Shuuichi and Kiyoni ran down the open runway of Yomi's stronghold like it was a marathon. With no solid plan and no sense of direction, they kept running. It wasn't until the heel of Kiyoni's shoe broke off that they had to stop.

She tumbled and staggered to get up, "Ah…shit. My shoe!"

"Kiyoni, we have to go," Shuuichi urged.

"Yeah, yeah. I know, I know," Kiyoni removed her shoes.

She noticed a few guards approaching and chucked those beautiful heels at whoever was in the way before taking off again.

"Any idea where to go now," she asked.

"Your guess is as good as mine!"

The pair were about twenty yards away from the gate where two more guards were ready to take them down.

"Shit! We're fucked," Kiyoni shouted.

"Not necessarily," Shuuichi confirmed.

Two ivy leaves from the vines were plucked and tossed like ninja blades towards the guards ahead. They both hit the mark with one of them hitting the throat and the other in the chest.

"Ohhhh, Shuuichi, you are awesome as fuck!"

"Father God, forgive me for the murders I've just committed. Something to thank Kurama for."

Just when the duo approached the gate, the ground broke apart like a mini earthquake stopping everything that moved including the surrounding vehicular and pedestrian traffic. From underground came a giant, beetle-like mechazord large enough to rival the Trojan horse but more dangerous.

"Any idea…" Kiyoni marveled, "what that is?"

"None, whatsoever."

"It's Mukuro's fortress," Yomi announced from a distance, "She's the only one who has one of those."

Whether Shuuichi liked it or not, Kurama instantly took over, "Yomi, you may have ill-will towards me but leave Kiyoni out of it."

"I'm afraid I cannot do that, Kurama. Shinobu isn't the only one who is looking forward to your demise."

"Shinobu wants to eliminate all yokai!"

"You stole my light from me! Took me centuries to regain my strength. And now that I've surpassed you in both that and political power, there's nothing I'd like more than to steal your life. Men! Do what you will."

The guards charge. Fortunately, Mukuro was ready for them. The tentacles of her fortress take them down with ease as they serve as laser guns. In the middle of the gunfight, the mouth of the fortress opened, giving the pair ample opportunity to escape. Once secured, the fortress sank into the ground for an easy departure.

"Lady Mukuro, we owe you big time," Kiyoni said while catching her breath.

"Think nothing of it," Mukuro responded, "I've been waiting to use those things for quite some time."

"You have our thanks but…" Kurama went on, "why did you show up?"

"Yomi is just as blind as he is dumb. I knew the invitation he sent to us was bullshit. I just wanted to meet you with my own eye. You really have lost your strength."

"It's a…work-in-progress."

"And you, way to stand up for yourself."

Kiyoni pointed to herself, "Me? I just…spoke my mind."

"As you should. Even if Yomi did have his sight, he should know that women can be just as powerful as men. Both yokai and humans. Not only that but you spoke highly of Kurama here. I take you two are an item?"

"Well…I…well…you see…eh…"

Mukuro laughed, "Can speak her mind but has trouble speaking about her feelings."

"Lady Mukuro…" Kurama questioned, "where are you taking us?"

"I know of a way that may help you with your…problem."

"My problem?"

"You said you were bound to Shinobu by ancient magic. Only ancient magic can counter ancient magic," Mukuro peeked over at Kiyoni, "You may need her to do it."

Kiyoni listened in, "Me?"

Kurama challenged, "You said most religions practice magic in some form or fashion. Can the same be said for Kemetism?"

I'm surprised he listened. "Well…yes. It's called Heka. It's both an ideal and the name of a god. Auset, queen of the gods, is a goddess of magic as well."

"Have you tried it?"

"Oh…hell no. Never even considered it to be an option."

"And yet, you pray to Auset every chance you get, so you say."

"I guess there is a first for everything," Mukuro assumed, "It'll be a while before we reach our destination. Why don't you two get some rest? My second-in-command, Kirin, will lead you to our quarters."

"Many thanks, Lady Mukuro," Kurama bowed.

Kiyoni did the same, "Thank you."

Mukuro was quickly dismissive, "Yeah, yeah. Now move."

The halls of Mukuro's fortress makes Jonah's trouble inside the belly of a whale look like child's play. The inside of this giant, insect mechanoid is both creepy and fascinating. While the indo-skeleton of the structure was made out of wires, metal, and detailed circuitry for movement, the flesh was all...flesh. Even the floor Kiyoni and Kurama walked on had a life of its own.

Kiyoni covered her nose, "This place smells like moldy bread left behind for a science experiment."

"Just bear it," Kurama insisted.

"The only way I'll bear it is if we get a window. Has anyone here ever heard of indoor ventilation? I'm sweating my edges out."

The room they were given included a small table with one sitting chair and a queen-size bean bag bed except the "beans" were made of the flesh and organs of some of the other demons Mukuro and her men have killed.

"I miss my bed in Tokyo," Kiyoni sighed.

Kurama removed his suit jacket and vest and got comfortable, "It's more important to rest than to complain."

"I know," Kiyoni got comfortable as well after getting over the nauseous factor, "Ugh. I didn't think I'd have to endure so much."

"Agreed. Kiyoni?"

"Yeah?"

"You...really had a lot to say back there."

"I'm sorry but someone had to call Yomi out on his bullshit."

"You don't think what I did was wrong?"

"Petty? Yes. Wrong…? That's hard to call. I mean, I get the idea but instead of permanently disabling him like that, you could've just kicked him out of your clique or whatever. I don't know how things were done back in your day but in mine, we just cut toxic people out of our lives. You know, just stop talking or associating ourselves with them."

"I suppose I could've done that. Then again, if I hadn't done that then, I…"

Kiyoni looked over, "What?"

"I probably wouldn't have died. I wouldn't have been reincarnated. And I...wouldn't have met you."

"I...guess that's true. Wait, are you saying that Yomi was responsible for your death? If so, then the two of you must be the kings of petty."

"Actually, I was killed by a police officer from the spirit world but that's for a different conversation. Kiyoni?"

"Yes?"

"...Do you think I could earn as much of a...free trial as Shuuichi…from you?"

Kiyoni was surprised. One, Kurama knew what a free trial was. Two, he was bold enough to ask. Three...he asked! Not only that but Kurama's body language was completely opposite of what was displayed earlier. While Kurama was upfront and confident even when he was called out by Yomi, his mannerisms now were apologetic and soft. Has anyone seen this side of Kurama before? Kiyoni needed answers.

Thinking things through...sort of, Kiyoni sat up, "Not yet."

Disappointment escaped Kurama's lungs through his breathing. It seems he has more work to do to gain Kiyoni's trust.

However, Kiyoni had a heart, "There's one more thing you have to do."

"What's that?"

There was a slight pain in Kiyoni's chest, a sign of feeding time for the succubus. Despite that, that pain was overpowered by Kiyoni's raging hormones. Her monthly was on its way and she didn't have any green to calm her down. She would have to get some from the source.

Climbing on top of Kurama, Kiyoni said, "Eat me."

"Excuse me?"

"You heard what I said. Eat me. No games. No fooling me this time. I want your mouth to play with me knowing for sure it's you."

"Eh... Kiyoni...are you sure about that? Someone could hear us...you. You're quite the screamer. Even though I like that…"

"So? Let them. I don't care. Are you going to do it or not?"

While looking into Kiyoni's eyes, Kurama consulted with Shuuichi. Even the latter wondered why Kiyoni would make such a request at this time. However, the last couple of times the pair had some intimate moments after facing disaster would make this proposed one seem expected.

Kurama cleared his throat, "Why...why are you asking about this now?"

"Because I'm horny and my chest is hurting again. More importantly, I'm horny. If Shuuichi thought of me wearing a wedding dress, I'm thinking about either him or you or the both of you devouring me. Shuuichi already had his fun with me. I think it's fair for you to have a turn."

The mere thought of Kurama and Shuuichi taking carnal turns with Kiyoni ignited a new fantasy. However, she wanted Kurama to be Kurama again…on legitimate terms this time.

"Should we," Shuuichi wondered.

Kurama didn't answer. He lifted himself up, embraced Kiyoni, and gave her the most desire-raising, heart-skipping, temperature-escalating, meeting of the lips Kiyoni has ever had in her life. Kiyoni was there for it, the innermost hem of her pants dampening by the second. She couldn't wait to see what Kurama would do, playing with his ears the same way she would with Shuuichi much to Kurama's delight.

Kurama flipped Kiyoni onto her back and wrapped her legs around his waist. Her scents of carnal desire flowed in and out of his nostrils like waves in a cavern and Kurama savored every bit of it. He nibbled on a very sensitive area of Kiyoni's neck while slipping one hand underneath the top of Kiyoni's outfit to play with a breast.

"Ahhh…" Kiyoni cried and moaned, "Ahh! Not so hard. I'm–ah! More sensitive…than usual."

"I see. You're also…more aroused than usual," he quietly admitted with a libidinous growl, "You know, I've been craving you ever since that night."

"Then…" Kiyoni breathed, "you'll have to work for it. You know what you have to do. Please…?"

Kurama sat and stood up, reaching for his bag for a few vines, "Of course, mistress, but we'll need these to start."

"Start what?"

"You told me that your expertise lies in physical touch. Allow me to show you my touch."

On command, the vines snake their way onto the bed, tying Kiyoni's wrists and ankles to whatever post they can find. Kurama grabbed the shawl and tied it around Kiyoni's mouth. She's excited, nervous, and scared...but turned on.

"Now…" Kurama pondered while tapping a finger on his cheek, "how best to make you scream? I know a way."

Kurama plucked a few more leaves and placed them near Kiyoni's chest. He sat in the chair and with the flick of his fingers, the stems of the leaves began to grow and play with Kiyoni's body like a musical instrument, her nipples, specifically.

Kiyoni squirmed, wiggled, and arched as the very end of those stems wrapped and squeezed her chocolate kisses. They were on the peak of erection and the heightened sensitivity of them made her shriek in pleasurable pain. The octaves of Kiyoni's voice switched faster than notes played on a guitar. Kurama found it sadistically hilarious. A beautiful woman with sass, attitude, and the libido of a pubescent dolphin breaking down in Kurama's botanical grasp. Just when Kiyoni was about to bite the big one, Kurama found a way to keep going, finding a new way to edge Kiyoni. She hated and loved the moment at the same time.

Ohhhhhhh, this is not fair, Kiyoni determined, This is...ohhh...ohhhhhhhh-hoho! This is not...fair… Oh, Kurama, please...please slide inside me. Please, oh, please slide inside. Why aren't you…? Ohhhhh, I need you inside me now.

Kurama crawled on all fours and over Kiyoni, smirking over her reactions while playing with her center. The liquid white gold that Kurama felt coming out of Kiyoni's treasure box smelled so inviting and felt like warm lotion. Lotion that Kurama wouldn't mind applying to his equally-erect tree trunk. As she huffed and hummed through her shawl, Kiyoni looked up at Kurama with tears flowing out of her eyes. She absolutely enjoyed the moment she was in, her eyes momentarily rolling back from the sensation.

Kurama wiped those tears away and with compassion in his eyes inquired, "Would you look at that? Consider this your punishment for your outburst during dinner. No. More like your reward. Had enough?"

Wait. Did he…did he figure it out? I mean, I was a little horny back then… Kiyoni sniffled a couple of times before answering, "Mmf! Mmf!"

"Very well," Kurama turned up the ante, increasing both the speed and pressure on their respective areas.

Shit! He knew. He…fucking knew… Kiyoni declared, and he's punishing me for it. Oh, shit…

Kiyoni buckled from the pleasure. She can feel an orgasm coming in 3...2...1. She hummed a powerful, climactic scream through her oral binding and the pupils of her eyes rolled back so far, professional wrestling legend, The Undertaker, would be so proud. When everything was done, Kiyoni was nothing but a limp succubus.

Some of Kiyoni's essence spilled through the textile of her suit and onto Kurama's fingers, the taste and fragrance, exceptional. He removed Kiyoni's gag and gave her a comforting kiss, massaging her breasts for a second time to help relieve the pain.

"Good girl," he whispered, "Have we learned our lesson for today?"

Kiyoni slowly nodded, "...Yes."

"Yes, who?"

"...Yes…my master."

"Very good," from there, Kurama released Kiyoni's bindings and held her in his arms until she soundly fell asleep.

"You didn't do much," Shuuichi noticed.

"With our abilities, we don't have to. She can be satisfied both with and without us laying a finger on her. That's what makes it fun. It's called foreplay and it's something she would like more of from now on. Your bible forbids such things."

"I see."

"Don't think about it too much, we'll have plenty of time for you to learn. Not everything is as sinful as you were taught to believe. What may be considered evil or repulsive could actually be beneficial to yourself, to others, or the world."

"So I'm learning. You failed to give her what she needed though."

"That will come later."

In Tokyo, the search for the fox and the succubus continued. Paydirt was reached when Touya and Yukina got a lead on the pair. An employee for the Tokaido-Sanyo shinkansen line recognized Kiyoni and was the one who sold her tickets to the train to Nagoya.

"Nagoya," Yukina wondered, "Why go all the way there?"

"Who cares," Touya proclaimed, "Probably eloped for all I care."

"Touya, why are you like this? I don't understand. For all we know, they both could be in some trouble."

"Yukina, they are in trouble. Shuuichi or Father didn't tell you?"

"Tell me what?"

"Shuuichi...is Kurama. The same Kurama that raided Kabukicho. The same Kurama we saw at the church. The same Kurama who destroyed the church."

"What?! No way. Shuuichi...is Kurama?"

"Yeah. According to Shuuichi, Father was the one who made him that way. However, Father says it's Kurama's fault Shuuichi has been so inflicted. I don't know what to believe."

"But what does that have to do with Kiyoni?"

"Father wants to help Shuuichi, perform an exorcism on him. Kiyoni is a succubus, hellbent on making Shuuichi suffer. I told you that. Why are they in Nagoya? I wish I knew."

"What are we going to do?"

"We have to inform Father and do so as soon as possible. There's no telling what Kiyoni has done to our fellow Deacon by now. Let's go."

According to Yukina, there was no way. No way things could be bad for her brother-in-Christ. Shuuichi is a tender soul. Then again, she did see Kurama at the church after it was destroyed. If Shuuichi and Kurama are one in the same, then okay. That is bad. However, Shinobu and Kiyoni's involvement with the deacon doesn't exactly make sense. Shinobu raised Shuuichi so why and how would Shinobu be responsible for Kurama's presence? If an exorcism can save Shuuichi's soul then…okay? Not only that but there was that one time that a fellow sister told Yukina about the time she caught Kiyoni carrying an out-of-it Shuuichi to his dorm. Why would Kiyoni want to torment Shuuichi if all she has done was make him happy? Is it because of Kurama? Does Kiyoni even know about Kurama? Why would Shinobu and Kiyoni put Shuuichi through so much trouble after all the good they've done for him? Just who is the villain in all this? Seeing is believing so Yukina would have to see for herself.

At the church inside of Shinobu's office, he was in the middle of a video call with Yomi, "You couldn't keep them in check?"

"It wasn't that I couldn't keep them in check…" Yomi argued, "I just have incompetent employees. Then there was Mukuro…"

"They're with Mukuro?"

"As far as I know, yes. They're destination is at least east of Gandara from what I could tell."

"I know exactly where they're going. Get some of your finest men together and send them over to me. I'll handle things from there."

"Do what you like with the girl. Kurama-"

Shinobu cut off the video link. No, Yomi was not going to deal with Kurama. The fox was really Shinobu's problem. One, Shinobu was going to put an end to.

A call from Touya came through, "Father, we got some news on their location."

"Excellent. What have you got for me?"

"We were told that they ran off to Nagoya."

"Nagoya? That explains the distance. Report back. There's been a change of plans."

"Yes, Father."

So, they're on the move with Counselor Mukuro. Interesting. Now is the time to strike.

Morning in the world of Makai. Well, someone thinks it's morning. Kiyoni awakened to find Shuuichi, or his body at least, sleeping in the chair directly across from where she was.

"Shuuichi," she called, "Kurama?"

"Good morning," Shuuichi greeted upon waking up.

"Good morning," Kurama followed.

"That was weird," Kiyoni said, "Have we made it?"

"We're still moving," Kurama assumed.

Then the fortress stopped moving.

"You were saying," Shuuichi questioned.

Kirin entered the room, "Good to know you're all awake. Lady Mukuro requests your presence up front."

"Shall we go, Kiyoni," Shuuichi affirmed.

Kiyoni sighed, "Yeah. Let's get this over with."

Shuuichi, Kurama, and Kiyoni were all apprehensive about what Mukuro could do as they went out to meet her. Will she be friend or foe? Mukuro's soldiers gathered outside awaiting their leader. They seemed to be in a relaxed state told by their laughs and giggles and personal towels in their hands and around their shoulders.

"This is unusual," Shuuichi noticed.

"I wonder why we stopped," Kiyoni groaned.

"Are you alright?"

Kiyoni sighed, "Suu'chi, I'm sorry. I really am but...it's here."

"What's here?"

Kiyoni bashfully whispered in Shuuichi's ear, "...My period."

"Oh. Oh! Oh, god. Eh…"

"Just hold me...for now."

"Oh, okay," Shuuichi embraced, "That I can do."

Kiyoni groaned again while trying to keep herself upright. Cramps are a bitch.

"On a scale of 1 to 10, how bad is it," Shuuichi questioned.

"A seven…and growing."

"In need of relief?"

"Do you have any?"

"I have seeds so I can provide some if needed."

"Mmmmm! I think I'll need more than that."

"Alright, alright. I won't annoy you any further."

Mukuro finally stepped out of the fortress with a wash bucket and some towels, "Good morning, men!"

Her men cheer.

"Alright. I'm tired of smelling your disgusting balls and asses. Get yourselves cleaned up."

"YES, SIR!"

The men scatter through the forested area in search of some hot springs. The area they're in is a gold mine for them.

Mukuro found the pair, "What's all this?"

"She's…" Shuuichi awkwardly explained, "on her monthly and in pain."

"Oh, then we're in a perfect place. Hot springs all over. She can relax at least. Follow me. I know a spot."

Kiyoni groaned again. Just when she was getting comfortable in her pain, she had to move. Shuuichi picked her up and carried her like the big baby she was.

Through a few bushes, some vines, and nearly stepping on some dung, Shuuichi followed close behind Mukuro with Kiyoni in his arms. The surroundings seemed quiet. Within the early morning fog, all that could be seen was live wildlife and a couple of ghosts who have yet to move on. After a while, his curiosity got the better of him.

"Mukuro, I must ask you. Friend or foe?"

Mukuro looked behind, "Come again?"

"Kiyoni and I have been on the run longer than originally planned and are getting a bit restless. It wasn't safe in Kiyoni's hometown and the same was said about Yomi's stronghold. How can we be sure you won't turn on us?"

"Simple. You don't," Mukuro noticed Kiyoni's pained state, "Come. Now."

The hot spring Mukuro knew of was private, unused, and perfect. About thirty feet wide, four to five feet deep, surrounded by nothing but plant life and stone, gave off the perfect amount of early morning steam from the surface.

"Will this suffice," Shuuichi asked Kiyoni.

Kiyoni opened her eyes to observe, "Yeah...whatever."

"Haha. I guess this will work."

Mukuro shook her head, "Woman problems."

Shuuichi handled the clothing while Mukuro got to work bathing Kiyoni. Kiyoni noticed the burned state Mukuro's body was in and was inquisitive about it.

"What happened?"

"Tell me something. As a succubus, you've spent your time...serving others, correct?"

"Yeah. I worked at an exotic club called Aphrodisia. Did you?"

"No. Was your job forced?"

"No. It was by choice. My choice."

"Would you look at that? Opposite ends of the same spectrum."

"Eh?"

"While you chose to work in the industry, I was forced into it. For years, I've endured countless torture, experiencing some of the worst life had to offer. I grew tired of it and other than death, I had slim pickings as to how to get out. So I made myself undesirable, dousing myself in acid to the point where no one would want me. Then when the opportunity arrived, I sought revenge against my captors, cutting off their heads one by one until there was nothing left. After that, I ran away with nothing but violence as my only form of survival. Over time I've earned the attention and respect of my counterparts, eventually shifting my talents towards politics. That's why I'm on the counsel. I get to show everyone that a woman, a self-respecting woman, shouldn't have to rely only on her back to get ahead."

Mukuro's words gave Kiyoni inspiration. Opposite ends of the same spectrum, yes. Perhaps reaching similar outcomes? Very possible. Just gotta keep sticking up for herself.

On Mukuro's end, she was a bit jealous of Kiyoni's pain. Thanks to her past, there isn't much of her physical femininity for her to enjoy such as childbirth and menstruation. It's partly the reason why she exudes more masculine energy than feminine. Even though Mukuro was content in herself, there were some things she wished she had to make her feel a bit more…girly.

"How are you feeling," Mukuro assessed after she finished.

"Grateful...but still in pain and…" Kiyoni slowly rose, "getting worse. Ow…"

"Let's get you into that water. You're welcome to join us, fox."

Shuuichi stood behind a bush growing out his stash of green, "No, thank you. I'll follow when the two of you are finished."

"What's the matter? Scared you might like what you see?"

"More like, respectful."

"Well, you could at least give your friend whatever it was she wanted or needed. She doesn't look too good."

By now, Kiyoni is in the water trying to let the warmth soothe her pain.

"It's going to take a bit of time," Shuuichi warned, "Please be patient."

"I don't...care," Kiyoni exclaimed, "Shit, this hurts."

Shuuichi grabbed the first full bud he could grow and packed it into his bowl, "I don't suppose you have a light on you?"

"Very nice," Mukuro inspected, "At least the rumors about you when it comes to plants are true. Allow me."

A flicker of energy from Mukuro's finger ignited the herb which gave off a sweet, fruity smell. Kiyoni knew exactly what it was upon that first whiff.

"Space…" Kiyoni whispered, "queen."

"I assume you know what to do with this?"

"Fuck yeah," Kiyoni took one, big hit and leaned back.

"Might as well join us, Kurama," Mukuro suggested.

"I have to get back to my work," Shuuichi determined, "For her sake."

"How virginal can you be," Kurama questioned.

"I'm only respecting their privacy. Nothing more."

"You-we received an invitation."

"From Mukuro, yes. Kiyoni, no. I don't want to make her feel uncomfortable."

"Feeling better," Mukuro asked.

"I will…" Kiyoni replied, "in a little bit. His shit kicks in quick."

"So tell me. What do you see in him?"

"Which one?"

"Both."

"...I see...the good and the bad in both of them."

A twitch of Shuuichi's ear tuned him into the conversation.

"For Shuuichi…" Kiyoni continued, "he can be so kindhearted and simple but as Shinobu proved, those qualities could easily be taken advantage of. For Kurama, he can be a trickster and ruthless. The blood he spilled in Kabukicho is... something that will live in people's memories for quite a long time. Not to mention, the impact he made on me the first time we met. However, once he realizes the mistakes he made, he… It's mature of him to do so and...even more mature of him to make up for it. Shuuichi could learn a lot from Kurama and Kurama can learn a lot from Shuuichi. I think that's one of, if not, the only, step left to take for them to completely merge as one."

"Interesting analysis. It sounds like you're really fond of them."

"You think so?"

"You could've just said that instead of the speech. It annoys me when people don't cut to the chase."

Kiyoni raised an eyebrow, This coming from someone who just gave me their life's story about five minutes ago? Yeah, okay.

In Gandara, while local police assess the damage done in front of his home, Yomi spoke with Shinobu in Yomi's private home. Not wanting to go about it alone, Shinobu brought along his team of yokai and superpowered humans all in their hypnotic state.

"Quite a team you got there," Yomi noticed.

"I make due," Shinobu replied.

"A fire wielder with an ice apparition? Interesting."

"I'm not here for small talk, Yomi. You know why we're here."

"Right. My tracer spies have been keeping an eye on Mukuro's fortress. There's a temple east of here that contains ancient spells and incantations that may counteract the ones placed on Kurama."

"Very well. We shall head there immediately. I don't suppose you could provide us with some sort of...transportation. It was a bit of a hassle getting here."

"Yuda can take you to my stables. I have an adequate supply of horses ready and waiting. Provided you...know how to ride."

"We'll figure it out."

"Shinobu."

Shinobu looked behind him, silent but attentive.

"Remember our agreement."

"Don't worry, Yomi. You'll have that fox skin rug at the foot of your bed before you know it."

Yomi did look forward to the outcome. If Kurama took away his vision, revenge would be sweet for Kurama to lose his life.