TRIVIA: Do you guys know the TARSIER? This nocturnal animal endemic to the Philippines is known for its small body and BIG EYES. They mostly live in Bohol, the land of The Chocolate Hills.

So why am I telling you this? Because the tarsier is that small wild animal I had in mind as I wrote that flashback in Chapter 20. xDD Although the behavior of that wild animal in the chappie is not the same as a tarsier's xDDD And oh, regarding that wild animal, Kurama saved it by wrapping his whip around it, right? He used a THORNLESS rose whip. Since, well, there are thornless roses, right?

Okay, enough randomness. I just need to answer that burning question from a reader, that I feel would be alright to share with the rest of you guys. xD

Anyway, here's the next chapter. Enjoy!

Series of gasps sounded through the whole room as all crimson turned to its originally silver color.

"A silver kitsune…?"

"Yana-sama? What just happened?"

"Is that really you?"

"I never thought this could be possible."

"What kitsune race are you really from, then?"

Yomi's three loud and slow claps silenced the men. "To clear things up, Yana is a silver kitsune that Youko has been hiding ever since. I don't know what kind of trick the fox had come up with, but this revelation tells us one thing," he looked down at me, smirking, "Youko has been lying to us all along. He has just proven how true he is to his sneaky and deceitful fox nature, gentlemen."

Angry outbursts from the men followed Yomi's speech. Meanwhile, I could see disappointment clearly etched in the maids' faces. I tried to look for the twins among them again, but apparently they weren't really in the room. Where could they be?

"But wait, Yomi-san," Shin, the dog demon I recognized right away as the excellent tracker Kurama had described to me before, spoke up, "She is already Youko-san's mate. Still, no one could harm her, as I assume that is what you plan to do."

"'You?'" Yomi repeated. "Come on boy, you don't have to pretend to be loyal to Master Youko. Besides," he moved to kneel behind me and clutch my shoulders, "I'm not yet finished."

"No, Yomi," I arched my back a bit to try to get his hands off. "Please don't do this."

"Stay still," he whispered, pressing himself close to me. "Or do you want me to numb out your whole body?" His lips traveled down my neck to stop at my shoulder.

I flushed in embarrassment as the men gazed at us with engrossed faces. Are they really just going to watch?

Also, have they all turned their backs on Kurama? I really hope not. I looked at Shin's direction, for his trust in the fox still seems to remain, but he had already disappeared into the crowd.

If only I could move…

"We are all under the impression that Yana is Youko's mate," Yomi spoke out loud as his hands started to slowly pull my sleeves down. "But is she, really?"

And then it struck me. I closed my eyes and concentrated. I may not be able to move my arms, but that doesn't mean I cannot do anything anymore. I could feel water forming from underneath my palms, which were strategically flat against the floor. And what luck, there are a few cracks on the cement.

And maybe, just maybe, if I get to distract Yomi, he'd lose focus on trying to immobilize my limbs. Just like how I was able to escape from his first attempt of numbing out my legs when I hit him earlier.

"What do you mean, Yomi-san?" a gruff voice from the crowd asked.

Yomi chuckled in reply. "Because last time I checked…" he trailed off, finally pulling both sleeves down at once with great abrupt force that I heard a faint ripping sound.

And again, the men grew even more restless.

"This can't be…"

"That sneaky old fox…"

"I knew he was hiding something!"

"Hey! Then that means a virgin silver kitsune is right in front of us!"

"Ah, yes! A very rare find indeed."

"So beautiful..."

I listened as my eyes remained closed. The water from my palms has seeped into the cracks and started to flow in all directions from under the ground.

"Do you hear all of this, Yana-chan?" Yomi whispered into my ear. "How tragic, isn't it? The great Youko Kurama's downfall is all because of you, a woman he foolishly believes he loves."

The water has almost spread out from underneath us completely.

"What do we do with her, then?" someone asked, his voice ringing loudly despite the men's mutterings.

"Yeah, that fox has to pay!"

"Pay with the little treasure he's kept from us!"

I could feel Yomi's breath on my face. He must be searching my face for any response. "Oh, have you easily accepted your fate in our hands, little fox?" Seeing no change in my expression, he continued, "Do you even know what we'll do to you?"

Just a few more seconds.

I heard Yomi grunt before laying me flat on my back on the cold cement floor. "We will do whatever we see fit then, gentlemen. Whatever we may please."

The men snickered as I heard their footsteps draw near to the middle of the room.

"You wouldn't dare," I said.

They stopped in their advance, as they all seem to have heard me. They were so close now, though.

"Hm?" I could hear Yomi smirk. "Did you just say something?"

"You. Wouldn't. Dare," I repeated, finally opening my eyes to glare at the men surrounding us in a circle.

The ground shook just then. It started as a low rumble, until it escalated into a more violent trembling. The shaking was too strong that the men fell on each other.

I found that I was able to flex my fingers now. My assumption about distracting Yomi was right.

"What are you planning?" he asked angrily.

I smirked as I regained control over my arms, which I used to help me sit up. "Don't be so impatient, Yomi-san." I looked back at the ground. "Up."

The cracks on the floor multiplied, and I moved away just in time before a huge spout of water sprang up in the middle of the room and rained down heavily on the men sprawled out on the floor. Smaller spouts emerged all throughout the room, and most importantly, in front of Yomi.

Finally able to stand up, I ran towards the exit. I sent a wave to open the wooden doors, when suddenly a crash was heard from above. Shielding my eyes from the glass shards that flew everywhere, I saw a black figure enter through the now-broken circle in the ceiling.

"Whoa!" came a familiar voice. The black figure avoided the huge water spout before dashing towards me.

I shrieked, closing my eyes as I was lifted high up off the ground. I opened them seconds later, finding myself carried over someone's shoulder again. "Kuronue-san?" I gasped as I saw the familiar bat wings. I shifted to take a look at him.

He shook his head, "Man, you wrecked the whole place Yana-chan. What will serve as the main ballroom for these men we'll leave behind?"

I blinked. "What do you mean?"

Kuronue smiled at me, "Yana-chan, could you please stop this… uh, fountain? I don't want to get my wings wet."

"Umm…"

"Now," he prompted, the playfulness in his usual tone instantly changed into a scarily serious one.

"S-sure," and the huge water spout crashed down and flooded the room.

"Hey!" Kuronue flew us up higher, "I told you I don't want to get wet." I opened my mouth to apologize, but he beat me to it, "Anyways, we're in a hurry." He rose up to the circular hole he made in the ceiling.

"And where do you think you're taking her?" Yomi, wet from the water assaults, stood up and called out to us.

"Away from all of you. She's not safe here," Kuronue replied. "I've seen and heard everything, you know."

Yomi scoffed, "Or aren't you just going to keep her to yourself? Not so much of a loyal comrade too, huh?" .

Kuronue smirked back. "Think whatever you want to think. Yana shall not stay in here anymore either way." He raised his hand to the side of his head in a lazy salute. "It has been… nice to work with you all these years, gentlemen. Especially you, Yomi. Until we meet again, then," he grinned, dropping the salute, and we were out of the castle in an instant through the hole.

I shivered as the cold night air whipped at us as we sped towards the forest. My heart was beating wildly. Where is he taking me? I refuse to think that Kuronue's intentions as what Yomi had assumed were true. I mean, the bat has been a trustworthy companion of ours and all...

Kuronue hugged me tighter. "Do you trust me, Yana-chan?"

"Umm," I blushed, as he seemed to have read my thoughts. I gulped, "Of course, Kuronue-san."

"Be a good girl and follow what I say, then."

I nodded into his shoulder.

"No doubt Yomi would order them to follow us," he said. "I need you to create a distraction."

I looked up at him. "A… distraction?" I repeated.

"You're a kitsune. You could make illusions like him, can you?" he frowned slightly.

"Oh, uh, yes I can. He taught me not too long ago."

"Good." Kuronue poked my forehead. "Wake up, Yana. This is no time to space out. You could only rest once we get away safely."

"Okay," I snuck a look at the castle and spotted the men outside. "They're—"

"I know. And a lot of them are good trackers. Better get started."

Without hesitation, I took a deep breath to concentrate, letting my last bit of adrenaline take over.

The trees in the forest grew taller, towering higher than the enormous castle. Their branches served as arms that swung wildly at the men, trapping them momentarily in the forest in their trance.

"That's fair enough," Kuronue pat the back of my head. He then flew low, leaving behind three shadows in the sky, all shaped into our silhouettes. One by one, the shadows went in different directions. "Now dispel the illusion," he ordered calmly.

Silence fell on us for a while as we continued forward, listening to the men's screams of pain from where the shadows went.

"Tell me, are you alright?" Kuronue finally spoke softly.

I nodded. After another moment of silence, I spoke up, "Where are we going?"

"Why, where else? To the fox, of course."

We were slowing down now, into a more relaxed pace. I managed to relax a little at his reply. "You knew? What I really am?"

Kuronue sighed and chuckled, "I knew all along. Kurama can't hide anything from me."

I smiled. "Considering how persistent you are."

The bat chuckled. "He knows that once I get an inkling about something, I'll pester him until he is left with no choice but to tell me." Kuronue looked at me to grin, "So you don't need to doubt me. I sensed you just did so earlier."

I flushed in embarassment, and he just laughed.

Then my eyes widened in worry. "Ah, the twin bunnies... Kurosagi and Shirosagi... Kuronue-san, we have to find them!"

"Sshh," Kuronue said, resting my head on his shoulder. "You need to rest. Please. You will see them soon."

"You mean-"

"Rest, Yana-chan. Do not be stubborn," Kuronue spoke, and remained silent from then on.

So even with a heavy feeling in my chest, I managed to doze off a bit… if ever that was called dozing off. I went in and out of consciousness throughout our flight, weariness creeping its way into my system.

Alas, Kuronue landed on his feet.

"Yana," a heavenly voice called out to me, waking my senses up.

Strong arms gently pulled me away from Kuronue, and I was shifted so that I was carried bridal-style. I could smile at the term now. I forced my eyes open to look at the fox's gorgeous face.

"What happened to your face?" Kurama frowned slightly.

"Huh?" I reached up and immediately felt the dried blood at the sides of my mouth. "It's… a long story."

"Did Yomi—"

"I'll tell you all about it… later." I buried my face in his chest. "In the meantime, please…"

I couldn't hear my own words right then, as I finally gave in to sleep's call.

I slowly opened my eyes to find that I was in bed, lying on my stomach. Soft, small hands smoothed some kind of ointment on my bare back.

I turned my head to the right. "Shirosagi?"

Her eyes widened at my call. "Oh," she smiled, pulling my shirt down to cover my back as she finished. "It's good to see you finally awake, Yana-sama."

I sat up slowly and saw her sister approach the bed and stand beside her. "W-where have you been? You weren't in the ballroom, nor did you serve dinner. And you didn't come when I used your buzzer."

Kurosagi looked at her twin before sighing and turning back to me, "We're sorry, Yana-sama. It was all supposed to be a flawless escape."

"Escape?"

"Master told us to get you out of the castle tonight," Shirosagi replied.

"But once things get suspicious," Kurosagi added, "we had to take emergency measures."

"As we did our chores, we heard the men say that Yomi-san told them to gather at the main ballroom after dinner," the white bunny continued. "He had said there's something they need to know about the Master and you, Yana-sama."

"It went on and on until dinnertime came," her twin said. "I escorted you to the dining room while Shirosagi was already setting up traps in the forest."

"So that was why you were in a hurry?" I asked, recalling how unnaturally tense the black bunny was.

"Yes, Yana-sama," Kurosagi answered. "I'm sorry I had to lie about my sister doing her heavy duty business in the bathroom," she giggled.

"You said what?" her sister glared.

Kurosagi grinned sheepishly. "What can I say? I was so nervous, Shiro-chan, I couldn't think of anything else."

Shirosagi sighed. "Forever a bully. Anyway," she turned to me, "about the buzzer… Kurosagi and I were at different parts of the forest. By the time we arrived outside the castle, we were stopped by… K-Kuronue-san."

Kurosagi playfully poked at her blushing sister's ribs twice before she got serious again. "He said it was too late, and that he'd get you out of the castle himself. He ordered us to head straight here."

The bunnies bowed their heads low. "We're sorry we didn't get to save you, Yana-sama. We failed to protect you," they said at the same time.

"Don't," I said. "Don't apologize."

"Pardon?" they asked in confusion, looking up at me.

I threw myself at them to hug them both. "No, you didn't fail your duty. Those traps you set up prevented the men to follow us. Oh if you only knew, I was so worried about you two! I thought Yomi did something to you already. I thought you were left behind! I—" I broke into a sob.

"Y-Yana-sama…" they put their arms around me to hug me back.

We stayed like that for a few moments, until an all-too-familiar voice spoke, "Alright, it's my turn."

The two bunnies instantly broke away. "Yes, master," and out they went.

"You didn't have to scare them," I smiled, my back still turned to him.

His silver hair cascaded down my shoulders as he kissed my cheek. "I got impatient."

I leaned my head towards him as he wrapped his arms around me.

Kurama kissed the top of my head and spoke into my ear, "He hurt you, didn't he?"

"It's nothing major, Ku—"

"No, Yana. Look at me," he gently turned my head towards him, locking his eyes with mine. "No one else should touch you, much less hurt you. Now tell me, what did he do?"

"Kurama, you should just—"

"You said you would tell me everything once you wake up. Now keep your word. I want to hear it in full detail."

I sighed before I started recounting the events, from the awkward dinner to the big surprise in the ballroom. The fox kept a calm expression as I talked, his eyes closed as he listened intently. He only opened them as I finally finished. Those hazel orbs hardened as he cupped my face.

"Kurama…" I whispered before he closed the distance between us with a kiss. His lips pressed harder into mine as I was pulled closer to him. I put my hands on his shoulders as he lay me down.

He broke away moments later and pulled back a little to look at me. The dim light of the room only illuminated half of his handsome face. "I'm sorry you had to go through all of that, Yana, just because of my prolonged absence. This wouldn't have happened if I took you away sooner."

"So you really plan on getting me out of the castle?"

"Yes. This way, we would be able to live peacefully. With you far away from Yomi, he would never get to you anymore."

"Do you mean we'll live here from now on?" I asked. Seeing him nod, I added, "But Kurama, you will leave a lot behind. The castle, your comrades, and the treasures you've acquired for many years now."

He just smiled and kissed my forehead. "We'll continue this tomorrow, Yana-chan. Please rest for now." Kurama got off me and pulled the blankets over my shoulders. "Besides," he bent over for a quick kiss, "I've got my most precious treasure right here."

We were currently staying with the bat and the bunny twins at a mansion Kurama and Kuronue had lived in long ago, back when the two of them are both just starting out with their thieving careers, before they even thought of founding the infamous band of thieves.

The mansion consists of several bedrooms, two dining rooms, two kitchens, and a spacious receiving area. For the most part, the walls were painted white. In some rooms though, the plain vanilla color got splashed with sky blue. Not much furniture was present, which allowed maximization of space.

I went outside to meet Kurama at the garden, which is, as expected, full of blooming flowers and towering trees which bore now-ripened fruits that are oh-so-pleasing to the eye.

"Have you finally finished exploring?" his smooth voice sounded through my ears as his strong arms wrapped around me.

I turned my head to see that wonderful smile he rarely displays. I nodded, "I have also eaten breakfast, in case you are wondering. How about you?"

"I do not find it necessary to starve myself," he replied, smirking.

I giggled as I got out of his embrace to fully turn to him.

Kurama sighed as he looked up at the mansion. "This sure brings back memories."

"Is it true that raiding this place is one of your and Kuronue-san's first… thieving escapades?" I asked.

"What a talkative bat. Not even caring to spare a single bit of the story for me to tell," he shook his head with a grin. He looked so cute.

I giggled. "Well, I'd love to hear your version of it too, anyway."

He looked sideways at me. "Of course you do. You can never get enough of my voice."

My jaw dropped open at his conceited remark.

Kurama chuckled. "Unfortunately for you though, I choose to grant that request some other time. Right now," he gently tilted my chin up, "I want to know what you think of our new living quarters." He sighed, "I know this mansion falls short of Mizu Castle's glorious beauty. I only want to give you the best, for you deserve it. So just tell me if this place does not suit your taste, and I'll find a new—"

"I like it better here, actually," I cut him off.

He blinked twice. "And why, may I ask?"

"Well for one, it is easier to navigate around. It really took time before I learned which rooms are in which floors back at the castle. It's pretty hard to remember, and quite tiring too. But here, I could actually take pleasure by just exploring," I winked.

"You really are quite lazy, aren't you?" he smirked.

I laughed. "But look, this house is big enough to accommodate all of us. And I really like it. It's simple yet elegant. And besides, this holds a sentimental value to you. You've already given a lot to me, Kurama. I really appreciate it. But I want you to feel the same way." I touched his cheek and smiled, "And I know that staying in this place would make you happy. Allow me, even in little ways for now, to keep you happy too."

"Very well," Kurama smiled back as he pat my head. "We will stay here then. Now, come."

The mansion, like the castle, was perfectly hidden among the tall trees, and is surrounded by a tall black iron gate that separates it from the rest of the forest. Kurama held my hand as he led me out of the gate and into the woods, the tree leaves shielding us from the early morning sun's rays.

We walked silently, allowing me to immerse myself in yet another reverie. Or a guilt trip, rather.

We will live far away from the castle, far away from the men he once called his comrades, far away from the life he had lived for so long. And it's all because of the secret he kept: me.

I shouldn't have sought after Yomi last night, to confront him about that unauthorized raid. I should have been more careful. I should've stayed away from him until after Kurama himself showed my real identity to the men. But my curiosity and stubbornness just had to get the better of me. I am such a fool.

"So we will be living with Kuronue-san and the two bunnies from now on, right?" I finally broke the silence.

Kurama stayed silent for a moment, as if contemplating his answer. "Yes," he simply answered, before growing quiet once again.

"I'm sorry, Kurama."

"No," he said sharply. "Do not blame yourself."

"But if it weren't for me—"

"I said NO!" he stopped and turned to me. "Even without you, they are still bound to betray me!"

"What do you mean?"

He sighed before he started to explain, "I sensed it already, even before you came into the castle. Being around with those men for a long time now allowed me to learn each one's personality. I was able to easily discern their emotions and thoughts. Hence," I saw him clench his fists discreetly, "I sensed how they had started to turn away from me, how they wanted to get rid of me. I don't need to be a mind reader to figure them out."

"So does this mean… you knew they were plotting something against you?"

He closed his eyes before he sighed again, "Yes, and it's disappointing how things have turned out. After all that I have done for them…" he trailed off, his gorgeous face scrunched up in a pained expression.

I was speechless. There he was, the strong and formidable Youko Kurama, now a victim of this world's cruelty. I could only offer a hug, inhaling once again the fragrant scent of roses as he hugged me back, pressing me closer to his chest.

"However," he spoke in yet still a smooth and calm tone, "I have expected this. They are outlaws, and the one thing they hate the most is authority." Kurama pulled back a little and pressed his forehead against mine. "And believe me, I was actually happy to go," he smiled. "I could not bear to live with those cowardly traitors anymore."

I managed to smile reassuringly, before it faded away as I moved on to the next question, "But then… oh, this is the hardest one to ask…" I looked away.

"What is it?" he prompted.

I hesitated for a while. "H-how about the treasures, Kurama? The treasures you have acquired from all these years. Knowing you, leaving all of those back there is just… unacceptable, right?"

He chuckled. "That is correct. But who said the items in the treasure room are real?"

I gasped. "It can't be…"

Kurama smirked. "Come with me. We will reach our destination shortly." Taking my hand, we continued walking.

The guilt had now somehow vanished, washed away by a huge wave of relief at those words. I was able to smile brightly again as I let the fox lead me through the seemingly endless trail of trees.

Alas, we stopped right in front of a huge moss-covered rock formation at the foot of a hill.

"What are we doing here?" I asked.

Kurama didn't reply, but instead pulled out a seed from his hair and stepped forward as he crushed the seed in his bare hand. Using its pulverized remains, he traced a figure against the rock's mossy surface.

It didn't take long before the moss grew into huge thorny vines that were wrapped all around the rock formation. He cut one with his sharp nail, causing the rest of the vines to untangle themselves from the rock.

A hollow opening in the rock formation, covered by a smaller rock that could be rolled away, was revealed.

A secret cave, I smiled.

"Ladies first," Kurama motioned with one hand for me to enter.

Hesitatingly, I stepped into the cave, with Kurama right behind me, and instantly found myself surrounded by darkness. The entrance closed as soon as we both entered. As if on cue, the whole cave was illuminated with golden light… thanks to the shiny pieces scattered all around.

Goblets, chests, golden coins, precious gems, and all kinds of treasures filled the whole place.

"These are the real ones," Kurama spoke. "The ones in the treasure room are plain illusory replicas."

I looked at him. "So those 'treasures' you take in and out of that room are just for show?"

"But of course," he smirked. "I live with thieves, Yana. Leaving the real treasures there is really dangerous."

"So… there are no real treasures at all back at the castle?"

"I left a few. The least precious ones," his smirk widened into a grin.

"Pretty clever."

"That is pretty much an understatement, Yana-chan," he replied with a chuckle. "Besides, you can't blame me. I was born a wise fox, destined to be a master of trickery and slyness."

I giggled. "And a vain, hot fox too."

"Another understatement, my dear."

"And now, I'd like to quit the pleasantries. It's making your ego bigger by the second," I winked, before looking back at the treasures. Take it from the old fox to think three steps ahead of everyone.

"Are all your concerns from last night settled, then?" he asked after a moment. "A new place to live in, now far away from those idiotic cowards, and all the treasures that would help support us secured in here."

I nodded. "So this is just like starting all over again?"

"Yes," he replied. "And speaking of starting over, there is one more thing I'd like to show you."

"Hm?" I looked at him, raising a curious eyebrow.

"Follow me," he said, bringing out the pulverized seed from earlier to trace the same figure against the cave entrance for it to open.

As soon as we got out, the vines immediately rewrapped around the cave and turned back into moss. The cave was now disguised back into the mossy rock formation it was before.

Just outside the cave is a quiet lake. An old tree that bore large pink flowers stood at the bank. In its shade is a rock that has a flattened top, where Kurama made me sit.

He, meanwhile, opted to stand in front of me, facing the lake. We were silent for a moment as we watched the still water.

"Catch that falling bud, Yana," Kurama suddenly spoke, startling me.

"What?" I looked up and saw a pink flower bud falling from one of the tree's branches.

"I'd be angry if you missed it," he warned.

I gasped, my eyes widening as I immediately reached out to catch the said bud just in time. I sighed in relief before sitting back down on the rock. The flower bud opened just then, revealing a little black box.

"Very good, Yana-chan," Kurama said as he picked the box up. And bent down on one knee.

I gasped. "K-Kurama… that is…"

He showed me his dazzling smile. "I want to start a new life with you, Yana." Kurama opened the box, revealing a beautiful golden ring with a rose-shaped crystal in the middle. "And remember what I said before when I first asked you to marry me?"

I giggled. "That I'd better say 'yes'. Actually it's a demand you made."

Kurama chuckled, "Exactly." He then looked straight into my eyes. "So marry me, Yana."

I turned to the lake. With a gesture of my hand, a blob of water rose up from the lake and landed on the ground. Sweeping my hand over it, the water divided and expanded to form the statement, "YES SIR."

I looked back at the grinning silver fox and giggled.

"Pretty creative," he laughed as he slipped the golden ring on my finger. "Ah, a perfect fit." He looked up at me, "And just in case you're wondering, I actually bought this."

"Oh Kurama…" I laughed, before throwing myself into his arms and kissed him.

Kurama held me in a tight embrace, kissing me back.

Once we pulled away, we heard three slow claps nearby. "Get a room, you two," the playful bat spoke.

I blushed, but Kurama just chuckled. "What is it, Kuronue?"

Fingering his pendant, Kuronue jumped down from the tree branch he was perched on. "They've finally arrived."

"Who?" I asked.

Kurama looked at me and smiled, "You'll see."

So what do you guys think? Tell me what you think through reviews! :)))

In the last chapter, I told you guys in my author's note that I'll 'see you next week'. *sighs* But boom, our computer broke down for two weeks(?), and so I didn't get to post this one. But hey, it's pretty long, right? 5k+ words! Probably the longest I've written for this fic! Hihi...

Okay, so I have a report to focus on until next week, so the next chapter won't be out until... the week after next, I guess? Ahaha, I can't promise now, since I'm starting to get busy with school again. xD

Again, please leave a review! ;))) See you soon!