The next day started off quietly. On the outside, the day's morning commute was taking place. Schools were welcoming children, businesses were opening up for the day, coffee was served wherever the drink was served whether at home or at an establishment, and commuter trains were filling up just as much as they were emptying out. It was to be another normal day.

Inside Kiyoni's apartment, with the entrance light still on, Shuuichi awakened to find her comfortably lying by his right side. Last night was fantastic, an absolute relief from the sexual tension they had built since the first day they met. If he didn't already have things to do today, Shuuichi would've stayed in bed with Kiyoni and gone back to sleep. Unfortunately, he did.

Stealthily easing his way towards his clothing, Shuuichi found his underwear and pants on the floor in front of Kiyoni's bed. The plan was to get dressed and make a quick exit out of the apartment before Kiyoni wakes up. Kiyoni must've been a light sleeper. Before Shuuichi could get his pants above his hips, Kiyoni wrapped her arms around his neck, resting her head on the area between his neck and back.

"Mm, don't go," she murmured, "Just...five more minutes."

Shuuichi welcomed the morning salutation, "Kiyoni...you know I have to. We have plans today and I must leave early to change. You can at least grant me that."

"Please don't go. You're so warm."

"As much as I don't want to, I have to. I'm sorry."

"...You were amazing last night."

"Was I? Thank you. So were you. You were…quite the cheerleader."

"I told you I don't keep things quiet. How do you feel?"

"Honestly...I'm a bit nervous. Today could make or break everything. I'm worried about the things I may say or the things I may be asked about."

"No matter what, it'll be the truth."

"Yes but I'll be speaking to the judges. It's them I'll have to convince."

"Yes but the majority is yokai. You're in the clear, Suu'chi."

"What about you? How do you feel?"

"For the trial, I'm ready. I'm not going to sugarcoat anything. I may not be able to say things the way I want to say it, but everything I will say will be the truth. Shinobu is a petty, bigoted, hypocritical, bastard bitch and he's going down today. Period. But that's not what I was asking you."

"What were you asking me?"

"I meant us. How do you feel about us? After last night…"

"Us? Well...last night was a start to everything. The entire day was a start. The entire time we've gotten to know each other was a start. You and I come from two completely different backgrounds and yet, here we are. I know you prefer things to be on the fast, extroverted side, but it's comforting to know that you're willing to slow things down when requested. I'm a Christian, you're a Kemetic. Different religions and yet, they have more in common than we both realized. Then there were the things I said the day before. Other than today, I think the only thing that could drive things home or strengthen our relationship...is if I…"

"If you, what?"

"If I had my own family. People I can connect or reconnect with. A sense of home. Like the one you have."

"What about the church?"

"Yes, the church has been my family but I'm talking about the family I was born into. My mother at least. If there was one thing Shinobu could've done for me, it would be for him to help reconnect me with my mother. I'd be more than happy to introduce you to her."

If only Shuuichi knew. Kiyoni had the seeds planted for that back in Nagoya. As far as she knew, those seeds are in gestational mode right now…hopefully.

"I'm sure that'll happen in the future. You have my family in the meantime. They like you enough."

"...Yes. I appreciate that," from there, Shuuichi separated from Kiyoni's hug in order to get dressed.

In the meantime, Kiyoni watched him like the fangirl she compared herself to be. She couldn't help but fantasize over Shuuichi's midsection. They looked just as delicious as they did last night which enticed her to go for round two.

"Sorry for leaving like this," he said after tucking in his shirt.

"Don't…" since Kiyoni knew of Shuuichi's weakness, she used it to her advantage, "don't go just yet."

Kisses and an unsolicited scalp and ear massage came Shuuichi's way. He knew he had to fight it but Kiyoni knew exactly what points to touch and that's precisely what she did. The fox retaliated, hoisting and pinning his prey down on her bed and growling to let her know her place.

In Shuuichi's mind, he played the bedroom scene from his favorite movie. The one where Romeo must depart from his Juliet the morning after consummating their marriage. Kiyoni definitely played the parts of a seductress and the maiden well. Her charms were indeed enticing and she was so sweet and innocent in her display.

Kiyoni enthusiastically replied, "Oooh! Did I strike a nerve?"

"Kiyoni, I swear…"

"What? What is it you swear?"

Kurama growled again, "I swear if we…if today wasn't today, I…"

"Then do it now. Please," Kiyoni is only teasing Kurama because she's already ready for his primal side.

Shuuichi's cherry was popped. Now Kiyoni had a case of jungle fever…or was it forest fever…or fox fever? It didn't matter at this point. Bringing out the beast was what really mattered. Not today. Reluctantly but forcefully, Shuuichi grabbed his things and headed out towards the door. Kiyoni was immediately disappointed.

"Again…" he said, "apologies for leaving you like this."

"Whatever. We know why."

"Don't be like that," Shuuichi assured before kissing Kiyoni's forehead, "Think positive thoughts today. Meet me at the church?"

"Yeah."

"It's a date. Well…sort of. I'll see you later."

Kiyoni giggled. Shuuichi can be funny at times. After his departure, Kiyoni reclined on her bed to think. Shuuichi wants to connect with his family. Understandable. He deserves it. She hoped Akio would be able to come through with Kiyoni's request. Speaking of family…

"SHIT!"

Kiyoni realized a trip to the clinic is extremely necessary within the next few days. Shuuichi may want a family but having one through conceptual means may not be the way he wanted to go about it right now. Definitely not in Kiyoni's plans.

Day three of the trial of Kurama and Shinobu was about to begin. Kiyoni and her family joined Shuuichi and Touma once again as they were swarmed by reporters. Shuuichi looked like any other salaryman, arriving in a dark gray business suit with a red business tie, his hair tied back in a low-positioned ponytail, and displaying a look of seriousness due to the program for today. In terms of witnesses, other than himself and Shinobu, only Kiyoni remained.

Star witness, Kiyoni, was more nervous than what Shuuichi knew. On top of making her statements to the judges, she wondered if she'll be able to score a morning after pill in time. If worse comes to worse, she'd hate for a piece of plexiglass to come between Shuuichi and his child. However, now is not the time to think about such possibilities. The only thing to think about was this very trial. Even though her twin braided buns may not work for a traditional trial, Kiyoni rocked it anyway along with a black and white, V-cut, bodycon business dress that fell to her knees and a solid black belt around her waist. The same waist Shuuichi couldn't keep his eyes and hands off of last night. Matching black and white pumps and a natural makeup look completed the style.

"Mister Minamino, a word," a reporter requested, "Mister Minamino?"

Touma suggested, "No comment for now. No one says a word until after today."

Both Shuuichi and Kiyoni nodded in acknowledgement.

Before the session began, Kiyoni sent a few texts out to some people. Shishi and Juri replied with words of encouragement and positive emojis and gifs. Her mother in Chicago had just gotten off of work for the night and reached out to her daughter as well. News of Shuuichi's trial had reached American shores but was only jumbled in the other international stories the United States gets on a daily basis. Kiyoni made sure to keep her mom informed anyway. In fact, lieutenant mama bear had plenty to say:

"You're testifying today?"

"Yep. I'm the only one left."

"Makes sense"

"I've noticed"

"Well can I at least see who you talking about?"

Kiyoni sent two pictures to her mother, one of Shuuichi and one of Shinobu whenever she got a good shot.

"Yeah"

"When did he get ears?! 😲"

"About a month ago."

"He has a tail too"

"It's so cute "

"Ooh chile…"

"Idk"

"About what?"

"I'm sure you've seen worse"

"Isn't Chicago full of bears and bulls?"

"Haha true but"

"[Surprise gif]"

"😂😂😂"

"He's harmless mom"

"You'll love him once you get to know him"

"I already cooked him your trap meal 😈"

"What trap meal?"

"The lasagna?"

"No"

"The 🍌 🍞?"

"That's what I forgot to make!"

"But no"

"[thinking emoji]"

"What?"

"🍗 greens and black-eyed peas"

"😲"

"How he like it?"

"😁👍"

"He wants to try it from the MasterChef"

"That's my baby!"

"The way to a man's heart is always his stomach"

Court is now in session. "All rise," the bailiff requested.

"Gotta go mom"

"Love you!"

"Good luck baby Ma'at's blessings"

"Love you too 😘 "

All nine judges entered for one of the last times today. Given all who's left to speak, today's proceedings should go by smoothly and quickly.

"Okay. Welcome, everyone," Enki announced, "This is day three of the board vs. Sensui Shinobu vs. Minamino Shuuichi. I believe we've saved the best for last in terms of witnesses, yes?"

Both Touma and Daigo agree.

"Alright then. Let's get to it."

Touma summoned, "Your honors, the defense will like to call Miss Ikeda Kiyoni to the stand."

"Very well."

If adrenaline wasn't already flowing through Kiyoni's veins, it was by the time she stepped up to the podium. Kiyoni made a mental note to give Yukina her flowers for healing her. Kiyoni would much rather be in the presence of the court than be cooped up in a hospital. Bring it on, Touma and Daigo. Kiyoni's heart can take it.

Before bowing and sitting, Kiyoni introduced herself, "Ikeda Kiyoni. Former employee of the exotic nightclub, Aphrodisia."

"Thank you for coming," Touma commented, "You seem to be doing well following your open heart surgery."

"I am. Enough to stand here before you and the panel."

"Yes. Well, could you inform the court of your association with both my client and Mister Sensui?"

Kiyoni looked over to her right where Sensui sat with his team. Sensui didn't seem like his previous self, like a man hellbent on the takedown of all yokai. He seemed remorseful as if he had already come to terms with his fate. Kiyoni didn't buy it for a second.

"To Mister Sensui, he and I have a history that goes back nearly three years."

"What happened during that time?"

Kiyoni clasped her hands on the podium, "Mister Sensui...murdered my older brother. Ikeda Tai. He was twenty-four years old when he died."

"My condolences. Did you ever find out why Mister Sensui did what he did?"

"Simple. Mister Sensui is a bigot who thinks all yokai should either be wiped off the face of the earth or servants of his god."

"Was that his intention when the two of you crossed paths again?"

"Yes. Without question."

"When did you cross paths with Sensui?"

"All Saints Day, November 1st. His deacon, your client, had invited me to attend mass for that day. I met Mister Sensui after the service."

"And how did he seem to you?"

"At first, intimidating. The second I noticed his outline, my mind went to another place. The place where...my brother lost his life. Afterwards, he seemed calm, friendly. He welcomed me back to his church but I declined."

"Why is that?"

"Because I am of the Kemetic faith, Egyptian orthodoxy. I do not associate myself with the Christian faith. Mister Sensui didn't like that either."

"So you would say he's discriminative?"

"That's a nice way of saying it, yes."

"Any other encounters you may have had?"

"Yes. There was the time he just...magically showed up at that temple Lady Mukuro talked about with his team of Christian zombies. Sorry, followers."

"What happened then?"

"A war broke out. He wanted to use some magic on us but couldn't because I had his favorite book with him. The man was crazy about it like fans waiting for the next issue of One Piece to drop."

"Was there any way either you or my client could make use of that book? What was it about?"

"I'll answer both questions. To the first one, yes. Inside that book was a spell that could create a blood bond between your client and I. We tried to find one that would do the opposite but were unsuccessful. To your second question, I can't-wait, yes, I can. The book was a collection of... Abramelin magic. Magic based on the teachings of Kabbalistic Christianity. Unfortunately, all of it was written in Hebrew and since neither myself nor your client could read the language, we had to enlist the aid of a rabbi just to translate the spell we possessed. Fortunately, the rabbi came through."

"So you retrieved the book, found the spell you were looking for...then what?"

"Eventually, Mister Sensui got it back thanks to his followers. Your client and I were already moving forward by then with the aid of Counselor Mukuro. Once we obtained the translated version, we picked up a couple of items, headed back to my apartment, and performed the spell there."

"You performed the spell knowing that it was based on a different faith than yours?"

"Yes. You see, what most don't realize is that most, if not, all religions and forms of spirituality practice magic in some shape or form. In my faith, magic is called Heka. It's both a concept and the name of a god. The Egyptian goddess, Auset, better known as Isis, is also a goddess of magic. When your client and I performed the spell, we did it based on Kemetic principles, enlisting the blessings of Heka, Auset, Hathor (the goddess of love and femininity), and Sekhmet, the goddess of blood."

"Blood?"

"In order to create a blood pact, both parties will need to sacrifice blood. Your client made his sacrifice with his finger. I did it using…[ahem] my own menstrual blood."

While some of the yokai judges were intrigued by that detail, all of the human judges were greatly disgusted. Particularly, the men.

"So, as I was saying, the spell was made and…" Kiyoni spent the next few moments talking about the events leading up to the final showdown between Shuuichi and Shinobu including the time when she was nearly subjected to his initiation ritual and the time when Minamino and Kurama became one, completing the spell.

"Now, tell us about your association with my client."

Kiyoni looked over to her left and gushed at the sight. Shuuichi showed off his warm and friendly smile with a hint of admiration, the only thing that was missing the night they met in Shibuya.

"We're dating now," Kiyoni said in a sweet and nonchalant manner.

Some chuckles came her way and Shuuichi facepalmed himself in embarrassment even though Kiyoni told the truth.

"Well...congratulations. I guess. Eh...have you always known him to be a yokai?"

"No. When I met him, I was the only yokai between us, a succubus at the time."

"And when did you find out about his identity?"

"Mm. I think...it was the week of New Year's Eve, I believe. We had gone out to a nightclub in Gandara and...after a few drinks and things, pop. Out comes the cutest pair of fox ears I've ever seen."

More giggles came Kiyoni's way. Shuuichi's hand never left his face. Just when he thought that initial night was embarrassing enough, it only came back to haunt him on a different day.

"And what was your first reaction when you saw those ears?"

"Well, prior to that, Mister Minamino had shown me the things he could do with plants. I didn't think of him to be a yokai then. It was after that night at the club that I was convinced."

"Did you hold that against him at all?"

"Not really. I thought it was cool. Never came across a fox before. Especially one like him."

"What about his other half? Kurama?"

Kiyoni tried to keep her cool thinking about the earlier days of when she met Kurama. She felt bad for what she did to him even though he deserved it. Then again, that tongue of his was what she deserved. Last night proved that.

"I've never heard of Kurama before," she replied in a guilty tone, "Some of my coworkers have. His reputation wasn't that great, I guess."

"What was he like with you?"

"He was...like any other client I've had. Someone who only saw me as a good time and nothing more. Then again, being a succubus, good times were all I was about so there's that. Over time, he grew on me. Mostly because of his human side but yeah. I never saw him as the cold, ruthless yokai society said he was. Yes, there was Kabukicho but I wasn't there when it happened. I was at home. I got a chance to see who he really was when we encountered Mister Yomi and Lady Mukuro. I fell for him then."

Should Shuuichi walk from this case, Kiyoni is so going to get another helping of him with Kurama on the side. What she said was undeniably flattering.

"You mentioned the moment my client became one. What did you mean by that?"

"Exactly that; they became one. Two souls possessed one body for the better part of twenty plus years. The moment we all thought they died was when the spell I casted with him took effect, merging the two souls. They were already on their way to doing it, we just sped up the process."

"So they're the same person now?"

"Yes. Shuuichi, Kurama. He'll answer to either one and I'm cool with that. Lady and gentlemen of the court, Minamino Shuuichi is not the guilty one here. Sensui Shinobu is. Minamino's only crime is being an accessory under uncontrollable circumstances. Should you convict him, I'm confident that his time will be nothing compared to the sentencing you shall give Sensui."

Touma didn't ask for that bit but he allowed it, "Your witness."

Daigo stepped up ready to grill Kiyoni. Kiyoni sat up straight and was collected, thinking that if she could stand up to someone like Yomi, a lawyer would be no problem. She had seen the jabs thrown at anyone who defended Shuuichi and wanted to return them all with her fists. For now, her words would have to do.

"Miss Ikeda…" Daigo started, "you said that you were a succubus, correct?"

"Yes."

"For how long?"

"About two, maybe, two and half years."

"And you worked at a place called Aphrodisia?"

"Yes."

"What did you do while there?"

"I was a dancer, entertainer, hostess, and dominatrix."

"So, as those roles and as you were, would you say that you...provided a service for your customers?"

"If you're implying that I was a prostitute, then yes. However, my services were less common or conventional than others."

"Care to clarify?"

Touma shouted, "Objection!"

Enki ruled, "Sustained."

"Alright," Daigo relented, "Did you ever see my client attend Aphrodisia?"

"Yes. Once."

"And what was he like then?"

Kiyoni shrugged, "Can't say for sure. I know he was there due to word from my coworker. Even though I was surprised to see him, I didn't care. The man he was with was who I cared about since I invited him."

"So you didn't provide any services to my client?"

"No. He wasn't of my concern."

"Alright. Let's fast forward to the night of the raid in Kabukicho. What were you doing at that time?"

"I was at home enjoying my night off. That was also the night Mister Minamino came to visit me at my home. I thought it was Minamino, anyway."

"You thought? So he wasn't?"

"On the surface, yes, he was Minamino but I didn't know it was Kurama in disguise."

"The same Kurama that raided Kabukicho?"

"Yes."

"So you knew that it was Kurama that raided Kabukicho but didn't know that it was he that visited you?"

"I didn't find out anything about Kurama until the day after. Before then, I never even heard of the name unless one was talking about Mount Kurama."

"But you were a succubus."

"Yes."

"A species of yokai."

"Yes."

"So...you couldn't tell who was who...based on their...state of arousal or something along those lines?"

"Excuse me?"

"It has come to my attention that yokai have more or heightened senses than the average human. If you say that you were a succubus, you should've had that extra sense, right?"

"In my case, no. It's not like I had a pair of antennas or anything. It doesn't work that way."

"So you couldn't tell the difference between Kurama and Minamino?"

"No. I may have been a succubus but that was it. Only around for sexual satisfaction with an ability to siphon energy via physical touch. That's it."

"But you had wings and horns and could fly, yes," Daigo questioned.

Kiyoni sighed, "Yes. Nothing else."

"So if you knew of Kurama's existence, why did you continue to associate yourself with him?"

"Because he was Minamino for the most part and I was already attracted to him, then."

"Because you had a job to do or something more serious? Because from what I heard, on the night of the raid, Kurama was rather upset at you for not fulfilling your carnal obligation. Spilling blood became a substitute for the quote, 'swimming balls deep inside succubus pussy.' Unquote."

Surprise, surprise. And that's how Kiyoni looked once Daigo dropped that ball. Murmurs and whispers echoed throughout the courtroom to which Enki put an end to.

"Order," he commanded with the gavel, "Order!"

Shuuichi looked over at Kiyoni and shook his head, mouthing, "No. It wasn't your fault at all. You had nothing to do with that night. I swear it."

"Miss Ikeda…" Enki summoned, "if you would…?"

"I…" Kiyoni stated, "I wouldn't know. Like I said, I didn't know Kurama and Minamino were the same until about a couple of weeks later at least."

"What was your reaction when you did find out," Daigo asked.

"I was...overwhelmed. It was a lot to take in. Kurama and Minamino told me everything and...I took their word for it."

"Throughout that time, Kurama…Minamino must've said some things about my client, yes?"

"Yes."

"So you were only informed of one side of the story?"

"Essentially, yes."

"So, if you wanted to be a neutral party, why didn't you go to my client, for his side of the story?"

"I chose not to."

"And why is that?"

"Because a) by the time Kurama explained everything to me, he was already being chased by Mister Sensui and his gang. I mean, why don't you ask your client as to why his crew broke into my apartment? B) Mister Sensui had been giving me bad vibes ever since we shook hands that November morning."

"Are you sure it wasn't some other need? A need in relation to what you were? You did have a priority to fulfill, correct?"

"Minamino's safety was my concern and essentially, so was my own."

"So you would take the word of a fox yokai over the honest word of a man of God?"

Touma shouted again, "Objection!"

"Sustained," said a human judge.

"I actually want to answer this question, if I may," Kiyoni declared, "Kurama once told me that he would rather align himself with an angelic succubus than work with a monstrous man of God like Shinobu. Considering that I would later find out that it was Mister Sensui who murdered my brother, it would've been wrong of me not to align myself with Kurama. Not only that but when I did speak to Mister Minamino, he shuddered as much as Kurama did. That further solidified my allegiance. My requirements as a succubus had absolutely nothing to do with it."

More low-toned chatter ensued. Was Kiyoni serious? Christians were believed to be the most respected and honest religious group next to Shinto practitioners in Japan. Kitsune were also known to be deceptive creatures. Did Kiyoni blindly align herself with a kitsune thus ruining her future? What were Kiyoni's true motives in associating herself with Kurama?

Kiyoni paid no mind, she had been through it before. People talking behind her back just because. Whether it was the things she liked, the things she did, the people she hung around with, the way she carried herself, the way she styled her hair, even the way her family was structured. Someone always had something to say. Her relationship with Kurama was just another topic.

"Order," Enki demanded, "Order, please. Mister Daigo, if you have nothing further…"

"I don't, your honor," Daigo replied.

"Thank you, Miss Ikeda. You may return to your seat."

Kiyoni stepped away feeling proud with her head held high. If she gained more haters, that's on them. All she cares about is Shuuichi...and their future. Shortly after Kiyoni took her seat, the court was dismissed for recess.