A/N: Geez, yes, I am still alive. I have another fic that's in higher demand…so sorry…

Disclaimer: I do not own Yu Yu Hakusho, or Kuronue's hat, but I do own any of the characters that I make in this story.

Shanu stood up, taking a defensive position, dagger at the ready. "Ryouta, What do you think you are doing in my den?"

Ryouta pulled his hood away. It reviled thin pale green eyes, a ghostly complexion, dark wavy hair, and three vertical blue strips in the center of his forehead. He coolly replied, "You probably know why I'm here, dear Shanu."

The enraged kitsune growled threateningly, this was the man that got her lost love killed. It was his entire fault. She could never forgive this creature and she would not let him have what he wanted.

Closing his ghastly eyes, he held up a black gloved hand. "I don't want to fight, dear Shanu, I saw them today…" He trailed off; a pleased look crossed his features. "They could be very great, with a few adjustments, they'll already be better then this old fool." He gestured to himself.

Shanu had heard enough of this deceiver, this murder wanted her boys, and she would not allow that to happen. Her claws were elongated, as well as her fangs; the kitsune bristled with energy she hadn't displayed in years.

"No, get off of my property; they will not live that life, a life of thievery! It only leads you down the wrong paths and in the end it ultimately destroys you."

Ryouta shook his head gravely, "That depends what you make of it, dear Shanu, don't blame me for Januamaru Dioki 's death, that mission was something that was way out of his league, and he choose to take it. It's not my fault he got caught and was executed on the spot." With those words, Shanu's eyes softened, that struck a deep cord within her heart.

Raising his pale head a fraction, he noticed the change in the kitsune. He smiled to himself, 'That got her to back down.'

At that instant, Youko and Kuronue ran into the room, sensing some kind of distress. Kuroune, with his scimitar drawn blocked of this strangers exit while Youko Kurama jumped in front of his mother, claws at the ready.

"Who are you and what do you want?" Youko spoke for everyone accounted for. Shanu looked at the back of her son's head and gently fell down to her knees, clutching her prized dagger. Closing her eyes gently, she somehow already knew that no matter what, he boys would be taken away from her.

Upon seeing Shanu and the boys' reaction, Ryouta smiled in victory, he knew this battle was won against the female kitsune. Her heart was still in misery over the loss of Januamaru, and because of that, she could not go on with this challenge.

Again holding up one of his gloved hands, he spoke calmly, "Do not fret, young Youko Kurama and Kuronue, I am not here to cause trouble, but to ask you both about an offer."

Standing quietly behind him, Kuronue raised an eyebrow, how did this guy know their names? He had also noticed how Shanu was reacting to this demon, what was going on?

Youko Kurama put his hands down by his side, his claws still at the ready. Clearing his throat he asked, "And what is this proposition?" Youko seemed impassive about the whole deal. Ryouta just smiled in reply thinking, 'Good, Good, he seems interested, at least…'

"Well, earlier today I witnessed something great," Smiling sinisterly, he continued, "Great teamwork, wonderful trickery, and easily fooled youkai."

Kuronue didn't like this man. Brushing a hand over the brim of his hat, a single to Youko whether they should attack or not.

The kitsune noticed the signaling from Kuronue, causally itching his forearm, the signal for 'not yet' "You saw us earlier today, in the market, I presume that is what you are referring to." Youko said indifferently.

Ryouta nodded, "Yes, and the offer is this: your skills are amazing and I was wondering if you would come with me, to the thieves' guild."

Shanu's eyes widened. She may lose her boys, but she would fight for them, "NO!" she yelled, standing up. Youko whipped his head around, so surprised to see such a reaction.

In the back, Kuronue went back into stance, if Shanu didn't agree, neither did he.

But Youko waved his hand bothersomely. "What is that?"

"Well…" Ryouta causally paced the room, ignoring the other two upset youkai. He figured this much, Shanu's neglect to Youko had caused disobedience in the youth. The bat youkai seemed to be the problem, but perhaps if he got Youko Kurama to go, Kuronue would have to as well.

" One can not describe the thieves guild very well without seeing it…It's hard to explain." Tucking his dark hair behind his ears, he continued, "It will help you advance to greatness in the field of thievery, though…" He paused and looked pointedly at Youko Kurama.

"With the skills you both possess, you could go right to the good stuff, like weaponry and advanced skills."

"I've heard enough." Shanu stepped in front of her son. "Why don't you tell what thievery really is?"

Ryouta showed no emotion, knowing what she meant…he would let the distressed kitsune tell the tale.

Turning to Youko, knowing her son needed to hear it more then anyone else. "Kurama, your father was a thief, and a badly trained one too, that is what got him killed." Placing her hands on his face, her icy eyes bore into his golden ones. "That beast over there is to blame. On the night of your birth, there was a big raid that was about to take place. Your father was skilled, but he was still in training, and he didn't have the skill to partake in this mission."

Youko was silent, he would have never guessed that his father was a thief, when he was little, he would ask his mother were father was. She always said forlornly, "he's gone Kurama… I'm so sorry." Then she would embrace him and cry.

But what about all the times his mother would sulk? She should've just gotten over it. He had practically raised himself.

Shanu directed his attention back, "I don't know why the fool went, and he just did. Maybe to bring wealth, or prove himself, but he died, because of Ryouta." Tears brimmed her eyes, "I heard in a critical part in the mission, your father was cornered, fighting off foes, and Ryouta went by, and just left him for dead after the guards stabbed him to death." She turned around to Ryouta and yelled, "If you would have stayed and helped, he would have lived!"

Ryouta shrugged, "It could not be helped, and things like that happen in the business of thievery."

Shanu turned back to Youko, "Please, do not go with him, I beg you son, don't throw your lot in with thieves."

Youko thought. Then Shanu held out the dagger, "This was your fathers…"

Youko took it, and studied it. It was a fine dagger…but…

Closing his eyes, he sighed, "Sorry, but I'm going."

Kuronue's eyes widened…how could he?

"No…You..ko." Shanu couldn't believe it, although it was only to be expected,

it was in his blood.

Handing back the dagger to his mother he said emotionlessly, "Keep it."

"Let's go Ryouta, if this ends up not being worth my time, I warn you, I'll see to it that you are dead." Youko stared coldly at the pale demon

Chortling, Ryouta closed his eyes, "Do not worry young master, it will be worth it."

As they left the room, Kuronue was torn…who was he to follow?

Thinking he had his mine made up, he cautiously moved toward Shanu.

"You okay?" He went to move a hand on her shoulder

but she hit it away.

Drawing his hand back, the kitsune growled, "Go with them."

The bat youkai was hurt…could he really do this to her? After all she had done for him?

Shanu looked at Kuronue, "If I can not make you go that way, at least go to watch over that fool of a son."

Kuronue frowned, if she really cared that much about Youko, she would have cared. That whole thing about Youko Kurama's father just now, she was just hoping Youko would sympathize and take revenge for her misery.

With a glare, he angrily left the room to join his 'brother' and , leaving Shanu in her self misery for the rest of her days.

A/N: Whew, harsh, but that's how I see it. Why else would Youko be the way he is? (I'm not saying he's just cold and cruel, I also see him as a very humorous guy too.)

Reviewers:

Doomschneider Sorry about that, if I make anymore please do tell. Thanks.

Griffen-gal Well thank you, and I'll be sure to check out your story (stories?) sometime, when I get time.