A flurry of wings beat at the once still air. Shadows played yards above ground while five great beasts hung, suspended in airborne battle, above a quiet park. The moon's sun-borrowed light playing across scales that gleamed nearly metallic. The snapping of jaws, most hitting empty air, several clamping on flesh, sounded out over the slash of claws. A blurred movement followed by a thick 'thud' and one of the beasts was grounded. The gleaming platinum creature had no time to rejoice in its victory as an emerald-made-steel dragon attacked in its comrade's stead. The slender Chinese dragon wriggled, building momentum through its wormlike body movements into its tail and thrashed its appendage at the platinum dragon. The green-scaled tail took the dragon across the chest, pummeling it towards the ground by the red dragon he'd previously felled. That left his partner against two full grown male dragons. The silvered dragon fought to regain his breath, and rise to his feet, but faltered.

The dragon's partner, a sleek and dark dragon, glimmered in the moonlight as she slashed and thrashed against the two offending beasts. She beat her wings, her spiked tail clubbing and her clawed feet slashing. She managed to tear the wing of a yellow dragon; retarding his flight and causing him to lose altitude. He fell slowly, reaching out with gleaming black talons and managed to hook into her ankle. The navy dragoness roared, snapping her neck towards the impertinent grip on her foot. She swung her tail, aiming for his face and while her attention was diverted, the green dragon attacked: stretching his neck towards hers, his teeth glistening with saliva at the thought of feasting on her flesh. The topaz dragon ducked his head and fought to keep the blue dragon's attention, however, he failed. The cobalt creature looked up just in time to wriggle out the way and clasp the green dragon's limbs with her talons.

"Are you ok, Platinum?" the midnight dragon roared, in dragon speak.

The silver dragon spread his wings, beat them a few times to hover above ground, "Yea, be up in a bit, Ji."

The green dragon whipped his body, flinging his tail with speed and accuracy towards Ji's spine and would have hit his mark had her wing not took the brunt of the attack. Ji roared out and glared death to the green dragon, whom was now wriggling his body, coiling and building power for another attack while the topaz dragon was digging his claws around her ankle. Her throat glowed a brief moment before she spewed dragon fire unto him, charring his head, though not killing him. She lifted her head, turning her fire to the green dragon trapped in her clutches.

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Kurama was out on his nightly stroll, one he usually shared with Hiei, however the dark koorime was currently in Makai on a solo mission. He was lost in thought until he heard the ground shaking battle taking place up ahead. Sensing great power he decided to get closer and check it out; so he stealthily ran in the direction that the thunderous roars came from. He slipped into the bushes, ducking close to a tree and there he saw them. He saw a brilliant flash of red on the floor that drew his attention immediately. He wasn't too sure what to make of the mass at first, but after a blink or two it took form. A dragon. The large leathery wings were pinned under the thick and long lizard-like body of the beast. It breathed, but Kurama could hear that it was slow: probably unconscious. A flash of light and he looked up, his jaw almost dropping at the sight of four more flying creatures. Ducking deeper into his cover, he watched on.

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Platinum had taken care of the snakelike emerald serpent and Ji finished off the topaz dragon. All three attacking dragons lay grounded and defeated before the duo. They just stared at the bodies wondering what to do.

"We can't just leave them here," Platinum said in dragon speak.

"I've never been attacked in the human habitat; don't look to me," Ji replied.

"We could eat them."

"And take in their vileness? Go right ahead but don't be angry if I'm forced to kill you someday," Ji scoffed.

"Come now Jianu, could you really off me?" Platinum nudged her with his tail, brushing her wing.

Ji recoiled from the slight touch, her wing more injured than she first thought. That thought caused her to flex, her wings and muscles, to survey for more damage. One of the dragons had managed a claw under her scales, tearing the flesh of her side. There were several other random cuts and there'd definitely be bruising.

"You all right?" Platinum asked with deep concern.

"Cuts and bruises; I'll be fine," Ji replied.

"That wing didn't seem fine. Does it hurt to move it?"

Ji flexed the wing and pain shot into her back, "Oh yea," she mumbled, stifling a yelp.

"Best recoop in your human form, Jianu. I'll take care of the bodies, you head home and rest. I'll be there later."

"Will do in just a moment, we gotta finish off the survivors."

Both were on the same page as their throats began to glow red hot. Flames erupted from their mouths aimed at the three dragons on the grass. The ball of fire was great and bright as it engulfed its target. The red and green dragon thrashed on the floor as that final attack took the last of their live reserves. When the flames died out, with the help of Platinum's beating wings, he looked towards Ji with a stern nod.

Ji nodded and began to change. Her human form unfolding out from the deep blue scales. She noticed right off that the wounds on her side translated to just above her hip in human form. The wound was gashed and bleeding freshly. She moved her hands to staunch the blood flow when her head jerked up.

"Someone's coming!" she said in dragon speak, even though it was harder through a human throat. "Hurry, go!"

Platinum scooped up the three charred bodies and heaved his gleaming wings, stretching to their full span to gain the most air and leveled off. He rose higher and higher until even she couldn't see him and sighed in relief.

Kurama came from the bushes, busting through after having been blown away by the close proximity with the fireball. He ran up just in time to see something big disappear into the sky. He had little time to dwell on the sight because he saw movement ahead. He saw a blur of dark, falling earthward, and a flash of creamy skin. Whoever it was, she'd fallen to her knees. Kurama rushed to her side and knelt, putting a steadying hand on her shoulder.

"Are you ok miss?" he asked, surveying her for injury.

Her head was hanging low, allowing her midnight hair to cascade over her face, though it only fell just below her ears. She was wearing what seemed to be a work out suit; short cut sports tank top and knee length shorts and tennis shoes. All a blue to match her hair. She looked up at Kurama's words and he stared off into their dark depths. The color of darkest blue, her pupils dilated in the darkness like a black hole deep in space. Her iris has flecks of silver in them, like stars, almost casting a milky way within her eyes. It was so vast, so beautiful…

"Hey!" Ji called for the fifth time. "You ask a question but don't bother to listen to the answer, what's up with that?"

"I'm sorry, your… I'm sorry," Kurama stammered.

He could smell the blood on her and that helped him focus his intentions. Even though he had an urge to stare off into the space of her eyes again…

"Are you that short of attention?" Ji repeated herself once more.

"Your eyes," Kurama murmured, "I'm usually not this misplaced, but your eyes are captivating. Forgive me; can you stand?"

Ji rested a hand on his shoulder, a firm grip, "Maybe, can you help me?"

Kurama wasted no time in wrapping an arm around her waist, wary of the gaping slash there and took the brunt of her weight in standing. Ji managed ten seconds before her torn ankle belittled her foolish attempt and crumpled her to the ground. Or would have if Kurama hadn't caught her.

"I guess not," Ji sighed. "I'd hate to ask but can you carry me to a bench or something?"

"I can do better than that," Kurama said, "If you'll allow, I can take you home."

Ji thought about it and then finally looked up to study this man. He was a little taller than her, his shoulders rounded and firm in holding her aloft, outlined by the striking flame of hair, that Ji noticed continued past his shoulders. His skin was only a few shades lighter than her light caramel complexion. He was bright, compared to her, although it was a given because everyone is usually brighter than her. She looked into his face, to test his sincerity and had to hold back a gasp of mixed awe and anger. Green eyes. But not just green, emerald. A green so pure and deep it was like the color of life contained into those two small orbs. Also a shinier color of the dragon that wounded her wing. His eyes were bright though and she could read no malicious intent in them. Though even if there was she could easily dispatch a human, even when injured. At that thought, Ji inhaled. No, this one wasn't human. Not completely. He wasn't drake either…

"Ya know what," Ji started, "Sure. I think I could use the help."

Contrary to first appearances, Jianu was not above using other people, especially not if they offered. This man wasn't completely human so he should be able to carry her with no problem and Ji wouldn't feel bad about it either.

"Right, so let's get you comfortable first and then you can lead me off," Kurama said, looking her over.

"What?" Ji asked, questioning his looks.

"Trying to decide the best way to transport you. If you can stand, I can help you walk, but any other way would aggravate your injuries. How did you get hurt?"

"You probably wouldn't believe me if I told you," Ji said, thinking quickly.

"Right, well lets get you home."

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It took quite a while, but Kurama managed to get Jianu to her apartment and was even invited in to help her bandage her wounds. Jianu had actually fallen asleep on the toilet seat while Kurama was tending her ankle, but it was short lived. She couldn't fall asleep with a stranger no matter how good his intent. But she was exhausted… Ji flinched when her ankle was set on fire. Not really, but it was burning as the antiseptic fizzed and killed the beginnings of the infection that was festering. Damn, that green bastard's claws must carry a taint, Ji thought to herself in anger.

"That's a nasty wound for an unbelievable event," Kurama said.

"I'm not crazy," Ji muttered, "Thank you so much, Kurama, you said your name was?"

"Yes, and its no trouble, Jianu," Kurama smiled.

Ji rose up and hobbled single footed, using the wall as a brace, towards the front door. She held it open for Kurama.

"I hate to seem rude and thankless, but I'm exhausted and my manners are a little short this evening. I do thank you graciously for your help, god knows who'd have found me if I passed out at the park. Thank you. But again I'm tired. Perhaps we'll meet on a better day and I can properly repay you-"

"Don't worry about it. I'm just glad I could help," Kurama said, smiling down into her deep space eyes.

"So kind," Ji replied giving him direct eye contact.

Kurama's eyes turned molten green, a brilliance of life green swirling like lava within the confines of his iris and around his pupil. It was a brilliance that was a rare occurrence and she forgot what it meant at the moment. Though she knew it couldn't be good for her, at least not in her current situation. She watched the play of green blend and glow, simmer and swirl. So magnificent!

Kurama, too, was lost in her eyes. He felt almost like he had tunnel vision, his world closing down into those two orbs, that held universes more than he could possibly comprehend. A blue so dark it encompassed the darkness of space, the specks that acted as stars and planets… Kurama would almost dare say he saw a constellation within her amazing eyes. He felt that space pulling him closer, could smell her scent, injured though it was, getting nearer. The space in his vision narrowed down, the stars twinkling out one by one as his lids slid closed. Ji could only follow the moment as his green magma eyes were sealed behind her lids, their image forever burned into her minds eye.

Then she felt the brush of silk, a warm caress; and let out a deep moaning sigh. Her body ignited with feelings she shouldn't have, and never have, felt for a complete stranger. The only thing that stopped her from throwing her arms around his neck was the fact that they were the only thing supporting her at the moment. Kurama could smell her scent; like night grown blossoms, jasmine on the breeze with a fresh rain, the scent of grace. He breathed deeply, lost in the feeling of a midnight romp that set fire to his loins; brought him to attention. That brought him back to himself. If anything else, Kurama was a gentleman, and gentlemen did not kiss strange women, especially injured women. And gentlemen definitely did not get woodies with strange, injured women. Another side of his being maybe, but not the human side.

He pulled back stammering an apology as his cheeks tried to mimic his hair color. He averted his eyes, not daring to see her own gaze, not knowing that it too was averted. Averted, however, not away from him. While Kurama looked down and away, Jianu merely looked down. Her pulse sped seeing him hard in his pants and her mind reeled. I will not fall for strangers that just happen to be nice enough to help me tend my injuries. I will not fall for strangers no matter how beautiful his eyes are. I will not fall for strangers no matter how great a kisser they are. I will not fall for strangers no matter how good it sounds at the moment, Ji listed off reasons not to jump Kurama's bones at the moment. She took a deep steadying breath, which was a mistake because she could smell the lust, both his and hers, and the attraction was still there. Muttering an apology as well, Jianu bid Kurama good night and managed to close the door, but little else. She leaned against it, and slid down to sit and regain her composure.

Kurama stood outside the door a moment, relearning how to breath past the thick arousal that filled the space. He looked down at his erection and shook his head. Readjusting his pants so his boner showed less, he turned and headed to the streets to head back to his own home. From high above, his retreat was observed by cold, pale eyes. Platinum could smell the arousal and narrowed his eyes, the moon still gleaming off his silver scales like the North star on earth. He watched silently, his tail twitching absent mindedly. Once Kurama was out of sight, Platinum shifted back to human and entered the apartment complex, heading down the stairs towards the space he shared with Ji.

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Ji knew exactly when Platinum changed back, felt a brush of his energy, the sting of his empty energy. He'd seen Kurama; of that there was no doubt. Though the empty energy signature meant he wasn't sure what to make of him yet. Better than anger or jealousy, but not by much. At least he wouldn't die tonight. Ji remembered to slide away from the door in time to avoid getting hit with it when Platinum came in. Platinum stepped in, took in her anxious state, and extended a hand to help her up; his face blank of any strong emotion. Ji took the proffered hand and rose to her good foot, her injured leg hanging just above the ground.

"Did you want a bath or just sleep?" Platinum asked her coolly.

"Sleep. You ok?" Ji asked.

"Truth?"

"Tis preferred," Ji said dryly.

"I can smell that man on you, I see the effect he had on you and it scares me, but it also excites me that I might actually have to fight to keep you with me. I'm at odds with myself and I can't decided which sounds better, going after the man, or proving that I'm better than he could ever be," Platinum said, staring into Ji's deep space gaze.

"Oh Platinum," Ji sighed, giving perfect contact back to his quicksilver gaze, "It caught me by surprise, I have no idea what to do myself. But for now, can we just rest?"

Platinum gave a curt nod, and carried Ji away to their bedroom, tucking her gently onto her side of the bed and then stripping down and getting snug into his own half. He faced Ji, wrapping an arm protectively around her waist, careful of her injury, and spooning his body to hers; warming her and healing her with the closeness of his life energy.