Karasu stroked Dawn's hair. She was asleep between himself and Kurama, who was dozing off.
" You set me up," he whispered.
"Nani?"
" You, Ryu...and Dawn. You set me up."
" What would make you think that?" Kurama asked.
" Plum wine is my favorite. No one knows this better than Ryu. And you two knew Dawn would be coming. You probably invited her. You wanted to defeat me so I'd not be able to turn her away."
" Yes. I invited her. But, before she came, yes, I had to win you over. Suck out your aggressiveness. Ryu and I decided to come up with a little plan. Ryu gave me the win and told me to plan a romantic evening. I know you like surprises so I didn't tell you. Even I can use sex to get what I want."
" You crafty son of a bitch." Karasu chuckled. " You are learning, Itooshi. I'm impressed."
There was a long pause. Ask me. Karasu thought. Ask me, Kurama.
No luck...Kurama had dozed off.
...
Kurama woke up. It was still dark outside...but very late. He squeezed out of bed, not wanting to wake Karasu or Dawn. He smiled down at them. IT was so lovely that he could have painted a picture. However, he had other things to do.
Kurama dressed and headed out...somehow hoping to speak to Lord Shikon. The old clan leader was weak, but he was up late from time to time and often sent a psychic signal to Kurama to join him on these late nights.
He was up tonight and still waiting.
" You made it, Suiichi."
" Yes."
" Did your plan work?"
Kurama chuckled, " Perfectly. When I left, both Dawn and Karasu were sleeping."
" Grand. I did worry greatly of the emotional stress of my great ganddaughter. I'm glad you could finally reunite them."
A long pause before Lord Shikon spoke again, " Someone is coming, Suiichi. Crouch behind my throne."
" Sir?"
" Do as I say, Suiichi." Lord Shikon snapped. " I don't have time to argue."
Kurama nodded and crouched behind the throne Lord Shikon stood up and sent something to him.
=Stay still and silent.=
Kurama heard the doors slam open.
" Malaki, you look upset."
" You don't know what I look like!" Malaki snapped. " We have to talk about Karasu's mate."
" What is wrong this time?"
" I'll keep saying what I've been saying. It's not right for him to BE here. He could endanger EVERYTHING!"
Lord Shikon narrowed his blind eyes, " Perhaps, Malaki, it is what I want for him to do."
" Nani?!"
" I know your secret, Malaki."
" Do you?"
" You were able to evade me," Lord Shikon rasped, " I know it is you I should exile."
" My blood is here!" Malaki growled. " You would exile Kazunori despite his innocence?"
" I will expose you for what you are."
Malaki chuckled, " And what am I?"
" A cunning liar...and a thief...and a murderer. I will not sit by andwatch you take advantage ..."
" Enough! If you knew all along..."
" You were, I admit, able to outsmart my gifts for a long time."
" I can't allow you to expose me," Malaki snickered, turning and striking Lord Shikon. The old youkai fell, certainly recieving injuries. Kurama about flew from his hiding place to his aid, but felt the mental objection...so stayed put.
Malaki took a few more strikes to feel certain Lord Shikon would not get up again. " You nosey old man! I've gotten what it is I needed from you. It's only a matter of time now before this clan is MINE!"
With that, he turned and exited the room.
After a few minutes, Kurama shot to Lord Shikon's side.
" Lord Shikon! C'mon, open your eyes! You're alright!"
Lord Shikon slowly opened his eyes and stroked Kurama's hair, " Suiichi..."
" What...was that all about? Should I call Ryu?"
" No. Malaki will be inspecting incoming...I knew....he'd be coming to kill me. I noticed his guard dropping and I learned his secrets. He'll destroy the clan...if nothing is done to stop him."
" You called me here to witness this?!"
Lord Shikon slowly nodded. " I won't be able to expose Malaki. I die tonight."
" No...no, Lord Shikon..."
" Yes. Suiichi, I'm too old. It is not I that you should be protecting. Keep an eye on Ryu, and on Karasu. Malaki will target them next. He wishes to destroy all the male heirs to the clan."
Kurama felt the sting in his eyes and lump in his throat. " I won't let him get away with it."
Lord Shikon gave a weak laugh. " When Malaki wins the clan, he will persue Kuro-Shin."
" Don't say that. I won't let him."
Lord Shikon nodded. " Suiichi, I want you to take Kuro-Shin...but you, as Suiichi, cannot handle it."
" Nani?"
" Youko Kurama must hold it if you are to ignore it's effects."
" Why?"
" The Youko is very powerful, and does not seek power over play. He doesn't desire Kuro-Shin. Though a decietful enemy, he is honorable in his own self-worth. He needs no tools to show his greatness."
Kurama wiped the tears from his face. " If that's what you want. I'll do my best."
Lord Shikon smiled weakly and then fell still. Kurama took a few minutes to compose himself before summoning the Youko in the back of his mind, allowing him to take form.
Youko looked around, " That guy was very much creepy." He twitched an ear and felt the air about him. Ah, yes. He found Kuro-Shin. He admired the black beauty of a jewel stone, embedded in a silver bed. Absolutely lovely.
" Now that I've got the pebble...I suppose I should take care of this."
...
Youko bounded into the main hall, hoping to find some assistance. What he found instead was Malaki!
" You?!"
" I wanted to admire my new palace," Malaki snickered. " But it seems that the varmints are getting in these days."
" Kisama!" But before Youko could react, a trap was released, knocking him out. Malaki released wild laughter. " Do you honestly think I'm that naive?! I knew Lord Shikon would hide a stooge somewhere! Now, the only ones keeping me from my right as Clan Leader are the heirs: Ryu...and Karasu."
To Be Continued...
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