Just the Two of Us

Chapter Ten: Beyond the Ruins

During the first year, the survivors of the village tried to make decent living by trading weaponry they made from the animals they hunted.

But Makai isn't exactly a place where fair trade is a good way of life; most often than not, the products they make are being stolen.

Before long, a debate rose among the villagers on what to do, and most wanted to find another way to survive.

It was hard at first that Master Yue is not there to guide them. They had long leaned on the Master to decide things for them that now they are having a hard time without him.

Kurama, though uncaring at first, was elected as their leader. He may be the youngest, but obviously the smartest.

But Kurama has grown tired—no, bored— of the way they live.

He needed to do something… hunt someone… and find justice to what happened to his family. He must find out what happened to Hideki, and where Yomi's team had gone to.

The longer he stayed, the stronger his anger becomes.

It can't go on like this.

Soon, he found himself sneaking into the manors of the richest demons, trying to gather information as to where Yomi might have gone.

He did not find it hard to break in to restricted areas—boundaries, locks, and such never bothered him. He was smart, and because he spent most of his time training himself, he improved his strength and speed.

It was during this time that Kurama met a bat demon named Kuronoe. He had casually walked in while the villagers were having a debate regarding their way of living.

Naturally, Kurama was suspicious of him.

"Who are you and why are you here? You are trespassing to a private property."

"Easy," the demon walked straight up to him. The villagers are watching them silently. "I'm not an enemy. You ought to give me a warm welcome here, in fact."

"And why would we do that?"

"Because," he paused, as if relishing the moment. "I just killed Hideki." With a smirk, he raised his left hand. He was holding Hideki's bloody clothing as proof.

There were satisfied grunts and cheers among the other demons. Kurama, though partly glad to know that the ring leader has been killed, is partly disappointed not to be the one to kill him.

"I'm Kuronoe, by the way," he introduced himself. "I'm sure you haven't heard of me, but I was a popular hunter from the Molten Caves."

Kurama ignored the introduction. "What offense did Hideki do against you?" he wanted to know.

Slightly, his raven eyes darkened—if it was possible to get any darker.

Watching him as he raised a hand to touch the pendant of his necklace, Kurama could swear that he saw loneliness in those raven eyes. But the second it manifested, it disappeared.

A slight shrug, and Kuronoe said, "Hmm. I'm sure you understand that we all have stories we don't want to share."

Kurama needed no further details. It was obvious that he was one of them—that much everyone understood.

"Welcome to our group."

Kuronoe's arrival started many changes in their group.

When he first suggested they revert to stealing instead of trading, Kurama expected himself to go against it, but he found himself agreeing.

He did not feel any remorse to the other demons they are now stealing from. Haven't they stolen from them too?

He knew now that Makai is not a place for the righteous.

In their world, if you want to survive, you have to learn to fight… to do whatever it takes to protect your family and friends and properties... to stand up and defend yourself…

And retaliate.

He can never remove from his mind the image of his family's lifeless bodies on the floor.

Up to now, he still has nightmares about it.

He may never forget.

Before long, he started to believe that no one in the demon world deserves kindness.

Everything, everyone he ever cared for was stolen from him, and the gold and jewelries they steal are not enough payment for it.

Together with Kuronoe, they trained their members skills and techniques needed in stealing, unlocking crests, recognizing the most valuable jewelries, and tracking which demons owned treasures they can steal.

They started out by doing small raids on nearby villages, and they were a success.

With every small raid they became more confident, and after each adventure they seek a higher thrill. Every heist is more dangerous than the previous.

Though he never aspired nor planned to be the leader, everyone treated Kuronoe as an equal to Kurama.

In the years they worked together, they became partners in crime—they were inseparable.

For the demons in the neighboring villages, the memory of the Village of Peace faded, and was soon replaced by what it was turned to after many years of being abandoned—the lair to Youko Kurama's band of thieves.

But in the hearts of each survivor, a hole of emptiness remains. Where there was once peace and happiness, greed and fury gathered.

"You did not go to that island again, did you?" the bat demon asked, though it was more of a confirmation. His mate has the habit of going to that island she found whenever he's out hunting.

Maika tried to hide her guilt, but Kuronoe was used to it.

"I told you it's not safe there. We don't know who owns that island."

"But, but I promise not to go too far. That child was just so adorable and…"

"Child? What child…?"

"Oh, I forgot to tell you. There was this child I met when I was visiting that island the other day. She was hiding from her friends and sensei and I kept her company. She was really adorable. I went back this morning, and told her about your hesitance to let me go there… and she gave me this necklace when I said I might not be able to go back."

"Maika, are you sure we won't get in trouble with your new friend? Do you even know where she is from? This necklace," he said this while running a finger on the jewelry that his mate was wearing. "Looks very valuable. What if she stole this from someone else?"

The bat demoness laughed.

"Oh, Kuronoe. Not everyone in this world is a thief," she said, taking off her necklace. She placed it on the bat demon's neck, much to his surprise. "You keep this. This might bring you good luck in hunting. Keep it okay?" She did not remove her arms from his nape, and stayed in place, almost hugging him.

He knew his mate enough to know that she won't take it back, but still asked, "What would your little friend say? This was given to you, not me."

"Don't worry; I'm sure Eina will understand. Ahh, you should go with me sometime to meet her. It would be nice… You know, that kid has me wondering… maybe it's time we think of having an offspring?" she said with a hesitant voice, not knowing what his reaction would be.

He smirked, put his hand to her back to hug her closer. "I think I would want that, too… Alright, If really you want to, maybe we could visit your friend sometime," he added as an afterthought.

Maybe it would be a nice treat for his mate if he would meet that child she took a liking to.

Unfortunately, they didn't have that chance.

The day after that, Hideki's group raided their land. The bat demons fought in their defense, and many of them died. Maika was among the casualties in that fight.

To be continued. Thank you for reading :)

Sorry for the slightly faster pace… I wanted to make an overview of what happened after the two separated. Here's Kurama's part… Botan's up next. I couldn't find anything much about Kuronoe, so I took liberty in his life story… :)

Thank you very much, to everyone who's still following this story. I know it's getting too long! xD

Hello, Death 101 and Sirius Girl and to everyone reading this :D I appreciate all the reviews and I'm sorry if I rarely get to reply personally~ (though I couldn't find if Sirius Girl has an account where I can reply to. :D)

I hope you all enjoy reading this chapter… Till next!