Darkness.
The darkness blanketed this new stretch of woods even heavier than the forest in which she'd spotted Kuronue for the first time. There were patches of light that managed to break through the canopy of the treetops, but the red of Makai's atmosphere made the sky look like an ocean of blood. How could he live like this, surrounded by constant night? Maybe it wasn't so hard to fathom, she was enveloped in darkness, even when she walked in the light of day. What thief dared walk in the open with a spotlight pointing him out? She was no different than Kuronue, the both of them thieves. He stole gems and property…she stole life.
Kuronue had taken her to the makeshift hut, directing her to an empty room and telling her that she had free movement, but to avoid wandering off too far into the woods. He warned of vicious plants more deadly than thieves, and thieves more ruthless than the ones she had become acquainted with a few days ago. It wasn't wise to wander alone in a new place with no knowledge of what lurked there.
"I see you've made yourself comfortable."
She managed to mask her surprise when the unfamiliar male voice echoed throughout the concrete room, originating from behind her. She had been so pre-occupied with investigating her surroundings and developing horrific ideas about the things Kuronue had spoken of, that she had completely let her guard down.
"Yes I have. Thank you…" she dragged the last word out, requesting the name of her mysterious new acquaintance without directly asking for it. She had never been good at getting directly to the point when playing the game.
"You can call me Jiro. Kuronue asked me to check on you and see how you were finding your accommodations."
"Everything is fine. Speaking of Kuronue, exactly where is my gracious host?"
The young youkai smiled, his sharpened incisors glistened white in the flickering light of the candles she'd lit when it became too dark inside. Reika could tell he was nowhere near as powerful as Kuronue or Kurama, but he possessed a high level of strength in his own right. He was a few inches taller than she, and his eyes were green, but not the same green as her own. Jiro's eyes were the color of the jade stones, more muted and pale than the emerald ones she possessed, and his hair was short and wispy. There was an old saying that beauty attracted beauty, and it appeared that it could possibly be true. Attractive Youkai like Kuronue and Kurama could easily draw similarly striking associates without a doubt.
"He's almost done with his meeting with Kurama and Kashu. He should be back soon, but until then, is there anything I can get you or do for you?"
"No, I'm fine for the moment, but maybe later you could show me around. I have a feeling Kurama is going to do everything he can to keep Kuronue away from me."
Jiro laughed; he wasn't used to hearing anyone dare to speak ill of his superior, and it served as a confirmation of sorts that his suspicions at the group leader's relationship might be true.
"He's not so bad. He just has a way of running things and you seem to have been a wrench thrown into his plans. He doesn't trust outsiders too easily, "he paused. " but you look harmless enough."
"I'm glad you think so. I'm as harmless as a Ningenkai kitten."
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The three youkai were seated around a small fire, discussing the details of their next heist and incorporating the information Kuronue had obtained on his scouting trip into the plan. They all agreed on things when Kurama spoke up, giving his final approval.
"So there it is then. We will leave for the compound tomorrow and arrive within two days. What do you plan to do with your whore in the meanwhile, Kuronue?"
Kuronue tightened his jaw and narrowed his eyes until only slits of sapphire could be seen. Kurama had been taking stabs at him the entire meeting and his normally calm demeanor was beginning to deteriorate.
"She's not my whore, Kurama. Are you going to keep this up forever or will you cease at some point in my lifetime?"
"I will continue as long as you are blinded by your own…"he paused briefly "stupidity or lust…I haven't decided which one it is yet. Perhaps you could clear that one up for us."
"I'm sure Kuronue has his reasons for bringing the girl with him, Kurama. Is it really any of our business what he does with her or why?"
The silver haired youkai glared at his challenger. He was the leader of this group, no matter how small, and contests of his words or actions were not tolerated. Kurama stood and walked behind Kashu, moving the long blonde strands of hair from the broad shoulders and placing his hands on them. He maintained his cool attitude and icy tone, so it was always hard to tell when he was at his most dangerous.
"It becomes our business when he endangers the safety of our band. I know females of her kind, Kuronue. They are akin to the koorime, ruthless and deadly, using males for their own survival. She will devour you or she will attempt to procreate with you."
Kuronue and Kashu began to chuckle loudly.
"Well, when she is done eating or using your body Kuronue, send her to me. It's been ages since I've known the warm touch of a woman."
Kurama dug his fingers into the soft flesh of Kashu's shoulders and then released, turning to walk into the darkness without another word. It had begun, the breaking of trust between leaders, and he was ready. He had not risen to the status of a legend by giving up easily. If the woman wanted to play games, she made a mistake by choosing a kitsune as her opponent.
