Shinobu had let his mind come to a brew while construction was going on in the sanctuary. He watched the crewmen work on the brick-patterned floor from up above in the production area feeling like the god he worships. The construction crew was a mixture of human and yokai workers from the children and descendants of ame onna and shachihoko who can provide or produce water to mix with concrete to the offspring of gawappa and dragons with multiple limbs to complete the brick work. Workers who could generate wood from their own bodies to repair, rebuild, and replace broken pews. Progeny of jorōgumo work as speedy seamsters to mend damage to the seating cushions and help bind repaired electrical wiring in indestructible webbing and to hang the giant cross. Shinobu watched it all go down and imagined himself recruiting them all using his torturous techniques.

This place will be better than ever once construction is finished. I will have all the yokai in the country under my control and leadership with the fox as my right hand...and his whore in bed. She'll happily get on her knees for the almighty.

That's exactly what Shinobu thought of for the next few moments. He imagined himself standing at the candlelit altar in his traditional garb with a Bible in hand and a naked Kiyoni standing and stepping before him. When she knelt down, Shinobu drew a cross on her forehead using anointing oil.

"Do you not know that your body is a member of Christ," he quoted from 1 Corinthians 6:15.

"I do, Father," Kiyoni responded.

Another quote from Ezekiel 16:35, "Therefore, O prostitute, hear the word of the Lord…"

He continued,"[1 Corinthians 6:13] The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. [Romans 14:11] For it is written, 'As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.' Now please, lay down your burdens."

He assisted Kiyoni to an open area of the altar where she laid down on her back with her legs open and ready. It was then Shinobi dropped his trousers and entered his temptress.

"You have appealed to me, sister, by the mercies of God, to present your body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Now…worship Him."

"Our…our father, ah…" Kiyoni cried as she submitted herself to Shinobu in the name of God, "h-hallowed be thy…name–mm! Thy…kingdom come–umm, thy will be ooh–done…"

"Father Shinobu," Touya called, breaking Shinobu's fantasy.

"Brother Touya. Greetings."

"Repairs are coming in well."

"Yes it would seem so. The crewmen are doing an excellent job given the amount they're paid. Is there something I can help you with?"

Touya sat next to Shinobu with nothing but concern on his face, "Father, I'm...I'm worried about Deacon Shuuichi."

"Oh? Why him?"

"Something he told me after bible study. Better yet, what he showed me."

"What was it?"

"Father, is it true? Is Shuuichi...Kurama?"

Shinobu's eyes widened upon hearing the names of Shuuichi and Kurama in one sentence. Shuuichi had the nerve to tell his secret. Interesting.

After the realization, Shinobu returned to his collective self and confirmed, "Yes. Deacon Shuuichi and Kurama are one in the same."

"Father, how can that be? Given what Kurama is, how in God's name is he Shuuichi? Shuuichi said that you know about this."

Shinobu knew that if Shuuichi came clean to Touya that it was the actual truth. The idea that Touya came to Shinobu for confirmation, gave Shinobu the opportunity to keep his icy subject on his side.

"Brother Touya, I know a great deal as to why our dear brother in Christ is the way he is. Kurama being the sly, evil demon that he is, has simply possessed our poor Deacon and has been torturing his innocent soul ever since."

"That would explain...Shuuichi's changes. Wait, he said it happened when he was a baby."

"Yes. All true. The changes made to Shuuichi are all Kurama's doing. Shuuichi's untainted soul is growing weaker by the day as it feeds Kurama's. As a result, Kurama is slowly taking over Shuuichi's body as payment. It won't be much longer until Kurama fully conquers Shuuichi's body."

"Then...what will happen to Shuuichi?"

"I'm afraid...his soul will no longer exist. However, I have something that would ease things for now."

"What is it?"

Shinobu pulled out his necklace, "This. It's a binding bloodstone that allows me to control Shuuichi and Kurama's transformations. Unfortunately, the strength in this stone is not as strong as before. I'm not sure how much control I have on Kurama's transformation."

"This is all concerning, Father."

"Indeed."

"What should we do?"

"In order to even have a chance at saving Shuuichi's life, we must exorcize Kurama's soul. We'll have to take him down to do so."

"Kurama is quite crafty from what I've heard and hard to track down. And yet, he returns here."

"Because he is aware of the ties our deacon has to this church. And then there's Ms. Ikeda."

Touya gasped, "Yes! You know about her too?!"

"That she works in a brothel? Yes."

"She's a succubus, Father! I believe she's responsible for the spell she's casted on Shuuichi. A spell that's…driving him to madness!"

A succubus? So, that wasn't a costume that night. That's even more interesting. "Yes. That is what they do. Kurama is attracted to that kind of lifestyle and I'm afraid she has such a tight grip on Shuuichi's mental state, that he is losing control of himself and doesn't realize the amount of trouble he's in."

"Father, we have to do something! Shuuichi is in greater danger than anyone can imagine."

"I agree. Deacon is our most trusted soldier in God's army and we need him more than ever to win the fight against evil. Brother Touya, will you help me win that fight?"

Touya didn't have to be asked twice, "Of course, I will. For our beloved Deacon, I will."

"Excellent. I admire your dedication to the faith. However, we can't save Shuuichi alone."

"Who can we rely on?"

Shinobu covered his sadistic smile behind his clenched hands. He knew exactly who to recruit.

Meanwhile, Kiyoni arrived on campus where she noticed a group of children out building snowmen. Three of them were already complete and the kids were working on a fourth with one of them looking like the character, BB-8, from Star Wars.

"Hey, it's that lady," one of them noticed.

Fortunately, Kiyoni's face mask was doing its job well in terms of covering her injuries, "Me?"

"Yeah! You're the one who shared your cookies with me."

"Oh, yeah. I remember now. How are you?"

"Good. Deacon talks about you a lot."

"Oh, he does, does he? I hope he says good things."

"He talks about how pretty you are and how you have a good heart. He said it's a blessing."

"A blessing?"

Unbeknownst to both Kiyoni and the young boy, Shuuichi had stepped outside and unintentionally witnessed the conversation.

"Yep," said the boy, "He says you're an angel. He says that about all good people."

An angel…? "I just do what I think is right," Kiyoni stated, "Even if it doesn't make sense to others."

Shuuichi stepped forward, "Makes sense to me."

"Deacon," the boy cheered, "That's the lady who gave me cookies."

"Is that so? Would you believe that she's an angel?"

The boy nodded, "Yep. An angel of cookies!"

Both Shuuichi and Kiyoni found that comment hilarious and adorable.

"Yes. An angel of cookies," Shuuichi repeated, "And other good things."

The boy looked at Kiyoni, eyes full of innocent hope, "Will you bring us some cookies next time?"

"Only if it's okay with your mother," Kiyoni replied, "Even angels respect parents."

"Will that work for you," Shuuichi questioned the boy.

"'Kay," the boy ran off to rejoin his friends.

"And you thought my cookie monster onesie was goofy," Kiyoni teased.

"No, it still is…" Shuuichi replied, "but fitting...for a cookie angel."

"Ha-ha. May we go inside please? It's cold."

Inside Shuuichi's garden, Kiyoni got comfortable as usual, removing her coat and mask. Shuuichi observed her wounds up close and felt guilty. Kiyoni felt his guilt within moments.

"Don't, Suu'chi. At least I won."

"Right. And what of–?"

"Aiko? Who gives a shit? She's just lucky that I didn't pop one of her boobs. Let me stop. I'll get mad again. It's not worth it."

"Right. Let me see."

Shuuichi held Kiyoni's face in his hands. The moment brought back all of those feelings he had of his most recent dream. Feelings of concern, contentment, admiration, acceptance, and adoration. In this case, he would rather see her as a blushing bride than someone who just got out of a fight.

"Sin from my lips…" he whispered.

Kiyoni was confused, "Sin from…? What?"

"Eh-! N-nothing. I'm sorry. L-let me take care of that cut on your lip."

"My lip is fine. My hands could use some TLC though."

"Let me see."

Shuuichi noticed the cuts on Kiyoni's hands. Some of them were really superficial while others were deep. Those were the ones that Shuuichi tended to with some alcohol and aloe vera.

"Ow," Kiyoni winced, "That hurts."

"You'll be fine."

"Yeah. …Ahh…!"

"Kiyoni, listen. I've been doing some thinking."

"About?"

"The future. My future...our future…perhaps…"

"Wait. You...can see a future with us? With me?"

"Could you?"

Kiyoni huffed, "I… Well, yeah? If I...wasn't so scared of dying."

"Is that really true? I mean, do you know of anyone who has actually died from falling in love?"

Kiyoni thought about it, "Actually...no. I don't know anyone who...went through that. Of all the stories Juri and Shishi told me, none was ever about any of us dying."

"Then, there's a chance. What if it isn't true?"

"Then...there would be a chance," Kiyoni smiled with hope, "There may be a chance. Wait. Before we go anywhere further, what about…?"

"What?"

"Lustful energy, my need for it. Without it, I grow weak. That I know for sure. If we're going where I think we're going then… Wait. Ugh! That makes me sound like I'm some sort of–"

Shuuichi rushed to answer, "Energy vampire? Yes, we've already deduced that. Kiyoni, if there's anything you need from me, I'll try to provide it if I can. I think I can anyway. I read somewhere that physical touch is…necessary in a relationship. I heard you explain that to Kurama as well."

"Ugh, him again."

"Yes, it is annoying. Kiyoni, you know the two of us are going to merge one day, become one conscious. Actually...we talked about it. In some twisted way, he cares about you as much as I do. He...knows what he did was wrong and that it'll be a while before you ever trust him as a person. But please, you have to understand. He and I are a package deal at this point, whether that's fortunate or not. Eventually, being with me, with us, means dealing with the best and worst of us and...we hope that you'll be able to be around for that. We could really use an ally right now, an outside ally."

Kiyoni wished she didn't have to hear Shuuichi's plea but she understood where he was coming from. He's right. By being with Shuuichi, Kiyoni will have to deal with his darker half, Kurama. From what Kiyoni knew of Kurama, he wasn't too bad. Yes, he fucked up and yes, he'll have to earn her trust. Then again, Shuuichi will have to do the same thing in a way and vice versa for Kiyoni. Kiyoni has dated around but has never been in a serious relationship with anyone. The sensationalism behind this potential relationship with Shuuichi and Kurama is just too much to pass up or talk about. Definitely one for the ages.

"Suu'chi…" she breathed, "do you really think we can...work this out...given what's to deal with right now?"

Shuuichi affectionately held Kiyoni's hands to his heart, "We won't know unless we try."

To complete the sweetness of the pair coming together, Kiyoni applied her forehead to Shuuichi, "This is...practically a first for me. Dealing with someone…as unique as you. The night we met, you said that you like to be unique. I'm sure neither of us thought about just how unique you are."

Please be still, my beating heart. God, please, please give me some strength and patience for her. For us. "I did say something like that, didn't I? Kiyoni, this is...all a first for me. Figuring out my identity and how someone like you could fit into it all. I told you I'm practically inexperienced in terms of courtships but I really am fond of you and I'm curious to see how long we can make it last. Are you with me?"

Aww. He likes me. I can feel his heart racing. Damn, he's so cute. How could I not…? Mm, I just wanna…! Hathor, is this your doing? Should I go for it? "...Yes. I'm with you. Now…about the future. Would you mind telling me more? I'm really interested."

Kiyoni accompanied Shuuichi inside the dorm building holding hands and giggling along with him. Just before leaving the greenhouse, a joint was shared in honor of her victory over Aiko. So she was really riding high.

"So wait. You're talking about creating this entire line of cannabis products that anyone can use?"

"Why not," Shuuichi confirmed, "I think it'll be pretty useful…and possibly lucrative."

"You do realize that that's gonna take a lot of work, time, resources, research…"

"I think I can do it, Kiyoni. Besides, with your studies in physical therapy and physiology, that may help me in creating a better product for specific, physical ailments."

Kiyoni considered the possibility, "Hmm. I think I see where you're going. I mean, more and more people are turning to more organic, natural remedies and cures for certain things and from what I know, you are for all things organic and natural…"

"See…? Purely organic and natural and with my developing powers, production wouldn't be that much of a concern. Even Kurama can help with his knowledge of botany."

"Yeah but...say this idea of yours takes off. Where would that leave us? Cannabis use is legal but for medicinal and religious purposes I think. You'd have to go global to sell your stuff for recreational use."

"What do you mean?"

"Like I said, an idea like yours takes considerable time. Where would that leave us, where would you and I fit in? And just how are you going to get the government to leave you alone?"

"The human government may be an issue but that doesn't mean I can't market my brand to yokai and international sales are a bit of a stretch. As far as you and I are concerned…" Shuuichi looked around to see if anyone was watching or could be watching.

With the coast clear, he pulled Kiyoni in and gave her a passionate, reassuring smooch, "How's that?"

Grrrr! He is just too cute! Kiyoni encircled her arms around Shuuichi's neck, "It's a start. A tri-"

"A trial run. Don't worry. I'll work on earning that subscription."

Kiyoni snickered, "Earning that subscription. That's a good one. Good comeback."

"Thank you. I'll be here all week."

"Deacon," Touya shouted from behind, forcing the couple to release their embrace.

"Touya," Shuuichi acknowledged, "How are you? Haven't seen you all day."

This Touya guy is becoming a major dickwad, Kiyoni thought.

"That's because I've spent the better part of the day praying," Touya replied, "Not to mention, your absence. What is she doing here?"

"In case you forgot…" Kiyoni reminded him, "I do have a name and it's Kiyoni."

"Whatever...witch."

"Did he just call me a witch?"

"Sorry, would whore be better?"

"Look, dude," Kiyoni threatened, "I've already whooped someone else's ass today. I wouldn't mind going for round two."

Shuuichi extended an arm in front of Kiyoni, "That is enough and unnecessary. Touya, what's going on? What's with the hostility?"

"Shuuichi...I spoke to Father Shinobu. I feel absolutely terrible for your dilemma."

"I'm sorry. My dilemma?"

"Kurama. He's taking possession of you and is slowly killing you."

"This yokai is more gullible than I thought," Kurama stated.

"Wait," Kiyoni chimed in, "He knows?"

Shuuichi confirmed, "Yes. We spoke last night. Touya, I'm afraid you've misunderstood me. The situation between Kurama and I is of a merger, not a possession. I have my own soul within this temple just like Kurama has his. However, we are working on becoming one being within one body. I don't know what all Shinobu has told you but I think it's safe to conclude that what he said was only half of the truth."

"Half of the truth? Who's to say you're not coming at me with half truths?"

"Think about it, blue balls," Kiyoni hinted, "If Shinobu told you one half and Shuuichi told you the other, I think I would take some time to put two and two together to create one solid truth."

"You stay out of this, jezebel!"

"O-kay! Shuuichi, please handle this before I-"

"Kiyoni…" Shuuichi warned, "please stay back. This man has the capability to turn anything and anyone into an ice sculpture. Remember the holiday show at Yomiuri Land?"

"Oh, yeah. That. Shutting up now."

"Touya, I'm afraid to say that Kiyoni is correct. Consider the options here. Between what you've heard from both myself and Shinobu, who would you believe?"

Touya clinched his hands, "I said that I will stand by Shinobu no matter what. I want to help you, Shuuichi. I really do. I want the Shuuichi I used to know to come back before he becomes nothing."

"What are you talking about? I'm still the same Shuuichi. Just...upgraded?"

Upgraded. Nice, Kiyoni thought.

"Yes, but for how long," Touya questioned, "Even Shinobu said you don't have much time and that he's losing his grip on your transformation."

"That's because he wants to control us, myself and Kurama. Touya, please? Shinobu has become nothing but a manipulator. The very manipulator we discussed in last night's bible study. I'm not going to fall for his tricks and neither should you. Think about those reports about the yokai attacks. They were done by you and Sister Natsume and others with Shinobu at the helm."

"No…" Touya couldn't believe what he just heard, "No...how can that…? How can that be? How do you know this?"

"Because I was there. Kurama was there and he told me everything. Shinobu puts you under some sort of mind control just so he can put his plans into motion. There's no telling how or even how many he's done this to. Other than you and Natsume, there were at least eight others."

Kiyoni stood and watched the conversation play out. At first, she wanted to show Touya a thing or two about how to properly greet someone but after a few moments and listening to what Shuuichi said, Kiyoni felt bad for Touya. He's a pawn in Shinobu's game of chess as well. Another reason why Kiyoni doesn't care too much about Christianity. Better yet, she respects the principles. The problem lies in how they're practiced and who practices them.

"Touya…" Shuuichi suggested, "I'm not telling you what to do here. However, what I am saying is for you to really open up both your mind and heart. I'm not the bad guy here. Shinobu is. Please…?"

Touya looked at both Shuuichi and Kiyoni, wondering just what was real and what wasn't. Who to believe? Ever since he knew of Shuuichi's dealings with Kiyoni, she didn't seem so bad. Her only flaws lie in her faith and chosen career path. Then again, Touya doesn't know a thing about Kemetism unless Shuuichi talks about it and when it came to sexuality, Touya was just as virginal as Shuuichi. Between the two young men, at least, Shuuichi is trying to open up. However, Kurama is around and his reputation was embarrassing to be placed in the same class as Touya. Not only does Kurama need to be baptized, it needs to be done in the purest, cleanest, holiest water to ever exist and even if the fox went down that road, the water will still end up tainted by the time Kurama comes out of it. No. Touya couldn't let Kurama have his brother in Christ. He just couldn't.

"Why don't you open up your mind, Shuuichi," Touya countered.

"What?"

"We will find a way to purge you of the evil in your body. And find a way to get you to repent for your sins!"

Kiyoni pointed to herself, "Me? I thought I told you I'm good in that depa-"

"Our god is a righteous and jealous God. Thou shall have no other gods before him! No idols made without his blessing! The people of Egypt learned that lesson. The same Egyptians that worshiped the same gods you do so don't be surprised when God punishes you for your sins against him!"

Shuuichi stepped in, "Touya…"

"You'll come back to us, Shuuichi! You'll see. And you [Kiyoni] will be reformed from your jezebel ways. God will deliver you. Even if we have to fight. He will deliver you," Touya stepped off to attend some business.

Kiyoni squeezed the bridge of her nose, "If that wasn't a clue as to who broke into my apartment and wrote on my wall in blood, I don't know what is. Now do you see why I have beef with Christianity?"

"We're not done," Shuuichi determined in an utterly serious tone, "Come. There's someone else you have to see."

Sploosh! "Suu'chi…" Kiyoni whined, "I thought we made it clear how that way of speaking is a turn-on for me. Damnit, now I'm horny!"

In the sanctuary, Shinobu was speaking to the construction foreman concerning the amount of work that's left to do, which isn't much. Just some final touches including equipment installation and construction clean up.

"That's good news," he said, "Lighthouse Tokyo kindly thanks you for your service."

"Haha, it's no big deal," the forman awkwardly laughed, "Demand for repairs has been up lately due to rumors."

"Rumors? What rumors?"

"Eh, some wild fox yokai causing terror or something."

"Oh, well. I hate to tell you this but those rumors are true. In fact, it was he who caused all this."

"You're kidding! Well, maybe I should thank him for giving us some work then. Hahahaha."

"Shinobu," Shuuichi beckoned from the back.

"Deacon Shuuichi," Shinobu acknowledged, "Good to see you. Excuse me, foreman. Oh! I see you have Ms. Ikeda with you. Welcome back, Ms. Ikeda."

"Suu'chi, why are we here," Kiyoni asked while clenching Shuuichi's hand.

"You'll see," Shuuichi answered, "Father Shinobu, we need to talk. Do you have a moment?"

Shinobu approached the couple, "Oh? What about?"

Shuuichi read the room and determined, "Not here. Your office?"

"Sure."

Shinobu led the way to his office where Kiyoni was not impressed. She's actually nervous and she's unsure why. No matter what, Kiyoni didn't let go of Shuuichi's hand.

Shinobu sets the stage, "Alright. You have the floor, deacon. Please speak your peace."

Shuuichi squeezed Kiyoni's hand for reassurance, "Father...I need you to answer this one question for me."

"Go on."

"I need to know. We need to know. Why did you murder Kiyoni's brother?"

Kiyoni's jaw dropped, "What?!"

Shinobu quizzically looked at Shuuichi, "What are you talking about? I didn't kill anyone."

"Nearly three years ago, you pillaged an engagement party out in the countryside. Murdered people like Kiyoni including her brother."

Kiyoni argued, "Suu'chi, what are you doing? That wasn't him."

"She speaks the truth," Shinobu confirmed.

"Was it," Shuuichi professed, "Kiyoni, when you told me your story, I noticed everything. When you first met him, I noticed everything. The look you had on your face, both times, were the same. Even now, your facial expressions are the same. The biblical quotes that were mentioned were said by him. His motive then is no different than his motive now. Kiyoni, that man murdered your brother. You have my deepest and sincerest apologies for dropping this news on you."

Nervousness began to make itself known in Kiyoni as evident by her shivering body and quivering lips. She had gotten over her brother's demise but as far as facing the man responsible for it was something entirely different. Her biggest test in overcoming her trauma.

"Suu'chi, are you...are you sure," she affirmed.

"Very. Take one good look at him and tell me he's not the one."

Unfortunately, Shuuichi had turned his back towards Shinobu, giving the latter time to pull out a weapon. The same weapon that was used that fateful night, a silver, 9mm, semi-automatic handgun with a golden cross on either side of the handle. Cocked, loaded, and was aimed directly at Kiyoni.

"And I will stretch out my hand and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst thereof," Shinobu mumbled.

Shuuichi's enhanced hearing kicked in, listening in on Shinobu's warning, "GET DOWN!"

Shinobu's shot narrowly missed them both, the bullet hitting the door.

"Seems I've underestimated you, deacon," he admitted, "I didn't think the powers that be would favor me so well. Not only did I luck out in bringing you to life but you've managed to bring Ms. Ikeda to me. God has indeed smiled upon me."

"So it was you who killed my brother," Kiyoni pointed out, "I remember now. That look in your eyes. You...murderous…"

Shinobu's silhouette in the faded sunlight from the window matched the same silhouette that nearly ended her life so long ago. Whether Shinobu was seen in the light or in the dark, he was still the same Shinobu. Still overzealous. Still full of murderous intent.

"Stay behind me, Kiyoni," Shuuichi instructed.

"Yes, Ms. Ikeda," Shinobu justified, "It was me."

"Why," Kiyoni demanded, "Why would you do that, you son-of-a-bitch?! Do you have any idea of the trauma you've caused?"

"Simple. Beings like you absolutely disgust me. Going around whoring your bodies to random strangers on the street and for what? Monetary gain? Sure. But do you realize the potential harm those like you and in your line of work could bring? Diseases, broken homes, failed relationships, unstable offspring, a reduction in the equal reproduction of the sexes. As far as trauma is concerned, that could've been solved as soon as you make it a habit to come here more often for service."

Great. So not only is this fruitcake an overzealous bastard but he's also a homophobe. Fantastic, Kiyoni determined.

"While I may agree with the logic of some of your beliefs, that doesn't excuse you from spilling innocent blood," Shuuichi averred, "What you've done was inexcusable and you should be repentant for it."

"Deacon, I am simply reinforcing God's will upon the world. By disposing of the worst of the worst, the rest of the world will see the error of their ways and repent. Then and only then will the world change for good."

"The world will never be as innocent as you think it should," Kiyoni avowed, "There will always be those who go against the status quo. Always deciding their own paths, their own mindsets. It's not up to you or society or your god to determine how an individual's life should be. It's up to the individual. And that's exactly what we were doing that night. Living our best, individual lives. You took one of those lives, a life that was near and dear to me, and I…I hope you pay severely in Hell for it."

Shinobu aimed his gun, "Sorry. I have no interest in going there. Especially not before you."

Leaves of a snake plant wrapped themselves around Shinobu's arms, causing the gun to fire into the ceiling. It gave Kiyoni and Shuuichi ample opportunity to get away while Shinobu struggled.

"Where are we going," she asked.

"Just run," Shuuichi yelled.

The two escaped from the church using the back door. They ran across the residential campus and stopped at the next block over not far from a 7-Eleven. While Shuuichi caught his breath, Kiyoni had a hard time doing the same because all she wanted to do was cry again.

"Nyah," she whimpered and sobbed, "He...nyah…!"

"Kiyoni...I'm so sorry. I thought it would be best for you to know."

"I should've known...I should've known. Ever since that day. I knew he looked...he looked familiar… Now I know for sure it was him. Ra's grace, all of the nightmares and daydreams I had with him in them… The anger and hurt I felt from him… The times when I just wanted to… Gah! I wanted to hurt him, Shuuichi! I wanted to…just beat the living shit out of him! Make him feel my pain."

"Kiyoni…"

Kiyoni stood straight up with her hands on her head. Other than the winter gear she was wearing, her warm tears provided comfort to her face.

"Fuck! I was so close. I was so close… Shuuichi, why...why didn't I do anything? I wanted to but I didn't."

"Simple. Because you're more mature than you give yourself credit for. And you did do something. You released some of those feelings, the feelings you kept inside for so long. How do you feel?"

"I feel...I feel...better. My life was on the line and instead of risking it I walked away with it. I feel better knowing the one responsible for taking Tai's life and...I feel sorry for him, his mindset. He is so...warped, I...just don't get it. And you've dealt with that for so long."

"Yes. He's...definitely a gaslighter. One I no longer want to be associated with."

"What do we do now? We can't go back to Aphrodisia. The church is just as toxic."

"We lay low. That's all we can do. At least until we have a solid plan to combat Shinobu. His followers may search all through town for us."

"I know where we can go."

"Where?"

"Nagoya. Where my dad is. If we give him the short version of what's going on, we can hide there."

Shuuichi nodded, "Good idea. We'll have to go get some things. Let's go."

The pair managed to grab some personal items and take off for Nagoya, holding hands during the train ride. It may not have been the plan put into motion but it was the only one they had. While Shuuichi did away with their things, Kiyoni scrolled through her contacts to make sure she had her father's number. Fortunately, she did.

"Are you certain your father will take us in," Shuuichi inquired as he sat next to her.

"So long as I mention that I'm no longer an exotic dancer, he will."

"Fair enough."

"Suu'chi?"

"Yes?"

Kiyoni rested on Shuuichi's shoulder. He automatically felt a couple of tears seep through his shirt. Residual pain and fear was coming out again.

"It's alright," he assured, "We'll come out of this better than ever. Stronger than ever. Think of the serenity prayer if it helps."

As the train coasted out of the city and into the suburbs and countryside, all Shuuichi could do was hold onto Kiyoni's hand as she cried herself to sleep. The poor thing. Just when she thought she had a good grip on life, life presented her with the truth. An ugly truth. Same thing went for Shuuichi. The head of his church home and family, a presumed role model of the Christian faith is a murderer and would practically stop at nothing to strengthen and extend his cause. It's been said and sometimes proven that a change of scenery helps in providing and producing personal clarity and revelation. It may work once the pair set foot in Nagoya.

And just like that, Arc/Part Two: The Situation has come to an end. Arc/Part Three: The Confrontation, will begin with chapter 30. Stay tuned!