In the hot springs of the Makai world, Mukuro relaxed in the ever-loving peace and tranquility of her surroundings. Due to the early morning hours, only the sounds of birds and insects sing the songs of sunrise. After getting a dose of some green, Kiyoni took comfort resting on Shuuichi's lap with him giving her a neck and shoulder rub.

"How are you feeling," he asked.

"Mm, better," Kiyoni answered, "All I need is some chocolate."

"And with that, you are sounding better."

"I gotta admit, Kurama…" Mukuro said, "you certainly have a green thumb."

She tested some of Kurama's herbs and was just as high as Kiyoni was.

"Mukuro, what is at this temple you speak of?"

"How did Shinobu bind you to him?"

"To put it bluntly, hemomancy. Blood magic."

"Hm. Some of the most powerful magic out there. Not bad. Expect to find that at the temple. It was used to conduct special rituals using that type of work. Whether it was out of revenge, greed, misguided love, procreation. In your case, I'm not sure about breaking any bonds."

"I'll take that chance."

Kiyoni whispered, "Are you sure?"

"Kiyoni?"

"Are you sure you want to go through with it," Kiyoni peered with childlike eyes, "What happens when the bond is broken? What happens to you and Kurama? Will you still be able to merge?"

And there it was. Shuuichi would've answered that question back at the coffee shop in Shibuya but chose not to. Given Kiyoni's physical and (possibly) emotional state, once again Shuuichi withheld the truth.

"If it means our freedom from Sensui, then so be it. That's all that matters at this point."

"But you and Kurama… What happens to the two of you?"

"We'll...continue to merge as originally planned."

"Are you sure? Shinobu is linked to each of you, right?"

"Yes, that is true. Hold on. Don't tell me you're developing a soft spot for Kurama."

There was no hiding it. Kiyoni was in too deep. She had feelings for Shuuichi, which was undeniably and admittedly true. However, Kurama was growing on Kiyoni now. His performance at Yomi's dinner party may have had something to do with it. Since the two souls were merging with one another, Kiyoni had to make emotional room for Kurama now. He did propose that idea not too long ago.

"It's...possible," she confessed.

"Jesus, take the wheel," Shuuichi exclaimed, "Now, I'm concerned."

"As am I," Mukuro stated, "Better yet, interested is the right word."

"We have no other choice but to see this temple and make use of it if we can."

"Right. Well…" Mukuro rose from the water, revealing her naked self, "sitting here won't get us anywhere. Let's go."

Shuuichi shielded his eyes, hoping to never look at that unfortunately-burned body ever again.

"Here," Mukuro offered with a towel, "You might want to use this for her…and your sake."

"Thank you," Shuuichi cleared his throat.

On the move again, Mukuro's insect-like headquarters crawled through the remainder of the forest and into desert territory, burying deep within the sands for cooling comfort. Speaking of comfort, Kurama took over providing relief for Kiyoni's menstrual problem. Using the bark of a Chinese hawthorn tree, a makeshift heating pad was created and placed on Kiyoni's lower abdomen. It provided much-needed salvation from the cramps and soothed her into sleep. While she rested, Shuuichi and Kurama had another conversation with themselves.

"Seems like Kiyoni is growing fond of you," Shuuichi concluded.

"Jealous," Kurama questioned.

"Surprised. I thought Kiyoni hated you, never allowing herself to trust you for a while. I didn't expect it to come so soon."

"I'll admit, I'm taken aback as well. Which makes me think about going to the temple and Shinobu's words. Should we find the right spell, should it work, breaking the bond...you have a better chance of surviving than I."

"How could you say that?"

"Think about it. This body is originally yours. You've survived death once before. I don't think your time has yet to come."

"I survived death partially thanks to you. What about you?"

"I'm on...borrowed time, Shuuichi. Have been for over two decades now. Should the bond between us and Shinobu dissolve, it's best for this body to return to its original owner rather than to its invader."

"No. You sound insane, as if...you're giving up already. There's too much to fight for. Should we separate, I'm nothing. Defenseless against Shinobu and his team. Besides, think about what was said between Kiyoni and I. Shinobu said if he dies, we die. Nothing was ever said about us not surviving as we are."

"Yes, that may be possible but who are we to know? It's best to think about any other prospects."

"And Kiyoni? What about her? Are you willing to abandon her after what she just admitted?"

Kurama observed the way Kiyoni slept. She seemed so comfortable and at ease. By the time she wakes up, she should be good as new. Kurama wanted to stick around for Kiyoni's sake. He said he wanted to protect her and to be a part of her life. Mainly for sexual reasons but even that is changing. However, if he were to separate from Shuuichi, how would Kiyoni react? Would she react? Would she cry? Would she miss Kurama? Kurama would miss Kiyoni once he crosses over into the afterlife but…

"It wouldn't be too hard for her, I believe. She would have you. Her feelings for you are much stronger."

"Kurama, you're lying. I know you are. You're just as nervous as I am. You're considering the possibility of a permanent separation just as much as I am. You're worried about losing Kiyoni more than you're letting on. Admit it, you idiot."

Kurama laughed in his throat, "I guess we're both idiots. Idiots in love."

"Indeed, we are."

Kurama joined Kiyoni on the bed, caressing her cheek as she slept. He could watch her sleep for hours if there was nothing else to do or think about. The sudden sensation jolted Kiyoni awake, giving her seconds to figure out what's going on.

"Hey, Suu'chi," she groggily greeted, "No, wait. Hey, Kurama."

Kurama blinked in shock, "You...can tell?"

"Yeah. I think so."

"How?"

"Your eyes...they change a little bit. When Shuuichi is out, his eyes are the purest green and sweet. When it's you, like you are now, they lighten up and are more cold."

"I'm not that cold. Not like before."

"Tell that to Yomi. You wanted to chop his head off the way he...came at you."

"And you didn't?"

"We're not talking about me. That was my hormones talking if you wanna go there."

Kurama laughed in his throat again, "Someone's feeling better. I adore the sass."

"Kurama...where will you go?"

"What do you mean?"

"If you and Shuuichi separate, where would you go?"

"Kiyoni, given your current state, I don't think I should answer that."

"My current state? Kurama, I'm bleeding out of my cooter. What does that have to do with my question?"

Kurama bunched his lips to one side trying to find a way to dodge said question.

"Well? Am I going to get an answer?"

Kurama sighed, looking deep into Kiyoni's eyes. If these were to be his final hours among the living, might as well handle some affairs. That and it's pointless to keep the biggest part of his situation from Kiyoni.

"Kiyoni, I...I may die...should that happen. Leaving Shuuichi, the original and true owner of this body to him."

Kiyoni sat up, "Bullshit! Tell me you're lying right now!"

Kurama sat up as well, "I'm not saying it's a definite outcome, but it's a definite possibility."

"That's bullshit! Kurama, after all we been through, after all you and Shuuichi been through, are you seriously saying, 'Fuck the world,' and just...leave?"

"Kiyoni, I did say that it's a possibility-"

"You can't leave!"

"...What?"

"You can't...leave. There's too much at stake if you do. Shuuichi isn't that strong enough to take on Shinobu. I'm not strong enough to help. We're sitting ducks without you. You...you practically saved his life. Why would you just...leave him? Leave us? Leave...me?"

Kurama glanced down and noticed Kiyoni's hand over his. It was confusing to say the least.

"Excuse me? What are you suggesting?"

Whether she was getting emotional because of her monthly or getting legitimately emotional, Kiyoni was getting emotional. That or her separation anxiety kicking in. She wiped the darkened tears from her eyes and somewhat confessed.

"Take a wild guess, Kurama."

"So it's true…" Kurama attempted to help out, "You are developing that soft spot Shuuichi talked about. Kiyoni–"

"Stop it. I don't want to ride this emotional rollercoaster today or for the next few days for that matter. Look, you don't have much going for you without Shuuichi. Shuuichi doesn't have much going for him without you. Well, maybe, I could be wrong on one or both of those fronts but...I like the both of you. I'm fond of both of you. You're literally two sides of the same coin and it's been…an adventure dealing with those sides. So I don't want to believe in the possibility of a permanent separation. I refuse to."

"So does that mean...that you trust me, that you...forgive me?"

Kiyoni shifted Kurama her way and gave him a response in the form of a kiss, "Yes. I'm trusting and forgiving you. You and Shuuichi have come so far. I don't want to lose either of you. I'm not ready to."

"I'm not ready to lose you either, Kiyoni," Shuuichi admitted.

"That makes two of us," Kurama followed with a kiss of his own.

With Kurama lying her down, Kiyoni squeezed his face and threatened, "However, should you stick around and even try to pull a stunt like that again, there will be some problems. And they will involve a knife. Am I clear?"

Under better circumstances, Kurama would've been so turned on by Kiyoni's domineering side. In his mind, she's definitely a switch.

"Yes," he replied through his bunched lips, "Crystal."

Kiyoni released her grip with a smile, "Good. Now kiss me."

"Gladly."

Kiyoni locked lips with Kurama and it was just as romantic and sensual as making out with Shuuichi. It ignited another one of her daydreams as Kurama slowly climbed over Kiyoni, holding her hands above her head and gently pressing his groin against hers.

What Kiyoni wouldn't give to have a threesome with both Shuuichi and Kurama. To give fellatio to one while receiving from behind from the other. To have both men in her mouth at the same time. To be the meat to their sandwich as both men penetrate her at the same time...and to do it all in the hot spring she was in earlier. Talk about orgasms galore. Then, by night's end, Kiyoni would lie scattered on the ground like a ragdoll, covered in seed, feeling amazing as a willingly-ravaged sex slave while the two men relax with a post-coitus smoke. Definitely a threesome for the ages.

"Your scent…" Kurama quietly admitted, "is so...intoxicating like this."

"Mm, I'd let you have me...if I wasn't bleeding."

Kurama released Kiyoni's hands and slid down her body, "Then, perhaps…"

Kiyoni looked down, "What are you doing?"

"A preview."

"Kurama, I just said I'm-"

"I know...but…" Kurama nibbled on an inner thigh while massaging the other from the groin to the middle area.

Kiyoni hissed, "...Ooooooh…"

"Permission to feed...my lady?"

Kiyoni propped herself up on her elbows, giggling flirtatiously, "You want to eat me that badly?"

"That I do."

"Get back up here."

"As you wish," Kurama did as instructed, getting aroused as Kiyoni brought out her dominant side, "Now what?"

And dominant, Kiyoni was. So much so that not only did she climb over the fox, she went for his face. One serving of her special pie was served for the course.

"I wanna watch you feed this time," she declared.

Incredible. It's as if she wasn't in pain not long ago. Not only that but her confidence is so appealing. "You are so kind. I thank you for this…"

"Think nothing of it. Now eat."

And with that, Kurama feasted. It was a good thing Kiyoni remembered to bring and wear her menstrual cup. However, she kept her clothes on while she was treated like breakfast. The fabric of the outfit she wore had the right amount of thickness to not obstruct Kurama from putting in work. In fact, he used the inner seam that attached the front to the back to tease Kiyoni's button, causing her to clench the bed and moan in sexual satisfaction. Hot springs plus some green plus a nature-grown heating pad plus a nap plus an orgasm should provide the most powerful and effective relief from menstrual cramps.

"Haaaa," she groaned while riding along Kurama's mouth, "Ha-ahhh...oh...oh, Kurama…"

It was that December night in Kiyoni's apartment all over again. The only difference was that Kiyoni was the leader. Her special touch along the ears and on the scalp of Kurama's head ignited a reaction involving firm grips on Kiyoni's hips and bottom. It seemed like Kurama liked the "petting" treatment from Kiyoni just as much as Shuuichi. Over time, a piece of fine cloth wasn't going to do. If Kurama wanted Kiyoni's forbidden fruit, he was going to have it, tearing through that inner seam and devouring her like a juicy mango much to her expressive delight. Menstrual blood be damned. If there was one thing Kiyoni enjoyed about her feminine sexuality, it was moments like this.

Unbeknownst to the pair, the fortress had stopped and Mukuro called her men to arms. Kirin was sent to retrieve the duo, interrupting their moment of sensuality.

"Ugggggggh!" Kiyoni roared on her and Kurama's behalf.

Damn Kirin. Damn Mukuro. Damn everything at this point. That's twice that silver-haired fox used that silver tongue on Kiyoni and just as many times she was denied an orally-induced orgasm. Whatever was the reason, Kiyoni hoped the delay was worth it. She's going to get that climax come hell or high water and Kurama assured himself that he was going to be the one to deliver.

Kurama and Kiyoni joined Mukuro on the top of her fortress. Mukuro had her war face on as she observed what was going on below. The entire vibe didn't feel right. It felt combative somehow and there was a good reason why.

"It's windy up here," Kiyoni noticed.

"Mukuro…" Kurama called, "what's going on? Why have you called us here?"

"Do you feel it," Mukuro inquired.

Kurama analyzed the wind, feeling and smelling the energy within it. Within seconds, he felt it.

"He's here."

Kiyoni looked around, "Who? Who's here?"

Mukuro led the way by stepping forward. Kurama followed with Kiyoni close behind and Kirin bringing up the rear. On the ground, near the mossy, rotten wood entrance to a temple stood Shinobu along with his crew all on horseback. He looked up at the group with the same nefarious smirk on his face.

"Ra's grace," Kiyoni watched, "That's bullshit! How did he know we'd be here?"

"Yomi must've tipped him off," Kurama replied in a vengeful tone.

"Indeed," Mukuro agreed, "Dumbass."

"This is bullshit," Kiyoni concluded, "What are we going to do?"

"Kirin and I will make sure you two get to that temple," Mukuro delegated, "WARRIORS, MOUNT AN ASSAULT AND PREPARE FOR BATTLE!"

The fleet took heed, "YES, SIR!"

Shinobu gave the nod and those with weapons prepared for battle as well. Zeru with his blazing fire, Roto with his twin "fuck you" blades, Touya with his ice sword and deadly ice shards, Natsume with her devastatingly-energetic fingers, and rookie, Mitarai Kiyoshi, with his threatening little army of aquatic monsters powered by his blood.

"Take out as many as you can," Shinobu directed, "If you do not survive, just know that our lord and savior will make a place for you in his kingdom where your golden mansion awaits. Until then, may the Lord watch over you."

"And he over you," they say.

The mouth of the fortress opened, releasing Mukuro's soldiers by the dozens, their warrior cries echoed within the surrounding forest. Up top, the quartet noticed Shinobu heading towards the temple, leaving his army behind.

"Oh that's just petty," Kiyoni determined, "His team is gonna get creamed and he walks away."

"For a human, he certainly has the traits of a yokai," Mukuro verified, "Only caring about himself."

"Indeed," Kirin said, "What shall we do, counselor?"

Mukuro checked in with Kiyoni, "How are you feeling?"

"If you're asking if I can fight…" Kiyoni accepted, "I sure as hell feel like I can and want to."

"Kurama?"

Kurama rolled up his sleeves and cracked his neck, "Same goes for me. However, I wish I could be in my own body for it."

"Kurama…" Kiyoni encouraged, "now is not the time to doubt yourself. You're in control of this body. Time to find its limits and push them. You're only as limited as you make yourself to be, remember?"

"You're right. I can carry you if you wish."

"No need," Kiyoni transformed into her succubus form.

Violet skin, black horns, bat wings, and a tail. True to form, she wore a pair of black, thigh-high boots, and a very skimpy, matching one piece.

Kirin turned to remove his stone mask and wipe off the blood from his nose, Mukuro whistled in approval, and Kurama smirked in the same sentiment. Shuuichi...gestured to the holy cross and said two Hail Marys to keep himself from getting horny.

"Not bad," Kurama remarked, "You mean to tell me you knew how to fly this entire time?"

"I don't use my wings too often. My bad."

"We have to go now," Mukuro demanded.

She and Kirin teleported leaving Kiyoni to carry Kurama through the air.

The ruins of a former temple were creepy right off the bat. The rotted wood and moss became the roofs of the building with a giant oak tree standing tall in the center, dividing the former two-story house of worship, its roots surrounding the main doorway. An ominous fog covered the grounds, seeping through the bones of previous sacrifices, both adults and children. With the sounds of war as a background, Kurama and Kiyoni reunited with Mukuro and Kirin.

"This is definitely perfect for a horror flick…" Kiyoni affirmed, "or a haunted house for Halloween. Spooky factor: ten out of ten."

"Kind of reminds me of my old days, old ways," Mukuro observed.

"How I miss those days," Kirin commented, "How glorious you looked covered in the blood of your enemies."

"Shinobu is close," Kurama announced, "I can smell him."

"Kurama…" Kiyoni whispered, "I don't suppose you have a plan?"

"If it comes down to it, we take Shinobu down here and now. Either that or we figure out a way to break the bond between us and him."

Kiyoni planted another kiss on Kurama as an incentive and out of impulse.

"What was that for?"

"In case it's your last."

Could Kiyoni be any sweeter? In Kurama's case, no. In all of his years, he has never come across a woman like her. Then again, he never gave himself time to get acquainted with one like he is now. His sense of sight was awakened on that Halloween night in Shibuya. His sense of smell, taste, and hearing were activated the night he raided Kabukicho. A kiss just highlighted Kurama's sense of touch, both physical and emotional. It's taking everything Kurama has, mentally and physically not to return to Mukuro's fortress to give Kiyoni a well-deserved orgasm or three.

Grr…ahhh…Shino…bu… Jesus Christ, I wanna fuck this woman so…

Instead, Kurama said, "...I better make it count."

The inside of the temple screamed ancient. Just about everything inside from religious statues to seating to the windows and altar were covered in dust and dirt. Everyone but Kirin immediately covered their mouths and noses. Directly in the center of the sanctuary, was an old, fountain-like structure covered in dried-up liquid. So dry that the inside looked brown and whatever was left looked black.

"What is that," Kiyoni queried, "Ew and that smell…"

"It's blood," Kirin answered.

"Old blood," Mukuro added, "I told you this place was used for special rituals. All of the blood from those bones out there must've filled this fountain."

"I'm gonna fucking throw up," Kiyoni swore,"I do not need to see this in my current condition."

"It's nice, isn't it," Shinobu invoked from the shadows, "An entire temple dedicated to the powers of blood. Just imagine how influential this place would've been if this temple was used for God's work. Yokai from all over will have a better purpose for spilling blood in the name of God. That is, after all, what your kind does."

"Sorry to burst your bubble, Shinobu…" Mukuro countered, "but ever since yokai and humans coexisted, random acts of murder have decreased. Raizen, myself, and even that asshole, Yomi, have made sure of it."

"Have you? If that's the case, then why does your kind still fear Kurama? If your position was to make sure that humans and yokai live in harmony, then why is it that I, a human, have managed to ensnare one of the most elusive yokai in history?"

"Simple. He wasn't on our list of priorities. There were bigger concerns."

"Either that or incompetency."

"Shinobu, what is your true endgame here?"

"You should already know that by now. To rid the world of your kind. Either that or convert them. The lives you all live are abhorrent in the eyes of God and I'm here to change that."

"You have a weak ass plan, you know that," Kiyoni shouted, "Again, who the fuck are you to decide how anyone should live? Why are you so insistent on your goal?"

Shinobu noticed Kiyoni's ensemble, "I'll use you as an example. Look at you avail yourself like that. You can't expect anyone, let alone, a potential husband to see you as a saint."

"Of course, I can. And for your information, one, I like both men and women and two, I happen to like the way my body looks, thank you. Fuck you very much. Also, it doesn't hurt to show a little skin to attract a mate. It's a simple law of attraction backed by science or do you not believe in that? Are you sure you're not one of those…? Fuck, what do they call it? Uh…?"

"A eunuch," Mukuro answered, "That would make sense."

"Probably not what I wasn't asking for but we'll go with that."

"I can assure you both…" Shinobu stated, "that I have everything in tact."

"Enough, Shinobu," Kurama declared, "This ends here and now. Release us and we shall be on our way."

Mukuro added, "Taking down a mere human like you would not be a problem. You do have someone to answer anyway."

Shinobu countered, "I will not. Don't you remember, Kurama? Our existence lies within our bond. Break it and we are as good as dead."

"So be it," Kurama accepted, "I rather go through death alone than live the rest of my days bound to you."

Both Kiyoni and Kurama internally grimaced from that statement. Sacrifices suck sometimes. Especially if it were to happen before intercourse. Sex first, die later. A commonly-agreed plan.

"Perform the spell now…" Mukuro declared, "or we'll make you."

Confidently, Shinobu opened his arms, "No weapon formed against me shall prosper but you're welcome to try."

"Kirin," Mukuro summoned.

Kirin drew his massive sword and stepped forward, "As you wish, madam counselor."

Kiyoni noticed something in the distance, whispering, "Kurama, look. Behind him."

Kurama took a peek and noticed a book sitting wide open behind Shinobu, "You have a good eye. I recognize that book. You do what you can to get it away from him. Mukuro, Kirin, and I will distract Shinobu in the process."

"I wouldn't get my hopes up too high," Kirin warned, "It may have been a long time since I've slain a human but I can still kill."

"I welcome it," Shinobu said with an air of cockiness.

Kirin lunged forward with a warrior cry and swiped his sword from his right side. The weapon shattered before it could even touch the target. Everyone who bore witness sat in shock. Shinobu smiled with pride.

"What the hell," Mukuro exclaimed, "Kirin, report!"

"I... I don't understand," Kirin replied, "I never even touched him!"

Shinobu proudly laughed, "My turn."

With a flick of the wrist and no physical contact, Kirin flew across the sanctuary and back out into the open. Shinobu continued laughing as he quoted a line from Isaiah 54:17.

"No weapon formed against me shall prosper. And every tongue which rises against me in judgement shall be condemned. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their righteousness is from Him so saith the Lord.

"What gives me the right to do what I do, you may ask. The highest of the high, the creator of all things, the Lord, himself. As I stand here before you, I can feel his presence, his strength flowing through me," in a surprising twist, Shinobu began to glow in a magnificently golden light, "Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Mukuro marveled, "No. How is that possible? You're human."

"A human who has been blessed by the divine. Like the return of Jesus Christ except I am him. As I've said, my mission, my life's purpose is to spread the word of God and purge those who go against his will. And I will do so with great force and righteous fury."

"You've gone mad, Shinobu," Kurama declared.

"Oh. No, Kurama. I am very much in tune, mentally and spiritually. You, on the other hand, will soon not be."

Mukuro powered up as well, "I was waiting for the day when I get to fight again. Looks like my time has finally come. Kurama is right. You are insane but you seem to be a worthy fighter. How about it?"

Shinobu hummed, "I sense that you both want to spill my blood. Why don't you two come at me at once? That way no one gets lonely."

Mukuro led the charge, "Haaaaa!"

Her flurry of punches and kicks caused no damage but she wasn't going to give up. He had a weak point somewhere and Mukuro was determined to find it.

Sensing an opening, Shinobu countered with a kick that landed directly in Mukuro's torso, sending her flying through the clay pews. Kurama came in from behind with a vine to take Shinobu down but was thwarted by Shinobu's psychic leash, the necklace.

"Ahhh," Kurama cried in pain.

"You poor, poor fox," Shinobu gloated, "Seems like you're no longer the feared one here. I was wrong to entrap you. If it's freedom you want, then freedom you will have."

He pulled out his trusted gun, the same one that he pulled out on Kiyoni, "If I were you, my final words would either be the Lord's prayer or a prayer of repentance. At least that'll keep you in line shall you reach the pearly gates."

Kurama chuckled, "How about the phrase, 'Eat shit'?"

"Huh?"

Kiyoni flew in, snatched the book, and flew right back out, "Yoink!"

Shinobu's energy dissipated, "No! You insolent whore! How dare you-!"

Wide open, Kurama clocked Shinobu with a left hook to the jaw, knocking Shinobu over.

"Now, we're on equal footing," Kurama concluded, "Mukuro, are you alright?"

"Ugh," Mukuro stood up, "Yeah. I'm good. Let's take down the son-of-a-bitch."

Shinobu stood up as well, wiping the small splatter of blood from his mouth, "Very well. Let's go."

It's Mukuro and Kurama vs. Shinobu. A supernaturally-energized, two-on-one, handicap match. While the odds may be in the favor of the counselor and the fox, could it be possible that the church leader has the upper hand?