Yes, I realize that I am extremely behind in my updates. But what can I say? My computer tends to crash a lot these days. I think it's because it's getting old, but who knows? It could be all the yaoi I download. Hehe.
Anyway, that's why I haven't been updating, because I've been fixing my compy. While I can't say that it's completely fixed, at least it works now. Thanks to all my reviewers. Hope you stick around until the end. :D
Disclaimer: Now, as funny and ironic as it would be, I do not own Yu Yu Hakusho. So stop asking. :P
Warning: ... YAOI. Don't know what it means? Then why the hell are you reading this? Go find a dictionary or something AND then come back. If the definitions not to your liking, well, don't come back. Easy, right?
Chapter Five: Don't Bet Against the King of Thieves
By: Asura Mori
"The game is simple." Karasu stated, tapping the Shadow Blade against his side, "If you can get the blade from me in the specified time limit, you win. If not..." At this he shrugged slightly, his black hair rippling languidly, "You lose."
Youko smirked, already liking the game. He loved a bit of a challenge, especially when the one setting such a challenge was almost, not quite but almost, at his own level. He glanced over at Kuronue, who seemed to be listening intently, and sighed. What would make this game tough was not the rules, but his new partner. Having never worked with the bat demon before, it would be hard for the two of them to 'communicate'.
But that was what made these kind of battles fun. He loved having a disadvantage in a situation he already knew he could win in.
It made the victory that much sweeter in the end.
His golden eyes roved over the other demon, the crow. Just by looking at him, Youko could tell that the raven-haired man sincerely thought he held the upper hand. And he thought that he, the king of thieves, would play fairly.
Fat chance.
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Kuronue glanced from Youko to Karasu and back again, his mind turning. He knew for a fact that the fox wouldn't have accepted the wager unless he thought he could win. But the same could be said for the crow demon. This 'Lord' Karasu believed that he could beat Youko in a wager, which meant he had a trick up his sleeve.
After all, no one was that secure in their position unless (a) they knew without a doubt they could win, or (b) they planned to cheat.
While he wasn't too sure if Youko was either option a or b (or maybe even both!), Kuronue was pretty sure that Karasu was option b. The crow was too self-assured, even for somebody who knew they could win, which meant he planned to cheat.
The bat demon glanced at his surroundings, trying to think of what Karasu could have up his sleeve. He searched the floor, the ceiling, and the walls, but found nothing. Dark orbs fastened once again on the crow demon, seeking some kind of trick. It was then that he saw something glinting in his peripheral vision to the right.
He looked over there once again, but saw nothing. Frowning, he turned to look at Karasu and saw it again. Instead of turning his head, he just looked over to the right with his eyes, seeking Karasu' deception.
There. He strained to see what it was, but it was blurry, almost like...
Eyes growing wide, he turned to warn Youko of the trap, but the kitsune was already moving towards Karasu.
The game had begun.
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Karasu grinned as Youko came flying towards him and deftly dodged to the left. He noticed vaguely that the fox's partner hadn't moved an inch and was staring at Youko with worry, but gave it little thought.
In less than two minutes, this game would be over and the fox would be his.
The time limit was actually five minutes, but he planned to play his cards early and capture the fox as soon as possible. He wanted to enjoy his time with the bandit and his victory over the fox, though by deception, would make it all the more sweeter.
His lips widened into a lecherous grin as Youko reached for the sword once more.
Two minutes. That was all it would take.
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Youko growled low in his throat as his fingertips barely brushed the blade once more, before the crow demon dodged once more. He had been so close in the last few seconds that it was starting to irritate him. His tail swished angrily behind him as he contemplated his next move.
He had to get the sword. That was a no brainer. He wasn't about to become the sex slave of a young noble who was still wet behind the ears. There was just no way in hell. His pride, and his dignity, wouldn't allow it.
The fox forced himself to relax, to think reasonably. The kid was stalling, trying to buy time... for what? Youko knew the crow had some kind of trick up his sleeve, something that made him think his victory was assured... but what? His eyes wandered over to Kuronue, who was still standing in the same place he'd been standing in for the last two minutes.
What was the bat doing? Youko watched with curiosity as Kuronue kept glancing to the right, as if trying to see something that wasn't there...
Eyes widening in realization, the fox reached back into his silver hair and withdrew a seed. Throwing it down, he released some of his youki and watched in satisfaction as the seed grew into a small plant, barely reaching up to his thigh.
Soft, pink blooms nestled along the branches of the small plant, which was a light brownish color decorated with various striations that led all the way to its roots. It twined itself around the kitsune's leg like a three-year-old seeking its mother's attention and Youko leaned down to stroke its flowers softly, a smile on his face.
Sighing happily, the miniature tree released a light blue gas that settled onto the ground and began to expand across the floor. It reached the area where Kuronue had been staring intently and Youko watched with amusement as the illusion covering the wall disappeared, exposing the surprised demon behind it.
"H-how did you...?" The demon stepped back, his shifty eyes going from Karasu to Youko and back again, his features contorted in fear. A small blowpipe lay clenched in the demon's hands, with a small feather-tipped dart protruding visibly from it.
"So, you meant to drug me, is that it?" Golden eyes shifted from the demon over to Karasu, who stood frigid in rage. "Too bad. A good plan, but not good enough." Youko shrugged with a feral grin as he crossed his arms over his chest, eying the enraged Karasu with amusement.
"This isn't over yet, fox! I still have the sword-!" Karasu's latest monologue was cut off as his feet were swiped from underneath him and he landed heavily on the ground. He opened his violet eyes to find Kuronue grinning above him, the Shadow Blade held firmly in his hands.
"Bastard! You can't-!" The crow raged as he jumped to his feet and advanced on Kuronue, who just backed away grinning. "Ah, but I can young master!" Dark eyes literally danced as Kuronue spoke, still moving away from the dark-haired demon. "You never said I couldn't participate in the game."
"And thus you let your guard down." Youko cut in from behind Karasu, who turned to glare at him. "By not taking my partner into consideration, you gave me and him an advantage. All we had to do was use that fact against you."
"And now.. our game is over." The fox walked past the fuming Karasu, his arms stretched lazily above his head. "Well, we'll be on our way now, love. Cya later."
Kuronue blew a kiss at the infuriated crow demon, before following after the now-running Youko with glee. They could both hear Karasu screaming curses at them, but chose to ignore him as they made their way out of the castle as quickly as possible.
Alarms rang throughout the air, warning everyone there that someone had broken in and was currently on the run. Youko just grinned at their feeble attempts and led Kuronue out of the castle, across the river, and back into the forest, where they soon lost their pursuit.
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"That was terrific." Kuronue sighed, his feet hanging limply from the tree limb he sat on. Youko glanced at him from where he was reclining against the tree trunk, his golden eyes agleam with satisfaction.
"And you thought I would get us killed. Silly bat."
"Who knows." Kuronue shrugged, lifting up his legs so that they too were on the branch. He looked over at the fox, his dark eyes glowing in the coming darkness and his lips twisted in a feral grin. "You could still end up getting me killed."
"You make it sound like I'm letting you stick around." Youko answered back quickly, not missing a beat.
"Oh, you're funny. I just went through hell to help you get this blade and now you're kicking me to the curb? Cold hearted bastard."
"Well, seems like you know me very well then." Youko replied, his own mouth mirroring that of the bat's. Kuronue just shrugged, smiling, before leaning back and placing his head in the fox's lap.
Youko looked down at the other demon with mock admonishment. "And what do you call yourself doing?"
"Sleeping. What else does it look like?" The bat growled, pulling his long witch-hat over his eyes.
The silver-haired kitsune laughed quietly and leaned back against the tree he was reclining against, closing his own eyes.
Sleep didn't sound too bad at all.
To be continued...
Asura: Yeah... I realize that Karasu was a bit out of character, but I wonder if I can blame that on his youth. I mean, we're talking how many years before the Dark Tournament? One thousand, maybe two thousand years ago? I think Karasu would be less refined than he was then.
Also, Youko. He's sarcastic. We all know this. He's also a cold hearted bastard that we all love. He might be a bit out of character in those last few sentences, but I still think he'd probably say something like that. And why wouldn't the two of them be tired? They just robbed a freaking castle. I'd be tired.
Anyway, read and review please. I really like your guy's reviews and appreciate them, especially when they give me some sort of insight or advice. :D
