That night, Osamu stepped outside and sat on the front porch of his Hokkaido home. He quietly closed the door behind him and marched through the garden, fully dressed. He knew what he was doing. He knew it was wrong.

Every step he took further from his home made that fact sink in even more. He and the girls had found their slice of paradise in the Hokkaido countryside, beneath starry night skies and cricket symphonies. Any sensible man would just stay home and let the exorcists clean up their own mess.

But he remembered the last time he ignored a desperate cry for help. He remembered the fate that befell Aika and the price he had to pay to keep her safe. Lucrezia made that very same plea, and he knew better than to let it fall on deaf ears now. So, he proceeded onwards.

Tsukiakari barged out the front door, running after him in her black tank top and grey sweatpants. She had clearly just woken up and realized Osamu was gone.

"Osa! Where are you going at this hour?"

(Shit...I was hoping to already have left before they noticed...)

"I'm going back to Kyoto." Osamu answered. "Shinju and Lucrezia are in trouble. It's bad."

"What kind of trouble?"

"It's a long story. Shinju was abducted and Lucrezia is about to fight a death match. Shinju will be released, but Lucrezia needs a third party to take custody of her until the fight is over."

"And you were just going to leave? Without telling us any of this?"

Osamu sighed. "I knew you guys wouldn't let me go."

"Yeah, I sure as fuck wouldn't." Tsukiakari growled. "I think those two have asked enough of you. You barely got out of the Underworld alive and now they want you in the middle of some feud?"

"Gekko, they're our friends."

"They're exorcists. They can never be our friends, you moron. They stole their modus operandi from my clan, which, in case you forgot, was destroyed by the very same gods that helped build their program. Let's see, what's another reason we can't be friends? Oh, how about how they tried to kill Inari and have been hunting her for centuries ever since? I don't even know if she's alive, Osamu! If Izanami hadn't protected me after I lost my clan, they would've hunted me down too."

"Shut up, Gekko!" Osamu yelled, suddenly flying into a rage. "You know what your problem is? As far as you've come as a person, you still can't let go of all of your grudges. You forgave Kagutsuchi for everything she did to you as the Phantom Maiden, didn't you?"

"That's different, you bastard!" Tsukiakari countered. "Kagu doesn't even remember anything that happened! Why the fuck would I hold a grudge against an amnesiac? The exorcists have been the same way since the day they were created, hellbent on ruining my life further! If they want to apologize for that, they can bring Inari home to me! If they do that, then I'll let it go!"

"Shinju and Lucrezia have nothing to do with what happened to Inari, Gekko! You can't punish them as if they carry some sort of Original Sin!"

"Their being exorcists is good enough reason to leave them be."

Osamu was so angry he almost thought to punch Tsukiakari. Of course, he knew he'd lose in a physical fight against a former war goddess. His hands balled into fists as he stepped closer and looked her in her scarlet eyes.

"So...you think they shouldn't be saved because of who they are?"

"They can save themselves. They've already asked the world of us. Actually, they didn't even ask. They just put us in a messed up situation without our consent and almost killed the man I love most in this world."

(I shouldn't be so angry with her, even if I disagree. I see exactly where Gekko's coming from, why she'd be so furious with them. I know she only has good intentions, but...)

"And what if Inari thought the same way about you that you do about the exorcists?" Osamu asked, making Tsukiakari go silent. "Be honest with yourself, Gekko. You're the strongest, most dedicated woman I know and I love the hell out of you. But at one point, you were a horrible person. You made horrible decisions. You butchered innocent people. You even murdered infants. They couldn't have possibly done you wrong like Bishamon did, but you did it just to hurt him. You went on the mother of all massacres for the sake of revenge."

"...Osamu, you're walking on some very fucking thin ice here."

"Inari saw it all, didn't she? And instead of selling you out, instead of leading the exorcists right to you, she chose to go on the run! She did that to protect you!"

The rage immediately vanished from Tsukiakari's eyes. Her scarlet stare immediately softened and her lips arched downwards. She broke eye contact with Osamu as she thought back to the end of the Warring States era and the disappearance of her nine-tailed friend, Inari Okami. Osamu too softened up, seeing for himself that the topic was a source of immense heartache for her. He collected his thought a bit more, and thought of the most considerate way to make his point.

"Inari saw what kind of evil you were capable of. None of it stopped her from saving you, even if it meant losing her own life. That's how much she loved you. In her eyes, your sins didn't matter. She knew, deep down, you were a good person. Look at you now. You're as good as a woman can get. Gekko, I want you to give Shinju and Lucrezia a chance. Give them the same chance that Inari gave you. I know in my heart they're not bad people. They have a funny way of dealing with things, sure, but they're not evil. Please."

Tsukiakari closed her eyes as she rubbed the back of her neck. "Great...now I look like the asshole."

"You are an asshole. It's kinda hot, though."

"What on earth is wrong with you?" Tsukiakari snickered. "You have a point, though. Maybe I am just projecting what's left of my rage onto them. They didn't deal with us fairly, so I wasn't going to do the same for them. If Inari thought like that...I would've died centuries ago."

Tsukiakari let out an annoyed groan. "Okay, fine! So, what's the plan?"

"Plan?" Osamu recoiled.

"You absolute moron! Were you actually going to go down there without a plan?!"

"Well, no! I mean...I sort of have a plan! Lucrezia bought me plane tickets, so I'll fly down there, rest up at the house, and link up with her in the neighborhood before the fight!"

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

"Okay? What about Shinju? What if she's injured or half starved? She'll need someone who can look out for her, right? And I know you said you need to show up as a neutral party, but we can't just leave Lucrezia by herself, right?"

"From what I heard, it's supposed to be a one-on-one duel."

"Oh, please." Tsukiakari scoffed. "That only matters until Shinju is released. Whoever Lucrezia is fighting knows that, too. They'll break their own rules, trust me."

"I think you're right. Apparently, we're dealing with yakuza. Satori's sister runs her own clan."

"Oh yeah, they'll fight dirty if they have to."

(I'm not surprised Gekko isn't phased by the yakuza at all.)

"How about this, then?" Tsukiakari began. "I'll go with you. I'll remain at the house while you link up with Lucrezia. That way, when you take Shinju back, one of us can take care of her while the other reinforces Lucrezia."

"That's not a bad idea, actually. However, I think I should be the one to back up Lucrezia. I get the feeling neither side wants this to be a massacre." Osamu explained.

Tsukiakari crossed her arms and nodded. "A fair point. I'd be a little overpowered against some yakuza. In that case, I'll take care of Shinju, but you better call me if things get out of hand."

"Of course. Do you have your phone on you? You'll have to buy a ticket on the way to the airport. It'll be pricey, too."

"Who cares about price? We've got lives to save."

Osamu smiled. "Thank you, Gekko. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Tsukiakari patted Osamu's back as they marched down the dirt path together. "I don't know what I'd do without you either, buddy."

While the first light of dawn shined upon Kyoto, Amatsuki sat alone in her dark room, her eyes closed and her legs crossed in the lotus position. A single stick of incense burned before a framed photograph of Satori, the black frame wrapped in black ribbon. The scent of the incense seeped into the tatami mats and flooded Amatsuki's nostrils, strengthening her focus.

Today was the day. By midnight, she'd be facing down Lucrezia in Osamu's empty neighborhood. She took the remaining time to clear her mind of all the anger, stress, and pressure she was going through. The quietude of the room was as relaxing as a hot bath, perfect for collecting one's thoughts.

Her concentration was broken as she received a knock upon her door. She opened her eyes and granted permission to enter. The man who stepped inside was tall and built like Hercules himself. His arms and hands were like cannons on his tank-like torso. He looked as though he could pick up a car and throw it across the street if her wanted to. As intimidating as his stature was, he knelt before Amatsuki like any other subordinate would. He bowed his head of long, unbound, raven hair, and spoke with a deep, but soft tone of voice.

"I'm sorry to disturb you, ma'am." he said.

"What is it, Rinji?" Amatsuki asked.

"Takao is dead. He was found beaten to death inside an abandoned shrine about an hour from here. The police have taken custody of his body."

"It can't be a coincidence. It's Himushi." Amatsuki laughed. "It seems she's caught onto us. Takao would've told her that the remains were moved to Hokkaido. It's a good thing we went there early and retrieved them ourselves."

"Ma'am, are you really planning on handing the remains back to Lucrezia?"

"It's a condition for our fight tonight. That's what's most important to me. Himushi can throw her temper tantrum all she likes. She'll never get to the remains in time. Speaking of the fight, I'd like for you to accompany me."

"Isn't it supposed to be one-on-one?"

"If exorcists played fair, we wouldn't even be in this mess."

"A good point. As you wish, I will join you tonight."

"Anything else?"

"No, ma'am. Excuse me." Rinji said, leaving the room.

Amatsuki released a heavy sigh. "Please keep watching over me, Satori. I won't let her get away with this."

It was only a few hours later when Osamu and Tsukiakari barged through the front door of their Kyoto home. They immediately rushed to the house after arriving at the airport, their eyes darkened by exhaustion and sleep deprivation. They both closed the door behind them and slouched down to the ground. The thought of having to get up and take another step made them want to fall asleep right there.

"Home sweet home..." Tsukiakari yawned. "The fight's at midnight, right? Can we please take a nap?"

Osamu shook his head. "Lucrezia is coming over in a few minutes. We should get ready."

Tsukiakari knocked the back of her head against the door with an agonized moan. "Fine..."

Osamu helped Tsukiakari onto her feet and sat her down at the kitchen island. The doorbell rang four times, Lucrezia's way of identifying herself to Osamu. He rushed to the door and checked through the peephole. Sure enough, it was Lucrezia standing outside, dressed in a white tracksuit with black stripes going down her sleeves. He opened the door and rushed her inside, as if the yakuza would shoot her in the back at any moment.

Lucrezia immediately greeted Osamu with a hug, catching him off guard. He felt all of her stress and anxiety melt away as she threw her arms around him. He realized how light she felt, despite leaning into him for the hug. He could only guess she hadn't been eating or sleeping since Shinju's abduction.

"Thank god you're here..." Lucrezia said. "Thank you, Osamu."

"No problem. I wasn't going to leave you and Shinju behind. Come to the kitchen. Gekko is here with me."

Lucrezia followed Osamu into the kitchen, immediately locking eyes with Tsukiakari. She was completely petrified by the goddess's scarlet gaze. Osamu noticed how she tensed up before Tsukiakari even said anything. He wondered if Tsukiakari's anger was still palpable to Lucrezia.

"Osa told me what happened." Tsukiakari said. "I'm here to help you however I can."

"...You'd help me?" Lucrezia asked.

"Normally, no. But my husband stuck his neck out for you and Shinju, so here we are."

Lucrezia held her hand over heart as she caught her breath. "I see. That's good. I was hoping you'd bring someone with you, Osamu."

"Then you should've given me two tickets!" Osamu pouted.

"My apologies." Lucrezia giggled. "So, Gekko, are you already aware of the fight scheduled for tonight?"

(Huh? She used Tsukiakari's nickname right off the bat?)

"...It's Tsukiakari. Sorry, but I only allow people I'm close with to use my nickname."

"Come on, Gekko." Osamu chided. "She's going through a lot right now."

"No, it's okay. I'm sorry, Tsukiakari. That was disrespectful of me." Lucrezia lamented, bowing.

"To answer your question, yes. Osamu gave me the rundown of what's going on, so we can skip all of that nonsense. We should discuss the game plan for the fight itself. Do you really intend to fight Amatsuki alone?"

Lucrezia took a seat at the island and rested her hand on the countertop. "No. I assume we'll both honor the conditions we've set up for the fight, though. I'm to fight her alone and Shinju is to be released. Additionally, Amatsuki will also be bringing a duffle bag with her. I'll need you to check its contents, Osamu."

"A duffle bag? What's in it?" Osamu asked.

"If she's truly going to honor the duel, the duffle bag will contain a skeleton."

"What?!" Osamu recoiled.

"Listen, I shouldn't even be telling you about this." Lucrezia sighed. "But you're the only one I can rely on right now. Osamu, your job will be to take both Shinju and the duffle bag back to this house. I have no idea how they've been treating her, so please be prepared to offer her whatever she needs."

"We've decided that I'll be the one to take care of Shinju." Tsukiakari interjected. "However, I don't know how I feel about bringing human remains to this house. Why is the skeleton so important?"

Lucrezia closed her eyes. "Amatsuki got her hands on the remains of a dear friend of mine. I just want them back so she can be put to rest again. I must say, though, I'm curious as to why you've decided to take care of Shinju instead of Osamu. You're the better fighter aren't you, Tsukiakari?"

"As I understand it, you're hoping to take Amatsuki alive. Me being the better fighter is exactly why I'm staying. Even if I tried, I probably couldn’t fight her without killing her." Tsukiakari explained.

Lucrezia smiled. "Yes, I suppose that makes sense. In that case, Osamu will be my ace in the hole. I assume you still possess Bishamon's golden sword, correct?"

Osamu nodded. "Yeah. We still have it here."

"Good. After this fight, Osamu, I'm afraid I must ask you to hand the sword over to me." Lucrezia said. "Technically, you're in violation of divine law by possessing it. All divine regalia are supposed to be turned over to the exorcists, who can then return it to the gods."

"Really? Crap, I didn't know that..." Osamu said.

"I wouldn't want you to get in trouble, so we'll pretend as though I found it in the woods or something." Lucrezia said. "Remember, our goal is to use this fight to fool the yakuza into thinking Amatsuki is dead. That's the best way of pulling her out of the criminal world and back into civilian life. Once this is done, my promise to Satori will be fulfilled."

"So then...midnight, right?" Osamu asked.

Lucrezia looked them both in their eyes. "Yeah. Midnight, just down the street. Osamu, Tsukiakari, let's put our best into this, shall we?"