Chapter Three

Kuronue had to admit his new life was good. He was currently lounging around in a rather large, comfortable bed next to the most buxom girl he had ever laid eyes on. Her brilliant blue hair with red streaks and her pale blue eyes were nice too, and she had lovely skin. It was no wonder her parents had shut her away in a corner of their castle and refused to let her wander around. Unfortunately for her parents, he had the amazing ability of finding some of the more beautiful females in Makai, and he had spent the last few nights with her. Of course, he would have to be going soon. He couldn't let her parents find him there, as it would be troublesome.

He kissed the buxom girl all over her face, giving her once last dose of sweetness as he whispered goodbye. She was still asleep, but she had been getting far too attached to him. She'd wanted to keep him permanently. That, on top of possibly having to deal with her parents soon, had made up his mind. It was time to go and find another girl to bestow his wonderful affections, as he had been doing for months since his revival. Ah, it had been a good last few months with lots of beautiful women.

He gathered up his clothing that was scattered across the room, dressed, and snuck out, carefully avoiding all the traps set up for unwelcome visitors. As he was coming up to the last alarm, pain flared up in his ankle, and the suddenness of it caused him to trip. Unfortunately, this set off the alarm, and he cursed.

Kuronue raced to get out of the castle before any guards figured out what was going on. He could hear shouting and running, and he mentally shouted all sorts of bad names at his horrid luck with traps. What was really weird was that he could feel blood trickling down his ankle into his boot. How could he have possibly cut himself badly enough to bleed?

'Now where did that lovely window go…' he wondered as he raced down the hall, his ankle throbbing horribly. 'I could have sworn it was—ah-ha!' He came across the gorgeous stained glass window twice his height and it's width about the same as his arm-span. It depicted the great deeds that the family had accomplished for the last few centuries.

Blowing a kiss down the hall towards the girl's room, he leapt out the window, shattering the glass and taking flight. Spears and arrows wizzed by him, but he was fast enough to dodge. He a bolt of lightening scorch the tip of one of his wings, and then he was gloriously out of sight of the castle.

Kuronue breathed a sigh of relief and kept going. It was time to visit the old healer man once again for another strange injury. Honestly, the bat demon couldn't remember ever being so accident prone, and he was adjusted just fine to his body again. Perhaps he would finally have to listen to the old man and go back to the woman that had saved his life.

Grumbling, he flew off to the old man's house, landing gently outside. The healer was sitting outside, cutting up herbs and setting them on a stone to dry. He barely glanced up with Kuronue landed. "It's you again. I see you haven't taken my advice," the healer said in greeting, tone dry.

The black-haired demon huffed. "She wasn't helpful the first time, but I think I might just take your advice. These injuries have become an annoyance."

The old demon laughed. "Good, good. It's about time," he replied. "Now, show me what it is this time."

Plopping down next to the healer, Kuronue yanked off his blood-covered boot. His ankle boasted five still-bleeding scratches on it, as if someone with claws had decided they didn't like his ankle. The strange thing was he boot was intact; there were no cuts in his boots.

"Hmmm…" The healer examined the wound and started to clean it up. "I can't heal it, just like the other injuries. All I can do is treat the symptoms, bandage it and whatnot." He shook his head. "Whatever is ailing is nothing that I've seen before."

"Yes, I know." Kuronue pouted, something that women had told him he did very prettily. "It's off to find the girl healer as soon as you're done with me."

"If you had listened to me sooner, I wouldn't be nagging you," the old man retorted. "But I suppose you think all the women were worth it."

The bat demon grinned. "Oh, most assuredly, I promise. One girl was so gifted in the chest that she was twice as large as any other girl I've seen and just as soft. Another's skin was so black it shone with rainbow colors in the light." He nodded his head decisively. "Oh yes, they were all worth it. Besides, I had to make up for all the time I was down because of my near death experience."

"You young demons are all so randy and ready for trouble. It makes me miss my younger years." The healer finished bandaging Kuronue's ankle. "There you go. You'll be all set for a while, but unless the bleeding stops soon, you'll need to change the bandage in an hour or two." He handed the younger demon a bag of bandages. "Now get going. I've got work to do."

"Alright, alright." Kuronue pulled on his boot. "Thanks for your help, as always." The healer waved off the thanks, and the bat demon took off. 'Now, off to find that girl.'

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A few days found Kuronue back at the village he had left so many months ago. Without the snow covering it, it looked rather different. Lush green grass and trees spread throughout the area, with buildings, both large and small, dotting the area. Flowers and herbs bloomed in carefully tended gardens, and a few women gathered at the front doors of houses, chatting. The strange thing was, Kuronue couldn't sense a single powerful demon in the village. It was as if every single demon living there was weak. How in the world could a village survive without a single strong demon to protect it? Such a strange little village.

But, he had more important things to worry about. Whistling quite happily with his bag slung over one shoulder, he wandered through the village, limping just a little, looking around for the cute little healer girl. As he passed buildings and the women and few men, he felt eyes on him and heard whispers. Women stopped their conversations to watch him walk by.

Kuronue smirked. He definitely looked and felt much better than when he had left the village, and he was a fine specimen of a demon male. He would have been surprised if the women hadn't stared at him. After walking around a while, he found the small house he had stayed at while recuperating. Ignoring the people around him, he entered the building boldly without even knocking.

"Darlin', I'm home!" he announced as he stepped inside. He comment was wasted, as no one was home. He huffed, but then after leaving his bag in her home, he turned around and went to the first female he saw.

She was a small, weak little thing, just like the girl that had saved his life, but she wasn't cute. She learned more toward the sultry with her long eyelashes and richer curves, and her eyes were a rich brown with silver streaks through them. Although instead of the shiny black, her hair was a dull brown. "Can I help you, Kuronue?" she asked, smiling flirtatiously.

He smiled back. Now, here was a female in proper admiration of him. "I'm looking for the little healer girl who saved my life. Rather short, gray eyes, black hair. Have you seen her?"

The girl's smile faltered. "I haven't seen her for a little while, but I think she's around here somewhere," she replied and then fixed him with a seductive look. "Of course, you could just forget her and spend time with me."

A sudden pain shot up his leg from his ankle. He grimanced just a tiny bit. "As much as I would love to, she and I have unfinished business. If you could point me to someone who would know where she is?"

She seemed to struggle with the answer she wanted to give, but finally responded, expression a little sour. "I'll take you to her grandmother. If anyone knows, she will."

"I will have to show you my proper appreciation later, when I have more time." Kuronue bowed elegantly but playfully to her and offered her his arm.

Her seductive smile returned as she took his arm. "I will look forward to it," she replied as she led him off a short ways, stopping in front of a nearby house. It looked the same as the other houses with almost no identifying features. "This is it. Grandmother will be inside waiting." She held onto his arm for a moment longer. "And I am Siela; if you ever have any need for me, almost anyone here will be able to point you in my direction."

"I will be sure to find you later," he promised. "Now, if you'll excuse me." He shook off her arm and knocked on the door. The Siela retreated quickly and for a moment he wondered why. When a voice called for him to enter, he shrugged it off.

Walking inside and shutting the door behind him, he found an old woman sitting in a chair near a window, slowly rocking back and forth. "So, you've finally shown up, you whippersnapper. I was beginning to wonder when you would come."

Kuronue cocked his head to the side. "Have we met?" he asked as he met her eyes, finding them to be the eyes of the blind—blank and pale.

She gave a cackling laugh. "No, but I knew you would return. Now, if my granddaughter would only haul her little butt back here we could start to explain what's going on." She gestured to a chair. "But until then, sit down. I know your ankle must be hurting you."

He carefully took the seat, settling his wings comfortably off to each side. "So you know what's happening to me?" he wanted to know, eyes bright and curious.

"Yes, yes, of course, but have patience. It is my granddaughter you need to hear the explanation from. She wanted to save you from so much that she mucked everything up. It'll take weeks or months to make things right."

He frowned, confused by her words. Grandmother was just simply not making sense.

"Now don't you get all worked up. You'll know everything soon enough from the proper source," she told him firmly. "Until then, why don't you pour old Grandmother a nice cup of tea?" She pointed to a table in the corner that held a teapot and some cups.

Chuckling in amusement at how she handled him, even when blind, he did as he was told. Really, the grandmother really was interesting, and just as closed-mouthed as the girl that had healed him.

After Kuronue had poured her a cup, he handed it to her carefully. After all, she was a valuable source of information if he could get her to talk. It would be good to treat her nicely.

He sat back down to wait, trying his best to be patient, but it just wasn't in his nature.

"So, Kuronue, why don't you tell me what you have been doing these last few months that have kept you away from old grannie?" the old woman prompted, causing him to laugh.

"Lost of beautiful women have required my attention," he replied, grinning. "I'm sure you know how that works."

"Oh, I do. I was a beauty in my day, and I frolicked from man to man, enjoying them all. Ah, the delights of the youthful body." She paused. "Perhaps you can introduce my granddaughter to them. It is time she learned something about how men work." He raised an eyebrow, and the grandmother continued. "Oh, don't look at me like that. I'm not that stupid. I know what goes on in this village; I see more than people think. I no longer have my eyesight, but I am not blind. And besides, you're good enough to be worthy of my granddaughter."

Kuronue couldn't help it, he laughed long and hard. Oh, if only everyone had a grandmother like his little healer girl, Makai would be a much more interesting place.

The door opened and closed as he was laughing, and instantly calmed down and looked toward the door. The girl who had healed him stood there, a basket of herbs in her arms.

"Ah, Kerima, you're here. Please, set the herbs on the table with the tea and take a seat. You have much to explain to Kuronue, and you'd best do it now," the grandmother said. While her wording sounded like a suggestion, the tone was all order. The young healer didn't have a choice, and she knew it.

"Of course, Grandmother." Kerima set the basket down on the table and dragged a chair toward the other two occupants, turning it so she could sit down and face them. Kuronue couldn't help but notice that she walked with a limp, and that made him mentally frown. What were the chances that she would have a limp at the exact same time as him?

Kerima sat down and then opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out. She blushed bright red and then looked at her grandmother. "I do not know where to start or how to explain any of it."

The grandmother huffed. "First of all, start from the beginning, and second of all, I'm not here to help you. You made this mess all on your own." She stood up, grabbing a cane that was leaning against the wall. "I'm going outside to enjoy some fresh air. By the time I come back, you had better be finished, missy."

Kuronue had to note, for an old, blind women, she could make it outside rather quickly. When the door shut with a decisive snap, he turned to Kerima. "Actually, for starters, I'd like to know how in the world you saved my life," Kuronue stated, a small smile on his face. "You've stumped the healer I normally visit."

Kerima sighed. "I used a technique that I got from my mother. I gave up a piece of myself to keep you alive while I used herbs and power to heal you. It is something only a few people can manage and even fewer people want to do. I did not want to use the technique, but it became needful, so I did."

The bat demon rubbed his chest where the largest scar was. "And for that, I thank you." He grinned at her. "I'll thank you properly later, but for not, why don't you tell me where you got that limp. It looks painful." He knew his curiosity shone in his eyes, making them bright and enticing.

She looked off to the side and sighed. "I had a disagreement with one of my cousins, Siela. She became angry and attacked with her claws." A delicate hand reached down to gently touch the wounded ankle. "I am healing it slowly so I don't use up too much of my strength at once."

Kuronue turned thoughtful. 'Claws… five scratch lines.' He watched the black haired girl closely, but she gave nothing away. 'That is too much coincidence for comfort.' He gestured toward her ankle. "Why don't I take a look at it?" he asked gently. "Perhaps I can kiss it and make it all better?"

Kerima shook her head. "There is nothing you could do for it that would help."

"Then why don't you explain why I carry a similar injury on the same ankle?" he demanded, trying to keep his tone even and soft. It wouldn't do to scare her off. If she was the only one who could offer an answer, then she was definitely worth staying calm for.

She sighed. "There is nothing I can do for your wound besides redress it," she replied, eyes blank and emotion hidden. "I cannot fix what I have done. All I can do is prevent things from happening." She paused, sadness finally showing in her eyes. "Forgive me, I meant to save you and me from all this, but they will not allow it."

The bat demon began mentally picking apart what she was tiptoeing around. Kerima knew what was wrong with him, and she had a similar, if not identical wound. She had also wanted to save them both from something, and she had given up a piece of herself to save him. He wasn't about to ask what piece of herself she had given up; that was far too personal to ask, and he had a feeling she wouldn't answer even if he asked. So, the question became what exactly was going on, but he had a feeling he knew. He was connected to the girl somehow because of how she'd saved him, and she felt bad about the consequences. Well, who was he to raise a fuss? He was alive. Alive and connected to a girl was better than being dead and having access to no more girls.

Kuronue grinned at her as he stood up, went to her, and pulled her up in his arms. She didn't fight him, but neither did she assist him. "I am alive, my little one, and I understand that there was a price to pay for that. I'm even willing to pay for it." He kissed her forehead, he cheeks, and her mouth. "You made it so I could enjoy life again, and I will not forget it."

Kerima shook her head. "You owe me nothing, and you will not be thanking me for it later."

He chuckled, shaking his head at her. "You enabled me to enjoy more women, and anything is worth that," he replied. "So relax, and explain things fully. I won't get angry with you. I never get angry with women." He nuzzled his cheek against the top of her head, noticing how nice her hair smelled. Later on, when she wasn't so uptight with him, he would ask her what she used to smell so good. He wanted some for all his women.

She pushed out of his arms and fled, leaving a very puzzled Kuronue behind. "Well, I'll be damned if I know what I said to cause that reaction."