Kurama stopped dead. He couldn't believe what he was seeing.
'It can't be. My eyes must be playing tricks on me.'
He refused to believe it. The whole scene was so unbelievable, it couldn't be…
'Are you jealous?'
A nagging voice seemed to be teasing him. He really had to get a grip on his emotions. No, he would just stay calm, pretend nothing happened…
'Are you just gonna walk away and pretend nothing happened?'
"Shut up…" He muttered between gritted teeth.
He was such a fool. How could he have not seen it coming? They were best friends, why didn't he sense the bat's true intentions?
He turned and walked away.
'I can't believe you betrayed my friendship… Kuronue…'
Chapter 5 – Betrayal
Disclaimer: Yu Yu Hakusho is the property of Yoshihiro Togashi and so are the characters in it, well, except for my OCs, they belong to me. Now, I'm starting to get tired of typing the disclaimers…
Ok, like I said, I'll spice things up. Thanks much to HikariMMD for the idea for this chapter! I told you I was gonna put your name in here, somehow, so don't get mad! I just wanna credit you, that's all…
So, anyway, this chapter is dedicated to its inspirer, HikariMMD! This one's for you!
P.S. Don't blame me if it sucks… :P, but sorry if it does…
And again, the irritating little voice is in bold and italics, and flashbacks are in italics as well.
Two lone figures were strolling together under the moonlight. They walked in silence, both seemingly lost in thought.
"Do you have something to say, Kuronue-san? Something seems to be on your mind…"
"Oh, it's nothing."
'How can I tell her? There's no way she'll take it easily. And besides, Kurama will kill me for sure.'
Kuronue sighed as he thought about the silver fox. He knew quite well how the fox felt about these kind of things. He knew the fox detested such emotions, that he considered one weak if one was to let his emotions get the better of him.
Still, they ran. Even though their little robbery was successful and there was no way the guards could catch them now, they kept on running. They just didn't feel like stopping, they were just enjoying it, feeling the wind brush past their faces.
Finally, they stopped and fell onto the ground, exhausted. They tried to catch their breath after laughing so much and running at the same time.
The moon was bright that night. Its light fell on the face of one of the thieves. He looked like a young teenager, his black hair swept up in a ponytail behind him. Black, leathery wings emerged from his back. He was quite good-looking, and well built.
Kuronue leaned back. He was rather exhausted after that long run and still sweating with excitement.
"That was fun. Those jerks couldn't even catch us."
His friend laughed. He was also a well-built young man, with long, flowing silver hair. His clothes hung loosely from his shoulders and he had attractive hazel eyes. This was Youko as Kuronue remembered. Young and clever, he had a bright future ahead of him, for one could easily see that he had the brains and not to mention, the looks too.
"That was merely a trifle. Wait till we tackle the bigger ones, my friend. But we would have to get stronger first."
Kuronue shook his head, amused. That was just like his friend, planning ahead before doing anything. But he sometimes felt that Kurama should stop thinking about becoming stronger and spend some time doing other stuff, like having fun, making friends… And maybe…
"Kurama? Ever thought of getting a girlfriend?"
"No. Who would?"
"Well, we are young and… I have to say, seductively attractive. Why don't we have some fun, huh?"
Kurama sighed. "Kuronue, my friend… Why fall for these little pleasures? One should concentrate on becoming stronger. Women will just slow us down."
"That's what you say. You know, I think I spotted one or two good ones by the river the other day…"
"What have you been doing? Spying on them taking their bath?"
"No! What makes you think I'd do that?"
"For one thing, you're too much of a playboy."
"I am not. But don't tell me that cute fox girl didn't catch your eye the other day."
"She didn't. I just smiled at her because it was common courtesy."
"You're weird, you know that?"
"I am not weird. I detest such display of affections."
"You don't really mean that, do you?"
Kurama looked Kuronue straight in the eye.
"Emotions are for weaklings. Ridding your head of these useless thoughts is a strength, not everyone can accomplish. Love, is something I've never felt in my life, and I'm not fond of it either, nor do I long to be loved or to love."
Kuronue never forgot his answer, nor did he forget the look in Kurama's eyes when he said that. From that day on, Kuronue's respect for his friend grew, and at the same time, he realized that all Kurama seemed to be after was power, status, respect and a reputation soon to be feared by the whole of Makai.'So, Kurama, am I weak then?'
He tried to be like his friend, to drown out all emotions, to not feel pity for others, to aim for the best. But somehow, he just couldn't. Then he reminded himself that Kurama hadn't exactly accomplished it either. For one thing, he felt sympathy for the girl beside him now. That was the reason Kurama took her in.
"Kuronue-san, did you know Sensei for a long time?"
"Yes, a very long time."
"Ah, so you understand him very well, am I right?"
"You can say that. But sometimes, I find it hard to fully understand him."
"I can't seem to understand him sometimes, too…"
Both of them fell silent. The still forest around them seemed to be waiting for something to happen, as if it were holding its breath.
'Just tell her. She'll understand.'
'No, she won't. I don't think she will.'
'That's what you think. But she hasn't had her eye on anyone yet, right? So, tell her then!'
'Does this mean I'm weak? To fall for feelings like this?'"I…have something to say…"
"What is it, Kuronue-san?"
Kuronue didn't dare to look up. Instead, he stared at the ground and pondered his next move.
He stood up suddenly. "Do you… I mean… I…"
Ariya got to her feet. "Kuronue-san, what's the matter? You… you don't look alright…"
"I'm… I'm fine… I just…"
"If there's something wrong, just tell me. I don't want you to keep it inside…"
Kuronue looked at her. Her eyes were filled with concern. Yet, they were still beautiful…
He didn't know what made him do what he did next.
Kurama strode through the trees. He hadn't found them yet. He was beginning to wonder whether they were in trouble or not.
Suddenly, he thought he heard voices up ahead. He started walking lightly, just in case that wasn't someone friendly. Slowly, he sneaked up behind a tree and peered into the clearing.
He could see two figures up ahead. They seemed to be kissing. Kurama shook his head, then prepared to walk away.
Suddenly, he caught sight of those familiar bat wings.
'Kuronue? What the…'So the bat really had a girlfriend. To think he hid it all these years. Kurama smiled. He would tease the bat later, let him have his fun now.
Then his eyes fell on the girl with him. His heart sank. 'No way…'
'It couldn't be. She wouldn't…'But there was no mistaking that flowing black hair. A sudden surge of rage rose up inside Kurama. 'Kuronue, how could you?'
He didn't know why he was feeling that way. Suddenly, he hated the bat so much he wanted to just kill him on the spot.
Kurama turned away and strode from the clearing, determined to put as much space as he could in between him and the two of them…
Ariya's eyes widened with shock as Kuronue pulled her closer and pressed his lips against hers. She tried to struggle, but the bat was stronger than she was, holding her tightly in his arms.'Kuronue-san!'
Her mind raced frantically. 'Kuronue-san! What are you doing?'
The more she tried to push him away, the tighter he held her.
"Kuronue-san, please…" She tried to say, but Kuronue silenced her by kissing her softly.
'Kuronue-san… Please… Sensei wouldn't…'Suddenly, she thought about Kurama. She pulled away and stumbled backwards, still a little shocked.
Kuronue could see the fear in her eyes too. He didn't know what made him do it, he just wasn't thinking…
"Ariya! I'm… I didn't mean to…"
Ariya didn't look at him. 'Sensei, I'm sorry…'
Kuronue went over to her. "I'm sorry… I should have told you… Asked you first…"
Ariya just shook her head. "Kuronue-san, you have to understand… I treat you like… a good friend… that's all…"
Kuronue felt a little hurt at those words. "But, I…"
"And besides, Sensei will kill you if he found out. I don't want him to do that…"
Kuronue hesitated. "I thought about that too. Look, we could tell him, I'm sure he wouldn't mind…"
"Kuronue-san, I don't have the same feelings you have for me! I…"
Something fell into place in his mind. Suddenly, Kuronue realized why she was making so many excuses.
"You like Kurama, don't you?"
Ariya didn't answer. Kuronue sighed. His friend beat him to it again.
"Fine then, I won't push you any more. It's pointless trying to force someone to love you when that person's already in love with someone else."
"Kuronue-san, I'm sorry…"
"Don't be… I'll get over it… In the meantime, let's go tell Kurama."
"No!"
Kuronue stopped. "Why?"
"Because… I'm afraid… He doesn't like this kind of stuff, remember? And… I don't want him to know… Just yet…"
Kuronue felt guilty for making her feel so bad. "Don't worry. I'll be there for you, ok?"
She nodded. Kuronue smiled and said: "Now let's go look for that fox. He must be worried sick by now."
'Are you jealous?'
'No, I'm not.'
'Then why are you angry?'
'I… Shut up!''Don't let that bat get away with it. Are you going to let him take away the one thing you care for the most?'
'He's my friend. I can't get mad at him.'
Kurama was standing on a cliff overlooking the forest. The scene was still playing in front of his eyes. No matter how he tried to drown it out, it still came back.
Enraged, he started to hit a rock beside him. Kuronue… friendship… betrayal… Ariya… All those thoughts were all rushing into his head all at once.
Ariya! That was the one that hurt him the most. He didn't ask for her to love him, just as long as she stayed by his side, that was all he ever asked for.
He didn't care that his fist was bleeding, he just kept on hitting the rock, letting out all of his anger. Finally, he collapsed to the ground. Tears filled his eyes.
'What's the matter with me? Crying over something like this? Kurama, get a grip on yourself!'
'This is all because of that stupid bat, isn't it? Don't you want to kill him?'
'Stop it… please… No more talking…'
'No more…'
Ariya and Kuronue decided to split up to look for Kurama. She was still thinking about what happened just now. What if Kurama found out?
She spotted someone standing on a cliff. 'Sensei!' She thought happily.
Running as fast as her legs could carry her, she raced up the mountainside.
'Please… No more…'"Sensei?"
Ariya stopped in her tracks. "Sensei! What happened? Why are you hurt?"
She rushed over to his side. "Sensei! Are you alright?"
Kurama opened his eyes. "Ariya?"
A sudden flashback… Kuronue… Ariya…He pushed her to the side roughly. "Get off!"
"Sensei, what's the matter?"
"You're asking me what's the matter? Where have you been?"
Ariya was a little bit startled by his attitude. "I… was with Kuronue-san… Sensei… You're hurt…"
So they were really together… "Doing what?"
"We went for a walk…"
"That's all?"
Ariya hesitated. How could she tell him? "Sensei, why are you angry at me? I'm sorry I disappeared for a while… I'm sorry…"
"No need to be. What should you be sorry for?"
"I… Sensei…"
Kurama looked away from her. If he continued to look at her, he would be reminded of the incident that just happened. His rage was rearing up inside him, like a serpent ready to strike.
'Just ask her to leave…'"Why are you still calling me that?" He said in a dangerous tone.
"Sensei? But you're my mentor. I can't call you by name, right?"
"Well, now you can. Because you're free to go."
"What? Free to go?"
"Yes. From now on, I'm not your mentor anymore. I don't want to have anything to do with you, is that clear?"
Those words hit Ariya in the face. "No… No, I can't… Sensei… please…"
"Don't call me that! I'm not your Sensei anymore, got it? You're strong enough to survive on your own, so leave! I don't want to be slowed down by you any longer!"
"Sensei… please… I don't want to leave…" Why was he in such a rage?
Kurama didn't answer. He stood with his back facing her. A part of him supported what he was doing but yet, another part of him longed for her to stay.
'Just get rid of her. She's the one causing you so much pain… Get rid of her and you'll be happier.'
'Is that so? Will I be happier? Without Ariya in my life?'
A sudden sob startled him. He glanced at her. She was crying as if her heart would break. Suddenly, he felt guilty for causing her this pain.
'Don't look at her. Women just use these little tricks to get you…'"I told you to leave…"
"Sensei… I can't… I'd rather die before I have to leave."
Kurama was shocked by those words. Still, he held his ground. "I don't want you to die. Just leave."
"Sensei... You were the one who took care of me all these years... I can't leave..."
Silence. An all out war was raging inside his heart.
"Sensei… please… If ... if you don't kill me... before I... I have... to leave, I'll do it myself."
Kurama spun around. All he saw was a flash of a dagger and a swift movement.
"No, don't! Stop!"
Ok, like I said, this is entirely HikariMMD's fault. Haha, ok, fine… Don't blame it on her… But don't blame it on me either, haha! Anyway, read and review, thanks!
