Disclaimer: I own random people here and there.
Yoru: I told you I'd give you a double update to make up for the length of time between chapters, so here you go. I never go back on my word!
Kuronue: Lies.
Yoru: Well, not to you guys, anyway. So hopefully last chapter didn't chase you away, and now you're ready for the grand not-quite-finale!
Kuronue: Wait, this story's almost over?
Yoru: Maybe two or three chapters left. Why?
Kuronue: Wow…by the way, if you don't remember Tohma, refer to Chapters 6&7.
I don't know how much time has passed, but this ends now.
I hope you don't think you're keeping secrets, Youko. Your innermost thoughts are my playground.
If you don't let Kuronue go, Taitsu…
What? You'll what?
I'm still more powerful than you. I'll take my body back.
Because you gave it to me willingly, no amount of willpower can force you back into control, Youko.
That was your game, then. You could have taken it at any time, but you used Kuronue so I'd give it to you instead.
That was the general plan, yes. Now shut up.
Tohma paced the tent. Youko had not returned, and his friend was getting anxious.
"That's it. We have to go look for him. He's not going to like it, but it has to happen."
"What has to happen?" Another bandit, Yomi, lounged in the doorway. Tohma eyed him. He'd never trusted the other bandit.
Now was not the time for petty rivalries, however.
"We have to go look for Youko. He shouldn't have been gone this long."
"I thought he was supposed to go alone."
"And so he did, but now he's officially MIA, and I don't like it. Whether you come or not, I'm going after him." Tohma pushed Yomi out of the way and left the tent. Yomi stared after him for a moment, and then ran after him.
"Tohma, maybe he and the Chimera just ran off together."
"Youko wouldn't do that to us and you know it."
"Well, maybe you should just send reconnaissance instead of a rescue party."
Tohma turned to face him with a strange look on his face, "Yomi, you actually said something smart. Are you volunteering to lead the mission?"
"Er…"
Kuronue ached all over. Taitsu had been especially rough and jerky, creating more pain for Kuronue. Oddly enough, Taitsu had seemed to be in some pain himself. Was Youko fighting him?
Kuronue turned over. He was slowly getting used to the treatment, which meant his strength was no longer sapped as much every time Taitsu used him. Soon, he'd be able to fight Taitsu, and at least force the evil demon to kill him.
Kuronue chuckled. How sad that suicide was what he turned to now. He'd never be strong enough to escape, so he would go down fighting. Youko wasn't there to save him now, so he'd save himself by any means possible. Taitsu would not win.
The door creaked open.
Kuronue's eyes widened; Taitsu had just left! Was he really so insatiable?
"Chimera, it seems that a bandit party is spying on us." Taitsu smirked, "Let's give them a little show."
Kuronue was frozen. If the bandits saw Taitsu rape him in Youko's body…he had to act as though he was enjoying it. It was the only way to keep the bandits' trust.
Taitsu climbed onto the bed and kissed Kuronue. The inevitable rush of revulsion washed over Kuronue, but he forced himself to look happy. When Taitsu pulled away, he looked confused.
"You didn't fight. What are you…oh, I see what you're trying to do. Okay, we'll play it your way."
Yomi's eyes widened. He had been right. The Taitsu story had obviously been an elaborate ruse. Youko had run away with the Chimera. He turned to a member of the group.
"Run to Tohma. Tell him what's happening and bring me his response."
A rustle of branches told Yomi that the scout had left as he turned to watch the castle. He could see the Chimera arch in ecstasy and Youko taking full advantage of the position.
"Youko, how could you?"
Taitsu pulled Kuronue close after he was done.
"You know, that probably made them hate Youko more. They'll just think he ran away with you."
"It's better than them thinking that he's a rapist."
"Is it now? To them, you're nothing, Kuronue. Just a piece of Youko's property. They could care less if he rapes you. No, they'll think he betrayed them to be with you. Nicely done."
Kuronue fought to keep a straight face. Had he just made the biggest mistake of his life?
Taitsu, you bastard! You tricked him!
Aw, he didn't know. Cut him some slack. Poor thing's severely regretting it, though. I can see it in his eyes.
How could you be so evil?
Evil? No. Vengeful, perhaps. Everything you had is gone, Youko. All you have left is me.
I will beat you, Taitsu.
Keep telling yourself that, but keep it to yourself. It's giving me a headache.
A/N The plot thickens…what will Youko do now? And will Kuronue's death wish pan out? You'll only know if you keep reading. I swear I'll update faster this time.
