her cautious looks as a reaction. "Eh, sorry," she nodded, "Sorry about that."

"I'm still not understanding. Why would you go through with it?"

"I told you, Shuuichi. I did it because...I felt like I had to prove a point. Was it stupid? Yes. Immature? Definitely. Did I really think anything of it? Of course not."

"So the private dance, the movie nights, Club Morningstar...were those...were those a part of your plans?"

If guilt was a baseball player, it would be Ohtani Shohei of the Los Angeles Angels standing at the plate with Kiyoni's head as the ball the way the feeling hit her. A grand slam home run style performance.

She went on to confess, "The first two...yes. Club Morningstar...no."

"Explain."

"Do I have to-?"

"Yes! I want you to come clean, Kiyoni. Right now! Because I am...extremely disappointed in you. No matter how you justify it, you deceived me! I think it's well within my right to know why. You said you didn't have answers for me back at Morningstar. I think you have them now."

Kiyoni looked down at the floor for a few moments as Shuuichi unleashed hell on her. He was right. No matter how Kiyoni tried to justify things, Shuuichi was right.

Finding a sense of calm, Shuuichi lifted Kiyoni's head by her chin, "Kiyoni...talk to me. Be honest, please?"

Damn those eyes. Those bottle-green eyes that could only rival products such as bottles of Sprite, Sierra Mist, Heineken, and melon-flavored Fanta. If Shuuichi could smell emotions, Kiyoni could see them through a pair of eyes. Yes, Shuuichi was upset, disappointed but his eyes also gave Kiyoni a sense of hope, a white flag of forgiveness if only she told the truth.

So, she told the truth, "Club Morningstar...was where I started developing feelings for you. It was where I...didn't want to think of you as a conquest."

Shuuichi took a few steps back, mindful of any foot traffic, "You developed feelings… I see. We're in the middle of January and you didn't tell me then?"

"Well, honestly, Shuuichi, think about what happened that night. We were both freaking out over your ears and whatnot. Did you really think that would have been a good time to lay it all on the line? You sound no different from Aiko. Timing is just not in either of your vocabulary. Besides...I didn't want to accept it myself. Yes, I have an affinity for you. Yes, I'm infatuated with you but-!"

"But what? Kiyoni, tell me," this was another question Shuuichi wanted an answer for, "You're what? In love with me? What happens to a succubus when she falls in love? Kurama already knows but suggests that I ask you."

Kiyoni started walking away, "I'm not answering that."

Shuuichi grabbed her arm, "Kiyoni, considering the stakes, now is not the time to withhold anything from each other. I know succubi feeds off lust. I know you feed from physical touch. What about love? Does it weaken you? Sicken you?"

Kiyoni looked over in the distance where she saw the same elderly couple from earlier at a jewelry store getting their wedding bands refitted. They tell the store employee their love story and gush over the sweet parts such as how they met, the day the bride met her future in-laws, their wedding day, and the days they became two-time parents. Kiyoni grew secretly jealous of the couple not because they're married. Anyone can get married. She was jealous over the love they shared and of how long it was shared.

Being what she is, Kiyoni explained, "It's the same for incubi as well. We avoid falling in love because...it kills us. We're creatures of lust, Shuuichi. The opposite of lust is love and chastity. Those things are our poison."

Shuuichi stood there in shock as Kiyoni walked away. It...kills you?

After gaining some considerable distance, Kiyoni peeked behind her, "Suu'chi?"

Shuuichi backed out of his train of thought as he stood directly in front of the Asics store. He scanned the storefront, checking out the latest for the upcoming spring season.

"I'm...I'm here."

"Let's check out the coffee shop."

"Sure."

Tully's Coffee was a quaint, little coffee shop that had its own selection of specialty coffees, teas, and treats. Across the room from where people waited in line to pick up their daily pick-me-ups and grub, Kiyoni joined Shuuichi at a bar that stood against the wall underneath the store's name. The shiny, clean bar table and matching white seating all against a wooden wall provided a comfortable atmosphere expected of a cafe. Sounds of activated coffee and tea machines, employees communicating with each other and customers and local popular music became the backdrop for the moment of silence created between the pair. Shuuichi was enjoying a serving of apricot peach tea with a slice of baked apple and cream cheese pie while Kiyoni indulged in some pink hot chocolate with two chocolate donuts with caramel swizzle.

Shuuichi decided to break the silence, "So tell me. How is a succubus or incubus made? Is there a process?"

"A process?"

"You said being a succubus is just as much of a choice as following the ways of Christ so is there a process to becoming one?"

Kiyoni took a sip of her hot chocolate to wash down a bite of her donut, "You really want to know?"

"I wouldn't have asked if I wasn't."

"Promise you won't judge?"

"You have my word."

Kiyoni was clearly apprehensive but, "...Okay. I'll tell you."

It happened about nearly three years ago at this point. Kiyoni had just left from a coming-of-age ceremony and she was ready for the future to come. One of the things she wanted to do was get into the same game her older brother, Tai, got into two years before her. What Kiyoni didn't know was that Tai was in training to become an incubus having already worked at Aphrodisia. Kiyoni never went through the same things Tai went through. She just wanted to jump in head first.

"To make a long story short…" Kiyoni informed, "in order to become an incubus or succubus, you have to sleep with what's known as The Entity."

"What's The Entity?"

"The entity is...an amalgamation of just about any and everything related to sex. Religions all over the world have names for this entity. From Aphrodite to Ishtar to Oshun to Asmodeus…you get it. However, the entity is non-binary, gender-neutral, intersex, however you want to define it; it is never strictly male or strictly female. On the other hand, when conducting the 'breaking in' ritual, the entity can morph themselves to be whatever deity their next partner believes it to be."

"Breaking in?"

"Ugh, Shuuichi. Think about it. It's about the same energy as kidnappers and wannabe pimps who run trains on their victims so they can be trafficked all over the world BUT that's where the comparison stops. Anyway…"

For the Ikeda siblings, the entity presented themselves as Qetesh, the non-binary, gender-fluid, Egyptian/Semetic deity of sexuality. Qetesh had the plumbing and all the charisma of both sexes in terms of beauty through their androgynous look. Tai and Kiyoni presented themselves completely naked in front of their divine one and the latter was pleased at what they saw. Both were easy on the eyes, young, well-groomed, and physically fit. While Tai was ready for what was about to come, Kiyoni was considerably nervous. She was a virgin that night and was going to lose her purity to a sexually-overpowered being.

"So, you and your brother were initiated on the same night?"

"We were."

"With this Qetesh character? Individually…?"

"That's how it started."

"Started?!"

"Started."

"So does that mean…? You two…?"

"Like I said, the entity is everything about sex. Common or uncommon. Whether it's two dicks, two pussies, a dick and a pussy, two young dicks, two young pussies, an old dick with a young pussy, an old pussy with a young dick, human, yokai, animal pussy or dick getting together, it doesn't matter. Sex is literally...sex. So to answer your question, yes. I had a threesome with my own brother."

That made Shuuichi spit out his drink, coughing violently. Kiyoni sat there finishing her donut, totally ignoring Shuuichi's near-death experience. As people tended to him, Shuuichi assured everyone that he was in good health and that he would be okay as he got his wits together.

"Did I…" Shuuichi clarified between two more coughs, "Did I hear you...correctly? That's incest!"

"Yeah, we should've Netflix and chilled instead of going on that dinner date that one night like I originally wanted to. If you watched the series, Castlevania, you'd know what I mean. But again, sex is sex to the entity. Nothing is taboo."

Kiyoni learned that lesson during her initiation. Within the red candle lit walls and satin red and black sheets of Qetesh's bed, Kiyoni received a hands-on, direct tutorial on how to be a sex demon, starting with her body. Her masturbation game was pathetic compared to what Qetesh gave her. She learned of the ways to tease her love button, how to make fellatio and cunnilingus comfortable for her and her future partners, and what positions to try when engaged in intercourse. There was something about the doggystyle position that brought out the best in her.

Intercourse was the peak of the evening. Kiyoni orgasmed from clitoral, vaginal, G-spot, anal, and nipple stimulation. She orgasmed from being in the top position, the bottom, side, and even upside down. She was pinned against the wall, tied to the bed, a chair, and in the air. She was introduced to toys such as gags, anal plugs, whips, strap-ons, nipple teasers, dildos, and vibrators. Tai received the same treatment as well. For him, it got to the point where he lost the grasp on his idea of masculinity just for the sake of orgasm. He watched his sister get it on with Qetesh. Kiyoni watched her brother do the same thing. Qetesh watched the siblings get it on with each other. For the entire ordeal, it was nothing but sex with only a few breaks in between to sleep, eat, and rest. The downside to the ritual was that it didn't last one night but seven.

"Seven," Shuuichi repeated, "You engaged in intercourse for seven nights?"

"If your god created the heavens and the earth for seven days, what's going to stop a sexual entity from doing the same thing to make a succubus and incubus?"

"So, after all was said and done...what happened?"

Kiyoni finished her donut and took another sip of her hot chocolate, "In short...we died."

"What?"

Servants of the entity found the siblings sharing a bed resting peacefully the morning after the seventh night. In their hands were large swords covered in the midnight black essence of the entity. Tai was found lying on his back and Kiyoni was on her stomach when the servants positioned themselves over the siblings. Simultaneously, both brother and sister were stabbed directly in their hearts. Normally, a wound like that would bring instant death but as the blood of the siblings flowed out of their bodies, the essence of the entity seeped in from the swords, healing both brother and sister.

"We died as humans," Kiyoni clarified, "Only to be reborn as an incubus and succubus. After that, I was hired to join my brother at Aphrodisia where I met Shishi and Aiko and Juri and...the rest is history."

Shuuichi sat in stunned silence. Just what did he hear? Was it believable? Would anyone else believe Kiyoni's story? What to do with all that information?

"I…" he breathed, "I just…"

"You asked. I answered."

"I just…"

"I wish I was there," Kurama stated, "I want to meet this...entity."

"Good morning to you, too, Kurama," Shuuichi sarcastically greeted.

Kiyoni checked in, "He heard me?"

"He said he wants to meet the entity."

Kiyoni giggled and blushed as a couple of fingers touched the tip and bridge of her nose, "Sorry. Invitation only."

Both Shuuichi and Kurama asked, "Really? How?"

"Unfortunately, I never got around to asking my brother about it. I just knew that I didn't want to be away from him. I was already losing touch with my dad and my mom was already in the states so...Tai was the closest family I had. He told me not to follow in his footsteps but it wasn't his choice to make. It was mine."

"So how did you discover your powers? That…special touch of yours?"

Kiyoni slightly blushed, "...Juri."

"Hm?"

"I saw her eyes glow while serving a bachelor party with some drinks. Like you, I thought we could only feed through intercourse. I was still a rookie in the game. So when I called her out on it, she told me everything. One thing led to another and…let's just say she was the first since my initiation. As we sat in bed together, I didn't do much except touch her shoulder. Whether the gift came from her or the entity, I will never know. I just knew that I had it starting with that night."

"So...if you didn't become a succubus or an exotic dancer or even get into that type of industry, what would you have done?"

Kiyoni furrowed her eyebrows. That was indeed a good question but Kiyoni did have an answer, "Actually...I wouldn't know. To tell you the truth, I'm glad I'm in the game. I say that because it helped me discover what I want to do and I'm actually working on it."

"What's that? Dance? You have that down to a science, an artform."

Kiyoni blushed again, "Thank you. However, that's just a hobby. As far as a career goes...I actually want to...go into physical therapy."

Shuuichi was taken aback, "Really? Physical therapy?"

"Okay, I get it. Yeah, it's ironic. I know. How in the world could an exotic dancer work in the healthcare department? I get it. It's not that deep and it's not that complicated. I'm a dominatrix with magic hands whenever I'm not hosting or dancing. So that means I have to pay attention to the body cues my clients give. If they're in an uncomfortable position, we work on it until they're comfortable. I've worked with salarymen and women, athletes, entertainers, tourists, humans and yokai and over time I've learned how bodies work both in terms of providing physical pleasure but also physical relief. Whether it's bad backs, tired wrists, stressed muscles, flexibility problems, all of that. It's really interesting the limits we put our bodies through until we find a way to surpass those limits and discover new ones. It's just like learning. You're only as limited as you make yourself to be. And I learned that ever since my night with the entity. You're only as limited as you make yourself to be."

Shuuichi felt a sense of maturity coming from Kiyoni as she explained her side of the story. Yes, she deceived him but he could overlook all of that because of the way she came clean. Bonus points for her honesty matching the way she smelled. Kiyoni didn't wear any perfume this time and her pheromones smelled of fresh spring water. Understanding Kiyoni's offering to the goddess Ma'at and her connection to water, Kiyoni never told a lie. Not a single one.

"So…" Kiyoni incited, "You."

"What about me?"

"You were there, right? When Kurama…?"

"I heard every word."

"And?"

"I have just as much to say as Kurama does. One, Christian magic. I had never heard of that until this morning. Naturally, I didn't believe it existed."

"And yet, magic is more of a common practice than you think. However, the magic that was used on you…whoa. Makes the shit I said about the book of Psalms look like a children's story."

"Agreed. Then there's you."

"What about me?"

"About how you…feed."

"Okay. To clarify, I'm not as much of a whore as you would think a succubus to be. Aiko wins in that department. The number of partners I've had since my initiation…three. Honest, three. My statement on soul ties and my talents are the reasons why."

"Has there ever been a client with…negative energy?"

"Yes. It, eh…well, let's just say…I'd rather get high off marijuana than drink on a daily basis. The guy I was with was a borderline alcoholic."

"What did you do?"

"I slept with another woman. Made the exchange there. After that, I heard she committed suicide from drugs and alcohol. I felt so bad after that. Fortunately, Juri had already clued me in on the alternative. That was around the time I started looking into physical therapy. I learned about soul ties not long after. It kinda…sickens me how succubi and incubi work the traditional way and yet…it's life. I can't tell anyone how to live their lives if it helps them make it from day to day but…at the end of the day, only I'm in charge of me and my life and that's why I do things the way that I do."

"I can respect that. We don't have the right to judge others on how they live their lives but then there are those who are making it difficult to stay silent."

"Like Shinobu?"

"...Definitely."

"Damn. He's probably living his best life this way and yet–"

"It's at the cost of others. That doesn't sit well with either Kurama or myself."

Kiyoni stared at her empty plate while fidgeting with her cup, "Suu'chi, I'm so sorry for going off on you last night. I really thought that–"

"It's all forgiven. Now that all of our secrets are out, all is forgiven. As a matter of fact, Kiyoni, I'm the one who should apologize."

"For what?"

Shuuichi rested his head in the palm of his hand, "For bringing you into this. I feel so guilty for it. However, knowing what we know now, that part of me would've been brought to light anyway. I remember Kurama saying that he noticed you when we met. If you knew, now, what I'm–we were then, would you…?"

Kiyoni held onto Shuuichi's free hand, "I didn't know a damn thing about Kurama until my coworkers brought him up. After warning me about him, they probably would've pushed me even harder. Minus the connection between the two of you, they're pushing me now."

"What about you?"

"Shuuichi…I was already interested in you when we met. Finding out you have a…split personality…that would be difficult. It kinda is now. I mean, just think back to how we greeted each other outside about an hour ago."

"I understand. If I had the opportunity to walk away from Kurama knowing what he is, I would run away as far as I could. So if there's any time when…you want to walk from this, I won't stop you. I have no right to."

Even though Shuuichi said what he said, the look on his face said otherwise. He was scared, worried that Kiyoni would walk away to live her life as she should. He didn't even have the heart to tell her about the conditions of the blood pact between himself, Kurama, and Shinobu. However, Kiyoni had other plans.

"Oh, Suu'chi. Stop looking so adorable. You look like a frightened and sad little fox puppy," she assured with a gentle squeeze, "I'm not leaving. Shuuichi, what's happening to you sucks ass. Period. It sucks ass, but I find it weirdly interesting. That and…if Kurama wants to make it up to me, I want to see to it that he does."

"Are you sure? It could get dangerous."

"Too late. Shit is already dangerous. But I'm having fun."

Shuuichi huffed through his nose and rubbed fingers through his hair, misunderstanding Kiyoni's logic. How in the world is his situation both dangerous and fun? He'll just have to find out within the coming days.

"One more question," he stated.

"Ask away."

"Back at Morningstar…did you…taste me?"

Kiyoni grinned as she recollected the night in question, "I did. Both your juices and energy."

"What was it like?"

"You tasted like the omelet I had that morning and your energy…was pure. It was…optimistic yet cautious. I wonder why."

"I believe that God gives me strength no matter what I do or get into. That's optimism. However, I'm working on being mindful of those who may take advantage of me. Now that Kurama has awakened, he makes sure that I'm not…too naive."

"Are you saying I may take advantage of you?"

Shuuichi shook his head, "You've been honest with me ever since we got here. From your tone of voice to the way you smell. That builds trust in my eyes. I could use that when dealing with Shinobu."

Kiyoni smiled warmly and it nearly made her cry, "Don't worry. I'm not going anywhere and I'm not going to take advantage of you. Anyone who tries that will have to deal with me and that's on Amun-Ra. You know I can fight."

Shuuichi exhaled in relief, his eyes never leaving Kiyoni. Knowing how he came to be, Shuuichi figured that he shouldn't handle Shinobu alone, even with Kurama in the background. He felt pleased knowing that he has a friend, on the outside, by his side. Would it be enough to take Shinobu and his misled team of the chosen down? It's all in the air at this point.