Disclaimer: I do not own YYH in any way, shape, or form. That is all.
Warning: This is yaoi, as has been said countless times. With that, here's the next chapter of SAE. Enjoy.
Chapter Nine: In Darkness
By: Asura Mori
Darkness engulfed the room, though torches of blue fire flickered dimly throughout. The brightest of them stood at the sides of a tall throne, spikes protruding from its obsidian back. Other lights, thin and wisp-like, floated across the floor, whispering amongst themselves. They began to grow louder in their murmurings, hearing footsteps coming their way.
"A guest, a guest..."
"A guest has come..."
"To see... our lord..."
"A guest for our lord..."
The wisps erupted into high-pitched giggles, though they did so quietly. The footsteps hesitated, their owner hearing those small bits of laughter and suddenly feeling nervous. Then the continued their walking, until the person came to stand in front of the throne.
The torches grew brighter then, illuminating the man that sat on the throne. He sat with his body slouched to the side, his head leaning against his left hand. His eyes were a rusty red, the color of dried blood, his hair a deep burgundy. His skin was pale, like that of a dead man, his lips almost blue. Dressed in black armor from head to toe, he looked the very picture of death with his scythe lying against his hip.
He seemed to rouse as his visitor knelt before him, his eyes showing the only sign of life within him. They glowed slightly now, showing interest with the appearance of a guest.
"What is it... that you have come for, boy?" The demon lord rasped, letting his nails run along the scythe's blade. His visitor continued to kneel, his dark hair covering his face as he spoke.
"I have come with a proposition, my lord Lainsce."
Lainsce indicated his permission to continue with a wave of his hand. Taking a deep breath, his guest continued. "A while ago, two thieves entered your home and took from you a certain artifact."
"Ah yes... the Shadow Blade." Lainsce murmured, seemingly to himself. "Karasu, my young vassal... come forth so that you too may hear this, as it does concern you." From the shadows, the demon summoned appeared before his lord, bowing at the waist. His blue eyes were filled with anger, hearing of the Shadow Blade once more and being reminded of his failure. Nonetheless, he turned to listen as well.
His guest swallowed hard, his eyes darting to look at Karasu, then he resumed staring at the floor. "I have information – information that will deliver the kitsune and his subordinate unto you."
Lainsce sat forward, his expression now keen. "Share with me this... information, my child. Then we shall see if it is worth... your life." Karasu laughed quietly, seeing the fear on the visitor's face. His blue eyes practically glowed in the darkness, much like the torches that littered the room. And his excitement grew at he listened to the kneeling demon.
Soon, they would all have their revenge on Youko Kurama and his bat, Kuronue.
-0-0-0-0-
A few days had passed since his run-in with the seer, something Youko was trying not to think about. A fate he couldn't fight, no matter how hard he tried... and the death of someone close to him... His throat grew tight, even as his golden eyes hardened. He refused to let it happen. He would protect those around him, no matter what.
He heard a rustling off to his side and immediately tensed, but it was only Kuronue, back from his reconnaissance. The bat noted Youko's ears, which were turned down, and his tail, which seemed ruffled and on end. The fox was on edge, and Kuronue wondered at the cause. He, too, thought on the seer, remembering her words, and grew angry. No one dictated his fate, especially not some woman.
Only Youko could do that, his beloved fox.
The bat went to his lover, patting him softly on the shoulder in reassurance, to which Youko relaxed slightly. "What comes will come, fox." He said with a whisper, kissing his beloved softly on the cheek. "But let's give 'em a good run for their money, eh?" Kuronue smiled at the kitsune's shocked look, his hand going up to caress Youko's face. "No matter how many prophecies or predictions are made, I will continue to fight until it is my time. That, I give you my word."
He stretched then, smiling. "And with that said, let's get on with it, shall we? The men are expecting us back with enough gold to buy dinner. Can't fail them, now can we?" He bounded off, his witch hat bobbing as he did so.
Youko watched him go, his ears still down though he smiled. So, Shyva had visited Kuronue as well then. It was just as well, he supposed. And Kuronue was right. There was no point in dwelling on a future that had not happened yet. To try and fight it, when the future was still unknown, was pointless. He would continue on, regardless, and live his life.
And no matter what heartache the future would bring, he would continue on. And he would prevail in the end – he would see to that.
-0-0-0-0-
"The Youko! The Youko is here!"
The call was taken up throughout the castle, but the soldiers could not arm themselves fast enough to combat the two thieves. Youko and Kuronue flew through the corridors like apparitions, seemingly there one minute and gone the next. The soldiers ran about in confusion, their scattered numbers nowhere near a match for the demons.
Having had their fun, Youko and Kuronue took what they could carry and made off with it, laughing loudly along the way. Though their future looked bleak, in this moment they could rejoice. They were alive, they were together.
And nothing would part them – not even death.
-0-0-0-0-
"And you are sure this plan... will work?" Lainsce asked, though his bloody eyes betrayed his excitement. Even Karasu, who had thought little of the plan, seemed intrigued.
"My lord... Youko and the bat couldn't resist this challenge, even if they wanted to. They love the danger of their profession, the excitement. What greater challenge than this could be presented? They will take it on..."
"... and they will fail."
And Lainsce, Lord of the Shadow, smiled at his guest, baring his teeth in laughter. "Then let us play this game, my little traitor. And you shall have your wish – the Youko, with the bat forever gone."
From his kneeling position, Yomi smiled. Soon, Youko would be his...
And Kuronue dead.
To be continued...
Asura: After such a long time, I have returned. I know it's been a while, but it's been hard to update this. Life has so many twists and turns that you never know what will hit next. Anyway, hope you all enjoyed. Read and review, please.
