UPDATE: 04/29/05 - It should be known that I have come to despise (or at least seriously dislike) this chapter, and that it will be subject to several changes very soon. I really am sorry if this upsets some people, but I just can't let it stand like this any longer. If I could get some feedback on what people like and don't like about it, that would be great. I'm also thinking about changing some things in chapters two through four. Though, somehow I doubt that this story is going to be around for much longer, what with the 'no musical lyrics' rule. I could save it - but what the hell. I'll take my chances. I also kind of like leaving it up, just to be flying in the face of the rules.Better read while you can. ;) And ignore the story distrupting scene breaks that read BREAK - they're not my fault. Just direct your hatred to FFN.

Summary: It's inevitable for power to bring detachment, and for extreme power to bring boredom: Boredom is exactly what plagues beings like the Youko, and the remedy is to make everything into entertainment. But in a game, you're not supposed to be able to die...
Rating: R
Type: Pre-series, past fic, semi-movie (second) universe (I've taken the character of Kuronue, and left out the whole meikai bit)
Disclaimer: Yu Yu Hakusho isn't mine, damnit.
Song Lyrics: Are not mine. (But they're awesome anyway!)
Notes: Hey, glad that you decided to take a look at this piece! For those that are wondering, Y/K stands for Youko/Kuronue. Before anybody gets too worried, let me say- NO, I personally don't believe that Kuronue existed in the actual YYH series universe, which is why I'm melding the series with the second movie and judiciously cutting what I didn't like (coughmeikaicough). :) I'd better warn you, though, that I doubt this is going to unfold exactly like you imagine it will. After all, I'm not bringing Kuronue back from the dead, and I'm not having Kurama lusting after him when Hiei's right in front of his face: I'm writing about the time before they died. And this isn't a pile of fluff, either - Youko and Kuronue aren't in love, and never will be. They are demons, after all... suffice it to say that it's a very difficult relationship to explain. You'll have to read to get a better idea of what I mean.

If you want a really brilliant example of the difference in human and demon relationships, try reading The Best Defense by JoIsBishMyoga - she really has the bead on this stuff. Compared to her work, I'm a second grader dabbling in the adult stuff with the 'not for kids' label.

This chapter is a little strange (hopefully not too strange), but I think that if you can get past it, you'll probably like the later ones better. I hope... O.o On another note - if you're uncomfortable with yaoi (guy-guy lovin'), then I suggest you don't venture any further. Or, if you still want to read, then you better be prepared to bite your tongue (though you might just want to not, and save your tongue the pain :P).

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Playing the Game
- Tenika Dargan

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In these days and these hours of fury,
When the darkness and answers are thin,
Lovers come and check out in a hurry,
Shallow and hollow again.
Come lay your body beside me, to dream,
To sleep with the lamb.
To the question your eyes seem to send,
Am I your passion, your promise, your end?
I say I am,
Yes I am...

- "Yes I Am," Melissa Etheridge

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Chapter One

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"We could take them now, you know."

Somewhere in the shadows of the forest that stood by the road, somewhere out of earshot of the approaching caravan, a deep voice chuckled. "Patience, Kuronue. We must wait a little longer."

"Why?" insisted the first voice.

"Because it is no fun unless we draw it out."

"Narcissist. You just want a dramatic entrance, don't you?"

A smug sound. "It is tempting."

"Resist the temptation," Kuronue replied flatly, casting a glance out at the road. He was standing in a patch of moonlight, little more than a shadow in the darkness. His partner was even less than that, lounging in the shade several feet away, hidden almost entirely. His natural brilliance betrayed him, however, and even in the absolute darkness cast by the trees he could be seen as the greyest of ghosts, a silver shadow among the shadows.

Kuronue cast another quick glance at him, frowning this time. "We should go now. They're getting close."

The Youko sighed elegantly, long legs shifting, nearly invisible in motion. "Very well, Kuronue. Take the initiative, would you? I'll join you in a moment.

Kuronue growled excitedly, crouching low to begin his silent, jumping path to their targets. "Sure." And then he was gone, an invisible shape in the darkness.

Youko Kurama smirked, rising and preparing to take his own part in the game.

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It is the way of demons to lift a few special characters onto their shoulders; through all the hatred, the enmity and the fear directed at these great ones, they are solicited and canonized to a point that is far beyond worship. Worship means that there is respect involved; great demons gain followers through force and intimidation, and these bonds hold longer than the ones of respect.

There have been many great demons throughout the history of the makai; thieves, warriors, reikai tantei killers, prophets and smiths...and yet it always seems to be the lowest ones, the honorless ones, that garner the most attention. Namely, the thieves. Why is this? Were you to ask a demon, it is doubtful that you would get an answer.

These great thieves won prizes, followers, enemies and the eternal hatred of the reikai. They won recognition, fame, rivals and companions...and more than anything, they won a free life. Many of these thieves, through many different memories, came and went, bobbing in and out of history and imagination.

But it is without doubt that Youko Kurama was the greatest thief ever.

Second only to him was his partner...so it was safe to say that the caravan never had a chance.

Kuronue was among them in the seconds, scythe blade swinging back and forth, silencing many before the screams even began. In the shouting, the stamping, the frightened rush of creatures as they tried to pinpoint their nearly invisible attacker, Kuronue slipped in, bringing a quick silver end to anyone standing close by. It was better than these heathen, low class demons deserved anyway, as far as the Youko was concerned. He slipped in unnoticed, and stood by in the darkness of a cart's shadow to wait for his turn.

Through long years of experience, Kuronue now knew to leave a dozen or so opponents for his companion, picking off stragglers and attempted escapees to waste time. Kurama did not love killing (that was what Kuronue was for), but he certainly found it fun, and so Kuronue always left some youkai for him to deal with. Nothing was left undone; he was a master at cleaning up loose ends, after working with the Youko for over four centuries; they stole together with more fluidity and grace than most youkai could understand. The cargo was left undamaged under his careful watch.

Then the Youko came.

Kurama decided to appear standing atop another cart that had been abandoned in the center of the clearing, a glowing white figure in the moonlight. At first he was not seen, and when finally his presence was noticed, it was like a spell had been cast over the fighters. All action stilled as, one by one, the doomed members of the caravan looked up and caught sight of his god-like figure. There was no speech for a long time, only entranced stares and awed, quiet silence. Kuronue smirked at his companion, well aware of the fact that the fox was enjoying every second of the attention.

"It's the Youko..." one demon finally whispered, and his horrified proclamation broke the trance that seemed to have captivated his fellows. The screaming began again, and a great rush as the beings left alive began to run, abandoning all pride and duty to escape.

With an amused smirk, the Youko raised his hands, lazily, and long vines shot from the ground, ensnaring each demon individually, wrapping them in their tendrils and slowly tightening. This was the way of Kurama, who did not like getting blood on his hands. Many were killed swiftly, but some were gagged with more vines and suffocated at a slower pace.

One of the bound dozen, a pretty young ice demon, railed furiously against his bonds in spite of his obviously helpless state, too stubborn to die slowly. This boy successfully bit through his gag, but could escape from nothing else. He was so caught up in his attempt that he did not notice the silence for several seconds, until finally he realized that he was the only one left alive. It was during his horrified silence, while he stared around, that he felt long arms wrap around him from behind.

"Now you," purred the low, sensual voice of the youko, "are a very interesting demon." One of Youko's hands rose, stroking slowly, almost lovingly down the young demon's throat as his head was yanked back by a vine. "Such a shame..." One of those gentle fingers pressed firmly at the soft pad beneath the demon's chin, planting a seed there. "But you guard something I want...and I will always get what I wish for."

Tears began to run down the young demon's face as he felt the first seedlings sprouting through his flesh into his mouth. "Please..." he managed brokenly before his mouth was too full of leaves to speak.

Youko smirked, stepping back from the young demon who was still suspended in midair by vines. "How pathetic," he chuckled fondly as verdant tendrils burst from the now dead creatures eyes, sending small droplets of crimson in a delicate sort of shower to the dusty road below. He had been unnecessarily kind to this one, killing him quickly, when he could have dragged it out for so much longer...

His neck prickled slightly as he realized that someone was staring at him, and turning, he lifted his eyebrows toward his companion, who was watching him with a smirk. "Yes?" he asked pleasantly.

Kuronue shook his head, violet eyes narrowed slightly in amused curiosity. "You like killing them that way, don't you?"

Youko smiled. "Sometimes. It is more fun than simply strangling them, Kuronue. Tell me, with this much power, this much experience, why should I not enjoy my kills on occasion? Each encounter should be a celebration of some kind of possible sensation, as far as I am concerned. If I am chased, if I must run, why shouldn't I run as fast as I can, just to feel what I can have? If I come to capture a handsome demon, take some creature that I am about to kill, why should I not enjoy them to whatever extent I wish, so that I may feel all possibilities? Or do you think that too cruel?"

Kuronue chuckled, lowering his head. He had heard this speech many times before, but graciously, he had always listened. "I only think that it is probably why I've never let you have me," he answered.

Youko smirked, golden eyes flashing. "You have sense. It makes the game more fun."

Kuronue shrugged, going towards the cart that contained their targeted prize, apparently not deeming such words worthy of a response...or perhaps nervous to answer them, and the suggestion they held. "We should take our catch now," he said calmly, pulling the cloth from the cart top and sorting through the many boxes held within until finally he came upon a pretty, well made one. Opening it, he drew out a set of small, finely crafted silver scales, images of harvests and leaping kitsune engraved onto the surface of each scale bed, with tiny rubies for the eyes of the magical creatures. "This is what you wanted?"

The Youko nodded, stepping forward and taking his prize. Kuronue almost never went into a theft for any of the treasure, but instead for the thrill of the chase. He did not like furnishing his home, so usually the finery was claimed by the Youko, who loved collecting treasures and scrolls with which to adorn his den.

The two companions departed then, leaving in their wake a very silent, empty road and caravan. Silhouetted in the moonlight were the dead bodies on the ground, and the disturbing sight of the dozen demons still caught by Kurama's plants, hanging in midair, gruesome visions to all who would come to pass by the following day.

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"...and still has yet to be caught. The thief Youko, easily comparable to the greatest of demons, has evaded capture time and again, and has marked himself as one of the fastest rising legends in makai history." A low snort followed this. "They make me sound like some kind of rival to Enma. Who wrote this, I wonder?"

Kuronue rolled his eyes. "Who cares? I can't believe you were vain enough to actually buy a book to read about yourself."

"Buy?" repeated the other demon in an offended tone, lowering the book and glaring at his friend. "What an ugly word, Kuronue. I stole it last night for entertainment. Besides, the book means nothing; my greatness needs no words or explanation, it simply is."

Kuronue sighed. "It's not your greatness that needs recording," he muttered, "it's your vanity. Surely you've surpassed some kind of self-indulgence record by now."

"Nonsense," Youko muttered absently, returning to the page he had been reading from. He continued in silence for several seconds, then cast a fond glance up at his newest decoration, the silver scales they had stolen two days earlier.

It was a relatively small addition to his den, which was an unbeatably perfect picture of grand simplicity. Accessed through a well-concealed hole in the ground, the entrance hall was guarded by some of his favorite plants, such as the mimosa and the desu tree. Stepping past those dangers, one entered a quite unimpressive passage. Going through a likewise unadorned set of doors, one would suddenly find themselves in his display hall, where all of his wall-hanging finery was displayed, and where on knee-high shelves that ran along both walls he showcased his shelf-worthy items. Growing liberally through all of this finery were seemingly harmless vines covered in light purple leaves and brilliant red flowers, which, when presented with wandering fingers, would spit a nasty stream of acid at the thief.

At the end of this hallway hung a curtain of thin, pale green vines with constantly budding and blooming white flowers, which shielded the final room in his den from view. Passing through these would lead to his real feat of architectural genius. This room had been nothing but an underground cavern, a deep pit several hundred feet in expanse that was so deep that the bottom was lost in darkness. He had placed many tall wooden pillars at intervals in the pit, seemingly floating in nothing, and had cut them flat at ground level to serve as stepping stones, so visitors could hop from perch to perch around the room.

In the center of all of this he had grown a massive, perpetually flowering cherry tree, strangely out of place and ethereally beautiful in the darkness of the room. The tree, easily sixty feet around the bole, had had half of it's trunk removed down to ground level, so a thirty foot half-circle pedestal was left as a meeting place, where he could lounge easily when he felt the desire. This dais was on level with the steps, so it was easy enough to reach.

Also carved into the remaining tree trunk that made up the wall of the pedestal was a large bowl-like seat, strewn with scarves and precious cloths of brightly embroidered and dyed material, stolen during raids and added to the impromptu throne over the Youko's many centuries of life. He now had quite the comfortable lounging spot, and while it was no high-backed king's chair, it had all the elegance and class of the most tasteful piece of furniture. The blending of nature and simple knife cuts made it a beautifully simple, incredible living space; the most fitting den for Youko Kurama. All of his favorite items were placed around this particular chamber, on small tables that he had grown on the pedestal or scattered elsewhere, so he could look at them when he wished. His sleeping place was in his chair, but he had an extra bed, a collection of soft furs that had been thrown into a shallow dip in the wooden dais.

The Youko was currently lazing in his throne, the book of famous demons clutched idly in one of his elegant hands. Kuronue was leaning against one of the small tables on the dais, sharpening his curved blade with a whetstone he had been carrying in a pouch attached to his sash. The bat demon often came to Kurama's den, in part because it was one of the safest places for him to stay (excepting the youko, of course, who could be unpredictable and dangerous at times), and in part because of the lighting. The Youko did not like a great deal of light, so only a few sconces glowed around the room, giving it a dimly lit look. Much was still hidden in shadows, to Kuronue's definite liking.

"Where should we hunt next, do you think?" Kuronue asked finally as he replaced the whetstone in his pouch, apparently satisfied with the edge of his blade.

Kurama shrugged, tossing the book onto the ground and reaching out to touch the scales fondly. He had liked them so much that he had made a small, flat shelf just above the right arm of his chair, and had placed them there to gaze at. They were definitely one of his favorite items.

"I don't know," he sighed, feeling a touch of boredom worming it's way up his spine. He hated finishing thefts, if only because there seemed to be nothing to do afterwards. Of course, he knew that something would come along soon enough, but it was still annoyingly dull in the meantime. If he could only get Kuronue to sleep with him, it might be a little more entertaining, but the bat demon wasn't ready to lose the game yet, and Kurama didn't feel like forcing him. It would ruin the point of the game entirely. Besides, he would lose a good ally, and he didn't really feel like doing that either.

Lazily he shifted his long body, turning until he was stretched upside down in the chair, head hanging over the edge, hair dragging silkily along the ground, feet crossed where his head should have been. The chair was pitched at such an angle that this position was just as comfortable as any other, and sometimes it helped him to think.

"Well, we could go to the town and see if there's anything new," Kuronue suggested, stretching his wings out with a yawn. Right now they were in their small form to save space, and so were not nearly as impressive as usual.

The Youko sighed again, reaching out and taking the book up again in his powerful white hands, flipping back to the page and reading upside down.

Kuronue glanced absently at him, eyebrows at half-mast. "That can't be good for your head, Youko."

Kurama smirked, turning to the next page of text. "On the contrary," he stated mildly. "It helps me think sometimes. I-- what!"

The bat demon stopped at the anger in his voice, turning to stare at the Youko, who had risen up suddenly, ears twitching as he glared at the book. "What is it?"

A growl escaped the Youko's lips. "They say here that I'm only five centuries old!" The most deadly of glares lit his eyes. "I have worked harder than any other demon to get to where I am - still standing at well over a millennia!"

Kuronue began to laugh at his partner, shaking his head so that his thick black ponytail of hair swayed in the air. "How do you expect them to know how old you really are, Youko?"

Kurama ignored him, throwing the book up at the ceiling in his anger, where it was snatched instantly by a vine and carried up into one of the many nests above. These upside-down gardens were invisible in the darkness of the cave ceiling, but nevertheless were full of a deadly assortment of plants, each ready to defend the youko to the last if called upon. This helpful plant seemed to be enjoying its meal of the book.

The glare persisted in the Youko's eyes as he glowered up at the shadows above. "No doubt you'll enjoy that more than I did," huffed Kurama as tiny shreds of paper drifted down to fall into the darkness surrounding them.

Kuronue was still chuckling, shaking his head as he stood. "You get too upset," he chided, "It's only a book. Low grade demon trash can't be expected to write you in perfection." A smirk lit his face. "It's impossible, isn't it?"

The Youko's anger was quickly forgotten at this subtle compliment. "Well, of course," he decided instantly, "Perfection is impossible to capture." He glanced over at Kuronue, then smiled, turning around in his chair so he was once again seated normally. "Come here." He beckoned to the bat demon elegantly, bringing one of his knees up to his chest.

Kuronue obeyed placidly, apparently unconcerned by this sudden mood shift. "We really should go to Younetai tomorrow evening," he reaffirmed as he stopped before the Youko. "We can usually glean information about the incoming caravans, and if there's nothing interesting there, we could travel--"

But Kurama was staring at Kuronue's hat, obviously far more intrigued by that than by what the bat demon was saying. Kuronue noticed this and stopped, raising his eyebrows questioningly. The Youko reached out one precise hand, taking hold of the brim of the hat, rubbing slightly to feel the texture of the torn edges, but not removing the ensemble without further permission. It was far more fun to try and convince him to indicate a yes.

"Interested?" Kuronue asked.

Kurama smirked. "Very." As of this point, he hadn't managed to make Kuronue take the black item off. With any other demon he would have simply gone ahead and done what he pleased, but Kuronue was different- he was not only an ally and a partner, but a game. Playing the game was just as much fun as winning it, and it tested his patience.

Kuronue shrugged at this and tilted his head down, surprising the Youko slightly. Seconds later he jumped at this subtle invitation, thrilled by his success. This was yet another feat in a long string, and Kurama felt very proud of himself as he pulled the hat off, hand immediately going to stroke the smooth black hair recently covered by the black material, touching his side locks, his bangs.

"Why don't you ever wear your hair down?" Kurama asked softly, dragging one, two fingers in a whisper of a movement down the side of Kuronue's face, just as quickly transferring the affection back to a side lock, moving swiftly enough so as not to arouse suspicion, but certainly to get the message across. "You waste your beauty."

Kuronue just shook his head slightly, gazing at the youko with a faint smirk. He looked like he was about to reply, but he stopped suddenly, a far away look entering his eyes, his lips parting slightly. Then he smiled anew, looking directly into the golden eyes of the Youko.

"Let me go, Kurama." The silver thief froze in his movement, frowning slightly at being addressed with his real name. He had told it to the bat demon, but that didn't mean he had the license to use it whenever he felt like it. "It's time for me to hunt."

The Youko understood suddenly, the glazed expression making a world more of sense as he pulled his hand away, nodding to his partner. "The sun has gone down?" he asked calmly, folding his hands in his lap. They had just woken an hour before - no doubt the bat demon was hungry.

Kuronue nodded, taking his hat up from where Kurama had dropped it on the floor and bringing it back over his head, pulling his ponytail out of the strap that wrapped around the back to fall free again in a thick black mass. "Yes. I'll return at dawn, and then tomorrow evening we can go into Younetai for a new information."

Kurama nodded, saying nothing, but fixing the bat demon with a level, cool smirk for the whole duration of his journey from the pedestal to the mouth of the hallway, following his weightless leaps until he disappeared through the screen of vines and flowers.

"I will win this game."

And there was no arguing with the Youko when he was determined.

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A/N: Boy, that chapter was bizarre. -.- If this chapter seems weird to you, or doesn't seem to fit with later ones, it's because it actually started as a one shot, and then sort of mutated later and turned into a full-length fic. I estimate seventeen chapters for this baby, but who knows. Hopefully later chapters will be better, but hell...maybe I'll think that they're better, and you guys will just think that they're weirder.

And, to quickly address what I'm sure some of you have already asked: Why did I choose to focus on Kurama's time with Kuronue, or choose to bother with the second movie at all/grins/ Allow me to explain. Now, I'm pretty sure that I agree with most of the fandom when I say that the second movie was pretty weak (it had some very cool bits, and the art was beyond beautiful, but mostly it was an excuse to have one giant, prettily animated fist-smashin' brawl). It did, however, have Kuronue...

Sometimes I wish that he had been introduced in the series. He seemed like he was a character with some awesome possibilites, and they wasted him by giving him such a tiny role and such a strange entrance. He provides many explanations for the death of Youko; he was well designed, and really, very interesting. Keeping all of this in mind, I decided that he deserved more than he got, which is the second reason for me writing this fic in the first place. This chapter was supposed to be a character study above all other things, another reason that it may seem a little strange. I know, however, that Kuronue's an almost entirely blank character, so I've made up just about everything about him (more character fun! I love making up stuff XD). Just bear with me - I promise that it'll make sense (most of the time).

Oh, and just so you don't get confused, the next chapter will be a flashback. I'll then be switching the chapters, so chapter three will pick up where this one left off, then chapter four will pick up where chapter two left off. Does that make sense? Either way, you're bound to get it about halfway through the story (whether or not you get it now), so just . . . venture on!

Thanks much for reading! You make me a most happy camper.

FANON/CANON

1) ""How pathetic," he chuckled fondly as verdant tendrils burst from the now dead creatures eyes." - Youko, as far as I have gathered, was not a very nice demon. I may have him acting a touch too cruel...but then again, maybe not. He was powerful, a thief, and to boot, honorless (Kurama says this in his own words when he is training Kuwabara for the Ankoku Bujutsukai (Dark Tournament)). With all of this in mind, I think that, yes...he wasn't too far off from being like Karasu. Some of you have probably shaken your heads already and gone, "No!" but really think about it (those of you who've seen the Sensui Arc); he was willing to sacrifice a child, and even psych out that child to make him easier to kill, and then he got angry for regretting the choice, because it was something that Youko never would have regretted. That indicates a somewhat Karasu-ish type of person (though Karasu was more of the wantonly cruel type, whereas I think Youko was cruel so long as he had some kind of excuse, however stupid or fickle).

One of the things that I really want to show with the whole of this story is the difference between Kurama as Youko and Kurama as a human; I think that he probably had a very huge (and somewhat upsetting) revelation through growing up with a human sort of heart, and for every demon aspect that he retained, he lost another one to humanity. I also think that this would explain some of his violent dislike of Karasu: Seeing a bit of what you once were in someone else, and not liking it, can be very frustrating. I also think that this evolution is one of the most fascinating things about Kurama- and about Hiei, for that matter. More fascinating, even, in the case of Hiei, because he does all of his human-type growth as a demon, with a demon heart. Very impressive.

2) The den is mine. No stealing.

3) Quick note about the musical quotes: Please read them! I worked for a very, very long time (like, five hours at least) searching through my plethora of music for each one (you wouldn't believe how hard it is to find a quote from a love song without the word 'love' in it!), so I want people to at least peruse them! ;.; Pretty please?