A/N: Thanks for all the nice reviews. Sorry I haven't written anything in awhile, but I've been VERY busy and haven't had a chance to sit down and write anything. I hope that I'll have a chance to post a new chapter (after this one) soon. Won't make any promises, but thanks for checking this story out.
I'm glad someone noticed my decision to use 'Sama'. Please forgive me; I forgot your name so I can't give you the credit you deserve. I wrestled with that subject for a short while, the choices being: Sama, San, Sempai, Sensei, etc. I eventually decided to use Kuro-Sama, because even though she is referring to him as her "superior", she is also sort of teasing him. Here's a bit of my thoughts:
"How can I refuse? You've saved my life and now you offer me a chance to remain in the presence of the great Kuronue." She snickered; mock bowing before the dark demon. "I'll go with you if your offer is sincere." Here is where she begins to tease him by saying she has been offered the chance to remain in the presence of "the great Kuronue" and then mock bows before him.
"Sincere? Let's just say this old man has a need for a new hobby, and you fit the bill." Here he has caught on to her sarcastic joking and calls himself an "old man". Remember, he is thinking of taking on the role of Reika's teacher in the art of thievery.
Reika looked at the tall, handsome youkai as he stood before her with a mock smirk on his face. She would play this new role with every bit of fervor that it required. If the "old man" was in need of a hobby, as he claimed, she would gladly play the part of his spellbound pupil.
"OK then, Kuro-Sama, wherever you lead, I will follow." They're poking fun at one another. There is a quality about him that she likes, though she may not want to admit it just yet. You'll notice I also used the phrase 'spellbound pupil'. As a teacher, he deserves a title of respect, however as a thief, not quite an honorable profession, she uses a nickname she's chosen for him and also the title of respect…sort of an oxy-moron.
Hope that explains my decision to use 'Sama'. By the way, I think that is great that you looked deeper into that and questioned why I chose to write it that way.
*Ch.5- Alpha Male*
The journey had been long-too long for Reika's immediate taste. It seemed they had been walking for days, but in reality, they had only been walking for a day and a half. Though Kuronue bore wings on his back, they were useless for flight, and the entire journey had taken place on foot. When it seemed she could walk no further, Kuronue turned to her and, putting his finger to his lips as if to command her silence, grinned slyly.
"We're not alone."
Reika turned, trying to figure out where the phantom entity was. She turned from side to side; the spirit energy of the creature stalking them was undetectable. It was obviously the move of a higher classed demon with years of experience.
"I've missed you Kurama." Kuronue said slowly, his rich, husky voice confident and jovial.
She recognized the name as the one spoken by Kuronue in the dark forest to her attackers. They had been frightened after hearing his name, and the power in that gesture spoke volumes about the man behind the name.
"Oh Kuro, you're no fun anymore."
Reika watched in awe as a flash of silver came from the trees, and the tall slender form of the Youko emerged from the dark. He was beautiful…and frightening, all in the same instant. Just a look, and she knew he was worthy of his infamy. He was tall, surpassing Kuronue by a few measly inches, and the silver strands of his hair cascaded down lean, well-formed arms. Atop his head were ears, not the same chiroptera-like ears of Kuronue, but rather the ears of a fox.
"And what have you brought with you this time, Kuronue: Concubine, mistress, or simply a plaything? Perhaps you've brought my death tree a snack."
The silver-haired fox demon walked around her, inspecting with both his eyes and his nose, sniffing her scent and trying to discern her spiritual powers. Kuronue smiled, he was curious to see Reika's reaction to his partner's insults, and knowing his reputation. He knew it was simply a part of Kurama's nature to be suspicious of everyone and everything, but the mysterious Reika had yet to be unraveled and that fascinated him.
"Easy Kurama, you're bound to give her a heart-attack, or worse, make me look like a lowly side-kick instead of an equal."
Kurama continued to eye Reika, finally locking his cold, golden eyes with the black haired female's eyes of green. He continued to face her, never turning his head as he addressed Kuronue.
"Since when have you been my equal?"
"I've seen Kuronue in action, and I can safely say he's quite impressive." Reika spat at him.
Kurama cocked a brow and smirked. To see the grin sent chills down her spine. It was not the smile of a happy man, rather the sign of a territorial alpha male.
"I have every confidence in my Kuro's physical dexterity, however, he lacks the ability to see things for what they truly are."
My Kuro.
Not for long.
They stared each other down for a few silent moments, Kuronue sensing the obvious tension between them. It was not his idea first meeting, but that failed to surprise him. They bore similar qualities, traits that, when combined, made the perfect recipe for a disastrous storm. It was, perhaps, what had drawn him to each of them to begin with…their hidden fire within.
"I wouldn't say that Kurama. I saw greatness in you, and now, all of Makai sees it, too."
The Youko snorted before turning to walk away. He spoke as he walked, his back turned to the ebony tressed demons.
"Everyone has been waiting for your return. Let's get to business before anything else…you can play with the girl later."
He had the brute manners of the simplest of beasts, and yet, his Ki burned brighter and stronger than any other she had encountered. He was going to be trouble, his suspicious glances, and the way he circled her warned of it, and still she could not turn away from her task. It would be impossible to set her sights on stealing Kurama's spirit, but she would not allow him to deter her from having Kuronue's. She had set her sights on the winged youkai, and she was going to have her prize. If nothing else, she had determination on her side.
"Hn. You'd almost think he was jealous."
Kuronue turned to her and chuckled lightly.
"You bear a pretty high opinion of yourself if you think Kurama has an interest in you."
"I didn't mean that, Kuronue. By the sound of things, I'd be willing to bet that he's jealous of me. Perhaps he's afraid someone might try to steal your heart from him."
The look of shock lasted on his face for a brief moment before disappearing behind waves of laughter.
"Believe me, Kurama has no more interest in me like that, than I have in him. We both prefer to share our beds with those of the female persuasion."
"Then I guess my chances have just increased."
Kuronue grew silent. He was unsure of how to respond to her sudden implication, but decided the best response was a simple change of subjects. However attractive she may have been, he had learned years ago not to mix business with pleasure.
"I should go to the others. After we discuss our business, I'll introduce you to everyone."
"I'll just get settled in while I wait for you. Where will I be staying?"
He smiled, motioning with his hand the direction they would take. It was going to be a challenge, getting close to this one, but that was what made it all bearable…the challenge, testing her limits and going beyond them. If she succeeded in achieving her goals, she would be stronger physically and mentally. Of course, she had a strong obstacle to overcome…evading Kurama's wrath.
