Yomi had many questions. However, he kept silence. He knew Hikaru would reveal the rest when he felt appropriate. 

The King turned his blind perception to the youko, aware of his torturous sorrow. He could feel the pain that fox demon must be experiencing. It was then Yomi realized they were unecessarily far one from the other. Gomoku did not require players to sit at opposite sides.

Yomi got on his feet, in a graceful movement. Quietly, he walked around the table, to reach Hikaru's side. Then he sat down on his heels, acommodating very close to Hikaru.

All the while the grey youko kept his head down, and one hand covering his eyes. He was not crying though; he managed to hold it back, but his breathing sounded tense and emotioned. The King reached out and held Hikaru's left hand with his right one.

For a moment Yomi imagined Hikaru would repel his hand. Instead, the King felt smooth, warm fingers slowly caress his skin.

Yomi smiled.

The King extended his free hand towards the gameboard, bringing his cup and his pile of black pieces closer. Then he made his move, starting a new diagonal row.

"I will tell you how I became the third in line of command."

The youko did not move. He did not even look up at Yomi. He was frozen under he burden of his pain. The blind youkai took the chance to bring Hikaru's hand to his lap, and nestle in sweet clasping fingers against his thigh.

His smile widened when he realized Hikaru allowed his gesture of affection. It was fabulous to know the distance between them was shortening.

"Kuronue started to train me. He taught me fighting tricks and techniques. I was also practicing the summoning of my you-ki to help in battle. I was still very unskilled regarding it." Yomi paused. His fingers softy caressed Hikaru's hand. "Kuronue was persistent. He would visit me almost every night, always after the youko slept, to share my bed and make love. Sometimes I would send him away, sometimes not..." Yomi seemed a little embarrassed then. "I felt nothing but friendship. I became excited only the times he faked being Kurama. Kuronue soon learned the trick, and then I had no peace anymore. He would come to my bed coated with Kurama's scent, smeared with his semen and his sweat... There was no way I could resist... Kuronue would always tell me the details of how Kurama and he had just made love... He did it all to incite me, tease me, drive me wild with desire; I could not shun him from my quarters..."

Hikaru nodded, very slightly. His shy response did not inhibit Yomi's narration.

"I spent several months there, and never had I the chance to share Kurama's bed again. In fact, the youko seemed to be avoiding me, and I knew it was because of what was going on between Kuronue and me. I believe he had been warned by the nightwatchers. Also, spending most of the night awake, there was no way I could hide the dark spots under my eyes." Yomi filled his cup, and completed Hikaru's, always with one single hand, not willing to miss the tender contact as their fingers intertwined together. "Kuronue told me once Kurama had given him an ultimatum. He ought to stop visiting my quarters, or I would be sent away from the band. Kuronue was a crazy guy... The only one I ever met who dared to bully Kurama..." Yomi chuckled then, recalling his old gone friend. "He answered back the youko. He protested that if Kurama banished me he would abandon the gang to go after me. As the youko was obsessed by Kuronue, he was led to accept the situation."
 
 

Kurama was somewhere in his den, keeping Kuronue busy. The early evening was the only moment teh two of them had to spend together, making the task of commanding the fort be shared between him and Shido.

That evening all the guys were partying louder than usually. They had made a very successful pillage on the previous day, and Kurama had given orders to make sake and opium available to all, for the sake of celebration. Yomi could forsee trouble. So many males together usuallly ended in trouble, brawls, insults and duels. He imagined that party would finish with one or other being punished, sentenced to spent some days in confinement, or depending on Kurama's'mood, to be whipped. The youko insisted in keeping his gang in a short leash all the time.

Yomi would spend the evening taking a walk around, drinking and observing that everything was going well. As he passed a group, he had noticed two of the younger youkai were staring at him intensely, very clear in their silent approach to him. But Yomi was not interested. How could he want to go to bed with those two immature, boyish youkai, if his demon heart was filled, flooded with that insane passion for his chief?

Yomi approached the youngsters, but he merely waved his hand in a compliment; he did not stop, although aware the two handsome kids ogled him with amorous admiration.

His days as seducer of young lads had passed. Besides, he was feeling alone and sad. He had no reason to party.

Taking a long, covetting look at the cliff side where the caves were located, Yomi could not help but sigh in deeply. He knew by then Kurama had his only partner in his arms, and they were making love loudly and madly under the flickering light of the torches and candles.

It was too much frustrating for Yomi... He had Kuronue. He could have any of those young aprentices if he wanted; He merely had to snap his fingers and they'd be before him, willing to transform all his fantasies into reality. But Yomi did not covet any of that - He wanted the youko... Only the youko...

Yomi finished his sake, drinking from the bottle and then tossing the empty container aside. Then he headed towards another group, to get more sake. He wanted to drink all he could that night.

He walked towards the main group; the guys surrounded a large stone table right in the middle of the ward. They talked loudly, and Yomi tried not to take part. He only wanted another bottle.

He got his liquor, and was about to leave when a youkai yanked him by one sleeve.

"Hey, Yomi, where's Kuronue?"

"Where's Kurama? Can't the boss share a drink with the rest of us?" Another asked.

Yomi's brow furrowed. Somehow, he was fed up with Kurama and Kuronue... He was starting to suspect Kuronue remained as Kurama's lover only not to give him a chance, any chance, to get closer to the youko and then become his new favorite.

That damned bat! He was not playing fair!

Bored, hurt, Yomi looked at the others, showing a very ironical sideways smile.

"Hey guys...What's the difference between a black-winged youkai and a brick?"

The guys stopped everything they were doing to stare at Yomi, puzzled with the question. They looked one at the other, but no one dared to present an answer, till Yomi completed his own joke.

Yomi could not avoid an evil half-smile. Many there knew very well what was happening between him and Kuronue. In a band such as that, there were few secrets; all of Kurama's men were true blabbermouths.

"When you lay a brick it doesn't follow you around for two weeks whining."

A roar of laughter was heard around Yomi.

His smile turned into a large grin. Yeah... It was time to ridicule those two a little bit...

Yomi drew the bottle to his mouth, drinking in avid gulps. The sake burned inside, but he could feel his sadness being changed into a new disposition.

He made a wide gesture to all the others, calling their attention. He had another good one coming...

"Hey! Now tell me; how do you keep a silver youko busy all day?"

They shook their heads. Others joined the circle around Yomi, also curious for the answer.

Yomi showed a haughty little smile.

"Put him in a round room and tell him to sit in the corner..."

They laughed more, louder yet. Cries for more started here and there. Yomi loved the success. At least those rude demons were willing giving him some attention. He quietened them again.

"How do you get a black-winged youkai off your knees?"

One or another tried an answer. They shouted, with drunken voices, while others laughed even before the outcome of the joke was revealed. Yomi placed his bottle back on the table and added an enphatic gesture to enhance the effect...

"Come."

They cheered Yomi louder. They clapped and roared, and hit their cups against the table top, making a wild, loud noise.  They demanded for more.

Silence followed. They stared at Yomi, in expectation, some already holding the laughter, imagining the fun absurd about to be told. They smiled, with wide eyes, debauched and amused...

"They are not used to pulling their own pants down..."

They rolled, roared, laughed their heads off. Yomi was getting ready to pull on another, when he noticed a hard finger poking at his back...

He turned over his shoulder, and faced that disgusting bald cyclops; Shido.

Yomi tried to sneak from his touch, but the guy held his arm. He was much bigger, and Yomi's muscled arm looked like a child's compared to Shido's huge hand. He tried to resist, but the giant insisted, twisting his arm.

"I'll make you stop telling silly jokes about the boss, Yomi!"

All the laughter and the party ceased around Yomi and Shido. Immediately the group circled both oponents. A buzzing chat started; they knew Shido enough to know he was picking a fight and would never take no for an answer. Shido never accepted excuses; he solved all matters in the tougher way. Bets stared everywhere; and of course all odds were against Yomi.

Yomi looked around. He took one, two steps back, and showed Shido an appeasing gesture. He tried to say something, but he did not have the oportunity. A heavy punch crossed the way between them, hitting Yomi right on his chin, throwing him backwards.

Yomi hit the floor, huffing loudly. The pain exploded in his head, and for a moment he became tottaly dizzy and disoriented, trying to sit up, watching Shido assail him again. The big youkai pushed Yomi's back against the ground, keeping a enornous, bad smelly foot over his chest, crushing Yomi against the ground.

"I'm gonna teach you how to behave here, Yomi! You can't ridicule the boss like this! Your day has come; we're gonna gangbang you, horny-guy!"

A roaring commotion started at once, cheering Shido's menace. And the one-eyed giant waved back, thanking for the support. He was going to put on a good show, e added, with his gruesome voice.

"This is gonna to be your opening show, Yomi! I'm gonna turn your guts inside out!" Shido bellowed, as loudly as he could, so that everyone in the campsite could hear, and gather for the event.

The monster violently picked Yomi from the ground, carrying him accross his shoulders to the table. The group opened way for him, eager to see the show; not one dared to protest or defend Yomi. The drunken ruffians laughed and yelled with enthusiasm. A group of four or five started chanting merrily a very indecent song about a fat-bottomed thief and what the gang was going to do to him...

Yomi kicked and struggled and screamed, but Shido was bigger and stronger, and all the mayhem around him muffled his desperate protests. He was laid flat onto the table, and a heavy slap on the head quietened him for a little longer. All botles, jugs, cups and plates were shuffled aside, splashing noisily on the ground. The table was surrounded by the loud cheering gang.

Yomi twisted and tossed, but iron-like fingers held him down too strongly.

Shido bent over Yomi, who felt his hot, bad-smelling breath against his ear. Shido spoke to him, very softly, so that no one would hear.

"Kurama told me to teach you a lesson, Yomi! Stay away from Kuronue!"

His hands held Yomi down firmer. The horned youkai could listen to the encouraging screams coming from the band around him.

"Go, Shido, go!"

"Nail that rookie!"

"Fuck that hole!"

And a whole collection of similar cries, in a most shameful repertoire.

Yomi felt his head ache, but what hurt more was the shame of it al. He realized that bastard must be planning that for a long time - Shido had chosen an evening in which all of Yomi's followers, members of his former gang, were away. Everyone else was too damned drunk to care if someone was being raped or not. Above all,  where was Kuronue, who could, with one single gesture, put an end to that insanity? Away with the youko, most naturally...

He tried to react again, but his head was hit, violently and repeatedly against the table.

No, no, no! He must fight that ignonimy.

Yomi felt sick whenhe sensed those sticky hands fumbling his clothes and pulling them off... It was the limit of his tolerance!

"No one fucks my ass but the one I choose, you slimy prick!"

Yomi managed to twist his body and gain some more room to struggle. He took a deep breath, and used all his might, all his energy, to kick Shido, smashing his ugly face with the sole of his feet in a heavy and well-aimed strike.

Shido groaned. Surprised by the attack, he was forced to withdraw a little, enough for Yomi to sneak out of his grasp, and roll away from him.

Shido was not fast enough to seize Yomi back, thus the he had the chance to get on his feet and show a defense position, with clenched fists and wrath glinting in the corner of his pink eyes. Yomi stteped backwards a little, getting ready to counterattack. The circle of youkai around him was packed, all of them curious to see the rape show - but Yomi had just decided he would give them a show of a different nature...

He looked up at Shido, with all determination. He made his stand, and could not avoid a cynical sidelongs smile as he waved one hand, calling his oponent on.

"I'm the one who's gonna teach you, Shido! Who do you think you are? I'm not just a rookie; I'm Yomi, from Gandara's Forest!"

A loud roar raised around Yomi and Shido. The gang wanted to see someone being beaten up, whether it was Yomi or Shido was just a detail... They started to shout and cheer the combatents again, and now Yomi's name was given out by many of them.

Shido roared, trying somehow intimidate Yomi, but he did not even move or hesitate, keeping  his clenched fists high, protecting his face, ready for a strike.

Yomi knew his only chance was to be faster and then aim a decisive hit at Shido. Yomi did not have his sword; he was also feeling a little lightheaded by the punches he suffered. Yet he knew he needed to make that disgusting bald cyclops lose in the most shameful manner he could, or he would never have peace in that gang again. Yomi knew how such things were; If Shido won, he would rape him, and all the others would follow, till there was nothing left of him but a pile of fucked up meat... If Shido defeated him, Yomi would lose all face, all respect, he would lose all trust, and moreover, Kurama would never be interested in a loser...

It was then, as if called on by instinct, that Yomi looked towards the cliffside. Just a little above the crowd around him, atop a steep near one of the cave's entrances, he divised the bright sillhouette with pointed fox ears. Torches and the faint glow of the nightsky were enough to show Kurama was standing a little way away, above all, proudly observing the tumult.

The youko could not hide a satisfied, ironical smile.

The outline of  Kuronue's bat-wings appeared then, right next to the youko. Even with the distance, Yomi could see Kurama held Kuronue back, clinging possessively to his arm, preventing him from interfering.

Yes. It was all Kurama's scheme to force him out of the gang, but that dirty gang rape plan did not work. Yomi even smiled, when he perceived the youko would at least, have proof he was worth some consideration.

To be aware Kurama was observing it all made Yomi grow stronger, and more resolute. He must show the chief he had power also...

Shido attacked.

The tall demon aimed a powerful blow at Yomi, but he missed him. Yomi was faster, and he managed to dodge aside, but as he did it, Shido struck another jab, and Yomi needed to duck to avoid the hit. He sidestepped again, and pulled himself backwards, focusing his you-ki around his fists and his arms, the way Kuronue had been training him to do.

Shido was strong but slow and clumsy. Yomi only needed to wait for an opening and then strike him with all the strenght he possessed...

Shido growled, and charged again, his huge hands reaching out to clasp around Yomi in an armlock. Yomi ducked again to avoid the clinch, and ran around Shido, standing at his rear.

The monster was slow, like a giant slug and Yomi was nimble, bursting with energy. With a smile, he kept the image of the youko in the back of his mind, recalling his mockery, his despise, and his orders. Why did Kurama imagine that huge pile of shit called Shido could teach him anything? The youko was definitively underestimating him.

Yomi realized then his oponent was Kurama's despise, not Shido.

He breathed deeply, and then concentrated his youki for an instant. He threw it all against Shido, hitting him with his energy, not this fists.
 
They all heard a blasting roar; it was Shido's huffed protest, fllowed by the loud sound as he was thrown backwards, against the audience. The crowd parted way, clumsily, yet in time to avoid being hit.

The energy stroke was so intense Shido was hurled at the opposite side of the ward, meters away...

There was a deep silence for a moment. Everyone stared at Yomi, in awe for his unexpected reaction. The eyes of all youkai oscillated from Yomi to the defeated, groaning Shido, and then back. They could not believe that guy, who had never been defeated by anyone but Kurama and Kuronue, and was considered a third officer, had lost the match.

Yomi took the chance to cross the area and stand again before his fallen oponent, to make clear he was not leaving the fight yet; not before his enemy assumed his defeat. He looked down at Shido. His hairy chest was marked by a large burnt spot,  where Yomi's you-ki charge had hit him. His shirt and leather vest had been disintegrated.

Proudly, Yomi looked at his own fists, content of having achieved such power level at that decisive hour. Thanks to Kuronue, who had trained him painstakingly.

"Is it enough, Shido? Or do you want to continue the fight?" Yomi spoke, glaring at his fallen enemy, while he summoned his energy, showing off his newly-found strenght. His you-ki appeared around him, forming a circular shield, like a blueish sucession of hazy rings around his body, in a barrier. Yomi felt so confident, so powerful! It was a totally new experience, and a most gratifying one; he felt if he practiced more that ken could one day make him truly invincible! Even before Kurama, or whoever he dared to fight!

Shido groaned. That scorched wound must be extremely painful. He crept, pulling himself away from Yomi, and then he raised his right hand, bowing his head to indicate his defeat.

"You won the fight Yomi! I surrender!"

Yomi smiled. He called back his energy and then took a wide, confident look at the band of youkai who surrounded him. He waved one clenched fist in the air, victorious, and he was loudly cheered for a long moment.

The noisy celebration was fading, and Yomi turned his back on Shido, with all despise he could to get his bottle again. However, all of the group froze, expectantly, when they heard Kuronue's voice

Kuronue was far from the crowd, but his voice sounded loud and clear above the youkai bunch.

"It's the band's laws! Yomi defeated Shido, now he gets his post! I appoint him for camp commander!

Yomi turned over his shoulder in time to see Kuronue's wide smile as he said it. His eyes flitted a little to the side, to see Kurama's reaction. Kurama was a little behind, possessed; he was so enraged, he could not even speak. He tried yet to hold Kuronue, forcing him to keep back, but the winged youkai managed to sleek his arm off the youko's grasp, and he jumped to the center of the ward, in one long and elegant half-flight.

Many youkai supported Kuronue's proposal. As he landed the center of the gathering he was promptly welcomed by patting hands, nodding heads and positive comments. No one thought about looking up to the rocky slope meters away, from where a very annoyed and angered Kurama watched the whole scene. The silver youko's plan had backfired, and he was not comformed with it at all.

The youko remained where he was, but he looked right at the defeated youkai left apart from the band who circled Yomi and Kuronue so animatedly. It seems he had counted on Shido's strenght and fighting skills too much.

Kurama walked down the steep with tense, hard steps. He felt he could kill anyone who crossed his way at that very moment. He felt wrath rush along his body, burning his veins like fire; how could he imagine that would be the outcome of his plans?

He crossed the ward to reach the group, keeping his head low, avoiding eye contact with anyone. The gang promptly opened passage to him, and while Kurama continued his angered march, he did his best to avoid glancing at Yomi and Kuronue. However, he could not help noticing Kuronue held Yomi's hand, lovingly, possessively, and showed a satisfied smile on his face. They talked, in a low voice as he passed. He could not hear them, but he hated it any way.

"Welcome, Chief Yomi! Let's drink and celebrate! Kampai!"

The guys started to disperse, going for more bottles and more cups. It seemed the drinking feast had just reestarted, more animatedly yet than before.

Kurama felt his whole body shake, taken by the most intense rage. But he did not let it show; the silver youko tried to keep a cold, haughty attitude all the while.

"Don't you think Yomi shall be an excellent third in command, Kurama?"

The fox, being addressed in such fashion, avoided comments. He did not even look at either Kuronue or Yomi. He merely groaned something; it seemed a curse...

Kuronue stepped on Kurama's way. For a moment, the winged youkai in black stood right between Kurama and Yomi, holding Yomi's hand, and detaining Kurama by placing a soft caress on his shoulder.

They exchanged a silent yet meaningful gaze. Yomi shivered; apprehension and desire for being so close to his loving chief blended inside his demon heart. Kuronue showed contentment and a defiant sense of victory. He dared to stare Kurama right in his cold, golden eyes.

"It is the gang's code, Kurama. Yomi takes Shido's position."

The youko seemed hurt. He would not face Kuronue.

"I can live with that; I just don't want Yomi to take you from me," the youko spoke, very softly. It was so low Kuronue had to grasp the meaning by reading his lips.

He caressed Kurama's shoulder, but could not let go of Yomi's hand.

"Kurama... It doesn't change things; I'm still with you," the youkai in black murmured back, keeping a sweet smile in his lips. He caressed Kurama longer; He tried to show the fox he cared and he loved him also. After all, Kuronue was still happy to be with the youko, as his friend and lover, and tried his best to express it. Nevertheless, Kurama avoided his touch.

It was at this moment that Yomi realized the feeling which really joined Kurama and Kuronue. There was love between them also, although a different kind of love. It was a flame a little burned out by time and routine, but it still meant much for both demons, thus Kuronue felt himself torn in between him and Kurama. That winged demon knew the silver youko would suffer a lot in case they parted the long relationship they have shared till then; it was one of the reasons he remained as the youko's partner.

However, the silver fox could neither perceive Kuronue's guilty feelings nor the struggle between desire, duty, loneliness, love and anguish, that happened inside Yomi's demon heart. Kurama moved away from Kuronue's hands, and walked to the other side, to stand before Shido.

The huge guy was slowly getting on his feet, still disoriented. He stood up, and staggered towards Kurama. He kept his hand over his head while showing a grimace of pain. Yomi's strike must have got him pretty bad...

"You don't do anything right, you one-eyed piece of shit! We'll talk about it later!" Kurama roared, low and menacingly, as if his wild animal side were in total charge of his emotions. He did not give the giant any chance to explain or excuse himself. He turned his back to him and returned, ill-humored, to the group.

He crossed the way back, not looking at anyone, not even Yomi. He stopped for a moment next to Kuronue, and spoke to him in a low, but commanding tone.

"Come back to bed with me."

Kuronue could not avoid a jest.

"Isn't it time for you to sleep, Kurama? I'll hang on here with the guys if you don't mind..."

Kurama glared at Kuronue so intensely, that Yomi trembled. He pulled his hand off Kuronue's grasp, careful enough to step away from the lovers, being at a safer distance.

"I do mind. I want to be with you."

Kurama seemed peremptory. His comment was mostly an order than a lover's invitation. Yomi imagined Kuronue would protest, but the demon in black just shook his head, making his long pony-tail swing in the air like a beautiful silken whip. He smiled then, ready to obbey his chief and lover.

"Alright, Kurama dear... I can always share a drink with the guys after you sleep."

Instead of following Kurama immediately, Kuronue still turned his attention to Yomi for one last moment. He grabbed Yomi's arm with affection and energy at the same time, and faced him with the most loving and beseeching gaze.

"I'll meet you later..."

Yomi shook his head vehemently. He always tried to resist Kuronue but he always failed, to his own distress. By his own will he  could never betray the youko, who was not only his chief, his hero, but the demon he loved the most in his whole life. He loved the youko but he'd better get real about it - Kurama despised him. They would hardly become lovers. Thus, the only remaining satisfaction Yomi had is to make Kurama happy even if it was not by his side.

He answered Kuronue's proposition with a grim expression and a sorrowful tone of voice. If only Kuronue accepted it and stopped harassing him...

"Stay with Kurama. Make him happy and forget me."
 

Yomi left his cup on the table. Then he affectionately held Hikaru's smaller hand with his. He squeezed his fingers friendly, but could not avoid his growing sexual interest to show. Yomi's hands were very warm and and his pulsation faster, although Hikaru was still as cold and collected as before. Could it be all youko seemed carved out of a block of ice?

"Kuronue needed to feel himself loved. He would never leave Kurama knowing I would not become his partner."

Hikaru heaved a long sigh.

"I cannot blame him. Living alone is very painful."

Yomi smiled. He could feel the warmth and the slight perfume of moistened earth and musk coming from Hikaru. He wanted to hold him dearly, and beg to be made his new partner, perhaps another slave of love...

"Yes. It is painful indeed, Hikaru."

Yomi leaned forward, holding Hikaru's hand, very tenderly, while he moved one arm around his waist to embrace him.

"Yomi sama... what are you..."

Yomi imagined the youko would struggle against his closeness, but Hikaru did not. The fox only closed his blue eyes and allowed Yomi to caress his waist, while their lips were drawn near, almost touching. They were about to kiss; they actually breathed the other's breath for a moment, sensing the perfume of the sake flowing in their respirations...

But Yomi dared not kiss Hikaru. He felt a strange impression that would not allow him to fully enjoy the sweet sensation which was to hold Hikaru close. The King tensed and they parted the embrace.

Hikaru placed his hand over his lips and turned his eyes down, in a demure attitude, while Yomi's ears twitched. He breathed deeply, scanning the place with his inner perception.

"We are being watched..."