Before I begin, there is a special thank-you I want to give to one of my reviewers. Sakurasango, thank you so much for the encouraging review on the last chapter. It almost made me cry!

Thank you to ALL my wonderful reviewers! You guys rock!

Oh, and in answer to one question, Homura was killed by the Sanzo-ikkou. That has not changed from the anime. Sorry about not making that clear and taking so long to answer!

This is an AU fic, I guess. Sorry about that. I wasn't completely clear on what that meant.

Yoru: Now time for my...ummm...apology. The fact is I completely forgot about Doku and co.!

Doku and co.: glare...begin feral growl

Yoru: Meep...don't kill me! I'm putting you in now! But I want to tell you guys not to expect them to save Kou. Mwaha.

Doku: raises sword

Yaone: raises spear

Lirin: raises fists

Yoru: If you kill me, no one will get stories.

Doku and co: Can we kill you when it's over?

Yoru: Meep...

Dokugakuji, Lirin, and Yaone stormed into Hotou Castle, heading straight for the throne room.

"Lady Koushu!" Yaone screamed as she ran into the room. Koushu looked up, a bored expression on her face.

"What do you want?" She jumped as Nii came up behind her.

"I believe they are missing a member, Lady Koushu." His nasal voice always annoyed her, but she listened, and then glanced at the group below her.

"Where's Kougaiji?" Koushu didn't want to deal with his underlings, she wanted to deal with him.

"We believe he was captured by the Sanzo-ikkou." Yaone couldn't stop the tears from falling down her cheeks. Dokugakuji put a brotherly arm around her.

"We gotta find him!" Lirin was hopping up and down, fists beating imaginary foes. Nii smiled, making him look more insane than usual.

"But of course, Lady Lirin. I'll get right on it." He turned and left. Koushu brought her scrutinizing gaze on the three standing below her.

"In the meantime, focus on the scripture. We will let you know when Kougaiji is found. If I find that you have disobeyed me, you will be incarcerated here. Understood?" She kept her beady eye on Lirin especially, watching the young girl's expression. The three bowed and left the room, rage flooding through them all, but unable to reject Koushu's absolute power.

Kougaiji scrubbed for all he was worth, not wishing another beating. They had arrived at the castle several days before, and he had immediately been put to work. Hiruki was even more demanding than Homura had been.

But while Kougaiji's life was miserable, he had not seen Narako for a long time, making him feel worse. The black-haired man was his only friend here, and seeing him was Kougaiji's comfort. But his daydreams about the man were not enough to sustain him...

A boot slammed into his side, breaking into his thoughts and slamming him to the floor. Hiruki smirked down at him.

"Hey, slave, time for you to go to your room. Get moving." Hiruki watched Kougaiji go, then followed. Kougaiji went into his small cell in the dungeon, and curled up on the hard, stone floor. Hiruki came in behind him.

"I said room, not sleep." He approached Kougaiji, who immediately scuttled to the back of his cell. Hiruki knelt in front of the slave, and looked deep into the frightened eyes.

"I think I'll take you again tonight." He ran his hand down Kougaiji's chest and abs, reveling in the trembling of his slave.

"Leave him alone." The voice came from the doorway. Hiruki and Kougaiji looked to see Narako standing there. The violet eyes shone with contained rage. Hiruki smirked.

"Why? You want him?" He laughed as he saw Narako's fist clench, "I want sex tonight, and he's the slave."

"Take me instead." Silence reigned. Narako's voice echoed; final, absolute. His eyes were fixed on the floor. Kougaiji's eyes widened.

"I'm more experienced and I won't struggle. Leave him tonight and take me." Narako's eyes lifted, met Kougaiji's, held them. Hiruki's smirk widened. He cupped Kougaiji's face, brought it around, and kissed him. Kougaiji closed his eyes, fighting revulsion. Hiruki slid his tongue in and ran it over the roof of Kougaiji's mouth, then pulled away and stood.

"All right. Let's go." He left the cell. Narako stood a moment longer. Kougaiji stared at him.

"Thank you." It was barely more than a whisper, but Narako heard it. His mouth formed a ghost of a smile, and he knelt in front of Kougaiji. His gentle hand ran through Kougaiji's crimson hair, over his cheek. Kougaiji felt a tingling, pleasant sensation run through his body.

"Sleep well, Kou." He left, and Kougaiji curled up again. Why was Narako doing this for him? What did it mean? And what was this feeling of utter happiness that ran through him at Narako's slightest touch?

Yoru: Woohoo! Kougaiji's confused!

Doku: About killing you...

Kuronue: pops out of nowhere No killing. I wanna know what happens next!

Lirin: Me too!

Yaone: I also would like to know.

Kougaiji: Me too...

Narako: Me too...

Yoru: What about everyone else?