I don't own yyh just my ideas. Thanks….
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After many raids with Youko Kurama, I began to understand how useful I was to him.
You see when breaking and entering into castle, forts,caverns etc… Often protection spells were put in place to keep out the demons.. Most of them were protection spells made for only demons ---meaning it had no effects what so ever on me ,except to reveal that there was a spell and then it could either be broken or avoided.
Secondly, most demon insects and some creatures that guarded these places we raided did not prey on humans at all since there are rarely any humans at all in the Makai.
So in other words, I was the scapegoat. I had become a master of breaking and entering locks and seals. I learned from Youko's teaching, as well, as how to break a few protection spells.
Not only that, but being born a human in the forgotten realms, we are taught from a young age how to not be found by demon with that I could move virtually unnoticed among the Youkai in the occupied forts and places we raided.
And, more and more I was accepted by the demon thieves as a asset instead of the 'weak, human girl'.
But, there was a disruption in the clan of thieves and amongst themselves there was bickering and distrust, more and more did Yomi foolishly ventured out with troupes of demons on his own, getting most of them killed.
Kurama was loosing patience with Yomi quickly and soon, I knew he would send me to follow him and watch him, much to my abhorrence . Yomi and I remained at odds with each other since the beginning , even though often enough on the raids we fought together---- I some how always ended up fighting by his side.
Fate is often a sick, twisted bitch.
Along with unrest going on among the thieves another youkai had joined us. From what I understood from Youko he would be an asset to our clan, I saw him as a drawback.
Even upon the first sight of him, I did not like the way he looked at me. But, I knew as long as Youko was there I would be fine. But, Kurama could not always be there. Often enough, I found myself alone leading troupes on small raids. I would just have to try my best to avoid this one.
Even so… things were beginning to change and the wheels of fate would soon reveal many more things to me.
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" I propose a raid in the Makai." Yomi offered from his seat at the table while he cleaned his saber.
I hadn't been paying very close attention to their ramblings but this particular subject caught my attention as a mulled around the large area in the front of the great hall by the old throne.
I watched for Youko's reaction and any incoming thoughts I might pick up from him. He revealed nothing to me mentally, but the hardness in his eyes told me more as he glanced at me from his seat closest to me at the head of the table.
His eyes flickered back to Yomi.
"No, Yomi. We would be fools. We cannot afford any more casualties." He continued to pick at the new trinkets he had found in an old chest on the table.
The demon Yuudai, who was the newest member to our clan and had quickly risen through the ranks, spoke up. He was in the seat next to Yomi's.
"Kurama, there is a castle across the lake just waiting for us to take it----Raiden has grown weak from living greedily off his riches." Yuudai's pointed green-eye slid onto me with hungry in them that made me shiver. He licked his lips and turned back to Youko.
Yomi spoke more passionately this time, "Yuu is right, Kurama. It would be easy to take the fortress. Just imagine the---" Youko cut him off.
"It is not as easy to a fortress to take down as you think,Yomi. Although his defenses are all but gone--- the traps and spells are ancient and powerful in nature---any Youkai foolish enough to fall into either is guaranteed to lose his life. There are plenty of places here on this side of the lake to raid." Youko finish firmly.
Yomi rebuttled. " We have used up most of our resources on this side of the lake--- we can't afford to play it safe any longer, dammit!" He slammed his fist down on the table .
Kuronue look up from under his hat and his spot he was lounging across from Yomi, his feet propped up comfortably.
"Aye, Why don't we just send a small party? It shan't benefit us 'ny to send thee usual sized hunting party 'ny how?"
The four Youkai were pensive for a moment. It was all quiet in the great hall as the rest of the Youkai had found their beds more appealing than late night conversation.
Yuudai spoke up first his eyes landing on me with a wicked gleam in them.
"What of your human, Youko? Let us send her in to reveal the traps first. I know you do not just keep her as a pet. Let's put her to good use. Besides the rats always know the best ways in and out of places."
Rats is derogative term used for humans of the forgotten realms who were used by demons to infiltrate fortresses and such.
I glared at him defiantly, though my face did not show it, I felt I was under naked scrutiny standing there in the midst of the hall with his eyes trained on me.
But, I was not the only on glaring at him, Youko was thinking of new ways to kill him painfully if he tried something. Something like anger flicker across Yomi's eyes then disappeared behind his mask again.
"I will lead the raid on Raiden's castle.I foresee I will only need two other men and --" He turned to me to my surprise and ordered me to come and he used the name that only Youko called me by , "Ai, you shall accompany me we will go in first."
I just looked at him blankly. "I follow only Youko's orders."
"You follow the orders of those that rank above you." Yomi was mad now,and that was perfectly fine with me.
"Who would that be?" I retarded.
At this he rose angrily from his chair.
"Aimee. That's enough. Yomi is my second in command and you shall follow his orders as if they were my own. And, I" He turned back to Yomi, "am you leader and I say that we shall not raid this fortress." Youko knew regardless of what he said Yomi was going to the fortress, I was to go along to see if he would disobey. It was all part of Youko's plan.
Youko rose up and left through the main doors.
Ai, be careful, especially Yuudai. He is out for blood.
I know all that is going on Youko. Do you forget we share thoughts?
But still Yomi had already made me angry and my thoughts were clouding up as usual.
I muttered a curse in my native language and turned away with my arms crossed.
In a second, everything slowed down as I felt Yuudai rise up from the table.
He was next to me in a split second a knife in hand coming at my throat.
I was too slow ---I had my knives in hand instantly, but there was nothing I could do. I was hapless and helpless all at once.
And as the knife neared my throat, the back of Yomi's head came into view, he had moved me out the way with his body and I fell hard onto the stone floor. I barely caught my breath.
Yomi had Yuudai's arm in a vice grip holding the knife out in front of him.
Yuudai growled at Yomi, "It's one thing if you let the human bitch talk back to you, but to the leader of the clan. She should be dealt with----in my clan she would be dead for such an infraction."
"You fool. You have no sense of rank. Come off it." Yomi looked irate. Did he just defend me? I must have gotten into Youko's hallucinogenic plants again.
Yuudai just growled and pulled his arm from Yomi. He stormed out the hall and slammed the doors behind him.
Yomi glared at the retreating form of Yuudai vehemently. Then turned to me.
I was sitting there staring at my own up turned palms too distraught to realize how vulnerable I appeared?
I barely whispered it, "Am I----getting weaker?" I just stared at me hands. They were the only things I had to defend me from these cut-throats creatures. If I lost my ability to defend myself then I would surely die here.
I looked up at Yomi. He was staring down at me with some sort of passion in his eyes that I could not read.
"We will raid the fortress. You are not to tell, Youko. He suppose you think Youko is a fool for commanding you to follow my orders."
After a moment, I stood up and turned on a heel back to my room.
I did not care to see Kuronue's face just then or anyone else's.
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Yuudai did accompany Yomi and I on the raid. Youko was watching everything transpire through my own thoughts.
We had not spoken mentally or verbally since the other night. He appeared to be avoiding me as we had argued about him and kuronue leading a raid another fortress. And, he was going despite the fact that I told my trepidation about it
I tried not to think about these things. I would concentrate on the raid and worry about the rest of those things later.
I was terrified about crossing into the Makai. I felt in the deep pit of my stomach that something was off. I was getting weaker, I knew this.
When we reached the fortress Yomi and I agreed on infiltrating the castle while Yuudai would wait for us. We would let him in once we had disabled the fortresses defenses.
Yuudai was to wait for us to give him the signal to contact Youko to send reinforcements.
Yomi and I were going in from underneath the castle through the underground tunnels.. Or waterways I should say.
"Human, Let's go ," He said as he moved away the iron cover to a small opening in the rock.
But, when he didn't move to go first. I grabbed my lamp and sighed.
I proceeded to go first, the opening was small enough to where I had to crawl but the cavern was big enough to stand hunched over once you passed through the entrance.
If we were attacked in the cavern, I would have the advantage sinceI was short enough that didn't have to stoop down. On the other hand, Yomi was a different story. Much to my extreme happiness he would have to remain almost bent over to walk in the tunnel. I smirked.
I heard a curse muttered from behind me and I laughed.
He must have realized the ceiling height.
"Do you find something comical?" he growled.
" No." I smiled .
He had turned around to fasten the covering to the entrance back.
I held my lamp up in front of me trying to see past the few feet of sticky darkness.
I took a few steps - two-- then with a splash into ankle deep water that was accompanied by a fowl stench.
"Oh, Bloody hell, Yomi---"I took a step back shining my light on my mud covered foot..there were creatures moving in the mud .
I gasped but before I could let out a scream a large hand covered my mouth.
I was still hyperventilating beneath his hand.
Youko's thoughts echoed in my brain . Quit fooling around , Ai or you'll get yourself killed.
Urgh. You bastard now you choose to speak to me? What an appropriate time,too. Why worry about me now, I've come this far I'll take care of myself!
The acidity in my thoughts was almost tangible. I came back to reality to find Yomi helping me.
"Shh..idiot, be still I'll get them off. They're only earth-bugs, they are harmless. Don't scream, you're in the makai now. The bloodlust is stronger here. Try not to draw attention to yourself." He growled in my ear. He was so close I could feel his breath on my neck.
He wrapped on arm around my waist and wiped my foot off with the bottom of his tunic.
I had to turn away as I felt the roach-like creatures crawl across my foot.
I squealed softly as one wondered off my leg.
He let me go and stood up as much as he could which was practically bent over and plopped down right in front of him.
And, hurriedly picked the rest of the creepy bugs from my foot.
I was calming down a bit, when he started laughing.
I looked up at him from my dry spot on the ground.
His eyes met mine and I realized how close we were. I was practically bent over me and now with my face turned upwards his was only about a foot away with his long black hair spilling downwards.
His gaze was…easy as he looked down at me.
"What's so funny?" I spouted.
"Human, You live with a clan of the most cut-throat demon thieves in the makai. And, you are afraid of earth bugs. You baffle me? In my opinion all humans are food, but apparently Youko thinks they are better for play things in bed." I was highly offended.
Without knowing it, I would give out secret away.
"For your information, Youko has never asked me or forced himself on me once. So, What would you know of humans and bed things ?" I just glared at him.
Something like realization flickered in his eyes. He just looked at me.
"Hey, why are you looking at me like that?"
Yomi didn't respond.
"Come on lets move forward. You are going to have to deal with the bugs because you have to go first since most of these traps are set for demons not humans."
Every step I would let a quiet squeal of disgust.
Yomi would just tell me to shut up and keep going.
It seemed like hours we traversed through the tunnels when I spoke an observation out loud.
"Yomi, is it just me or does it seem like these tunnels have been dug out by something?"
"I think it's just you." He was in a foul mood from behind hunched over so long and now soaking wet from the droplets from the ceiling constantly dripping.
My own hair was plastered to my face.
"Something smells kind of strange. I see light, there's and opening in the ceiling up ahead."
"Everything smells the same putrid scent I've been smelling since I got in this cave."
I had already moved ahead and was reaching to move the door in the ceiling cautiously something made me pause. Maybe it was the tingling on my skin that was only caused by Youkai magic.
I pivoted around to see a glittering web of magic across Yomi's forehead.
"Yomi!Stop!"
He looked up at me angrily from his hunched over position.
I held up my hand signaling him not to move, As I proceeded to slip from my skirt and blouse, until I stood half naked but for a tightly fitting waist clothes and upper breast garment.
I slung my pack of arrows over head and felt that my knives were secure.
All this done in a matter of deft, quiet seconds.
"Human, what's the meaning of this?"
"Quiet," I whispered as I laced my arrow in my bow---aiming it towards Yomi.
"What are you doing, human?Don't point that thing at me? Just break the damn spell and lets go!"
"The spells already been tripped, Yomi. I suggest you don't move an inch less you want an arrow through your fat head."
I aimed ready to fire as the outline of a large serpent rose up behind Yomi. I could barely tell it was there but for the gleaming of its eyes from the dim light of my lamp.
Before the creature could strike, the sound of my arrow echoed through the cavern as it struck between its eyes.
The creature drew back with a hiss.
"Move, Yomi now! Through the door!"
"What of you ?"
"GO! It has the advantage down here!"
Within seconds Yomi was through the door pulling me with him.
I slammed it shut behind me, and sat on it while gasping from the adrenaline now coursing through my veins.
It seemed we had enter a large room. It appeared empty, but for the torches on the walls flickering with fire light to light up the room.
I remembered the maps given to us by Yuudai and his description of the rooms.
This must have been the sitting room. Now, to find the Grand chamber.
"Yomi, we need to move. They know we are here."
"We can take them!" He growled pulling his sword from his sheath.
"Don't be foolish, Yomi. I am no good at outright battle against Youkai."
I grabbed his arm as he began to walk and pulled him to a stop with my body weight.
Before I could react, his hand found the side of my face knocking me to the ground,
"Gah, What good are you?"
Youko! Yomi wants to take them head on.
I am here , Ai, just keep your head.
"Yomi, I'll go first to make sure the way is clear. Wait for a while and follow."
I flew deftly pass him and then I was gone from his sight. Leaving him standing there perplexed .
I sped through the stone hallways deftly, disarming every spell and trap I came across , careful not to tip anyone off I was here. I wanted to disarm the spells and get out as soon as possible.
I missed Youko desperately. I tried to call out to him mentally but I could not reach him.
I found the doorway to the chamber and hid behind a large stone pillar when I heard someone open the door. Thank goodness for the dimly lit hallways.
Yuudai crossed the hallway, quickly his tunic billowing behind. He flung open two more doors leading out of the fortress, the sunlight blinded me momentarily.
I heard the doors shut and moved quickly to cross the hallway to the entrance chamber.
Someone was fast approaching behind, I spun around knives in hand.
But, it was too late. I was slammed painfully to the ground and slid across the floor.
The impact I had taken to my ribs caused me to hack up a mouth full of blood.
I looked up from my spot on the floor to find Yuudai standing over me, a sneer on his face.
Youko!
I knew already there would be no response.
"You bastard!" I spat.
He laughed, " I have already sent for Youko. He will fall right into my trap then I have his clan and his bitch at my finger , And in case you haven't noticed you bond has been cut off ."
I glanced around looking for some sort of escape route, there was none I could access quickly enough in my weakened state.
I would have to fight .
I rose slowly to my feet.
"You want to fight me?You fool."
"Come at me if you dare."
"Ok"
In a second he was above me and that was my only second to attack him. If I failed, I would lose.
I heard ripping of flesh as my knife imbedded itself deeply into his chest as well as the seed I had planted.
He hit me anyway sending me sliding across the floor again coughing more blood.
"Ha. Do you think this puny knife will kill me?" He stood over me looking down at me hungrily.
"I will have you before they even get here."
He begging move towards me. I grabbed the blinding dust from my arrow pack and threw it in his face.
"You little bitch!'
I was through the chamber doors almost instantly. I had to find a place to hide at least.
I was fighting unconsciousness as I heard the alarm sound.
Yomi burst through the doors angrily, Yuudai by his side.
My eyes widen involuntarily.
"Yomi, you fool! He's out to overthrow Youko."
Yomi just stared at me confused.
"What are you talking about? What happen to you? You failed to disarm anything."
He advanced forward and I stood in a fighting stance, taking a step back.
I was backed in a corner.
Yuudai was smirking leaning against the door frame.
"She attacked me, Yomi. See." He lifted his tunic revealing my jeweled knife imbedded in his chest.
I growled and took another step back.
Yomi's eyes narrowed.
"You imprudent woman, to think I defended you." He moved toward me heatedly.
"N-n-o"---- Yuudai seized this chance to attack Yomi with his back turned.
I only had time to block the sword.
I felt the metal pierce through my ribs and I coughed up more blood .
"Hah, Now I have you."
I just smirked. "No, actually I have you."
I watch his body rip into two and plant rise up in its middle as it sucked what was left of him until he was dust.
Yomi stood there staring down at me sword in hand.
I just smiled weakly.
"You did good for a rat." He wiped the blood from my face.
I rasped barely able to talk, "why--why are you being so kind to me? You hate me."
He laughed, "I do not know anymore than you."
I saw sunlight fill the room as the doors leading into the fortress were opened wide.
Aimee!
A thief from our clan fell down covered in blood.
I walked slowly over to him and knelt down with a wince.
"Where did he come from? Why is one of our men here? It was only supposed to be the three of us?"
Yomi was frozen in his tracks.
I stood up angrily and marched over to him. "You brought our troupe? YOU idiot!"
At this the sound of shouting and running came from down the hall. The soldiers of the fortress were coming.
"move!"
We sped off down the hallway set off hidden traps as we went along.
I could barely breathe as blood leaked out from my mouth involuntarily, I was quickly falling behind.
I almost stumbled when I felt Yomi grab my hand and pull me forward, I was faintly aware that Yomi had sliced through a few guard here and there.
Then I felt the tingling of Youkai magic and the ground give way beneath our feet.
Yomi had pulled me too him as we landed hard in a pit of iron stakes.
The soldiers surrounded us looking down upon us swords in hand.
Yomi emitted a loud growl.
Aimee.
One soldier fell to the ground in pieces and then two and then three and more until I saw faintly the outline of Youko Kurama.
I heard him speak to Yomi, "That personality of yours is going to get you killed one day."
At his words, Yomi held me closer to him and everything became blurred.
I felt Youko's arms now. Everything was turning black.
Ai, Kuronue is dead. I miscalculated Ai. I could feel his sadness.
I could not think . I just wanted to fall asleep. I was so tired and everything hurt .
I was gasping for breath as more blood came out of my nose and mouth.
Ai, it seems I might have misjudged.
I felt my own tears running down the sides of my cheeks involuntarily. Our friend was gone.
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I awoke to hazily to the smell of spices and clean linen. I had wrapped myself around Youko's back, and my body pressed up against him. My face was nestled into the back of his neck and hair.
He turned over upon realizing I had awaked. He gazed so deeply into my eyes and captured my lips tenderly. I could not stop myself as I kissed him back unabashedly wrapping my arms around his neck. Pressing myself completely against him I felt the heat rush to my core.
He pulled back breathlessly.
"He's gone, Ai." And, then he moved his face in the crook of my neck and I felt the wetness of his tears and my own.
"Youko, I almost died didn't I? I am so sorry." I kissed his forehead .
"How I could take you right now." His words made me realize he was holding himself back.
"Forgive me, even through my sadness. I feel as though I could let you."
"Really, Ai are you prepared to have my child then?" My face flushed red. I had not thought of it that way.
He must have heard my thoughts, he just laughed weakly , his cheeks still wet from his own tears and kissed me gently on the forehead.
"One day, Ai you will, I promise."
"One day I will what? I don't understand?"
"Have children, Ai," I blushed again tucking my face into the crook of his neck. I shouldn't have asked I never liked subjects like this. And, I was trying to conceal my thoughts about what it would be like to have his children.
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Ok so everything is currently be revised.. Review please! I need some in put if I get no responses what so ever.. I will end this fic and never start it again. thanks
