Shinobu was caught in a standoff between himself, Kurama, Mukuro, and now Kirin. Kirin pulled out a kriss-style dagger and joined Kurama with his vines ready to attack. Shinobu had two counter weapons on him, his gun and his necklace. His power source, an enchanted book most likely containing texts of Abramelin magic, was slowly traveling further and further away as it was in Kiyoni's possession upon her ascension towards the sky. Once at a safe enough distance, she observed the battle below. From Shinobu's team, only Natsume and Touya remained facing a dozen of Mukuro's men. Seeing the lifeless body of the only human, Mitarai, lying on his back with a gaping hole in his chest where his heart was made Kiyoni nauseous. It seemed Shinobu didn't really give a damn who survived or perished. He'd sacrifice many if it'll get his point across.

"This is so ridiculous," Kiyoni stated, "Such bullshit."

A scream from below shifted Kiyoni's attention towards the temple where Mukuro was thrown out amongst the rubble. Despite not having his book with him, Shinobu seemed to have just enough power to stand up to Mukuro who seemed to be the strongest amongst Shinobu's opponents. Just as Shinobu was about to step out to take Mukuro out, he's grabbed by a whipped vine from Kurama's design.

"I'm not through with you," Kurama claimed.

"But I am with you," Shinobu pulled Kurama in and with a swift kick to the face, sent Kurama flying through the opposite wall of the temple.

Kiyoni gasped, "Kurama!"

She looked through the book in search of something, anything that'll aid in the fight against Shinobu. Why oh why couldn't Shinobu keep up with the times? If something like an encyclopedia can be condensed into such sites as Google and Wikipedia, why couldn't an ancient spell book? Then again, if the book in question was in the palm of Shinobu's hands, Kiyoni would never be able to obtain it. Damn!

"Shit," she read, "Fuck! I can't read any of this shit!"

Every word in that book was written in both Hebrew and Phoenician texts. Languages Kiyoni was completely unfamiliar with.

"Come on, come on...anything in Japanese, anything in English…! Shit!"

"What's the matter, whore," Shinobu inquired from below, "Have you discovered the limits of your intelligence? Would you feel better if you were reading hieroglyphs or the Kama Sutra?"

"Ugh! You fucking asshole," Kiyoni replied in a condescending tone, "On Ra, you need to get off your high horse. The audacity, the gall, the gumption…"

"Father," Touya called, only he and Natsume were left standing.

"Touya," Shinobu instructed, "That demon, up there, has stolen something of mine. A violation of the ten commandments. See if you can get it back, won't you?"

Touya summoned his shards of ice, "Will do."

Kiyoni kept reading through the book when she noticed something coming her way, "Shit!"

The shards narrowly avoided her only to put her in the way of Natsume's flurry of energy beams. Time to put those wings and horns to work.

"Eee," Kiyoni shrieked, "Dammit!"

Good, Shinobu thought as he watched from the ground, So long as that book remains close, I may still have a chance.

Kurama slowly got on all fours, exhausted but still determined to fight, "You…"

"What seems to be the trouble, fox," Shinobu teased, "Losing our touch, are we? I'll give you one last chance. Matter of fact, two chances. One, kneel before our lord and savior and repent for your wicked ways. Two, get your whore to do the same. I'll spare both your lives in the process. Think about it. You'll have your jezebel, the both of you will be welcomed into Heaven, you'll perform a great service and become a great example for the yokai community...and your harlot will perform a great service for the community as well...on her knees."

Enraged, Kurama roared, "Monster!"

He charged for Shinobu, spearing him with full force, pinning him to the ground. A right jab followed by a left elbow connected with Shinobu's face before the latter tossed his opponent over, giving him two facial punches as well.

After the third punch hit the ground near his head, Kurama grabbed Shinobu by the collar and flipped him off. The men rose from the floor in a standoff, sizing each other up. That was when Kirin jumped in, putting Shinobu in a headlock. Seizing the opportunity, Kurama attacked using a flying kick to Shinobu's stomach, forcing him and Kirin to fall back, giving Kirin more leverage to choke Shinobu out. Feeling himself falling out of consciousness, Shinobu grabbed his necklace and psychically tugged on Kurama's leash. Kurama screamed in agony, falling to the floor as if he's experiencing the worst migraine of his life. Shuuichi felt it too, desperately wanting the torture to end.

If one necklace was in Shinobu's hand, his gun was in the other. He used it to shoot Kirin in the stomach, causing Kirin to let go. As Kirin tried to hold in the pain, Shinobu quickly shot Kirin twice. One bullet hit Kirin's mask but the other got him right in between the eyes, killing him instantly.

"May God…" Shinobu wished, "have mercy...on your soul."

"Kirin," Mukuro screamed, "Grrr! I'll kill you!"

She swung for Shinobu full of emotion and rage. A crimson energy blast narrowly avoided Shinobu. He, in turn, grabbed her arm, turned around and whacked her with the brunt of his gun, then shot her from behind. He then focused his attention on Kurama who was still engaged in a mental fight of Sensui's design.

"DAMMIT, KURAMA," he shouted, "HOW MANY?! HOW MANY MORE MUST I KILL IN GOD'S NAME FOR YOU TO SEE THE LIGHT?! I'M TRYING TO SAVE THIS WORLD! I'M TRYING TO SAVE YOU! WHY CAN YOU NOT SEE THE GOOD THAT I AM DOING?! Ugh! Why...why must you get in the way?"

"Because…" Kurama answered, "You know...you know...it's wrong. Shuuichi knew... it's wrong. What you want is...out of reach. It's already...been done, hasn't it? Remember...John 3:16: For God so loved the world...that he gave his only begotten son, Jesus Christ...that whosoever believeth in him shall...not perish but have...everlasting life.

"You remember that...don't you? Or how about-grr! How about...Isaiah 55:7: Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous...their thoughts. Let them turn...to the Lord and...he will have mercy...on them and...to our God for...he will freely pardon.

"Out of all the scriptures Shuuichi could live by...he lives by those two...the most. You were…you were the one…who taught him those scriptures…remember?"

Shinobu had his gun pointed at Kurama while those scriptures were said. Tears flowed from his eyes in remembrance of his first and brightest student. Memories replayed of the times when Shinobu would replace traditional bedtime stories with biblical readings for the church's youngest members such as Shuuichi and Touya, moments when Shinobu assisted Shuuichi in raising his garden, instances when Shuuichi learned the inner workings of Lighthouse Tokyo. The young, innocent life Shinobu had a hand in creating for that angelic, studious redhead seemed like an eternity ago, back when the world didn't seem so dark. Fast forward about two decades and things have changed. Shuuichi had been exposed to the world; the real world. It's no longer as sun-kissed bright as it appeared in the past and Shinobu found it more and more problematic to keep his pupil within that dream. The world is quite gray and getting darker by the day.

Within the skies of the yokai world, Kiyoni was in the middle of doing three things. One, evading attacks from both Touya and Natsume; two, trying to find the right spell to break the bonds between Shuuichi and Kurama and Shinobu; three, blasting away her opponents with her horns.

"Of all these spells…" she searched, "one of them has to have pictures. Ah! Found one!"

The discovered spell contained an image of two figures standing side-by-side with the image of a drop of blood in the middle. It has to be it. Kiyoni tore the page out with a quickness just before an energy blast from Natsume came towards the face.

"Okay, you two," she shouted from the heavens, "You want it? Take it!"

The book falls from Kiyoni's hands, flapping a couple of times on its way to the ground. Like a baseball player, Natsume leaped into the ground just to catch it while Kiyoni folded the chosen spell and stuffed it in her cleavage.

"Father," Natsume called, "We got it! We got the book!"

Shinobu broke free from his sentimental trance, "Good work, sister. Hand it over. Looks like our work here is done for now. My offer still remains, Kurama. For you and your harlot."

Kurama heaved a sigh of relief once released from his mental grip. He's gonna have a pounding headache the next morning. Shinobu and his reduced team left the temple and battlefield partially victorious over what went down.

With the coast clear, Kiyoni descended from the upper atmosphere to assess the damage. She was horrified to see the massacre left behind. Whatever the true plan was, walking into the temple, partly succeeded on this day.

"Kurama," she called upon entering, "Kurama! Are you okay?"

Kurama sat up shivering like he had just woken up from a nightmare or had just escaped from a horror flick.

"Kiyoni," he breathed.

"I'm here. What happened? Are you hurt?"

"Why…? Why did you do it?"

"Do what?"

"The book. Why did you give it back?"

"What? We don't need it anymore."

"What are you talking about? Of course, we do! Why would you do something so...foolish?! We could've-!"

Before Kurama could finish, Kiyoni reminded him just who the hell he was talking to with a slap to the face. An angrily annoyed growl from Kurama was the response.

"First of all…" Kiyoni answered, "please take that sexy-ass growl out of your voice because you didn't give me a chance to explain. Second, we don't need that stupid book anymore because while you were getting your foxy ass kicked again by Shinobu, I think I found the spell we were looking for. The spell that breaks your bond with him. Third...well, I can't think of a third. Ugh! I hate it when I'm like this on my period!"

"You...you found it?"

"Right here. See? Unfortunately, I don't have a clue what it says. Everything is written in-"

"Hebrew."

"Wait, you know?!"

"The church had received many rabbis as visitors over the years. I recognize the writing from them. I can't make out what this particular text says but I'm sure we can ask around for a translator. You've done well, Kiyoni. I'm...sorry for lashing out at you."

"Are you okay? Sorry, about that (deserved) slap. How's Shuuichi?"

"I'm fine. We're fine. We may need some aspirin but we'll pull through. Shit! Mukuro! Kirin!"

Both Kurama and Kiyoni checked on the counselor and her right-hand man.

"This one is...he's gone," Kiyoni determined, "May Anubis guide you well and Ma'at to find your heart in good favor. How does it look over there?"

"Grim. She's been shot either near the spine or on it. She may be paralyzed from this but she's still alive. Mukuro? Mukuro, can you hear me? Can you move anything? Blink twice if yes."

Mukuro blinked once.

"Shit," Kiyoni huffed, "Sekhmet, help her by word of Amun."

"She needs medical attention and fast," Kurama looked around, "Quickly. Hand me some of that grass over there."

Kiyoni brought back two handfuls of grass, "Here you go."

Kurama infused the grass with bits of his energy. He then used them to stabilize as much of Mukuro's damaged spine as possible.

"Is it possible you could stabilize her somehow? Like how you did for Shuuichi?"

"You…you know about that?"

"I was there, remember? Your procedure got to me too. I think you'd do well as a massage therapist. Should you go into that field, reiki therapy may be something to look into. I…met one…in the past."

Kiyoni froze. She knew she did something for Shuuichi, that was the point but to get to Kurama in the process was something Kiyoni didn't expect. With a vote of confidence by her side, Kiyoni did what she could to balance out Mukuro's energy. A great majority of it came from her solar plexus and heart chakra points, the areas of courage and emotion in that order. The loss of her second-in-command and the fortitude she had when faced by Shinobu were major factors. Of course, it wasn't going to heal Mukuro's wounds but it would help in relieving the shock that came from them.

Later, Kurama and Kiyoni carried Mukuro over to an open horse to which Kurama mounted.

Kiyoni looked around to get a ground view of the carnage, "This is so depressing."

Kurama looked around as well. Shuuichi noticed a deceased Mitarai lying on the ground and grew tears. He had only known Mitarai for a short time and believed the young member was going places. It's a shame he died unknowingly fighting for the wrong side or reasons.

"I don't suppose you know where we could find the nearest hospital," Kiyoni wondered.

"Fortunately, I know where we are. You're welcome to use a horse of your own if you wish."

"I don't know a damn thing about riding a horse but...my wings are tired as hell from all that flying," Kiyoni shifted back into her human form for emphasis.

Because of the energy she used, her body looked a bit wilted.

"By God…! What happened?"

"Don't worry about it," Kiyoni climbed on a horse, "Let's just...let's just go."

That worried Kurama and Shuuichi just as much as they were worried about Mukuro. However, there was no time to waste. Both horses took off, one following the other towards the nearest city or settlement for some medical attention.

Residents of the rural settlement worked tirelessly to stabilize Mukuro with members sending radio signals for help. Mukuro is highly respected within the yokai community so for her to be fighting for her life takes much presidence. Kurama sat outside with two bowls full of water for himself and Kiyoni to drink.

"Here. You'll need it."

Kiyoni accepted with a blanket around her, "Thank you."

"Kiyoni...you don't look so good."

"No shit, Sherlock. I don't want to talk about it."

Kurama grew annoyed again as he sat face-to-face with her, "We're talking about it. Whether you like it or not, we're talking about it. You forget there's a third voice in all this. How often does this happen for you?"

Kiyoni annoyingly sighed, "I don't know. I never counted."

"But you know it happens, right?"

"Yes. Of course."

"Shuuichi, if you're wondering, this is what happens when a succubus doesn't feed. She looks like this."

"Thanks a lot, ass."

"I see," Shuuichi observed, "How long does it last?"

"That's what I would like to know," Kurama concurred.

"What," Kiyoni asked.

"How long does your condition last?"

It was clear Kiyoni didn't like the way Kurama had her placed in the hot seat by the way she rolled her eyes, "Kurama, we're not doing this. What's the matter? Do I look a bit too old? Not pretty enough for you now? Why do you care?"

"Why? Kiyoni, don't get me wrong. I admire what you're doing, putting yourself out there to help us out but you shouldn't have to sacrifice your own health for it. So, yes, we're doing this and…your looks aren't as much of a concern…at the moment. Not like you think."

Kiyoni took a sip of water. It was quite refreshing despite its lukewarm temperature. Not only that but Kurama was right. Her brother risked his life to protect his sister. Unknowingly, Kiyoni just did the same for Kurama. Sticking one's neck out for someone else. A trait taught by the Ikeda siblings' military mom.

"Until I...get my fix," she said, "I think the longest I've gone was maybe two days. It may be worse now since I used my form and some energy."

"It's been two days since I…" Shuuichi recollected.

"You'll need another fix," Kurama assumed, "We need you at your strongest."

"Don't. It sounds like you're…doing it out of pity."

"Whether it's out of pity, necessity, or...admiration...if it's something you need and I can give you...I will. Shuuichi, too. I'm gratefully and gradually earning your trust and I want to keep it."

Kiyoni shook her head, "Thanks but not now. Emotions are way too high to even think about doing that."

"She's right," Shuuichi agreed, "Even if we wanted to, we couldn't. Not when there's so much at stake."

Kurama sighed, "Right."

He finished his water and stepped away to collect himself, ruffling his fingers through his hair.

Kiyoni watched as Kurama kept himself from mentally collapsing. He seemed shook up over what went down. Understandable. It also made Kiyoni wonder just what kind of yokai Kurama was back in his day. Was he really the fearsome fox everyone had gotten to know or was it all bullshit?

To find out, Kiyoni sat her bowl down and joined Kurama, wrapping her covered arms around his torso from behind, "Hey."

Kurama welcomed the embrace with one of his own, "Hi."

"You look like you could use a hug."

"Heh...I'll need more than that, Kiyoni."

"Anything I can do? Oh. I never did thank you for your…help with my pain earlier."

Kurama faced Kiyoni with a heavy sigh, "Kiyoni, please forgive me."

"For what?"

"For...bringing you into all of this. I didn't expect everything to happen the way it did. I'll admit, as cunning as I can be...even my plans...can falter sometimes. This was one of them. I've endangered you more times than you should've been and for that I sincerely apologize."

"Ra's grace… You sound just like Shuuichi, like it's somehow your fault I willingly walked into this. However, it also sounds like you've been through stuff like this before. Not just with Yomi either."

Kurama panned his head down in shame, "Yes. Countless times. The rumors were true. I did lead an army of thieves with Yomi as my second-in-command. We've pilfered and plundered more times than anyone in any pirate story. I believe your…Captain Jack Sparrow would find a new career path if he ever locked horns with me. Anyway, ancient treasures were my thing. Matter of fact, I know of a dazzling, gorgeous, absolutely priceless ruby necklace that would suit you well. However, there were times when we were reckless. I managed to get out of most traps with minimum to no effort but my men...a different story. I knew of one who...was caught in a bamboo trap. Killed him almost instantly. That struck me the worst. Especially when his final words were of those telling me to run away as he bled to death."

"Were you close?"

Kurama nodded, "Very. Yomi was a mere acquaintance compared to him. Ever since then, I've...kept my guard up when it came to getting close to someone. An emotional wall if you will. Everytime I lost someone during a heist, I walked away knowing damn well I could've done something."

"Is that why you have the reputation that you have?"

Kurama looked at his surroundings. Some of the villagers noticed his closeness to Kiyoni and wagged their tongues about while others minded their business.

"That's precisely why. Only made myself available whenever I wanted something. Companions especially. Indulged myself in reckless things just to postpone my anger and resentment," he answered, "When you told your story to Shuuichi about your brother, I knew exactly how you felt. Shuuichi may not fully understand because he was never in a situation like that but I do. You want to turn back the clock just to witness the opposite outcome. You wish you could've done something but that precise moment leaves you practically clueless. You want to…lash out at anyone just to rid yourself of the pain-induced frustration. You want to hurt others the same way you've been hurt but can't because it will never have the same effect and…it upsets you even more knowing that as if you're receiving an unreturnable gift you never asked for. Harsh feelings subliminally unfold against the powers that be for that situation. You develop a selfish, reclusive personality because…you no longer have trust or faith in yourself to be around others and find solitude to be your source of comfort and/or ally. I'm sorry for rambling."

Ra's grace, he's speaking the absolute truth! Everything he just said was exactly how I felt! "No, no. It's…it's okay. I…understand. So...why the change now? I mean, look at how you are now with me."

Kurama looked deep into Kiyoni's withered eyes, a pair of jades locking in with a pair of amethysts, "Because...I was given a second chance. As much as I don't want to give him the credit, Shinobu actually did some good. I was given a second chance in life and through Shuuichi's eyes and throughout his life, I learned…what it means to be a human. What it was like to feel, to have emotions, to trust. Granted, there were some things Shuuichi did that I would've done differently based on my old ways but his understanding of those things, those situations made me question my own, former frame of mind. It helped me come to grips with…my trauma.

"Then you came along. Shuuichi won't admit it but you...were a test for the both of us. A test on everything we learned up to that point. You...were such a free spirit, so bold, so...expressive that...it was a whirlwind of thoughts for us. Shuuichi wanted to know if he could handle someone like you. I wanted to know how I could handle someone like you. I guess that was one of the reasons why I came out the way I did. You were the change of pace we needed...and wanted. Then you mentioned your past and…I can't speak for Shuuichi but I…saw and felt the pain you had because I had it. I couldn't save my friend and of course I couldn't do the same for your brother but I figured that…if there was a way I could atone for my loss by doing something good with and for you then…I'd sleep better at night. Your willingness to heal from your loss is…insightful, influential. If you can do it after nearly three years, it should come natural to me after a few centuries. Is anything I'm saying making sense?"

Ausar, take the damn wheel. Did I just hear what I thought I heard? "Yeah. Well, maybe. I guess you and I are...not that much different. I wanted to know how I could handle Shuuichi and…once you came along, I wondered if I could handle you. As far as all of this goes, it's not your fault. Yeah, plans can backfire sometimes but, it's how you learn and adapt, right? As for my safety, again, I walked into this just as much as you did. Anything that happens to me is of my own doing. Not yours. Something I learned from my mom about trust and teamwork and whatnot. I told you. It's been one hell of an adventure dealing with the two of you and I'm not ready to end it. As far as your past goes, I'm impressed by how you've overcome it by now. I find it inspirational. It shows me that you can be just as human as Shuuichi is yokai. So let's not end things just yet, okay?"

Another meeting of the minds ensued when foreheads touched each other. Any carnal thoughts and ideas Kurama had were completely gone upon him caressing Kiyoni's face. He wanted to protect her for real this time, earning his way into Kiyoni's heart and bed as an added bonus. Now Kurama understood why Shuuichi was so smitten with her.

"We're not ready to end it either," he admitted.

Kiyoni found it crazy to fall for two men inside one body as it's never been done before. This has to be the strangest case of multiple personality or dissociative identity disorder in history. Except the parties involved have (and are) their own, separate consciousness that will soon form into one, collective one. Then there's the fact that Kiyoni and Kurama have a shared traumatic experience and that they each took paths that were basically unhelpful to them in some aspects. Here Kurama was understanding how Kiyoni felt, having that one-against-the-world mindset. However, Shuuichi's advice on how to fight back came to mind. That's what Kurama was doing. Why not Kiyoni? Aiko was right. Kiyoni did hit the jackpot, just not the jackpot Aiko originally described. This reignited Kiyoni's determination to walk out and show off her happiness towards her libidinous comrades...even if she may die for it.

Up above, sounds of a helicopter echo within the clouds. Everyone looked up to see an actual helicopter approach the village looking for a safe space to land.

"Where the hell did that come from," Kiyoni shouted.

"Must be from the correlation's camp," Kurama answered.

Sure enough, it was, as told by the insignia on the tail end of the aircraft. Yomi's horns, Mukuro's eye, and tribal markings that are assumed to be representative of counselor Raizen all make up this collective symbol. Kurama led Kiyoni towards the camp where Mukuro was stationed and waited for help to arrive. She was braced and loaded onto a stretcher and accompanied by Kiyoni and Kurama after informing the craft's co-pilot of the situation.

Mid-flight, Mukuro was assessed by a team of doctors working to remove the bullet lodged in her neck. It definitely touched the spinal area, fracturing a vertebrae. There wasn't much doctors could do until they reached a hospital so temporary stabilization was the goal.

Kiyoni took a look at the x-rays to understand the damage, "Shit! Shinobu is a good shot."

"Which makes him a bit frightening," Kurama concluded.

"No shit. Just ask my brother. But damn. I hope Mukuro can make it out of this."

"She will. She's a strong, formidable warrior. She'll pull through, I have no doubt."

A mechanical band was placed on Mukuro's head and activated using a tablet. Three lights, red, yellow, and blue were switched on in increments symbolizing full activation.

Mukuro opened her eyes by then, "Hey."

"Mukuro," Kurama greeted, "Good to hear from you."

"Whoa," Kiyoni marveled, "You can talk?"

"The band monitors and reads the thoughts of its user," said the doctor, "Whatever dialogue is picked up is then transferred to the machine and speaks on the user's behalf."

"So she can hear us but not speak?"

"It's best that she doesn't. That's why she's wearing the band. She can hear you though."

"I can hear you just fine," Mukuro said, "You look like shit, Kurama."

Kurama walked away from his fight with dust and dirt all over him, a bruise underneath his left eye, and a busted lip.

"I'll be fine. You have more to worry about."

"Shit. My men...all of them. Kirin…"

"My sincerest apologies. It's my fault I've brought you into this."

"Are you kidding?! You think I like being a member of the counsel? Having to play niceties with humans and other yokai? It's boring as hell. That was the most fun I've had in centuries. And you? Where were you?"

"Me," Kiyoni responded, "I was trying to find the spell to break the blood bond while not getting my ass handed out by Touya and Natsume. I found it by the way."

"Yes," Kurama claimed, "We'll go back to the human world to find a rabbi who could translate the text for us and perform the spell from there."

"I hope you take care of Shinobu beforehand," Mukuro wished, "Ah, shit. My fortress."

"We were told that it was going to be waiting for you at the city hospital where we're going. Well, outside of the city anyway."

Kiyoni wondered, "How? That thing is huge."

Mukuro chuckled, "Missy, Raizen, Yomi, and I have been running the correlation for centuries. You don't think we've acquired some of the technology humans have created? We've even made improvements on them. Most likely my fortress is receiving its own form of aerial transport towards wherever we're going. So you can relax."

"Damn. The more I don't want to be in this world, the more I learn about it and why I should give it some more chances. That's pretty badass."

"Mukuro, I think we'll let you rest for the time being if that's alright," Kurama insisted.

"Sure, fine, whatever," Mukuro stated.

Now that the fires have been put out, those familiar with the Kabukicho district are finally allowed to return to collect whatever wasn't damaged. That included those who worked at Aphrodisia. That place got the worst of it since it was the ignition point. A few liquor bottles were spared and quickly claimed along with some drinking glasses. The charred remains of Risho were collected as well. He didn't stand a chance against Zeru. As those who had personal dressing rooms headed there, Juri and Shishi went to Kiyoni's. To their surprise, not much was damaged since Kiyoni kept her door closed at all times. Smoke damage was inevitable though.

"Well, she'll be happy to know none of these were touched," Shishi stated as he organized Kiyoni's altar in a box.

"Oh, she'll be ecstatic," Juri handled Kiyoni's clothing, "I hope she's okay wherever she is."

"Still haven't heard from her?"

"No. You?"

"Nope. Completely ghosted. I wonder where she could be."

"Hopefully, somewhere safe since she's with Kurama...Shuuichi… I'm confused!"

"Try not to think about it like that or else you will be confused. So...what will you do now?"

"What do you mean?"

"Look at this place. It's a lost cause now."

"Yeah, you're right. Maybe...maybe I'll go back home and crash with my parents for a while until I figure something out. They run an apple orchard."

"You? Raising apples?"

"It's something!"

"But you're a succubus. How is that going to work out?"

"Again, I'll help my family out...during the day and...look for prey at night. My family's orchard isn't too far away from the city anyway."

"If you say so." Just then, Shishi gets a text from Kiyoni, "Well, what do you know?"

"What?"

"It's Kiyoni."

"What did she say?"

"She says that she's okay. In a yokai city called Dendra."

"Oh, so she's not in this world."

"Looks like it."

"Call her."

"Yeah," Shishi immediately dialed the number, "Hello? Kiyoni? Shit, it's good to hear from you. Where are you? Wait, wait. Let me put you on speaker. Go ahead."

"Hey, Shishi. What's good," Kiyoni said.

"Hi, Kiyoni," Juri shrieked.

"Hey, Juri."

"Kiyoni, where the hell are you," Shishi exclaimed, "We've been trying to get a hold of you for over a day!"

"Yeah, I know. I was just reading through your texts. Shits been...busy."

"But where are you," Juri asked.

Kiyoni sighed, "Makai in a city called Dendra. I'm at a local hospital."

Both Juri and Shishi repeated, "A hospital?!"

"Yeah. I'm okay, though. Really, I am."

"Then why the hell are you at a hospital," Shishi anxiously questioned.

"I can't...I can't give the full story yet because...it's still in the works. Why don't you tell me what's going on in Tokyo?"

"Shishi and I are picking up what's left of Aphrodisia," Juri answered.

"Yeah...I heard about the fire and Risho. I'm sorry, you guys. That was totally my fault. You guys are out of a job because of me."

"Kiyoni, no one is blaming you," Shishi assured, "Well, we're not anyway. And have you forgotten that I technically don't work here?"

"We're in your room picking up what's left," Juri clarified, "No fire damage but smoke damage is a definite yes."

"Figures," Kiyoni assumed, "My clothes? My altar?"

"Smoke damaged clothes," Juri responded.

"Altar intact," Shishi added.

Kiyoni took a moment to collect her emotions. Her family gave her some of the things for her second altar as well.

"Thank you, Shishi," she said, "I owe you one."

"When can we expect you back?"

"I don't know. Maybe within a day or two? What are you two gonna do in the meantime?"

"I still have my condo," Shishi declared.

"I'm gonna move back in with my parents," Juri continued, "Work on their orchard."

"Your parents own an orchard," Kiyoni surprisingly asked, "I didn't know that."

Juri awkwardly laughed, "Yeah. It's something I don't share too often. I need something to do."

"That's pretty cool. Oh! Eh, I gotta go now. Where can I pick up my stuff?"

"It'll be at my place…" Shishi replied, "which is also where you are going to serve us the best helping of tea this side of the Atlantic. We want to hear every single detail. Do you hear me?"

"Haha. Okay. I'll try. Thanks, guys."

"See you later, Kiyoni," Juri waved.

"Later, doll," Shishi hung up, "Shit."

"Shit. We better keep going."

Just as people were filing in and out of the establishment, Aiko walked in like a glamorous movie star in her black YSL stilettos, midnight blue Chanel bodysuit, chocolate brown designer fur coat by Marc Kaufman, and Tom Ford sunglasses. Her overall aura made her seem standoffish as the L in her heels click-clacked their way to her room. Shishi and Juri noticed while carrying Kiyoni's things.

Aiko lowered her glasses and scoffed at the sight, "What's all this?"

"A good amount of Kiyoni's stuff," Juri replied, "They were spared by the fire."

"Hmph. Lucky her. Where is she?"

"As killer as you look…" Shishi gestured, "why the hell are you wearing all of that? Do you not see all of this?"

"I'm not here to make an impression. I'm just here to pick up what I can and be on my way. There's a luxurious onsen in Hokkaido with my name on it."

"Let me guess. On Butajiri's dime?"

"Of course," Aiko entered her room.

Within the charred, purple walls, she grabbed only one thing. Her favorite pair of Louboutin shoes.

"Since you're feeling charitable, you can have whatever is left in there," she said, "My gifts to you."

"Wait," Juri called, "What about…?"

Aiko looked back, "What?"

"Well, since Aphrodisia is no more...what are you going to do?"

Aiko's snickers turned to chuckles turned to full-on, straight-from-the-belly laughter, "Oh, Juri. Must you ask? Must you be so stupid? Butajiri is a member of the Black Black Club. That means he has more money than anyone can imagine. Plus...we're engaged and are planning our wedding. Meaning when he finally croaks, I'll be set for life. What the hell do I need to work in a shit stain like this for? I guess you were right, Shishi. Kurama walking his silver feet into this establishment only meant pure doom. You go on ahead and keep working for crumbs. I'll be sure to feed you some from my penthouse. Toodles! Oh! Should Kiyoni come back, tell her to give me a call. That is if she doesn't die first."

Shishi stepped forward, "Just what the hell is your problem? You've become a real bitch since…since…"

"I'd say since Tai died," Juri finished.

"Well…I guess since then. No, ever since Kiyoni started talking about Shuuichi, really."

"The two of you need a reality check," Aiko countered, "A few months ago, we all shook hands over the bet placed against Kiyoni's pussy. Remember that? None of you said anything about it then. And now you want to flip the script on me? How dare you? As far as she is concerned, she is going to die and I will love to see her at her funeral. Kiyoni had absolutely no business working here. We all knew that. The only reason why we tolerated her was because of Tai. He was amazing. He knew what he wanted and how to get it. If Kiyoni's death is payback for Tai's, so be it. As for me, I'm outta here. [Mumbling] Soft ass bitches, I swear."

And with that, she took her leave never having to step her pedicured foot or her designer heels in neither Kabukicho nor Aphrodisia ever again. Once outside, she coughed and cleared her throat a couple of times, spitting out a mucus-like dark substance that gave her a slight pain in her chest, like it was a piece of gum on a handkerchief. On the street, a white Rolls Royce waited for her with its driver opening the door.

Inside, a fully-dressed Butajiri waited for her while smoking a cigar, "Got everything you need, baby doll?"

"Yes I did," Aiko stated while applying her lipstick, "Now, let's go plan that wedding."

"Driver," Butajiri commanded, "Get us to Hokkaido and step on it!"

Aiko lit a cigarette as if she check-mated everyone she knew including Kiyoni, Know this, Ikeda. No matter where you are, I still got the upper hand. You've lost, bitch.