Advance notice
What is it, Kurama?
I want you to know; I'm going to be killing Tora in a few days.
Ah. May I ask why?
He's an arrogant idiot. I don't take kindly to being ranked under his sort.
You're no longer ranked under him. Of course, knowing you, the fact that you once were would be galling enough.
I don't like fools, Yomi; to lead or to follow.
You sound quite miffed. Is the fact that you're working for someone else for the first time in your very long life irritating you?
That's part of it, yes. I have fewer objections to being your second-in-command, however. As objectionable as I may find your aims, at least you're not a raving incompetent.
You seem to be very open about this.
You already know. What's the point in being secretive?
True, true. So has he tried to kill you yet?
No. And if he does, my opinion of whoever hires your people will slip another notch.
He probably will.
Hm. He sent one of his henchmen to take up residence in my brother.
You dealt with him, I suppose.
Bribed him.
Ah, the indirect approach.
Whatever works.
That's the Kurama I remember.
There's no need to sound so pleased.
Fond memories, my old friend. You were always the subtle one, and perhaps the more cruel. Even for a thief, you had – and have – no scruples.
……I see you don't want to talk about it. But it's true, isn't it? You might not have been as violent as I, but you were always the most ruthless. It was what attracted me to you in the first place. –Don't look so uncomfortable, Kurama; you know as well as I that what I wanted then, I want now.– That family of yours. They don't really know this about you, do they. The depth of your coldness.
That was a long time ago.
You haven't changed nearly as much as you like to think you have.
You have no way of knowing how much I have changed and in what aspects.
So stiff and formal? Well, have it your own way then. But you know that what I say is true. I don't deny that you seem to have developed some……emotions in the years since we last met, but that doesn't make a difference. You fought for yourself, and nothing was below you; now you fight for your friends and family, and there is nothing you won't scruple to do. Your ends have changed; not your means. I don't really care why you fight as long as you give it your best. And you will, won't you, Kurama?
Believe whatever you wish to believe.
Ah, but you will, my silvery one. You always did.
You have no right to call me that anymore.
Very well, then. Don't snap at me. All I want to say is that I know you'll give this your best shot. You may manipulate things so my side loses in the end, but as far as your own efforts go, I know you'll be impeccable. After all, it wouldn't do for the great Youko Kurama to be seen as less than perfect in his efforts – even when the outcome is undesirable for him. Am I not right, Kurama?
As I said before: I have no interest in what you think. You've made your threats, I've agreed to your terms. There is nothing more to say on this matter.
I'll be listening in on you from time to time. I have a feeling Tora will try something tonight.
Well, then, we can have the memorial service tomorrow.
Good night, then, Kurama.
Yomi.
The end.
A/N: For those who are confused, this is set just before the Makai tournament, when Yomi's second-in-command, (an absolute idiot named) Tora, tries to kill Kurama, who promptly goes fox-shaped and puts him through a shredder. And to my HK fans, apologies for the KY implications, but they are so damn obvious.