After a short but focused silence, Yomi placed another piece on the board. The red and black dotted pattern was spreading; one fourth of the Gomoku board was almost taken.

The King took a deep breath, before emptying his cup in one single draw. The drink was starting to affect him a little...

"It must be hard to share a life with one you do not love. It is what happened to Kuronue in relation to Kurama. When he an adolescent demon, Kurama had been his hero; a true divinity which he worshipped fervently. But after a long while, the silver fox seemed devoid of allurement for him. Even so, Kuronue insisted in keeping the relationship for a combination of habit and gratitude." Yomi smiled. "Well, he had great sex too... There's no way to deny your demon race masters the art of sensual pleasures... Isn't it true, dear Hikaru?"

The youko wished he had someplace to hide. He flushed intensely.

"Maybe we should bring Kinno to clarify such matters. He is believed to be a true specialist."

Yomi filled his cup and Hikaru's, pouring sake to the top.

"I perceive pretty well the satisfied smile my son shows. It is evidence enough of the youko's mastery in this field..."

Hikaru looked at the King from the corner of his eye. Sometimes he felt very uneasy about the direction their talk headed to. What did Yomi-sama expect from him?

"You were saying..."

Yomi was shaken out of his thoughtful state. He forced himself to go back to topic.

"I was saying that even if Kuronue did not love Kurama with the same intensity as when their relationship started, he felt the it fitted his expectations well enough. Till the day I arrived."

Hikaru drank form his cup very slowly, savoring the flavor and the warmth. They had been there for a long time, and yet the more they talked, the more they wanted to talk further.

"Haven't you felt atracted by Kuronue? Not even a litlle?"

Yomi shook his beautiful horned head. He shifted in the cushions then, leaving the rigid position he had assumed till then, sitting straight on his ankles. He sat normally, much more relaxed. He bent one knee, and reclined himself a little, supporting his body on one arm.

"Kuronue was a very nice guy. Easygoing, trusting, and yet, I could only think of him as a friend." Yomi picked a handful of the round Gomoku pieces, and started to play with them, making them rattle in his cupped hand. "Kurama was jealous, but he soon realized that if he did anything against me, Kuronue would disapprove his act gravely. And he did not want Kuronue to bear a grudge on him."

Hikaru showed an almost imperceptible grimace; hearing the name Kurama brought immediate disgust  to him.

"I assume Kurama started to treat you a little better after a while, then..."

Yomi relaxed more... He slid his fingers down his hair, disentangling a few black strands from the horn on the right side of his brow. Then he reached the cup on the table, drinking again.

"I can tell you the way I felt. Kurama's feelings and motivations have always remained a mystery to me. Even now, that sweet youko, father of five, is still like a sphynx. I suppose not even his partner knows the intensity of the terrors and passions which dwell that demon's half-human heart."

"A little mystery may add spice to life, I think."

"A little mistery... But Kurama seemed to be wearing a mask the entire time. It was terryfying!"

"The terror he inspired turned you on, right?"

Yomi acquiesced, as he sipped more sake. His fingers tapped the perfectly polished floor, following the rhythm of a very particular music, he was the only one to hear. He hesitated a little, but then he smiled, raising his extremely pale semblance towards Hikaru.

"And his beauty... "

Hikaru shook his head very slowly.

"Your relationship with him was not a healthy one."

Yomi agreed. But he kept silence for a while, apparently studying the gameboard with his blind, and yet graceful shut eyes. His long fingers slowly approached the squared game field, holding one piece, very delicately. He placed the piece in between others, with a precision which was unbelievable for a blind person.

Hikaru took one look at the game. His eyes widened. Yomi had managed to put four pieces in a perfect row. He must do something to detain his next move, or he would loose the competition.

"It was not healthy, but I enjoyed every moment we spent together, till he dumped me. And I would do it all again, just for a chance to kiss his mouth, stroke his body, and make love with him..."

Yomi's voice revealed such passion, such seduction, that Hikaru felt a shiver shake his body; a shiver of restrained desire. He had never allowed himself to have any other romantic relationship, since he had lost Hayashi...

The youko embraced his own chest, as if feeling cold. He turned his eyes down, and he was very aware his pale face now revealed a tense scowl, as if of pain, to alter his features.

He did not say a word, but Yomi easily noticed his afliction. The King changed the subject then, wisely. Hikaru was much more sensitive than he could have imagined.

"The fact is that I was commited to do all I could for Kurama to notice me. I wanted to show him I made a difference in his band. My main concern had always been to stand out from the others, and make my fame and my name, enough to impress Kurama and force him to value me."

Hikaru agreed, softly swaying his head. But he did not lift his eyes. He kept curled to himself, in an elegant pose. His hair fell all down his back like a brilliant grey cascade.

He was beautiful... Different from Kurama, and yet, as mysterious and strong as Kurama... Yomi smiled; grey and silver were such subtle shades of color...

"You wanted to show him you were not just a pathetic demon."

Yomi agreed, strongly.

"Yes. I loved him. I needed him to see me as a demon with personal value. I had the illusion then, maybe he would be interested on me, and then he could eventually be his partner, and not just another one night stand."

"But this is the way most golden-eyed youko love. It is very uncommon for them to share long partnerships, or any type of loving commitement." Hikaru raised his eyes then. His lips formed a slight, but sweet smile as he recalled his loving Hayashi.  Despite his manners, and his careless ways, he was not the wanton type of youko. "I suppose you and Kurama did not share sexual intercourse after that first night."

"No. He has not called me back to his quarters, till much later." Yomi sighed in, recalling the nervous expectancy he kept every night, craving deeply to be called to Kurama's quarters for an audience, a report, a scolding, anything... But it only happened again after a long while. "I dreamed of the day Kurama would call me to his bed once more." His shut eyes stared straight at Hikaru. "Love makes us act like fools sometimes... We lack dignity, we forget decorum, we destroy traditions... All in the name of love..."

Hikaru's response was a murmured, and yet extremely touching, "Yes..."

Yomi continued.

"The first mission was a very simple one. We needed to find a vault, hidden in the depths of a forest just a few miles form there, and rescue the treasure buried inside. It was a very easy mission, but I was very nervous. I had to take heart to lead ten youkai, which was the squad I had been assigned to chief. Anyway, I only knew these details when Kuronue joined us."

"Was it a night mission?"

"No, no... But Kuronue would often join us during the day. He would complain a lot, show dark spots under his eyes, but he would be there whenever needed, ready to lead the most important incursions." Yomi's smile widened, as he recalled the scenes from his past. "It was so funny to see him then... He used to wear a a torn black hat with a wide brim, enough to cover his eyes. The poor devil would do anything to avoid daylight; his sight was very sensitive..."

Yomi sighed deeper. A furrow of concentration was drawn on his brow, as he continued his exposition.

"Kuronue was a very kind person. He was believed to be the last of his tribe; he had been captured during a war between two small kingdoms and taken as prisoner. He told me his wings had been crushed so as to avoid his flying away. The broken bones never mended perfectly, and thus he lost the ability to fly long distances; all he could do was mostly glide." Yomi played with one strand of his hair, while he thoughtfully raised his head, as if staring at the ceiling. It had happened too long ago... Evoking those memories were bringing about more pleasure and a sweeet nostalgia of the times gone by than any pain. His differences with Kurama had been set, after all... How could they still keep any resentment now that their sons were together, sharing so much happiness?

"Kuronue neened warmth; he needed a kind of constant, caring affection which youko Kurama had not learned yet how to offer. Kurama loved him, and yet it was a cold love; it was most desire, habit and possession than any type of higher feeling, I imagine. Kuronue had complained to me, in a very private conversation, that he had always been very resentful of Kurama's attitude towards him. He thought sometimes Kurama treated him like an object, a pet or a servant. The youko loved him, and yet he did not know how to show him, and assure him of this feeling."

"It is very different from the way you loved Kurama, I imagine."

"My love for Kurama was total; it was overwhelming. I was almost insane. I don't think I would ever love anyone so much, so passionately..."

"We love every person we relate to in a different manner. There are different manners of expressing, giving and receiving love. It depends on many factors."

Yomi smiled. Yes. It made perfect sense to him... And maybe it explained the sudden interest which was growing fast inside his spirit for Hikaru. In fact, Yomi almost spoke of it aloud. He almost expressed the new feeling he shared in words, but he still kept it all to himself. Perhaps they needed much more time to acknowledge each other before engaging into any deeper relationship. He could see Hikaru was fearful, yet much resistant to share his experiences. The youko must be afraid of  giving too much of himself too soon, and suffer the consequences.

"Kuronue was very protective, very kind. He noticed right the following day I was not well because of the rude manner Kurama had treated me. He insisted in being near me all the time, till the moment we had to disband to carry out the mission."

"Did you tell him about what happened?"

"No. But I imagine he suspected of it. He was much experienced in relation to Kurama. He knew most of that fox's tricks, we could say so... It was a short trip till the mission's objective, but he remained by my side all the while. As we walked he told me a lot about his own past, as to help passing the time..." Yomi reached for the bottle, but it was alredy empty. He readily reached out for another one. The servants had placed many other bottles just at arm's reach from them. They still had much to drink. "Kuronue was so sweet... He cared for everyone... I think he would be kind even to his enemies. He was a a light counterpart to Kurama's dark, vengenceful temperament."

Yomi drunk then, slowly. Hikaru followed his gesture, and they held silence for a while, only enjoying the rice wine. And then, Yomi pretended not to be aware, but he knew Hikaru would not deviate his precious blue eyes from him. Thankfully he might be as atractive and interesting to Hikaru, as Hikaru was to him...

"Maybe being the last of his tribe had softened his heart, instead of filling him with the need for a blind irrational revenge and rebellion. He had everything; he was feared, respected, and the most desirable youko of the Makai loved him madly. Yet, Kuronue felt lonesome. He was peaceful, intelligent, calm and loving. I had the impression he wanted to keep the ones he loved under his wings, to be able to protect them... He was always around me, helping me; he was like my guardian in that gang." Yomi sighed deeply, then. "Kuronue would give his life for a friend's without hesitation."

Hikaru showed a smile. A smile which was graceful, and yet carried a faint shade of pain in it.

"Oh... I'm afraid Kuronue was like my Hayashi..."

Yomi agreed.

"It is said the good die young..." he added, gravely.

The grey youko delicately covered his eyes with his hand for one very short moment. His chest rose and fell in one deep, afflictive suspiration.

"Ah, Yomi-sama... I'm afraid this is an undeniable truth..."
 
 

He had no time to breathe, no time to rejoice for his victory. Two other youkai were already atacking him, brandishing their weapons against him.

Yomi took one, two steps back. One of those idiots was waving a heavy mace, which missed his head because he managed to dodge the blow at the last instant.

Damn! How was he supposed to fence a mace with a sword?

Another step backwards, and Yomi took the chance to look around. He snatched tighter the valuable chest under his left arm. His fingers clutched vigorously to it. It was the treasure Kurama had sent the band for, and it had been him, it had been his squad who managed to find the correct spot along that intricate rocky cliffside which edged that dense forest. The many squads had spread all over the area. There were many gorges, many narrow chasms, a great number of caves to explore what seemed a scrambled mass of rocks and trees. But he had been the one to devise the old rock idol, buried under vines and climbing plants of all kinds, almost invisible to the unnatentive eye. And under the idol's feet, in a secret compartiment, the small chest Kurama wanted so much...

All he could think of  was his pride in stepping before Kurama, satisfied for presenting him the treasure, knowing he had been smart enought to find it, and strong enough to defend it...

He had gathered his squad around the idol. They let all vigilance down, relaxing, as Yomi called them all together. They all talked and exchanged jokes, distracted, celebrating their discovery and Yomi was so happy, that he missed the ambushing enemy forces which circled them.

They did not count that treasure had so many fierce guardians. From one second to the other, they became totally surrounded by enemies.

The only way out was to fight all they could.

The forest was like a thick, dark jumble, which restrained his movements and vigilance. The small band was scattered among the enemies. There were two, or three enemies for each of Yomi's troop. The surprise had not allowed them to start any strategy, any battle formation. They fought all for themselves. The clanging sounds of weapons colliding, cries and angry roars were loud, but maybe not enough to call the attention of any of the other squads. He had been given no opportunity to send anyone out for help. There would be no back up. They were on their own.

Yomi knew he was loosing his troopers in that ambush. He had seen more than one fall down, trespassed by either a sword or spear.

It was then Yomi aimed a fierce, very direct blow, straight at the mace-carrier youkai. He used all his strenght, and a precise stroke, and his blade pierced his enemy's belly, making that despicable devil fall at his feet. The sword was stuck in for a moment, and Yomi needed to shift aside quicky, or the semi-circular wide blow the other enemy targetted at him would have slashed his throat.

He reacted, calling forth the others of his band, crying out loud to encourage them to resist and put more of themselves into battle. They were good! They were the best! They needed to show Kurama the difference they made!

He pulled his sword back from the corpse, and ugly squelching sounds were heard as he did it. But it was all very fast. Yomi pulled, and in one single movement, he wielded his weapon at his enemy's side.

The demon fell to his knees. He tried to get on his feet and counter attack, but Yomi brandished his bloodstained sword again, aiming at the bastards's neck.

His head was thrown meters away by the blow...

But there was no time to celebrate. Another youkai had come to face Yomi. A huge, ferocious tusked warrior carrying a battle-axe.  The villain showed a hideous grimace, and he roared very loud, like a true beast.

Damn! But even then, Yomi still held the small treasure chest, and all he could think of was that he must fight, he must survive. If he died he would never be able to see Kurama again....

He counted that huge monster must be slow enough not to dodge a fast stroke.

Instead of a direct attack, Yomi circled him, running to his left flank. Even before the monster could turn and react, he stuck his blade in one upwards movement, slashing that idiot's belly in a slaugthering blow.

Yomi felt a sudden dislocation of air at his side. Then he heard the loud thump as the axe's blade stuck against the ground. The weapon had missed his side for mere milimetres....

Yomi pulled back. The youkai still tried to reach him, but he gave one, two, hesitant, giddy steps, as he held his own entrails in his hand, and fell down, heavily, at Yomi's feet...

The horned youkai's hand caressed the small wooden treasure box he carried. He sighed in, tired from the battle.

It was then he perceived a fast shadow come over him. He turned around, fast, just in time to see another youkai at his back, with a broadsword pointed out right at him... Yomi had no time to step aside. For a short second he felt he would die there, pierced by that huge sword...

But it was the enemy who fell down, not Yomi. He tumbled down, at Yomi's feet, with one blade stuck deep right in the middle of his shoulder blades...

The horned demon only understood what happened whenhe raised his eyes and met  the familiar figure - He promptly recognized the black wings, the black vest, the beautiful long pony-tail and the wide black hat.

Kuronue smiled at Yomi. He bent over to retrieve his throwing blade from that villain's carcasse, and Yomi looked around. The back up had arrived. He had had no opportunity to call for any, but Kuronue might have perceived the danger and ran with his squad to help him... The youkai under Kuronue's command were already going after the enemies, shoooing them away or killing them. They had arrived at the right moment!

Yomi stepped forward, very aware of the weight of the casket under his arm, and patted Kuronue's arm, giving him a true, thankful smile.

"That was close... You saved my life, Kuronue..."

The pony-tailed youkai smiled wider. He tugged the brim of his hat down, to cover his eyes better. The reflexes of the daylight were annoying him much. Then he circled Yomi's shoulders with one arm. Kuronue looked around, ordering one, two of his youkai wiith wide gestures, indicating them to watch the surroundings. Then he returned to Yomi. His eyes fell on the small chest he carried.

"So you found it, heh? Kurama is going to have a surprise..."

Yomi smiled too. He snuggled the casket tight under his arm, too proud of himself. He had risked his life, but he would do everything he could to prove Kurama his value.

"Yes, I hope Kurama will be happy with my successful action. But I could lose it all if you hadn't appeared at the right moment, Kuronue... What can I do to thank you?" Yomi insisted, a little embarressed that he had not been able to deal wtih the situation himself.

Kuronue kicked the corpse at his feet. His wings flapped, slightly. He stared very intensely at Yomi.

"That's what friends are for. You can pay me back anytime..." Kuronue added, always smiling. But that time, his smile showed a sweet, insinuating tone, which made Yomi feel a little uneasy...

The winged youkai tenderly stroke Yomi's shoulder with one hand. The touch was very warm, so affectionate that the horned demon wished to steal himself from it; he felt very embarrassed... Yomi looked around, hoping no one was watching that scene. He did not want any witnesses that might tell it to Kurama... Thankfully, all youkai were busy, attending the wounded, or collecting the spoils - armours, personal possessions, boots, weapons... Everything was subtracted from the dead warriors, as their corpses laid scattered over the place.

"I could not let anything bad happen to you..." Kuronue continued. His smile was frank and beautiful, yet Yomi was so distressed that he fidgeted in place, eager to go away. He tried to shake that touch off his shoulder, but Kuronue's fingers clutched very insistently to him. "We should spend more time together. Don't you feel the same, Yomi?"

The youkai growled a hesitant, grumbled "No", which was as kind as possible under those circumstances. He squirmed when he noticed Kuronue's hand slipped down to caress his arm. His fingers were pressing around his flesh, rubbing and stroking the outline of his muscles...

"Kuronue, please, you must stop that! We cannot be together! You belong to Kurama!" Yomi murmured, in a low but very urgent tone, that only Kuronue would be able to hear. Again, he took a fleeting glimpse at the other troopers. Someone had found sake, and they had gathered around the corpses, in a circle, passing the bottle one to the other, celebrating the booty.

"I don't belong to Kurama. I belong to myself!" The youkai protested, vehemently. His fingers clutched tighter around Yomi's arm, and he tugged at it, demanding the horned demon's total attention. "I choose my own friends and lovers, Yomi. Kurama is not my owner!

Yomi felt Kuronue's touch move down along his arm till his hand. The energy and the warmth of Kuronue's fingers around his hand annoyed him. He felt like betraying the confidence Kurama had placed on him.

"I don't intend to cheat Kurama ever, Kuronue. Please, we must keep a safe distance between us!" Yomi decreed, in a peremptory tone. "I am very grateful that you saved my life, but that is where it stops!" He held the treasure casket closer to himself then, as he managed to sneak away from Kuronue.

Yomi took refuge joining the other youkai, knowing Kuronue would not try to harass him before the others.

Left alone, Kuronue pulled down the brim of his hat, and turned his back to Yomi and his gang, merging into the forest. He needed to call the other squads together, and organize the trip back to the main campsite...
 

His walk was imposing in a very careful, almost studied carelessness, as he roamed through the troops, inspecting them in their arrival. They gathered here and there, in small groups, chatting and drinking , as others hurried from one group to the other, busy trying to make an inventory of the pillage. They had new weapons, new armors, and all types of miscellaneous goods stolen from the dead enemies. And even though no real treasure was found, no jewels, no coins, no precious magical items, the sake and hashish which Kurama had ordered to be alloted to the whole band was keeping their spirits high enough to celebrate.

Kurama, like always, was supposed to choose his share before any others. Then,  under Kuronue's supervision, the rest could be equally shared among all the gang.  But the youko did not seem interested at all on the pile of weapons and objects which grew in the middle of the ward. He walked among his youkai, thoughtfully, clearly searching for something very specific. None dared to address Kurama, or even look up at him as he passed. They all knew very well when the chief did not want to be bothered. It was written on the wicked glint in the corner of his eye...

There was an invisible, but very perceptible barrrier Kurama kept between him and his gang. Kuronue seemed to be the only link between them.

Kuronue followed Kurama close, only half a step behind. The winged demon's contented expression was a light counterpart to Kurama's tense and imposing attitude. Kuronue waved to the youkai around, and he gently guided the silver youko, indicating him who had been wounded and why, and also reporting all the major incidents they had faced. He spared no praising words to all of the squads, and he could not help but smile as he stressed the persistence and personal value of the troops he had led. He mentioned groups, tactics and the battle they faced when they had been ambushed in a gorge...

Kurama would not even give any indication he was actually paying attention to Kuronue's words.

The youko acted as if he was high on a lofty pedestal the whole time. The only emotion which could be perceived on his face was a slight curve altering his lips into a disdainful smile. Apart from it, Kurama showed no feelings, no emotions, nothing else could be perceived form his strained expression. His eyes darted restlessly from one youkai to the other, from one group to the other, as he continued.

Yomi was the only one in the whole campsite, who dared to get on his feet and stay right on Kurama's way. When the youko came closer to him, Yomi welcomed his leader with the most affectionate smile.

It was Kuronue who responded Yomi's tender gesture, smiling back at him. The youko merely kept his usual stern features. In addition, he looked with arrogance at Yomi, but said nothing.

Yomi extended his hands, showing the casket he had retrieved before the youko. He held it reverently, trying not to make his hands shake, but it was difficult. The passion he nurtured for Kurama would always make him a nervous wreck...

"Here you have, chief. I've got it for you."

The youko smiled when he saw the small chest. His face showed a most delighted beam. But his smile was one of greed, not gratitude.

Yomi noticed the difference, but he did not mind.

The youko hurried to seize the wooden chest,  avidly subtracting it from Yomi's hands. His golden yes sparkled; the intense rapacity was clear in the way his fingers clutched firmly around the box. The youko shoved it under his arm, and he turned over his shoulder to give Kuronue a slight, satisfied smile.

"Kuronue! I knew you would bring it to me! Now I'm gonna be able to find the location of the Talisman of the Soul's Path!"

Kuronue merely acquiesced. His hand cupped his lover's shoulder very tenderly. Then he indicated Yomi with a slight tilting of his head.

"Don't thank me, Kurama. It was Yomi who found it for you."

Yomi would never imagine Kuronue would be so kind as to stress that fact. He inhaled deeply, and kept his chin up as he upraised himself in a proud stand. He faced the youko, feeling too happy to be up to his expectations. It was all he wanted; to serve his arresting leader the best he could, in both battle and bed...

"Chief, It was a very hard mission, but I am happy I could accomplish it. I would do everything I can to serve you better and better, because I..."

"Shut your mouth, Yomi!" The youko's eyes glared at the horned demon. "No one is interested in your opinion!"

Yomi agreed. He silenced himself immediately. He lowered his head then, in total submission before his leader.

Kuronue looked into the casket for one instant while Kurama opened it, checking its content. There was nothing more inside but a key, a small idol, and one map drawn in one crumpled piece of parchment. His dark blue eyes darted around the surrounding troops. He could not understand why Kurama felt such a mean pleasure in despising Yomi in front of the gang. He had never been so mean to anyone before...

If Yomi lost much authority they could even face an insurrection or a split in the gang. He did not know the game Kurama was trying to play, but it was not fair for Yomi. Kuronue had also noticed that charming youkai with horns was a masochist, but there must be a limit for everything...

He needed to interfere.

"It was Yomi who found the treasure, Kurama. You owe it all to him."

Yomi smiled to himself, and he thanked Kuronue for his interference in the back of his mind. His body tingled with a sudden pleasure... Yes... He needed Kurama to recognize his efforts, to praise him somehow, to tell him he had done it well...

Kurama said nothing. His face was rigid and cold like as if it were cast in stone.

Yomi kept his head down yet. He would not move one inch, he would not say anything. Keeping his eyes low, Yomi was not able to see the ugly grimace of scorn which altered the youko's face as he adressed him again.

"I will call for you when I need an ass-licker, Yomi.  Till there, keep away from me and Kuronue."

Yomi not only acquiesced to the order, but he stepped aside, to stand off  Kurama's way. He raised his eyes for one short second, to try to catch a glimpse of the contentment he had given Kurama with the finding of the treasure. The youko fumbled inside the chest, very concentrated, showing no emotion, as always. It was Kuronue who responded to Yomi. The youkai winked Yomi one eye, and smiled at him, reassuring him as he mouthed silent yet very encouraging words. "You were great, Yomi. Keep it up!" was what Kuronue whispered to him...

But Yomi's eyes deviated to the wormimg touch which enveloped Kuronue's waist. Kurama had shut the chest and kept it under his arm again. Then, with his free hand he circled  Kuronue's waist., bringing the demon closer to him affectionately.

Yomi covetted to be held, wanted and caressed in that same way... He wanted to belong to Kurama, like Kuronue belonged...

His time would come... In the future, he could become the chief's lover... Yes...

Yomi noticed a tall presence at his back. It was that detestable Shido, which Kurama had called closer, with a heedless gesture. He ordered the big, bald youkai to proceed with the splitting of the spoils, because he and Kuronue were leaving to celebrate the successful raid on their own.

Yomi felt a sharp pain cut through his heart as he heard that... He would like so much to be given a little attention, a little love... But he knew he needed to work harder, always, to prove himself worthy to Youko Kurama. It was a very strenuous work, but he would accomplish it one day.

"Yomi found the chest. He must be given a bigger share, or a prize for his dedication. He risked his life to bring you this small casket."

Kurama stared at Kuronue, openly disaproving his proposal. Golden eyes met Dark Blue eyes, because differently from Yomi or any other, Kuronue sustained the youko's angered stare. They were equal - Kurama could not manage to put Kuronue down in any manner.

"If he risked his life during such simple mission it is because he is either a stupid or a poor warrior!" Kurama growled at Kuronue's face. "So? What is Yomi's case? Incompetence or stupidity? Or would you have other reasons to favor Yomi so much?"

Kuronue glared at Kurama, but he said nothing. The winged youkai was discreet enough to avoid bringing such personal, intimate matters to discussion before the others.

Kuronue merely turned on his heels, and headed back to the caves, moving ostentatiously away from the youko. His shoulders became tense; His wings were shut tight together as his fists were clenched angrily at his sides.

The troops accompanied the incident with curious eyes. Yet, no one dared not even a murmur about it...

Yomi bowed before the youko, very respectfully. He decided he would  better sneak away from the youko as well. Kurama's face was livid, his brow showed a tense frown, and he gnashed his teeth, rumbling a low curse and brooding over the incident.

It was a good time to keep a safe distance between him and Youko Kurama...  Yomi had gratification upon being abused, but he did not intend to be actually massacred...

Yomi did not have the chance to heed to the whispering plans exchanged between the youko and Shido. The bald youkai guffawed as he heard something Kurama had ordered him.

"Yes, Kurama. I'll give that moron a huge toy to play with later. It will be a lesson he won't ever forget!"
 
 

Hikaru sighed in, enjoying the drink's perfume.

"And Kuronue? Did you have the opportunity to pay him back for saving your life?"

Yomi swayed his head n a slow gesture of acquiescence.

"Yes. Once I had the chance to try saving him."

"Try? Do you mean he did not survive?"

Enough said. Yomi made a slow but very decisive gesture with his hand, showing the youko the game board.

"The night has just begun. There is still much to play and drink, and further yet to be told..."
 

 To be Continued...