Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Standing In The Shadows ❯ Chapter 1

Standing In The Shadows

 

Disclaimer: As mush as I may wish otherwise, I do not own any part of Inuyasha or Yu Yu Hakusho. They are owned by their respective authors. I only claim ownership of this twisted plot and the muses that created it.

 

Chapter One

 

Time stood still. Dust particles hung in the air shimmering in the sunlight like they were sparkles woven into a fine piece of fabric. The air didn't move, the leaves on the bamboo and the swaying canes that could be seen held their position as if you were looking at a painting instead of living plants. Even the noise of the insects and the bird calls had ceased, making the silence that surrounded him even more deafening. He could hear his heart pounding in his ears as its beat slowed, his life slowly passing from his body.

 

“We must move quickly.” The voice was barely a whisper but in the unnatural silence it might as well have been a shout. Kuronue weakly raised his head, shocked at the idea that he suddenly wasn't alone. His dimming eyes located the owner of the voice, widening in shock as his mind tried to comprehend that Amaterasu actually stood before him. She however had no such problem with disbelief.

 

“I said we need to go.” She reached down and pulled him to his feet, the bamboo spikes that had been impaling his body falling to dust around him. His wounds closed of their own accord, his body healing as if it had never been injured. He and the goddess looked at each other for a moment, then turned as one, disappearing into the shadows as if they had never been there. When the Lord went back the next day to check his trap, there was nothing there but dust in the bottom of the pit, not even blood stains remained.

 

~*~*~*~*~*~

 

It was sometime around midnight when the snow started to fall. At first it was just a few light swirls here and there as if they had decided to perform a dance in midair. There was an almost ethereal beauty to them as the slight breeze whirled the minute snowflakes to and fro. This was the show that Kagome opened her eyes to when she looked out her bedroom window and her breath caught in delight.

 

Moving quickly away from the window, she grabbed her robe and headed for the shower, wanting to be the first one to have a chance at the hot water. Soon enough Souta could be counted on to come banging on the door and yelling that she was hogging the bathroom. `As if he doesn't do enough hogging of his own. I swear he takes more time in here then I do.' She got the hot water running in the tub and silently mused to herself as she slipped gratefully into the water `I wonder if everyone will make it over and how many temples we will be able to visit today.'

 

She had almost fallen back to sleep while she was lying in the tub, the water was so soothing and caressing to her mind and body. A hot soak was one of the things she missed the most when she went shard hunting back in time, but now that she was here for a few days she intended to take full advantage of it.

 

The loud banging on the door snapped her out of her reverie and water sloshed over the sides of the tub as her body jumped in surprise, even though she should have been expecting it. Souta's voice could be heard above his banging. “C'mon Kagome. Are you going to stay in there all day? The rest of us mere mortals have to pee too you know.” He waited for a minute and when he got no answer from her his footsteps could be heard retreating while he was muttering something about girls and the amount of time they spent in the bathroom.

 

Kagome sighed. “I guess I really should get out now anyway, the water is starting to get cold.” Stepping out of the tub she stopped and listened for a moment. The sound was muted but if you listened closely enough the wind could be heard blowing across the roof. `A fire would sure feel good right about now.' She pulled her robe over her body and padded back to her bedroom, giving Souta a smirk of triumph as she passed him. “I got to it first again.”

 

The wind was starting to blow the snowflakes against the window now and Kagome stopped again to admire the designs that were being formed by the swirling flakes before she turned to get dressed. It didn't look like enough of the white stuff would fall to cause any problems with drifts or road closures but the bigger problem could be the ice that was sure to form. `Well that, and these temperatures that have a way of making the joints in my body and hands hurt from the cold.'

 

The smell of her mother's ozoni wafted up the stairs to tease Kagome's senses, making her mouth water. It was like this every year, the smell of all the foods cooking was enough to send a persons mind reeling. `I really need to help mom with all the cooking. She makes enough every year to feed a small army.' A small giggle escaped her lips. `She almost does feed that many with everyone she invites over and Souta can eat enough for ten people.' Images passed through her mind of her childhood and she sighed with a pang of regret at the thought of all the things she had missed here during her trips back through the well. `But they are like my family too. I wouldn't trade any of them for anything. Maybe I can teach Sango how to make ozoni. And I imagine Miroku would like it too.'

 

“I'm not going to leave any for you.” Souta's voice rang out as the sound of his feet racing past her closed door made her hurry to put on her clothes. “Honestly Kagome, are you dressing up to try to impress a certain someone? Oh and by the way Hojo is walking up the sidewalk, so you better hurry. He isn't coming to see me you know.”

 

Muttering several choice words under her breath Kagome finished pulling her clothes on and made her way down the stairs to the kitchen. True to his word Souta had already filled his bowl with the steaming ozoni, starting to eat like there was no tomorrow. Hojo was also reaching his hand up to knock on the door. Kagome glared over at her brother who simply gave her an `I told you so' look.

 

Kagome cringed slightly as Hojo walked in the door, a wide smile splitting his face. “Kagome! It's so good to know you were able to come home from the hospital in time for the holidays. You must let me escort you when you visit some of the temples tonight.” Hojo was tripping over his words in his haste to get them out. “I promise to take good care of you, I'll even push you in a wheelchair if you get tired.” His eyes sparkled at the idea of having her out all to himself and the different ways he could show her how well he could take care of her.

 

“Push me in a wheelchair?” Kagome couldn't quite believe what she was hearing and she looked over at her mother who just shrugged helplessly and turned back to her cooking. “Hojo why on earth would you need to push me around in a wheelchair?”

 

“Well, I can't have my future girlfriend getting tired out now can I?. I might as well let you know now in front of your family that I plan to ask for your hand in marriage sometime in the future.” Hojo had dropped to one knee in front of her chair and was looking up at her pleadingly. “I know this is rather sudden but I've thought about it for a very long time. I don't expect you to answer me yet, just please don't say no. Just say you will think about it.”

 

Souta actually spit his soup out of his mouth and did his best to cover it with a fit of coughing. The glare Kagome had turned on him didn't help matters any, then his coughing was being combined with laughing. A very bad combination. `This is just too good, I think I might just die on the spot. Or she will.'

 

“Hojo, I am not your girlfriend, I never have been. We are just friends and I'm not ready to get serious with anybody.” She looked into his eyes, not wanting to hurt him but not wanting to give him any false hope either. Maybe he would give up on his ideas and realize there was just no hope for them as a couple. But luck didn't seem to be with her that day when her grandfather looked at Hojo and smiled at the young man. `Oh great, that will really discourage him.' “I already have plans to go around to the temples with some of my friends. I'm sorry Hojo, but the answer will have to be no to going out with you tonight.”

 

“Maybe another time then.” Hojo got to his feet and smiled at her. “You didn't say no and that means yes. I'll just have to prove that I can take good care of you and I intend to do that.” He smiled at Kagome's grandfather and mother. “I will be calling again and I'm sure we will have more time to talk then.” His look turned to Souta who was sitting there recovering from his laughing fit. “See you later squirt.” He turned and walked out the door, ignoring the look of rage that had come across Souta's face.

 

“Mom, A bunch of us are planning to go around visiting the area temples today. You don't need me here to help with the cooking for a little while do you?” Her mother turned and looked at her with a mild look of surprise crossing her face. Kagome had never offered to help with the cooking unless it was to take the food back to the feudal era. Perhaps this was a sign that she was giving up on her ideas of remaining in the past and staying with them? Her mother mused over this for a moment. She had been spending a lot of time at home lately, perhaps those new friends of hers had something to do with it. If so, then her hopes for her little girl settling down with one of those nice boys was something she could look forward to.

 

“I can finish the cooking, you've been a big help with it these past couple of days. Who all will be going?” Souta looked up, interested in the answer. Maybe this would turn out to be his big chance to impress his sister and all her friends at the same time. He could act as a tour guide of sorts and make sure they stayed safe.

 

“Oh, it will be me and Keiko. I think Shizuru, Yukina and Botan are planning to come too. A few of the guys might be going with us as well, but I'm not sure how many of them will show up.” Kagome's look turned inward as she contemplated just who might go. If Yukina was going to be there most likely Hiei would as well. Yusuke was an unknown, this wasn't exactly his type of get together but if Keiko insisted then he'd go as well. Kurama was always an unknown factor. Her heart began to flutter at the idea of seeing Yukina's brother again, but she pushed the thought down as she looked at her mother. She didn't want to give her mother any more ideas than what was already running through her head by the looks of things. A nosy mother intent on setting the two of them up was probably the surest way to drive the elusive apparition off.

 

I hope you have fun today, it sounds like a fun outing.” Her mother's eyes were bright as she thought back to all the years ago when she had made similar outings with her friends as a young girl. “That was how I met your father you know. But I'm sure you don't want to hear all about that.” She laughed slightly at the look that was coming across Kagome's face. “Here come your friends Kagome, go have fun and tell me all about it when you get back.”

 

Kagome pushed her chair back from the table, after her mothers remark she somehow was feeling like she was barely escaping alive. 'Please don't let her get any ideas of setting me up with one of the guys, I don't think I could take it.' She reached over and kissed her mother lightly on the cheek. “Thanks mom, I'm going now.”

 

“Hey wait for me! I'm coming too.” Souta jumped out of his chair, almost tipping it over in his haste. “You can't leave me out of this Kagome.” The door slammed behind him as he raced outside after his sister, ignoring the disapproving looks he was getting from his mother and grandfather.

 

“Let's go.” Kagome looked over at her friends and then over at her brother who was acting for all the world like a love stricken teenager. Souta still had a crush on Botan, he had ever since he had met the ferry girl. Now he was trying to impress them all with how manly he had become, he even had a mustache now. That, in his mind, made him the perfect age to start an active pursuit of his dream girl. Botan looked at him with amusement thinking it was all very sweet, but Shizuru had had more then enough sweetness. Her hand on the back of his head effectively stopped the show of masculine pride, for which they were all thankful. Souta's face fell into a pout as Botan let a giggle escape.

 

Mrs. Higurashi walked out the door and looked at the group of girls assembled in front of her. “Have you decided which temples you will be visiting today? I know you all plan to make a day of it but please remember to be home in time for the ringing of the bells at midnight. Grandpa and I have decided to let Souta ring the bells this year at our shrine. Kagome, you need to be here to count all 108 bell tolls.

 

Souta's chest puffed with pride. This was a perfect opportunity to impress Botan. To be singled out as the bell ringer was an honor that anyone could be proud of. Hundreds of visitors to the shrine this night would see him. This would be his night to shine and even Kagome would smile at him with pride in her eyes. That Hojo couldn't claim the honor that would be his this night made it all the sweeter. The boy that was always intent on courting his sister had always seemed to look down on him as a child and it had on occasion driven Souta crazy. `Like today, daring to call me a squirt.'

 

Grandpa walked out the door carrying one of the kadomatsu that would be put on both sides of the front door. Kagome's eyes widened in appreciation, her mother and grandfather had put a lot of extra effort into making them this year, she was sure of that. The pine boughs were set around three tall stalks of bamboo, looking like a lush forest around the lower half of the stalks. Bright ribbons wound their way around and through the boughs giving it a festive air. Open red flowers decorated the base of the arrangement lending the final color and texture to the arrangement. Overall the arrangement stood over five feet. He smiled at Kagome “I have another just like it still inside, one for each side of the doorway. I've never made any this large before but they had to be special to celebrate you being home for the holiday. Souta, come help bring the other one out here.”

 

Souta ran into the house and came out with the second kadomatsu. Kagome laughed as she watched him bring it out. “I guess you really are growing up aren't you. The last time I remember you trying to move one of those things you couldn't see over the top where you were going with it.” She gave Botan a wink as Souta's face turned red with embarrassment.

 

“Maybe that's because I've grown up some. That was five years ago Kagome! And it's mean to bring that up now.” He considered leaving the arrangement where it was and taking off after his sister but one look from his mother convinced him that wouldn't be a very good idea. So he did the next best thing he could, he stuck his tongue out at her. The look on his face promised that later he would think of a prank to pull on her that would be just as embarrassing as how he felt now. `Maybe a head full of shaving cream will do the trick. Or I can just stick her hand in a bowl of warm water while she's sleeping and let her pee on herself.' His thoughts of revenge were interrupted when his grandfather spoke to him once more.

 

“Put that down over here and bring out the shimekezari. I need your help to hang it over the doorway.” Souta disappeared inside the house again and came out with the requested item. His mother had done a beautiful job making it, the straw rope was twisted with ferns placed in every fold of the circle. An orange sat in the center, in all the arrangement was a thing of beauty. Carefully Souta placed it over the doorway and looked at his mother with pride. “It's beautiful. I know our house will be filled with good luck. Maybe it will bring me good luck this year too. I'm hoping for a cool brother in law and to win the girl of my dreams.”

 

Kagome thought she would die of embarrassment on the spot. Her face got red and she leveled a glare at him. “Just for that remark I should accept the date that Hojo keeps bugging me about. That would teach you to wish for a brother in law.”

 

“You wouldn't dare!” Souta was regretting the words that he had spoken, worried that she just might do it to spite him. “Please, anyone but him.” He turned to look at his sister's friends standing there staring at him. “Can you believe that Hojo even told Kagome this morning that he plans to marry her someday! Kagome, I'll even go ask Shuichi if it will mean you'll say no to Hojo!". I'll beg him to go out with you just once if it will make sure you don't change your mind about accepting a date with that fool.” The look of panic in his eyes was almost enough to make Kagome laugh. Almost. “I'm sure Shuichi would be easy for you to have the hots for too.”

 

“Now that would be a change. I don't think anyone has ever told me I'd be an acceptable alternate date for their sister. Or that the brother is hoping his sister has the hots for me.” Shuichi had walked up unnoticed behind Souta and when he spoke the poor boy jumped in the air, his face turning red.

 

“I.. I.. I didn't mean it like that Shuichi. Honest! I mean you're far better then Hojo ever could be. Not that anyone would ever have to beg for a date with you.” He stopped when he listened to his own words and his face got even redder. “That isn't right. I mean of course you would be an acceptable alternate date for my sister! No, that's not it either. Damn, will you just please go out with my sister?”

 

Kagome thought she was going to die of embarrassment on the spot. Death was going to be certain to find Souta and very soon from the looks of it. But Shuichi wasn't the only one who had decided to have some fun at his expense. Hiei walked up to stand beside Shuichi, a cruel smirk of amusement on his face. It was highly amusing to him to see the boy in such an uncomfortable state. Deciding to turn the heat up a bit he decided to join in on the fun. "Since you picked Shuichi I'm guessing I've been deemed an unacceptable alternative then?" A glare punctuated his words, making the young man in front of him shift uncomfortably.

 

Yukina turned a hurt look on Souta. "What's wrong with my brother? Certainly you don't find him lacking, do you?"

 

“Uhhhh” Souta turned a very uncertain look to his sister who was standing silently waiting to hear what his answer would be. In fact now it seemed all the girls were waiting to hear what he was going to say, including his beloved Botan. Shizuru had an evil smirk on her face.

 

“Yes Souta, and by the way what of my brother? Wouldn't he be a good alternate date for your sister as well?”

 

Souta threw his hands up in the air. “I give up! Kagome, you can go out with anyone you want to as long as it isn't Hojo. Even Boyu would be better then him. And no, I'm not saying you guys are on the same level as the cat. So please don't make it like I am.” He turned and stalked into the house, glaring at Kagome as he went.

 

Kagome fought down her embarrassment over the situation. She couldn't believe they had walked in on that, and what was worse, even Hiei seemed to enjoy making Souta squirm. Surely he didn't consider her dating material did he? He had not once shown any interest in her and she had resigned herself to failing through life keeping her feelings to herself. But now, she had to wonder if she'd possibly been wrong. Kagome looked at her friends and shook her head helplessly. “Well, I never accepted Hojo's offer but I guess I don't have a date for tonight anyway huh. I can always finish helping set up around here. You guys go ahead and have fun, I'll catch up with you later. Right now I have a brother I want to kill.”

 

“Oh no you don't” Kagome found each of her arms claimed by the two guys that had been having fun teasing her brother. “We intend to find out how it feels to be an alternate choice.” Shuichi looked down at Kagome and grinned. “Besides I doubt we will have to worry about you drooling on yourself when we are seen in public together.”

 

She dropped her head and face flooded with embarrassment. `If only you knew.' She could feel Hiei's glance upon her as soon as the thought was completed. `Did he somehow know I just thought that? Oh Lord, I hope not.'

 

Hiei continued to look at her, noticing how she turned away from him. Her face had seemed to darken when she noticed that he was watching her and he couldn't help but wonder exactly why. 'Hn, she really should learn to shield her thoughts better though watching her get embarrassed is amusing. The question is, just who was she referring to with that little thought.'

 

A slight breeze picked up, swirling some slight snow and causing it to fall from the top of the trees, landing on the heads of the people standing below. Yukina held up her hands and giggled with delight at the flakes that had made their way gently down upon her. “They are so pretty. I love this time of year.”

 

Youko stirred in Kurama's mind. The feeling was there for the briefest instance, borne on the passing breeze, of a youkai's ki that he hadn't felt in many years and it stirred painful hidden memories. The contact was so brief that he had to wonder if it had even really been there at all or if he was just imagining it. He looked at Hiei through Kurama's eyes, wondering if the little fire demon had felt it also. `Hiei? Did you feel something?'

 

Hiei's eyes narrowed as he searched the area surrounding them, wondering what had caught the kitsunes attention. There was nothing out of the ordinary as far as he could tell, but the town was so crowded with humans he supposed it would be possible for a lower class demon to try to slip under the wires so to speak. `Only that Koenma is coming. I suppose he could be coming to enjoy the festivities. Is that what you mean?'

 

Youko subsided reluctantly. `I suppose that could be it.' He shut down the link with Hiei to ponder his own thoughts. `I know what I felt could not have been Koenma. I know what he feels like. This felt like Kuronue, but he's dead. I saw him with all those spikes going through his body! So why would I feel him now?' Youko suddenly became even more wary as a stray thought brushed against his mind from a great distance off.

 

`Second guessing yourself now Fox?' The thought lingered but once again the presence disappeared.

 

“Damn it! I was right!' The snarl from Youko was strong enough that it involuntarily escaped from Kurama's lips as the kitsune started raging against his confines in Kurama's mind. `If someone thinks they are going to go fucking around and playing tricks with me, they will find out just how wrong they are! No one is going to go around trying to impersonate my old partner and think they can get away with this shit! Let me out Kurama, I have an impostor to go hunt down.'

 

The growl caught everyone's attention. Hiei looked at his friend with narrowed eyes, wondering what had caused that outburst, his free hand automatically reaching inside his cloak and resting on his katana. Even Kurama looked slightly stunned at the outburst, wondering what in the nine hells had caused it.