Chapter 4
The temple was quiet, unusually so after the group had made this their home. Snow fell outside, quieting even the loudest bird. Quiet. It was a sound Genkai was more used too than the incessant noise of children. She had returned earlier than the group to meditate. She had tried to return to her older form as well, but unfortunately that hadn't been possible. 'It looks like I'll have to wait for this power to fade.' Considering how rejuvenated Genkai felt, she wouldn't be holding her breath.
Genkai let out a long, peaceful sigh, took another-
The loud sound of arguing, mixed with laughter ended her peace. Genkai opened her eyes after a few seconds and stood, resigned to the sound.
"Enough noise, children!"
The words oddly enough, didn't come from Genkai who stepped into the hall, looking in the direction of the speaker.
"Finally,' Isis muttered.
"What's up with you?" Yusuke asked. "Didn't get enough sleep?"
"You have no idea,' Isis said, looking narrowed eyed at him. In fact, she hadn't. But that wasn't why she was feeling irate.
"I have information you might want to know, now that your little vacation is over."
"I don't suppose it has anything to do with the faction's new alliance?" Kurama asked. He had noticed the odd way Isis had been acting that morning, what's more, she now stood separated from the group. He had a hunch that what was coming was something none of them would like.
Isis looked a little surprised that they already knew, but then her lips curled into a half smile with no mirth. "I should have known you'd already know about it." How, she had no idea, but it looked like this group had more sources than what she gave them credit for.
"Unless you're going to add anything new to it, save your breath." Hiei said.
She glanced at him, but shrugged. "Well, here's something you might not know. Each faction, minus The Fears, will lend three fighters to the alliance. I don't know who those will be from the Werewolves and Dragons, but from my own, two of them are my aunt Saule and Nevena. I hope you remember what I said about them because I won't repeat myself."
"And the third?" Touya asked, already having a bad feeling about it.
Isis tapped herself on the chest. "You're looking at her."
There was a silence filled with surprise before Yusuke laughed. "So what did they say when you refused?"
Isis gaze flickered from him then away.
"You cannot be telling me you agreed to it!?" Jin demanded, stepping closer to her. "Isis ye're-"
"I'm a Magus,' she said, stepping away from him, her green eyes hard. "Didn't I explain this before? A Magus's loyalty is-"
"The hell it is!" Yusuke snapped. "You're our friend, you can't expect us to-"
"I never said I was your friend!" Isis snapped back.
"It goes without saying!" Fay jumped in, glaring at Isis along with Yusuke. "You've helped us, you're even teaching Jin and Touya how to get stronger, you can't expect us to believe you've been...been..." She couldn't even think of a word.
"Spying on us." Kuronue quietly provided the word.
Hiei's gaze narrowed as he reached for the hilt of his sword, but the others continued to look on in different stages of disbelief.
"Isis is no spy!" Jin exclaimed, setting himself between her and the others.
"None of us believe she is,' Shishi said. "But we do have to take that into consideration. Especially if she's going to betray us and-"
"She won't!" Jin interrupted him.
"Why don't you ask her instead." Suzuka said, noticing Isis had begun to take more steps back.
"Come on now, Isis,' Botan said. "Your joke has gone far enough, it's time you drop it."
Yea, it's not funny at all." Kuwabara said.
"Please." Yukina added.
She took a deep breath and spoke. "On contraire." Isis reprised. "My family's all about loyalty to our faction and raising its status and blah, blah. And hey, if someone has to betray another for the good of the faction, then by all means they'll go right ahead and do it. Everyone else will probably give them a pat on the head and a golden star."
"Screw that! You're not like them!" Yusuke shouted.
She focused on him. "I am! That's what I have to live with, whether I like it or not. I am a Magus and always will be. I am the Magus's future leader. That is my burden to carry!" As much as she disliked it.
"But you don't like it." Touya said, trying to make her see reason. "So why keep it?" It just as suddenly dawned on him; their conversation at the beach came back to him and he realized...Isis had been abandoned by her father; the only family she belonged too were the Magus...they couldn't possibly expect her to betray her family for...them.
Unhappy with the realization but understanding, Touya nodded. "Alright, do what you have to do."
"What?" Jin wasn't the only one who shouted this, turning to look at Touya as if he'd grown a second head.
"What has gotten into yeh, Touya!?" Jin demanded. "We cannot just let her go that way."
"I am sorry." Before any could stop her, Isis stepped back, a portal appearing behind her.
"Hold on, Isis!" Jin reacted first, trying to grab a hold of her hand, but he missed as she disappeared into the portal that quickly closed.
"She...she left." Kuwabara said into the silence. 'And here I thought she was starting to like us.' Despite her whining every couple minutes.
"Jin,' Fay said, stepping closer to the red head who stared at the spot Isis had last been in. She set her hand on his arm. She wasn't sure what to say and 'it's going to be ok' just didn't sound right. Jin had stood stock still after Isis had left, trying to cope with the conflicting emotions in him as his gaze flickered to Fay, then turned and raced away.
"Jin, wait!" Fay started after him but Touya stopped her. "Let him be,' he gave her a small smile. "This is Jin, he'll be fine."
Fay pursed her lips. "I wouldn't. "
Touya paused, unsure of what to say. Kurama stepped in, taking a hold of her hand. "It's not the same." He said gently.
Fay wasn't sure but she nodded once.
"This is wrong,' Yusuke said. "How can they make her fight against her friends."
"Like Isis said, she doesn't have a choice,' Kurama said. "It's not our place to change her mind, it's up to her to see that there is more than one road open to her."
"Well there has to be something we can do." Botan said. "It's not like we can just see her as an enemy now."
"I'm not fighting her!" Kuwabara said. "Or her elementals!" Not when he wasn't even sure if they were guys or girls. Plus Isis was still their friend.
"Set that aside for now,' Genkai said, deciding it was time to focus on the facts. "We now know that the alliance will have nine fighters, unless they decide to add more or even take away, we'll just barely have enough to take them on; we can't afford to lose a fight."
"And while we're at it we'll get Isis back, right?' Rinku asked.
"I think that's best left to Jin and Touya,' Chu said. "Sheila's their teacher after all." He glanced to Touya who after a moment, spoke. "Chu's right, leave her to us. We'll leave the others to you guys."
"You sure?" Yusuke asked, to which Touya nodded.
"Alright then, if you need help, just let us know." Yusuke said. Those two did seem to know her better, if anyone could bring her around, Yusuke was sure it was them. "Don't hold back, if you have to beat some sense into her, do it."
"Knock her out if you have too!" Fay added. "If you need to tie her up, I'll help." She had to admit that sometimes, you did have to get a little tough with her friends, especially Isis. That girl was so stubborn, and here Fay thought Isis was finally coming around, only to pull this sort of crap on them.
Touya chuckled. "Let's hope it doesn't come to it." He headed away. "I'll go check on Jin."
"I'll come,' Fay said, heading after him.
"No." Kurama tugged her back to his side. "Let Touya handle this one, Fay. I'm sure he can manage." While he knew that Jin seemed to be moving on...Kurama's instincts told him Jin wasn't quite there yet.
"Um...' she glanced at Touya then Kurama and finally caved. "Alright."
Genkai inwardly sighted. 'I can't say I'm as optimistic, but I guess if anyone can manage it, it's them.'
"In that case, I'll be heading home,' Koenma said, finally speaking. "I do have paperwork to catch up on. Fay,' he turned to her. "Don't lose that egg."
"Oh, right,' Fay searched her pockets, sweat dropping. "Uh...' she laughed nervously. "What happens if I do loose it?"
The group sweat dropped.
"How can you have lost it in the last three days!" Genkai demanded. "Didn't we tell you how important it is?"
"Oh, I know how important it is,' she said, scratching her head. "But I was busy umm..." What had she been doing?
"You we're busy running after Yusuke when he took your cinnamon bun,' Suzuka finally said, pulling out the egg from his pocket and throwing it at her. "It fell out of your pocket."
Fay caught it. "You could have given it to me sooner."
Suzuka smirked. "I was looking forward to you being chewed out, and a thanks is the appropriate response."
'Why you little,' Fay thought, glaring at Suzuka. "Thanks." She muttered reluctantly.
"Don't lose it again." Koenma said, to which Fay nodded.
"Now if you'll all excuse me, I have work to get too." Koenma headed away, George behind him.
The group slowly dispersed, most to get into warmer clothes since they had forgotten winter was still in full swing here.
Fay took the bags she'd gained with gathered items from the island and left one in her room before taking the second with her to the kitchen. She had some baking to do.
The baking attracted curious noses, but she shooed them away, especially Yusuke who kept popping up with Kuwabara following.
"What are you making?" Shizuru asked, curious herself. "Do you need help?"
"I'd be happy to help too,' Yukina added, coming into the kitchen. She didn't know much about baking and this might help her learn.
"I could use some help,' Fay said. She gave them instructions, and they were soon joined by Keiko and Botan, helping in cutting down on the time it took to make the desserts.
"Now we wait,' Fay said. She might not be able to drag Isis back here, and she knew her friends would soon be in more danger because of her, and while it was frustrating that she could do very little to help them...sweets always made her feel better, Fay figured that's the least she could do.
"Do you really think Touya and Jin will be able to bring Isis back?" Botan asked as the girls sat around a table with warm drinks, Koto having reappeared when the work was done.
"Maybe,' Fay said. "Isis may not like to say we're friends, and we may have drifted somewhat apart, but she used to spend a lot of time at my place, especially after her Dad disappeared. Looking back at it now, I think she was just trying to feel as if she were part of a family...like mine. She always looked so...tired when it was time to go back to her place." Her and Madeline had been the two that spent a lot of time at Fay's place, Isis wasn't there as often as Madeline...but it was a close call.
"Even so, if that is her only family...it's easy to understand why she would return,' Shizuru said. "I guess she wouldn't be too keen on loosing that for...us."
"Do you think she could make her family understand?" Keiko asked. "Her mom must understand Isis's point of view, right?"
"I don't have any experience with family,' Yukina said quietly. "But I always thought of a mother as someone warm and understanding...so I'd like to think that Isis's mother wouldn't force her to choose between her friends and family." Yukina gave them a small smile. "Maybe she'll be back tomorrow."
"Sorry to burst your bubble,' Koto said. "But I don't think it's going to work out that way." Not from the way Isis had spoken of her family. "Sounds like her mom's a real-"
"Koto!" Botan snapped. "That's not nice to say."
"I'm just saying the way I saw it." Koto said, ignoring Botan's glare.
"I see." Yukina said, sounding disappointed. "How sad."
The girls lapsed into silence.
Touya found Jin sitting atop the temple, unaware of the thick snow around him. The ice master sat next to him, keeping silent for sometime before he spoke. "I don't think she felt she had a choice."
"Aye, I be knowing that." Jin answered. "Now I'm tryin to figure out how to get her back."
"I don't think you should,' Touya said, surprising Jin. "Not if you plan to return to demon world after this and forget about her."
"I'm planning no such thing!" Jin exclaimed.
"She won't follow you to demon world either." Touya said.
Jin nodded. "Aye, I know she won't."
Touya looked out at the distance. "I've been thinking about this for a while, but I'd like to help Isis protect her world, and this one while we're at it."
"What?" Jin said, looking at his friend in surprise. "How are you after figuring that out?"
"The corals were beautiful, the creatures in it amazing, and I know if I help her, I'll be able to see so much more of her world, and this one,' Touya closed his eyes, remembering the many creatures they'd seen on the dive, the beautiful colors they sported. "I also know there's so much more she can teach me, not only to become stronger, but to protect both worlds." He opened his eyes, looking at Jin. "If we let this be, I have a feeling that the Magus faction will swallow her and she'll never figure out that this is what she wants to do. Maybe if we help her figure it out, she'll finally start putting her all into our training and helping end this war."
Jin crossed his arms as he thought. Truth be told, he had no thought of not returning to demon world, not until now. Demon world was all he knew, but now Jin thought it'd be a bit bland, not having Isis there as well. He'd had lots more fun in the last three days being with her than he'd ever had with anyone else. His lass was soft and her kisses were sweet. Jin loved the way she pouted, her denials of their relationship were cute since she be pouting and her cheeks red while at it. It certainly had helped ease some of the odd feelings Jin had been struggling with.
Jin was not after accepting that she was stuck with the Magus or that she ended them and was an enemy now.
"We could be her family." Touya spoke into the silence that had fallen between them.
The words caught Jin by surprise, but after a moment he grinned."Aye!" He said, floating off the snow he had sat on, his ears moving back and forth. "Let's be doing that! We'll be changing her mind and getting my Isis back, so we will!"
Touya returned Jin's smile. "Then it's settled." Now they just had to wait for this alliance to make its move. It also helped Jin make up his mind; he had one last thing to do.
She found him sitting in a corner of the temple, near one of the sliding doors, looking out at the snow. "There you are,' Fay joined her friend in his corner, setting her basket down.
Dark hair slid to his back as he turned, looking at her. "I thought you'd forgotten about me." Kuronue said. He had to admit, he'd been feeling overlooked since the two had been in the Vampires' lair together.
"That's silly,' Fay said, pulling the snack out of the basket and handing it to him with a spoon. "Mango brulee. I noticed you liked the fruits at Isis's place."
He looked a little surprised that she noticed, but he smiled down at her and took both from her. "Thanks." Kuronue tasted the snack, surprised at the softness of it and the sweetness that spread on his tongue.
He gave her a pleased smiled. "It's good." Almost as soft as she tasted.
Unaware of his thoughts, Fay smiled back, relieved. She wasn't exactly sure of Kuronue's tastes so she'd been aiming in the dark. "I'm glad you liked it. Also, I want to thank you for being there at Orpheus's place. I needed someone to help me stay me and you did."
Kuronue gave a nod, enjoying the snack. "You must know that I would go to you anywhere you were." Before Fay could answer, Kuronue had wrapped an arm around her waist, depositing her on his lap. "When I was lost and at the end of my sanity, you found me. I really had thought I had gone crazy, but the thought that it was possible, that I reached someone, kept making me reach out, even when I knew I shouldn't have." He set his forehead against hers. "Fay, by then, you were my sanity."
Her aquamarine eyes widened. Fay wasn't sure what to say at all, she opened and closed her mouth several times, trying to figure out what to say. "I...I just wanted to help once I realized what was going one."
Kuronue chuckled. "Without suspecting it might be a trap."
Fay shrugged. "Maybe I should have, didn't enter my mind then though; Kuronue I could hear the pain in your voice and I knew I had to help."
"I know." Kuronue set the cup down, the spoon clattering inside it. He took a hold of her hand, entangling his long fingers in her small ones. "It's been so long since I was free, now that I am...I'm not exactly sure what I can do with myself after you are free of this war. I thought I would have you. Now I know I won't."
Fay stayed silent, trying to make some orders of her thoughts. "You...you can't just attach yourself to me, Kuronue. You're free now, don't waste that. There's so much you can do now, you have the freedom to go make a new life wherever you want."
"What if I want to stay by your side?" Kuronue asked.
"Then you can stay,' Fay said. "As a-"
"Friend." Kuronue finished for her with a sigh. "Have you ever been in love before, Fay?"
He asked her, already knowing that she would shake her head no. "I've always been so focused on my skating and keeping up with my brothers that it,' she shrugged. "Just didn't happen."
"So...I suppose you can't help me get over you." Kuronue had thought he had some sort of closure before, he knew they had spoken of this, but it seemed he still couldn't let go despite knowing she belonged to his best friend.
"I'm sorry,' Fay said, not really knowing what to do. "I'll always be your friend,' she said, squeezing his hands. "And if you need me, I'll be here."
"I know." Kuronue said. Before he could help himself, he was leaning in to kiss her. Fay leaned slightly back, then someone jerked her further away. Kuronue tightened his hold around her waist, looking over her head at the one responsible. He met angry red eyes. "I thought we went over this before." Hiei snapped.
"Did we?" Kuronue inquired mildly.
"Hiei! There you are!" Fay smiled at him. "I was going to look for you next,' she reached into the basket with her free hand and brought out a small clear bag which held cookies. "These are for you."
"Are you that blind?" Hiei demanded, ignoring the bag. "You keep leaving yourself open like a fool."
"I what?" She asked, blinking at him.
His eye twitched. If he hadn't been able to read her thoughts, he would have thought she might have been doing it on purpose...she was not.
Kuronue chuckled, shifting the glare from Fay to him.
"I would have thought, as his friend, you would show some restraint,' Hiei glowered, tugging at Fay's arm. "Let her go."
Kuronue didn't budge, defying Hiei silently. "Why would you care what I do?"
The question only seemed to anger Hiei more. "That's none of your business!"
While Fay had no idea what they were fighting about, she decided to intervene. "That's enough, you too." She said, tugging her hand free of Hiei's grasp and pushing away Kuronue's. "Here, have another one." She handed Kuronue another brulee and picked out a cookie, holding it out to Hiei. "Eat it."
"I'm not,' as his mouth opened, Fay inserted the cookie into his mouth, effectively silencing Hiei while he chewed.
"There, let's all be friends now." She took another brulee from the basket and started eating it herself while Hiei, apparently satisfied with the taste, took the offered bag, sitting himself facing Kuronue, a glare in his gaze.
"I figured we all needed sweets,' Fay said before turning back to Kuronue. "What if I died?"
The question had Hiei coughing and Kuronue nearly chocking on the treat.
"What?" They both asked.
"Hypothetically,' she cleared up. "What if I died of natural causes? Then you wouldn't have me to cling to, Kuronue, and knowing what you are, you'll be around a long time. What then?"
Kuronue was about to say he would follow her, but he knew what she would say to that, so he gave it some thought, his gaze on the snow outside. What would he do? Minutes passed by as he thought. "I'm not a thief anymore...Kurama has his own life..." He closed his eyes, thinking as time slowly passed. "I suppose...I'll help protect this world." If necessary, he could give working with Mary Anne a chance. Perhaps from there he would gain a more whole perspective of where his future might lead.
Fay smiled, patting him on the shoulder. "There you go. Now you're thinking."
"I would still prefer to follow you." Kuronue added to which she glared. "Don't start."
"With that power inside you, it's doubtful you'll be dying any time soon." Hiei said. "You tried that before, remember?"
Fay winced. "Don't remind me."
Footsteps alerted them to others approaching; Suzuka and Shishi soon appeared. "There you are, I've been looking for you." Shishi said, approaching Fay.
"What's up?" She asked.
Shishi slid his sword free and showed her the hilt. The ghoulish face was still there, but now on what would be its forehead was the bead Shishi had made it swallow before, and around it symbols.
"Can I hold it?" she asked. Shishi handed it over, sitting down, and after a moment Suzuka followed suit.
"I know those symbols." Fay said quietly, her aquamarine gaze flashing.
"Well, what are they?" Suzuka asked after Fay didn't offer any more information.
Fay pointed at one directly above the bead then the others. "Punishment, Release, Destruction, Binding."
"What exactly does that mean?" Shishi asked.
Fay frowned, shrugging. "It means your sword might have more abilities than it did before, but I'm not sure, you'll have to figure it out as you go."
Shishi scoffed. "Great." Why did it seem as if any time his sword came in contact with Fay, it changed?
"Here, eat this and feel better." She offered the two sweets which they took.
"What exactly are you doing here?" Suzuka asked. It was freezing with the open door, not that he was so weak the cold bothered him.
"I found Kuronue here." Fay said. She had a jacket so it wasn't too much of a problem.
"I can always warm you up." Kuronue offered.
"No thanks." Fay answered.
"What are you guys up too?" Rinku peeked in, starring at the group.
"Looks like a right little party you bludgers have here,' Chu said, joining them. He didn't have a bottle of liquor on him, but Fay knew why.
"Chu, some of those are supposed to be for Shizuru and Botan." She said. He seemed to have found all the desserts Fay had put liquor into and piled them high on the plate.
"I tried to tell him,' Rinku said sitting beside him. "But you know him, when it comes to drink he won't let go." Chu laughed loudly, his cheeks slightly red. "Can't help it, first time I tried anything like this, right good." He bit into it.
Fay sweat dropped. 'Guess I'll have to make it up to them.'
"You're used to being around males, aren't you?" Kuronue asked Fay. The thought did cause some jealousy in him.
"I guess,' Fay said with an indifferent shrug. "I have more brothers than I know what to do with and I had to keep up with them, plus not a lot of girls are into skating...not on ice, so I hung out with a bunch of guy friends most days while we went skating."
"I think I heard you mention that before," Rinku said, grabbing himself some snacks. "What exactly is it?" He had some idea, but he just couldn't see Fay trying it, especially with the clothes she wore.
"It's awesome,' Fay said, her eyes bright with excitement. "It gives you so much more freedom just to fly past everything, and all the work you put into getting a trick just right, like sliding down rails, jumping over obstacles, flying through the air,' she sighted dreamily, a first for her. "There's no feeling like it."
Some in the group glanced at each other before Suzuka spoke up. "With your level of clumsiness?"
"That doesn't happen while I'm on skates!" Fay shouted, bristling.
"Excuse me if I finds that hard to believe." Suzuka retorted. He'd seen her clumsiness, and skates sounded like they would put her in a coma...again.
"There you guys are,' Yusuke came in followed by a slightly beat up Kuwabara.
"And there these are!" Yusuke grabbed the basket. "The only one I saw, Keiko had and she wouldn't share. How come I got stuck with a bunch of pink cookies?"
"They have glazing." Fay explained.
"I'm not eating pink cookies!" Kuwabara said, grabbing another one out of the basket.
"Don't act innocent,' Yusuke said, glaring at Kuwabara. "I saw you stuff your face with that last purple dessert."
"That's blueberry-"
"Not my fault that you weren't fast enough, Urameshi." Kuwabara gloated.
Fays sweat dropped. She didn't think there would be any desserts left after this.
"You realize if Kurama sees you seated there, there will be blood." Hiei pointed out. It seemed to make Fay realize where she was and tried to slide down only for Kuronue to tighten his hold. "I like you here."
"I don't." Fay said, tugging at his arm until Kuronue reluctantly let her go.
Chu laughed. "Think's about time you move on along, the sheila's taken."
"Chu, we had this discussion!" Fay said loudly.
"Maybe you should have a discussion with Kuronue first,' Rinku said. "Before Kurama gets into it."
"Shush, you!" Fay grabbed Rinku's hat and pulled it down over his eyes. "Hey!" He complained.
Kurama had passed by Fay's room, but while Yukina, Botan, Shizuru, Keiko and Koto had been there, Fay had not. He had asked where she had gone and Botan had responded. "She took a lot of the snacks and went to look for Kuronue, but she did say she'd be right back."
"Yeah, an hour ago." Koto pointed out.
Botan sweat dropped. "That girl!' She glanced at Kurama and laughed nervously. "She's probably gotten lost, you know Fay."
"I see." Kurama had excused himself and continued his search, following the sound of raucous laughter. He finally found her...surrounded by most of the guys...and leaning against Kuronue's legs, though it seemed she was unaware of their close quarters.
"Hey, Kurama." Yusuke said, noticing him first. "Only thing's left are those pink cookies if you want some."
Kurama smiled as he walked past "That's quite alright, I can do without."
He took a hold of Fay's arm. "I was merely looking for Fay,' Kurama looked at Kuronue. "You don't mind if I take her, do you?" The tone in his voice was warning enough.
Kuronue chuckled dryly. "By all means."
Kurama turned to Fay, his gaze softening. "Come on, Fay."
"Okay,' she followed, waving at her friends. "See you guys later, if you get stomachaches, it's not my fault. I warned you."
They called out something she couldn't make out, though she noticed Hiei had already disappeared.
She followed Kurama to his room where he slid the door closed behind him, before turning to her. "You realize Kuronue is still in love with you."
Fay blinked. "I wouldn't say that."
"I would." He stated.
"I talked to him already, Kurama,' Fay said earnestly. "I think he understands now, you don't have to worry. He's just a friend."
"I see,' Kurama stepped closer, hugging her to him, his face hidden. "Often, it seems you are unaware of your actions, leaving yourself open to circumstances that cause jealousy in me." He had deciphered by now that Fay had spent much of her time with male friends, which explained her oblivion to...fairly many things that other females would be conscious too. It did not make his jealousy fade any less.
"What?" Fay asked, startled. "I don't...don't really understand,' she curled her arms around his waist. "You know you're the only one I love, why would you be jealous off-"
He leaned back, his arms still around her.
"How would you feel if you were to find me surrounded by females?" He asked.
Fay looked up at him, trying to picture it...then the image of those other girls she'd had a run in with at the mall flashed in her mind, only around Kurama. She felt a surge of jealousy. "I'd beat them up!" She said, showing teeth. Actually she kind of had...but Kurama didn't need to know that.
Kurama blinked down at her, then chuckled."Then imagine how I felt when I saw you so near Kuronue." He knew the rest of his friends were of no danger to her, however Kuronue...he was still uncertain off.
"Oh..." Fay said, picturing it. "I see what you mean."
"So,' Kurama set his hand on her chin, tilting her face up. "Promise me to be more careful, especially around Kuronue."
"I promise." Fay whispered.
"I will hold you to that." Kurama whispered before settling his lips on her. She was his, the ring she always wore, the rose still in her room; they were steps Kurama had taken to warn others away from her...but perhaps he would need to take more steps to assure himself of this fact.
AN: R&R, and thanks to those still following along despite my slow progress.