(A/N: I'd like to clarify a few things, for those not familiar with such
terms or how I might use them:
Mated in the Makai is the human equivalent to being married.
Inari is a fox god, the deity of harvest or the rice and sake god. He used
white foxes as his messengers.
Ki- Energy)
Chapter 3 Worthy
"Will you just tell me where the hell we're going?" Kuroune complained once again as he was led through another dimly lit tunnel. The two weeks he had known Kurama seemed to fly by. In the first week and most of the second they rarely got along with out some sort of snide comment about each other. Either Kuroune was getting used to the kitsune or the comments were actually getting less derogative with in the past few days.
On the morning of the second week Kurama used his favorite way to wake up the winged demon; pinched his nose closed until the demon woke with a start. "Hurry and wake up, will you? We've got a long day ahead of us." The kitsune threw a small lump at Kuroune's lap. "You've gotten lazy, you should have sensed me enter the room and woken up instantly. What if you were somewhere that wasn't safe when some random demon decides to slit your throat and take your money in your sleep? You would sleep through the whole thing, that's what you'd do..."
"Feh, nag."
"Ungrateful asshole.... Come on, get up and eat the breakfast I went through the trouble of making for you." Kuroune opened the bundle on his lap, sitting up to munch on the spicy bread. "Your welcome."
"Give me a chance to wake up, will you? Jeeze..." Tears sprang to Kuroune's eyes as he bit into a strongly spicy herb. "Your cooking is getting better, this one is actually edible." He chuckled as the kitsune growled at him. "I know I know, you'll get me for that later. Feh, we sound like an old mated couple."
"Mated with you? In your dreams. I wouldn't lower myself to be with someone like you." Kurama sneered as he crossed his thin arms over his chest. His tail languidly swished from side to side, a sign that Kuroune had picked up on that meant Kurama was in a playful mood.
"I said sound like, not are. Besides, I wouldn't want to be with a snobby, scrawny kleptomaniac. You think entirely to highly of yourself." Kuroune popped the last of his bread into his mouth and slid out of bed wearing nothing but his skin. It was a game both played with each other, to see who would look away first. So far, to his dismay, Kurama was winning. More and more he caught the kitsune looking his way, a thoughtful expression hiding behind lustful eyes. Maybe Kuroune's game was back firing on him.
"We're doing something different today." Kurama said absently, his eyes roving over the winged demon's body.
Kuroune froze mid step, glaring at the kitsune. "What would that be?"
"You'll see... It'll be something that will keep both of us entertained."
With a few thoughtful steps Kuroune finally reached the chest that held the clothes he was borrowing from Kurama. He didn't know what the kitsune was up to this time, but he had grown used to Kurama's vagueness. Removing a pair of light, loosely woven slacks that tied in the front. He turned his back to Kurama as he slid the slacks on then tied the two strings together, keeping the them secured about his waist.
"You're healing beautifully." The kitsune whispered into his ear as his fingers traced the scar on his back. "Pretty soon the scar will all but fade. The damage inside will take longer to repair though. Just how much can you wiggle your wings now?"
The winged demon clenched his teeth and twitched his wings to show Kurama how far he could move them. What Kurama had said seemed to be true, he was getting lazy. The kitsune had snuck up on him with out Kuroune noticing.
Kurama lifted one wing, halting as he noticed Kuroune wince. "Still can't extend them fully? We should work on stretching them out. The muscles might get too used to being in one position, and tighten. It might hurt, but it'll be worth it."
"Alright." Not for the first time since he had met Kurama, he wondered why the kitsune went through so much trouble to help him. No one else would, not even his so called family. Kuroune picked up a wrap around shirt, sliding the slits down his back until he felt them settle over his wings in the correct places. Much to his surprise, Kurama helped by buttoning the slits up while Kuroune wrapped the shirt around his front, then circled the long pieces of cloth around his back. He continued to wrap the ties around his stomach then tied the shirt in place.
"Finally. Come on, let's go." They walked in silence down the tunnel that led to the main cavern, then Kurama paused at a turn off he had blocked with his plants. Almost cooing at said plants, he caressed them until they retreated into slits in the rock that Kuroune had not noticed before. "It'll be alright from now on. They know your ki and will let you pass. But just this set, the rest will still attack if provoked."
"Okay." Kuroune shrugged and followed Kurama as he walked deeper into the pitch black tunnel. The show of trust mildly impressed the winged demon, until his mind shifted to where he was walking. Several times he stubbed his toe against various rocks and dips in the stone. A large rock was his undoing, causing him to fall roughly to his hands and knees. "Damn!" Having enough of the wretched unlit tunnel, he gathered his energy to a point just above his hand. The point glowed dimly then seemed to ignite as a bright light burst forth.
"Inari, what is wrong with you? That's far too bright." Kurama had thrown up an arm, hiding his eyes from the harsh light.
"It's your fault for living down here for too long... and not putting proper lights up in these tunnels."
"Alright, alright... Could you turn it off?"
Kuroune extinguished the light, slightly miffed. "Well it wouldn't be so bright if I had the proper items."
"Like?"
"A crystal or glass globe. Any color will do, but that's the color that will shine through."
"Hmm, I see." Kurama turned on his heel then waved his hand as he continued on down the tunnel. In shallow holes in the floor the akura plants normally used in the rest of the tunnels sprouted up. The golden flower glowed brightly, guiding them down the path. "I'm so used to these tunnels that I forgot you might need an actual light."
That was close enough to an apology as Kuroune supposed the kitsune would come, so he picked himself off the floor, brushing off his knees. "I'll live..."
It had been at least twenty minutes since the had left Kuroune's room, and for the fourth time, he asked where the kitsune was taking him.
Kurama sighed. "We're almost there, patience."
"Fine." Kuroune grumbled as he shuffled his feet along. With in minutes they rounded a corner and entered a large cavern, it's roof was taller than the main cavern, while the space inside was a little bit smaller. There wasn't much in the room, just a table, a chair, and a large locker. Kurama strode to the center of the room, then gestured for Kuroune to approach him. The closer Kuroune got, the more unsure of his surroundings he was. While sweat was the prominent scent in the room, a nebulous scent escaped him as he sniffed the air... Blood... the other scent was blood. Kuroune stopped and took a few steps back, his eyes narrowing as he gazed warily at Kurama.
"What's wrong?"
"You tell me, kitsune." The winged demon, crouched down, preparing for an attack.
"Good, you want to get straight to business. I'm glad you figured out this is where I train." Kurama smirked and ran his hand through his hair, removing a seed and placing it in his palm.
Kuroune hadn't guessed that this was what the room was for, but went along with what Kurama said any way. "Why bring me here then?"
"Feh, you need the exercise. And I want to test your skills if I'm going to use you later."
Kuroune stood up straight, taken back at Kurama's words. "Use me later? For what?"
The kitsune purred, the seed sprouting into a vine that wrapped around his wrist. Small pointy thorns grew along the vine as Kurama held up his hand, palm up, closing his fingers to form a fist. "Your skills are undeniable, and I can tolerate being around you. You'd make a wonderful partner, if you're quick enough to keep up with me. And willing to learn a few tricks of the trade."
"A few tricks of the trade... Heh, so what, I'm going through thievery school?" The winged demon smirked, feeling relieved that Kurama's plans with him only went as far as partnership.
"Cheeky little punk. I'll only teach you if you can manage to get a hit in." Kurama opened his hand, a rose blooming in the center of his palm. He used two fingers to scoop up the bloom, a stem forming as he drew it out. Holding the thorny rose between his middle finger and his pointer finger, he flicked his wrist. In a blink of an eye the bloom was gone, replaced by a long thorned whip. "Do you want a weapon? I've collected just about every kind and put them in that locker... Provided you can get past me to open it." He lashed out with his whip, striking the floor just in front of Kuroune's feet. The wing demon had already started flipping backwards, dodging the attack that wasn't meant to come close to him. "That was a warning. From now on, I won't miss."
Kuroune licked his lips, deciding his best bet was a head on attack. Running towards Kurama, dodging almost every slash of the whip, he waited until the last possible moment and then jumped. He twisted mid-air, then reached down and grabbed Kurama's robe. Using the combination of his weight, momentum, and strength, he pulled on the fabric as he landed. The result was only halfway successful, while Kurama did flip over Kuroune's shoulder like planned, he ended up landing on his feet. Kuroune didn't wait for Kurama to recover fully, dashing to the locker to get any helpful items that might be in there. The lock was simple enough, Kuroune had been cracking easy things like that since he was ten. In seconds he hurled the lock to the side, ducking under a lash from Kurama's whip, then grabbed the one weapon he knew would be most effective.
Dodging another attack from the kitsune, he dove then rolled to his feet, sending the scythe flying towards Kurama's head. The kitsune easily deflected his attack, but was distracted momentarily. "There..." Kuroune breathed, finally noticing the break he was waiting for. His quick hands also snatched the throwing daggers, hiding them in his shirt to make sure he had at least one item he could use to surprise Kurama and catch him off guard. The winged demon ran towards Kurama, flicking out the small but deadly scythe yet again. This time he sent out a dagger a second after his throw, hoping the kitsune wouldn't see the flash of the blade as it hurled towards his mid-section.
Pausing to watch the throwing knife head for Kurama was a mistake, the kitsune's gaze caught the glint of steel. He easily avoided it by jumping into the air, then attacked Kuroune ferociously. The black haired demon didn't have time to dodge as the whip sliced into his chest and then his back as he attempted to get away from the barrage. Blood splattered onto the floor as he stumbled, clutching at the deepest wound of all on his side. Kurama landed gracefully on the stone, his face expressionless.
The cuts themselves weren't bad, it was just the sheer amount of them that would be a danger to Kuroune if this fight dragged on. He fell to one knee, the hand holding his scythe balanced on the upright knee.
"Tch, that's it? That's all you have? Pitiful."
While Kurama sneered and insulted him, Kuroune pretended to hold his wound. In all reality he was gathering a little bit of his energy into his hand. The kitsune might see it as healing, but Kuroune had another thing planned. When Kurama had come close enough, Kuroune ignited the light, holding his hand up. Kurama winced and sent the whip flying towards the general area Kuroune had last been at, but the winged demon was one step ahead of him. As he rolled to one side, nearly dodging the attack that cracked the stone, Kuroune threw out his scythe. It connected with the kitsune's lower belly, tainting his white robes with red. The lack of blood was making Kuroune dizzy, coupled with his rolling. Attempting to get to his feet, he slipped on his own pool of blood and landed on a large rock that slammed into the large gash on his side. The pain seared his vision, causing white sparks to fly in front of his eyes before the blessed darkness claimed him.
Chapter 3 Worthy
"Will you just tell me where the hell we're going?" Kuroune complained once again as he was led through another dimly lit tunnel. The two weeks he had known Kurama seemed to fly by. In the first week and most of the second they rarely got along with out some sort of snide comment about each other. Either Kuroune was getting used to the kitsune or the comments were actually getting less derogative with in the past few days.
On the morning of the second week Kurama used his favorite way to wake up the winged demon; pinched his nose closed until the demon woke with a start. "Hurry and wake up, will you? We've got a long day ahead of us." The kitsune threw a small lump at Kuroune's lap. "You've gotten lazy, you should have sensed me enter the room and woken up instantly. What if you were somewhere that wasn't safe when some random demon decides to slit your throat and take your money in your sleep? You would sleep through the whole thing, that's what you'd do..."
"Feh, nag."
"Ungrateful asshole.... Come on, get up and eat the breakfast I went through the trouble of making for you." Kuroune opened the bundle on his lap, sitting up to munch on the spicy bread. "Your welcome."
"Give me a chance to wake up, will you? Jeeze..." Tears sprang to Kuroune's eyes as he bit into a strongly spicy herb. "Your cooking is getting better, this one is actually edible." He chuckled as the kitsune growled at him. "I know I know, you'll get me for that later. Feh, we sound like an old mated couple."
"Mated with you? In your dreams. I wouldn't lower myself to be with someone like you." Kurama sneered as he crossed his thin arms over his chest. His tail languidly swished from side to side, a sign that Kuroune had picked up on that meant Kurama was in a playful mood.
"I said sound like, not are. Besides, I wouldn't want to be with a snobby, scrawny kleptomaniac. You think entirely to highly of yourself." Kuroune popped the last of his bread into his mouth and slid out of bed wearing nothing but his skin. It was a game both played with each other, to see who would look away first. So far, to his dismay, Kurama was winning. More and more he caught the kitsune looking his way, a thoughtful expression hiding behind lustful eyes. Maybe Kuroune's game was back firing on him.
"We're doing something different today." Kurama said absently, his eyes roving over the winged demon's body.
Kuroune froze mid step, glaring at the kitsune. "What would that be?"
"You'll see... It'll be something that will keep both of us entertained."
With a few thoughtful steps Kuroune finally reached the chest that held the clothes he was borrowing from Kurama. He didn't know what the kitsune was up to this time, but he had grown used to Kurama's vagueness. Removing a pair of light, loosely woven slacks that tied in the front. He turned his back to Kurama as he slid the slacks on then tied the two strings together, keeping the them secured about his waist.
"You're healing beautifully." The kitsune whispered into his ear as his fingers traced the scar on his back. "Pretty soon the scar will all but fade. The damage inside will take longer to repair though. Just how much can you wiggle your wings now?"
The winged demon clenched his teeth and twitched his wings to show Kurama how far he could move them. What Kurama had said seemed to be true, he was getting lazy. The kitsune had snuck up on him with out Kuroune noticing.
Kurama lifted one wing, halting as he noticed Kuroune wince. "Still can't extend them fully? We should work on stretching them out. The muscles might get too used to being in one position, and tighten. It might hurt, but it'll be worth it."
"Alright." Not for the first time since he had met Kurama, he wondered why the kitsune went through so much trouble to help him. No one else would, not even his so called family. Kuroune picked up a wrap around shirt, sliding the slits down his back until he felt them settle over his wings in the correct places. Much to his surprise, Kurama helped by buttoning the slits up while Kuroune wrapped the shirt around his front, then circled the long pieces of cloth around his back. He continued to wrap the ties around his stomach then tied the shirt in place.
"Finally. Come on, let's go." They walked in silence down the tunnel that led to the main cavern, then Kurama paused at a turn off he had blocked with his plants. Almost cooing at said plants, he caressed them until they retreated into slits in the rock that Kuroune had not noticed before. "It'll be alright from now on. They know your ki and will let you pass. But just this set, the rest will still attack if provoked."
"Okay." Kuroune shrugged and followed Kurama as he walked deeper into the pitch black tunnel. The show of trust mildly impressed the winged demon, until his mind shifted to where he was walking. Several times he stubbed his toe against various rocks and dips in the stone. A large rock was his undoing, causing him to fall roughly to his hands and knees. "Damn!" Having enough of the wretched unlit tunnel, he gathered his energy to a point just above his hand. The point glowed dimly then seemed to ignite as a bright light burst forth.
"Inari, what is wrong with you? That's far too bright." Kurama had thrown up an arm, hiding his eyes from the harsh light.
"It's your fault for living down here for too long... and not putting proper lights up in these tunnels."
"Alright, alright... Could you turn it off?"
Kuroune extinguished the light, slightly miffed. "Well it wouldn't be so bright if I had the proper items."
"Like?"
"A crystal or glass globe. Any color will do, but that's the color that will shine through."
"Hmm, I see." Kurama turned on his heel then waved his hand as he continued on down the tunnel. In shallow holes in the floor the akura plants normally used in the rest of the tunnels sprouted up. The golden flower glowed brightly, guiding them down the path. "I'm so used to these tunnels that I forgot you might need an actual light."
That was close enough to an apology as Kuroune supposed the kitsune would come, so he picked himself off the floor, brushing off his knees. "I'll live..."
It had been at least twenty minutes since the had left Kuroune's room, and for the fourth time, he asked where the kitsune was taking him.
Kurama sighed. "We're almost there, patience."
"Fine." Kuroune grumbled as he shuffled his feet along. With in minutes they rounded a corner and entered a large cavern, it's roof was taller than the main cavern, while the space inside was a little bit smaller. There wasn't much in the room, just a table, a chair, and a large locker. Kurama strode to the center of the room, then gestured for Kuroune to approach him. The closer Kuroune got, the more unsure of his surroundings he was. While sweat was the prominent scent in the room, a nebulous scent escaped him as he sniffed the air... Blood... the other scent was blood. Kuroune stopped and took a few steps back, his eyes narrowing as he gazed warily at Kurama.
"What's wrong?"
"You tell me, kitsune." The winged demon, crouched down, preparing for an attack.
"Good, you want to get straight to business. I'm glad you figured out this is where I train." Kurama smirked and ran his hand through his hair, removing a seed and placing it in his palm.
Kuroune hadn't guessed that this was what the room was for, but went along with what Kurama said any way. "Why bring me here then?"
"Feh, you need the exercise. And I want to test your skills if I'm going to use you later."
Kuroune stood up straight, taken back at Kurama's words. "Use me later? For what?"
The kitsune purred, the seed sprouting into a vine that wrapped around his wrist. Small pointy thorns grew along the vine as Kurama held up his hand, palm up, closing his fingers to form a fist. "Your skills are undeniable, and I can tolerate being around you. You'd make a wonderful partner, if you're quick enough to keep up with me. And willing to learn a few tricks of the trade."
"A few tricks of the trade... Heh, so what, I'm going through thievery school?" The winged demon smirked, feeling relieved that Kurama's plans with him only went as far as partnership.
"Cheeky little punk. I'll only teach you if you can manage to get a hit in." Kurama opened his hand, a rose blooming in the center of his palm. He used two fingers to scoop up the bloom, a stem forming as he drew it out. Holding the thorny rose between his middle finger and his pointer finger, he flicked his wrist. In a blink of an eye the bloom was gone, replaced by a long thorned whip. "Do you want a weapon? I've collected just about every kind and put them in that locker... Provided you can get past me to open it." He lashed out with his whip, striking the floor just in front of Kuroune's feet. The wing demon had already started flipping backwards, dodging the attack that wasn't meant to come close to him. "That was a warning. From now on, I won't miss."
Kuroune licked his lips, deciding his best bet was a head on attack. Running towards Kurama, dodging almost every slash of the whip, he waited until the last possible moment and then jumped. He twisted mid-air, then reached down and grabbed Kurama's robe. Using the combination of his weight, momentum, and strength, he pulled on the fabric as he landed. The result was only halfway successful, while Kurama did flip over Kuroune's shoulder like planned, he ended up landing on his feet. Kuroune didn't wait for Kurama to recover fully, dashing to the locker to get any helpful items that might be in there. The lock was simple enough, Kuroune had been cracking easy things like that since he was ten. In seconds he hurled the lock to the side, ducking under a lash from Kurama's whip, then grabbed the one weapon he knew would be most effective.
Dodging another attack from the kitsune, he dove then rolled to his feet, sending the scythe flying towards Kurama's head. The kitsune easily deflected his attack, but was distracted momentarily. "There..." Kuroune breathed, finally noticing the break he was waiting for. His quick hands also snatched the throwing daggers, hiding them in his shirt to make sure he had at least one item he could use to surprise Kurama and catch him off guard. The winged demon ran towards Kurama, flicking out the small but deadly scythe yet again. This time he sent out a dagger a second after his throw, hoping the kitsune wouldn't see the flash of the blade as it hurled towards his mid-section.
Pausing to watch the throwing knife head for Kurama was a mistake, the kitsune's gaze caught the glint of steel. He easily avoided it by jumping into the air, then attacked Kuroune ferociously. The black haired demon didn't have time to dodge as the whip sliced into his chest and then his back as he attempted to get away from the barrage. Blood splattered onto the floor as he stumbled, clutching at the deepest wound of all on his side. Kurama landed gracefully on the stone, his face expressionless.
The cuts themselves weren't bad, it was just the sheer amount of them that would be a danger to Kuroune if this fight dragged on. He fell to one knee, the hand holding his scythe balanced on the upright knee.
"Tch, that's it? That's all you have? Pitiful."
While Kurama sneered and insulted him, Kuroune pretended to hold his wound. In all reality he was gathering a little bit of his energy into his hand. The kitsune might see it as healing, but Kuroune had another thing planned. When Kurama had come close enough, Kuroune ignited the light, holding his hand up. Kurama winced and sent the whip flying towards the general area Kuroune had last been at, but the winged demon was one step ahead of him. As he rolled to one side, nearly dodging the attack that cracked the stone, Kuroune threw out his scythe. It connected with the kitsune's lower belly, tainting his white robes with red. The lack of blood was making Kuroune dizzy, coupled with his rolling. Attempting to get to his feet, he slipped on his own pool of blood and landed on a large rock that slammed into the large gash on his side. The pain seared his vision, causing white sparks to fly in front of his eyes before the blessed darkness claimed him.