Wednesday night, bible study night. Shuuichi made sure his eyes were wide open and ears on high alert for whatever Shinobu had planned for the evening. Ever since the confrontation about a week or so ago, Shinobu had laid low and so have his followers. Unfortunately, only Shinobu and Shuuichi were aware of what's going on. It's a mystery as to how everyone suddenly caught a case of amnesia after committing murder on the yokai population, the attacks on Kurama, and breaking into Kiyoni's apartment. A mystery Shuuichi intended to solve.

With the sanctuary under construction for repairs, bible study took place in the community area of the church dormitories both virtually and in-person. The community area came complete with a burnt orange-colored couch, two matching plush chairs, one of them a recliner, a 35" flat screen tv with Wi-Fi all on a medium-size stand, a small table where a laptop is set up for the virtual meeting, and foldable chairs from the church dining hall for the in-person attendees. Snacks of pretzels, candies, popcorn, and cookies accompanied bottles and cans of water and soda on the table for those who wanted it and a couple of windows were cracked open for fresh air circulation. Bible study could be quite spirited in terms of member attendance and participation.

As everyone got situated, Shinobu sat on one end of the couch, "Deacon, care to join us tonight?"

Cautious, Shuuichi occupied the other end, "Of course. I wouldn't miss the opportunity to study God's word."

"Shuuichi, he's full of shit and you know it," Kurama stated.

"Not now," Shuuichi mumbled.

Touya claimed the middle portion of the couch and did a test run of the equipment, "Is it weird to say that I'm nervous?"

"About what? You, leading tonight's study session? I don't blame you."

"Relax, brother Touya," Shinobu assured, "You'll do just fine."

"Yeah. Thanks for helping me go over the materials."

"You're welcome. Tonight's subject is quite interesting."

"Let's begin," Shuuichi incited after checking the time.

"Okay," Touya activated the camera and began the class, "Thank you all for coming and tuning in. Sorry about the...mishap. Repairs on the sanctuary should be completed within a month's time. Anyway, let's begin with the Lord's prayer."

The subject for the week focused on gaslighting via mental and emotional manipulation. Shuuichi played the deacon role and recited the following from Matthew 7:15 and Romans 16:18:

"Beware of False prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves.

"Such people are not serving Christ our lord; they are serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words they deceive innocent people.

"May the Lord add a blessing to the reading of His word."

"Think of this, brothers and sisters," Touya stated, "In this day and age with the advancements of technology and the freedom to access any and all information, it is important to know and understand that it is up to all of us, along with the presence of the Lord above, to determine who and what is truthful. To determine who is for and against us. There are those who will try to manipulate you to stray from the path God has chosen for you, has created for you. Never lose sight of that path for the destination will always be paradise."

"But what if their words prove true," Shuuichi questioned.

"Excuse me?"

"You said it, yourself, Brother Touya. We have more access to information today than anyone around who wrote the bible and even before that. While back then, people had to listen to storytellers and visit libraries to find information, we could simply do so from the palm of our hands. With all the research that has been done and the information obtained from that research, who's to say that today's prophets or wolves are not wrong?"

While Touya scrambled to answer, Shinobu did it for him, "Simple, deacon. Those who can back it up with counter evidence. People lie. Evidence doesn't. Also, in order to beat a wolf, you have to think like one. Matthew 10:16 says:

"Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.

"That's why it is important to be well-versed in God's word when facing such challenges. No lie was told when it was said that God and his son are the way, the truth, and the light and that's why his word matters. Wouldn't you agree, deacon? Even now, there are those who twist and add or remove scriptures to fit their narrative. Those are the ones who are the most dangerous and should be dealt with as soon as possible in God's name."

"Is that your intention, Father?"

"Deacon, my intention is only to spread and practice the word of God. Nothing more."

Shuuichi gave Shinobu the side eye, "And what would you do if they refuse?"

Now, Shinobu had everyone's attention, enough to make anyone nervous. However, Shinobu remained as calm as he always was, "Pray. Pray for them to find salvation in the eyes of God."

"That son-of-a-," Kurama mumbled.

Shuuichi furrowed his eyebrows upon Shinobu's response. How dare Shinobu? All of the blood he indirectly spilled. Shuuichi thought he would catch Shinobu slipping but the plan backfired.

After service, Touya pulled Shuuichi aside as the latter assisted in the cleanup, "Hey. What was that about?" It was clear that a calling out was the plan for the moment.

"What was what about?"

"What you did earlier. That...thing with Father Shinobu. That's not like you."

Internally, Shuuichi felt bad for his brother in Christ. Touya is essentially a pawn in Shinobu's game and Touya is none the wiser.

"Brother Touya, you know me. I was just simply challenging the good word. Father made a great point. Readers of the bible can and do misinterpret the words for their own interests. My actions came from a place of uncertainty. That's all."

"And are you satisfied with what you got?"

"I am. Let me propose a question to you. How much of the bible do you believe?"

"Just about…everything. I guess. Except for the parts concerning the aftermath of Eden and the connection from Adam and Eve to Cain and Abel having wives and things like that."

"Right. To this day, I still don't understand the connection myself. Anyway, the reason why I ask is because...I feel as though that...I just have a bad feeling about the things that have been going on lately."

"What do you mean?"

"Has Father ever explained to you why the sanctuary is under repair?"

"Yeah. He said it was Kurama. We've all seen him. Where were you by the way? Everyone was there but you."

"I was there."

"What? Where? I didn't see you."

"Come with me," Shuuichi led Touya upstairs and straight to the communal bathroom.

"Shuuichi, what is going on?"

Shuuichi faced Touya and said, "Take a look in the mirror, Touya."

"Why?"

"Just look."

"What in the-," the second Touya gazed at Shuuichi's reflection in the mirror, his jaw dropped, "What-? What am I…? You...you…"

"I am."

"This doesn't make sense! You...you're…"

"It's true. I'm Kurama, Touya, and Kurama is me. When you saw Kurama...you saw me."

Touya stared at the image seen in the mirror, "Wait… I...I get it now."

"You do?"

"Yeah. The ears, the strength, the speed. It's no wonder why you've been changing these last few weeks. But how can that be? What does that make you? I thought you were a human. Are you human? Are you...a yokai?"

"I'm figuring that out myself."

"Does Father know?"

Shuuichi had to laugh a little, "Not only does Father know...he's the very reason why I'm like this."

Touya's eyes widened upon hearing the news, "You're kidding!"

"I wish I was."

"How? Why? Shuuichi, we...we could've killed you!"

"But you didn't and it was all because Shinobu manipulated the situation," at that moment, Shuuichi laid it all on the line, "Touya, Shinobu has been behind everything. The attacks on the yokai community, my situation, Natsume's stint in the hospital. This has all been Shinobu's doing."

"Why? Why would he do that?"

"Shinobu portrays himself as an innocent shepherd doing the Lord's work. All the while, he's been nothing but a vicious, alpha wolf out to deceive the masses. The two yokai who were caught by the authorities, they were members of this church and yet, Shinobu has done nothing on their behalf. When Natsume went to the hospital, did Shinobu visit her?"

"No. He helped her get settled in when she was released. I remember that."

You remember…? Shuuichi urgently asked, "Touya, tell me. Who was responsible for the break-in of Kiyoni's apartment?"

"There was a break-in?"

"Yes. About a week ago. Some of her most precious items were destroyed and there were bible passages written in blood on her wall."

"That's unfortunate but I don't know who did that. In fact, this is my first time hearing about that."

First time…? "So it happens to you as well."

"What? What happens?"

"Shinobu must have some sort of great power in order to do such a thing."

"Shuuichi, what are you talking about?"

"Touya, the night the sanctuary was destroyed, do you remember what you did that night? What was the last thing you did that night?"

"Well, I…" Touya recollected, "I think I was about to do some reading to get some ideas about this week's bible study together. That was when Father called me down to meet him. I remember him saying something then…"

"Then…?"

"I blacked out, I think. I woke up in my room the next morning."

Yes. Just like the morning after Kurama visited Kiyoni; the morning Natsume was at the hospital. The words Shinobu says must be some sort of mental trigger, a form of hypnosis. Hypnosis that causes temporary amnesia. How does it do it, though…?

"Shuuichi?"

"Touya...I think Shinobu has been controlling you and others under some sort of hypnosis."

"Hypnosis? You can't be serious."

"I am. It makes the most sense. Shinobu has us all under some sort of mind control. It's why we wake up with amnesia. It's why we black out from time to time. It could be the reason behind the attacks around town."

"Okay, okay. Say you're right and Father is behind all of this. What makes you different?"

"Hm?"

"If Father can hypnotize you and turn you into Kurama, why don't we have the same ability?"

"I told you. I'm a different, unusual case. It will make sense for Shinobu to work his magic on the rest of you because of the hassle. The rest of you are all easier to manipulate and control than me."

"Lies! How could you say something like that, Shuuichi? Do you honestly expect us to believe that we're a bunch of pawns?"

"As much as it pains me to say it, yes. Believe me, if someone was around to help you regain some of your memories, you'd see how sour things have become. Shinobu is not the man we thought we knew, Touya."

Like Kiyoni, Touya also had a hard time processing everything, "Shuuichi...do you really think Father is responsible?"

"I don't think. I know. Touya, you have to believe me."

Touya disagreed, "No. No, I don't believe you. All Father wants to do is to spread the good name of God. I thought that's what you wanted to do. You're in training to become a priest for crying out loud."

"Of course that's what I want to do, Touya. However, I rather do so on my own or under better circumstances than the ones we're in right now. Right now, my biggest priority is to take down Shinobu and end his zealous tirade on the city at large."

"It's because of her, isn't it?"

"What?"

"Her. You know who I'm talking about. That...jezebel."

"What jezebel? Kiyoni?"

"Yeah. Ever since she came around, you've lost your focus. You used to be dedicated to the church, whether it was the upkeep or member retention. Now, whenever anyone turns around, you're gone, never to be seen for at least a day. You're going over to that...disgusting hellhole where lust is practically the air that's breathed. Then, there's your change in attitude. Back then, you'd never thought to question Father's teachings. What was tonight, huh? Now you're accusing Father of hypnotism? A form of witchcraft? What is wrong with you? I'll tell you what's wrong. It's her. She's casted a spell on you and you're blaming Father Shinobu for it. Who's to say it wasn't her that turned you into what you are?"

Shuuichi didn't expect Touya to go off the way he did. Touya must've had some pent-up aggression just waiting to be released. It was as if both men were having a big brother/little brother moment where the little brother was throwing a temper tantrum against his big brother.

Nevertheless, Shuuichi wanted to get his point across, "Kiyoni? A jezebel? A witch? She may be of a different faith but she's neither a jezebel nor a witch. Not only that, she didn't cause my transformation. That was done...when I was a baby, an infant. If I didn't know any better...I'd say you're jealous."

"Me? Jealous? Please. Envy is a deadly sin, you know that. To bring that kind of energy into my heart only brings about my own destruction. You know that as well."

"Then why bring it up to me, everything you just said?"

"Because I'm concerned about you. You're my best friend, my brother in Christ. We grew up together. I just don't want to see you fall. Especially not to someone like...like…"

"Kiyoni. Her name is Kiyoni. She goes by no other name than the one given to her by her parents. It's Kiyoni."

"Parents? Does she have parents? Are they-?"

"No. They're human. Succubi are made not born. Anyway, Touya, please listen to me. All I'm asking is for you to be a bit more mindful of Shinobu. That's all I'm asking."

"Whatever."

At that moment, the alarm on Shuuichi's phone went off. Time for his appointment with Kiyoni.

"I have to go," he stated.

"Back to that club, I assume?"

"Yes. Perhaps if you take the time to explore the world around you, you may see the things that I see. In fact, a friend of Kiyoni's is interested in you. Until then, please consider my suggestion," Shuuichi departed feeling sorry for Touya and his decision but it didn't matter because he had business to attend to, a fantasy to indulge in.

Touya gave a side eye, "You should consider what you're getting into the longer you engage in that filth."

Taking the commuter train to Aphrodisia, Shuuichi sent a text to who he thought was Kiyoni. Apparently, "Kiyoni" got a new number and didn't tell Shuuichi about it until today.

"Hey, Kiyoni. I'm sorry if I may be a little late."

"Bible study took longer than planned."

"No worries, Suu'chi."

"So long as I get to see you, I'm happy."

"Are you sure you want to go through with this?"

"You don't have to, you know."

"Suu'chi, are you sure?"

"I didn't even think you had any fantasies."

"I'm starting to rub off on you 😉"

"Maybe."

"Too bad idk how to go about it."

"You let me handle that."

"Fantasies are my specialty."

Aiko evilly laughed in her throat as she read the last text message, "Oh, Suu'chi. You have no idea how right you are. Once I put this WAP on you, Kiyoni will be nothing but a distant memory. See you in Hell, choir boy."

Since it's the middle of the week, business was a bit slow in Aphrodisia. To make up for it, those who had Dom duties picked up the slack. On the other hand, both Juri and Kiyoni were off this evening, unknowingly leaving Shuuichi to deal with the alpha female, Aiko. He just didn't know it yet. Aiko had just about everything covered down to the last detail and it all started with the bar.

"Hey. Red-head," called a bartender, "Here for Kiyoni again?"

"Of course," Shuuichi replied, "She has a...gift for me."

"A gift, huh? Well, consider this a part of it. A Long Island iced tea. On the house."

"Oh, thank you," Shuuichi took one sip and..."Oh! I think it's...I think it's a bit bitter. Ahem! Perhaps too strong for me."

"Really? Oh, damn. I got you," the bartender grabbed the drink and added some sweetener. With a couple of swirls, the drink is fixed. It wasn't made the traditional way with its multiple drinks, it was actual tea. Spiked tea.

Shuuichi sipped again, "Oh, that's better. Thank you."

"No problem."

"Any idea where I should go?"

"Oh, eh…" the bartender summoned another employee, "She can take you."

"Right this way," instructed a succubus employee, "Kiyoni is ready and waiting for you."

"Oh," Shuuichi realized as he was led to the back, "I'm not meeting her in her dressing room?"

"No. She said she wanted to play out your fantasy in a special way."

"Meaning pomp and circumstance. That would be Kiyoni's M.O." Shuuichi was brought into a smaller version of the front dance hall where there only sat a booth seat with a table and a stage with a stripper pole. A champagne room known in some circles.

Shuuichi got comfortable within seconds, removing his coat and enjoying his drink, "Okay, Kiyoni. I'm ready for you. I'll be sure to not catch a case of dry mouth this time."

"I hope not," Aiko wished from backstage using Kiyoni's voice, a common technique among succubi, "I would like those sexy lips of yours to stay wet at least."

Shuuichi nervously licked his lips, "Is that so?"

"It is. May I be honest?"

"That is what I prefer. What is it?"

Aiko responded with a bit of a whiny tone, "I'm nervous. This is my first time playing out a fantasy with someone I care about."

"Honestly...so am I. Heh, I mean...that video…"

"It really did something for you, didn't it?"

"It did. It, uh…" Shuuichi could feel himself getting flustered all over again, awkwardly laughing and tugging on the collar of his turtleneck sweater as he sipped his drink. The alcohol was starting to get to him.

"Well, don't you worry, Suu'chi. I'll make it worth your while. Please, allow me to make your fantasy...a reality."

Aiko took a page from Kiyoni's playbook for her special show, dancing under a white silhouette this time, dressed as a sexy nun. As soon as the beat of Doja Cat's Need to Know dropped, Aiko dropped it low on the pole, showing how strong her knees were as she bounced up and down. Shuuichi was halfway through with his drink with the straw resting on his tongue by the time Aiko demonstrated her upper body strength starting with the Cupid's bow merging into an upside-down split.

"She really knows how to make an impression," Kurama noticed.

"You...think so too," the alcohol had really kicked in for Shuuichi. Either he was a lightweight or that iced tea was heavier than normal.

Aiko descended from the pole into a split and showed off her flexibility by switching from a right-leg dominant split to a left-leg dominant and back again, making sure to emphasize how much junk she had in her trunk. Afterwards, she laid on her back to give her legs the spotlight with a performance of flutter kicks, butterfly wings, and upside down splits, her legs moving with the grace of a Rockette.

Feeling tipsy, Shuuichi reclined against the back of his seat with one hand inching towards his groin.

"Why am I…" he asked himself.

"Simple," Kurama answered, "You're horny. It's normal and natural. Remember how you felt when you watched that video?"

"Yeah…"

"I don't blame you."

"...Yeah…"

It's time for the big reveal. As the song reached the bridge, the screen that covered Aiko rose to reveal her as a perfect copy of Kiyoni in the same nun costume she wore in her Instagram video. Shuuichi's eyes widened witnessing his fantasy coming to life. There Kiyoni was in a nun costume that reached the middle of her thighs in a pair of matching knee-high boots snaking up and down the pole in full-on seduction mode.

"Hi, Suu'chi," she said as she seductively stepped forward.

"H-h-hi…" at this point, Shuuichi paused on his drink in favor of witnessing his dream become real. What he didn't know was that Aiko had planned this as well by having the bartender slip Shuuichi a Mickey.

Aiko planned everything. Visiting Gama with Kiyoni's DNA sample produced body makeup and paint to make Aiko look like Kiyoni. That was part one. Part two, invite Shuuichi to come to a private show. Part three, have it set up where Shuuichi gets drunk to the point where he's defenseless. That way, Aiko can take advantage and ultimately win the bet. She couldn't care less if their lives were destroyed in the long run. In Aiko's mind, she's the top bitch and there will be no one to challenge her.

"Suu'chi," Aiko whispered after stepping down from the stage and mounting herself on his lap, "Suu'chi...I can't hold it in anymore. We've waited far too long. I want you. And I know you want me."

Aiko picked up Shuuichi's hands and placed them on her breasts, giving them a squeeze.

"Kiyoni, I...I do...want you…"

"Shuuichi…" Kurama warned, sensing something amiss, "Shuuichi, don't do it. I don't…I don't think this is the real Kiyoni."

"Do it," Aiko urged, "Take me. Make love to me...Shuuichi." She slid her lips against his and gave them a light kiss, "Please…?"

"Shuuichi, listen to me! Use your fucking nose! That's not the real Kiyoni!"

Meanwhile, Juri and the real Kiyoni arrived at the club much to the bartender's surprise.

"Ugh, I think she made these braids too tight," Kiyoni stated talking about her hair.

The girls went to a hair salon where Kiyoni walked out with two braided buns with matching side braids. Her protective hairstyle for the rest of the winter season.

"Yeah. I think I'm getting a headache from mine too." Juri just got some simple cornrows.

"Hey, Imajin. The usual for me, please?"

"Hey, hey. A paloma for me, please."

Imajin looked nervous as he got to work. He gathered his hair in a thick ponytail and adjusted his bohemian glasses, clearing his throat as he went. He, along with the rest of the club, didn't expect Kiyoni to show up on her day off. This may ruin Aiko's plans and the fun that may come from them. Then again, everyone in the club may get something entertaining from it all.

"Yo," Kiyoni noticed, "You good?"

"Yeah," Imajin sniffled and spoke in a Caribbean accent.

"Are you sure," Juri followed.

"Yeah," Imajin sniffled again.

"You sound like you have a cold. Maybe you should take the rest of the ni-?"

"What 'chu ladies doin here? I thought you had the night off."

"We do," Kiyoni answered, "Damn, we're not allowed to come here on our night off? What's up with you? Usually, you don't give a shit about stuff like this."

The girls were served their drinks. "Tonight, I do," Imajin stated, "We are very busy."

Kiyoni looked around. Sure there were a few customers with hosts around but the stage was empty, the music wasn't as loud as usual, and then there were some of the strange looks Kiyoni was getting.

"Yo, Imajin," she inquired, "Is there something going on that I should know about?"

Juri wondered, "Yeah. Why is everyone looking at you all of the sudden?"

"I don't know but I don't like it. Imajin, start talking."

Imajin refused, "I won't say."

"Say it."

"No. I can't say and you can't make me. Now leave before Bui escorts you out."

"I'm not leaving until I get some fucking answers. That goes for the rest of you motherfuckers! If someone has something to say, then say it! What the fuck is going on?! And why the fuck are you looking at me like that?!"

The entire dancehall went silent, completely silent. Juri read the room again and waited for an answer. Any answer.

"Go ask your man," the DJ announced.

"What?"

"Face it, Kiyoni," said another succubus, "You lost!"

"What the fuck are you talking about?"

"Go ask Aiko. I'm sure she's having a great time showing him her heavenly ways."

Everyone laughed while Kiyoni looked at Juri. Determined to get to the bottom of things, Kiyoni chugged her drink and headed towards the back with Juri in tow.

"Kiyoni," Juri beckoned, "Kiyoni, wait. They could be teasing. What if they're wrong?"

"Bullshit, Juri," Kiyoni claimed after belching, "It's not teasing if the whole damn club is in on it. Wait a minute, you didn't know about this, did you? Bitch, don't tell me you were in on this shit too!"

"No, no! I didn't know about this at all. I swear! Aiko didn't tell me anything!"

"You know what…" Kiyoni went on the hunt, busting down every fantasy room door that was used.

At the same time, Aiko was having a good time with Shuuichi, rolling on the floor in an intense, alcohol-fueled make out session. Shuuichi may have been drugged but not to the point where he should pass out. All the while, Aiko was impressed with the way Shuuichi held his own with her. Kiyoni must've taught him well.

"Shuuichi…" Kurama warned for the final time, "Shuuichi, don't… Ugh, forget it."

"Aiko," Kiyoni shouted from the hallway, "Shuuichi?! Aiko?!"

"What was that," Shuuichi breathed.

"I-i-it's nothing," Aiko determined, "Nothing at all. Forget about it. Kiss me."

The two went about it for a very short amount of time until the real Kiyoni appeared on the scene. At that moment, Kiyoni's jaw dropped from what she saw. There was Shuuichi, an inebriated Shuuichi, on top of someone...who looked exactly like Kiyoni.

"What…the fuck," she huffed.

"H-hey...Kiyoni," Shuuichi noticed, "Wait...if you're...you're Kiyoni, then...who…?"

"Aiko?!"

Defeated, Aiko dropped her guard, "Hey, Kiyoni."

"Aiko, what the fuck?! What the fuck? What the-" Kiyoni had to step out into the hallway to breathe and center herself.

"Kiyoni," Juri discovered, "Kiyoni, did you-? Oh, my...god! What's all this?!"

"That...is Aiko...as me!"

"What?!"

Aiko shoved Shuuichi off of her, knocking him out, "I can explain. I can totally explain."

It was at this moment, where anything subtle Kiyoni possessed was all pushed aside for something more boisterous. Her mother's personality.

"Explain," Kiyoni repeated in a loud voice, "Explain?! Bitch, what is there to explain?! You lured Shuuichi in, got him drunk as fuck, dressed yourself up as me, and for what? So you can fuck him, right? Right?! That's what you were gonna do, yeah? How the fuck did you manage to pull this shit off, huh? It's like I'm looking in a fucking mirror. How, bitch? How?!"

"Can I explain, please?"

"Hoe, don't even think about explaining because the more you try to explain, the more I wanna knock your fucking teeth in. I already know what this shit is and it's some absolute bullshit. Even for you. Gonna slip someone under just so you can get your rocks off. You sick fucking bitch! Juri, help me get him up, please?"

"Yeah, sure," Juri assisted in getting Shuuichi off the floor.

"Kiyoni, please stop. You're overreacting," Aiko sarcastically insisted.

Kiyoni nodded in acknowledgement, "Overreacting? Overreacting. Yeah, okay. I'm overreacting. I'll keep that in mind. We'll see who's overreacting once this shit is taken care of. Talking about overreacting…"

Anything Aiko said will be used against her in Kiyoni's court of law. And the trial will be coming sooner than anyone expected.