Hikaru closed his eyes for a moment, enjoying the warmth of the rice wine. He licked his own his lips, very softly.

"I have not experienced such submission. Nevertheless Hayashi's move towards me was very straightforward. He forced himself unto me. He coerced me to take him with insistence and sweetness. He seduced me with a careful balance of force and tenderness." The grey youko smiled. Even his blue eyes shone with a sudden happiness. "Hayashi was very clever. He did not know me well, but he perceived that if he had used a little less, or a little more aggressiveness I would not have given myself  to him."

Yomi smiled then. However he tried to conceal his gesture as he drew the cup to his lips, drinking some more sake.

"I presume the key to your heart is an even amount of softness and domination," Yomi suggested, openly curious.

The youko hesitated for a little while. He twisted his hands on his lap, and kept castdown eyes while he finally answered a low, timid, "yes..."

Yomi felt content with the revelation. He treasured that information in a very tender corner of his youkai heart, and in his memory. Who could know? It might prove useful in the future.

"Hum... On my part, I enjoy a lustful partner whom I can yield completely to."

"The King of the Makai enjoys being treated like a slave in bed?"

"That's exactly it, dear Hikaru."

Yomi showed a very mischievous smile. He kept his closed eyes straight towards Hikaru, facing him with undeniable interest. Nevertheless, the youko avoided the King's blind gaze, pretending to study the Gomoku board in search of the best move.

"It seems the way my fiancee Mitsui treated me. I was like a slave to her; or like a trained puppy she would sometimes throw a bone to... I have never any illusions that she loved me, but I was determined to fulfill our families' expectations. We had been promised one to the other since we were cubs." Hikaru breathed very deeply then. He played with one of the Gomoku pieces, fidgeting it in between his fingers before placing on the board. King Yomi was very bright... He had a very dubious strategy. Hikaru added a piece which blocked the King's row. "I imagined what I felt for Mitsui was love, till I was given that kiss..."

"I have never been with a female. I have not even tried it," Yomi commented. "When I was younger I appreciated youkai who would be pleased with a passive role. Till the day Kurama showed me the pleasures of being dominated."

"I see..."

"I would not bear lying with any female not even to be granted a son; Shura is engendered solely from my own cells and you-ki."

Hikaru acquiesced. If he had had the same opportunity he would not need to be tied to Mitsui for such boring, senseless bethrotal.

"Such technology was not available in the Crystal City. I was the First Son, and I was impelled to father all youko cubs I could."

"Have you had any children?"

"No," The youko answered, briefly. It was obvious the topic was not a pleasing one for him. Hikaru paused for a moment and finished his cup before continuing. "Mitsui and I were taking precautions because we had not officialized our union yet."

The youko changed position, maybe relaxing enough to pass a less formal impression. He kept a half-sitting position, one hand supporting him, and his tail and hair curled around his hips and onto his lap like a mantle of fur. Yomi could not avoid noticing his pale, delicate feet, and one beautiful ankle showing down his trousers's hem. Then the Retired King's attention was drawn to the youko's strong but graceful hands, which showed menacing nails. He was able to perceive that Hikaru was trembling, very lightly. And Yomi knew the reason for that slight, constant tremor; that demon's  energy was so intense, and yet so repressed, that it affected his whole body.

"After being assaulted by Hayashi, I became shocked. I could not understand the desire which was piling up in me. I ran back home, in a daze of astonishment. I did not stop for anything. I ignored every one who tried to compliment me, and gave my back to the compatriots who would bow before me as I passed, and I did not even care to respond the invitation of a group of friends, who called me to join them a Hunt..."

"A Hunt?"

The youko blinked his eyes, suddenly distracted from his own memories.

"Some of us hunt the golden-eyed youko for fun. In the old days we would make them our slaves, but this practice was abolished recently. The need to watch the prisoners and put them under magic wards became a little troublesome; therefore it was  mostly a hunt to kill."

"Oh... Kurama has actual, very well-based reasons to hate your race then..."

The grey youko glowered.

"So please, query Kurama about the torture blue-eyed youko suffer whenever they become prey of a band of plant-weavers..."

Yomi raised one hand in an appeasing gesture. He smiled very gently. That grey youko was quiet and polite, but he possessed intensity and a wild verve underneath. He was truly fascinating...

"I understand the ill-feelings were mutual. Now, please... Indulge me with your story..."

Hikaru allowed Yomi to pour them more sake. He could feel the drink start to affect him. The youko was gradually relaxing as he enjoyed the company, and the unique challenge which was taking place in between him and the King. It was not a mere game; he could perceive being released from much of his self-pity, fear and anger, as he spoke. He felt less fearful of disclosing his past than before.

"All the ones I met on my way would smile and be nice, happy to greet the one they expected to be the future ruler of our nation. But I would not give attention to anyone. I kept my fingers covering my own mouth, afraid someone might notice something... My legs trembled, my heart pounded, and I was very aware I was coated with that youko's smell. It was all over my tunic, all over my hair... That musk was not my own, but another male's; this fact was making me insane... "

Yomi sensed the heat burn in Hikaru's cheeks, and kindly kept his thoughts for himself. He wished not to embarass his guest any further. He also knew by his own experience how enrapturing the scent of a fox demon could be. It was a true mate's call; pure sex, pure energy and lust.

"I felt drained. I was truly out of my normal senses. I passed by my fiancee's residence, and did not even care to stop and see if she had reached her family in safety. All I had in mind was that my mouth was still filled with the taste of that kiss..."

"It felt very stimulating, yes?"

Hikaru showed a very faint smile.

"I wanted more of it." He kept his eyes down low as he continued. His voice assumed a very feeble tone, soft like a prayer. "My groin ached with the sensation of unrelieved pleasure. A twitch of agony and tension ran up my spine. My sex throbbed whenever I recalled the strength of his hands holding me..."

Yomi assented. He could understand it perfectly. He felt the same after meeting Kurama - crushed by his extreme sex-appeal.

"I arrived to the Palace, and sneaked away of everyone's sight. In the least, my parents and my brother Seiji were, like always, too busy with their own affairs to notice me, or request my presence. I took refuge in my own quarters, beneath sealed doors and closed curtains. I abandoned myself in my bed, struck by the recent events. There was no means to deny the erection in my groin. I needed to fondle myself in order to calm down. In my closed sleeping room, the scent which impregnated me grew stronger. Hayashi must have been in some kind of rut, because it was particularly intense. It was far better than any female's perfume; I felt intoxicated..."

Yomi laughed.

"I realize why your union with your bride-to-be was not officialized - Hayashi smelled like love, and she smelled like trouble!"

Hikaru laughed as well. Aware of the youko's change of humor, the King felt a sudden twitch of emotion charge that old demon's heart which vibrated in his chest. Hikaru was so beautiful, and yet, his constant tension concealed it all.

"Ah! It's much better to see you smile! We need to laugh of our own tragedies. It is the best way to overcome them."

Hikaru acquiesced, still laughing.

"I spent the rest of the day and the night locked, cuddled to my pillows, with sheets wrapped around me, still breathing that luscious scent which cloaked me. I was so perturbed that I needed to give myself release. I remained in bed the rest of the afternoon and all night long, under the excuse I was meditating. But in fact I was stroking myself, masturbating on the sheets, and dreaming awake of that strange brown youko."

Yomi nodded his head softly. He drank some more sake then, in silence, allowing Hikaru to continue.

"I imagined Hayashi doing to me all kinds of things we know involve a male to male relationship, and the more I fantasized more excited I became." The youko rose his clear blue eyes towards Yomi, facing the King with frank confidence. The sake was helping to bring down his reserve. "Even just envisioning it, I had more intense orgasms than the ones I had shared with my vixen. It was then I realized how real pleasure could be like."

"Yes..."

"I was ashamed of my own sudden need, but I could not help. We, who were chosen to be Inari's escorts had always distinguished ourselves from the low-class, common golden-eyed youko by our morale. We have always controlled our impulses in order to be disciplined and loyal guardians of our Divinity. We would never allow Passion and Instinct to overrule us like it happened to our savage plant-weaver cousins."

Hikaru breathed deeply then.

"But I could not resist the passion I felt for Hayashi. I could not struggle against all that lustful energy which was making me burn and consuming my whole reason. I gave myself release many times, but in the end, as I lay back I felt guilty somehow... I had spent the most lustful afternoon and early evening. I was immersed in an devouring heat, but the night and the dawn found me struck with guilt. When the morning came, I lit the fireplace and burned everything. I burned my musk-tainted clothes, my semen-smeared sheets and pillowcases... And I even tried to burn the remnants of that obssession in my heart by thinking rationally. When the day started, I was firmly convinced I must forget everything, because I would never see Hayashi again."

"So?" Yomi prompted, curious about the outcome of  that love story.

"Servants knocked at my door to inform me of a tumult which was taking place right before the Palace. I hurried to verify, with not hesitation, because somehow, in the back of my head, I could foresee what was happening..."

"Was it Hayashi?"

"Yes. A group of hunters and guards had just captured him within the City walls..."
 

Inside the city itself there were no walls, no closed gates, no fences. The avenues were wide and beautiful mansions had been erected along the peaceful streets. These open, highly decorated houses were built with the most different types of rocks and crystals, always surrounded by neat gardens. These gardens were a balanced harmony or rocks, fountains and plants. Lanterns carved of  clear gneiss or sandstone were put along the streets, gardens, and at the mansions entrances. Their guiding fire was always lit up, even during the day.

That city was a very quiet place, despite the immense and highly fortified crystal wall. On the front of that beautiful, but impenetrable bulwark, dark hematite gates were kept carefully shut and guarded. All the fortified structure was kept under strict vigilance. Whoever had managed to invade must be a cunning, but not a prudent demon.

Hikaru grew deadly pale when his eyes met the circle formed around one defeated, bent figure with brown fur. The insane, angered screams coming from that small but indignated crowd made him hurry up, and interfere. The law was that any golden-eyed invasor caught in the City should be stoned to death.

The First Son's presence was enough to lessen much of the din and agitation. Many of the youko forming that mob held  pointed stones in their hands, aiming them at the trespasser. Others  shouted loud, furious insults, in an excited histery. When Hikaru appeared among them the circle of youko around the defeated intruder gave way..

It was then Hikaru could be sure. Yes... The black tribal tattoos were there... It was that sleazy brown fox he had met... Undaunted, Hikaru stepped forward, trying to detain the mob.

One gesture, and the whole crowd of youko, young or old, stooped the insults and that shameless exhibition of ferocity. In fact, Hikaru had never approved such heartlessness. Hikaru noticed, with a fit of pain in his chest, that Hayashi was wounded and bruised. The brown youko huddled against himself. He kept his bristled tail across his lap, while he hid his head under his arms for protection.

Poor devil... If he were a powerful youko, he would not have been captured so easily. His naked, tattooed body shuddered under the painful wounds, and he extended out one pleading hand. Hikaru heard his voice; it was a harsh, and yet beautiful voice, begging them to stop the torture...

Hikaru looked down, at the the many stones which had already been hurled against the brown youko. No one deserved that, not even a golden-eyed fox-demon...

"I forbid the stoning." Hikaru announced, adressing the crowd firmly. His eyes glanced every one, either children or dignataries, with the same command and resolve.

Many agreed, even showing disappointement. But a compact group of brawny, impulsive young foxes stood on Hikaru's way, preventing him to reach for Hayashi as he intended.

And to Hikaru's surprise, his own younger brother made a stand before him.

Hikaru was a grey youko but Seiji was a black fox, like their father. And much like him, even being younger, Seiji he was taller, bearing a more vigorous build, whereas the First Son was smaller, polite, introverted, almost feminine; Hikaru resembled their mother. Supported by his more powerful constitution, Seiji faced his brother with an arrogant display and a sardonic little smile.

"Yes, older brother. There will be no stoning. We are kicking him to death..."

Seiji advanced quickly, aiming at the alien youko's side, He kicked him with all his might, then.

Hikaru halted, terrified. His shock was so intense, that he could not react. He watched Hayashi fall and roll on the dust, curling into himself and shuddering with the pain. But he let out neither a single moan nor a cry.

"Stop, Seiji!"

Then Hikaru realized he was alone, defending a public enemy, in front of members of his own family and the people he should rule. It was a very risky position. Yet, he spread his arms, standing before the agonizing Hayashi, to prevent anyone from hitting him again. Hikaru stared at his brother with an authority he rarely displayed. The First Son was widely known for being quiet and peaceful, the very opposite of his brother, who, apart from being the best Hunter of the city, was also chief of the local security forces. The grey youko faced his black-haired brother  knowing that even although the physical strenght was on Seiji's side, tradition and laws were on his favour. Seiji ought to obbey the First Son's every command.

"I do not want this plant weaver killed. He must be taken to prison and questioned."

A low disappointed protest came from around them. But Hikaru stood firm.

"There might be other golden-eyed youko around. This foreigner must be interrogated. We cannot risk that any other of these beasts enter our city!"'

Hikaru glimpsed at the mistreated brown youko on the ground. Hayashi managed to rise on his fours, but he kept his head low, probably still dazed by pain. A large red spot appeared on his flank, marking where he had been kicked so brutally.

The voice of reason spoke clearer and louder, and many of the youko who gathered around the King's sons nodded in agreement to Hikaru's proposal. It was enough for Seiji to withdraw, keeping, literally , his tail between his legs. The black-haired youko bowed slightly before Hikaru. Centuries of tradition bounded him to abide to his older brother.

 Some of the palace guards had arrived to support Hikaru on his orders. They dispersed the crowd effectively, and held Hayashi, bringing him up and forcing him to get on his feet and walk.

It was then that the brown youko looked up at Hikaru. Their eyes, blue and golden, met for one stolen moment. Hayashi's spiky, filthy hair tumbled upon his face, but Hikaru still managed to perceive one twisted, but deliciously sexy smile in his lips. That smelly youko mouthed a short sentence before being dragged away. But Hikaru could understand the meaning, reading his thin lips. "Thanks, gorgeous," was what he had whispered...

The Heir laid his fingers over his mouth again, supressing a smile. Gorgeous? He had never been called gorgeous by anyone. To be addressed that way, in such a sexy fashion, made a sudden flow of warmth fill his body... It was exciting and comforting at the same time.

With some effort Hikaru managed to fade away that silly, satisfied smile from his lips. Stern and circumspect as he always were, he spoke to his brother one last time.

"I am starting the Interrogation right away. I want a formal report from you. I need to know where and under which circunstances this youko was found. Provide that a search be done, Seiji. There might be other plant weavers lurking the surroundings."

Hikaru could feel the resentment grow in his brother. Seiji's dark blue eyes became charged with emotion and a mute anger, which he was compelled by tradition to keep locked inside and never ever say aloud, not even to their own parents.

In fact, the grey fox felt very uneasy about ordering his younger brother. Seiji always intimidated him, making a stand agaisnt him required much of his willpower. It had only been Hikaru's keen, immense interest for Hayashi that caused him to defy his brother...

Now that the worst seemed past, Hikaru felt relieved.

Seiji bowed before Hikaru, and left, calling together his group of boastful, young males. Hikaru's relief was intense. He sighed out then...
 

"It is said there is nothing more harmful to the First Son than a Second Son. I can guess the kind of pressures you were put through daily."

Hikaru's face changed with distress.

"He would not bear with the fact that I was the Heir. Even if Seiji managed to generate diamonds properly, and I could not, he would be nothing but a Regent; Seiji would rule only till I had my full powers developed. My brother envied me bitterly, and I have never before noticed the whole scope of his enmity till then."

"I have no family; not that I know. I remember vaguely being raised by a female youkai who claimed to be a fortune teller in one small village in the North. But I started to follow mercenary troops when I was still very young. I was already in search of fame and fortune, I must add." The King smiled then. He drank more, enjoying the delicate radiance from that youko's face. Even being a youko, it was clear Hikaru kept deep feelings inside. His coldness was merely appearance, which made him very different from the Youko Kurama who Yomi knew in his past. "You are very attached to your family, correct? How can you tolerate living far from them?"

The youko sighed in, painfully.

"It is very difficult to be away. Our clan is very united. We have always lived together instead of  scattered around the way golden-eyed youko do. I still miss my country and my family very much," Hikaru's lips curved in one slight, bitter smile. "I do not think they miss me though..."
 

Hikaru felt oppressed by those chambers. He had never been in that part of the palace before. He loved  the cosy sensation of the rocks surrounding him and the steady, vibrating energy coming form the earth. However, in those dungeons, he could almost feel the echo of  pain of all the many prisoners who had been tortured, killed, and marked as slaves there.

He tried not to let it all affect him much. He followed the guards, surprised to see that Hayashi was not opposing his imprisonement. Maybe he was too wounded or weak to try to fight.

The youko was shoved into one of those cells. Then, a massive block of granite was effortlessly pushed by the guards, locking the confining chamber. There was no need of locks; the weight of that stone block was enough to assure that no plant weaver could move it.

Hikaru's eyes roamed around the cave hall, observing the torches which burned here and there, revealing the many carved signs, spells and wards. Torches could be used as a weapon; but he found a large candle stuck to one cut in the cave wall, and reached for it, while adressing the guards.

"I will stay here. I must start the interrogation right away. You can go back to your posts. The magical bindings shall keep me safe enough."

The two robust youko bowed at once before the Heir, sheathing their long obsidian daggers, and heading to the dungeon's exit.

Alone, Hikaru walked to the granite block which sealed the chamber. He placed his hand onto the stone, still a litle hesitant, trying to know which would be his real motives to enter. Yes, he must interrogate the suspect, but the real reason for his interest was not his nation's security... No...

The candle trembled in his hand and the youko needed to support his weight against the stone. That kiss... Yes.. He needed to know why he had been assaulted that way, and moreover, he must know why he had that strong feeling of lust and heat consuming him from the inside. He needed to test himself and verify if he could resist that roguish youko, or if his sanity was lost forever.

The grey youko breathed deeply. The air in those undergrounds was moist and dense. The smell of  the rocks and moist earth packed the cave; it was not disgusting to him, much the contrary. But that plant-weaver must prefer the perfume of fresh herbs...

Hikaru's hand glowed with an eerie haze of you-ki as he slid the heavy granite block to the side. He passed, and even before he looked for the prisoner, he shut the passage behind him with a soft gesture; enough to push the rock back.

He kept his back turned to the prisoner for a moment, still at lost of words. He breathed in, and sensed that youko's scent again; the small jail appeared to make Hayashi's aroma stronger. The candle drew fickering, oscillating  shadows onto the walls as Hikaru's hand trembled intensely...

"Hi gorgeous. You've come to visit me so soon? This is great!"

Hikaru closed his eyes. That hoarse, impudent voice... And he did not need to look to be sure of  the smile showing on that scoundrel's face.

"I need to question you."

"Hum... I am at your disposal..." Hikaru heard the sound of the other fox's half-muffled laughter then. "You can do to me a lot more than just questioning..."

Hikaru shuddered. Oh, Hayashi was too naughty, too indecent! He bit his lips not to allow a smile. Yes; he was indecent, dirty, impudent, shaggy but also the sexiest youko he had ever found...

Hikaru placed the candle on a ledge of the cave wall. His fingers were trembling too much. Only then he turned to face the brown fox, very slowly, cautiously, afraid of the effect those golden eyes could exert on him.

The youko was squatted in a corner, showing an indolent smile on his lips. His stiff-furred tail bumped the rocky floor, in a content, welcoming rhythm. He started licking his own arm then, making his tongue slip all over the skin of his forearm and the back of his hand, tending his bruises. Then, still smiling, he let the back of his hand very wet, with many successive slips, and rubbed the inner part of his right thigh.

To make things worse, he was still wearing only the loincloth... Hikaru's eyes danced along those weird, and yet fascinating tattoos, in a means to avoid staring straight at his amber eyes.

"Are you much hurt?", Hikaru managed to ask, with a stiffled, tense voice.

"You can come here and check for yourself... How about that?"

A sharp shock struck Hikaru right into his chest. He felt sickness start at his stomach, and for a second he wanted to walk towards that stranger and beg for another kiss and... Oh... So much more...
 
"I am sorry. But our traditions against plant weavers are very rigid. I said you should not have come here."

Hayashi shook his head. His ears twitched atop his head, and he scratched his crotch, in a crude shamelessness.

"I am not a plant weaver, I told you." His smile widened then. His deep eyes, shadowed by spots and by the entangled spiky hair falling on his brow, fixed onto Hikaru. "It was a good price to pay to see you again."

Hikaru tried to attain himself to the facts. He could not allow that youko to accost him that way.

"Are you not a plant weaver?"

"No. I am a different kind of youko." He scratched his ragged ear then.

The grey fox was a little startled for a while. His curiosity made him advance some steps closer to Hayashi. The brown youko remained in the same place, in the same position. But he tossed his hair off his eyes, to observe Hikaru better.

"Yes, Blue Eyes... You are very beautiful. Even here, under this dim light. Your eyes are like jewels..."

"Flatterer. You better stop with your lies," Hikaru commented. He managed to prevent a delighted smile from his face, but he could not detain the quick glint of pleasure which sparkled in the corner of his eyes. "Tell me. If you are not a plant weaver, what are your powers? Seduction?"

Hayashi burst in a joyful laughter. His tanned face showed wrinkles around his eyes and mouth when he smiled like that, but those lines made him much more attractive. They made him genuine, trusting, unbound...

"Do you feel like I am seducting you?"

"Yes, I do."
 
"No, gorgeous. It is your beauty that takes my breath away..." Saying it, Hayashi slowly got on his feet, always smiling. An enticing light revealed in his narrow, but vibrant golden eyes. He was so self-confident and precise in his approach, that Hikaru needed to step back to escape his wrapping arms... "Come here... I know you are dying to be kissed again..."

Hikaru almost panicked. The ground vibrated softly under his feet, accompanying his own tremor. He extended his hands to try to keep Hayashi away.

"No! Stand back!"

"Aye, Blue Eyes! You don't need to be nervous!" The brown youko added then, in a teasing mischief, "I've got enough down here to calm you down..."

The blue-eyed fox stared at the other with anger.

"I need you to tell me if there are other golden-eyed youko around, and where. I need to know who they are, and how many. I must be told why you came here," Hikaru demanded, dryly. "If you cooperate I will spare your life."

"Spare my life?"

"Yes. You will solely be made a slave."

"Hum... But I am already a slave of your love, gorgeous..."

Hikaru was exasparated with all those flirting jests. Damn! Could it be possible that ragged-ear youko had nothing in his mind but sex?

"Are you in a rut? Stop playing! I mean it!"

"I'm not playing. I want to know you better, Blue Eyes..."

It was then the brown fox leaped forward, grasping Hikaru in a fierce, sudden hug. The grey youko tried to fight and pull Hayashi away. Hikaru tried, but when he felt his back stroked affectionately while one knee opened passage between his thighs,  he could not resist. Hayashi's warm and sweet-smelling breath caressed his face...

Hikaru readily parted his lips to receive the kiss.  He breathed deeply, relaxing as he entered an entranced state when he savored the other male's tongue slipping into his mouth, and touching his in a drooling dance. Hikaru could just moan in response, letting all his five senses be filled with delight.

Hayashi's insistent hands ran all along the grey youko's back, pressing them tighter together. Hikaru was cut by a intense tremor of ecstasy when he noticed one hand caress his tail and then move to clasp the round muscle of his buttock.

"Ahh... Stop... Please... Don't do it, please..."

"You're hot, gorgeous... I want to hump you... You must be so good doing it..."

Hikaru squirmed, ashamed but also delighted because of that embrace. A sharp shock of arousal started along his sex, and the rush of blood and heat started to harden his penis. He was totally entranced by that other's fox enticement.

He felt the older youko's hips buck his, and something hard and hot be pressed against his lower abdomen. He could feel the warm pulsation rush along Hayashi's  erection. It was a sensation that passed from the other's body to his own one, as their sexes rubbed together...

But it was all too new, too soon, to fast...

The ground trembled again, only under Hayashi's feet. It was enough for the brown fox to lose some of his balance and relax the grip around Hikaru. The grey fox took the moment to evade himself from that intense, overwhelming embrace.

Hikaru stepped back, hurrying to lean on the opposite prison wall, panting heavily. His hand covered his mouth, again. His fingers caressed his own lips as he spoke, and his eyes displayed a wide expression of fear and shocked hesitation. Nevertheless, Hayashi did not insist. He acquiesced, very kindly, while standing perfectly erect, to exhibit the arrogant silhouette of his arousal, hard and pulsating, under the cloth which covered his parts.

"Yes, I'll let you go... But I know you will soon come to me again. I can see it."

"You are over confident, seducer!" Hikaru protested, still having a difficult time to try to calm himself down.

"The way you respond to my kiss makes me sure you are hunger of love." The brown fox caressed his own erection, and winked one eye to Hikaru, as if calling him closer.

Hikaru's face presented a twisted glare of displeasure. He showlily gave his back to the brown youko, and his hand already reached out to touch the granite door.

"I will allow you to overcome your heat period. I will be back later, and I suggest you start thinking on the answers to my questions, or I shall order you to be tortured."

"Not being able to get into your pants is torture enough, gorgeous..."

Hikaru kept his eyes down low as he slowly pushed the granite block aside; just enough for him to pass. He had crossed the doorway, resolute and firm. But before he managed to shut the passage again, he heard that filthy fox announce, loud and boastful:

"I'll be here waiting for you! Come anytime!"
 

Hikaru denied it, gently.

"No. The allurement which joined was mutual and totally natural. Hayashi carried healing powers. It is a very rare, and also very praised race between us youko."

"You resisted boldly to his proposal. I admire you for your resoluteness"

The grey youko gave Yomi an embarrassed smile.

"The resistance did not last much, I shall confess you."

Yomi shared the same amused, conspiratory smile with Hikaru.

"The very first moment I spent alone in Kurama's company, I could not resist him at all. I had no means, no strenght to hold back my desire.  That youko... He could spin me round with one single sideways glance..." Yomi's shut eyes were directed towards the game board. His smiled widened. And, on the contrary of what Hikaru must be expecting, instead of placing a third piece in line, he started to form another row, to try to fence his opponent's tactics. Now he knew that game would take them both very far...