InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ High Voltage- Reviving the Thunder ❯ If Love Could Kill ( Chapter 9 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

High Voltage: Reviving the Thunder- Chapter 9: "If Love Could Kill"
By Matoko Shizaki

Disclaimer: Inu-Yasha is copyright Rumiko Takahashi and Sunrise Inc. All of the characters have been made up by me except Kaede, Inu-Yasha, Kagome, Miroku, Sango, Shippo, Kiara, Myoga, Hiten, and Manten.

Notes: I finally finished the last chapter!!! YAY!!! THIS IS MY LONGEST RUNNING FIC EVER!!! WOOHOO!!! Thanks to people who have been reviewing one some of my fics such as:

Mayuka/ May

DarkAngelRn

Cacat-angel

Chibi Washu (sorry, got that wrong the first time! ^_^;;)

Animegirl3

Tikimoof

YamiBishounen

It's really appreciated! Peace out!

@~@~@~@~@

For the first time since Christmas, Shippo was down in spirits. It wasn't like him but he couldn't help it. "Kagome?" Kagome looked up from watching her feet sink into the winter snow. "What is it Shippo?" Kagome asked, concerned. "I was just wondering, do you think I'll ever find a girl that loves me? I mean, Inu-Yasha has you, Miroku has Sango, and Hiten has Aoi." Hiten shot the young kitsune a spine chilling glare but then ignored him. Kagome patted the kitsune on the head and laughed. "I'm sure that one day, you'll find a girl who loves you very much Shippo. You're a very likable person." Shippo's spirits brightened a little. "Really?" "Really."

The weather had changed from snow to sun shine and from cold to cool. Now the only snow in the area were small dots of white in a sea of fresh green grass. That's why the group had halted for lunch in such a field. While still munching on a candy cane, Shippo slipped away from the group and off into the surrounding forest.

Sun came through the canopy in reckless blotches, lighting the path that Shippo strolled down. Still humming a catchy hiking song Kagome taught him, the young kitsune rested on a rock near a glade of pink flowers. "Wow, these sure are pretty…" Shippo muttered as he studied the golden petals of the flower. "I know. They're the same color as my hair!" Shippo jumped at the voice of someone new. Standing in front of him was another young kitsune like himself. "Hi, my name is Kohaku! What's yours?" she asked holding out a hand for Shippo to shake. "S-Shippo." "Nice to meet you Shippo. Do you want to play hide and go seek with me?"

It had been an hour at least since Shippo had wandered off and Kagome rummaged through the tall grass that was up to her waist. "Shippo? Where are you Shippo?" Aoi was at her side combing through the grass. "He's not hiding in here." she informed Kagome. "I'm over here!" At the edge of the tall grass, Shippo was standing on his tip toes waving to the two girls. "Shippo! Where have you been?" Kagome asked in a motherly way. "Playing with my friend Kohaku. She's--" Shippo turned around but his play mate was no longer here. "Well… she was here just a second ago…" he muttered. "We need to get to the nearest village before night fall." Aoi observed. Kagome nodded and placed Shippo on her shoulders. "Oh! Kohaku said there's a kitsune village up ahead. It's the village I grew up near." Shippo exclaimed. "Then that's where we'll stay." Aoi replied. "Azaka! Get everyone ready! We're going to the nearby kitsune village. We'll spend the night there."

Hair prickled up on Hiten's next as they entered the village. He glanced at Aoi but looked away quickly and back to Manten. "Shippo-chan!" Shippo looked up from his seat between Inu-Yasha's ears. "Kagoyo!" he exclaimed with joy as he darted from his perch. Standing the doorway of a house dug into the side of the hill was a tall kitsune with silver hair that hung down past his waist. He wore puffy pants and a sash around his waist made of colorful clothe. His baggy silver shirt matched his tail and hair. The kitsune caught Shippo and twirled around, the tiny pup in his arms. "Oh how biggest you've gotten since I last saw you!" Kagoyo cried. Shippo smiled as he clung tighter to the older kitsune's baggy shirt. "That was a long time ago. I'm much stronger and braver now!" he struck a pose that erupted laughter from Kagoyo. "Well, you still haven't changed in heart."

Aoi smiled as watched as the two friends were reunited. She suddenly felt something shift as her side and looked over. Hiten had slunk back down the path to the woods, Manten trailing behind him. But there was something different about them. They had sorrowful, recalling eyes and were tense from head to toe. "Hiten! Manten!" she cried after him. Immediately a hand was clapped over Aoi's shoulder. "Are those Hiten and Manten, the Thunder Brothers, that you speak of?" The person behind her asked. She swung her head around to look into Kagoyo's eyes, a very different emotion replacing his joy. Aoi nodded slowly before Kagoyo let go of her shoulder. "It's true… they have been resurrected…" Kagoyo muttered. "Then I suggest you forget about them. They will never be welcome in this village. Their past crimes can never be forgotten." he added with a slight accentuation on 'never'. 'This is the village Hiten attacked where him and Manten killed Shippo's parents!!!!' Aoi's mind screamed with thoughts. She had never considered Hiten as a blood thirsty killer but the thought was beginning to form in her mind.

An unusual warmth hung around in the door-less den. Aoi smiled and watched as Kagoyo finished off one of his kitsune legends. "So, you're a kitsune?" Witan asked taking a sip of tea. "No, only one fourth. The rest of my blood is wolf demon." Kagoyo replied as if he had explained it over and over. "Then, if you're only one fourth, why do you live in this village of full blooded kitsunes?" Kagoyo leaned back in his chair so that his legs were propped up on the table. "My grandfather is the tribe leader. His mate was a wolf demon and their son's mate was a wolf demon. That's how I get to be such a screwball." Outside, the sound of rain began to echo through the valley. Aoi bit her lip nervously, thinking of Hiten and Manten being out in that rain. "Please… don't harm him. I alone am responsible for his actions." Aoi's once spoken words came to mind again. "I'm sorry Kagoyo, but I must go." Aoi said, getting up, making a short bow, and heading for the exit. "Wait!" One of Kagoyo's hands wrapped around her wrist and gently pulled her back. "It's them, isn't it?" Aoi nodded, almost ashamed of her worries. "Aoi. It is better not to mix with them. Years ago, they ravaged this village killing off many kitsunes. They did it without intention, just because they felt so inclined. Those are not the kinds of people you want to be associated with." Aoi released her hand from Kagoyo's grip. "Thank you for your concerns Kagoyo but they're my responsibility now. I can't just leave them there." "Beware my lady. One day they may slit your throat." Aoi swallowed hard, the reality of it hitting her. 'Hiten and Manten… could kill me at any moment!' She suddenly felt dizzy and afraid but she shook the thought from her mind. "I must go. I'll be back later!" She waved from the door and took off into the rain and towards the woods.

It was difficult to see with no oil lamp to light her way. Aoi pushed aside the bushes to glimpse through the brush. There was still no sign of a fire. She sighed and turned around. A scream arose in her throat as something coiled around her ankle and lifted her high into the air. There was an echoing laugh as a fire was struck up. "Dinner…" a voice hissed. Aoi trembled in fear, forgetting her search for the Thunder Brothers for the moment. Opening her eyes, she realized her hungry attacker was Hiten. "What are you doing here?" he asked tucking the knife back into it's sheath and lowering the rope that was bound around Aoi's ankle. "What's the big idea?!" Aoi cried as Hiten helped her up. "A demon's gotta eat. And why are you here?" Aoi straightened her armor, Kagoyo's words returning to her. "One day they may slit your throat." Aoi gave herself a metal pinch. 'This is Hiten we're talking about! He's my friend! And that kiss… or was it all just a way of getting to his prey?'

Hiten seated himself and Aoi next to the fire when Aoi suddenly snapped out of her trance. "This is the kitsune village you attack long ago, isn't it? You two are blood thirsty killers!" Hiten seized Aoi by her collar and yanked her back down to a sitting position. "Killers aren't born… they're made." He let go and stared at the fire, a deadly shine rising in his eyes that made Aoi cringe. It was then that the demon launched into his tale.

"When I was young, my family and I lived around this area in a beautiful valley. I remember playing in the winter snow and swiping at the spring time cherry blossom petals with sticks pretending they were swords. Those were happy times… times when I never thought I'd turn out this way. I knew I would be powerful like my father, full of ambition. But back then I didn't dream of killing for fun. Sure children often squish bugs and stomp on ants but that is an impulse both demons and humans have from an early age. Our idea of overwhelming power I guess. The problem didn't start with childish power but with my father, a powerful thunder demon. Over the course of his youth he made many an enemy with his power, just as I have. When he decided to settle down, he moved himself and my mother to that valley and later me and Manten were born.

"It was a spring day when me and Manten were relaxing out in the garden. The heat had over taken Manten and he was sleeping soundly. Not wanting to disturb him, I decided to take a walk. Halfway down the garden, I heard a rustle in the bushes. As curious as I was in my youth, I could not help but venture a look. Before I reached the bush, a tiny kitsune pup sprung forth from it. He took off running like the devil himself was at his heels. Once again, my curiosity ignited and I followed him.

"It was almost nightfall when the kitsune stopped. And I was right in this very village. Before I could pounce on the kitsune, he dashed into the village leader's tent. Minutes later, him and the leader emerged from the tent and I found a safe place to spectator in the bushes. Standing outside waiting for them were demon hunters, clad in their numerous weapons and face masks. 'The demon's you are looking for are in the valley just west of here.' the leader exclaimed. I suddenly knew who the demon hunters were after… me and my family.

"I ran as fast as my legs would carry me, urgently trying to beat the demon hunters there. But I had no such luck. When I arrived back home, the sun was rising again and my body ached horribly from stumbling, running, and fatigue. To my horror, I was too late. The cabin had gone up in flames, blood stains painting the pathway to the woods. In desperation, I follow the trail of blood only to come upon my father's misshapen body. He told me to take care of Manten and to be strong before he was over come with eternal sleep. That's when I knew I would get my revenge on the kitsunes. The Shikon jewel shard was just another reason to add to why my brother and I attacked.

"You sit here and criticize my decision without the slightest idea why! Hold your tongue woman unless you know the whole story!" That's when Hiten's words smacked headlong into Aoi. "Hiten… I…" She reached out to touch his arm but he pulled away. "Leave me alone. Go back to your pitiful little friends. Eat, drink, and be merry! I don't care what you do, just stay away from me." Tears streamed down Aoi's face. "I'm sorry Hiten…" she muttered. Hiten snapped his mouth shut, realizing her tears and stood up. With thinking, Aoi barreled head first into Hiten's muscular chest, sobbing. "I didn't know! It's all my fault. I should have never suggested to stay at the village." Hiten, his compassionate side showing through, wrapped his arms around Aoi. "No, I should be sorry Aoi. I should have never yelled at you." Aoi wiped away her tears. "Hiten, I can't go back to the village knowing what I do now. I just can't! Is it alright… I mean I don't want to be a burden but… is it okay if I stay out here? I want to be with you." Aoi couldn't believe what she was saying but didn't stop to correct herself. "Sure." Hiten replied.

Dark evening had settled over the land and Kagoyo sat outside keeping an urgent look out for Aoi. "So, my sister still isn't back…" Azaka sighed taking a seat never to Kagoyo. "I fear… that the Thunder Brothers may have done something to her." Kagoyo replied. Azaka slammed his fist down angrily. "Hiten loves Aoi, it's obvious. Do you really think he'd kill her?" Kagoyo shrugged. "She deserves someone better, I can tell you that." Azaka leaned on his elbow. "Like who?" Kagoyo blushed a little. "Well, I think I have taken to Aoi a little…" Kagoyo muttered as he twiddled his thumbs. "You are such a sap!" Azaka laughed as he nudged his kitsune friend.

Shippo quickly shoved a rice cracker into his mouth and tiptoed out of the cave into broad daylight. The village was just as cheery as it had been the day before but everything was calm and silent. No one else seemed to be up. 'Good… more time for me to get to the wood.' Shippo thought. Silently, he crouched down on all fours and took of in a run towards the place where he had agreed to meet Kohaku. When he reached the clearing where he had meet the girl kitsune the other day, he paused on his hide legs. No one seemed to be there. "Kohaku? Are you here?" A head poked out from behind the tree. "So you did come Shippo!" Kohaku said playfully. "Come on, let's go to my house!" Shippo didn't hesitate, just offered Kohaku his other rice cracker as they set off farther into the woods.

Manten was up early to tend to breakfast. He glanced down on the ground to where Aoi was sleeping in Hiten's bed. She was dressed in her simple white kimono robe with the necklace Hiten had given her around her neck. She looked almost like a fallen angel. Manten sighed and leaned on his elbow. 'Why does my brother get all of the beautiful women?' he thought. Another sigh escaped from his jaw and her turned back to cooking. The crackle of dead leaves and ice signaled Hiten's return. "Is it done yet, Manten?" Hiten asked brushing off his arms and sitting down. "Yes brother." Manten said with a nervous nod. "Good. Ask soon as its ready, we bring Aoi back to the village." Manten opened his mouth to protest that Aoi would not be happy with the plan but stopped. When his brother made a decision, he was always resolute about it. "Yes… let's just hope that Aoi is still asleep when we do so."

Birds' sweet melodies wafted into Shippo's ears as he stood, poising before a cave, awaiting Kohaku's return from inside. The darkness within the cave made him uneasy but he wouldn't run away and just leave Kohaku there. To kill time, Shippo rocked back and forth on his heels. Suddenly, the thought occurred to him. Wouldn't the others be wondering where he is? Shippo smacked his forehead, knowing he had forgotten to leave something as proof of his absence. Removing the acorn from his pocket, he whispered the message to it and blew it off towards the village. Satisfied, he gazed back in the cave which was starting to look the humungous jaws of some creature, just waiting to devour him. "Shippo!" The hair on Shippo's tail pricked up as to looked to where the cry of distress had come from. With a flash, a black figure sprung from a hole in the ceiling of the cave, features unnoticeable. "Shippo! Help me!" Kohaku cried. Shippo suddenly realized the squirming bundle in the figure's arms. "Kohaku! You let her go you big bully! FOX FIRE!!" With sudden courage, the kitsune pup hurled himself at the intruder, blue fire spouting out at his command. Using the back of their hand, the figure broad sided Shippo, knocking him to the ground.

Bird flew from the treetops, their wings beating hard against them in panic. Hiten grunted under the weight of carrying Aoi and looked up. 'What could have scared them?' he wondered. Aoi shifted in his arms before waking up with a jump. "What was all that noise?" Aoi asked. Hiten set her down, finding no more use in carrying her, and shrugged. With a gust of window, something battered Aoi's face. She crawled at it, trying to untangle it from her hair. Hiten pulled it out and studied it curiously. "What is it?" Aoi asked, leaning in to get a look. "An… acorn!" Hiten exclaimed. Suddenly, the smooth shell of the seed sprouted Shippo's features. "I went into the woods to play with… AAHHH!!!" The ears of acorn bugged out, tears running down the shell. Hiten tossed it aside in frustration. "It must be the kitsune pup." Manten exclaimed. "He's in trouble!" Aoi blurted. Before Hiten had a chance to stop her, she took of towards the area the birds had fled from.

"Shippo? Shippo?!" Aoi called, cupping her hands around her mouth to project her voice. There was only a groan as a response. Aoi bent down near a pile of leaves and dug through them frantically. "Shippo!" she cried removing the injured pup from the leaves. Shippo coughed weakly and clung to Aoi's shirt like a child would to their mother. "They took her… I- I couldn't stop them…" he sobbed. Approaching footsteps signaled to Aoi that Hiten and Manten had finally caught up to her. "What is it?" Manten asked. "Shippo… calm down. Who was taken?" Shippo lessened his grip on Aoi's shirt but was still shaking. "Kohaku! This… this thing took her… I d-don't know what to do!" Shippo replied. Aoi reached down and stroked Shippo's cheek but withdrew her hand quickly. Nervously, she studied over the blood that stained her fingers. "Shippo, you're bleeding. Please calm down." Aoi continued to cradle the kitsune in her arms as she stood up. "I need to take him back to the village. Please come with me." Aoi said to Hiten. Hiten snorted. "Why should I?" he retorted. "Maybe this thing that attacked Shippo and his friend has something to do with Toriyama. When Shippo calms down and gets his cut treated, you can help confirm or deny that theory." Hiten sighed. "Fine. Manten, pack up our camp and meet me back at the village." Manten nodded and hurried to answer his brother's request.

Kagome dabbed the wet cloth to Shippo's cut cheek. Shippo shuddered a little, seeing as how it stung, but didn't jerk away from Kagome. "Now Shippo, what happened?" Sango asked in a soothing but inquiring voice. Shippo sniffed again. "I was waiting for Kohaku to return from her den. Remember Aoi, it was the cave you found me near." Aoi nodded to confirm. "Well," Shippo continued. "I sent off my acorn to tell you guys where I was when I heard Kohaku screaming for help. This thing, a demon, I could tell, had her. I charged him but he blocked my fox fire attack and gave me this cut." Shippo pointed to the gash on his cheek that Kagome was putting a band-aid on for emphasis. Hiten cut in. "You fool pup! You mean you didn't even see who it was?!" Shippo shook his head. Kagoyo snorted and shoved Hiten. "How do you expect a young pup know that when all he was focused on was his friend?" Kagoyo growled. Hiten, in a wave of fury, seized the demon by his collar and held him off the ground. Kagoyo didn't even flinch. "You bastard, you're one to talk! We need to know every detail!" Kagoyo's face was still expressionless as he exclaimed, "Injuring me won't bring you the information you so dearly need." Hiten grunted and dropped him. "There is one thing I remember." All eyes turned to Shippo. The kitsune dug through his vest and pulled out something. "I ripped this off of him when I charged him." Shippo said. Manten took the object from the kitsune and studied it. "Brother, this is the crest of Toriyama." Manten exclaimed showing it to the older Thunder brother.

"What would Toriyama want with a young kitsune cub anyway?" Inu-Yasha asked aloud. Kagome picked Shippo up and held him eye to eye with her. "Do you remember anything Shippo? Anything at all?" Shippo's eyes brightened as the solution dawned on him. "Kohaku gave me this for safe keeping." Once more, the kitsune reached into the folds of his furry vest and pulled forth something. Inu-Yasha took it before Kagome could. "It's a shard of the Shikon jewel." he informed the others. "What's Toriyama gonna do to Kohaku when he finds out she doesn't have the jewel?!" Shippo asked in a sudden panic. Manten sighed. "He'll most likely make her a slave. If she's too weak now, he can whip her into shape." Tears formed in Shippo's eyes. "I'm going to get Kohaku back no matter what." Miroku gathered up his staff. "Then we best leave now."