Inside the confines of Lighthouse Tokyo, Father Shinobu is locked in a fist fight with his first and brightest student, Minamino Shuuichi, also known as the feared yokai fox, Kurama. Due to the bloody sacrifices made between Kurama and Kiyoni, the oath between him and Shinobu has been broken, crossing the final step towards full amalgamation.

Shinobu's original plan was to use Kurama to his advantage, to recruit more yokai into embracing Christianity. Shuuichi did his job just fine due to his charisma and charm. That, in turn, would've made Shinobu look pleasing to his fellow "man". With Kurama around, fear would've been the driving force for the yokai community to come around. If Shinobu welcomed yokai the same way he welcomes humans, Shinobu would be held to socially high standards. That's precisely what Shinobu wanted. A larger platform to spread his gospel, to "save" all of the yokai, demons, devils, and deviants of this world. Unfortunately, for Shinobu, Kurama rebelled against his master, teaming up with a succubus and exotic dancer by the name of Ikeda Kiyoni whom Shinobu has some history with, himself. Now that his master plan has fallen apart, Shinobu has taken it upon himself to get rid of Kurama all together and convert Kiyoni to join his godly crusade.

On the other side was Minamino Shuuichi. For the better part of over twenty years, Shuuichi had lived his life as a mild-mannered follower of Christ, rising up the Christian hierarchy quicker than anyone imagined. He was respected within his community and was seen, with great promise, as a successor to his teacher, Father Sensui Shinobu. Little did he know that his life wasn't as cut and dry as he thought.

Things began to unravel within the final days of the previous year when Shuuichi discovered that he wasn't as human as he thought he was. The impromptu match between him and Sister Natsume that led to the latter visiting a hospital due to a botanically-induced injury really drew some questions that needed answers. Who was Shuuichi? What is he? Where did he come from? Why did he have these powers? Then came the night of his first nightclub outing where, after participating in the first of a few carnal experiences, Shuuichi grew a pair...of fox ears. Anyone who witnesses that would either be intrigued or scared shitless. Those ears were real, not a cosplay prop. They could move, have sensory nerves, hear things and with better quality than human ears. After that, more physical developments. Enhanced sense of smell, improved speed, strength, and agility, and a deeper connection to nature. Again, any normal person would either embrace these changes like puberty or would do anything to get rid of them. Shuuichi embraced them.

Then, there was Kurama. A fox yokai who lived his life on the run, looking for the most ancient and priceless of treasures just to survive. His cold, emotionless, and ruthless personality definitely earned him the reputation of being the "Boogeyman" to his kind. He was quiet, stealthy, patient, and vengeful. He didn't mind spilling blood if it'll get him whatever he wanted. He was also the type not to get close to. Sure, he had his needs like anyone else and had spent a considerable amount of time indulging in those needs. He was a ladies man. He wouldn't be caught dead in a marriage or sustainable partnership. He would rather "one night" potentially-romantic partners than "wife" them. In Kurama's world, he'd lie, cheat, steal, and kill just to live another day.

However, that all came crashing down during a botched burglary that resulted in his death. The yokai community relished in their slumber knowing Kurama was no more or so they thought. With the use of some ancient magic veiled in Christianity, Kurama received a second chance at life in the form of one Minamino Shuuichi. Yes, Kurama wished he wouldn't have to grow up and experience some of the corniest things humans go through but if there was something Kurama knew how to do well it was to learn. That's exactly what he did. Not only did he learn how to essentially manipulate humans for his own benefit, he learned how humans could be just as bad, if not, worse than yokai. Some of the traits Kurama picked up on were compassion, honesty, companionship, and emotional vulnerability. Over time, Kurama realized the lack of structure he had in his previous life. He discovered how some of these human characteristics would have impacted the way he did things in the past. Then came his true test. A seductive succubus named Kiyoni. She was gorgeous. She knew what she wanted in a way. She was just like any other woman Kurama hooked up with. And someone Kurama would've easily walked away from once he was satisfied. It was one thing for Shuuichi to stick around but Kurama was a different story. Why did he want to stick around? What was it that made Kurama forgo his old ways in favor of Kiyoni? Shuuichi's feelings were a part of it, yes. The other was the trauma brought on by Shinobu. It resonated within Kurama's heart and Kiyoni's pain felt just as strong as the pain Kurama felt when he lost his most trusted partner-in-crime. It was at that moment, Kurama felt it within his heart to help Kiyoni avenge her brother if it meant he could receive some sort of redemption from his loss.

Lastly, there was Kiyoni. The one who tied them all together. A succubus who essentially ran away from home just to join her brother in the field of adult entertainment. Due to the trauma she endured, any other person would've walked away from that field. She stayed. Why? Because she thought it helped mask the pain that held residence in her heart. She felt that by becoming an exotic dancer and engaging in the party girl lifestyle, she would be closer to the one who brought her into it. The idea worked for a while and Kiyoni enjoyed her career. However, a meeting on the holiday known as Halloween, changed all that.

The culprit: Minamino Shuuichi. A man, a deacon, who had the purest heart Kiyoni has ever come across. He had every respectable reason to be as virginal as he was. Normally, Kiyoni would've turned down someone like that as she didn't want to muster up the patience to teach a young pup some new tricks. However, what kept Kiyoni around was two things. One, a bet that was placed against her just to prove a point. Two, Shuuichi's eyes. If there was one physical thing Kiyoni absolutely loved about Shuuichi was his eyes. They were so warm and inviting. Curious and accepting. The multifaceted prism of Shuuichi's eyes reminded Kiyoni of her parents during her childhood. At times, her parents often wondered and butted heads over how they would raise their children and Kiyoni was an unintentional witness to those discussions. Being the daughter of a Black-American mother who believed in things such as tough love and structure through personal choice and a Japanese father who preferred tradition and social collectivism exposed Kiyoni to things such as mutual education, compromise, and mutual respect. All things she displayed since meeting Shuuichi.

But then, Kurama came into play and he was someone that definitely would've been a client of hers. He would walk into Aphrodisia, ask Kiyoni to be his hostess, eventually have her drain him dry, then move on with life until he comes back for more. Absolutely, no way in any hell would a relationship develop between those two. Surprisingly to both, one did. Kiyoni was taken aback by Kurama's loss, she didn't think he would have any. She didn't realize Kurama's sense of vengeance with good reason. She thought Kurama was just being petty to be petty. Surely, Kiyoni never knew that Kurama would have a heart within that ice cold freezer of a chest cavity. And yet, he does. To both parties, neither of them thought of one another as more human than originally introduced. Both can thank Shuuichi for that; for seeing the good in others, whether detrimental or beneficial.

Despite all of that, Shinobu was an absolute monster. The murderer of Kiyoni's brother, he should be under the jail for the things he did. On top of that, he wanted to recruit Kiyoni to be a part of his team. A whore for Jesus? A whore for Jesus. Make that make sense, Shinobu. According to Kiyoni, it's people like Shinobu that are the reason why she's lost respect for the Christian faith. On the other side, it's people like Shuuichi who are the reason why the Christian faith can be pretty cool.

Kiyoni was ready to give up at this point due to the simple fact that she was unable to decipher any of the texts found in the book cherished by Shinobu. The pressure was building and Kiyoni felt like time was running out.

"Fuck! Everything is in Hebrew," she proclaimed, "C'mon, Google translate. Work for me."

She scanned just about every page she scoured through until she could find something, anything that may take Shinobu down. Spells that discussed devotion, conversion, added blessings, divine vision, other forms of binding, banishment, conception, and sacrifice were all interesting but nothing of what Kiyoni was looking for. It wasn't until the app presented the word, "Anointing", that forced Kiyoni to do a double take.

"Anointing? Perform…anointing…ritual to…enhance the spirit? Enhance the spirit, how?"

"Ugh," Kurama grunted as he was slammed against the wall by Shinobu's foot to his throat.

"I find it funny," Shinobu gloated, "You had a reputation for being this…strong, conniving fox and yet, I'm only using one-tenth of my power just to do this. Why? Why must you go against God's power, his plan for me? His plan for this world?"

"I refuse to follow…a murderer," Kurama kicked Shinobu's leg directly behind the knee, releasing the latter's hold on the former.

Angered, Shinobu followed through with a flurry of punches, "You rebellious child! When will you learn?! I'm not doing this for me! I'm doing this…for the world! Why can't you see that?!"

An icy blast hits Shinobu directly on the arm, pausing his offense. He looked behind to see where it came from and noticed Sister Yukina standing with an outstretched arm and a determined look on her face.

"Leave him alone," she demanded.

"Yukina? Why? I thought–"

"You thought wrong. What you're doing is wrong, Father. I can't believe the things you are doing. Shuuichi has been absolutely loyal to you. We've all been loyal to you and this is how you repay us? Repay him? How could you? On top of that, all of the…blood that was spilled over town. It was you. It was all because…of you!"

Tears fell down Yukina's face, ones that crystallized before they hit the ground.

"Yukina…can't you see this…this creature, he's a mon–"

"No, YOU'RE THE MONSTER! You're the wolf in sheep's clothing. You have been manipulating us for too long, including myself. You're not the man I thought you were. You never were. I remember you saying that those who go against God's will shall suffer and perish. I'm sorry, Father…but it's your turn to suffer," Yukina projected many shards of her own icicles towards Shinobu.

Fearful, Shinobu was sent running, flipping, leaping, and dodging all Yukina could give. He never thought of Yukina as being the combative type and was essentially ill-prepared for it.

"Yukina," he pleaded, "I can explain! Please?!"

"Forget it," Yukina kept firing, "No weapon formed against me shall prosper. That includes your lies!"

Meanwhile, Kurama slowly rose to his feet after being nearly knocked unconscious. His lovely face was clearly beaten like a piece of meat and his energy was significantly drained but he was determined to defeat Shinobu. He just needed to figure out how. He looked towards the back exit and noticed Kiyoni hiding just behind the wall within the space between the doors to the building and the actual entrance to the sanctuary. At least she's okay.

On Kiyoni's end, she held a small bottle of anointing oil found in Shinobu's office and a translated copy of a spell found on her phone. The second she spotted Kurama, her next plan of action was to figure out how to reach him.

Shinobu had enough of playing winter dodgeball when he landed within the confines of the upper area of the church followed by shards of ice that found their way into the production equipment. Yukina lowered her arms to give them some rest. With Shinobu out of sight, momentarily, Kiyoni made a beeline for Kurama.

He greatly welcomed her, "Oh, thank God."

"Fuck, you look like shit. We don't have much time," Kiyoni offered, "Here. Put some of this on your forehead."

"Anointing oil?"

"Yes. Now do it!"

Kurama traced the oil in the shape of the cross on his forehead. During his teenage years, he hated doing that for the amount of breakouts it gave him.

"Now what?"

Meanwhile, Kiyoni reached in between her legs to draw out more of her menstrual blood, "I hope we never do something like this…ever again."

"What's that for?"

"Good measure," Kiyoni traced her blood on Kurama's forehead in the shape of the Ankh symbol, "Okay. It says–"

"Just what do you think you're doing," Shinobu questioned from above, temporarily interrupting Kiyoni's plans.

"As stated before…" Kiyoni claimed, "taking you down."

Shinobu raised an energized arm, "I don't think so."

Kurama shouted, "GET DOWN!"

Yukina roared, "NO!"

She fired at the same time Shinobu did. Her mark was made directly on Shinobu while his shot made another hole in the wall, avoiding Kurama and Kiyoni. When the smoke cleared, Kurama was found on top of Kiyoni as her shield.

"Are you…are you alright," he questioned.

"I will be," Kiyoni answered, "Now go. Kick his ass, Kurama."

Upon their opening, Kurama's eyes glowed just as brightly as Shinobu's, "Consider it done."

It was highly considerate for Kurama to be there for Kiyoni. It gave her the opportunity to cast another spell on him, one that greatly empowered Kurama. Despite the situation, Kiyoni was secretly turned on by Kurama's courageous change of behavior. That anointing spell was her trump card and Kiyoni knew that Kurama knew what he was going to do with it.

Even Yukina noticed, "D-deacon…?"

Kurama's aura was radiant at first sight. Any wounds he had were quickly healed and his energy was restored faster than a video game character's health bar. The only thing visible was the blessed markings on his head.

When Shinobu rose to his feet again, he found his chest was covered in ice and it literally brought chills to his body. A quick power up did away with the cold. However, when he saw Kurama standing before him, Shinobu was in shock upon staring at this brand new man.

"What…" he asked, "what is the meaning of this? Your energy…it's…"

Kurama quoted with a smirk, "1 John 2:20, 'I have been anointed by the Holy one'."

"No. No! How?! How are you…" he peered over to Kiyoni who smiled and waved, "You…! I'll kill–!"

"Stop it," Kurama stated, "This is between you and me!"

"Very well," Shinobu powered up again, "We'll see who's convictions are stronger."

"Exodus 40:15, 'Anoint them as you anoint their father, that they may serve me as priests. Their anointing shall admit them to a perpetual priesthood throughout their generations'," Kurama's personal declaration of his own priesthood.

"Psalm 20:6, 'Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed, he will answer him from his holy heaven with the saving might of…" Shinobu lunged for Kurama, "my right hand'!"

The force of Shinobu's fist colliding with the palm of Kurama's hand created a gust of wind that could be felt both within the sanctuary and outside. The girls were blown away but were unharmed.

"Kiyoni, Yukina…" Kurama suggested, "take shelter…now. I'll take it from here."

He certainly didn't have to tell Kiyoni twice. She led Yukina to the church basement and didn't look back, giving the men their much needed space.

"This…" Shinobu discovered, "is impossible. You shouldn't…"

"Phillippians 4:13, 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me'," Kurama followed through with a strong cross to Shinobu's jaw that sent him flying, "Psalm 46:1, 'God is my refuge and my strength, an ever-present help in trouble'."

He leaped forward, grabbed Shinobu by the collar, and threw him through the opposite hole in the wall, and out into the street.

"You thought I was strong by the time you captured me," Kurama continued, "Weak by the time you thought you killed me. Just so you know, 'He gives strength to the weary and increases power to the weak.' Isaiah 40:29. Just ask Kiyoni and her blessed blood."

And blessed blood it was. While inside Kiyoni's apartment, she and Shuuichi made a blood pact two different ways and under both Abramelin and Kemetic undertones. The first way was with the use of Shuuichi's own blood from a finger and Kiyoni's menstrual blood collected in a shared glass of wine offered to Auset and Heb-het. The second way was with the use of two recently-purchased bloodstones bathed in the same sacrificed blood, in the same manner that binded Shuuichi and Kurama to Shinobu. They both found it strange but didn't have the time to question it. They just wanted it to work. Afterwards and much to Kiyoni's chagrin, Shuuichi offered his gratitude by allowing Kiyoni to feed from him through another round of fellatio. He needed her at her strongest and if ingesting more of his carnal energy and juices was gonna do the job, so be it.

Shinobu stood up growling through his teeth, "I'm not…THROUGH WITH YOU!"

He sent out a melee of energy blasts Kurama's way.

Kurama played defense by summoning a forcefield made of the very poinsettias he planted around the building with some of the petals absorbing the blasts, "Genesis 1:1, 'In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.' Your favorite verse, correct? You should've never given me the landscaping job, the task of tending to these wonderful plants and flowers. 'Planted in the house of our Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God.' Psalm 92:13."

The vibrant red petals of winter's favorite plant, the poinsettia, flew at Shinobu, breaking through his divine aura, cutting his flesh from head to toe. There wasn't much Shinobu could do to defend himself. Stems and vines collected the defeated head of the church, carrying him back inside while draining him of his energy. Although surprised, Shinobu was impressed at Kurama's newfound confidence and strength.

Upside-down and hanging within Kurama's "green" arms, Shinobu stared at his opponent with a joking smile and wondered, "So…is this the part where you're going to…kill me?"

Kurama looked up and around the sanctuary, analyzing all the damage he had been a part of including the blood that was spilled, "No. I've done enough of that for a while, for the rest of my life possibly. However, what I will do is turn you over to the proper authorities, both human and yokai. You've gotten away with your schemes for far too long and it ends here. Let both worlds enforce punishment upon you. I'm sure it'll be nothing compared to the punishment you'll receive once it's your time to leave this earth."

Sure enough, the police were on their way as evident by the distant and increasing sounds of sirens approaching. Even though the wooden stakes were created by Isamu, his demise meant they were free to touch which Kurama did to unlock the doors. Two policemen approached the fox and quickly questioned him about what happened. Kurama cooperated to the best of his ability, leading the officers to the real culprit. Despite both policemen being human and familiar with some yokai activity, what they saw really surprised them. Especially when they found out that Kurama was the same one that was placed on the missing persons list and the one responsible for Kabukicho not too long ago. Remembering Kabukicho, Kurama was willing to turn himself in.

"Wait," Kiyoni shrieked, "What are you doing? What's going–?"

"Ma'am…" said one officer, "we're just taking him into custody. That's all."

"What?! Custody?! For what? He did nothing wrong!"

"He saved us," Yukina added, "What are the charges?"

"Ladies, this man says he's responsible for the attacks in Kabukicho a month ago," said the second officer.

"No," Yukina pleaded, "He had nothing to do with that! Please? You have to let him go. Kiyoni, say something."

Kiyoni had nothing to say as she locked eyes with Kurama who was in the back of the squad car. She knew what Kurama was doing and why. Kurama looked back and smiled, assuring Kiyoni of the good things yet to come. Kiyoni rubbed her face in disbelief. Just when the dark clouds that hung over her life were about to clear up, more came in. She was so waiting for that happy ending to show up. A second squad car pulled up with an ambulance close behind to take Shinobu into custody and provide medical assistance to anyone who needed it. Those who have made Lighthouse Tokyo their home came home to quite the mess. Their beloved sanctuary was completely destroyed after getting a makeover weeks ago and after finding out the ones responsible, everyone went through the evening and rest of the night sitting in shock.

After her stint with the police and a quick medical checkup, Kiyoni headed straight for Shuuichi's greenhouse and stayed there. It may have been his sanctuary but Shuuichi did a damn good job in making it feel like the very garden of Eden whenever Kiyoni showed up. She stepped to the marijuana farm where she grabbed a jar of a random strain, grinded it down using a granite pestle and mortar, loaded a new flower bong Shuuichi bought from overseas, and lit herself up. Unfortunately, the silence in the space was too much for Kiyoni to bear even with her hacking up a lung. Whenever she joined Shuuichi in the greenhouse, it was pleasant. They'd elevate their mental state, have some deep conversations (religion related for the most part), make out every now and then, Shuuichi would talk about his latest findings, and Kiyoni would go home or to Aphrodisia happy, in high spirits, and…feeling a bit lonely. She felt lonely now, playing DJ as the tunes of Tohji and Nicki Minaj echoed throughout the garden. The angsty music of Tohji hit Kiyoni hard, bringing back the same feelings she had when her brother died; feelings of emptiness, anger, uncertainty, and violence. She went off into another daydream, imagining herself dancing within the lush, green confines of the greenhouse with nothing but vines, leaves, and flower petals as her props while reciting the song lyrics . In her mind, Geb may have been the Kemetic god of the earth but she felt like an earth nymph within his territory. By the time music by Chanmina seeped through the phone speakers, Kiyoni lost it. Not even the green she was smoking helped. As more and more black tears coasted down her face, Kiyoni tried her hardest at maintaining her breathing. All she could think about was the possibility of Kurama serving some time over the destruction he caused in Kabukicho under the control of Shinobu. Again, separation anxiety is a bitch.

Damn you…Shinobu… Fucking…fuck! Damn you, Shinobu!

With a couple more deep exhalations, Kiyoni reloaded the bong and lit herself up again thinking about the many events that recently took place. It seemed Shinobu had it out for her this entire time. From the ambush in the countryside that led to her brother's death to her officially meeting Shinobu face-to-face to essentially ending her career in the adult entertainment industry to basically sending Kurama to jail. Some silver linings did come out of it though. She met Shuuichi/Kurama, she got the incentive to stand up to one of her biggest bullies in Aiko, she reunited with her family after nearly three years, she discovered a hidden power she never knew she had within her menstrual blood (if anyone could believe that), and…something that may kill her. She may have discovered…love. If anything, Kiyoni found love whether it was within herself, her family, and…the one person who jump-started her discovery. The one who may be sitting behind bars for a while.

Just as music by Childish Gambino scrolled on the screen, a phone call came to Kiyoni's phone. The person on the other end was someone Kiyoni thought she'd never hear from again or for a while at least.

"Moshi moshi?"

"Oh, so this is your number. I guess it really does pay to be a counselor."

"Wait…Mukuro?! How the hell did you get my number?"

"What I'm about to say will make your question utterly irrelevant. Raizen and I are just now receiving word about you and Kurama's little…scuffle if you will."

"I'm sure. Just as I'm sure that you know Kurama will most likely be serving some time for it."

"Oh, I doubt that very much, young lady. Considering what Kurama is, we yokai have standards different from humans."

"Okay, I'm going to take a page out of your playbook and ask you to cut to the chase. What are you saying, Mukuro?"

"What I'm saying is that Kurama just may get off scot-free. Meet me at the metropolitan police department, Chiyoda City," Mukuro ended the phone call from there.

Kiyoni rubbed her eyes to get herself together, "I'm so not high enough for this. Then again, I'm too damn high to show up at a police station."

After stopping by her apartment to freshen up and change, Kiyoni arrived at the Tokyo Metropolitan Police station, an intimidating area for anyone to go to unless one is a career criminal. The building was at least ten stories tall and the entire campus, including the training facility or police academy, formed a triangularly-shaped block with the station at the helm.

A pleated, red plaid-patterned skirt accompanied by a form-fitting, long-sleeved, black turtleneck one piece, a pair of insulated tights, heeled ankle boots, and a pair of fuzzy, black ear muffs made Kiyoni look like a doll as she stepped towards the main entrance stairs of the police station. Inside, Kiyoni made her presence known to the front desk and was told to wait for a bit.

Please be here, Suu'chi.

No sooner from Kiyoni's appearance came the sights of flashing lights from outside. Given that she's a political figure, Mukuro's temporary occupancy in Tokyo was most likely going to attract the attention of the press. Her injury may have placed her on the brink of paralysis, but Mukuro was a fighter. Still unable to walk on her own and rocking a plum purple business suit, Mukuro used a customized, stair-climbing wheelchair to make her way inside accompanied by a lawyer and a recently-hired bodyguard. Reporters from TV, radio, Internet, and print bombarded the counselor with questions such as whether or not Kurama's actions will receive consequences, the specific consequences, the effects they will have on the yokai community, and the same for Shinobu. Mukuro ignored them all as she wheeled herself inside.

"Hello, spitfire," she greeted, "We meet again."

If Kiyoni wasn't so hung up on Kurama's liberal state, she would think that Mukuro is totally flirting with her and be up for some entertainment. However, Mukuro isn't Kiyoni's type.

"Lady Mukuro. Good to see you holding up."

"Likewise. Are you ready?"

"For what?"

"To see Kurama, of course."

"Oh! Yes. Yes, I am."

"Thought so," Mukuro introduced herself and her group to the front desk where an officer was called to escort everyone to an interrogation room to wait things out until Kurama showed up.

The room, itself, might as well be a private detention room for delinquent students. Brown checkerboard carpeting sat under a table slightly wider than a school desk with two foldable chairs. Two more chairs occupied two neighboring corners of the room and Kiyoni grabbed one for her to use. As a matter of fact, Mukuro's lawyer occupied that seat, giving Kiyoni the one that'll face Kurama when he comes out.

"Nervous," Mukuro queried.

Kiyoni sat down, exhaled, crossed her arms and legs, and straight-out lied. The pensive swing of her right leg over her left gave her away.

"I'm fine. Doing just fine."

"You're a nervous wreck. I can clearly see it even with my bad eye."

"No disrespect, ma'am, but I really don't feel like listening to any of your lectures right now."

Mukuro hummed a laugh, "Very well. I hope you're this forthcoming when Kurama comes out."

"Here he comes," announced the bodyguard, seeing Kurama escorted by a police officer through the only window that led to the holding cells.

Following the officer, Kurama stepped inside to a spirited greeting by Kiyoni's starry eyes. Her heart broke seeing him in handcuffs but swelled upon the welcoming smile on his face.

"You can remove the cuffs," Mukuro suggested, "They won't be necessary."

Kurama was free from the cuffs at least, "Thank you, sir."

"Suu'chi," Kiyoni welcomed with a hug and plenty of kisses, "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. Better now after seeing you. I'm sorry but why do you look like Minnie Mouse?"

"Suu'chi," Kiyoni whined, happy to know that Kurama hasn't lost his sense of humor.

"Hm. Still just as adorable. Mukuro, you're looking well."

"Better than the last time we saw each other," Mukuro stated, "I see you've finally come into your own. Better yet, I can feel it. You're much stronger than last time."

Kurama joined Kiyoni at the table, never letting go of her hand. Mukuro's lawyer pulled out and activated his laptop to take some notes.

"You were right about Kiyoni's involvement," he concurred, "Thanks to her, I do feel stronger. Much stronger."

Kiyoni gushed at the shoutout.

"How does it feel," Mukuro questioned.

"I'll sleep better at night knowing that I don't have to suffer from splitting headaches anymore. So, what brings you here?"

"To put it bluntly, I brought my lawyer, actually the lawyer for the correlation, to hear your story and build a case. We're going to need a word from you as well, spitfire."

"If you remember my tirade at Yomi's place…" Kiyoni hinted, "then me talking will not be an issue. My only concern is the punishment for Kabukicho."

"Kiyoni, you know I was under Shinobu's control that night," Kurama insisted.

"Yeah, so? Humans got hurt too. I was there the next morning. I saw body bags."

"She's right," the lawyer proclaimed, "Also, if it is true that this Shinobu person was ultimately responsible for these crimes, he'll receive much more jail time than Kurama."

"Either way, it doesn't sound like Kurama is walking."

Kurama gave Kiyoni's hands a reassuring squeeze, "Faith the size of a mustard seed, Kiyoni."

"Faith without works is dead. You said that too."

"My lawyer is the work," Mukuro specified, "He just needs your word."

"We're the work as well," Kurama added, "Just gotta trust the process. Are you still with me?"

Kiyoni squeezed Kurama's hands back, "Yes. Still."

For hours, both Kurama and Kiyoni told their story without leaving any details. They shared their feelings, their mindsets, and their reactions to every situation they encountered. Even Mukuro told her side when asked. Eventually, the police department grew weary of the interrogation after stepping in to insist they take Kurama back to the holding cells to which both Mukuro and Kiyoni protested with Mukuro being the more threatening of the two. By the time everyone was done, it was really late at night and through some more threats made by Mukuro, Kurama was eventually released into the convenient custody of Kiyoni.

"We're not going to see our happy ending anytime in the near, near, near, like tomorrow, future, are we," Kiyoni pried outside of the station.

"Just be patient, Kiyoni," Kurama assured, "That's all we can be for now."

Kiyoni held Kurama close and he did the same, completely ignoring the bitterly cold air that swirled around them. It was the first private, heartfelt moment they had since the fallout with Shinobu and both parties were all for it. Kurama was extra appreciative of Kiyoni and her involvement as shown by how tightly he held her. Finally, he was free. Free to embrace his identity and to explore his newfound liberties with it. On the other hand, Kiyoni started to shiver and it wasn't just because of the cold. Even as warm as Kurama was, Kiyoni shivered as she buried her face in his shoulder. She had a reason to.

"Kiyoni? What's the matter?"

At that point, Kiyoni started to cry again. She was just too afraid of things turning to shit so she began to unravel herself emotionally.

"Shuuichi…I'm sorry."

"Sorry? For what? You've done nothing wrong…or have you?"

"No."

"Then…why the apology?"

"Because…because…"

"What? It's alright. We're free now. Speak your peace."

What Kiyoni said next shook Shuuichi to the core, "Shuuichi…I'm in love with you."

That concludes Arc Three: The Confrontation. Arc Four: The Conclusion, will begin with chapter forty-two. Stay tuned!