Step two: presenting the case. Yuda led Shuuichi and Kiyoni through most of the main corridors of the urban Palace before reaching the minor ones that would take them to their rooms. Shuuichi noticed the windows that showed the outside which included two of the five skyscrapers as well some smaller buildings that sat in front of a small, mountainous background accompanied by a cloudy, thunderous sky. The height of the windows combined with the outside skies reminded the deacon of the dream he had a few days ago. The differences between that dream and now were that one, Shuuichi wasn't dead; two, outside looked more like an urbanized Hell; three, he wasn't alone; and four, his dream was a dream and being in Gandara was reality. A twitch on his hand gestured Shuuichi to peek over at Kiyoni whose scent screamed nervousness but with a hint of annoyance. He would rather walk down an aisle of Hell with the two of them in the wedding clothing of his dreams than walk the way they are now. With her figure, Kiyoni would absolutely kill in a victorian-style corset in Shuuichi's opinion. He started another conversation via text:
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing…"
"And I'm not lying."
"So saith the liar."
"Shut up 😒"
"I'm just nervous."
"Understandable."
"You're not?"
"Or is this Kurama I'm speaking to?"
"Does it matter?"
"Because Shuuichi is."
"And who am I talking to now?"
"Both."
"Shuuichi was just thinking about you in a wedding dress."
Kiyoni shouted, "What?!"
"Why on earth would you say that," Shuuichi exclaimed.
Yuda looked back, "Something the matter?"
"Everything is fine," Kurama claimed, "Right, Kiyoni?"
Kiyoni automatically thought Kurama was on some bullshit, "Yeah...fine."
"Very well," Yuda concluded, "Right this way. Miss Ikeda, I believe you'll find your accommodations...favorable."
"Define favorable."
According to Yomi, Kiyoni's room came with a comfortable, king-size bed that came with a plush pillow and comforter set and a headboard that provided mood-changing, sleep-inducing lighting both above as well as below with lighting underneath the bed. It also provided a suitable view of the city with more skyscrapers, traffic, and local street life. The bathroom was decorated in all black with a see-through shower, a tub fit for royalty, an above-the-counter sink bowl with chrome finishings, black granite countertops, and toiletries that could last as long as necessary.
"Okay," Kiyoni concluded, "This...is favorable."
"It pleases me to hear," Yuda bowed, "Lord Yomi has also given you a gift for tonight's activities. It's in the closet."
"The closet," Kiyoni opened the sliding, wooden doors to find a lone outfit and she whistled upon the design.
The set came with a V-cut, sable black dress pants suit with a patterned golden belt, a matching shawl with more gold designs, solid, strappy heels with a butterfly open-toe design, and a black and gold butterfly choker.
"Not bad," Kurama followed.
"Yep."
"I'm happy to provide," Yuda concluded.
"Okay. Let's look at your room now."
Kurama glanced over at Yuda, "Agreed."
Yuda directed, "Right this way."
Shuuichi's room combined the elements of coziness, modernity, and nature. His king-size bed sat on a frame completely made of bamboo with bedding made of the finest threading of cotton and silk. On a hardwood floor, pots of bamboo trees, snake and spider plants sat in just about every corner of the room. The windows gave views of the other half of the campus that show Yomi's garden and personal home with the two more of the five towers. The garden even came with a small lake for koi fish.
"Hm," Shuuichi observed.
"Are you thinking what I'm thinking," Kurama inquired.
"Yes. Shall we?"
It seemed Yomi had forgotten about just how much Kurama loved to be in tune with nature. From the corner plants, the walls of the room grew full with plant life with vines of ivy lining the ceiling. Grass and moss replaced the hardwood floor for a lush, green carpet. Both Yuda and Kiyoni were stunned at the transformation.
"When did you learn to do that," Kiyoni asked.
"Oh! Sorry," Shuuichi smiled awkwardly, "My powers are still evolving due to...you know."
Kiyoni looked around, "This is awesoooooome!"
"Thank you."
Shuuichi's ensemble for the night was a frost white, pin-striped suit with a denim blue tie and matching suede shoes.
"Huh," he assumed, "Well, I can keep my shirt on at least."
"Yeah. I'm going to change now," Kiyoni declared.
"See you in a bit."
Once Kiyoni and Yuda were gone, Kurama made a suggestion, "Perhaps now is a good time…?"
"Yes."
Shuuichi stepped over a pot and stuck a seed inside the soil. Using his and Kurama's energy, the seed grew into a healthy lily, one that will be given away in a few moments.
"Do you really think this is the one?"
"Without question. It suits her perfectly. And you thought a peony would work."
"Well, why not? It rhymes with her name."
"No. This lily is more meaningful than that."
"Very well. We'll present it to her. New subject. Why did you tell Kiyoni about my dream?"
"To lighten her mood. If we were going to pull this off, we all need to be as calm about it as possible including her. Think about it. She was anxious and annoyed. Now, she's hopeful and curious. I would rather for her to feel the latter than the former."
"Yes, I...that would make sense. Alright, I'll leave it in your hands then."
Both Shuuichi and Kiyoni stepped out of their respective rooms almost simultaneously. Shuuichi and Kurama noticed Kiyoni's look and whistled. Kiyoni looked great in black just like in Shuuichi's dream. The shawl of her outfit draped over Kiyoni's right shoulder. She didn't want to cover that pretty little choker.
"Hey, you," Kiyoni smiled, "You look handsome.
"Thank you," Shuuichi responded, "You look...amazing. This outfit suits you."
"Thank you," Kiyoni beamed while showing off, "It has pockets!"
Shuuichi giggled, "Yes. Pockets. Listen, Kurama and I have something for you."
"Oh, yeah? What is it?"
"Do you remember the very first smoke session we had in my garden?"
"Some...what…"
"You asked me to make a bowl for you similar to the one I have but to make it purple."
"Oh, yeah! Then you asked me what my favorite flower was. Still don't know what it is."
"Don't worry. Kurama figured it out for you. It took some time but…" Shuuichi presented the flower as if it was a corsage.
"Wooooow! What is it?"
"It's a starlette lily. We think it represents you well. The brighter colors on the outside symbolizes your shining, outgoing personality. However, the inner, darker areas symbolize the darkness and sadness you have in your heart. In spite of that, it's still pleasing to look at, overall. An attractive outer beauty accompanied by a mysterious inner beauty. But then, there's another spot of brighter, deeper inner beauty. That's where your true heart lies and that's what's coming out through you."
Kiyoni brushed a braid behind her ear, "Is that...is that how you see me?"
Shuuichi pinned the flower on Kiyoni's suit, "It's how we both see you. There. It brings out your eyes."
"Thank you, Suu'chi. You too, Kurama. It's perfect…and sweet."
Shuuichi offered an arm, "Shall we?"
Kiyoni linked arms with him, anxious but in a good way, "Yeah. Let's go make a difference."
The dining hall of Yomi's stronghold combined modernity with sophistication and the bizarre. It seemed Yomi wanted to keep an eye on the city-state he created as one, movie theater-sized window was divided into four sections to display views of the major traffic roadways of Gandara as well as the front area of the campus. The table was long enough to seat up to twelve people and filled with goodies such as roast beef and chicken surrounded by roasted potatoes, steamed carrots and rice, corn on the cob, edamame, spinach, sliced beets, and desserts like fluffy cheesecake, a chocolate cake roll, and strawberry shortcake. The thing that threw Kiyoni off was the seating. They seemed comfortable but…
"Why do these chairs look like toilets for demons who like to eat...shit," Kiyoni questioned, "I mean, what doesn't have horns around here?"
"Ignore the details," Kurama suggested, "Remember where we are."
A chill crept up Kiyoni's spine upon the sound of Kurama's voice coming out of Shuuichi's mouth. She didn't know if she wanted to be rebellious and dismissive out of spite or playful and submissive on the count of her hormones. She then asked herself why she would think of the latter idea.
"Ah, you've made it," Yomi noticed as he stepped inside, "How do you like the spread?"
"It certainly looks...appetizing," Kiyoni replied, "Eh, thank you for the clothes. I'm curious as to how you've come to know my size."
"I have my ways. Something Kurama is familiar with."
"Like Kiyoni said…" Kurama took his seat after Kiyoni, "The clothes are a nice touch. I believe fancy clothing was of interest to you back when I knew you."
"True but we both know what the true treasures were. Oh! Before I forget, I hope you don't mind but I've invited the other members of the association to join us for dinner tonight."
Kurama gasped, "You mean Mukuro and Raizen?"
"Indeed. I told you. You two must've done something big to receive the attention of all of us."
Kurama, yes, Kiyoni thought, Me? Hell no! I haven't done anything!
Yomi added, "Though, I'm sure it's nothing you haven't done before, Kurama. You were known as the master of thievery back in the day. Imagine how shaken our world was upon hearing word of your death. And now, you've returned and in this form… Why, it's practically a miracle."
Kurama kept his mouth shut as a glass of wine was poured for him by one of Yomi's servants.
Yomi arrogantly rested his head and elbows on the table, "So, Miss Ikeda. How does it feel to be associated with one of the most sought-after yokai known to man? I'm sure it's intimidating."
Kiyoni took a sip of wine to wet her throat, "There are moments."
"Oh?"
"I rather not go into detail."
"Right."
Just then, Yuda informed Yomi of his other guests.
"It seems our party will increase in numbers," Yomi said as he stood.
Kurama and Kiyoni stood as well.
Two more people walk inside the dining hall. One of them is a monk dressed in typical monk attire and the other is a woman with a monocle over her right eye who really makes the term, tomboy, look good as her ensemble included a dress shirt, matching pants, and a tie with a sweater over the top all in shades of gray and black. Her ginger hair was the only thing about her that showed some color. The monk looked like he was strictly there for business while the woman had a small smile placed on her face as if she was genuinely interested in tonight's activities.
"Well, this certainly changes things," Yomi went on, "Allow me to introduce Counselor Mukuro and advisor to Counselor Raizen, Hokushin. Mukuro, Hokushin, please meet my guests, Ikeda Kiyoni and-"
"Kurama," Mukuro interrupted, "Hm. You're not as powerful as your reputation said you were. And here I thought I would feel intimidated."
"It surprises me to see you without all the bandages," Kurama responded, "It's an honor to meet you."
"Hokushin," Yomi stated, "I take it Raizen is unable to attend?"
"Yomi…" Hokushin replied, "you should know that Counselor Raizen will not make time for get-togethers such as this. It goes against his hunger strike."
"Five-hundred years and he still wants to play the anorexic card. The fool."
"Never underestimate the ramifications of fasting," Kurama proclaimed, "Five-hundred years is a great amount of dedication for whatever goals he may have."
Yes, Kurama did pay attention to the stories that were told about fasting and blessings from God.
Mukuro stepped up to Kiyoni, analyzing her with Mukuro's "good" eye, "So you must be the succubus we've heard so much about."
Kiyoni nervously rubbed an arm, "I wouldn't say it like that. I mean my rep is virtually non-existent compared to Kurama. Haha."
"I wouldn't sell myself so short. Anyone who could tame a fox like Kurama is someone worth a mention or two."
Tame? You think I've...tamed him? Have you not heard of Shinobu?
"Enough small talk," Hokushin claimed, "I believe we came here for business."
Yomi agreed, "Right. However, let's not do so on empty stomachs. I did not go all through this trouble just to sit down and consume cold food."
Kiyoni enjoyed the meal. That chicken, corn on the cob, and mashed potatoes kind of reminded her of her mother's cooking. The chicken could use a bit more seasoning but Kiyoni ate it anyway. However, she couldn't wait to get a slice of that chocolate cake roll. Her monthly is on its way.
"So you mean to tell me that a human is the one responsible for the recent string of yokai deaths," Hokushin questioned, "How is that even possible? Not only that but has managed to get you involved?"
"Those are questions I've yet to find answers to," Kurama replied, "Well, I'll take that back. I can partially answer some. Shinobu recruits his army via hypnosis. The technique behind it I cannot say. As to how he entrapped me would be by this."
Mukuro grabbed the presented necklace, "Okay. What is it?"
"The stone inside is enchanted and coated with our blood. Mine, my human half, and Shinobu. Shinobu has the second copy. Although I'm not as easily swayed as Shinobu's troops, his hold on me and my human host is just as strong."
Hokushin asked Kiyoni, "And what brings you into the fray?"
Kurama warned Kiyoni to be cautious with her words. Nevertheless, if the Correlation for Yokai Affairs has gotten to know her for being a spitfire, might as well put on those shoes and put on a damn good show.
"I'm just a succubus who worked at an exotic dance club," Kiyoni informed, "I met Shuuichi–eh, Kurama's human half about three months ago. However, to answer your question, Shinobu is responsible for the senseless murder of my brother, an incubus. He wanted to kill me as well. Fast forward to now, I wouldn't be surprised if he wants me to use my talents for...holy purposes."
"Touching story," Mukuro commented, "Condolences for your loss. Despite that, I'm more concerned about Shinobu's intentions than anything else. If his actions are true, just how is he going about it?"
"Shinobu may be human but possesses some form of power," Kurama answered, "When he performed the ritual on me, he used some form of magic I'm not familiar with."
"It's called Abramelin magic," Yomi specified.
"Abramelin magic," Hokushin repeated.
"Yes. An Egyptian traveler by the name of Abraham possessed and created sacred scrolls and texts containing spells and incantations based on Kabbalistic and Egyptian rituals. Some of the texts have deteriorated over time but Shinobu must've obtained what was left and used it to revive you, Kurama."
"Oh," Kiyoni joked, "And here I thought you were gonna say something about Abraham from the bible and something about Merlin. Ha ha. Hahaha. Ha ha. Ha...ha."
"Amusing," Yomi sarcastically acknowledged inside the silent room.
"How do you know about it," Mukuro asked.
Yomi cocked an eyebrow, "Collecting information. Something I've learned from my days with one of our special guests here."
"So you have been running Intel on me," Kurama challenged, "Smart thinking on your part. Something you could never master when I knew you."
"Wait," Kiyoni assumed, "If you've been spying on him, does that mean…?"
Yomi smirked, "Yes it does. I've picked up on some things about you as well. It's one of the reasons why we're all here tonight."
"That's...spooky as hell. How long have you been following up on us?"
"For you, only about a month. Ever since the two of you showed up at Club Morningstar specifically."
"Morningstar…" Kiyoni remembered the two bouncers and how they reacted upon looking at Shuuichi.
Ain't that about a bitch?! Those two boogers on legs snitched on us!
"However…" Yomi went on, "I've been studying Kurama for much longer."
"How much longer," both Kurama and Hokushin asked.
Yomi confidently sipped some wine, "Quite a life you've lived after you were killed. Having to wait for a willing human body to accept its new soul only for said body and soul to constantly fight against its original owner. On top of that, a second chance at childhood, living under the Christian faith led by an overzealous man hellbent on the takedown of all yokai. What makes the story sweeter is the relationship with a succubus who suddenly decides that a life of whoring isn't all that's cracked up to be. And now that the secret is out, your father wants to destroy both you and your friend and make you martyrs for his crusade. That led you to running away from Tokyo, getting comfortable in Nagoya. Then when that failed, you got even more desperate, wondering where to turn next. That led you back here and in turn led you to me. And all because you couldn't leave your old life behind, Kurama."
Kurama's voice lowered an octave, "What are you getting at, Yomi?"
Kiyoni perked up immediately. Kurama... now's not a good time to get me all worked up like this… Wait, what the motherfucking fuck is wrong with you, Kiyoni?! Get it together!
Yomi sipped his wine again, "How do you think I was able to get you here?"
Mukuro exclaimed, "Yomi, you didn't…!"
"Son of a bitch," Kiyoni mumbled, "It was a fucking trap."
Hokushin demanded, "Explain yourself!"
"It took a thousand years," Yomi stated, "Ten full centuries. But I've patiently waited, biding my time for this precise moment."
"What moment is that?"
"Kurama, did you really think I wouldn't find out it was you who was responsible for blinding me?"
Calmly, Kurama took a bite of food and sat there in silence.
Kiyoni whispered, "It was you?"
"So it was you," Mukuro concluded, "I want to know how."
"I want to know why," Hokushin followed.
Yomi concurred, "Yes. I think we all like to know."
Kurama finished his wine and gave the nod for a refill, "Because life is more important than the reward, Yomi. If only you had taken the time to not be so impulsive during a mission or two, you'd still have your eyesight. As was taught to my human half and something I've learned on my own, patience is indeed a virtue. Something you never possessed."
"That may be…" Yomi argued, "but I'm failing to see what my lack of patience has to do with my consequent loss of eyesight."
"Easy, dumbass," Kiyoni stated, "He's saying that if you had kept your eyes open to whatever the fuck was going during your outings, or maybe, just maybe take some time to play a game of puff, puff, pass with your clique to calm down, you would still have your vision. It's called reading the room."
Mukuro hummed a laugh at Kiyoni's boldness. Any woman who can confidently stand up to a man is good in Mukuro's book.
"Excuse me, Miss Ikeda…" Yomi specified, "but I don't remember including you in this part of the conversation."
"Bull-shit! I'm in this conversation now. You had the nerve, the audacity, the gall, the gumption, the bandwidth to play 'I spy…' for hundreds of years and some odd weeks on Kurama and I just because you wanna be petty over a punishment for your fuck-ups? Oh, no no no no no. Sir Hokushin, Lady Mukuro, forgive me for my insolence but this has to be the biggest piece of monkey shit I have ever seen in my life."
"Kurama, if you were smart, you would take the time to silence your whore."
Kurama would step in but figured Kiyoni could use the time to vent. It was one of the things he liked about her anyway.
"I will not," he said, "She is allowed to speak her mind. It's no one's fault but your own for her to act like this. Continue, Kiyoni."
And continue, Kiyoni did, "We came all this way seeking refuge and assistance against Shinobu's crazy ass and this is what we get? A dinner party that was a front for you to get some payback on Kurama? Did you really think this through, Yomi? What's next? Gonna throw us in some dungeon or something?"
Mukuro leaned over to Hokushin, "Well this is some dinner party."
Hokushin agreed after he calmed down, "Yes. I'm actually curious as to what Yomi will do. Lord Yomi, as a member of the association, I'm sure your actions will be frowned upon."
Yomi stood up, "I will not be disrespected in my own home and country. As far as my actions are concerned, I am merely punishing the guilty."
"Punish yourself," Kiyoni shouted, "Because of you, Shinobu is out in Tokyo burning it down because he's an overly-religious, racist homophobe with a dangerous savior complex towards yokai. But, noooooo, your main concern is settling a thousand-year-old grudge. Ever heard of therapy? You should try it."
"I can assure you, Miss Ikeda, that I'm not responsible for what's going on in Tokyo."
"Like hell! Shinobu is burning down Tokyo and you won't even bat an eye. Pun very much intended."
Kurama, Hokushin, and Mukuro all found that response humourous.
"That is enough from you. Guards, escort these two to their...new chambers."
Kiyoni protested as soon as she was grabbed from behind, "Hey! Let go of me! Why are your hands so cold? You're nervous?"
"Kiyoni, that's enough," Kurama calmly insisted, "Let's go."
"Are you serious right now?! What if-?"
And then, Kiyoni saw it. The gleam in Kurama's eyes told her that things will be okay. It was then she surrendered.
"That was a little much, wasn't it," Mukuro objected after the room was cleared, "She did have a point, you know."
"Please," Yomi relaxed in his seat, "You're only saying that because she was a woman."
"And you need to get a grip on reality. I'm just as strong as you and have just as much say on the council as you and Raizen. What's on my chest and between my legs matters not."
Hokushin has had enough. He stood preparing to leave.
"Going off," Yomi inquired.
"Indeed," Hokushin answered, "I believe I've seen enough to submit a proper report to Counselor Raizen. For your sake, you better hope he shows mercy on you."
Mukuro took her leave as well, "I'll concur. This dinner is no longer fun. Once Hokushin makes his report to Raizen, I will be speaking to him regarding your actions. Let's hope Kurama doesn't do anything to you by then."
Left alone, Yomi sat in his seat at the head of the table believing that what he did was right. After ten centuries, he finally got his payback. As far as Shinobu was concerned, he couldn't care less about that. If getting rid of Yokai in the human world was what it was going to take to separate humans from yokai, then so be it. Gandara has seen a small uptick in citizen retention anyway.
Down in the deepest, underground trenches of Yomi's stronghold, Kurama and Kiyoni were escorted to damp, dingy prison cells totally opposite of the cozy, comfortable accommodations they were welcomed to. Tossed in neighboring cells, Kurama pondered a way to break out while Kiyoni went into apologetic mode after sticking out her tongue and flipping the bird behind the guards' back.
"Sorry if I was out of line."
"No need for apologies," Kurama stated, "You said what you had to say."
"You are...scarily calm about all this."
"Am I now?"
"Dude, hello?! We're down here because your so-called comrade had an overly long time grudge against you. That didn't piss you off?"
"No."
"Okay...how about the fact that Yomi is not going to help us in taking down Shinobu?"
"That doesn't bother me either."
"Then what the hell is bothering you?"
"What's bothering me, you ask? The fact that...I…"
Shuuichi overpowered Kurama this time. He couldn't hold it in any longer.
"Kiyoni," he gasped.
"Suu'chi?! Suu'chi, is that you?"
"Yes! Yes, it's me. Are you alright?"
"I am now. What just happened?"
"I'm sorry. I could no longer withhold my emotions. I agree with you. What Yomi did was extremely immature."
"Right?! I never knew old yokai like him could still be so petty."
"Agreed."
"...So...any idea on how to break out of here?"
"None, I'm afraid. I don't think there's anything of use."
"Shit."
Both Shuuichi and Kiyoni collapse on the hard, cold concrete floor and against the wall feeling totally defeated. All those expectations for nothing.
"Suu'chi?"
"Yes?"
"It's good to hear your voice again."
"Speaking of, perhaps we should talk about yours. Are you sure physical therapy is your calling? Perhaps politics is more of your thing."
"Oh, ha-ha."
Through the prison bars, Shuuichi extended a hand. Kiyoni noticed said hand and grabbed it through the bars of her cell.
"We're going to break free of this," Shuuichi assured, "You have my word."
"I know."
"No time for sentiments," Kurama shouted, "I do have a plan!"
"Then tell us," Shuuichi demanded.
Kiyoni listened in, "Say what?"
"Kurama said to hand me your brooch."
"My brooch? You mean this flower?"
"Yes."
"Aww. I like this flower."
"He says that flower is our escape plan and that you should trust him on that."
Kiyoni sighed, removing the lily, "Oh...alright."
The first thing Shuuichi did was listen to every piece of instruction he was given. Second, he plucked a stamen and used the tip or anther part to pick apart the locks of the prison bars using Kurama's energy.
"Bad-ass," Kiyoni commented, "How did you do that?"
"No time," Shuuichi said as he opened the door, "We have to-mm!"
Before he could do anything including finishing his statement, Kiyoni gave Shuuichi a grateful and welcoming kiss, "Hi."
That quickly excited Shuuichi, wishing the moment didn't have to end, "Hello. Now's not the time. We have to move quickly."
"Right. Let's go."
The guards that brought the pair to their holding cells stood with metal-tipped staffs by their side in case things got out of hand. Kiyoni thought that they would be more well-equipped than that given the times. It was in her favor though.
"Let me handle this," she proposed as she took center stage, "Hey, boys."
As soon as they heard the succubus, the guards turned around to find their captives out in the open and prepared themselves for anything they could do.
"Now, now," Kiyoni flirtatiously relented, "Let's not be so rough. Unless…that's your style…"
Kiyoni turned on the charm through her enchanted hands and eyes…and exposed breasts. She reached out for both men, sweetly tickling their necks, displaying a libidinous smile.
"Wouldn't it be fun to play tonsil hockey? Or get your hands on these? Which one of you wants to go first?"
"I do, I do," announced one of the guards, licking his lips.
"No, me," claimed the other, "Kiss me, kiss me!"
"Ooh," the first guard gestured with ready hands for Kiyoni's goods, "I'll go for those. Mm…"
"Settle down. We shouldn't fight like this, boys," Kiyoni insisted, "I got an idea. There's nothing hotter than to see two men like you swap spit. I promise I will be a geyser of horniness if you two were to kiss right now. How about it, boys? One kiss and my entire body is yours to do what you want with it for the rest of the night."
Shuuichi facepalmed himself, watching Kiyoni turn on the charm. He hoped she wasn't serious on a threesome with these two strangers after her statement on soul ties. Much to his surprise, Kiyoni's charm worked and the guards went at it like a live sex show. Clothes peeled off, tongues and tails wagged, and Kiyoni wanted to stick around for it all. She had a secret fetish for male-on-male action. Unfortunately, the moment was where her plan ended.
"What in the world…" Shuuichi questioned while covering his eyes.
"Shuuichi, now is not the time to question shit," Kiyoni stated as she adjusted her clothing, "There's way too much going on. We still have to get our things and go."
Quietly, Kurama led Kiyoni through the hallways of Yomi's home. Kiyoni was insistent upon grabbing her things at least.
"I still don't think it's a good idea," he stated.
"No way in any hell am I going to leave my things behind. That includes here. If Yomi was able to find some dirt on us, I don't want to leave him any more clues about me. I mean, think about it. What if he was the reason why the church broke into my apartment?"
Kurama had to stop for a moment, "That…seems far-fetched."
"I don't see how! He said he's been spying on me ever since we first came here. The break-in happened after our visit. Sounds like good timing to me."
Kurama sighed, "Fine. But make it quick."
"Yeah. Okay, yeah. I have just about everything packed already, anyway."
The pair made it to the guest rooms successfully where all of Kiyoni's things were in her bag and ready to go.
Shuuichi grabbed his things as well, "Ready?"
"As I'll ever be. Let's get out of this hell hole."
The coast was clear to leave for the most part. It seemed like smooth sailing. That was until…
"Stop," Yuda ordered, "Don't let them get away!"
"Run," Kiyoni shouted.
Shuuichi held back, "No. Just a moment."
Yuda continued, "Guards! Guards! Get out here now! In Yomi's name, stop those two from leaving!"
As the men approached, Kurama went for it, shoving Kiyoni away from danger just before one of the guards struck. Using his bag for defense, Kurama did away with two of the guards a moment before two more showed up. From the bag, Kurama pulled out two vines, ensnared a couple of men, and threw them into opposite walls, immediately breaking their necks upon impact. The other two men lunged for their opponent but were botanically shredded like cheese only to crumble like dry clay before Kurama's feet. Kurama didn't even break a sweat.
"Ho-ly fuck," Kiyoni noticed, "Eh, can we get out of here now?"
"Certainly. Let's go," Kurama concurred, running out of the door and behind Kiyoni.
So two options to hide were proven to be duds. Will there be a third option?