InuYasha Fan Fiction / Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Dragons Hoard, Kitsune Collect ❯ Chapter 1

Dragons Hoard, Kitsune Collect

Authors: Dragons of Darkness (a collaboration between Ryukotsusei and Takhissis)

 

We don't own Inuyasha or Yu Yu Hakusho. We wish we did. Oh well, we can dream ïŠ

 

Two powerful demons, a cursed jewel and its Guardian. An epic tale of their struggle for survival and acceptance. IYYYH Crossover

 

Chapter One

 

A small shadow slipped into the funeral home, keeping low to avoid the motion sensor detectors. The goal was the back room where the bodies were kept while waiting for internment. All was silent as he made his way down the darkened hallway. The room he was searching for wasn't hard to find but once inside he stopped and looked around with distaste. There were so many of the stainless steel drawers and he wasn't sure which one held Kurama's body. He definitely had no interest in going through each and every one of them anyway, he could still smell the stench of decay even over the strong smell of the chemicals that permeated the air. The thought that humans held bodies for such an extended period of time after their deaths disturbed him. Wanting to get this over with as quickly as possible he slowly he lowered the ward covering the Jagan Eye.

 

He cursed the fact that he had been the one that had been chosen to do as he allowed the Jagan to open. The eye glowed violet as its power surged to life, free of its confinement. With a crushing grip he seized control of the malicious energy and immediately began to focus on the drawers, looking for the fading energy signature that was so familiar. The eye was drawn to one drawer in particular, attracted by the energy traces that surrounded it. It was unique, specific to Kurama, anyone who had been familiar with the fox would have known that ki as soon as they felt it. He had always been strong, and even now as his body lay dormant, locked away in its metal confines there was no doubt to anyone who had the sight that this had been a powerful individual. He sighed as he contemplated the next part of his task, looking upwards to the row of drawers that were well above his head. `It figures they would place him in one of the top drawers. Stupid humans, always choosing to make things difficult.' Silently he replaced the ward back over the Jagan, forcing it to quiet once more. He didn't want to think of what it was he was doing, to him this was venturing into the realms of the forbidden which was ironic considering who he was. Still, he was one of the few that were trusted with this task and he would not fail.

 

 

His hand sought the cool metal and yanked it open, the drawer opening easily enough. In the pale light he could see that he had chosen correctly to reveal the body that had been Kurama. Slowly he slid his body out, longing to turn away from his long time partner. He shouldn't be here, he didn't want to see his friend like this. He glanced around the room quickly, looking for something, anything to cover his nude body with. Seeing nothing he made his way over to a closed door, hoping it was a linen closet. He was not disappointed to find several white sheets, no doubt used to cover the corpses when family came in to identify them. Quickly he grabbed one and unfolded it, walking back to where Kurama lay. Keeping his eyes averted as much as possible he began to cover the body, stopping only when he reached his face. He couldn't help but stare, the man who had been so beautiful in life had become nothing more than a grotesque shell. Hiei could never have imagined the kitsune looking like this and he fervently hoped with all his being that he would never be forced to see something like this again. The once bright emerald eyes, full of life's secrets now stared ahead blankly, showing no traces of the intelligence they once held as they looked into the nothingness that was beyond. His mouth was gaping open as if in a silent scream or a desperate attempt to breathe but was unable to because the tongue was so swollen and had fallen to the back of his throat. Pale, cold skin had now taken on a blue tint. The smell was horrible but he resisted the urge to hold his breath. He had survived worse.

 

`Kami help me, I don't ever want to have to do this again!' He struggled to get his arms underneath the body, cringing slightly at how stiff it was. How they were going to be able to undo this was beyond him, he only hoped that it would work. He grunted as he lifted Kurama up off of the metal slab, surprised at how much the body seemed to weigh. It certainly didn't make his job any easier when the arms and the legs on the body refused to bend, remaining rigid. The only thing that did seem to want to move was the head which rolled backwards as soon as it lost the support of the table. He pondered exactly how he was going to do this as he worked. It would be impossible for him to make any amount of haste carrying him in this fashion. Not to mention if left him vulnerable to attack, being unable to use his arms. His decision made, he shifted the body over his shoulder and was grateful to find that his torso seemed to be a bit more pliant. Now at least he would have one hand free, even if the other was making certain the Fox did not slide off. As he walked along with his burden he cursed his short stature. Normally it was an asset, making people underestimate him. It also aided him in speed, shocking his opponents and giving him a distinct advantage but in this instance it made this job so much more difficult. Satisfied that his cargo was settled and unlikely to move he melted into the shadows and was quickly cloaked by the darkness that awaited him outside.

 

Bright lights appeared in the distance and shouting was heard as he began to make his way from the building. He stopped suddenly, pressing against a wall and checked the surrounding area with the Jagan making sure no one was nearby. It wouldn't do for him to be seen carrying the body. There would be absolutely no explaining the situation and blood would likely be shed in his escape which would land him in trouble with the Reikai once again. When it became obvious there was no one nearby he looked off in the distance. The lights were getting closer, taking on the telltale signs of law enforcement vehicles and they were heading in his direction. Sirens could be heard in the distance and he knew he had to get out of there fast. `Shit, this isn't good.' He cursed as he bolted, taking care to keep a strong grip on the kitsune. Taking to the trees was no longer an option, he was too unbalanced carrying the extra weight. He would have to make due on the ground as much as he loathed the idea. It was far easier to be spotted on the ground if someone were passing by. Knowing it couldn't be helped he continued on, hoping that luck would remain with him on this night. He nearly breathed a sigh of relief as he drew closer to the forest. Apparently the Gods had not forsaken him on this night as he melted into the tree line and into the shadows. He stopped for a moment, taking the opportunity to readjust his cargo.

 

He tensed as the police cars flew by, oblivious to his presence. Even better was the knowledge that it wasn't him they were after as they continued on past the funeral home and down several blocks. That was entirely too close for his comfort and it made him even more cautious than he was normally. Once this was over someone was going to die, he had more than enough irritation built up from this entire situation. He laid the body down gently against a tree for a moment while he determined exactly where he was. There was no sense in wandering around, not knowing how far he was from the portal. Once more he unleashed the Jagan, finding the spot where he would cross into the Makai. Sighing heavily he knew he had to get moving if this was to be accomplished before the night was over. Now, let's get you back to the Temple of Inari.' He picked up the body, making a point to remember to tell the Kitsune just how heavy he was once he got the chance. He wouldn't do this for just anyone, the Fox should be thankful that he was willing to subject himself to such a humiliating task. Hiei made a sprint for the border, knowing that dawn would approach soon. He nearly sighed with relief as he crossed the border between realms yet he did not stop until he reached the stairs of the temple. Once again he wondered why he had been chosen to do this and not Yusuke as he began to climb the stairs. Long before he reached the top he decided that if he ever met the person who deemed it necessary to have so many stairs for one temple he would behead them.

 

 

“Lay him out on top of the alter Hiei.”

 

 

The quiet voice seemed to come out of thin air but Hiei recognized it as being Youko's. When the spirit approached him with this insane plan he had been skeptical. So much so he had outright refused. There were certain lines even he wouldn't cross and messing with the dead bodies of those he called friends was one of them. But when Youko had told him what he needed the body for he had faltered in his resolve. The kitsune was nothing if not persuasive and eventually he was worn down. Nodding he walked up to the alter, taking note of how the candles illuminated the room. Shadows danced on the walls and if one looked hard enough you could almost see the kitsune spirits that inhabited the temple watching. He laid Kurama down carefully, not removing the sheet. He had no desire to look upon his friend again, not while he was in that position.

 

“I want you to go far away from here Hiei. Everything will be fine, but it will take many days to reanimate the body so I can use it again.” Youko's form materialized in front of him, his golden eyes glowing in the darkness. He smiled slightly as he looked down at the figure who had done so much for him. Even though he had escaped the Reikai's clutches once again, he would be unable to completely manifest without a body and regrowing one like he had already done was not an option. Not when he had one that he was so familiar with in his grasp.

 

 

Hiei stood there for a minute, unable to believe what his ears were telling him. He had broken into a funeral home, stolen Kurama's body, risked capture, and run all the way through the Makai only to be told to put the body down and leave? His eyes darkened as he turned a glare on the Kitsune before him. 'How dare he!' He fairly snarled as he addressed the spirit before him, anger lacing his works. “The next time you want to use someone as a pack animal call Yusuke.”

 

“Yusuke wouldn't have been so much fun. Besides that you were Kurama's partner during his life besides being his team mate. It was only fitting that you would have the honor of retrieving his body for me.” Youko said this quietly, knowing that Hiei was still hurting from losing Kurama. He had been gifted with the rare sight of seeing a side that no other, save Kurama had been able to witness. While he was not as close to the hybrid as Shuichi had been, the apparition had his respect. He took a deep breath, or would have if he had a physical body. There was more to choosing Hiei for this and he was unsure of how his offer would be received. Still, he would not know until he asked. “There is another reason I asked you to bring me the body. I would not have trusted it to someone I didn't want as my partner.”

 

 

Hiei stared, his anger melting away in an instant leaving only shock behind. His breath left him slowly as he took a step back. He was almost certain that he had heard wrong, certainly he couldn't have heard the kitsune spirit right. It was well known to all that after Kuronue's death Youko had refused to take another partner. Kurama had once explained that he refused to allow someone that close to him again. To this day Youko felt guilty, feeling that in some way he could have stopped Kuronue from dying. As he stared, the spirit continued watching him evenly as if he were waiting for an answer. To think that the Fox would willingly offer him that position, turning his back on that vow was hard for him to take. He stayed silent for a long moment before walking over to a ledge and sitting down. Finally he could not take it anymore. Crimson eyes locked with golden before uttering the question that was burning through his mind. "Why me?"

 

 

“Well, it does make sense. I've been here with Kurama the entire time you two were partners. So we already are partners after a fashion.” It had taken a long time for him to accept it, often driving a wedge between himself and Shuichi because he didn't like how close they had become. He didn't like depending on others and it was bad enough that was the case with him and Shuichi. It was adding salt to an open wound when he opened up to Hiei like he had. But even though he fought it, eventually he had come to accept it. Youko was silent for a moment and when he continued, his voice was so low Hiei had to strain to hear it. “I've gotten used to having you around. I really don't want to be alone anymore. Of course it would mean that you would have to give up your position with Mukuro though.” The kitsune waited for his answer, hoping that the hybrid would accept his proposition. He had grown used to having constant companionship from being merged with Shuichi and truthfully he was lonely. A life of seclusion had once appealed to him but now something was missing. Hiei could fill that gap easily and he had already proven to be a pain in the ass to kill. There wouldn't be any accidents like what had happened to Kuronue. Hiei was too careful for that. No, if he were to die it wouldn't be from some well laid trap. He'd go down fighting and take everyone with him, the dragon would see to that. Strangely enough, the idea appealed to him.

 

 

The Fox's answer surprised him and he knew he had done a poor job of concealing that fact when Youko's smile grew. That had been the last thing he had expected to hear from him, though he couldn't say the feelings were one sided. He had gotten used to having a partner, someone he could trust and rely on and while there was nothing more than that to their relationship he was loath to give it up. Youko was the last remaining tie that he had to Shuichi. “I guess I have gotten used to having you around. I will give you my answer upon my return. Shuichi's memorial service is in two days, assuming they will hold it with his body gone. Regardless of who you are, there are things I need to say to him." He stood and walked towards the door before stopping and turning once more to the Kitsune. “I will return in one weeks time with my answer.”

 

 

~*~

 

 

No one saw the small, black demon as he sat on the branches of the tree which overlooked the mortuary building. Curiosity had pulled him back to this place, wanting to see just what humans did when one of their own was stolen. He snorted in derision at the disorganized mess that seemed to cover the ground. It was chaos he decided, everyone attempting to find out exactly what was going on. Even spectators had gathered from nearby buildings, watching with interest as if they had nothing better to do. Yet for all the eyes that were trained on the proceedings, he went unnoticed which was fine with him. He winced as the shrill noise of a microphone split the air before it was cut off, no doubt by someone who was more familiar with the piece of equipment than the one holding it. How they could hear each other over the noise was beyond him. News station cameras and reporters were spread out on the grounds, reporting that the mortuary had been broken into late at night and a body had been stolen. Identification was being withheld pending the notification of next of kin. Several very harassed looking police officers were examining the doors of the building and the surrounding grounds looking for footprints or any other type of evidence. A technician was dusting for fingerprints which Hiei found amusing. It didn't matter if they lifted them or not, it wasn't like they could trace them back to him. Some demons might have lowered themselves to obtaining legal documents so they could appear human. He had no use for such things. His attention turned when someone shouted that the police dogs were being brought in to follow any scents that might still remain. Silently he moved in closer, wanting to hear what was being said. Dogs were the one thing these humans had on their side for finding him, not that he would allow himself to be caught though. Nothing said he couldn't have a bit of fun with them.

 

 

“Actually there is only one dog that is being brought in.” The sergeant looked nervously at the squad car that had pulled up and the dog that it contained. If it were up to him the dog would have long been replaced, the hospital bills he generated were hard to deal with. Unfortunately he was one of the best they ever had, his personality quirks aside. For that reason alone they kept him around. “That dog is so damned hard to handle that he can't be trusted to work around other dogs. Even most of the handlers don't like working with him. They've all gotten tired of getting bit.”

 

 

“So why does the department bother to keep him around if he's that much trouble?” The question came from a fresh faced rookie who was standing next to the sergeant as he looked at the dog who had emerged from the car curiously. “He sure doesn't look like anything special.” That was an understatement, dull, black fur covered the stockily built German Shepherd. There was no look of nobility that was so prevalent in the breed, instead you could see the aggression in him just waiting to come out as he eyed everyone warily.

 

 

“Being ugly doesn't have anything to do with his working ability. That dog has the nose of ten and can smell things that most dogs miss. Once he finds a scent, he won't let it go and follows it to the end wherever it leads. Which is where most of the problems have come in. If the handler doesn't agree with where the dog wants to go he tends to turn his aggression on the handler.” He took a step to the side as the dog walked passed, he had the damnedest habit of targeting someone as a prey item if you weren't careful of how you moved.

 

 

The dog and handler disappeared inside the building, other people stepping back under the dogs intense, interested gaze. It had grown strangely quiet when they had arrived but conversation soon picked up again once they were out of sight. That all changed however as the dog and handler reemerged, the man carrying a piece of fabric in his hands. Hiei's eyes opened wide and then narrowed as he recognized a suit that he had occasionally seen his partner wearing. Unfortunately so did one of the curious onlookers, a tailor that Kurama had made use of. His cry was heard as he recognized his handiwork and the cry reverberated through the crowd. “It's Shuichi Minamino's body that has been taken!” The police found they suddenly had their hands full as word spread who had been taken and a near riot started at the anger the news caused. Kurama had made quite a name for himself through the years and was a well liked individual. People were not taking kindly to the knowledge that someone had done something so vile as to steal his body.

 

 

“Get that damned dog to work! The sooner we find the body, the sooner this crowd will disperse and we can get some work done.” The captains voice was heard above the crowd, and the handler put the garment in front of the dog's nose, giving it the command to search. Other officers stepped forward trying to fend off angry onlookers who demanded to know just what information had been found so far.

 

 

Immediately the dog sped off, his handler running hard to keep up. While he may be ugly, the dog could definitely run. Hiei looked on with interest, wondering if the dog was trailing him as well or just the scent from Kurama's body. He was not surprised to see that the scent had not been hard to find, anything with a nose should have been able to pick up the stench of death but then again these were humans he was dealing with. Hiei followed along closely behind them, being careful not to be seen. It wouldn't do for them to stumble into the Makai, he'd have to wipe all their memories at that point and he had no desire to try and control them all at once. Within minutes, the dog was circling the area where Hiei had stopped hours before having set Kurama on the ground. More officers followed, and they started processing the scene, taking casts of the footprints they found as well as looking for directions the unknown culprit had taken the body.

 

 

 

One of the officers stood there examining a set of boot prints that were found in the soft soil and shook his head. “A little kid? These footprints are way too small to be adult. What would a kid want with a body? And how did a kid carry something as heavy as this?” The dog's handler stood there as well, wondering if the dog had lost his mind. By the size of the prints it seemed as if they were following a ten year old.

 

 

Hiei bit back a growl as they commented on his height, another instance of humans being too stupid to look past what they perceived to be physical limitations. How many had died from making that assumption before? He could kill them all now before they even realized he was there and they would all be powerless to stop it.

 

 

Once more the handler gave the dog the command to search only to give a sharp correction when it seemed to be following the same trail as before. He jumped back as the dog turned and snapped, narrowly missing his arm. Sighing heavily the man waited until the dog was distracted once more and shoved the jacket under its nose giving the command once more. It just wasn't adding up and as they stood there they became more and more certain they were following the wrong trail. No other prints could be found in the area indicating this person had help but the officer wasn't about to risk his flesh correcting the dog again. Deciding to follow him until they found something more to go on they continued walking. As they passed a bush he noticed a single strand of blood red hair that had caught on a low hanging branch. Muttering loudly he scowled down at the animal. “Well damn I guess you were right after all.”

 

 

Knowing that they were close the dog took off through the woods again, making the officers curse as their clothes caught on the thorns of the brush they were trying to make their way through. After going about a mile, they broke out of the woods into a clearing and the dog circled around, intently searching for a trail that seemed to have disappeared entirely. Frustrated that there was no bad guy at the end of his search dog turned around, giving a hard bite to the handler as he was raising his arms up, trying to signal to another officer that the trail had gone cold.

 

After the dog finally let go of the handler and was led off by another officer while first aid treatment was given the decision was made to try again though everyone there devoutly wished someone had brought a muzzle. “Maybe instead of following the body scent we can find the scent of the kid that was carrying him.” Reluctantly another officer took the dogs lead as they walked back to where the prints were found. Again the command was given and they waited to see where the dog would lead them this time.

 

The dog stood there for a long moment, scenting the air this time instead of the ground. He seemed confused, at first starting to follow the direction back to the clearing when the wind abruptly shifted and stopped the dog in his tracks. A loud growl filled the air and the dog turned around, running once more with his head held high following the scent on the breeze. It was obvious they were heading straight back towards the mortuary.

 

 

Hiei smirked as the dog changed course once more, this time heading directly towards him. He was gone in a flash, making his way back to the city where it would be easier to lose the canine in the mass of people. Once more he landed in the tree overlooking everything before he made a lighting fast jump onto the rooftop of the building. Looking back once he shook his head and then disappeared knowing they would never be able to find him.

 

The dog stopped at the tree where Hiei had been perched on the branch and barked furiously, placing his paws on the trunk in his agitation. The officer stared up at the branch in confusion for several long moments before exploding in anger. “Son of a bitch! The bastard had been watching us the whole time!”

 

 

~*~

 

 

Two days later people started to gather for the memorial service. A relative had been found at last, a step brother by the name of Shuichi Hatanaka. He had requested that the funeral proceed in spite of the lack of a body and promised to be there. Assuming that the body was ever recovered then they would hold another service but for now, closure was needed for the many that Kurama had touched in his life. The crowd was silent as wizened man made his way towards the casket, his body bent from age and his hair gone grey with the years. He stopped at the closed casket and those closest to him heard him whisper. “Wherever you are, I hope you have found peace. I am having your casket buried next to your mother, I hope that somehow you know this. It is all I am able to do.” A tear slid down the old man's cheek and he didn't bother to wipe it off his face as he slowly turned and made his way to a seat.

 

 

Hiei couldn't help but feel very old in that instance. He had watched so many people die, people he had never wanted to grow close to because he knew that eventually they would pass out of his life. Kurama, Genkai, Shizuru and even Kuwabara. As much as they had their differences he had come to respect the man. One by one they had left him, unable to withstand the passing of time. It was instances like this that he wondered why he had bothered, especially knowing that they would leave him. He reflected on the time they had spent together as he stood on the fringes of the crowd. He tried to shut out the words of the a priest who droned on, words that were meant to bring comfort but did nothing for him. Only the knowledge that Kurama's body was safe in the temple of Inari and Youko's promise that the body would not continue to degrade and become plant food, made any of this bearable.

 

His thoughts turned to Youko's offer as he watched the empty casket being lowered into the ground. He didn't know for sure if he truly was ready for another partner, even if it was someone that had been the other half of Kurama. Youko had died once, there was every possibility that it could happen again. Especially if he became bored. A bored kitsune was a dangerous thing indeed, he took too many chances. Could he handle knowing it was likely to happen again? Or would he somehow manage to keep the Fox out of trouble? He was used to looking out for people, he still watched over his sister even though she had her own family started now. She had never returned to the Makai, choosing instead to take care of the temple that had been left to them all. He really wished he could speak to Kurama, even once more. He desperately wished for his advice, needing to know if he would somehow feel betrayed by accepting Youko's offer. Unfortunately it was unlikely that Koenma would allow him to speak to him. It just didn't work that way.

 

 

He was pulled out of his thoughts as he realized that the funeral was ending. He waited patiently for everyone else to leave, he wanted a few last moments alone to say what he needed to say. A look of surprise passed his eyes as Shuichi Hatanaka approached him, embracing him awkwardly for a moment before stepping back. He knew exactly who he was, even though they had never met. Respect for Kurama's family prompted him to speak even though on any other occasion he would have ignored the man. “I am sorry for your loss. It is my loss as well.”

 

 

Shuichi nodded, accepting his words easily. He was certain he had seen this strange man before, many years ago but it couldn't be. No one remained untouched by time he knew. He couldn't explain it and found that perhaps it was best if he didn't try. He cleared his throat as he reached into his pocket. “I knew from Shuichi's description that you must be Hiei.” A tear slid down the old man's cheek as he remembered the conversation, the look of sadness that had been on his brother's face at the time. “He described you to me once, asking me to do him a favor when the time came. Since this is the first time we've met, I knew it had to be now. He had given me two letters, one of which was meant for you. His request was to make sure you received it. Of course I had no idea how to do this but he insisted that somehow you would find me. I guess, he was right after all.” Silently he held an envelope out to Hiei.

 

 

“Thank you.” Hiei took the letter, holding it in his hand as the old man slowly turned and walked away, the last thing he could do for his step brother finished. As the old man disappeared inside a black car, he turned his attention to the envelope in his hand. He stared at it for a long moment, unsure if he even wanted to open it. Kurama's last words to him, he was suddenly afraid of what they would say. The faint smell of roses drifted up from the envelope, reminding him so much of the way Kurama smelled. Slowly he opened the envelope and read the letter.

 

 

Hiei,

 

I know if you are reading this letter that I am dead and Shuichi has found you. I know there was much left unsaid while I still walked this Earth, both of us afraid of overstepping the bounds of our friendship. I hope that you won't hate me for leaving, it isn't something I wished for yet we both knew it would happen sooner or later. I ask that you not mourn for too long. Don't glare at the paper like that either, I know you far better than most do. You cannot say you don't care.

 

This is my last request to you my partner and friend. Please watch over Youko, at least for a while. Don't ask me how, I know he plans on coming back again but he is being incredibly tight lipped about it. Sometimes I worry about the plans he comes up with, he's bound to find trouble sooner or later. This is where I need you to watch over him. He is very strong willed and will probably pretend he doesn't need anyone, but the truth is he does. Kitsune thrive an attention and affection, it's probably the only reason he decided to stay with me as long as he did. We both benefited from the arrangement. I know this will be very hard on you but please consider it. You're the only one I trust to do so.

 

I want you to know that being your partner has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Thank you for that. I have treasured our time together and will be with you always. Never forget that.

 

Kurama

 

 

He folded the letter carefully and tucked it within his cloak. He had the answer he sought, and he would carry out the last request of a dying friend. He made his way to his tree as he waited for the rest of the mourners to leave. The sun had begun to set long before the last of them left. It never ceased to amaze him the amount of people Kurama attracted. First through high school and then later on in his life. People of all ages came to bid him a final farewell. Once they were gone Hiei approached the disturbed ground where the empty casket was buried. His eyes glowed, the color of the setting sun adding to their depths. Speaking to the ground he whispered “I will honor your wish Kurama. It will not be easy, but I will do it. I have treasured our time together also. Rest in peace Kurama, none deserve it more then you. Until such time as we meet again, farewell my partner and friend.” With those words Hiei turned and faded into the oncoming gloom, leaving behind a single black hiroseki on top of the grave.

 

 

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