Within the halls of the courthouse, things were normal. Former convicts were newly released, couples engaged in civil weddings, divorces, and custody battles in motion, and small claims settlements disputed but that all paled in comparison to the heated battle between newly-formed couple, Minamino Shuuichi and Ikeda Kiyoni. Kiyoni was fuming over some of the things Daigo brought up during her interrogation and Shuuichi was there ready to be either her emotional ignition or diffuser. He had hoped to be the latter.

"Really? That's how you felt that night?"

"Kiyoni…" Shuuichi insisted, "that was old news. I-I told you, I can assure you that you had absolutely nothing to do with it. I was never upset with you. If anything, it was Shinobu. It was all Shinobu."

"Is that what you really said to him? Tell me the truth."

"I am," Shuuichi sighed in frustration, "Yes. Yes, that is what I said but that was taken completely out of context. What I said was not a shot at you. It was...a figure of speech, an euphemism. I wasn't mad at you, I was never mad at you. Especially that night. That night, despite my initial reasons, I wanted to stay with you. The second Shinobu yanked my chain, that's when I was…pissed off and it was the reason why I said what I said to him. Kiyoni, please believe me."

Kiyoni had her back turned towards Shuuichi and she hugged herself as he spoke. The current moment reminded her of the time her parents informed them of their divorce and the subsequent feeling of being the one responsible. She felt partially responsible for Kurama's raid on Kabukicho.

"Kiyoni...you were innocent. Just as innocent as...those who witnessed...that night. Visiting you was my idea and my only idea. Everything afterwards was all Shinobu."

"Was it? Are you really going to stand there and tell me that Shinobu didn't know you were going to see me? Because chances are, he probably did. And then for you to say what you said...probably confirmed his assumptions."

"Yes, there was a possibility but that doesn't mean you were guilty. Daigo only turned it around just to get under your skin and sway the decision in Shinobu's favor. That's not going to happen. Considering all the charges Shinobu has racked up, that's not going to happen. God, you…I understand your reactions. I truly do and you have been reactive to a multitude of situations. However, now is not the time to crack under pressure. We have to keep calm about this. You're stronger than this, much stronger than this."

"I am calm, it's just…" Kiyoni exhaled and held back tears, "I'm so scared, Shuuichi. This anxiety is…"

"I may not fully understand what all you're going through but I am grateful that you're here to let it out. Especially now. You have an ally and he's standing right behind you with the strength of the divine. The same divine you believe in. The same divine that's going to see things through in our favor. You just have to put your faith in that, faith in me. You can do that, right? I know you can."

"But what happened back there doesn't make you look any better. Fuck…"

Shuuichi embraced Kiyoni from behind, "Kiyoni...you've done well up there. I couldn't be more proud and thankful of you. You really were a shining star."

Kiyoni finally turned around and hugged Shuuichi tightly, "Suu'chi…"

"It's alright. The hardest part is over."

"I wish we were back in your sanctuary. That was one of the few places that actually gave me peace."

"Hm. Now you understand why I call it my sanctuary. God's most beautiful gift, nature itself, can really do that to a person. You went there after I was taken away, didn't you?"

"Yes. I can't tell you how lit I was before Mukuro called me nor what exactly I smoked."

Shuuichi laughed and held Kiyoni tighter, "Did it help?"

"Somewhat."

"How about this? When all of this is said and done-"

"Deal. You don't even have to ask me. It's a deal."

"Kiyoni?"

"Yes?"

"Something tells me the events from earlier weren't the only things that's gotten you upset. Tell me what's wrong."

Kiyoni met Shuuichi face to face, "I'm a little...worried."

"About what?"

"Well...last night was fun and all and… Well, Ra, this is embarrassing but…you have to come with me…to the clinic."

"The clinic? Why? What's wrong?"

"Ugh...you know…for…the pill? I mean...we…"

"Oh. Oh! Oh, wow. Oh…eh…"

"Suu'chi…"

"Alright, alright. I see your point. That-that would…"

"Just shut up and hold me."

"Alright. That I can do. How much time do we have?"

"From today? Two days."

"Okay, yes. We'll go as soon as possible."

Now gears were turning in Shuuichi's mind. Kiyoni? Pregnant? So soon?

"Suu'chi?"

"Yes?"

"Recite the serenity prayer with me?"

Shuuichi cracked a smile. A piece of his Christian beliefs had finally stuck to Kiyoni.

"...Certainly."

Recess over, everyone returned to the courtroom to continue. Kiyoni sat in between her father and grandmother and held their hands. Sweat developed within her grip and Kiyoni didn't care. She was nervous as she mentally prepared for another fight between Shinobu and Shuuichi under a judicial ceiling.

"Your honor…" Daigo proclaimed, "the prosecution would like to call one Sensui Shinobu to the stand."

Shinobu rose to his feet, still handcuffed and escorted by two officers. He appeared still remorseful but confident and ready to say whatever he would be asked to say.

From his perspective, Shuuichi's facial expression encouraged Shinobu to come clean.

Kiyoni's facial expression said, "I don't care what happens to you. Shuuichi will be the one walking through the door today."

Shinobu bowed to the panel and introduced himself, "Sensui Shinobu. Leader of Lighthouse Tokyo."

"How would you describe yourself," Daigo asked.

"I am a determined man. I'm determined to see the best in the world. I'm determined to see that the world sees the best in itself. I am also a man of action. One informed and armed with the powerful word of God to spread his gospel."

"Respectable qualities. Was that your intention when you became an adoptive father?"

"Yes. Proverbs 22:6 says, 'Train up a child the way they should go and when he is old, they will not depart from it.' Children are really sponges. They really imitate what they see more than what they are told so a church like Lighthouse was the perfect foundation to emphasize those teachings."

"And how would you rate your performance as a parent?"

"I would say I've done a fine job in raising the children I've adopted. They've grown up to be upstanding individuals despite their current situations. I've taught them as much as I could teach them. It was up to them to figure out how to apply my teachings to their lives."

"How would you say you raised Mister Minamino?"

"Minamino was my finest pupil, definitely a sponge for learning. Questioned everything he was taught which made me reevaluate not only my way of instruction but what I was instructing. I'm proud of the man he has become."

"But he was-is a yokai. One with quite a reputation."

"I'm aware and yet he still turned out fine."

"What's your opinion on yokai?"

"My opinion of them is the same as the one I have about humans. Misguided souls in search of God's love. Nothing more."

"So how would you explain your actions leading up to today?"

"Actually, I didn't expect for things to turn out the way they did. Yes, I expected rejection and rebellion. But I didn't expect destruction, bloodshed, and ultimately death. My ultimate goal was to enlist more enlightened soldiers to God's army."

"Enlist more soldiers," Akio whispered, "Hmpf. If you wanted more soldiers, you should've asked my wife."

Kiyoni heard every word, "Dad…"

"What? Just saying. Have you talked to her?"

"Yes. She knows about today."

"And?"

"Dad, if you want her number, just say that. It's not like she flat-out hates you."

Akio gave it some thought. The last time he had spoken to his ex-wife was shortly after Tai's funeral.

Daigo changed subjects, "Let's talk about your association to Mister Minamino. How? Why? Explain what was going on there."

"It's what Miss Ikeda said," Shinobu answered, "Abramelin magic. In order to bring Kurama back to life, he had to use a young and able body. Minamino was the one. He was unfortunately diagnosed with an unsurvivable disease for his age anyway. It was just a matter of time. His mother was a follower of Christ so convincing her to let go of her child was easy. It could've been any child, honestly. I needed one of the most feared yokai around to emphasize my cause. Fear is one of the greatest motivators known to both man and yokai. Fear brings power. Power that I would've given freely to the almighty."

"Did it work?"

"Of course. Then again, Minamino, himself, contributed to the rise in membership. Kurama just added more."

"So why would Kurama or Minamino be against your motives?"

"He found them to be...excessive, reckless. However, some would say the crucifixion of Jesus Christ was excessive and reckless. The ten plagues of Egypt were excessive and reckless. The flooding of the earth was excessive and reckless. The proclamation surrounding the end of the world could be excessive and reckless. If excessiveness and recklessness are required to prevail in God's name, then so be it."

I swear this man needs to smoke the strongest marijuana there is and just meditate for a while, Kiyoni thought, I'm sure God's message to him will be loud and clear by then.

"So the members of your team…" Daigo hinted.

"All willing participants," Shinobu stated, "In God's name."

"Let's talk about the night you attended Aphrodisia. What was going through your mind then?"

"I only went there to accompany my student since it was his first time going to such a place even though we were both adults. It was typical for that type of business."

"Did you partake in anything?"

"One drink. A gin and tonic. Minamino was nervous so if I could find a way to relax myself, he would do the same."

"And what about Miss Ikeda?"

"She did perform that night. I didn't pay as much attention as most would."

"Because you're a man of God."

"Correct."

"Were there any other times?"

"I went there one more time to put an end to Kurama's tirade. Fortunately, he was already calm by that point."

"And why was that?"

"He must've been familiar with the place. Definitely with one of its employees."

"Is that why you kept an eye on Miss Ikeda?"

"Yes. If she could get Kurama to calm down and if I could get her to join our team, my plans would still be on track towards succession."

"Because both were misguided souls in need of salvation?"

"Exactly."

"What about your connection to former counselor Yomi?"

"Kurama had informed me of his history with the former counselor. I reached out to Yomi to send my condolences."

"So you didn't do anything to incite an assassination attempt?"

"Not at all. That was all Yomi's idea. It would not have benefited me to know of Kurama's...second death. I just wanted Kurama contained until I could pick him up."

"So you never meant to hurt anyone?"

"Never."

"Never meant to allow anyone to die."

"Never. If they did, that was their ultimate sacrifice to the Lord above."

"What about the arson in Kabukicho?"

"I did not ask for that. That was out of my control. Again, much like my teachings, it was up to the students to make use of what they learned in their own way."

"So you were just a bystander?"

"Yes. I did not get my hands dirty in any way."

Daigo nodded, "Your witness."

Touma stepped up, "Mister Sensui, you're a man of God, correct?"

"That's correct."

"Sworn to uphold the principles of Christianity, yes?"

"That is true."

"Then tell me, why were those responsibilities not upheld when you burned down Aphrodisia? When you committed so many murders throughout town?"

"Sir, I can assure you that I did no such thing. My followers did because they couldn't convince those who ignored God's word with their own. I should've taught them how to be better salespeople."

"So it wasn't you who was pulling the strings?"

"I only escorted them to specific locations."

"And sat there while they...did what they did?"

"Yes."

"Kurama included?"

"Yes."

Touma stood in front of Sensui with his lips bunched to one side, pondering his next question, "So how would you explain this?"

He reached inside his briefcase and explained, "Your honors, these are photos taken from the basement of Lighthouse Tokyo the night of the first crime scene investigation. As you can see, there are empty monitors and stretchers with bindings on them. Police also found multiple torture devices such as glasses that keep your eyes from blinking. A video tape displaying images of war throughout history. A CD and mp3 audio file of specific phrases that were repeated over and over and over again. Mister Sensui, I ask you what were all of those about?"

Judges tuned in waiting for the answer to this.

"Those were all used for training purposes," Shinobu answered.

"Training purposes? You call glasses like these training devices? Your honors, if it would please the court, I would like to play either the videotape or audio file of Mister Sensui's...training course if I may."

"Sustained," Enki declared.

Thankfully, the television screen was already set up. Images of war from the days of World War II to the wars in the Middle East were shown for all to see. News reports on those and other horrific events were on the screen as well. Moments of humans and supernatural creatures getting assaulted and shot at point blank range became a movie in the audience's eyes. That included an American soldier shooting a Japanese immigrant directly in the temple around the time of World War II. It was definitely the worst of the worst. The tv was turned off before it could go any further.

"Anything you would like to say to that," Enki asked Shinobu.

"Evidence," Shinobu answered, "Simply evidence. Evidence of what happens when man or creature decides to forgo the word of God in favor of themselves, favor of greed, of power, of bloodlust. The Book of Revelations hasn't been wrong so far."

"So you would use that to justify your cause," Touma protested, "As if nothing else mattered?"

"Yes."

"Do you realize that there were many wars that were started based on your mindset? What would you have to say about those?"

"Those wars were the reason why Christianity is where it is with the world. They fought for what they believed in. I was simply doing the same."

"By using others to do it like my client?"

"They chose to."

"How?! How can they make a choice when they were essentially hypnotized?!"

"By giving their lives over to God! Become his follower and you would do anything he asks you to. That is how I did it!"

Shinobu stood by his words because he meant them. He was no man of God, he was nothing but a cult leader that wore a godly mask. Members of his flock like Shuuichi fell for it hook, line, and sinker.

Touma dismissed himself after calming down, "Nothing further, your honors."

Shinobu relaxed as well, assuming that what he said may have just sealed his fate. Shuuichi's anger simmered for a bit, feeling like his entire life spent in the church was all a lie. For years, Shuuichi had followed Shinobu as if Shinobu was the pinnacle of a Christian devotee. No. He was just an overzealous man with issues not even a well-renowned therapist could fix. After this, Shuuichi may need some personal therapy of his own. This was some traumatizing stuff.

After Shinobu had sat down with his defense team, Touma called forth Shuuichi to take the stand. Shuuichi stood and buttoned up his suit jacket while approaching the podium. Kiyoni's heart raced all the while. She was mentally preparing for the worst but prayed to the holy trinity and Ma'at for justice to come Shuuichi's way.

"Minamino Shuuichi," he said after bowing, "Deacon of Lighthouse Tokyo."

"Deacon…" Touma questioned, "Would you say that you had an interesting...childhood?"

"Had I known, then, what I know, now, of my childhood, I would say that it was interesting. Imagine a younger version of my human side knowing that I share a body with the spirit of a reputable fox yokai. I probably would've used that knowledge to scare children. Certainly, some of the campfire stories Father Shinobu would tell scared me when I was a child."

"So you never had any inklings leading you towards your double identity?"

"As far as those that would be considered to be obvious, no. I can recall a few times when I would dream that I was a fox running through a forest with little to no care in the world. That's all they were to me. Dreams."

"So when you found out you were a yokai, better yet, Kurama, how did you feel?"

"Initially, I was frightened. Throughout my entire life, I had grown up as a normal man. Nothing special or anything. I did things normal, human children would do, I went to school like a normal, human child, developed friendships like a normal human. There was nothing unordinary about me at all."

"However, by New Year's that all changed?"

"Yes. Even before the new year."

"Have you ever figured out why or how?"

"The best assumption I ran with was because of my association with the many yokai that live on the church's campus. There have been times when humans who are in tune with the supernatural tend to pick up and inherit supernatural energy, manifesting it into special abilities."

"And you figured that's what you were doing?"

"Yes. Communicating with the holy spirit is a form of connecting with the supernatural anyway. I do that on a daily basis. I just figured God was rewarding me for my devotion."

"What came first? Your powers or your ears?"

"Everything you said happened in that order. My powers developed first, ears came second. That's when I found out what I was."

"How did you take the news?"

"At first, I was in disbelief. I never thought to myself as being a yokai, yet alone, a fox. Second, I thought this discovery would be a step closer towards reconnecting with my family."

"Yes, it was made clear that you were adopted. How did you find out you were Kurama?"

"Through Kurama…myself. Back when I was separated, my…past self explained in great detail everything that led me to where I was. How I was captured, how my human body was collected, how the incantation that fused me worked. I learned about it all in one night and I was sickened by it. It wasn't just the notion that Father lied to me, he held the truth from me."

"Did you share the news with anyone?"

"Well, Miss Ikeda was there as well when I came clean. She has been the only one I could truly trust with that type of information."

"And why was that?"

"Initially, I thought it was because she was a rambunctious yokai like myself. Honestly, it was because of my affinity for her. It's amazing how quickly she and I mesh with each other."

Kiyoni had to think about that. It was crazy how she could vibe with Shuuichi so well and so quickly. Religion, marijuana, and a couple of traumatic experiences were all it took.

"So…let's talk about the night of the first raid in Kabukicho," Touma initiated, "Walk us through that, please?"

Shuuichi explained everything. The backstory, starting with the trip to Club Morningstar with Kiyoni. The middle where Kurama visited Aphrodisia and had words with Aiko followed by a stop by Kiyoni's apartment, and the end where he and Shinobu walked through Aphrodisia again where Kurama indirectly reconnected with Kiyoni much to Shinobu's chagrin. What Shuuichi or Kurama wouldn't give to relive those moments again in Kiyoni's dressing room. The vibes were too sweet, too intoxicating. If things were as solid then as they are now, Shuuichi would've lost his virginity just before the new year.

"So you're saying, Shinobu was yanking your chain that night?"

"Without question, yes. If he hadn't used magic on me, I would've been at Miss Ikeda's apartment and stayed there. It was where I wanted to be anyway."

Kiyoni shuffled in her seat, thinking about that night. The possibility of waking up next to a naked fox yokai the next morning was there. Even then things would've been awkward.

"What type of magic are we talking about?"

"As what was said before. Abramelin magic. Magic with Christian undertones. Father had been using me as his guinea pig for years. His weapon of choice was a pair of necklaces bathed in our blood and activated by his energy just to get me to kneel before him."

"Lady and gentlemen of the court…" Touma announced, "I present to you Exhibit E. These necklaces were created using the magic my client has described. DNA tests show that there are small traces of DNA left behind by both my client and Mister Sensui on those stones. I'd advise you all not to remove them from the bag so as to not contaminate them."

Enki examined one of the necklaces, "What's this in the middle here?"

"That is called a bloodstone, your honor. Commonly, it is known as a birthstone but in this case, it was used because of its name."

"And you're saying your blood was collected onto this, Mister Minamino?"

"Correct, your honor," Shuuichi said.

"So explain to me how this works."

"Certainly. Generally, when a blood pact is made, not only is it physically binding but also life-binding. The original idea was that should I or Father pass away, the other will follow. However, to avoid that, I made another pact with Miss Ikeda just in case either Father or myself perished. Much like when Jesus was crucified, there was the belief that he shed his blood and gave his life so that the rest of the world may have a chance at eternal life upon their death."

"So if he died, you would die?"

"Yes."

"Thus, sending you both to Heaven?"

"In theory, yes."

"Was that theory ever tested?"

"Actually, yes, when Father shot me in the head."

All of the human judges were at attention when Shuuichi said that.

"Before that happened…" Shuuichi explained, "I made another blood pact with Miss Ikeda as I've said. We both knew that Father would resort to murder just to have his way. And he went there, shooting me in the head, execution style. Miss Ikeda made her incantation just as I was actually dying, fusing my souls into one. Thus, saving my life."

Chiyoko whispered to Kiyoni, "Is that true?"

"Like you said, grandma…" Kiyoni answered, "people do strange things when they're in love. I was in love. I am in love."

"I already knew that. The day you brought him home was when I knew."

Funny how everyone else figured things out about Kiyoni before Kiyoni figured things out about Kiyoni. It just never dawned on her how transparent she really was until now.

Enki asked another question, "So are you Kurama or are you Minamino?"

"I'm both, your honor," Shuuichi replied, "If I were to tell you my life story in its entirety, I could go back as far as my days as a bandit, centuries ago, or the time I had my first diaper change. I could tell you either the first item I've ever stolen or the first time I've learned how to ride a bike. I could tell you the first night I had with a woman or…the best night I've had with a woman. I am Kurama and I am Minamino Shuuichi and I am content with that."

Kiyoni smiled. She was content with that as well.

"Your witness," Touma disclosed to Daigo.

Daigo stepped up, ran his fingers through his hair, and adjusted his clothing. Touma nodded to Shuuichi to tell him to stay cool, to which Shuuichi acknowledged. Kiyoni regained her grip on the hands of her father and grandmother out of nervousness.

"Mister Minamino…" Daigo hinted, "I couldn't help but notice that you said that you had no inkling as to your double identity. Is that correct?"

"Yes, sir," Shuuichi admitted.

"That's funny because I was informed by my client that there was a time where your…foxy side roamed the streets of Tokyo before, during your childhood. Was that a lie?"

Shuuichi blinked, "No. It was no lie. My human half was about ten years old at the time."

"So why didn't you bring that up? Don't you think that would be something worth mentioning?"

"Unfortunately, and much like those who testified two days ago, memories of that time were blurry, nearly nonexistent. The only reason why it's coming to mind now is because of the fusion between my two halves."

"So you had bouts of amnesia yourself?"

"My human half, yes. As a matter of fact, during the night of the raid in Kabukicho, my human half was asleep, completely unaware of what was going on or happening to this body."

"But you do remember Kabukicho?"

"Yes, I remember Kabukicho."

"And you remember what you did to Kabukicho?"

"Yes, I remember."

"And what was that?"

"I…did Father's bidding. He thought of the area to be one of depravity, sexual immorality and wanted me to take it down. So I did. I can't tell you the amount of harm I've caused. All I know is that I regret it all and I apologize for it all."

"Why didn't you…walk away? You could've easily walked away. Go all the way back to wherever you were earlier that night."

"If I had walked away, I would've been subjected to mental and psychic torture for as long as Father wanted me to suffer. If I stayed, I wouldn't have to suffer."

"Well, that sounds rather selfish. You would rather risk the lives of strangers to protect your own hide than actually do the right thing?

"I had no choice."

"You had a choice! A clear choice and you chose the stronger of the two evils. Who's to say you didn't want to shed some blood that night. Wasn't that your thing back in the day? Lie, cheat, steal, and kill just to survive?"

"Well, yes, it was but–"

"So why blame my client? If you were the one who chose violence on others instead of yourself, why is my client to blame? If you were as strong as you had claimed yourself to be, why didn't you walk away when you had the chance? Do you actually think you're not as guilty as you claim my client to be?"

This was exactly Daigo's plan of action. He already knew that Shinobu was going down. There was no denying that. However, if his client was going to go down, Daigo was going to make sure that Shuuichi was going to go down with him.

"I never said I was more or less guilty than your client. Those are your words, not mine. Yes, I walked into Kabukicho knowing what I was about to do was wrong. Was I selfish? Yes. Am I going to give Father all of the credit? No. However, that was my only crime. Compared to everything else Father has done, I am practically harmless. However, the charges that have been placed against me, I will accept because that's what a responsible person does. I am willing to serve my time for it should I be found guilty. That is the right thing to do regardless of religious affiliation."

Kiyoni inhaled deeply and exhaled just as hard and emotionally. Her first serious relationship has come to light and this is what she has to deal with. No wonder sex demons try to avoid such situations. Could she handle it? Could she go through being with someone who may spend some time in jail? If this wasn't a test of faithfulness, Kiyoni wouldn't know what would be.

On the other hand, Shinobu smiled from Shuuichi's words. He did something right in raising Shuuichi.

Daigo finished, "Nothing further, your honors."

All witnesses have testified. All evidence has been presented. Both parties have rested their cases and made their closing statements. The trial wraps up with impact statements made on behalf of any and all victims/survivors.

Enki rose to his feet to make a final proclamation, "First of all, on behalf of myself and the counsel, I'd like to thank everyone for coming. Based on everyone's statements, I could only imagine the mental anguish you all may have felt leading up to today and despite that, you all have done well. However, we do have some conclusions to reach. So we will spend the next couple of days going over the particulars of this case, reexamining the presented evidence and taking a second look at all the witness testimonies. We will render our decision within the next forty-eight hours. Until then, court is adjourned."

The sky inched its way towards the evening hours following today's court proceedings. In a time crunch, Shuuichi accompanied Kiyoni towards a nearby clinic for that much-needed morning after pill via a last minute appointment. Crisis averted, the pair stopped by a grocery store before heading over to a walkway adjacent to Iwaida Bridge and towards Kokyo Gaida National Garden. Recent talk of early kappa activity surrounding the imperial palace prompted the two to purchase some cucumbers as sacrificial offerings to endure general safety as they crossed the bridge.

"Thank you for coming with me on such short notice," Kiyoni said.

"Not a problem," Shuuichi responded, "I'm just grateful we were able to make it in time."

"You're not upset about it?"

"Honestly…I do feel…a little disappointed but given the stakes, no. Times are too uncertain to even think about children. Not only that but you and I have barely taken off."

"But doesn't that go against your beliefs? Being fruitful and multiplying and all that?"

"Technically, yes but again, I'm not that overzealous. Given what we just went through and what we're going through currently, logic takes precedence over religion. Are you alright about all this?"

"Oh, I'm fine. Relieved actually. I mean…I'd be lying if I said that I didn't want to have that perfect family life in the future someday. But for now, you're right. There's…way too much going on to even think about stuff like that. On another note, what a moment, eh? You know, since you're…no longer a virgin."

"Again, technically, you are correct but I'm taking this as a lesson learned. Condoms will be a staple between us from now on."

"Yes. Condoms. Condoms for sure."

The winds coming from the waters surrounding the island of the Imperial Palace blew hard and they made Kiyoni snuggle closer to Shuuichi. She wanted to anyway. The sights of the early hours of after-work rush hour provided a much-better distraction than a courtroom. To Shuuichi and Kiyoni, it felt like their world was shrinking, their freedom to be together was moving closer to its end by the second and it wasn't fair.

"Ugh, when did today get so windy," she wondered.

"Maybe it's Shu pushing us together," Shuuichi jested.

"Suu'chi, I am not in the mood for jokes."

"I know, I know but could I at least get another smile? You know how much I love your smile."

"Right now, I don't feel like smiling. Suu'chi, what if–?"

"I know."

"Will you stop saying that?! Damn, what don't you know?"

Shuuichi could easily sense Kiyoni's fear and anxiety. He could smell it as well. It's been lingering around his enhanced nose all day. Feeling that he could get Kiyoni to think positively, he went in a different direction.

"The future."

"What?"

"You asked me what I don't know. The future. I honestly don't know what the future has in store for…for us. It's out of my hands. Again, the number one reason why I decided to accompany you to the clinic."

"Well, we now know it's not going to involve children but you had an idea."

"Yes and for now, that's all it is. An idea. I may be one to plan things far in advance but there are things that even I am not ready for, things that I can't control. This is one of those things."

Kiyoni mumbled, "Dammit. Even if Shinobu is found guilty of everything, why do I still think he won?"

"We can't know for sure. Not for another two days."

"Ha…shit. Shuuichi, I love you. I really love you. For the first time in my life, I'm in love and for all of this to–"

Shuuichi pulled Kiyoni in, hoping to give her some assurance through a kiss. A few passersby notice the romantic moment and some grin while others keep it moving. Valentine's Day was coming up.

"What was that for," she asked.

"I have an idea. Go home and get some things together. Overnight clothing, regular clothing, toiletries, whatever you need."

"Why?"

"Because you're coming with me."

"Where to?"

"Eden. We're gonna go there and we're going to stay there for the next two days. You'll be the Eve to my Adam. Do you understand?"

Kiyoni smiled and snickered at the mere thought of Shuuichi's proposed fantasy, "Adam and Eve, huh?"

"Yes. Despite this cold world that we're living in, Eden will be our paradise. Our world."

What a fine idea and good timing to propose it. If this pair was going to experience the joys of a relationship, doing so within the confines of a greenhouse for the next forty-eight hours would be a fantastic start. Also, Kiyoni did agree with whatever Shuuichi wanted to do.

"Hell yeah. I get it," she confirmed, "To Eden we go."

"To Eden we go."