February. The second and shortest month of the year. A month where things are going to come to light. While most of the world prepares for one of the biggest, romantic holidays of the year, Valentine's Day, those in Tokyo are looking out for a trial to begin. One of them happens to be a man who may as well refer to himself as a former "father" of Lighthouse Tokyo, Sensui Shinobu. Unlike his former pupil, Shinobu spent his days in police custody waiting it out while a case was built around him.

His defense team was entirely human and while they secretly agreed with Shinobu's motives, they didn't agree with his methods. They had quite the case ahead of them. After telling his side of the story, Shinobu's lawyer, named Daigo Juunichiro, laid out the good points.

"In your mind, humans are good and yokai are bad."

"Yes," Shinobu quoted, "The New Testament, Mark 1:27 and 1 Kings 22:23 specifically, tells us so. Impure and deceitful spirits out to spread the anti-gospel of Christ. My job, my purpose was to ensure that society knew the truth."

"And you thought that by capturing this Kurama character, you would be well on your way to do so?"

"Kurama was one of the most feared yokai around. He may not have been grand in stature or hideous in appearance but he was definitely as intimidating as they come. Having him trapped in the body of a human was the only way I could get him to learn how to break free from his wicked ways. That was my goal. Since yokai insisted on living like and with humans, the least they could do was embrace the word of God. Think about it. With the entire community of all the demons of the earth on God's side, Armageddon will clearly be in his favor and I will receive his highest form of admiration by becoming an archangel."

"And what of the other yokai you've...hypnotized according to reports?"

"Sacrifices. Offerings to the Lord above."

"Including the superpowered humans you've recruited?"

"Yes. They gave their lives to God and were baptized in his name. I'm sure that those who've died are enjoying their heavenly homes as we speak."

"Shinobu, you do realize what you're looking at, right? Charges such as unlawful kidnapping, child endangerment, multiple counts of murder or, at the very least, second-degree manslaughter, unlawful use and possession of a firearm. Possibly, a count of conspiracy to commit murder or kidnapping due to your connection with a member of the yokai association. Unlawful abduction of a corpse, mistreatment of a corpse. Second-degree arson that resulted in death and multiple counts of abuse."

"Abuse? Abuse?! Where? Who?"

Juunichiro pulled out his phone and showed his client Shuuichi's video that is still going viral, "See? If this is permissible in court, there's your abuse charges. Shinobu, you're looking at a very long sentence here, the death penalty at the most. This is going to be a difficult case to rule in your favor."

Stoic as ever, Shinobu sat down in a chair across the interrogation table from where his lawyer sat, leaned forward, and said, "So be it."

Meanwhile, Kiyoni and Shuuichi spoke with the association's lawyer, a quarter-blooded feline named Touma, via a video call. The pair were inside Kiyoni's apartment and had just finished breakfast thanks to Chef Shuuichi.

"If anything, I found it really ridiculous for you to create that video," Touya opined.

"There was no other option," Shuuichi explained, "Given my previous reputation, I had to do something to show the world, the community that I'm a changed man, that everything I did was purely circumstantial."

"What charges are we looking at," Kiyoni questioned from her apartment bed.

"Only manslaughter," Touma answered, "However, as Kurama described, that may not stick considering the circumstantial evidence against him. It would be more applicable to Shinobu than Kurama since the former was the one who planned it all."

"And what of the others," Shuuichi queried, "Touya, Natsume, and anyone else who unconsciously followed Shinobu's cause?"

"Same thing…" Touma addressed, "along with charges of arson that resulted in death, reckless endangerment. It all depends on the individuals, of course–"

"That's not fair," Shuuichi exclaimed, "They were hypnotized! They had no control over their actions!"

"Circumstantial, Kurama. Unless either you or Miss Ikeda can prove it was the work of some magic, those charges would probably stick with them as well. Either way, I don't believe Shinobu is walking away from this, scot-free. He is the main target here."

Shuuichi stood there, frustrated, in Kiyoni's kitchen area hovering over the sink full of dishes and utensils he used. Due to Kiyoni's condition, he'll be staying with her until she's fully healed. His own heart cried out for his brother and sister in Christ over the bad luck that will befall them.

Damn you, Shinobu…

Kiyoni wished she could give Shuuichi a hug but is quite limited in the mobility department. She felt bad for Shuuichi and his social connections to the church.

"I should've...I should've...gave in. Submitted," Shuuichi claimed.

"Say what," Kiyoni wondered.

"Shinobu. I should've...gave in to what he said. Followed him all along. Touya and Natsume would be free if I–"

"Bullshit! You would've been absolutely miserable while your foxy side would be treated as nothing more than a circus freak, a sideshow pet. Then, if the law were to step in, you would've been in worse trouble."

"At least I would be the only culprit along with Shinobu."

"Again, that's bullshit. Say you actually did follow through with Shinobu's plan and...along the way, you and I met and...he finds out about it and makes plans to convert me. Would you let him do it or would you grow a pair and stop him then?"

"Kiyoni–"

"Answer the question."

"Kiyoni, I...of course, I would've stepped in. Just like I did when I showed up to save you. Given how attracted to you I was when we first met, yes, I would've stepped in."

"And Shinobu would've been petty and built an army and still be on the path towards being the new Jesus of the world. In other words, Shuuichi, Shinobu was still going to do what the fuck he was going to do, with or without you. You were just as much of a pawn as everyone else. Think of all the pawns he used. Shinobu didn't give a damn about anyone else but himself. Period."

Touma agreed, "I would listen to her if I were you."

Shuuichi sighed again, knowing that Kiyoni was right, "When is the trial?"

"Next week. 09:00am. Tokyo High court. Since this is a case that involves both humans and yokai, a panel of three judges will be in attendance."

"Just three?"

"Yes. One for the humans, one for the yokai, and a judge of the association's choosing. Lady Mukuro hadn't disclosed that detail."

"Thank you. We'll be ready."

"Until next week," Touma ended the call.

"I guess I should reach out to Juri and Shishi," Kiyoni assumed.

"No Aiko," Shuuichi teased.

Kiyoni rolled her eyes, "I still can't believe that bitch is getting married. 'Aiko' and 'marriage' should not be in the same sentence."

"That may be but I'm sure it's within reason and that...she'll be happy."

"Yeah, once she becomes a widow and benefactor of her husband's estate. Then it's off to the next."

"Do I detect a hint of jealousy?"

"Hell no! You should be detecting me wishing her the worst marriage."

"Kiyoni? Karma."

"Is still in my favor when it comes to her. She essentially tried to rape you and got her ass kicked for it. Fuck her. I have a much better life ahead of me than her."

Shuuichi turned around, "You think so?"

"I'm alive, I'm here, I'm a human who's free to love, I'm on a new life path, and I have you. You don't think so?"

Shuuichi gushed with a smile and got back to work on washing the dishes, "I'm not going to deny that."

"Thought so."

The date of the trial had arrived and Shuuichi had to make some moves. Kiyoni did as well, settling in one of the private patient rooms of the University of Tokyo hospital. Due to the stress the trial may bring to Kiyoni's heart, proper medical supervision was critical and on assignment thanks to Mukuro.

At least she'll be comfortable. The tv came with a DVD/Blu-ray player and Wi-Fi for any streaming service. Shuuichi figuratively kicked himself in the ass for not bringing the fire stick from the church. He knew Kiyoni liked the streaming services. It also came with a microwave, refrigerator, bath, shower and washroom, closet, sedentary furniture, bedside cupboards, tea set, and necessary amenities such as towels. Due to the morning hours, Kiyoni insisted that all of the curtains remain open so that she could feel connected to the Kemetic sun god, Ra. She also took advantage of the tea service, drinking decaffeinated tea to not aggravate her heart rate. To any tourist, Kiyoni's room would look like the combination of a three to four-star hotel room and a normal hospital room. To Kiyoni, she would rather be at home where all her stuff is. At least, she'll be well-fed.

Joining her was Juri, Shishi, and Shuuichi with the latter doing a final look through of his ensemble. He wore a navy blue business suit and a golden tie with black leather business shoes. Every bit of his hair but the bangs was tied into a low-hanging, braided ponytail and the only accessory he had was a rosary necklace that was given to him when he was a child. When he stepped out of the bathroom, he caught Juri helping Kiyoni with her makeup. If Kiyoni is going to be a witness, she might as well look pretty on camera. Shishi had his eyes glued to the TV, watching the news coverage surrounding today.

"Are you sure you're going to be alright," Shuuichi questioned.

"I don't understand why you're going through with this," Kiyoni answered, "All of this could've been avoided if you had kept your mouth shut."

"And run even the smallest of chances of Shinobu walking? I don't think so. You and I both know and want Shinobu to go down. If my participation is necessary to ensure that outcome, then so be it."

Kiyoni pouted. This day had the word "sucky" written all over and it was only the beginning.

"No pouting," Juri ordered, "I have to get your contour right."

Physically, Kiyoni stopped pouting but kept on doing it mentally, "I'm just…annoyed. What was the point of leaving a hospital only to go back to another one?"

"At least this one is more reputable," Shishi stated, "You just had heart surgery like, what, two weeks ago? I'm surprised you're as lively as you are now."

Shuuichi agreed. He remembered the first night Kiyoni returned home where he helped her with everything from eating to bathing to even sleeping. He nearly lost it whenever he had to look at the surgical scar on Kiyoni's chest. Because of the injury she sustained the morning she became a succubus, doctors had to perform open heart surgery without causing extensive or unnecessary damage. The first bath Shuuichi gave Kiyoni was the absolute worst for him and was absolutely embarrassing for Kiyoni.

"Shishi is right," he said, "You'll need all the assistance you can get. Your procedure was very delicate."

"Life threatening," Shishi shuttered, "I can see why sex demons don't fall in love often if that's what we have to go through."

"I've had broken ribs before," Kiyoni replied, "I can live with that. Matter of fact, where's Yukina? She healed me from that."

"She's at the church providing emotional support for the residents who will be watching the trial," Shuuichi answered, "I could reach out to her if you wish."

Kiyoni thought about it for a moment. She could ask Yukina to heal her surgical wounds so that she could truly be free to be with Shuuichi. Then again, it's been nice for him to be her caretaker. He truly is a sweetheart. Not only that but the time was also a lesson, a preview on how things could be living with him and, for the most part, things were good but...damn, it would've been nice if sex was thrown in the mix. Seeing Shuuichi in nothing but boxer briefs or sweatpants was too damn tempting. Case in point, a redhead with a hot body in a pair of red boxer briefs that provided a good print? No more need be said. The daydreams, fantasies, and actual dreams she had just thinking about it…

"Your trial comes first," she declared.

"Very well."

Touma disrupted the mood by knocking on the door, "It's time."

"I'll be right there," Shuuichi acknowledged.

Kiyoni took the biggest inhalation her healing rib cage would allow her, "Please don't go."

"Shishi, Juri? A minute if you will?"

They took the hint. Shishi escorted Juri after she finished applying Kiyoni's eyeshadow.

Shuuichi grabbed Kiyoni's hand and gave it a good squeeze, "I have to go. We both know this. I also know that when the time comes, you'll have my back."

"Of course, I do. I just-"

"Kiyoni…"

"No, hear me out. I'm scared. Really scared. The charges against you are nothing compared to Shinobu but…Suu'chi, I…I wasn't expecting this. I wasn't expecting to go through something like this with you. I'm praying for the best but I can't stop thinking about the worst. Is anything I'm saying making sense?"

"Loud and clear but that's why we have the serenity prayer. It was made to…ensure faith in the divine while adapting to reality. Even if we're dealt with the worst, faith will see us through. We just have to…live through it. Trust, adapt, and live. That's the serenity prayer. Care to say it with me?"

Kiyoni nodded, allowing Shuuichi's words to sink in, "Yes"

"...God, grant us the serenity…"

"...to accept the things we cannot change. The strength to change the things that we can…"

Both finish, "And the wisdom to know the difference."

Shuuichi added, "Whatever will be, will be."

Kiyoni returned the squeeze, "I'll be praying to Ma'at for you. May she be in your favor."

Another meeting of the minds ensued followed by a sweet kiss of departure.

"Thank you," Shuuichi whispered, "I love you."

"Love you more."

As Shuuichi joined Touma at the front doors of the hospital, they were bombarded by reporters and paparazzi looking to get a piece of the action. Entering the vehicle that will take them to court, Shuuichi silently declared to never be a celebrity if things were going to be like what they were. In Kiyoni's room, a heart rate monitor was attached to a finger as well as a nasal aspirator to help with her breathing. Despite the morning, she felt emotionally exhausted enough to bring about physical exhaustion which gave her the opportunity to take a quick nap before the trial. Shishi and Juri watched on still in disbelief over Kiyoni's transformation and survival from it. Aiko knew that Kiyoni would find love but what she didn't know was that Kiyoni would live to talk about it.

Speaking of, Aiko relaxed in the luxury suite of an onsen near Matsume Castle in Hokkaido after engaging in morning sex with her fiancé. Knocking back a few servings of junmai sake, she watched with amused eyes the coverage on the trial of both Kurama and Shinobu.

"Oh, this ought to be good."

Fortunately, Shuuichi and Touma didn't have to go far to go to court. The High Court of Tokyo, located in Chiyoda City was the place to be. Word definitely traveled fast as supporters and protestors, both near and across the street from the building, took the time to occupy the open space surrounding the area. Signs that said such things as "Free Kurama", "Burn in Hell, all yokai", "Yokai lives matter," and "human lives matter" were seen from near and far and on anything that streamed the live feed. Touma escorted Shuuichi down the walkway towards the front entrance where the crowd told them how they felt about the situation. As brave as Shuuichi had been, he felt guilty about upsetting those who were against him.

At the University hospital, a surprise came in the form of Kiyoni's father and grandmother. They wanted to join their daughter and granddaughter, respectively in support and brought with them the picture of Tai from the home altar. Understandably touched, Kiyoni grabbed the photo and hugged it like a teddy bear.

"Brother…" she whispered.

Chiyoko got comfortable and watched the TV where Sensui's name glided across the screen, "Monster. Disgusting piece of filth. Murdering my grandson…"

Akio checked on Kiyoni's heart beat using a stethoscope from his office, "Not bad, considering…"

"Dad, I am hooked up to that," Kiyoni pointed to the machine.

"Doesn't hurt to double check. How do you feel?"

"Fine. I do get feelings of sharp pains every now and then but doctors say that's normal and expected for now. Should the pain last more than five to ten minutes, then it could be a problem. I still throw up blood every now and then too."

"That's just your body's way of healing itself," Akio noticed, "You still have your mother's eyes."

"So I've been told. I can't believe there was a time when I hated the color."

"I remember that. The amount of times you begged for colored contacts even though you had good eyesight. Are you truly done with that…lifestyle?"

"I am, dad. Aphrodisia is no more, my boss is dead, I'm human again. Yeah...I'm done with it."

"Thank goodness."

The courtroom was like any other with the exception of brighter lighting. Two seats for the judges sat empty in front of seating that could hold up to one-hundred people. Behind them were seven more seats on a higher level because the trial has been identified as a saiban-in trial. Meaning the fates of both Shuuichi and Shinobu will be decided by a "jury" of nine judges. Concerning the parties involved, four bailiffs were on duty that day, two yokai to keep both sides of the court in check and two humans to serve as security for everyone else. The yokai bailiffs were known as disablers. Should anyone with superpowers or special abilities get out of line, they will quickly be dealt with. A video screen was set up to the left of the judges panel for those unable to make it but are able to share their testimony. In short, this was a very big day.

Shuuichi entered the room with Touma and two more members of his defense team. Mukuro and Hokushin nodded in acknowledgement and Shuuichi returned the favor.

"Thank you for Kiyoni," he mouthed to Mukuro.

Mukuro nodded again. Anything to protect the defense's star witness.

Shuuichi was surprised upon seeing the amount of seats in front, "I thought there would be three judges. I see...nine."

"I guess this case has been upgraded to a saiban-in trial," Touma responded, "Understandable."

"Are we prepared for this?"

"Yes. We have all the evidence we need plus the word of Miss Ikeda. How is she by the way?"

"Fine as long as she's not placed under any stress."

Shinobu was escorted into the room as well accompanied by his team and a few police officers. Although handcuffed and wearing a dark blue prison suit, Shinobu could still pose a threat to the public due to his superhuman abilities so two of the officers were disablers as well. He looked over to his left and saw Shuuichi sitting comfortably and ready to get things underway. A smirk smeared across his face towards his student which was met with an intimidatingly cold stare, the same stare delivered by Kurama during his heydays.

Meanwhile, everyone in Kiyoni's hospital room kept their eyes focused on the trial ahead via her laptop. Thanks to the use of an email link given by the court, everyone can watch the trial in realtime from the comfort of the room. It'll also come in handy when it's time for her to take the stand.

The human bailiff stepped forward to call attention. He was nervous about being a part of such a controversial case but kept his cool as he said…

"All rise!"

Everyone rose to their feet and bowed as the nine judges entered the courtroom. Two of them were just as Touma described. One was a female, birdlike yokai and a descendant of a karyōbinga. A celestial being with the head of a beautiful woman, vibrantly-colored wings that dragged across the floor, and a long, flowing tail. Judge number two was a thirty-year veteran of the profession. In his late sixties, the man looked great for his age with his snowy-white hair that connected the hair on his head to the beard on his face. He may have dressed as Santa Claus at one point.

As far as the rest of the panel went, it was an even mix of human and yokai judges which made both the prosecution and defense wonder which side will prevail. The question was answered when the final member of the panel entered the room. He was an oni yokai who was as tall as a basketball player and as wide as a pickup truck and that paled in comparison to his actual size. His brick-red skin and protruding horns didn't take away the suave facial features he had since he had a thick, well-trimmed goatee going on as well as his human counterpart. He took his spot in the middle of the rear panel and bowed to his audience along with the rest of the panel.

"You may be seated," he said in a burly, prominent tone.

One look at the "special guest" judge and Shuuichi turned to Mukuro, mouthing the question, "That's the association's pick?"

"Yes," she mouthed back, "Given how much we know about your case and how much trouble Yomi is in, neither Raizen nor I couldn't serve as judges. His name is Enki and he's actually considered to take Yomi's place in the association."

Shuuichi's eyes widened upon that disclosure. It seems the Correlation for Yokai Affairs is actually fair in a way. Shuuichi also hoped Enki would be around for Yomi's hearing. That'll be something.

"Alright then," Enki proclaimed while looking over his notes and adjusting his glasses, "What we have is a very...unique case. The board vs. Sensui Shinobu vs. Minamino Shuuichi. Very interesting. Mister Minamino, you are charged with five counts of attempted manslaughter and destruction of property. How do you plead?"

Both Shuuichi and Touma rise with the former adjusting his attire.

"We plead not guilty," Touma stated.

"Mister Sensui, you are...whoa...you are charged with multiple counts of murder, both premeditated and in the first-degree, one count of second-degree arson which resulted in death, multiple counts of kidnapping, one count of aggravated kidnapping, multiple counts of child endangerment, one count of the unlawful kidnapping of a corpse, one count of the mistreatment of a corpse, one count of second-degree destruction of property, one count of reckless endangerment, multiple counts of mistreatment or abuse, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm, and multiple counts of the unlawful use of a firearm. That's quite the list. How do you plead?"

Daigo rose along with his client, "We also plead not guilty, your honors."

"Very well. At this time, we will now hand the floor over to representatives of both parties for opening statements starting with the representative for Mister Sensui."

Daigo stepped forward and made his statement. He first gave praise for Shinobu taking over the leadership role for such a prominent church. He also mentioned how Shinobu's mission in spreading the good word of God was a respectable thing to do. Afterwards, Daigo stated that Shinobu's actions were not to be taken in a bad light. Yokai have a history of causing trouble and striking fear in humans. There have actually been cases where humans have created yokai based on fear and misunderstanding of the unknown. Shinobu was doing just that with Kurama. He resorted to using magic out of the fear and misunderstanding of yokai culture. Kurama was the yokai he feared the most. By recreating him as a human named Minamino Shuuichi, Shinobu's mission in spreading the faith was strengthened. That's all he wanted to do. Reform yokai into embracing the grace and love of God.

Touma took a sip of water, adjusted his clothing, and stepped up to speak. In Shuuichi's case, he was nothing but an innocent bystander. Even Kurama was an innocent bystander. Shinobu used the advantage of death just to have his way with them. Totally understandable. A dead person can't breathe, can't speak, can't move, can't think, can't fight back. Then, during Shuuichi's childhood, naivete became an advantage. Children freely, almost naturally, see the good in everything and everyone. They believe any and everything people tell them with little sense of critical thinking. Having grown up in the church, Shuuichi grew up believing in Shinobu's teachings with little to no argument. Heaven was Heaven and Hell was Hell. Only the good in God's eyes go to Heaven and only the bad who refuse God go to Hell. If the world is to be a better place, it has to accept God. That way, Shuuichi can make many friends and he could hang out with them all in Heaven.

Then came adolescence and adulthood. Outside influences such as school and social media made Shuuichi see things in a different light. Not everything is as binary as Shinobu believed. The world has quite the amount of shades of gray and with the knowledge of Shuuichi's body sharing ownership with a fox yokai named Kurama who was the complete opposite of Shinobu's teachings, questioning what was truly right and what was truly wrong in the world was inevitable. What happened in Kabukicho was Kurama acting out under the influence of Shinobu. Shuuichi had absolutely no control over his body and, technically, the same can be said in Kurama's case. Torture in God's name or be tortured in God's name was the M.O. and Kurama chose the former. Either way, Shinobu won.

The first witness of the case came from the women's correctional facility and it was Natsume. Due to her superpowers, she had to be contained in a separate area specifically for women like her and her testimony was done by video call. When questioned by Shinobu's team, she stated that she didn't believe the things he was accused of doing and that her involvement in it was just as false. Her mindset has always been as pure as it was the day she accepted Christ into her life. During cross-examination, Shuuichi's team presented the first piece of evidence in the form of video footage from Kabukicho the night Aphrodisia was burned down. Then there was more footage coming from her confrontation with Kurama at Yomiuri Land. Natsume was in disbelief, unaware of any of those events. As far as the injury she sustained to her midsection from her tussle with Shuuichi, Natsume said she didn't remember that either. It was all something for the panel of judges to consider. Natsume said that she doesn't remember the things she's done for Shinobu and yet there's evidence that she did.

Next up was Touya. He, too, was in custody of a local facility and was in the same situation as Natsume. He had much more to say than she did. To Shinobu's team, Touya described him as a caring man with a heart of gold. Shinobu didn't need to read the Bible because he was the bible. He was Google for Christianity. Shinobu took both Touya and Shuuichi in when they were children and raised them as his own. So the idea of Shinobu being this bad guy against yokai like Touya is disheartening. Like Shuuichi, Touya was also taught the same binaries by Shinobu and took them to heart. Touya also believed that Shuuichi was legitimately next in line to take over Shinobu's spot since Shuuichi was a deacon at the time. So when he found out that Shuuichi was Kurama, he felt let down, like everything that came out of Shuuichi's mouth was a lie. Even though Touya didn't remember the times he fought for Shinobu, he was willing to do so if asked anyway. Without Shinobu, Touya didn't know what he would've done.

To Shuuichi's team, Shuuichi is really the bad guy according to Touya and it all started the morning after meeting Kiyoni. A deacon rubbing elbows with a succubus? If she wanted to join the church and hand her life over to Christ, that's fine but that never happened. Touya stated that Shinobu was never in control of Shuuichi, Kiyoni was. All Shinobu wanted to do was save his student from Kiyoni's seductive and deadly clutches. When Touya was asked if Shinobu resorted to magic to regain control of Shuuichi, he said that it was possible but that it must've been weak compared to the magic Kiyoni produced since Kurama was out and about. As much as it pained him to say it, Touya emphasized that if anyone was to go down, it should be Shuuichi and his whore, Kiyoni.

Shuuichi watched it all and squeezed the bridge of his nose. It was at that moment when he understood why Kiyoni had a thing against certain people who practice Christianity for reasons other than the death of her brother. After hearing more testimony from Shinobu's youngest recruits, Rinku and Amanuma Tsukihito, Enki called for recess.