There was not much left to Yomi but to abide.

Kurama's hide out was a series of intertwined caves and dark, sinuous corridors cut by nature in the rocky wall at the bottom of that canyon. The edges of the high cliffs surrounded the whole area, making it a dangerous dead-end. But Yomi knew there must be many secret passages to lead them out of that gorge in the case of an attack. Kuronue took him straight to the one of those caves, always indicating him the way.

He tried to talk longer with that weird winged demon, but Kuronue became less at ease the more they approached the cave's entrance. By the time they crossed the cave's mouth into the dampen, dark interior, the pony-tailed guy shut up completely.

 The last thing Kuronue told him was that Kurama was a tough guy to please.

The caves were sinuous and intricate, much like a maze. Torches stuck to the walls here and there offered some illumination, but it seemed never enough. After a while, Yomi felt totally lost. His sense of direction, which had always been excellent, was deceived by the darkness and the many bends and turns Kuronue made them wander through.

After some time Kuronue indicated Yomi a small entrance cut in a wall. Yomi had the impression they had already passed by that part of the caves already, but he could not be sure. The that bat-like demon beckoned him that he should be the first  to enter.

It was a large hall formed by the a natural dome carved in the cave's roof. The air inside was fresh, indicating there must be breaches and openings in through the rocks. He would also smell and listen to the gurgling water of a subterranean stream somewhere in between the piles of rocks and stalagmites. A variety of demon races could be found there, sitting in a circle. At their reach they had maps, weapons, treasure chests, lamps, a innumerable ammount of gewgaw, and lots of sake bottles, grouped next to a narghile, from which some guys smoked, lazily.

Everyone was quiet. It seemed the summit of the meeting had alrady passed. They were just relaxing now. As Yomi passed by them, always guided by Kurone, one big, muscled bald guy hurried to reach some maps and fold them all together, not to let Yomi see anything.

Yomi felt everyone's eyes upon him. It felt bad; like an army of cold spiders crawling up his back. He didn't like that sensation at all. But there was not much he could do. He left the group behind and remained standing in a corner, waiting, always sided by Kuronue.

A huge youkai, with harsh browish skin and one single eye on the middle of his brow, growled, looking at Yomi. His disgusting face showed a filthy, sidelongs tusked smile.

"New meat. That's great! I hope the boss wants to share. This one has got a nice, big butt."

Yomi's face showed a very ill-tempered frown. His head throbbed, in a involuntary response to the sudden anger and tension. That motherfucker! How dared he?

"No one is sharing anything, Shido. Kurama has not aprooved him yet."

Whispered comments arose from the group. Shido, who was without a shadow of doubt the biggest thud there, did not seem aprehensive with Kuronue's kind but firm intervention.

"After Kurama fucks his ass it is going to be my turn!" He let out a loud, obscene laughter then. "I like screwing a novice's fanny!"

The laughter spread all over the group, and new comments were added, here and there, increasing Yomi's fury. He jumped forward, to attack that bastard, but He felt a hard grip around his arm, detaining him. It was Kuronue.

The winged demon showed Yomi a calm, pacifying smile.

"Don't pull a fight. They are just testing you." His smile widened then, as the fingers around Yomi's arm relaxed, and slipped from him, smooth like a caress. "You're under my protection. Nothing will happen to you."

Yomi acquiesced, making an effort to control his anger. He drew air in deeply, directing his eyes to the opposite side. He knew if he looked straight at that big bastard again, he would jump at his throat to kill him at once!

"Yes, Kuronue. Thanks."

The youkai tugged at Yomi's coat then, indicating him a fair figure which had just appeared at the bottom of the cave.

"There. He is Kurama."

Yomi looked up with curiosity where Kuronue indicated. As he did it, his eyes grew wide and his breath was suspended by a sudden lump of nervousness blocking his throat. His hands started to tremble, and his lower abdomen was packed with a tingling, cold sensation...  Yes! It was that fluffy-tailed, well-built, delicious silvery demon he had met before in the pond!

"Gods of the Underworld... I am in love..." Yomi murmured, entranced, not even aware his thoughts had actually been voiced out by his dry lips. His pink eyes fixed  at that graceful demon, who moved in stealth and beauty like a big feline wrapped in a shaft of moonglow...

Kuronue looked to the floor. A slight flapping sound was heard was he opened and closed his wings, in a nervous twitch.

"Don't be over enthusiastic. Don't let his beauty blind you," Kuronue spoke softly to Yomi. He even nudged the other's side, to call his attention. That horned guy was really gaga over Kurama Youko... "You better listen to me. I know what I'm saying! Beware of Kurama!"

Yomi faced Kuronue, visibly annoyed with his intrusiveness.

"Hey birdie, I did not ask for your opinion! What makes you such a Kurama expert?"

Kuronue breathed in, very deeply.

"I am his lover."

Yomi froze, suddenly struck by the foot in the mouth disease. He stuttered a hesitant request for forgiveness, and even bowed his head before Kuronue. He tried his best to seem composed and in control, but inside, he was still in shock by such unexpected revelation. But inside Yomi had already determined nothing would stop him from being that silvery demon's partner. He had been just told Kurama was not available; the fox was not free... Well, Yomi felt sorry for Kuronue then, but it all did not matter much for him. Such relationship just made the prize a little more difficult to get...

"You can look, but you better not touch. For your own sake," Kuronue announced, still keeping a friendly smile.

Yomi watched The silvery demon wave a finger at Kuronue, calling him closer. He was left behind... The horned demon felt terrible; resentfulness packed his soul now that he was aware Kurama and Kuronue were partners. Yomi took one deep breath, pondering on all that crazy situation. He hoped not to have ruined things giving away his feelings for Kurama to the least demon in the three worlds that should be warned about it...

At least it could be supposed Kuronue was not of the jealous kind...

A mischievous smile which Yomi could not deter curved his lips as he observed Kurama sit on a cushion on a higher step before the group. He had never yearned for a demon so much. Yomi observed Kurama's calm, slow manners as he crossed his legs and looked up at Kuronue. The winged youkai crouched by the other's side, whispering something in his furry ears.

Kurama started to gaze straight at Yomi. The horned youkai could feel his temperature and his excitement rising. The curiosity to know what they might be talking burned in his veins, like fire. He could feel not only Kurama and Kuronue, but everyone in that cave was talking about him. Yomi felt unease for being such a center of attention, anyhow he still managed to stand the heat and remain still, quiet, trying not to make too blatant the fact that his eyes would not leave Kurama.

Nevertheless, he could not hide it from Kurama himself...

Kuronue assumed a squatting position, next to Kurama, his wings unfolded across his back, giving him the slight appearance of a lurking gargoyle. His eyes searched for Yomi, still sheltered by the darkness. He gave that demon with horns a slight, but extremely comforting smile, maybe to indicate everything was arranged with Kurama.

It was then the fox called for Yomi, requesting him to come closer.

Yomi struggled with his trembling knees, but managed to cross that part of the cave to stay proudly before the leader.

"Kuronue says you followed the orders we gave you with perfection. Good. Now I'll see if you fit our expectations..."

Yomi could not avoid a pleased beam, enticed for being able to hear that fox demon's voice. It was virile and slighty hoarse, enveloping a calm, sensual manner of speaking. Unconsciously, he stuffed out his chest, and kept his chin up, while assuming a bold pose as he rested his hands on the sides of his hips, always smiling.

"You won't be disappointed, I'm a great fencer and..."

Kurama raised one hand brusquely, signalling for Yomi to stop.

"Shut up. I do the talking," the youko added then, with a very annoyed disposition.

A muffled commotion was spread like a wave around the circle of thieves who observed the scene at Yomi's back. A loud laughter was heard, and Yomi did not need to look back to check; it was the funny-guy - That detestable Shido, of course.

Kurama stood up. Yomi's eyes followed every instant of his movement, delighted to know he had already peeked at many disclosed details of that body, as he found him nude by the pond. Now, he wore a gauzy, flowing white attire, and looked fabulous...

"The first commandment here is that I am the only unquestionable leader. My word is like a Divine law, and it must be obbeyed." The youko took two, three steps forward, staying right before Yomi, at less than one foot from him. They looked one at the other, and Kurama's stare was direct, cruel, so intense Yomi needed to bring his own eyes downwards, not standing the heat of those alluring golden eyes. "It means I will not tolerate any contradiction, do you get it?"

Yomi murmured a low, but entranced yes. He could not stare at Kurama openly yet. But inside, desire was starting to inflame him, rushing in his veins, filling his groin with a lustful, pulsating energy...

"We have investigated your group. Seems pretty acceptable. You were defeated in  your territory just because you were outnumbered."

Yomi acquiesced, moving his head softly. He could not speak. He was afraid his voice would fail. He was too marvelled by that demon's scent, and by the warmth which reached him as they remained so close one to the other. Kurama showed himself  apparently so mean, so bad, so intolerant... He loved it.. Yes, Kurama was a leader as a leader should be. Hard, cruel, determined... Yomi could feel his own strenght, his own determination melting down, as his bloodstream increased the sensitivity and heat in his lower abdomen. He was being loaded with the most intense desire he had ever experienced...  If he could... Oh, if he could he would give all of himself to that demon, and beg him to make love to him till neither of them could take it any longer...

Kurama started talking again, harshly, and Yomi was all ears to his words.

"You have no rank here. You will be just a recruit, regardless of your experience. Don't you dare to play chief in here, Yomi. This is my territory. I don't give a damn if you were a band leader, a feared mercenary, or whatever. The fact that you are  bringing your own troops means nothing to me. Here you are nothing but what I tell you to be; you do nothing but what I tell you to do. Is it clear?"

Yomi inhaled lengthily, in need of  more breath. He slowly raised his eyes towards that silvery demon then, seducted by his beauty. He smiled to him, and a delighted acceptance glinted in the corner of his pink eyes as he did it.

"Yes, chief. It is very clear."

Yomi took one fleeting glimpse at the winged demon a little way away. Kuronue had been watching all between him and Kurama with patience. His emotions were still inscrutable.

"Everything one steals belong to the group, even if it is an individual action. Here we share everything. I get the bigger slice of the cake, naturally. Kuronue will tell you the rest of our group laws. We have our own codes here,and you better learn them as soon as possible.

"Yes, Kurama," Yomi agreed, bowing his horned head again, in deference before the leader. "I am eager to learn."

With castdown eyes, Yomi did not have the chance to perceive the sarcastic, and dissolute gaze the youko directed to him. But he noticed the youko touch his shoulder, pressing its curve. A fierce shiver of desire struck through him, like an eletric charge. But Yomi struggled against himself to remain still.

Then Kurama addressed Kuronue.

"Are you sure he doesn't carry any weapons, Kuronue? He could have a hidden blade or any magic weapon stuffed someplace..." Kurama commented, leaving the sentence hanging, in a cynical and insinuating tone.

"He checked out clean, Kurama."

"One can never be sure." Yomi noticed the movement, and felt the you-ki rising. Then he realized Kurama's right wrist had been wrapped in a plant's stem which circled his forearm, coming down till his hand, forming a weird plant-made blade which grew forward in between his fingers. "It's better to put him under a strip search..."

The sound of mockery and giggling came forth from the group of thieves. Two or three even started to clap, and one yelled out it was time for the show. Yomi's cheeks became red at once, with shame. Strip search? In public? Out of nothing like that?

He glanced at Kurama youko, extremely embarrassed. But the fox did not seem touched by the other demon's discomfiture. He showed an irreverent sideways smile.

"So, let's see what you're hiding," the fox proposed.
 
The horned demon halted, totally paralized, when he felt Kurama's free hand tug at his coat, pulling it off him. Yomi drew air in, stricken by a torrent of conflicting emotions. Fear and desire rushed through his veins, cramming up his chest, making him sweat cold, but also added a hot flood of lust to sprawl in his groin and thighs...

"I-I  can do it, the-there's no need to..." Yomi stammered, trying to take the lead and at least be given the chance to undress on his own.

Kurama's narrow, angered eyes focused on Yomi up at once, reproving his protest. The horned youkai decided to say nothing more, showing no reaction, even when Kurama's hand started to touch him, frisking through his body. Fact is that even if he wanted, Yomi could say nothing. He shut his eyes, chewing his lips, as his whole body tingled the pleasure of sensing his flesh be touched, rubbed, and kneaded by Kurama's firm fingers.
 
Then all of a sudden, Kurama ran the green blade attached to his right hand all down the front of Yomi's shirt, ripping it off. He yanked one half off the youkai's body, and the other half slid down his shoulder, falling to the floor.

A more enthusiastic clapping was heard around the hall. Yomi still resisted, trying to keep the least dignity he could, doing his best not to mind those perverted ruffians.

"He's got a big ass, Kurama! Better than a broad's!"

"Let's take turns and share the booty!"

Yomi immediately wished he had worn looser pants around his hips. And, despite his control, he jumped when he noticed the edge of that blade being ran down the contour of his buttocks.

His eyes helplessly searched for Kuronue. They exchanged a concerned but brief glance. Kuronue made Yomi an appeasing gesture, indicating him to keep cool. He got on his feet then, shutting his wings together as he walked towards Kurama.

The winged demon leaned closer to the youko, murmuring something in his ear.

"This is not appropriate in front of the others..."

Kurama looked down his nose at Yomi, very aware of the cumplicity between that horned newcomer and his second in comand. The youko did not appreciate such starting friendship at all.

"Why? Do you wanna take him to your quarters and proceed with a private, more personal search?" Kurama asked his second officer, aggressively.

Yomi's ears twitched as he tried to follow their conversation. Then now he knew it was Kurama who acted the possessive part over of Kuronue... Yomi kept the information to him, very dearly, like an important secret. And in fact, every fact, every piece of information he could gather about Kurama was truly precious to him.

"Kurama, this strip-show will make him lose all authority and respect before the group."

"That's my intention," Kurama growled, in between gnashing teeth. "I can't afford any climbers in my gang." On saying this, Kurama looked straight at Yomi, conscious that horny-guy had heard the short argument between him and Kuronue. Anyway it mattered not to him at all.

He just made his blade slide around the outline of Yomi's hips, bringing the its tip to the front. The youko drew a line down Yomi's fly, pressing the blade against the bulged volume across the left side of  that demon's groin.

Yomi chewed his lips harder not to groan aloud. He clenched his fists, and his arms grew taut, revealing all the cords of muscles along their pale surface. He was struggling to restrain the throbbing heat which filled his lower abdomen. If Kurama continued that naughty play, he would soon have to surrender to his own impulses, shamelessly...

"What's the problem, Yomi? Are you feeling something?"

Yomi faced the playful golden eyes, and the elfish smile on Kurama's lips, still mantaining his composure.

"No... Nothing..." He murmured. His face was twisted in a grimace of lust and denial, as he still tried to show himself in control. He faced Kuronue, panting. He could feel the hardening heat grow between his legs.

Kuronue tried to interfere again, but before he could detain Kurama, the youko stuffed the blade into Yomi's pants, and cut down the whole front of the piece.

Yomi groaned, softly, when he felt his loose, torn pants slip down his hips, crumpling around his knees. His sex was yet not fully erected, but it was aroused enough for the youko to notice it. He stared down at his own tumescent shaft, and then he looked up at Kurama, feeling guilty of his weakness, but also deeply entranced by that play, driven to pleasure by the strong dominance of the youko upon him.

"It seems you're really happy to see me..."

He made Yomi turn round to face the rest of the band. Yomi was so red in the face, so embarrassed he could barely breathe.

Kurama adressed the gang, in a loud, mocking tone, retaining the hand which Yomi tried to place before his sex for a moment.

"Do you think he's carrying any weapon, guys?"

The commotion grew at once, and some of the band threw things at Yomi, while others clapped. Some hooted, some cheered. And Yomi still kept his mouth shut. He looked down, frozen by shame, totally mortified.

Kuronue whispered something more to Kurama. Yomi would not pay attention to the two whispering youkai this time. He was too busy stuffing his hands down his abdomen to cover his nudity. It was unspeakable... Unbearable... And yet.. Oh... He was enjoying that...

It was then he heard Kurama rebuff something Kuronue had just said.

"No, no, Kuronue! It's not enough! Now we must proceed with the cavity search!"

The band roared in support to Kurama's decision. Some of them even stood up, clapping and moving closer to get a better view of the show.

Yomi said nothing. He just looked at Kurama over his shoulders, showing pleading eyes. His lips moved, but he dared not speak anything aloud; all he did was to mouth Kurama a helpless request to stop it...

The youko did not care. He pushed Kuronue aside, with kindness but authority, and crouched down, bringing his blade downwards  for one instant, to finish cutting off Yomi's trousers.

The youkai presented himself  before the band wearing no more than his boots. Yomi's hands desperatedly crooked on his groin as he tried to hide his starting erection. He could not face anyone. Yomi turned his eyes down, and his pale, naked body trembled from the intense humiliation Kurama forced upon him.

"Put your hands on that wall and open your legs. And shut up." The youko made the plant-knife he had summoned disappear in a quick burst on fading you-ki around his wrist.

Meanwhile, Yomi did what he had been told. His shame was so intense that he could not even think rationally about all which was being ordered to him. He took the few steps till the wall in complete silence. He felt blind to the mocking circle of thieves around him and deaf to the loud laughter and insult around him. He would try to protest, if that fervid fusion of  extreme humiliation and desire had not let him mute.

He let his hands touch the cold cave wall, and closed his eyes, panting painfully. His erection throbbed madly between his legs. His sex pricked out, and the area between his legs was crammed with his hot blood pressure. Shivers shook his body, as an undeniable evidence of his desire.

Yomi spread his legs wide and bent over. His hair fell down his face, hiding the grimace of confused ecstasy which twisted his features.

There he was, subjected to Kurama, watched by everyone, exposed shamefully... It would be a traumatizing moment for any youkai... But then, why Yomi sensed that burning shaft eager for release rising from his lower abdomem?

Oh...

Blame Kurama... Now only Kurama could give him the release he craved for... Kurama was the only youkai in that whole land who could take him, ravish him and put an end to all that agony which tormented his body and demon soul...

The novice had to press his lips tighter together not to moan aloud, not to beg for his new-found chief to fuck him, right there, with no delay, no mercy, no hesitation. He knew he should not yearn for that passion, but he could not deny the intense arousal that fox demon was causing him. It had never happened before. Yomi had always managed to be in control, always choosing lovers he could bend to his own desire. The situation was different in relation to that gorgeous fox; it was Yomi himself who urged to be bent, commanded, driven... He wanted Kurama to just fuck him, plainly, till it drew out blood...

Yomi felt a very silky hand run along his back, in a careless stroke. He knew it was Kurama. In an immediate response to the touch, he bent further down, propping all his weight on his hands against the wall. He opened his legs a little more, stricken  with shame, but a also enthralled as he showed his rear to Kurama, in a mute invitation...

Yomi heard a muffled snicker come from the demon who leaned on his back. He was aching to feel Kurama's fingers stuck up his rear. But the fox was wickedly delaying him that pleasure.

"You really enjoy this kind of  play, isn't it Yomi?"

Yomi trembled entirely. It was the first time he experimented such a intense surge of shame and desire, filling every part of  his body. And he enjoyed it... He enjoyed it very much... He chewed his lips so hard that he felt the hot, salty flavor of his own blood on his tongue. All of it because of his utmost effort not to cry out his overwhelming lust.

The youko's cold, slender fingers traced a line from his back to his buttocks. Kurama rested on Yomi's side as his hand was pressed firmly against his buttock, reaching for the crevice...

Yomi gasped. He could feel his penis throb madly. The heat which pulsated down there suddenly grew too intense, almost like real pain, and...

The youko withdrew his touch from Yomi's behind. Then he spoke again, softly, seductively...

"It's enough, Yomi. You passed the obedience test," Kurama declared, loud and clear to eveyone, as he left the newcomer on his own, still panting, still bending over the wall.

Kurama's words were hailed with a loud applause and acclamation arose from the group of thieves. Everyone got on their feet, cheering Yomi loudly, hooraying the new recruit with all energy, making it almost as loud as a party.

Kurama bore a snicker in his lips as he waved to the group.  Then the youko took his seat. At his command, everyone shut up, returning to their previous activities, silenced like magic.  A young youkai, apparently a runner, bent one knee before the youko, bringing him a pile of maps and letters. The group exchanged some  chit-chat, still watching Yomi...

The horned demon was still leaning on the wall, in the same position. He only moved when he noticed two kind arms wrapping his waist to offer him support. A wide piece of cloth was thrown onto his shoulders. It was Kuronue. He had found a mantle, and had just covered Yomi's nudity with it.

The demon with wings guided the other youkai out of there, the two of them edging into the shadows to reach a side tunnel. Yomi tried to protest, arguing that he still had much to say to Kurama, but Kuronue gently silenced him with one smile and one calm, caressing gesture.

"No. Not now, Yomi. There's much we need to talk yet."

Yomi looked around, to the whole hall, and his eyes locked at Kurama again. What a breathtaking demon... What a male... What a leader...

His erection was fading to a dull, decreasing tumescence now. The rush of ecstasy was vanishing. At last, even still unreleased, the heat which had flooded his body was cooling down...

"Does it mean I'm on, Kuronue? Did he accept me in his gang?"

The pony-tail guy smiled affectionaly.

"Yes, Yomi. Now, come, we need to find you new clothes." Kuronue caressed Yomi's back, very friendly. Then, he made the new recruit face him. "I'm sorry, I did not know anything about this obedience test."

Yomi lowered his head in agreement.

"It's alright, Kuronue. It's alright..." Yomi murmured. How could he mind about Kurama's test? It had provided him with one of  the hottest experiences of his whole demon life. That fox had shown him the way to reach pleasures he had never thought about...

Kuronue showed Yomi the way into another narrow tunel. Then, as he followed the horned rookie, he added, pesarously.
 
"I'm sorry, I forgot to tell you Kurama's got a sick sense of humor... "

Hikaru was astonished. He blinked, trying yet to cope with what Yomi had told him.

"What an atrociousness! How could you put up with such humiliation, Yomi-Sama?"

Yomi finished his cup, very calmly. Then he added another piece to the Gomoku board.

"I assure you that I loved every second of it..."