Seeing the confused expression in my face, Youko went towards me and wrapped his arms around my shoulders. "You're not sick, aren't you?"

My eyes were wide in shock as I shook my head.

He kissed my forehead. "Maybe you're just surprised at the sudden events. You'll get over it soon as we arrive to your new home."

"N-new home?" I repeated, looking up at him.

He smirked. "Come." He let go and started walking away. He had this air of authority that just pulled me to follow, even with my uncertainties.

We walked in silence, with me trying to keep pace with him. The surroundings, even though I haven't seen them before, seem familiar. It was like I've been here long ago. But that would be impossible, wouldn't it?

I mean, Youko is here with me.

And I mean Youko Kurama, a fictional character in the books I've read before. I really love reading those. There were actually a few books about him, and I haven't met anyone who's familiar with his story. It was like his legend was meant to be hidden, which adds up to the mystery.

Maybe this is just another strange dream, a part of the dream I've been having for a long time—the dream where I was chasing the hunters in pursuit of Youko.

Oh well, if this is a dream, I'll just wait for me to wake up. I might as well relish every moment. Hah, maybe I'll even test my smarts, on how much I know this fox demon. Either way, I'll just go along with this dream until it ends.

Youko led me to a deeper part of the forest, where a huge castle-like structure lay, hidden behind an even bigger tree. I stood there in awe. I remember reading about something like this, and seeing it in front of me was just…incredible.

"This is your new home, Yana," he said.

"You've got to be kidding me," I muttered.

He chuckled. "This was one of the castles we ambushed long ago. It was big enough to accommodate us, so we decided to make it a hideout."

Oh yes, I remember this was Mizu Castle, the one Youko and his entourage of thieves ambushed because of a crown jewel inside. I read about it in one of the books I've got from a bookstore years ago.

"Now," he continued, "you are to live here with me and the other thieves. But keep in mind that you only talk to others when necessary. Aside from that, you're only allowed to speak to me."

"But why? Isn't that too harsh?"

"I'm pretty jealous," he looked sideways at me. "I don't like anyone getting near what's mine. Remember that."

I gulped. He sounded so scary.

We continued towards the doorway, where he typed in something on a black device attached to the wall beside the double doors. The doors opened with a huge creak. We were greeted by two dark-haired girls with cat ears.

"Master Youko, is that her?" one of them asked.

Youko responded with a half-smile. "Yana needs her rest, so we'll meet you up later." Then he waved them off.

I was led into a large room. Youko went to stand by a window. I remained standing as I kept looking around, like a child entering a new toy store.

"You seem to be okay now," Youko observed.

I turned to him. "Well, not… really." Maybe I should add in some drama just for fun. "Would you be okay if you found out your mother gave you to a stranger?" I tried to use the best 'I'm-about-to-cry' voice I could manage.

"Well," he replied, "I have no idea."

I sweat dropped. Yeah, one of the books I've read said Youko grew up without his parents. How come I forgot about that?

"What?" I asked in fake surprise.

"I grew up without even seeing one of my parents. So I don't know how I would feel in your situation." He came closer. "But why continue being sad when you're here with me, in this huge castle? Other female demons would do anything just to be with me."

I frowned. Is he this full of himself? "Well, I'm not like the other… wait did you say demons?"

He rolled his eyes. "You're in Demon World, Yana. There are no humans here, or any other creature. Is that how the drug affected you so much that you forgot you're a demon yourself?"

M-me…I'm a demon? What is he talking about?