Hey guys,
Sorry for a late update! I wasn't sure where I wanted to take this story. Now I have an idea but I just wasn't satisfied with this chapter, which is why it's long and took awhile to update with. Nonetheless, please READ and Review! I hope you enjoy :3
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or Yu Yu Hakusho.
Kuronue leaned against a tree watching Youko pace back and forth. He would walk all the way to the edge of the clearing and pause, deep in thought. His ears would suddenly drop then bounce right back up as he would turn around and walk to the other edge of the tree lining, this time a bit more excited. Kuronue watched this go on for about 30 minutes before he decided to bite.
"What is it Youko? You're pacing back and forth like a girl waiting for a mate," Kuronue chuckled at his own joke as Youko paused to twirl some seeds in his palm.
"She's driving me crazy Kuronue. I want her so bad. I want to rip her clothes off and I want to devour her. I want to forever protect her and lavish her with the most valuable gifts. I want to toss her off the nearest cliff!"
Kuronue was surprised by Youko's outburst, he could see Youko's ears flatten out again as he continued to pace.
"I could throw her over my shoulder and take her back to the cave. Get her to become infatuated with me."
His last statement caught Kuronue off guard, "Youko, do you want this human to be your mate? She's not just a human Youko, she's a miko. You need to really think about this, do you have a death wish?"
Youko looked at his partner in crime, contemplating how to explain this to him.
"There's just something about her Kuronue, she heats my blood in a way that I only experience when we're on a hunt. I need to claim her."
Kuronue shook his head, "Youko. She's not just a treasure you can lock up in your tomb and forget about once you've acquired her."
The fierceness in Youko's eyes hardly made Kuronue stir from his place against the tree. His fangs were out and his ears were up at attention. Youko held eye contact with Kuronue as he continued to threatening growl, Kuronue's bored look not bothering Youko.
Within a few seconds, Youko stepped back with a frown on his face as he looked away. He wasn't angry with his friend, he understood where he was coming from. Youko craved women all the time. Without a second though Youko would use them then discard them. He never got attached and never cared to, so for him to claim he wanted a mate out of the blue? It was understanding why Kuronue would be skeptical.
Although he wasn't angry with his friend, he did feel outraged. He wanted to rip a demon in half and release all his frustrations. He couldn't think straight, he was so used to just taking anything or anyone he wanted. He glanced at Kuronue, who appeared unfazed, and nodded his head. His friend already understanding the unvoiced apology. It's not like he didn't understand what Youko was going through.
It was as though both their worlds were thrown out of balance at the same time. Kuronue couldn't get his own human off his mind. Youko was used to brash force but Kuronue knew that approach with Sango would not suffice. As if Youko read his mind he abruptly stops, eyes shadowed by a determination that caused Kuronue grin.
"I'll prove it to her and you. I'm going to be patient and court her, soon enough she's going to want to be my mate. She won't even know what hit her."
Kuronue rolled his eyes as Youko began to head back to their hideout, he presumed to get ready. That fox is going to get them both in trouble and he
can't wait.
Their fort was hidden deep within the woods alongside a crystal blue river. Within the forest, the trees towered up into the sky with a circumference that allowed ample amount of room.
Within one of those trees was one of Kuronue and Youko's hideout. This was where they usually met up before and after a heist, as well as where most of their stolen gems were hidden.
The beautiful trunk of the tree was covered in vines, the entrance hidden completely by Youko's manipulated plants. Once inside the trunk, there was a grand center stairwell within the hollow center, which led to the personal rooms of the thieves. Pelts covered the floor as bookshelves hugged the left wall, all of which were adorn with ageless books.
Along the right side of the wall, grand pictures hung of various kitsune clans and settings. Beneath one painted of the artic clan laid a sitting area that appeared to be barely used.
Kuronue was the first to enter and rounded the left side of the stairwell, revealing a large mahogany table with 14 chairs, 6 of which were removed from the table to allow the thieves to hover over their plans for their next hunt. Across from the table along the wooden wall, a hole the size of a medium semi-circle graced the table with light. Vines concealed the makeshift window but allowed enough light for the demons to determine time of day, it was currently dusk.
The room was a mess, papers tossed about, chairs upside down on the floor. The table laid behind the center staircase, where several maps of the region were delicately hung up. Several color coordinated pins were noted on the map as rumors, mission difficulty and confirmed treasures. Kuronue seemed unbothered as he took a seat at the head of the table, his mind was preoccupied and Youko hadn't made any moves to clean the area.
Youko stood before the maps, his posture remained ridged as he contemplated each region.
Should he give Kagome some time to cool off? Was he too rash with her? It seemed like a good idea at the time, to leave his mark of intent. The idea of that dog demon anywhere near Kagome made Youko's jaw tighten. That clumsy creature holds Kagome's admiration. As his temper rose, Kuronue appeared next to Youko.
"Perhaps a heist will help cool you down," a glint of mischief shown in Kuronues' eyes as Youko's smirk validated their course for the evening.
Kagome wasn't sure what to make of Youko. She absent mindedly rubbed the sore spot he nipped earlier, her cheeks turning pink. Playing around with Youko has been fun but she's not too sure if it's such a good idea anymore. He has no boundaries, no respect for her. It's almost like playing with fire and she's about to get burned.
Kagome frowned as she idly walked, she knew harming Youko was out of the question. The silver fox was enchanting but never took no as an answer. Kagome couldn't help but groan at the mess she had gotten herself into. The wind picked up lightly, her hair tickling her nose as the sun warmth her pale skin. As Kagome wondered about, she found herself searching for her favorite dog demon. She knew Youko's scent lingered on her and that Inuyasha had wondered off but she needed to talk to him.
When he finally came into view, his back was clearly turned away from her but she knew he heard her, if his twitching ears were any indication. The closer she got, the tenser Inuyasha appeared and she couldn't help but feel bad. A sigh escaped her lips as she ran her hand through her long hair. Youko won't be able to stay away from her long and although she felt the excitement bubble up deep within her core, she knew had too many commitments within her small group of friends to ever really enjoy herself.
Inuyasha needed her and Shippou too, running off with the intoxicating fox demon was a luxury she will never indulge in. As the wind picked up, Kagome stood directly below Inuyasha and glanced up as she waited for a reaction. She honestly thought teasing both Inuyasha and Youko would turn out differently, her developing headache was proof otherwise.
She laid her hand upon the cool bark and glanced down, waiting for the stubborn dog to say something first. He refused to make one sound as the wind rustled the trees and the birds chirped away, completely unaware of the storm brewing within him. Inuyasha finally decided to just settle on glaring at her, with his hands in his sleeves. Although Kagome had a weak spot for Inuyasha's beautiful gold eyes, she couldn't help but compare them to Youko's.
Youko's almond shaped eyes were like molten lava, seductive, as to where Inuyasha's amber eyes were bright like honey. However, as he stared down at her, his eyes looked dark and there was an underlying hurt beneath those rich honey pools that always made her heart dropped.
Surely he knows?
That although things can be rough between them, he's her best friend and she'll never leave him.
"Inuyasha, why don't you come down so we can talk?" Kagome decided a softer approach would be best after she chose Youko's side over his.
"Hn. Why would I want to talk to you?"
Taking a step back from the tree Kagome's soft glance quickly turned into a hard glare, "because Inuyasha I need explain what happened," came her all too calm reply.
"Don't bother, you reek of that dumb fox! What are you- in love with him? You barely know the fox!"
Inuyasha was angry as he jumped down and held eye contact, slowly stepping closer. His golden eyes held a fire she seldom saw directed towards her. His hair flapped about him as his ears remained up and at attention. He towered over her petite form as she refused to back down. He can't make her feel bad when he's always been in love with someone else, someone who is always trying to kill her.
"You run around and flirt with this stranger but for all you know he wants to kill you for the jewel! Have you not considered that or are you too dense for common sense?"
As Inuyasha's voice rose, Kagome became more aggravated, "Inuyasha! Why are you acting like a jerk! I came over here to try to speak to you and all you're doing is screaming at me!"
They were in an all-out yelling match when Inuyasha suddenly picked Kagome up, effectively throwing her over his shoulder and took off, ignoring her screams.
"Inuyasha! Where are you taking me! I swear if you don't put me down right now I am going to sit you all the way to hell!" came Kagome's screech.
Her threat fell onto deaf ears as Inuyasha flew through the forest, his silver locks mixing with her black ones. Before she knew it, she was thrown into the freezing cold river, soaked to the bone. Inuyasha stood by the river, pointing an accusing finger at her as her mouth opened and closed, like a fish out of water.
"I can't stand to be near you with his stench all over you!"
Kagome's mouth closed immediately as the anger almost floated away with the current of the river. She was drenched and embarrassed, her clothes sticking to her like a second skin. Her hand flew to cover Youko's bite as it sudden burned, catching Inuyasha's attention.
Within a second he was in the river holding her hand up as he glared at the incriminating bite mark.
"H-he marked you?" came Inuyasha's quiet question.
Inuyasha lifted Kagome and they stood in silence as their wet clothes dripped into the cold river.
"That's why you reek of him, he marked you."
Kagome let out a shaky breath, "What do you mean he marked me Inuyasha?"
"He marked you without consent?" Inuyasha's eyes flashed red as he continued to hold her wrist.
A growl ripping through his chest, scaring Kagome as tears rose to her eyes. Inuyasha couldn't place his anger, he felt furious; he wanted to rip the fox apart! Who does that fox think he is? Marking his Kagome?
"I-I don't know, he just bit me and left," came Kagome's hesitant response.
Inuyasha's now gold eyes turned to her innocent orbs and his heart clenched at their current situation. He loves Kagome but he also loves Kikyo too. He owes Kikyo his life but he would risk his life in a heartbeat for Kagome. He wanted Kagome to have a happy, fulfilling life but now he's lost her to some thief. Inuyasha's hand went up to the crook of her neck and his claw graced the mark. The sun was almost completely set now, the frogs were croaking loudly nearby.
"The bite mark is shallow," came Inuyasha low response, "It's not official but it means he intends to mate you. Kagome, I need you to be honest with me, do you want to be his mate?"
Kagome suddenly felt suffocated by his question and all her current responsibilities. She loved to fight and joke around as much as the next person but she rarely gets to do it. She has a kitsune who needs to be protected as well as the responsibility of protecting the Shikon Jewel. All she wanted was to have a little bit of fun with the silver fox, she didn't intend for any of this to happen. She barely knew him! She only loved to make his blood boil. How was she supposed to know he would mark her?
"I don't know, Inuyasha."
The fear gripped her heart. Would this fox try to separate her from her friends? Would he force her to be with him? Although fear is what she felt, she also felt excited too. What an adventure it would be to experience the world with someone as mysterious as Youko.
"Listen to me Kagome, through this mark you and he are bonded. The stronger the bond, the more he can sense from you. He could locate you through this mark and he could feel what you're feeling. Do you understand?"
Kagome listened closely as Inuyasha released her wrist and she in return grabbed his calloused hand with both of hers. He enjoyed the gesture but remained serious.
"If your bond isn't strong, your emotions would feel almost like a nagging at the back of his mind. So subtle that it wouldn't affect his but if you're bond is strong, you will feel as one."
Listening to Inuyasha's worry laced voice sent chills up her spine. It was almost like the bond was a form of protection for her. Although Inuyasha didn't word it that way, she felt safe knowing Youko was connected to her.
"I'm sorry Inuyasha, I don't know how all this happened."
Kagome felt timid as she glanced at the floor, things felt like a mess. Inuyasha rolled his eyes and let out a grunt as he turned his back to her, crouching down so she could get on. The feud between the two already disappearing into the cool night.
"Just be careful, the mark will go away if you fail to develop a deeper connection. You should avoid him if you know what's good for ya. Now hop on, you need to get into some dry clothes."
Sango wasn't in the mood to talk much, especially to Miroku. She loved the guy but he was just a handful sometimes. Sango sat beneath a tree within the village boundaries and played with Kirara. It will be dusk in a little while and she was starting to feel hungry.
With Kirara on her lap came Shippou shortly after, "Do you know where Kagome is, Sango?"
Sango thought for a moment and remembered Kagome wanted to make sure Inuyasha was alright, "I believe she went to go speak with Inuyasha."
"Oh, I figured. He was pretty upset about what happened earlier with Youko. I still can't believe Kagome knows THE Youko Kurama."
Sango chuckled as Shippou bragged about how Youko is the king of thieves.
Sango didn't mean to let her mind drift off as she found about Kuronue. Shippou's excited voice faded into the background as Sango relieved the kiss the bat demon dared to steal from her. With all the tragedy that has happened in her life, Sango couldn't help but feel skeptical. Her trust remained within their group and their group only. It's only natural for her to refuse the bat demon. He was handsome and charming, both red flags in her book.
After a few minutes, the sun slowly began to set as Miroku came walking over to their small group. He seemed solemn and looked like a wounded puppy with a slap mark on his cheek. Sango huffed as Miroku dropped next to her, his staff jingling slightly as he moved to place it against his shoulder.
"Sango, who were those demons earlier and why were they infatuated by you and Kagome?"
The abruptness of his question caught her off guard. What does it matter to him anyways?
"Kagome seemed to have known the fox in one way or another, I don't know how or why but he seems to care for her."
Miroku thought it over, "His friend seemed to have been entranced by you as well."
A blush spread across Sango's cheeks, she hadn't realized how obvious Kurnoue had been.
"He's just a companion of the fox demon and nothing else," was her only response to Miroku's prying.
"Ah, I see" was all he said as he stood to walk away without another word.
"Boy, was he acting funny Sango. Is there something wrong with Miroku?"
Shippou's young voice sounded loud compared to the empty lot that is now being kissed by the setting sun.
"I'm not sure what his problem is" was all Sango said as she stared off in the distance.
Youko and Kuronue departed from their hideout when the sun set. There was an insistent nagging at the back of his mind that left him uncomfortable and rustled. He assumed it was Kagome being emotional but the nagging feeling still hadn't let up. It's like he can feel that dog demon touching her. His jaw clenched as he continued to move from branch to branch at lightning speed.
He needed to get his mind off her, he's certain the half demon has discovered his mark of intent and is making Kagome panic. Maybe that was the wrong move. As Youko moved through the forest, cloaked within the shadows, he could feel Kagome's admiration and sadness hit him like a ton of bricks. The jealous budding within him made him push faster towards the upcoming palace.
His face remained emotionless as the feeling in the pit of his stomach made him feel angrier. His mind was spinning from the pass few days, he just needed to clear his head by killing a few demons and stealing another artifact.
As Kuronue and Youko reached the palace, they noticed smoke rising from far within the woods where they just came from. Both the demons standing up right as the black smoke hung low and heavy.
"Youko, where do you think that's coming from…" came Kuronue's hesitant question.
Within a flash Youko was gone and Kuronue close behind. It looked to be coming from Kagome's village. Youko felt frantic, he was a few hours away. The only light out was from the moon, reflecting his race against time. Why did he have to get involved with this woman? He was so close to snatching another jewel artifact but of course, he knew the gem he was running towards now was by far, the rarest gem of all.
I hope you enjoyed!
Read and Review!