Hikaru remained quiet for a long while. Yomi did the same; he knew Hikaru was taking that moment recall the best memories of his life in common with Hayashi. He had curled to himself, and one forearm was casually placed before his face as he leaned around one bent knee.

He was so beautiful surrounded by sorrow like that, that Yomi would not interrupt him. The King kept a reverent, and very modest smile while he observed Hikaru, guided by his inner eyes. He was indeed blind for not having noticed Hikaru before...

By all he had been told till then, Hayashi must have been a most remarkable youko; it had to be in order to impress that stern, circumspect grey fox so much.

But it was not god for Hikaru to allow himself to delve longer into that passion and the bitter missing feeling it brought along. They were supposed to talk, try to divert from the pain they both carried inside, and not add depression and despair to it.

Their game was  to help them forget and overcome, not to make them suffer even higher.

It was the reason King Yomi finally made a move. He considered Hikaru's silent move and placed his own corresponding piece on the board. But he did not take for himself the task of telling that round's tale.

"I insist; it is your move, Hikaru."

The youko slowly raised his sky-blue eyes. Then he heaved a sigh.

"I still miss Hayashi..."

Yomi acquiesced in sympathy. However, Hikaru made a new move,  after observing the board, and silently studying the game's disposition.

"I decided to take all my chances; after all, I had been cured... With Hayashi by my side, I felt no shame, no fear, no regret... I was filled with love and self-confidence enough to flip my life upside down."

Hikaru changed his position, reclining as he supported his weight on one arm. His hair cascaded smoothly, along his shoulders and back to the floor, where it joined his tail and curled along his thigh.

"I had three things to do before I could enjoy my relationship with Hayashi. First of all, immediately after I left the dungeons, I organized a search party to sweep the menacing plant weavers from our lands." Hikaru laid the cup on the table, and stretched himself, reclining even further. The sake was making him relax; it was all he needed after the past evening's incidents with Youko Kurama. "I had never been in charge of any foray or chase before. I always let everything be set by my brother. However I wanted to take matters into my hands at that occasion. I wanted to get rid of the constant menace the enemies had become. In my mind, I imagined his evil brother might invade the city and take Hayashi from me."

Yomi waved his head, indicating he was following the youko's words.
 
"Had Hayashi told you details of his relationship with his brother at this point?"

A slight furrow marked Hikaru's face. He turned his eyes low, and in a response, one hand formed a very tight, very nervous clenched fist over his lap.

"Never. Hayashi had always kept the matter to himself. I imagine it must hurt him also. He was not a young youko; when we met he was more than 500 years old, and had 4 tails in fox form what indicates great power. But his brother was a perfect counterpart to his might, equally strong, blocking any attempt he tried to set himself free. All Hayashi told me is that Hiroshi forced him to have sex, and made absolute question of his company, at all times. He warned me his brother would do anything to seize him back." Hikaru showed a bitter little smile. "He did not ask me for help with words, but I saw it in his eyes. He told me he dreamed of a place to hide from his brother for the rest of time..." The grey youko paused to heave a sigh. "My determination not to let anyone or anything ruin my relationship with Hayashi changed my disposition and I engaged vigorously into military action; many young youko did not hesitate in joining me. We put on a massive attack, circling the enemy's campsite on the dawn of the following day, not to allow them to escape."

"Did Hayashi tell you of their location?"

The grey youko gave Yomi a half-smile.

"I led him to. We spent hours together, made love countless times over the day and the evening, and I imagine he felt such bliss and abandonement he did not oppose to me any longer. But then, how could he expect me to shelter him if he did not give me evidence of his commitement to me?"

"Then he betrayed the band."

"Even though he did not bear any affection for his brother, disclosing him and the band caused him great pain; he was a golden-eyed youko after all. He would never be anything but the lowest class citizen, if much, in our Citadel. Hayashi knew he must choose a side and fortunately, he chose mine. Anyway, he did not give away much. All he told me was the camp's location, and that it was a group of eight youko." The grey fox slowly reached out for the bottle. He poured it to both Yomi and himself, and returned to the same position, elegantly holding the cup with the tip of his long fingers, swaying it as he spoke. "Hayashi told me to avoid confronting Hiroshi one to one. He said his brother was so evil that he would not mourn his death, in case it happen."

Yomi tensed a little. Somehow the situation Hikaru was disclosing strained him. Treason or love? Betraying or pretending? Being in between the dedication to a leader, to a band or  engaging in a new found life? Such extreme, antagonical situations made him suffer too. Was it not the story behind a great extent of his life? He had always been torn in between his love for Kurama and his vengence.

"I have a slight idea how bad Hayashi might have felt then. I understand him, even though we never met; I undestand his paradox, and his pain."

Yomi's voice softened into a sad silence. Hikaru felt like reaching out and touching the King for comfort, but he did not.

"Hayashi told me to be aware of the gang's second in command and his lover. They were the only names he told me, apart from his brother's. They were Amatsubu and Shizuke, and as he described them to me, I was sure they were the ones who had dared to break into our walls the night before."

Yomi made a gesture to Hikaru, interrupting his narration for a while.

"He did not tell you about Kurama?"

Hikaru lowered his eyes. Then he slowly shook his head, negatively.

"Never. I imagine he did it to protect me somehow...  He only mentioned that the band leader was an extremely powerful youko, as cruel as his brother. He stressed the fact that I should try my best to keep away from him." Hikaru cuddled to himself then, huddling and embracing his knees, like a vulnerable, lonesome child.

"He wanted to keep you safe."

"Yes, but I wanted to take those matters into my hands. I wanted to offer Hayashi the freedom I'd be able to conquer with my own strenght and determination." The fox lifted his face from the crossed arms he kept around his bent knees; just enough to offer Yomi a glimpse of a soft smile. "Hayashi's love made me stronger; I did not fear anything anymore."

Yomi smiled in response. He had perceived the wild, fierce warrior Hikaru kept concealed under his extreme politeness and composure when he opposed Kurama...

"The group I led moved in stealth, camouflaging our you-ki. We sneaked in, using the irregular steeps and rocks for cover.  We raided the area, but to my frustration we found nothing but an abandoned campsite. They left nothing but litter and the corpse of a young, red youko behind." Hikaru took a moment to drink his sake, before returning to the story. "I did not allow any one to touch anything. Hayashi had informed me of the nature of his brother's powers. He could have infected the whole area with a plague. I noticed the ashes of the campfire were still warm. The few tracks found showed the enemies had headed back to the desert area. I intended to go after them, to pursue them even outside the bounds of the Makai, if necessary. However, before leading a chase outside our territory, I needed to ask my Father for permission."

"Your father must be very surprised with your sudden military dedication."

Hikaru acquiesced.

"He was; he felt proud of me for it. My father had been one of the fiercest hunters. Most of the carnage which took place between the two different species of youko happened centuries before his time, but he was still one famous plant-weaver killer. Yousai sama was more than 3000 years old; He was known for killing more than 100 golden eyed youko in his youth."

Yomi did not know what to say, but he was sure of one thing - Since the first Tournament and the tearing down of the barriers between the worlds, the Makai was changing. The blood baths and massacres which took place in the past seemed distant and senseless now. He merely bowed his head in acquiescence, and instead of saying anything, he drank his sake in one slow draw.

"I was very proud of my father also. He wanted me to be a warrior and King such as he had been, but I did not fit the part of mass-murderer very much. I prefer not to kill if I have the alternative."

Yomi agreed.

"I feel the same. I think raising Shura helped me see life in general under a new angle. I hope Makai to remain in peace for a long time. I do not miss the old, savage times of my youth."

Hikaru drank the rest of sake in his cup. He returned to his cuddling position then.

"The territory which separated the Crystal City from the rest of the Makai was a long and arduous one to be crossed. The band would not have trekked such a distance to give up that easily. Besides, I knew Hiroshi wanted Hayashi back. It was logical to assume they were still around, lurking by, just waiting for a small change to break into our defenses again. I wanted to attack them before they could threaten our city again." The grey fox paused for a moment, taking a deep breath. "The problem was my father did not support my tactics."

Yomi hesitated a little, but then he finally added, with a very soft voice...

"I am afraid your father was not wrong." Yomi showed Hikaru a tender smile. "You were too emotionally commited to judge wisely..."

Hikaru agreed. There was no way to deny how much he had put his heart before his mind at everything that involved Hayashi.
 
 

He felt strangely unase inside while he stepped inside the hall. He wore a scale armour, but he felt uncomfortable in it, although trying his best not to show his indisposition. The room, the ceiling, the tapestries, the decoration, furniture even the counsellors togas and mantles, everything inside was black, like the deepest night. Hikaru kept his shin up, and stood very erect, proud of himself, before his father. But, just like when he was child, forced to be present at their meetings, he felt extremely oppressed. 

The protocol required his father to keep a kingly distance between his family, whenever matters of state were the issue. Maybe it was the need to keep such etiquete that made his father seem more and more distant from him, with time. Whenever he thought of Yousai sama, the first image coming to his mind was  that of the King; only then, after the initial shock, he was led to recall the Sovereign of the Crystal City was also his father.

The prince was announced solemnly, and all his titles and honorifcs were chanted by the council's herald. Hikaru bowed deeply before the Citadel's leader, his father, and waited patiently till he was adressed at.

Yousai sama, stern and menacing in his rich black scale armor and black mantle, took a long stare at his grey-haired son with his oblique, expressive  turquoise eyes. His face was severe, marked by thin wrinkles, and his large brow cut by deep lines, contracted in a constant furrow of concern and responsibilty. A barely tamed ferocity could be noticed in his fierce dark complexion.

"Where are the infidels?" The Sovereign asked, as his eyes stared intently at his older son.

Hikaru kept his eyes low. He felt sorry for disappointing his father that way.

"They have escaped, my King and Father. I ask for your forgiveness; I could not extract the information from the prisoner in time."

The first son slowly raised his head then. His father's bass voice, was even frightening at times. As he stared at him, Hikaru could not avoid noticing the grey temples marking his short black hair; perhaps the preocupations caused it. The Crystal City was in relative peace those days, but in the past when his Yousai's Kingship had just been established, wars and riots were spread all over the Makai. Hikaru knew his father still showed scars from old battles; he had always been a Warrior turned into a King, not a King who was an an occasional warrior. It was clear why the King's favorite son was Seiji. But then, Hikaru imagined there was still time to change things - He could attempt to be a fierce warrior and a noble scholar equally, could he not?

"They have fled but I found tracks which head straight into the desert. I need your permission to start a chase these beasts, my King and father..."

Seiji stood up. His seat was at his father's left, and Hikaru's empty seat was by his right side. The black-haired youko warrior made a quick reverence before his father and the rest of the council. Seiji started then, in the proud, defiant tone he always used with Hikaru.

"My King and father, Hikaru is wrong. There is no need to waste efforts on a hunt. It is better to remain within our walls. I believe it is a trick. The villains want us to chase them into a trap. We were informed it is a very small group of enemies. They can be like bait leading us to an ambush. Being caught in the open plains and dunes of the Desert will diminish our powers and defenses. Here the mountains and the rocks we find much better protection."

Hikaru faced his brother with courage. He had decided not to offer his younger brother any justification for his acts. It was Seiji who was supposed to bow his head before him, not the contrary.

Hikaru had carefully observed their enemies's campsite. All evidence indicated they had left not long ago.

"They are less than a day ahead of us. We can reach them but I must depart immediately."

Seiji shook his head.

"I think it is dangerous to engage in an expedition. I don't trust the information  you might have taken from the prisoner. I am sure he is lying, and making a fool out of you!"

"They have broken in our walls once; they can do it again. We must act first, thus hunt them and kill them. It is the only way to be safe."

Seiji kept a proud smile as he tauntered Hikaru further yet.

"You are making assumptions."

"It is no assumption. I interrogated the prisoner, and I am sure that plant-weaver has spoken the truth."

'How can you be so sure?"

"The prisoner confessed it..."Hikaru could not avoid a dubious smile, as he continued, "under torture." Even though he felt a little uncomfortable before his father and the other noble youko, his smile did not go off as he recalled  his partner's groans, his moaning sounds, his gasps and his panting as they made love, over and over, during a whole day and part of the night, locked in that cell. "He would have no energy left to lie after all I  put him through."

Irony and pleasure blended in a soft sideways smile. Hikaru needed to cover his lips with his hand, very delicately, not to raise suspicions. It was difficult not to smile. He was too happy! He wanted to shout it out to the whole world, and he could not do it.

Seiji just had to ruin his contentment.

"You are a weak  warrior, and a poor hunter. What if they catch you? I am sure our father would offer them all our treasures to have you back. Maybe you are the hostage they are waiting for in order to get free access to the city!"

Hikaru huffed, altered by a sudden anger. His face, usually so delicate and beautiful, displayed a glower.  Weak? A  poor hunter? It was an outrage!

However, he took a deep breathm and managed to control his anger. It was not appropriate to quarrel with his brother in presence of the King.

"I am not the craven character you consider me." A murmur started from the small audience, but ceased at once when Hikaru continued. "We must hunt these fugitives and kill them at any cost. I cannot rest knowing enemies are still lurking our city."

Seiji and Hikaru exchanged challenging glances. Seiji even roared, however in a low fashion, not allowing his brother, or anyone notice it. He hated it, but he was the younger male. He needed to submit.

"You have never been interested in War, Hikaru. These affairs have always been under my duty. What made you change your mind?"

Hikaru did not even care to look back at his brother while he answered back.

 "I finally realized I have an incompetent brother."

Hikaru's voice was firm and loud; his words sounded very clear, and it was a shock to all the ones present. The bewildered stares of the council members oscillated from Hikaru to Seiji, and vice-versa.

Seiji was about to retort, but before he could gather his thoughts, the siblings were  interrupted by resonant voice of the King.

"Stop this senseless discussion! I am glad I have no other male children, or countless conspiracies would be happening in the Kingdom! You must behave appropriately!" The King's glaring expression was enough to appease the temper of the siblings. They knew their father hated to bring such matters into public acknowledgement.

"Hikaru, don't humiliate your brother publicly. It is not suitable for a future King." Yousai ou-sama turned his attention to his black haired son; his voice sounded graver then. "Seiji, you are a great warrior, but you must conform - you are to serve your older brother and follow his orders without any complaint or protest."

Both bowed in a deep reverence. And Hikaru took the chance to show a victorious slight smile.

"I praise your courage, Hikaru, but I imagine Seiji might be right in his judgement. We cannot risk the City's heir or all these noble young warriors. We must keep our positions and increase the vigilance. I want snipers placed on the mountains, so  we will be warned if the enemies return. This citadel shall be an impenetrable stronghold, as it has always been; a group of 8 youko is not enough to defeat us within our walls."
 

"Oh... That slut..."

"Pardon?"

It was then Yomi realized what he had just said. But he felt rather pleased instead of  embarrassed. There was an evil pleasure in saying aloud what had crossed his mind about Hikaru's ex-fiancee...

The King could not hide his smile.

"Excuse me for such faux pas, please..."

Hikaru chuckled. He showed Yomi an appeasing gesture.

"Oh, Yomi sama... I don't mind; I cannot reproach you for speaking the truth." He kept that amused smile while he continued. "I spoke to my father and my mother first, and I shocked them with my insistence in nullifying my bethrothal. I added that I had found imcompatibilities between Mitsui and I that would never cease. I reinforced the matter stating these problems would not allow us to become good spouses, and consequently could end affecting the Kingdom."

"Well... If I were your father you would have to do better than that to convince me..."

Hikaru agreed.

"Precisely. In fact, my father only allowed me to break the vows when I vented the possibility she might be having an affair with another. I declared I could not take her for my wife because I was suspicious of her faithfulness and dedication to me." The youko paused for a moment, to breathe in deeply. "My father complained. He said it was a grievous offense to my fiancee's clan, and that I would need to offer great compensation to minimize the shame that decision would bring her."

He wished he could forget all his pain and be as in peace with himself as Yomi-sama one day...

"We held a long private discussion. I decided, together with my parents, to arrange a family meeting in which I would present my case and offer reparation for the breaking of our engagement vows. I was sentenced by my father to build her a whole palace, furnish it with treasures from my share in the family's treasures, and also make a public proclamation that there was nothing which might discredit or dishonor Mitsui. I must declare then I was giving up the engagement for my own particular reasons, and not for anything she might have done. It was the only way to avoid malicious rumors to be spread on the city."

"It was a fair price to get rid of her. Did you accept it?"

"Naturally! I was even a little surprised; I did not feel the resistance I expected."

Yomi poured the more sake. Then he reached out, placing one hand on Hikaru's arm.

"And Hayashi? Were you together then? Did you tell your family about him?"

The youko flushed.

"I made Hayashi become my slave."

Yomi froze in a delighted bewilderment. He could not prevent a pleased smile to show on his face. He slowly licked his lips, as his cheeks acquired a rosy tone of excitement.

"Oh... It must have been the most exciting experience, yes?"

Hikaru lowered his head, vexed.

"King Yomi, I'm afraid you misunderstand me. It was not a sexual kind of enslavement," he commented, softly, extremely embarrassed by Yomi's interpretation of his words.

The King covered his lips with one hand, murmuring an excuse, almost as embarrassed as Hikaru himelf. And he tried also to forget the frisson of sudden excitement which ran up his spine.

"It's my fault; however it would be the most fascinating thing to find you also engage in such variations."

Hikaru flushed more intensely yet. He kept his head low, even though he knew that Yomi, who was not limited by sight, would acknowledge his vexation by other senses.

"I am certain the sake is going too much on your head, Yomi-sama. please, be  more careful."

Yomi finished his drink. He did not seem very much touched by Hikaru's request. In silence, instead of starting to hold back his drinking from that very moment, he poured more to himself.

Hikaru looked at the cup he held softly in his fingers. He hesitated for a moment in drinking further. He was really starting to get high...

"Well, I think I am drinking far too much also. I would never give away the story of my life with such details..." he considered. But then, the youko drew the cup into his lips, comformed to the intimacy that was appearing and growing fast between him and Yomi. "What the hell!" He added, looking up at Yomi in a tender way, as reproving his own rigor. "I need to let my hair down once in a while after all!"

Yomi agreed, in silence, looking forward the rest of the grey youko's story.

"I had to take Hayashi out of that disgusting dungeon, and make his presence by my side be accepted without raising much suspicion. Thus I made him my slave." Hikaru offered the King an embarrassed half-smile. "It was the only plausible excuse to keep him around, with free access to my quarters. I know it would bring rumors, mainly after I announced the end of my engagement, but it was all I could do. "Hikaru's eyes glinted with a sudden contentment. "He was my lover. I loved him so deeply I could easily give up all I had for him."

"I imagine he accepted it easily..."

"Yes; he had a mild nature. Hayashi acted the part perfectly. He was a very convincing slave."

Yomi fidgeted, shifting position, feeling a little uncomfortable. The room became very hot all of a sudden. And the King knew it was not the effect of the sake... He huffed and loosened the robe a little, and as he did it, his chest showed, pale and muscled, attracting a pair of blue eyes towards it.

Hikaru took a fleeting glimpse at Yomi's physique, apparently unnaffected. However, his eyes remained at a long time focused in the same direction, observing his chest, his strong and elegant neck, the black hair falling over his shoulders, and the beautiful, big hands the King kept laid across his lap.

"When I finally left the dungeon I was so worn out and smelly I had to sneak away of anyone's sight. By then I had already decided I could not leave someone I loved so much locked. I wanted my golden-eyed fox at my side; always, no matter the consequences..."

Hikaru's eyes drifted over the room, as he spoke. He was obviously letting his memory recollect the images and sensations of such a long gone past.

"Hayashi became much more arresting after I ordered him to be groomed. I freed him, and placed a fake magical shackle around his neck, for the sake of appearances. He was bathed, his nails and hair cleaned and trimmed, and his tail brushed and perfumed Palace servants found him neat clothes; plain and austere, appropriate for a servant. After that he was taken back to my quarters, to be my private servant." Hikaru showed a very enthusiastic smile. "He was much more attractive then..."

"It was a brave decision. How did you justify bringing an enemy into the palace and into your quarters?"

"I only needed to justify it before my father. I told him Hayashi had been extremely cooperative, and that he was a valuable source of information on the plant-weavers. Moreover, being a healer, he was too valuable to be executed."

"Good arguments. Did your father accept them?"

"The fact Hayashi was a healer proved to be convincing enough. I was allowed to keep him then."

Yomi drank his sake, keeping a flirting tone in the corner of his smile. His voice was sultry and inviting as he added...

"It was an excellent deal trading one unfaithful fiancee for one loyal, loving slave."

Hikaru chuckled softly. He nodded then, pleased with himself.

"Yes. It was an excellent decision..."
 

He showed the most radiant smile when his eyes met the tall brown youko that stood before him.

Hayashi stood out the clear marble of the walls. His washed hair showed a brilliant auburn color. His tanned skin were a gorgous contrast to the plain grey linen tunic he wore. His golden eyes glinted with desire.

The grey youko breathed deeply, though softly. Even cleaned, perfumed, brushed Hayashi's scent of love and sex could not be veiled. He was the same deliciously sloven youko, irresistible with his slant smile, insinuating voice and sexy eyes...  And he called a lot of attention.

Hayashi acted the perfect slave while being brought to the palace. He kept a respectful distance from his master, not raising his eyes, and allowing to be guided with the utmost docility. Hikaru noticed then, with jealousy, that all females, and even some males, could not take their eyes off Hayashi as he stepped into the palace. All eyes fixed on that enticing youko, with curiosity and desire.

The heir felt flattered. Let them all, male and female, ogle his new-found slave. Hayashi belonged to him; exclusively...

Hikaru chuckled softly to himself. That dog-fox was insatiable. They have made love countless times, in the most sensual, wild or sweet variations.

The grey fox looked at his partner, in a passionate awe. Hayashi was gorgeous... He was absolutely handsome, the purest seduction... Nevertheless it could be perceived that his golden eyes seemed worried. Lines marked his brow and his shoulders were rigid, as he nervously awaited for the outcome of his plea for mercy.

Hikaru's smile widened, and he opened his arms to Hayashi, requesting an embrace.

"My father accepted to grant you mercy. You are my slave now."

The healer's face changed from one instant to the other. He gave Hikaru the most tender and seductive smile, and threw hismelf in his arms, cuddling strongly to him.

"Oh, gorgeous... It makes me so happy....." He could not say anything else, because he pressed his mouth against Hikaru's in a long, intense kiss.

Hikaru immediately abamdoned himself in Hayahi's arms, and his hands fondled his soft hair, sliding down his back in an amorous caress. He held his waist and pushed himself closer to his golden-eyed youko. His prisoner, his enemy, his slave... And also the one he loved to the verge of insanity...

Hikaru chuckled softly when they parted the kiss. He felt so happy it made him lightheaded... He felt silly with all that love pounding inside him, ruining his reason, but filling him with such energy and intense will to live.

"I love you, Hayashi..."

The brown youko smiled. He nibbled playfully at Hikaru's chin as they snuggled tighter. His hands roamed all over the grey youko's body, in one wild stroke. Hayashi kneaded his back, playfully pinched the sides of his waist, making him laugh with the tickling. Then he stroked his arms, squeezed his buttocks...

"Come to bed, Hikaru... Let me take care of you..."

Hikaru lowered his eyes. He detained Hayahsi's advances with a very soft gesture.

"We could not find anyone from the band. We have to be very careful. They have entered the city once, and they can do it again. I don't want your brother to take you away from me."

The brown fox merely nodded. His narrow, but very expressive golden-eyes twinkled with satisfaction. Hikaru's concern was evidence of how much he loved him...

"I will not leave the palace. They won't dare come and get me here." The fox rubbed himself against Hikaru's lower abdomen then, in a teasing caress. "I am a house servant; a bed servant... I have absolutely no affairs outside."

Hikaru chuckled more, delighted with the other fox's play.

"My father allowed me to break my engagement..." The Crystal City's heir let the sentence hanging then, and took the chance to watch his new partner's reaction to it. It was something they were especting eagerly. Without the commitment to Mitsui they could spent all the time they wished together.

The sexy brown youko showed a happy beam. Then, in a fast impulse, he lifted Hikaru in his arms.

"You're all mine now!" Hayashi added, playful and hot, as he carried the grey fox across his arms towards the bed. "We must celebrate!"

His golden eyes fixed on Hikaru. But the shining golden happiness they showed froze in a shocked disappointment, when he perceived Hikaru's paleness, the fear and the hesitation he showed. Hikaru fought against the embrace, repelling him. Hikaru's face showed a grimace of discomfort. The grey youko moaned, and pulled himself backwards, struggling against Hayashi.

"What's wrong, gorgeous? You don't want your slave to show you how much he loves you?"

"No! Put me back on the ground! Put me down, now!"

Hayashi did not do it at once. He observed his partner, puzzled, still carrying him across his lap. Hikaru seemed truly scared.

"But... What did I do wrong, Blue Eyes?" Hayashi approached his face from Hikaru's, willing to share a kiss, but he was shoved back, and Hikaru kicked, twisted and tossed himself in his arms, in such a way he needed to give up.

He let Hikaru slip from his arms back to the ground. He supported him for a moment, but soon drew himself away, retreating one, two, even three steps from his Lord and lover. Hayashi resignatedly lowered his head; he knew he had done something wrong, but could not grasp what.

The grey fox looked up at Hayashi, angry and shocked at the same time. He panted from nervousness, and his eyes showed an outraged expression as he faced his partner.

"Never do this again! I don't like this kind of play at all! Never!"

The young fox seemed so altered, Hayashi did not protest. In a huff, Hikaru crossed the distance to his large bed. All the while Hayashi kept his face low, observing his lover's movements very discreetly with the corner of his eyes. He did not complain, and he did not ask for any explanations either. Hayashi just remained there, standing alone, with castdown eyes and a tense attitude.

The standstill lasted one long moment.

Hayashi knew Hikaru was waiting for him. But he could not join him in bed; not yet. His blue-eyed lover must start explaining why he had such a fit. All in all, he was just pretending to be a servant. If Hikaru forgot the deal and started acting bossy he would better leave or...

"I am sorry, my love..."

Hayashi smiled to himself when he sensed the husky voice of his partner. Yes... A sensual request for forgiveness was all he needed to hear...

He raised his eyes, and offered the Crystal City's prince the most delicious sideways glance. The smile drew lines on his face, making him more attractive, more manly...

"Blue Eyes... My graceful Blue Eyes... I spent the whole morning thinking about all the delicious things I want you to do to me..."

Hikaru could not avoid smiling. The voice and the presence of that fox made him so happy he wanted to shout, he wanted to live, he wanted to celebrate the beauty of that new existence and all the pleasures it brought him.

Hikaru called his slave with a shy yet lustful murmur. The prince reclined on the bed then, relaxing against the cushions and the cold and smooth silken sheets. He breathed in deeply. It was mostly a sigh; a passionate, entranced sigh, as he abandoned all his reserve and  formality to repose sensually on the cushions. Hikaru kept his smile as he watched Hayashi come in his direction, in a slow walk, which was as sexy as a mating dance.

"I want to make love, gorgeous..."

Hikaru wriggled against the soft bed, and spread his knees, opening his arms in an invitation. He winked one eye too in one teasing gesture.

"Come..."

His partner's mischievous smile was the last thing Hikaru saw before closing his eyes to be given a ferocious, and at the same time sweet kiss. His mouth was flooded with Hayashi's sweet taste, his nostrils filled with his vigorous male scent. They snuggled the closer they could, and the smaller youko moaned around the kiss, enthralled by the lustful warmth coming from the other male's body.

Whenever they were together, Hikaru could feel the strenght of that lustful healer. He could feel his you-ki filling him, permanently healing his demon's heart and soul with his loving energy. He wanted was be near that hot, lascivous fox for the rest of his life; nothing else mattered.

They drew themselves apart, enough to start undressing. All the while they kept their eyes fixed one on the other. Each teased, instigated the other, while their clothes were stripped slowly...

Hikaru smiled. He licked his own lips when Hayashi threw his robe to the side and pulled down his trousers.

"You are really happy to see me..."

The brown youko chuckled. He caressed his own lenght, and squeezed its hardened flesh in his hand observing in a pleased bewilderment as Hikaru unbuttoned his tunic.

"Don't say you don't like it..."

Hikaru finish taking his tunic off, then he did the same with his rich silken trousers. He crumpled it all in one ball and hurled it aside.

The two youko gazed one at the other's body in adoration.

"You are so beautiful..." Hayashi murmured, all eyes to the slender yet muscled form of  Hikaru's body. His paleness made him more graceful yet, as if he were made of a misty, untouchable dream. He reached out, and delicately caressed Hikaru's unveiled abdomen. "We have come here to raid and plunder the city's treasures, but I've found mine without a fight..."

Hikaru's faces blushed so intensely that he lowered his head to try to hide it. He had nothing to say, nothing to do, but lie back and invite, in a entranced whisper.

"Make love to me, Hayashi..."

Hayashi's smirk seemed filled with the most delicious promises. He closed his eyes and leaned on Hikaru. They closed arms around their naked bodies in a fierce but tender clasp. Their legs locked together, and their groins rubbed in a firm and arousing caress.

Both youko were very hard. In their embrace they experienced a myriad of the most inciting sensations - the smoothness of their shafts; the softness of their pubic hair; the tender warmth of their testicles smothered together; their muscled thighs and abdomens rubbed along... They groaned and moaned together, almost in perfect unison whike the heat coming from their grazing sexes grew more intense.

"Never leave me, Hayashi... All I want is you..."

"My precious Blue Eyes... I'll always be with you..."

Hikaru was to say something in response to Hayashi's sweet declaration, but instead of murmuring about his love, he uttered a short cry; a cry of surprised delight. He felt a rough but extremely affectionate touch closing around his shaft, and squeezing, caressing and pumping in one single movement.

A shiver of ecstasy ran up his spine, and he shut his eyes tighter, as exploding stars of pleasure blurred his vision, and his whole body was locked in a spasm of lust.

It was delicious...

Hayashi kissed him, and sweetly pushed his tongue deeper into his mouth. His kisses were always hungry and overwhelming. Hikaru could not even breathe; all he did is to slip his hand down in between their embrace to close his fingers around the girth of Hayahsi's pulsating manhood.

He made his fingers fondle the moistened, smooth head, and then slide down and up along the lenght, again and again, tighter and faster.

It was Hayashi's turn to surrender to the mighty appeal of his sensations. He paused their kiss to groan passionately...

The brown youko rested his head on the crook of Hikaru's head. He panted, kissing and licking his pale skin as the pumping rhythm around his shaft grew steadier. His fingers caressed Hikaru's sex with strenght and softness at the same time, and though Hikaru resisted a little, soon he could not hold back his pleased moaning sounds, which were like music to Hayashi.

That fox moaned so beautifully... His husky voice was extremely arousing...

"Come to me, gorgeous... Let's be happy together..."

Saying this, Hayashi shifted a little within their embrace. He wriggled his hips and wormed his hand slowly in between them, to grab Hikaru's hard flesh against his sex. His long fingers squeezed the hot, throbbing cocks together, making the sensitive heads rub their abdomens, in a dancing, wet stroke.

Hikaru was so entranced he gasped, and his whole body was tied up in a spasm of ecstasy. He uttered a short pleased cry, and Hayashi, still smiling, smothered his mouth on Hikaru's for another kiss. Hikaru's body trembled, and he froze as the brown youko's hand moved up and down their rubbing erections.

A long, deep "aaah..." came from Hayashi's lips; he felt too close to climax... He parted the kiss to stare deeply at Hikaru's face. He adored to see his grey fox close those his blue eyes tight, open his lips in a lustful moan, and abandon himself to passion... Hikaru was arresting when he came...

"Gimme it... Come to me..."

Hikaru tensed; he closed both arms around Hayashi's back, drawing him closer. A powerful tremor shook his body, and he felt the pressure leave him in a rush of pure sensation.

His hands grabbed handfuls of his lover's auburn hair, driven by a blissful but intense orgasm. He groaned, and rubbed his thigh up and down Hayashi's side. It was then the brown youko bucked his hips against him, and his fingers tightened the clasp around their sexes.

Together, they pressed more vigorously to the other in a moment of pleasurable agony. They came together, their shafts releasing a warm, simultaneous gush of semen which covered their abdomens, coating Hayashi's fingers and their erections, which still throbbed in between their embrace.

Both foxes gave out a long, enthralled moan of joy then

Hayashi rolled to his side while Hikaru breathed in short gasps. The city's heir opened his very clear eyes, and looked up at the crystal dome of the ceiling. A myriad of reflexes and lights sparkled on every angle and relief.

It was exactly like he felt inside... A multitude of emotions and sensations flashed, twinkled inside him...

"Hayashi..." Was all he murmured, as he directed his blissful eyes towards his partner. "I can't live without you anymore..."

The brown fox took a deep breath in. He smiled, and sat up, bending over Hikaru, showing a delicate and satisfied smile.

"You won't ever have to... I'm forever slave to your love..."

Hikaru chuckled. Oh... That youko was such a sweet talker...

He looked down, feeling the caress of very soft fingers drawing circles around his navel, playing with the pearlescent fluid which coated his lower abdomen. Hikaru's smile gave way to a deep moan when Hayashi leaned onto him, and kissed his belly, licking him clean, with enrapturing and ravenous slips of his tongue.

Hikaru's back arched in a tense spasm. The voracious lust of Youko claimed for more; he was getting hard again...

He opened his eyes and gave a heartwarming smile to Hayashi. He reached up to caress the soft hair falling along his face, and run his finger along his rosy cheeks, his beautiful aquiline nose, and his lips.

But Hayashi's eyes were not luminous as usual.

"What's wrong, Hayashi? You don't need to worry. I told you my father granted you mercy. You are safe here."

Hayashi nodded. He tried not to stare at Hikaru then, seemingly uncomfortable.

"It's alright, I know my place. I know I'm still an enemy."

"No you are not. Not to me."

The brown fox agreed, however he was visibly disheartened.

Hikaru lowered his head, not willing to face his lover's sudden sadness. He could understand he might feel depressed. After all, what was he in fact? Nothing but a slave, with ho rights, no privileges at all, locked in an alien city, surrounded by youko who considered him the most odious vermin in the three worlds.

Hikaru felt guilty somehow.

"I shouldn't have shouted at you. I'm sorry, my love. It has nothing to do with your status here. You know you are my lover, not my slave, don't you?"

The brown youko acquiesced. But Hikaru knew his attitude had hurt him.

"What's wrong, Hayashi?", he insisted.

"Nothing... It's just that... for a moment you acted exactly like my brother... Nasty, bossy, insensitive..." Hayashi sighed in. "But it's alright; you must be nervous with all that is going on..."

"No. That's not it." Hikaru answered back, almost immediately, cutting Hayshi's silly attempt to justify it. "No. I've been rude. I must admit it. I really acted as if you did not deserve any consideration... But I promise love, this will be the last time I act with you in such fashion..."

He reached out for Hayashi, and brought him closer, circling his shoulders with his arms. He rested his face onto his, as his fingers fondled his shoulderblades, sliding upwards to massage and caress his neck.

"I understand it, Hikaru... I know... I know that the you will never trust me completely; we're different. I'm a golden-eyed youko and you..."

Hikaru drew Hayashi apart from his embrace, enough to stare at him, with a reprimanding smile and a very direct gaze.

"Don't say such stupid things. How could I love you if I did not trust you?"

Hayashi just smiled with understanding. But Hikaru would not let it that way...

"I shouted at you because of a taboo."

Hayashi hushed Hikaru, gently covering his lips with his hand.

"You don't need to explain it, gorgeous..."

It was Hikaru's turn to silence his lover, placing one finger across his lips, gently whispering him to hold. He needed to explain it further. They could not live happily if there was the slightest shadow of doubt or mistrust between them. He could not hide things, he could not conceal information, he could not act as if he were sleeping with an enemy. No. He was sleeping with his sweetheart, his lover, his partner, one he needed to trust wholeheartedly.

Hayashi looked right into his lover's blue eyes. He held his hands, and caressed them against his chest. Even curious, he did not try to push Hikaru to continue; but the grey youko returned to his explanation, in a very low tone of voice.

"Our powers come from the Earth. Just like plant weavers need seeds, or plants to summon their you-ki, we need contact with the soil. If we are not touching the earth, or anything made of it, we become defenseless."

Hikaru smiled then. He felt much relieved now that he had disclosed the utmost secret of his whole race with the love of his life. Genuine, total trust... How could he love if it were not based on loyalty and faith?

He tried to hold Hayashi against his chest, and cuddle to him, but the golden-eyed youko avoided his touch. Hayashi's face became tense; much more than before. The brown youko swallowed, feeling a lump in his throat. A seizure of emotion ran along his spine, intense like a lightening. He was very aware of how much Hikaru loved him.. He was confiding him the secret of his whole demon race; the key of their survival and power.

"Oh, Blue eyes... You shouldn't have told it to me. It's too much responsibility..."

Deadly pale, Hayashi stared at Hikaru with wide, shocked eyes. The blue-eyes youko instead, seemed calm and confident.

"It is my token of love to you; my trust and faith. I love you; I cannot hold secrets to you."