Under a Crescent Moon


[timeline: companion piece to Otherworld 5: The Wolves]






It was nearly midnight before Aara had a chance to search out her first male. She found him sitting on his balcony, propped on the ledge, draped in the blanket from his bed, staring at the moon. "I thought only wolves were fascinated by the moon." She said, walking to his side.

		"Oh, foxes also like the moon. Especially the crescent moon -- wolves tend to like a full moon better." Kurama answered. She looked up at the sliver of silver in the sky. "Why the crescent?" Kurama laughed lightly, "Because someone has stolen so much of it!" Aara joined his laughter. She loved to see her Fox happy. He was usually so serious, as if he always had the weight of the world on his shoulders. People who didn't know him that well did not see past the false smile to the ancient eyes, but she did. She knew her Fox better than anyone.

"So, ready for bed?" She asked him. "Ah, yes, you will be pressed for time tonight, getting such a late start. Who's next?" "Tonight belongs to you alone." Kurama stared at her for a second, and then a wide smile spread across his face. And power began to pour from him. A few moments later, Youko Kurama sat on the balcony instead of the human Kurama. He threw aside the blanket and stood up naked, all 6 foot, 5 inches of glistening silver and white. His golden eyes twinkled mischievously and he flicked his long white tail. "Oh, no! Not the tail!" Aara said with a laugh as he picked her up and carried her to his bed. "Can I braid it?"

He was hovering over her, braced on his strong arms, glistening silver in the moonlight, their bodies joined as one. Every thrust sent him deeper into her, and she cried out each time he rammed inside – she did not know how long she could hold on. Her fingers dug deep into his biceps as she clung to him, drowning in a sea of passion. It had been a long time since he made love to her as the Fox and not the human, and she had forgotten how different he was in that form. “Youko!!!” she cried as he went even deeper, her voice a sobbing moan. Her nails made little crescents of blood on his skin but he didn’t even notice. His eyes were closed, his mind wrapped around his own passion, centered on the feelings that rippled through the very core of his being. Rutting. That crude word fitted perfectly. He loved to rut. He always had. And that had been his downfall.

Almost 200 Years Ago

		Youko Kurama. The name was known throughout Demon World. The most powerful of all the Fox Demons and a renown thief who had eluded capture thousand of times. Very old and very cunning. But Youko was also known for another quality – his sexual prowess, especially when he was in heat. Like most Foxes, he didn’t care what gender his partner was, male or female, just as long as he or she was willing. Crudely put, if it had an opening, a Fox would use it. And Youko had hundreds of very willing lovers, for the Fox was very handsome, almost high-demon beautiful, with slender, yet well-endowed body.

When Youko was not in heat, he enjoyed the favors of many, looking always for the most beautiful or most handsome. But when he went into heat, he became much less discerning, taking whomever happened to be near. That he did not have a hundred children running around was a miracle. Or perhaps that was a higher plan – for all his fornicating, he had not begotten one whelp. He was deep inside his den, dug into the side of hill and camouflaged with carefully grown plants, when he felt the first twinges of his heat. For the last few years, his friend and fellow thief had been a Bat Demon named Kuronue and his heats had been spent in the Bat's arms. But a few months ago, Kuronue had been killed and Youko was once more on his own. He sighed heavily. Well, he might as well go find someone while he still had the ability to chose and not just jump on anything that came along. Many a time, once his heat ended, he had come out of his stupor appalled at who he had been copulating with. After traveling only a few miles, he caught the scent of a campfire and crept towards it. In the midst of making camp was a traveler, a very handsome one. Coal black short hair fell in uneven bangs. He had a well-formed back with broad shoulders and long legs. Youko sucked in his breath and the man turned immediately at the sound. Dark eyes stared into his own gold ones. “Who are you?” Came the firm voice, his hand going to the hilt of a sword. “I mean you no harm. I caught the scent of your fire.” Youko spread his hands apart, showing that he had no weapons. Although truth be told, he never carried them – at least not conventional weapons. Braided into his hair were numerous seeds waiting for his power to awaken them. “I am just traveling through this area on my way to the Southern Lands.” the man said, his voice becoming pleasant and trusting. “Do you live there?” Youko asked. “On the outer edge.” He replied with a slightly crooked smile. “My name is Kaleffe.” “I am Youko.” They shook hands. “I would offer you dinner, but I have not yet hunted.” “My den is very near here and I have left over rabbit stew – if you would like to share?” Youko said, trying to sound casual, but it was getting harder to do. Kaleffe was very appealing and his heat was growing. Kaleffe scrutinized Youko. “You are a Fox, right?” “Yes. And you?” “I am a Fire Demon.” Kaleffe said with a smile. “And I would love some of your stew.” After dousing the campfire and burying it in dirt, the pair set off for Youko’s den. Youko got out wooden bowls while Kaleffe wrapped his hands around the stew pot and called forth his power. Within seconds it was bubbling hot. Kaleffe ate his portion hungrily, but Youko merely toyed with his. It was not food that he craved. After he had scraped the bowl clean, Kaleffe looked at the Fox. “You didn’t eat.” “I’m sorry. I’m not very hungry.”

		Kaleffe narrowed his eyes. “Are you sick? You look like you have a fever.” “No. I’m not sick.” Sweat began to bead his forehead and upper lip. Kaleffe sat there silent for a while, always keeping an eye on the Fox. Finally, a smile touched his lips and he said, to Youko’s vast surprise, “You’re in heat, aren’t you?” “Yes, sorry. It just started.”

Kaleffe licked his lips as if they had suddenly gone dry. Then he stood up, but instead of leaving, he walked over to Youku’s and crouched down in front of him. He looked deep into the Fox’s eyes. They were just beginning to lose their focus and glaze over. Kaleffe put his hands on Youko face, one on each side, and then kissed him. Deeply. Hungrily. Youko moaned and kissed back hard. Then Kaleffe sat back on his heels and smiled that rakishly handsome, crooked smile. “I have heard much about Foxes and what good lovers they are, especially when they are in heat. I always wanted to try one.” “I’m yours for the taking.” Youko rasped. “All yours.” “Are you, now?” Kaleffe pushed the Fox down so that he was lying on his back, but remained crouched between his legs. He looked down at the white silk of Youko’s clothes, and then reached down, pressing through the silk. Youko groaned loudly and spread his legs wide, giving Kaleffe access. Kaleffe slipped his fingers through the layers of silk until he touched skin. Burning, throbbing skin. He began to stroke. Youko cried out and pushed his pelvis at the Fire Demon. “Take me! Please….” “All in good time.” Kaleffe said, his hands stroking with maddening slowness. Youko began to keen softly, and closed his eyes tightly, his hands clawing helplessly at the straw of his den floor. “Is he ready?” The Fox’s eyes popped open at this new voice. Standing over him was another Demon. Brown hair and eyes and not so fair as Kaleffe. And he was holding a burlap sack. “Yes, Radiach, I think he’s very ready.” Kaleffe stood up and washed his hands in a nearby basin of clean water. Then he pulled Youko to his feet. The Fox almost fell, but the Fire Demon held him up. “What are you doing?” Youko muttered, his voice strangled with his need. “You are going to be a housewarming present.” Kaleffe said with that same crooked smile. Radiach tied the Fox's hands behind his back. “We don’t want you spoiling the present.” He said with a grin, indicating the tented silks. “We want you ready. Very, very ready.” “No….” Youko moaned. “Please, no….” Then he was stuffed into the burlap sack and dragged out of his den. He could hear the clanking of his belongings. Were they robbing him too? Finally he was thrown over a horse, but they were careful to position him so that he could not rub against the horse and relieve himself. For three days he traveled like a piece of luggage, albeit a groaning, miserable piece. When the horse finally stopped, Youko was almost insane from the need. For three full days, he had been completely and painfully erect. And as each day passed, his heat grew worse and worse, with no way to ease it. When he was dumped onto a bed and untied, with a young woman sitting there next to him, he was beyond caring about his fate. He just needed to relieve the pain and the need. And he did. Many, many times.

Present Time

Youko cried out as he climaxed, shoving in as hard as he could. Then, as his energy evaporated, he changed back into his human form. He collapsed on top of the Princess. Aara pushed back the sweat-soaked bangs from his forehead and kissed him. They were both drenched in sweat. And still trembling with the force of their mutual climax. This did not happen very often – not like this, at least. While Youko was an ardent lover, Kurama was not. His lovemaking was – well, distant. It was as if his heart were not in it and if it were not for her power, he would probably be just as happy reading a book. "I wish I had never bound you." she said to herself, but Kurama heard her words and opened his eyes. "Why did you say that?" "Because you lost the most when I bound you. You loved freedom and I took that from you. You would be happy if it weren't for me." Aara said frankly. "That isn't quite true." Kurama said. "You never forgave me for binding you. Well, not as Youko, anyway."

		Kurama turned and took her in his arms. "But I am no longer Youko -- only a shadow of him. And you forget that I had a choice when Vara freed me. And I chose to stay with you." "And if I remember correctly, your words had something to do with having a home here." Kurama sighed and looked away. "I'm sorry. My cold Demon nature continues even in this human body." He turned back to her. "I never learned how to show my feelings, but know this: I do love you. And I do want to be with you."

Aara looked at him but did not answer. How could she believe him? He had never shown any true affection in all their years together. Not like InuYasha or Hiei. And Bakura -- he had loved her before he was bound. No, the Fox did not love her, of that she was sure. She slowly shook her head. "How can I prove it to you?" "There is no way to prove it nor any need to. My binding keeps you at my side, and whether or not you love me, doesn't matter." "You actually believe that I can live all these years at your side and not feel anything for you?" Kurama frowned. "Yes." "Don't I welcome you whenever you come to me?" Kurama tried to think of the right words to say. "That is only my power." "I see." Suddenly he stood up. "Send me on a quest! Let me prove my feelings like the knight of the Human World." "A night...?" "Yes, I was reading this book...." Kurama knelt on the bed, his voice excited. "Oh, a book...." Aara said with a shake of her head.

		"Hear me out, please. In ancient times, when a Protector, a Knight, wanted to prove his love, the lady would send him on an impossible quest and he would brave anything to prove his love and win her hand." "You already have my hand." "But you do not believe that I love you. Give me a quest and I will prove that I do." "This is silly. And I'm sorry that I brought it up." Aara said. "Come, let's get some sleep..." "No! I insist! I want a quest!" Kurama exclaimed. "You are being foolish!" "A fool in love!" Kurama said with a flourish. He was getting excited about have an adventure. It was almost like being Youko again. "Now you are being ridiculous." Aara said. "Besides, I don't know what to send you after. And remember you are not a thief anymore. Nor a true demon. I don't what you to get hurt."

"Name anything you would like to have and I'll get it for you." Kurama said expansively, spreading his arms out. "Anything at all!" Aara looked at him -- why was he acting like this? Was he so bored with his life that he wanted the danger of his former life. Was he that miserable here? Aara tried to think of the most impossible thing imaginable so that he would stop this foolishness. "Okay. I know what I want." "Anything at all." Kurama repeated. "I want a star." "What???" Kurama wasn't sure if he heard her correctly. She pointed out the balcony door. "A star. I want a star." "But ... that's impossible." "You said you wanted an impossible quest." Aara reminded him. "Well, yes, but..." "I thought so! Now, let's go to bed and forget this entire ridiculous conversation."

When Aara woke up the next morning, Kurama was gone. On his pillow was a note: *"Gone to find your star. K."* "Oh no!!!" Aara cried and quickly put on her robe and ran to find Hiei and her other males. No one had seen the Fox leave the Castle. "What have I done?" And tears began to fall. Reluctantly she told them of Kurama's request and her foolish answer. "A star?" InuYasha said, trying to puzzle it out. "Where is he going to find a star?" "That's the point! He isn't! He's just going to get himself killed!" Aara sobbed. In a short time, every male and all the Protectors were searching for the Fox and word was sent to Demon World in case he went there. But no one had seen him. The Fox had simply vanished.

Kurama stood there on the busy street watching the traffic go by. He didn’t know why he had come to the Human World, except that the stories of King Arthur and his Knights were set in this world. Of course, that was many ages ago. There were no Knights and very few Kings – and none of those still living were anything like Arthur. A star. He had gotten caught up in his story and the excitement – well, he had asked for an impossible quest and Aara certainly gave him one. He wandered the streets, peering into the windows of the shops. Diamond rings in a jewelry shop caught his eye. They sparkled like stars…. No, they would not do. Another store had geodes and crystals. Well, stars were certainly made up of these materials. No….. they were not right. Hours went by and he walked from store to store, peering through the windows, searching for a star. By the time night fell, he was so desperate that he almost bought a yellow star-shaped balloon.

Aara was beside herself. She was sitting in the dark on Kurama’s bed, trying to stop crying. What had she done? What if her Fox was lying hurt somewhere – trying to scale some mountain to reach the stars. What if he fell? She burst into sobs again and InuYasha wrapped his arms around her. The Dog had just returned from a fruitless search of the Northern Mountains, checking out every tall peak that he could get to. “Kurama is smart. He won’t do something foolish.” InuYasha said. “He already has!!” She wailed. “I will never forgive myself!!” Suddenly something caught the Dog’s eye and he turned, then smiled. “Look, Princess, our Fox has found himself.” Standing in the doorway was Kurama. Aara ran to him and hugged him tightly. This time he didn’t stiffen or move away, instead he held her just as tightly. InuYasha smiled and gave Kurama a gentle cuffing on his shoulder as he left the room. Aara looked up at her Fox. “Please don’t ever do that again! Promise me!” “I promise never to scare you again, my Princess.” She sighed and leaned her head on his shoulder. “I was so worried.” “I didn’t mean to scare you.” Kurama said. “My big mouth! Asking for such a stupid thing! Forgive me … please?” “My Princess, there is nothing to forgive. You gave me a quest! And for a time, I felt like my old self again.” Kurama exclaimed. “I loved the challenge!” “Just come to bed and let’s forget all about this.” Aara said, moving to the bed and tugging at his arm.

		“First I have something to show you.” Kurama pulled out a piece of paper and a little velvet pouch from his pocket and then took hold of her hand, leading her to the balcony. He opened the paper and studied it, looking up at the night sky every so often. “What are you doing?” “You’ll see. Just give me a second to orient myself.” “What?” She watched him as he look first at the paper and then at the sky. “Okay, I’ve got it now.” Kurama said. “Look, Princess, see that group of stars -- right under the crescent moon?” "Yes...." She peered at the night sky. “And now look to the right of them, to that big star. See it?” “Yes…. but…” “Now, see the little star next to it. The one that is twinkling?”

She pointed. “That one? The sparkly one?” “Yes! That is your star.” Kurama said happily. “What do you mean? My star?” “It’s name is Aara’s Star. I bought it for you. Here is the deed to your star.” He gave her the piece of paper, and then opened the little pouch. A silver star-shaped ornament was inside. On it was engraved “Aara’s Star.” “That’s my star? You can actually buy a star?” Aara looked at the Deed and then at her star, twinkling so happily in the night sky. “Yes! In the Human World, they sell stars.” “Did you have enough money? I mean, I know you have money, but to buy an entire star….” “Don’t worry. I have enough.” Kurama said with a grin. Yep, the star set him back a whole 54 dollars! “You did it!! You actually gave me a star!” Aara threw her arms around him. “You are the most wonderful Knight in the world! In all five worlds!!!” He laughed happily and lifted her into his arms. “Now, my love – my dearest love – you promised me a bed…” And with that, Kurama carried his Princess inside.

Her Fox was sound asleep. Aara lay on the bed, but facing the opposite direction, staring out of the balcony door, looking at the night sky. She wondered what sort of ordeal Kurama had gone through to buy her a star. She could just imagine him braving the dark streets of the Human World underworld. Surely something as valuable as a star would be very hard to buy. She had never been to the Human World but she could just imagine how frightening it would be. Maybe not the good part where Kagome used to live, but the bad part of the Human World where someone like a star broker must live. How brave her Fox had been! And how much he must truly love her to defy the danger! She sighed and continued watching her star. Her very own star!


		It was late morning when Kurama finally woke, opening his eyes slowly and stretching. And then he nearly jumped out of his skin. Hiei was sitting on the foot of his bed, staring at him. "What are you doing here?" Kurama asked. "Are you going to tell her?" "What are you talking about?" Kurama propped himself up on the pillows.

"That star thing." Hiei said dourly. "The Princess is running around telling everyone that you braved the darkest recesses of the Human World in order to get her a star." "She is?" Kurama smiled to himself. "So, you're not going to tell her that you can buy those stupid star deeds in any novelty shop?" "Actually you can buy them on line now." Kurama replied with a grin, then added, upon seeing Hiei's look. "The Internet.... on the computer...." "Oh." Hiei frowned. "And no, I'm not going to tell her. She now knows that I love her and it was a fun adventure." "Adventure? What adventure? You went to the Human World and bought a piece of paper!" Hiei exclaimed. Kurama smiled at his friend. "Tell me, Hiei. If the Princess had asked you to bring her a star, what would you have done?' Hiei thought about it and then shook his head. "I have no idea. I probably would have gone to the tallest mountain and...." "You can't reach them from a mountain top." "I know that!" Hiei growled. "Okay, I have no idea what I would have done." "So, you will keep my little secret?" "Only because it makes the Princess happy." Hiei said. "Thank you!" Kurama said and grabbed his robe. "And now I think I will join my Princess for breakfast." With that the Fox left the room in a whirl of silk and satin, leaving Hiei sitting alone on the bed. "Miserable Fox!" Hiei muttered. "You still get away with everything, don't you?"



[Many thanks to Gloria for suggesting the title of this story]