"So what does this one actually do?" A voice asked, his indigo eyes looked to individual across from him.

So far as he knew, he was the only one in the world allowed to speak to his companion in such a plain manner without either receiving an indifferent look or being ignored altogether, well, the latter did happen often. He shifted his folded arms over his chest, a brief thought flitted through his mind as to how long they would stay here, at what had become their base of operations, before they would leave again.

Unbeknownst to the rest of dreary Makai, there were unimaginably valuable items stored here. And not value in the human sense of the word, value in the demon sense of the word and especially to the one calling the shots. Presently, this was the one to which the question had been directed. His tastes were perhaps more refined in some sense but definitely more masochistic. It was a passion of his, even if he was young for a demon, to inspire fear in others and any item that aided in his doing so was most certainly valuable to him. Some of the things here had been here for years while others had been traded off for something more valuable or for information on something more valuable. With the latter there was always the chance that the information could prove false but such was never the case, one was terribly foolish to believe he could continue to live after having lied to the King of Thieves.

"...Youko?" the voice addressed the other directly causing the one known as Youko Kurama to be taken from his thoughts on how best to use his new prize.

It is a beautiful piece, trully...

His back against rock as he leaned back with lazy arrogance. His amber eyes shone, as they always did when his thoughts were on death as he he looked over the simple looking metal tool in his pale fingers. To any eye it was simply a worn kunai, unpolished and iron, seemingly no different than any other perhaps, but Youko Kurama knew better than that. His gaze settled on the bat demon.

With an unanticipated flick of his wrist, the blade was lodged in one of the bat demon's arms but he gave no cry despite how the kunai was nearly an inch through his skin. In fact, he did not even so much as blink... Why? He could not.

Satisfied at seeing the bat demon's eyes reflect some small fear, along with realization, Youko Kurama leaned forward to slip a finger through the ring on the end of the tool before jerking it out and leaning back into his previously careless position.

"In case you did not understand that." Youko Kurama said tonelessly, "This kunai paralyzes upon successful strike."

Wiping the bat demon's blood off the object and into the grass, the fox demon ran a finger along a side of the double-edged blade.

"You should know better than to ask about items that way Kuronue." A small, unpleasant smile surfaced on his pale features.

"Yeah, I got that." the bat demon, or Kuronue rather, replied with a scowl as he wiped off the bit of blood starting to trail down his arm. Youko was such a sadist...but Kuronue didn't concentrate on what had happened just know. In fact, he was actually appreciative of the fact that the kitsune seemed to be returning to his cold, sadistic self.

"Alright, so what are we after now?" Kuronue continued. He was already imagining how seamlessly perfect the next heist would be, each always was except for the one...but Youko had recovered from that. So long as they were not caught in the act again, things would go smoothly. The bat demon was sure his friend was taking more care with every heist so as not to have the unfortunate mistake happen again...

As if to answer, Youko Kurama rose and placed the kunai where everything else was, hidden impossibly well. He returned and looked to Kuronue, prompting the bat demon to also get up. Then, the pair of them descended the mountainside base, the kitsune leading the way. It was the middle of the day now but by the time they would reach their destination it would be the middle of the night, an opportune time to steal the next wanted object.

The village at the base of the mountains was not a small one, but still a remote little city. The wealth was unevenly distributed and there were little nooks where one could sit undetected. Minumori was unconcerned with those dark spaces, other than watching them for potential threats.

Although she'd stayed a few weeks, the cat remained stray and kept her status as a drifter. Floating from tavern-inn to inn so as not to be quite familiarized. It was not as though she disliked sleeping outdoors, the scents and sounds were usually calming. But when she could, sake and straw matts were preferable to riverwater and rocks.

It was seldom that she indulged herself in things like that, being poor as she was. She remained perfectly fine with killing for food, or pleasure for that matter; but found that demons with bussinesses seemed to be the worst sort and would grift every ounce of fortune you had for as little as possible. That's why she chose to stay solitary most times.

On the other hand, it did grow quite lonely sometimes. She never had to "pay for company" but beat most that would touch her away, either for their utter vulgarity or because something prematurely told her that their could be nothing. In any case, she had been almost hollowed by that misery; although filling herself with anger and sadness helped her not to feel quite so empty. Minumori could never be called lethargic, and would otherwise make satisfying conversation or even debate; but rarely talked to anyone she thought was undeserving.


(is this alright or were you expecting something differant?)

(( No, absolutely wrong. Type it again! j/k sorry, couldn't resist XP ))

"What first?" Kuronue asked, his tone falling into a more serious one as his mind was putting aside the glory of spoils for the moment to become preoccupied with how to achieve that.

Youko did not answer at first, his mind preoccupied with covering details of the heist they were on their way to enact. The city was not too far now, the sun had fallen to the horizon line, its light not always seen the same way in the different parts of Makai. In confidence, Youko had chosen to hit the wealthiest of residences in the city which was conveniently the farthest from everything else though he still would have dared to make the hit if the place was right in the center of everything. Youko was arrogant to say the least but his pride was not so unfounded as he was successfully making a name for himself in Makai due to his flawless plans. But it was not enough yet, word had spread of his name but not of what he looked like considering he usually killed everyone who player witness to even a small part of his plan. This was an asset now, since he and Kuronue could literally walk right into the city without causing suspicion so long as the name Youko Kurama was not mentioned.

There was no problem depending upon himself, Youko was well aware of his own capabilities but the trouble was when demons sought to join him. Kuronue had been the first, considering they grew up together in the profession but there had been a few who had sought to join him but none had been worthy or dependable. Each was found to be too greedy and was killed or permanently injured shortly thereafter.

...And as for getting caught, he was barely concerned and actually gave a mental laugh at the thought. That wouldn't happen again.

As it turned out, he and the bat reached the outskirts of the city sooner than planned. Youko stopped somewhere discreet while considered what to do and the bat demon soon landed effortlessly across from the fox and folded his leathery wings in.

And he had been ignored yet again, Kuronue wasn't surprised or even offended. He knew Youko was busy mentally going over details, which was fine by him. The heist would be that much more perfect, it that were even possible. However, he was eager to start the plans.

"Why are we stopping?" Kuronue asked, anticipating the hit with mild impatience. He had not noticed the time.

"Patience Kuronue." The fox said though his voice, smooth as silver contrasted with his warning words. "...As it turns out, we are quite early."

Smirking, the bat's eagerness for the hiest was replcaed with eagerness for something else. Being early was most definitely not a bad thing...not with the types of things they got up to when there was time to waste...

"We're in luck my friend," Kuronue said not masking his deviant happiness at what he was about to say. "I've already seen that the city has one tavern, but it's a decent size."

Taverns meant female company, something each of the two demons was rather fond of. And, while neither of them actually did too much with any given demoness, a little messing around was always enjoyable.

"Lead the way." Youko gave Kuronue privilege as he was in no rush. This would give him more time to be seen, something that would prove more enjoyable when his appearance was finally attached to his name. Not needing further encouragement, the bat demon did, in fact, lead the way into the city.

On a high stool, the cat's tail twitched behind her. A thick leather volume was held beneath her fingers and a drink was firmly clenched in the other. A quill with the blood of a lesser demon within it's well sat before her and she read over her work. She closed the volume and slid it back into her burlap sack next to her dangling feet; along with the quill and corked well. Her drink was refreshed and she stared up at the ceiling, trying to ignore the foul breath of demons down her nape.

Holding a forearm up before himself, Kuronue pushed back one of the doors to the seedy establishment and paused a moment to accomplish a few things at the same time: make his presence known and take a look at the demonesses that occupied the place while he waited for Youko. The bat was pleased with what his indigo eyes found, but he did not have much time to look at each girl before a pair approached him, apparently bold enough to start their own conversation with him.

"You're pretty cute." one said staring up at his face with a curious little smile.

"I know." Kuronue said with mild arrogance as he looked at each of them, "That's not to say each of you aren't."

They giggled at his compliment, music to the bat's ears.
And two this time? Lady Luck favors you tonight. Kuronue told himself.

"We have a couple hours." A silvery voice said from behind him.

The bat looked back knowing the voice belonged to his friend Youko, and it did as evident by the fox's appearance a few yards behind him.

"So in other words," The fox continued as he looked past the bat into the place, "Take your time."

"Of course." Kuronue said meaningfully looking back to the two demonesses that had taken a place at either side of him. This caused more giggling from the pair before he lead them off to a table in a quieter spot of the place.



With his friend out of the doorway, Youko Kurama stepped inside the place and found his way to the bar. Once there, he leaned back against it, his elbows back on it allowing his clawed hands to hang off the bar at his sides . There were several attractive female demons here, Youko took his time to carefully survey each. He was not at all suprised to see most of them already eyeing him, a side effect of having looks like his, he arrogantly knew.

A couple did not notice but most did and gave their own varying replies to his looking at them. One eyed him obviously but she was trying to hard; desperation this early did not appeal to the fox. Another girl looked utterly nervous that someone with his appearance chose to look at her in the way he did. Disposed to be a little playful at the time, Youko winked at her and was pleased to watch her blush profusely before his attention was taken with the female demon sitting a couple seats from him.

At taking in her appearance, Youko was not sure how he had missed noticing her since she was, by far, the most attractive female demon in the room.

A cat demon...how very interesting...

To say the least, he'd made a decision as to which demon to spend his time messing with before the heist so he made to further observe the details of her appearance. Color-wise, she was quite a contrast from him: almost all black aside from parts of her tail, the tips of her ears which were white. There was also her creamy skin, shoulders exposed from her ornate black kimono. And, as he leaned back on the bar a little more to see, her eyes were a garnet red, interestingly framed long black hair.

"Nekomusume." Youko said silkily as his gold eyes looked to her, "They say felines and canines do not get along, you know..." The end of his silver tail moved as if to make it obvious he was canine.

Minumori spoke before looking directly at him, leaning on her elbow out of boredom. "...and I can't imagine why..." She mused sarcastically. She finally turned her head to catch a glimps of her persuer and her eyes widened slightly and became once again narrow. She'd not been one to go on spurradic flings, but this man was, in fact, amazing looking. Her hands left her drink and were folded neatly in her lap, regretting slightly her sharpness of tongue. She bowed a little to greet him. "Minumori." She told him with a little more abruptness than she'd originally intended.

Had Youko's disposition been that of his usual one, he might have considered her sarcasm as disrespect (he was so arrogant to think so) but instead he was amused with the way she replied since it didn't appear she had noticed the type of demon she was talking to.

Finally, she did look and Youko was quite pleased to see her surprise upon actually seeing what he looked like. She didn't let the emotion show too much and it did not stay for very long.

This one is guarded... Youko had little conflict with that. Things were more interesting if the girl didn't throw herself at him, not that he minded that, it was just a change from the usual. It would the game all the more exciting.
Unless, of course, he ended up scaring her off.

She bowed, a sign of respect the fox was far too arrogant return but it was interesting that she'd chosen to do so. It wasn't a gesture he normally received but Youko rather liked it now that he thought about it. The cat was quick to give her name, which made him suspect it was, in fact, her actual name. Most didn't use their real name in places like this and he was not about to. At the time, Youko was too preoccupied to come up with another name and didn't want to use his own. There were some that had started to identify his name with his work and this would not do if he was to continue playing incognito...at least, for a little while.

With the giving of what he suspected was her real name, Youko knew he may not have to worry about scaring her. A demoness willing to tell him her name was either stupid or courageous and he had the feeling it might be the latter somewhere amidst her guard. Unless he'd completely misinterpreted this so-called guard for something else...

He moved from being a little ways from her to take the seat beside her before the fox faced her, casually leaning on the bar with one arm. Looking to her eyes, he watched carefully for the reaction to what he was about to do. With his free hand, Youko slowly brushed the back of his hand over the side of her shoulder.

"...Does your opinion still stand?" His tone was still as silvery as when he had first spoken. Her words hadn't really conveyed anything and the suggested negativity was not really a specific answer. Youko was merely curious as to what her actual opinion might be, as he was sure her sarcasm had not reflected on her true thoughts.

Her tail pristled slaightly, having not been used to an unrequested touch. She watched the hand with narrowed eyes and pricked them back to the kitsunes face. "Perhaps, but I have not truthfully known the pleasure of your company." A slow, almost fiendish smile played upon her tiny painted lips. Her ankles crossed in mid air below her and her hands remained folded in her lap; if he thought things were going to be easy with her, he was dreadfully mistaken. There was no sport in being easy.

He unblinkingly observed as she watched his hand and took notice how her tail moved. Youko was pleased with the reaction he caused, clearly she had not expected it. She started with a simple "perhaps" that neither indicated that she agreed or didn't before the cat spoke of his company. As a smile surfaced on her delicate lips, Youko allowed the same expression to play with a corner of his mouth. This one was interesting indeed...it seemed she had quickly grasped his game and decided to play along on her own rules. How very fascinating...

Continuing with her play, Minumori contrasted her expression with modest body language causing Youko to figure her game: hard to get. This incited the fox, he rather liked this type of game since he never lost. Ultimately, the girl would give in and it usually required little of his time. But he did not plan to overwhelm her, instead, he wanted to toy with this cat; she was clever enough to play along so he was naturally interested in what she would do next. So, of course, he continued with the games, the next move now his.

"My company?" He placed emphasis on the first word and asked even though it was obvious he was not confused at anything. Youko let his gold eyes fall to her painted little mouth and he did not move his gaze as continued, "...You believe the so-called pleasure of my company could have an effect on your vague opinion?" That was no question to himself, he knew he could change her opinion in some way, regardless of what it actually was.

"It is not easy to sway the opinion of one as stuborn as I." She mused, daring him with her bright eyes to just try. "I assure you..." Bright, little fangs protruded from her tiny and significant smile.

His amber eyes flicked to her garnet ones to see...he knew he could not be mistaken, daring clearly reflecting there. Youko, couldn't help a little smirk at her apparent challenge at a game he never lost. Her smile concreted this so-called challenge and he intended to have her distracted enough that smiling would not be on her mind... This Minumori really was too lovely, her bright eyes and little painted mouth being the features he so-far admired.

Coming to stand closer so that there was little more than a foot of space between them, the fox leaned in. Silver mane sliding over his back, he tilted his head to bring his mouth to the side of her shoulder. Leaving his lips just an inch from her creamy skin, he spoke against it, "Rest assured, I believe you little cat..." He breathed and paused in his speech as if to tease, since it should be obvious that he was not finished speaking. He did not finish just now but would make her wait until he continued.

Not moving from where he was, Youko brushed the back of his hand over the front of her shoulder again, this time slowly trailing up the side of her neck to let his claws whisper over her jawline. Interesting as she was, he did not stop deliberately here. He continued the game and now sought out a weak point of hers. Everyone had one and he usually found a girl's easily and would use it to his own advantage. There wasn't one single female that had found his yet and he did not usual allow them to try. Not because he didn't want it known but because when he did let them try not a single one even came close...

Slowly, Youko moved his mouth over the path his hand had taken, not touching her skin but breathing over it in an even pattern until he reached the back of her jawline. But instead of continuing along it as he had done with his claws, the fox instead moved vertically until his mouth was beside one of her cat-ears, "...But there is no one more capable of changing an opinion than I..." he breathed in her ear. The now-finished statement was obviously arrogant in its words but his tone was more silvery than it had been thus far.

She clenched her leg muscles, for he had indeed found the space he was seaking. Along her carotid artery, in the neck on the left, there was a sort of "line of fire." When his claws swept over it, and further breathed upon it; she thought her resolve would crack entirely.

But no, her will was only slightly stronger than her lust, and she would not let him have this game. Her eyes narrowed with pleasure, but her smile remained sarcastic. "Well, begin your work fox." She whispered with gaul. "Do your worst, and give me your full strength. You shant wreck my resolve." It might have been a lie, but it was something she desperately wanted to believe herself. As long as she could hold out, she might just win.

Youko had been paying close attention when he had moved slowly, of course, looking for any small sign, any bit of movement to indicate a possible point he would be able to exploit and he was more than pleased to find it, the indication from her being a little tightening in her legs. Unlike all, she had not melted when he found this place along her neck. Somehow, she was resisting, something that incited the fox further. He was certain her guard could not hold forever even if she was holding up quite well. Tempting as it was to consider using her weakness, he didn't now... there would be time for it later.

At length, he had pulled his face back to see her reaction, which, he was hardly surprised, was one of pleasure, her eyes had narrowed just like a cat. She was even so bold to still look sarcastic as if her challenge of him still stood. She bid him to begin with a whispered tone that almost seemed to convey -ha!- that she was provoking him.

"You tell yourself that." Youko voice was as soft as before though he was taunting now, "I assure you, your resolve will disappear quickly enough that even you may forget it was ever there because the fact is, you have not the slightest clue how I will win the game..."

Finally moving back, Youko took an obvious glance back to look at a doorway somewhere behind him where the top of a staircase was visible. Kuronue had been sure to mention this place had rooms downstairs, perfect for the games the two friends were fond of leading girls into. Youko looked back to Minumori before offering her a clawed hand, a wordless invitation for her to accompany him downstairs. It may appear the gesture was not unlike a polite one but, the slight and knowing little smirk on the fox's features showed otherwise, if it was not already evident.

Yes, Youko was quite confident with everything he had said. Not only was he capable of breaking her resolve but he was certain he could so thoroughly do so that, when he ended the game, Minumori's reactions would be absolutely priceless... If she hoped to hold out, she would have to find his weak point and he knew that couldn't happen. However... if she wanted to try, Youko was actually willing to allow her to, this cat-demon truly interested him that much.

She saw the hand as an interesting move. Apparently this fox was not going to waste time with small talk, which she liked. She collected her bag onto her shoulder and took his hand with light, clawed finters. No matter how enticing this was, she wasn't going to lose everything for what was most definatley a one-night stand. She stood somewhat abruptly, eager to make another move on him; finding his weakest point would not be easy, but it would be quite fun.

Ah worldly possessions! The thief in Youko wanted to have a look at whatever was in that bag of hers, merely because she valued its contents enough to want it with her. But the fox didn't want to become distracted from his present game so he reminded himself of the prize that would result from the next heist, after he had finished playing with this cat, that was.

She had not bothered to hide her almost quickness to rise, Youko's smirk was a little more concreted at this. Clearly, she was enjoying the game as much as he though her reactions were not as controlled as his. Youko had made it a trademark of his to normally not show any emotion whatsoever.

Her hand was sort of delicate like the rest of her but the claws contrasted that, and it was as good as proverb anywhere in the Three Worlds not to provoke a cat for fear of its claws. Though, the fox feared no little thing about her.

Youko led Minumori along without a word, his sensitive hearing allowing him to know that they were the only occupants of the downstairs rooms. Stopping before the second door, he pushed the door open and, after glancing it over, deemed it passable for the occasion. Transferring her hand to his other, he pulled her slowly before him so that he now stood behind her before he let go of her hand and pressed his claws at the small of her back as if to order that she enter. This gesture of his was merely to tease. Since Minumori gave the impression that she was independent, Youko wanted to see how she might respond to a subtle push.

Minumori's eyes turned to see him, but she kept the rest of her head forward, her tiny smile still very amused; as if to say "I know what you think your doing, but I'll roll with it before passing judgement." She came to sit on the thin blanket on the straw tatami and crossed her legs like an iron gate, still daring his attack of her 'morls'.

"So, now that we are in a setting in which we both might be more... tempted,"She began with guiling, supple enthusiasm. "I suppose the game can truly begin." A tiny, almost wicked little laugh escaped her.

(( forgot that doors would be traditional; your mentioning of tatami reminded me ty XD))

Though she did not choose to give a verbal response, the look was more than enough for Youko to gather a reply from. In a single look, she had conveyed she understood precisely what he'd been up to even if she gave no particular opinion of it just yet. It appeared she might be a little proud in deciding to enter, the door shut slid softly shut as the fox pulled it. This, of course, was different than usual. Youko was, by far, used to any given girl responding fearfully and/or willingly to any demand he made. Minumori was precisely what she appeared to be: independent. She was not about to take orders, however slight they may be...

Her body language still gave her away so easily: Minumori was still daring, taunting him without words as per her intention. Sitting across from her, the fox mimicked her choice of postion though his own was far more relaxed as he set his elbows over his knees. He had chosen to sit only a couple feet from her. Too much space and it may appear that he was backing off, something that would simply not do.

Without a word for the moment, he surveyed the cat with once-again expressionless golden eyes as he looked over his hands threaded together in front of his mouth.

Still so very interesting...

Her little laugh, slightly deviant from true humor, seemed to suit her... And, she had a definite point concerning the change of setting though the way she said it was interesting. This cat, Youko was certain she intended it, made it sound as if she could - No, it was impossible for the fox to let her by with this, "Both?" Youko allowed a little curiosity in his tone though his eyes didn't change, "You make it sound as if we are equal here which is hardly the case. When I win our game, this will be all the more evident..."

Letting his other arm relax, he left his right elbow where it was before leaning his head on his hand, the side of his jawline against the back of his hand as his claws fingers were loose. Part of his silver hair slid over his shoulder as his face was just slightly tilted now.

Considering he had been the one to cause the change of surroundings, that was obviously his move. The next was now hers and he would gauge what to do next based on what she did or didn't do, that all depended...

"...But for now, the next play belongs to you... Take as much time as you want to consider it."

What would she do? Youko was quite curious. He'd found her weak point, even she knew this, but would she be so smart as to consider trying to find his? He had the feeling this demoness was clever enough to consider this. But, she shouldn't take too long. If she hoped to find it, she would need some time. As his thoughts had become arrogant again, one of the fox's silver ears moved before facing forward again.

Youko had not come across a female demon that had ever interested him to this extent but he was not going soft, he still planned to leave within the next couple hours or so.

...In his curious musings, he wondered more specifically about his own physical weakness. He wondered what would happen if Minumori was so intelligent as to find it. Well maybe it was not truly a weakness, Youko considered.
...How might I react... Youko asked himself, if she were to touch me there?
He could not know unless she did, he only knew the place was sensitive and nothing more. How could he know more since no one had ever touched him there? ...Certainly his precious guard would not disappear, he thought, but what would happen?

She laned in to him, her breast level with him, studying him with calculating eyes. Her pointed nail touched the corner of his mouth and she smiled, as though she'd discovered something, when in truth; it simply made her excited to have had contact with him. "Perhaps you are uncomfertable without repose?" The cat asked cooly, laying a hand on his shoulder to guide him a little backward.

(( Where have you been woman?! Missed ya :3 ))

The kitsune's amber gaze stayed fixed on the cat's garnet one as she was choosing to invade his personal space now, hot as if she required permission however... She appeared to be studying him now, he could see that in her gaze. Perhaps she was going to attempt finding his weakness?

A short laugh emitted from Youko, the noise vibrating deep in his chest but he did not allow a smile or even a smirk. The little expression playing on her little mouth hinted almost that she had figured something out. Had she? was the question. This wasn't the spot and she would realize that at his lack of reaction. The fox had assumed she might now be searching, having arrived at a decision as to what do to him.

So this is the play she's chosen?

"Perhaps." Youko said softly though his tone neither indicated that he agreed or disagreed.
He had allowed her hand at his shoulder to guide him back but he only let it go far enough to cause him to sit upright. The hand he'd had his head on fell away while the other he slowly lifted to the air to lightly slide his claws up and back down the side of her extended arm before he took her wrist and pulled her hand from his shoulder, no motive behind this other than contact itself and to get her attention. It was his turn now.

Glancing at her pointedly with a little smirk, he kept her wrist in hand while he changed the distance between them. Laying the side of his silver head on her shoulder, he lightly breathed over the left side of her neck to whisper,
"Repose with me then." He said, using her own choice of the word. It was an offer, one she was open to either decline or accept.Though he hadn't been playing fair and left her decision free of influence. His action was simple enough considering he could have done far worse here to influence her but the fox preferred to tease now.

(Honestly, I've been to hell in a handbasket. But I am sooo happy to be back, especially in this rp! I could yous the steam. >,<)

An invisible feather danced down her spine, causing her to shiver slightly. Her tiny paited lips curled into a smile; the gaul of this fox was probably more entertaining than his appearance. It had been her plan in the first place to lie with him, studying him more closely in the "anatomical possition".

Her wrist still tingled with his firm touch, and she lay her hand on his thigh. "Lovely..." She purred thickly, her chest rumbling a little from the effects.