Yeah... There's really no excuse for not updating. I mean, I could say that life's been busy or I've not had access to the internet, but.. I'm sure I could've found the time. I think the biggest problem was that this is kind of a filler chapter and I'm more into the action! xD Anyway, enjoy.
The Lord of Roses and the Shackled Dragon
Chapter 7: Search Party
Fifteen tall-backed chairs lined the room, forming a large semi-circle. A table curved before them, connecting them into a fluid shape. They were raised up from the floor below so that the chair's inhabitants could look down on anyone who dared stand before them. Each chair of the Council was filled with a leader of the prestigious royal families except for one, which lay in a forgotten, dark corner.
Kurama kneeled before this council, pleading with them for help on his new-found quest. "I humbly ask only for a small search party.. And of course permission to be granted so that my search is not met with ill will."
His request was answered by frowns of disapproval and, from those lacking in self-control, sneers of contempt. An amused snort escaped Akemi's polished nose before a glare from the Head of Council forced her to resume silence. "Do not forget, young Akemi, that you sit with this council as a favor only," the white-haired elder scolded before turning on Kurama. "As for you... Your request is inexplicably trivial and therefore it was ridiculously foolish of you to bring it before this revered council. Were you not in Lord Hiron's care, you would be punished for such unchecked arrogance. As it stands, I would suggest that you forget about this unruly slave before it causes your actions to become even more thoughtless."
Kurama bowed deeply, ignoring both the stoney glare from Hiron and the look of pity from Touya's father. "I thank you kindly for your time, High Lord Ryuuka." The man was about to dismiss the fox before Kurama looked up sharply with gold-tinted irises. The entire room cringed at the sight of Yoko's eyes, and he smirked vainly in his mind. "Call me whatever nasty names you choose, but Hiei will be returned to us." His smirk leaked outward as his turned on his cousin's father. "Perhaps Jin can be his playmate on his return. What do you think, Uncle Daiki?"
The man's face reddened with shameful embarrassment for not having defended Touya's mate's former life. If anyone present in that room knew the truth of slavery, it was Daiki. He smiled slightly at Kurama, and the red-head knew that he had at least one ally to his decision. The Head of Council, however, was another matter. This man's age-hardened face had darkened considerably and he was on his feet, hands planted firmly on the counter's surface in an attempt to hide his enraged trembling. He was obviously having some trouble hiding his anger. "Kurama, you are dismissed!" The arrogant fox bowed once more before exiting the room.
"So what do we do now?" The youko asked with amusement clear in his tone as the gold bled away from Kurama's eyes. The was only a hint of sinister smiled left on the body's face as the other personality regained control. The fox lord smiled and Yoko grinned. "It's been far too long since we've left the castle."
The moon was full as it kissed the broad leaves of the Makai flowers. Their thorned fangs reached eagerly toward the visitors, but their master's energy quickly soothed their bloodthirst. The red-headed fox led a small group into his secret meeting ground, a clearing surrounded by some of hid deadliest pets. They all stood facing each other in a circle, discussing their plans.
"But wha' ef 'e doesn't wanna come back?" Jin asked worriedly, receiving in reply a smirk from a silver youko.
"He'll come back."
Touya frowned in disapproval at the startled expression on his mate's face because of Yoko's tone. "Jin does have a point, I'm sure Hiei had good reason to run away. What if he finds more happiness away from all of this?" He made a sweeping motion toward the castle. Kurama's face was pitifully masked to hide his worry, and Lord Daiki smiled in encouragement.
"Don't worry, Kurama, I'm sure all will be as it should."
"O' course!" The excited wind demon cheered. "Me an' Icy'll help ya out howeve' we can!"
The group started at a low chuckle. "A secret meeting in my own garden." They exchanged fearful looks at being caught by Lord Hiron. The lord of the castle stared directly into Kurama's eyes, whose gaze didn't falter. "How amusing; a charge of mind discussing treason under in my own territory. You know the Royal Laws forbid you from going against the Council's wishes. And Daiki, my dearest brother, tainting the walls of my home."
"Uncle-!" Kurama was quickly silenced as Hiron help up his hand, a polite sign that he wasn't yet finished speaking.
"When your aunt finds out what you're doing, she'll be furious. Do you know the fate you're sentencing your slave to if you drag it back here The torture she's already dealt was only nearly a prelude," he smirked at the subtle spikes of fury present in the others' energy.
"She can try!" Touya began before he was interrupted by Kurama calling his name angrily. The fox held eyes with his guardian, fiercely calm.
"You advised me once that problems are to be dealt with in an orderly manner as they present themselves. Who did you risk my plants to inform us of things I've known all along?"
Hiron laughed good-naturedly. "Risk? Honestly, you should know I can handle myself concerning a few wild plants." When no response was offered, he continued in a more somber manner. "I came to tell you that I will not be held responsible for the actions of a rebellious demon who's just come of age. Any punishment decreed will be on your own shoulders to deal with."
As the lord dismissed himself, Daiki watched his departure with a smile on his face. "I believe you've just been given a blessing, Kurama."
The fox returned the bluenette's smile, bewildering Jin and Touya. "Uncle never did enjoy getting his hands dirty."
Still watching the exchange, Jin leaned down toward his mate's shoulder. "Oi, Icy?" he whispered loudly. "Are ya as confused as I?"
Touya nodded slowly. "Yes Jin; I feel as if we've missed something important."
Blood spilled forth from the shrieking winged demon as Kurama's rosewhip tore through its feathered flesh. "Yes, it's been far too long since we've been out, Kit," Youko stated with mirth. "They've forgotten their lord they should fear!"
"I'm getting tired of these demons holding us back!" Kurama shouted to Jin and Touya, ignoring the voice's comment.
"I'm tryin' my hardest 'Rama," Jin whined innocently, his large pointed ears drooping slightly.
"We are trying to help, cousin," the ice demon elaborated on his mate's rather immature remark. "We want Hiei back as much as you do."
Jin nodded enthusiastically. "He's like me; 'e should be happy too!"
The fox sighed in exasperation, attempting to rein in his emotions. "I know that, and I apologize for my rudeness. It's only that we've been in this forest for weeks and there's been little sign of him."
Touya laid his hand sympathetically on the plant wielder's shoulder. "I understand your frustration, but you must have patience."
A small smile found it's way to Kurama's before-stern face. Childhood memories flowed peacefully through his mind as he knew they did in his blue-haired cousin's. "There was once a day when I told you the same." They grasped hands, Touya returning the friengly smile. Jin grinned, flying through so that he broke apart the handshake.
"C'mon guys, let's go!" He flew ahead, leading the way into the dark and foreboding forest. Touya shook his head in amusement toward his mate's antics before following the flying man past the trees.
'How can they be so happy?' Kurama thought in wonder as he stood watching his companions' flirtatious banter. 'Is that envy? Careful, Kit..." Youko whispered with a teasing smirk. 'You'll end up like your aunt.'
"Never!' Kurama growled back and his counterpart laughed. Bickering seemed eminent before the foxes heard the telltale signs of fighting up ahead. The red head sprinted quickly toward the fight.
Ice and wind combined to form wintry tornadoes to attack their opponent. The other demon sent a quick blast of energy in their direction, forcing Jin to fly Touya to safety. The wind demon sent small tornadoes toward his opponent and the black-haired demon rushed quickly toward him, fists flying. An ice sword sprouted from the ice demon's arm and he lunged at the opposing demon. The fight continued.
By the time Kurama made it to the clearing of fallen trees and debris, both Jin and Yusuke were to one side laughing and Touya looked on in bewildered amusement. Jin's ears wiggled happily and he grinned when he spotted the lord's entrance. "'Rama, ahve never had so much fin in mah life!"
The fox glared at the demons' enjoyment. "Have you forgotten why we are in this place?" he hissed.
Yusuke's laughed ceased, but a toothy grin remained as he elbowed Jin in the thigh (as the wind demon was floating, and thus, his side unreachable). "Who's the guy with the stick shoved up his ass?"
Touya's face paled slightly and his amusement sobered. He knew well his cousin's aversion to insults, so he was far from surprised when Kurama moved threateningly toward Yusuke. The fox stood tall over the demon sitting on the forest floor and growled, "I am Kurama, high lord of the Makai. I do not appreciate your lack of respect or your ignorance. If I had been any other royal, your entrails would have spilled where you now lounge."
"Nice to meet you," Yusuke said, his smile intact. He held his hand out toward the fox lord in the friendly gesture of meeting, shocking the redhead into silence.
Yeah.. I'd have to say I'm not the fondest of this chapter.. Except for the ending because it makes me laugh. xD