A Fanfic by Yomi no Miko
Chapter 2: Joh
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I didn't sleep that night. After the silver youko and his companion left, I was too confused for that. Besides, I was unable to grasp why I couldn't get Kurama out of my mind. I have never been so impressed by anyone before. Not only he was gorgeous with that silver hair cascading down his shoulders and golden eyes which seemed to be scrutinizing my own thoughts. He was more than that. He seemed so perfect to me. Even his laughter seemed to be charming at that moment.
I imagined he might be a kind of a sorcerer, mesmerizing me so I could not have attacked him. Worst of all was that he didn't even seem to be that powerful... He had not a single horn!
On the next day, the turmoil at the camping grounds was widespread. Everyone talked about the extinction of Raizen's army, whether they'd stay or leave, but all I could think of was what to do to see Kurama again.
"Are you going to stay?" asked Joh.
"No" I answered.
"You're going after the youko, aren't you?"
That surprised me. If even Joh, whom I considered to be stupid, had realized that, it was really blatant to all.
"Did you by any chance realize he's a thief?"
"How do you know that?" I asked, a bit more interested in that conversation.
"I know that guy who was with him. His name is Kuronue. He was born in the same region as I. His mother died early in his life, and he became a kind of street rat. So, he and his brother were banished from their village some time ago, when he was still a small child. Nobody ever heard of them again. When I saw those bags I realized that he didn't quit the job. Kurama must be his partner."
"I don't care." I answered, barefaced.
"I imagined you wanted to be a warrior, a great leader, or a king like Raizen, perhaps. It's amazing the way people change their minds so fast," he said, looking down to the ground.
I felt bad with his words. Joh wasn't such a stupid youkai after all. I was probably acting in a much more stupid way than him but I had made up my mind and there was no turning back.
"I've already met other youko before. They cannot be trusted because they only care about their own race. Besides, that one looked kinda pampered. I don't think he would be interested in you."
"I said I don't care."
"I'm staying. Border patrol will still be necessary, so I think there'll be a place for me around here. I'm gonna miss you."
"Don't worry. I'll come back to visit you," I lied.
"I know you won't."
I didn't answer. I just stood up, giving my back to him.
"Yomi!"
"Now what?"
"Aren't you going to say good bye?"
"I don't like farewells, but if it's so important for you then, good bye."
Joh stood up then, coming really close to me. He took a small object out of his pocket, placing it in my hand. Tears were coming down from his eyes.
I was lucky that nobody was watching that - I thought.
"Good bye, Yomi," he said, trying to fight his sobbing. He walked swiftly away from me then.
I opened my hand to see a small lucky charm. It
was very beautiful and seemed to be valuable. Joh was very stupid in giving
it to me; he knew I would give him nothing in return. At that time, I had
no idea how many times I'd repeat the same mistake in the future.
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Shrine to Yomi-Sama -