Hi guys! Another day late. Hmm, maybe I should stop promising. I mean, we're starting to get busy in school, so that means less time for writing, as well as less time for typing this up on the computer. And editing.

This week's really eventful. And totally inspiring... because I met one of my readers in person! Turns out we just go to the same school. Haha, it really brought me to tears. Tears of joy, I mean. I really hope to see you again!

Anyway, enough of this rant. Here's the next chapter. Enjoy. xD

Kurama suddenly flopped down on the grass.

"What's up with you now?" I laughed as I lay beside him.

He looked at me and grinned. "I'll get drunk in your kisses."

"It was your idea after all," I said. We were at the castle garden, discussing wedding plans. I was to kiss him everytime I liked any of his suggestions. "You just seem to know what I like. Besides, do my kisses taste like wine?"

Kurama grabbed my waist and pulled me closer to him. "Much better than that," he smirked. He pressed his forehead against mine. I could feel his cool breath on my face. "Now let me taste some more."

I put a finger to his lips. "Aren't you, well, the least bit embarrassed?"

He frowned slightly. "Why would I be?"

I could feel my face redden. "Just…look around us. Haven't you noticed them watching us since we came out here?" I said, referring to his comrades lounging on the terrace overlooking the garden.

Kurama just laughed. "Why would I be ashamed? I'm actually flattered. And at least everyone will know how serious I am with you," he then started planting kisses on my neck.

"H-hey," I tried to push him back. "I don't know about you," I managed to lift his head to face me, "but I'm just not raised that way." He stared, and thinking he needed explanation, I continued, "I mean, my mother once told me that intimacy towards your partner needn't be shown in public."

Something tells me that what I said didn't get through to him. Apparently the fox was thinking about something else. "You remember now, do you?"

"Remember what?"

He fell silent for a moment as he closed his eyes. And then he sighed, "I guess it's time to tell you everything then." Before I could react, he opened his eyes and continued, "We're getting married anyway."

"What do you mean?" I said as we stood up.

Kurama took my hand and pulled me towards the forest. "Come with me."

I don't need any more proof that I'm not in a state of dreaming at all. Everything adds up to the lingering fact that my stay in this world is absolutely real.

I get to watch things and events right before my eyes. I get to hear sounds as clear as though they were said right into my ears. I can actually smell stenches and scents. I get to taste very well each food I eat. And most of all, I could feel his kisses, his hugs, the pain whenever I get tossed during training, and the energy I build up when I need to use my power.

And as if those weren't enough evidence, I started to have dreams too.

A father, a mother, and their daughter, living in a small cottage somewhere in a forest. This silver kitsune family was always the object of my dreams. The scenes in my dreams showed different instances. The three of them laughing. The whole family eating together. The daughter helping out with the chores. The daughter being strictly taught by her mother to use her powers. They were water kitsune, so it seems.

The faces were hazy, and their conversations sounded more like murmurs. But weirdly, I feel some kind of attachment with these people, particularly with the parents. I can't help but think that I know them, like they were a huge part of my life.

Could I be dreaming of old memories? But that's not possible. How could I possibly know any other silver kitsune in the past? It's all too confusing. But some dreams are meant to be that way, right? These are the ones that are left to be, well, just a dream. Never meant to be taken seriously or anything.

My first dreams of them showed how much of a happy family they are. But the more recent ones showed a tragic fire set upon their cottage. The parents were trapped in the fire, their unconscious daughter separated from them. And suddenly a man comes along, a silver fox who took the girl away, leaving the parents in the cottage that was being swallowed up by the flames.

I've been dreaming the same thing for a couple of nights already. And yet I always wake up before anything else occurred. Waking up, though, is accompanied with this heavy feeling in my chest.

"Where are we going, Kurama?" I asked.

The fox continued to lead me deep into the woods. "You'll see," he simply answered, saying nothing more until we stopped at a clearing. There lay brick ruins in the center of the area, and two large mounds of earth off to the side.

I walked over to the middle of the ruins. "What happened here?" I looked up to see the fox smiling quite bitterly, his hands shoved into his pockets. "Are you alright?"

Kurama sighed as he locked eyes with me. After a brief moment of silence, he finally spoke, "There used to be a cottage right smack in the middle of this clearing. Right where you are standing right now."

I looked around me. "Really? What happened to it?"

Kurama fell silent once more. This must be tough for him to talk about.

I remembered what he said earlier. Something about telling me everything. What did he mean, exactly? And why did he have to bring me here?

I looked around, setting my eyes on the ruins first. The weathered brick posts had scorch marks at the edges. They looked like they were burned down. I glanced up at the trees surrounding us. Strangely, they give me a feeling of nostalgia. Have I been here before?

I opened my mouth to say something, but the fox spoke up, "There also used to be a small family of three silver kitsune living in that cottage, you know." He was looking towards the mounds of earth, that bitter smile plastered back on his face once more. "They were all happy together. The mother was wise, and the father was strong and brave. And their daughter was gorgeous, probably the rarest beauty I've ever seen."

"Really?" I said, quite unable to hide the tinge of jealousy in my voice.

Kurama seemed unfazed though. "I spied on them everyday. I was a thief, and part of my nature is the desire to get what I want. The daughter, still young when I first saw her, was all I wanted. I watched her grow, watched her painstakingly learn the basics of controlling her element," his eyes turned to me.

"So she was like me, then?" I raised an eyebrow.

Kurama chuckled. "Moving on, they were an example of a simple yet content family. They eat their meals together. Their home was always filled with laughter. And everyday the daughter was trained how to use her powers as a water kitsune." He laughed, "They'd literally train for a day, because for some reason the daughter couldn't master the basics enough."

My heart beat wildly. His story rang a bell. "So where are they now?"

Kurama gazed at the ruins. "Their cottage got caught up in a forest fire."

The dreadfully heavy feeling in my chest whenever I'd wake up from my recent dreams suddenly resurfaced. I felt like hyperventilating. "Did they… die in that fire?"

Kurama looked at me again. "Only the daughter survived."

"H-how?" I was eager to hear the rest of the story, wondering if there's a connection between it and my dreams.

He closed his eyes. "I rescued her. I never knew such a fire could be convenient. I mean, the whole family has water as their element." He smirked. "But you need to be strong enough to put out a huge fire like that. Apparently, that was something the parents didn't have anymore. The mother was overworked for the whole day with training her daughter, and the father had just come home from his work."

I gulped. The memory of my dreams tugged at my mind. I could almost see the flames surrounding me from where I stood, in the middle of the ruins of what was once a beautiful cottage. "So what happened next?"

Kurama opened his eyes then to stare at me. "They got trapped, unfortunately. The daughter got separated from her parents by a fallen beam, knocking her out unconscious in the process. That's when I went in to get her. Her parents saw me, but despite knowing who I am, they asked me to take their daughter, to which I have no protest."

I stared back at Kurama, my eyes wide with surprise. I was right. The happy family. Their small cottage. This forest where their house once stood. And that fire. And that man who took the girl. That was Kurama. It really happened. It was all true.

Is that dream some kind of a foreshadowing of what Kurama just told me today? "W-what happened to the daughter then?"

"I took her to the forest to heal her. She was out for a few days, and when she finally woke up, she couldn't remember anything at all, like she was in a serious case of amnesia. She can't remember her name, that accident, and even the fact that she's a kitsune." Kurama paused to walk closer to me and take my hand. "I took her with me to the castle, trained her, and protected her. Even going as far as deceiving my comrades just so she wouldn't be taken away from me."

"Kurama," I gazed up at him. "The girl was… she was…"

"Yes, that girl was you."

I was dumbfounded. So that was what happened to the 'me' in this world, before I met Youko Kurama? So the dreams were the real Yana's memories?

"Do you remember now?" Kurama asked.

Why? Why am I really here in the first place? And how, exactly, did I came here? It must be magic, or witch craft. Those weren't impossible to exist, since I myself am actually able to control water at my will.

Youko Kurama is real, I'm sure of that now. I've also been convinced long ago that I'm stuck in this body for real. If so, what happened to the real Yana? When I got transported into this world, did that mean I stole the life in store for the real one? Am I messing up history?

And what's more, will I ever be able to go back home? The mere thought brought tears to my eyes.

I didn't realize I was already sobbing until Kurama wrapped his arms around me, running his hand up and down my back in an attempt to calm me down. "I'm sorry. I… I didn't know how to break the tragic news to you. It was all so sudden. You looked distressed and shocked enough when you first saw me. I didn't want to depress you even more."

I didn't know what to feel. Shame? Guilt? Homesickness? Even my emotions confuse me.

Both of us fell silent as Kurama held me tight. Eventually, the warmth of the fox' embrace soothed me. I looked up at him.

He was gazing at me with apologetic eyes. "I'm sorry I lied to you," he broke the silence with his soft voice, "I did tell you that I bought you from your mother, didn't I?"

I nodded and closed my eyes as I put my head on his shoulder, hugging him back. "You'll stay with me, right?"

"Of course. I'll never leave you, that's a promise." He hesitated before gently pulling back to look at me and say, "You won't call off the wedding, won't you?"

I sighed happily. It's nice to think that even if my mind would get too confused trying to search for answers, Kurama always manages to make me smile, to give me a peace of mind.

I still want and believe that I'll get back home. But being with the fox drives me so far as to almost forget my real self, wishing I could stay with him longer.

"Of course not, silly fox. I'll still marry you," I replied with a grin.

I woke up in my room the next morning. Through half-opened eyes, I could see Kurama hurriedly approaching the bed.

"Are you alright?" I felt his hand on my forehead. "You're burning up last night."

"I'm… fine," I muttered.

"At least eat some breakfast," the fox turned to the food tray on the night table. "Could you sit up?"

I did so carefully, so as not to get a headache from sitting up abruptly.

"Here," Kurama was about to put a spoonful of soup into my mouth when I backed away.

"I'm not a baby anymore," I frowned. "I could eat on my own."

He chuckled as he handed me the bowl. "Alright then, if you're so stubborn about it. I just wanted to take care of the healer who ironically got sick."

"Hah, so goes a raid leader who ironically got fatefully wounded," I playfully rolled my eyes before taking a sip of the hot corn and crab soup.

He raised an eyebrow. "I guess this is my turn to be the healer now, is it? Consider this as payback for that time when you took care of me."

"Nah, no need. You have to understand that sometimes, people do things out of their own will, without asking for anything in return."

"I like how you drop wise words every once in a while," Kurama lay down beside me. He looked up at me, grinning.

He looks so cute, I thought as I turned back to my soup.

"And so do you," he suddenly said.

"What?"

"You said I'm cute."

"Did I just say that one aloud?" I blushed.

"Loud and clear," he smirked.

"Oh well…" I trailed off as I continued eating.

"I bet you'd look cuter with your wedding dress on. Oh, no, I meant beautiful."

I glared at him. "Can't we talk about this later? I… need to focus on my food."

He just laughed. "Fine. But be sure to take your medicine after you finish that off," he yawned. "I think I need some shut-eye."

I smiled. "You sound like an old man."

"Well, I am older than you."

I giggled. "Didn't you get to sleep well last night?"

"I told you, you had a bad case of fever. How can I even sleep?" he closed his eyes.

"Awww..." I could feel myself blush. "Okay then," I kissed his cheek. "Sweet dreams."

I slept for the rest of the day. Kurama had to wake me up just to eat meals and take my medicine, and then I'd sleep again for who knows how long.

The only time I did wake up on my own is by the middle of the night. I was hungry, because got too sleepy to even finish my dinner. Must be a side effect of the medicine. Kurama said I need to be somehow full before I take my medicine, so he let me eat half of my dinner.

The fox was asleep now. It must have been a long tiresome day for him. I felt kind of guilty.

I eyed the keychain-like remote control on the night table, the one we use to call Kurosagi and Shirosagi for anything we need. But they must be asleep as well by now. I saw them in the room as I ate my lunch and dinner, and considering their other duties around the castle, I guess they're twice as tired as Kurama.

Their efforts weren't in vain at all though. I felt normal again, a newfound strength flowing inside of me. Mostly it must be because of all the sleeping I did. I made a mental note to thank Kurama and the twins once they all wake up.

Making sure I drank the fur-changing potion, I silently went out of the room and headed straight for the kitchen. So far I've discovered the various shortcuts to certain places of this castle. Of course, the shortcut to the kitchen is the one I know by heart.

I was met with three cat demons eating late-night snacks in the kitchen. They gladly accepted when I asked if I could join them. Knowing my way around the kitchen already—I'm quite a regular visitor here after trainings—they let me prepare my own snack.

I chatted with the three girls as I ate. They were sisters, actually. In this castle, maids of the same type of animal demon were either siblings or cousins. They are given the same posts as a pair. Or a trio, as in the case of these cats.

Once finished, I offered to wash the dishes, but the cats immediately disagreed, telling me that Kurama would be mad at them if he finds out. Leaving me no choice, I quickly ran up to my room. But before I could reach it, I had to pass by Yomi's room first.

And look at how unlucky I am.

"Just what is Youko's fiancée up to, scampering about the hallways at this time of night?" the voice I so dreaded to hear made me stop in my tracks.

I turned around. "I just went to get a midnight snack. That's all, Yomi-san," I replied. "Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go back to bed."

I walked away, but Yomi was too persistent. He caught me by the arm and quite harshly pulled me to face him. "What's with the rush? I just wanted to chat a little," he smiled. It was creepy, I should say.

"Kurama would get worried. Besides, I need some rest as well," I pulled my arm away, but he just gripped me tighter.

"You haven't been out of your bedroom all day, and then you'd tell me you need to rest?"

"I was actually sick."

He looked surprised. His hand shot up to caress my cheek."Oh, poor you. Are you feeling alright now?"

I flinched. "I just got better, but I still need the rest. The fever might come back." I pried his hands away from my arm. "So, I'll be taking my leave now."

"Why do I get the feeling that you try as much as you can to avoid me? It's not like I'm a germ or something."

I almost laughed. "Of course you're not like that, Yomi-san. I'm just in a hurry."

"So you're saying you're in a hurry everytime I wanted to talk to you?"

"Well, actually…" I looked away in embarrassment.

"Is this because of Youko?" he asked.

"What?" I looked sideways at him.

"Is he ordering you to stay away from me? He must be very controlling, huh?"

"No, it's not like -"

"I'm telling you," Yomi suddenly wrapped his arms around my waist, "you could always come to me once you got sick of that fox. I'll be here."

"What are you talking about?" I pushed him away, releasing myself from his arms. "I'm about to marry him, okay? Nothing you do would make me replace him with a womanizer like you."

"Hah, let me remind you that your Youko is much more of a womanizer than me."

I started for my room which is just a few more doors away. "He's changed."

Yomi still followed me. "Really, now? What a surprise. I wonder how he sweet-talked his way to get you to marry him."

A few more steps until I reach my room. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Oh, how did he persuade you to be his mate, by the way?" Yomi babbled on.

"Please, Yomi. I'm not even listening anymore," I muttered, clutching the doorknob.

"Mating is a huge commitment. You cannot just give yourself to someone you just met, right?"

I stopped. "Yomi..."

"Or am I right to assume that you two never even mated? Youko was just lying to us, isn't he?" he must be smirking now. Of all people who'd figure out that simple fact that easily, it just had to be Yomi. I had to admit, Yomi's quite smart… in a dangerous kind of way.

My heart raced as I turned the doorknob,"You're not making any sense, Yomi-san." I pushed the door open, and I was greeted by the rays of moonlight coming from the open window.

Moonlight.

"S-silver…" I heard Yomi say.

I slowly turned around to see the bewildered expression on his face, which must have matched mine.

"Yana? You're… a silver kitsune… all along?" Yomi, who was standing at quite a distance from me, started to step closer.

In this castle, I live with a band of thieves, Youko's words rang through my head. They'll steal you from me unless you're already my mate.

I stepped back. "Yomi… please don't…"

He continued to approach me. "So Youko has been hiding a nice catch all along."

I stepped inside the room and tried to close the door, but Yomi had already grabbed me by the arm.

"Where are you going now?" he tightened his grip on me.

"Please, Yomi. I'm getting hurt," I said. I frantically looked behind me and saw Kurama stirring.

"Oh no. You're coming with me, young lady," Yomi whispered into my ear.

"No," I growled. In my panic, a huge wave of water came from my palm, pushing Yomi back by a few feet. He was sprawled out on the floor, so I seized the opportunity to close the door, making sure to lock its many barrel bolts.

My shaking knees gave way, and I slid down the door to sit on the floor. I heard Kurama moan. It looked like he's about to wake up.

I climbed quickly onto the bed. I lay down facing away from Kurama, trying to act like nothing happened. But that sudden attack towards Yomi took a lot of energy, considering how I just recovered from a fever. I was panting loudly, trying to catch my breath.

"Yana?" the fox was awake now.

I turned to face him, trying to fake a smile. "Y-yes?"

But Kurama's not one to be fooled that easily. He frowned,"What's happening to you?"

Yay for cliffhangers! Haha. Anyway, since I said my schedule's about to get packed with school stuffs and whatnot, I have to say in advance that there might not be weekly updates anymore. But don't worry, I'll try my best to update on time. I won't set an update day anymore, since it all depends on my free time now. School's still my top priority guys, so please bear with me please? :D Thanks.

Anyway, please rate and review!