Very short chapter. Think of it as more as a 5.2 or something. The next one is not only longer, but better.
The delegation of A-class demons Yomi was meeting with were extreme conservatives, as far as demons went. They cared nothing for the fate of humans, only that their demonic brethren be always above the level of the animal homo-sapien.
They strongly disapproved of wars of any kind, which was why they had taken so long to choose a side. However, with Raizen's death so imminent and the war so near, they knew that there was little choice but to make a decision. Some leader of Makai was better, after all, than disruptive, inelegant, violent chaos.
Yomi was confident that he would have the ability to sway them to his side. He was more refined than either of his opponents, thanks to the hard lessons life and Kurama had deemed to teach him so long ago. He did not bear Raizen's foolishness, nor Mukuro's selfish bloodlust. His would clearly be the most graceful rule – something to give real pride to all of demonkind, just as these youkai wanted.
The delegation seemed to be in agreement within the first few moments of meeting him. They were impressed by the wealth and success of his kingdom, the carefully constructed beauty of his capitol city.
The servants he had chosen to serve them during the meeting had been hand selected for their grace, beauty, and personalities. The delegation did not believe in demon enslaving demon, but well-chosen servants were an asset. Class rules should always be maintained in any civilized society, after all.
Everything, from the room they were meeting in to the food they were served were perfectly calculated to show him in the most refined light.
And when a servant knelt to inform him that Kurama was outside the door, wishing to join in the meeting, he could only be too pleased that the fox had chosen to join them, clothed in his demon form.
He hadn't dared to hope for more than a moment that the fox would change his mind. What luck he had chosen to come back on the very weekend the meeting was taking place. How fortunate he had chosen to join him, despite his earlier refusal.
Presenting the lovely, legendary Youko as his lover would be the final push he needed to get what he wanted.
The war was virtually won.
"Send him in," he agreed. He then turned his attention back to the delegation. "There's someone I would like you to meet."
Furious, Yomi rounded on Kurama before the door even slammed behind the delegation.
"What did you do?" he demanded, seething.
The aura the fox gave off was cool, unafraid, and icily angry.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
Yomi tried to calm himself, tried to breathe, but the anger was nearly overpowering him. The moment the fox had entered the room, the delegation had began to shout, clearly offended, although there had been so much of a clamor that Yomi was unable to make out their words.
It had been made clear, however, before they had left in an angry, offended storm, that they would not deal with him again.
"What did you do?"
"I came to inform you that I am returning to the human world, and will not be coming back until it is time." Kurama's voice was still icy, but Yomi could detect a decisive hint of pleasure. Kurama had set out to destroy the meeting.
Yomi's hand lashed out for the warmth of Kurama's body, and caught hold of him before he could get away. Impassioned only by anger, he let his free hand roam his form.
Nude.
Yomi frowned, and continued to search until his hand met something cold and metallic.
"I'm sure you remember the Gretyaliss Evirserris." Kurama said in a warm, pleased purr. "A fully organic Makai plant that bears the same look and feel of chains when grown correctly. Perfect for sneaking into or out of prisons….or for making conservative demons believe that the man they're making treaty with is keeping one of his own kind as an unwilling pleasure slave."
"You…?"
"You should have learned not to offend me, Yomi."
TBC
Response to Unsigned Reviews:
guiltyamethyst - and managed to confuse me in the process. I wondered why you were bringing him up.
Nikki - I'm so happy you're enjoying it! Excuse the brevity of this chapter - the next one is going to be much better.
Stratusfear - I'd be happy to read it - just let me know when you have it up. Thanks for reading, and double-thanks for the flattering review!