Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Standing In The Shadows ❯ Chapter 6

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Standing In The Shadows 6
 
Disclaimer: As much 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 Six
 
 
Yukina had been holding the mirror, her attention captivated by the beautiful object that she was holding in her hands but she raised her head in astonishment at the sound of her brother's angry voice. Her gaze caught and held the black flames of hell that were dancing around his body, then she raised her eyes and she locked gazes with her brothers furious ones. Time stood still for a moment as the little Koorime was flooded with her brothers memories. All of the darkness that was his, the pain and the hurt, the truth of who and what he had become as well as the potential of what he could have been and could still become. With a cry of despair she tore her eyes from his, shrinking back from him when he made a move to approach her. With the Shikon jewel now completed Kagome immediately understood what it was that Yukina was experiencing and rushed to her friends side. Kurama knew what it was that Yukina had seen as well and was immediately moving towards the door of the shrine, positive that his partner would attempt to bolt out of the door to disappear by himself into the Makai. He was not proven wrong.
 
Everything in Hiei's worst fears had just come to life and been proven true. He could see it in her eyes that she knew. He didn't need anyone to tell him what the mirror had done to his sister, her look had been enough to bring his worse fears to life. All of the secrets that he had never wanted Yukina to know and had worked so hard to keep hidden from her all these years. There was nothing hidden now from Yukina. She knew everything that he had done in his life, all of the fighting and killing that he had done. His thievery and his idea of taking over the Ningenkai. All of the rage that he held inside towards his mothers people for what they had done to him. Yukina and Rui had been the only exceptions of this rage. Yukina by virtue of being his sister and Rui because of her remorse for the actions that she had been forced to take. And she had shank back from him. Hiei could not face the condemnation and rejection from his sister, he turned and headed for the door more angry and upset then he had ever been in his life.
 
The shrine got darker as a multitude of vines suddenly started to grow inside the doorway, pushing Souta and Botan aside with a determined shove and causing them to stumble. They waved in the air, seeking out Hiei in response to Kurama's mental directions and wrapped around his body at the same time that Kurama grabbed his arm. “Yusuke!” The spirit Detective had already jumped up from his seat, rushing to join the Kitsune in his efforts to keep the little fire apparition from leaving the shrine.
 
Together they held him but it was difficult. The apparition clearly had no desire to be in the shrine any longer and Yusuke could only guess at how the look Yukina had given him had torn at the heart that Hiei claimed he didn't have. Something was going to have to give very soon. They wouldn't be able to hold him for very long and Yusuke honestly couldn't say if Hiei would resort to violence in an effort to get free. Hopefully they would be able to calm him down long enough to straighten out this mess before he decided to vanish on them. Kurama leaned over whispering words meant for Hiei's ears alone “You know Yukina only sees the good in people Hiei, to have the mirror force her to see and accept that there is a darker side that exists in us all is a shock to her. Give her a moment to accept what she has seen. I'm sure that she will realize you are still the same brother she loves and who loves her.”
 
Hiei stopped in his struggles to free himself, even though every instinct in him was insisting he fight back. Kurama's words made sense but after seeing the pain in her eyes could he really hope for her understanding? He glared down at the hands of his team mates, which were still holding him on the chance that he bolted. Obviously they weren't planning on letting him go any time soon and while he could free himself, it would escalate it to a level of violence he didn't want to bring about in light of the revelation Yukina had just bore witness to. Cautiously he turned his head to look at his sister, unsure of whether or not he was being a fool. This could very well be the final condemnation he had been expecting his entire life but prayed would never come.
 
Kagome had knelt down beside the little Koorime, holding her hand as she sent a calming influence washing over the both of them and soothing jangled nerves. Kurama's experience with the mirror and his explanation of it afterwards had now given Kagome a pretty good guess as to what it was that Yukina had seen that had caused her such distress. Her heart clutched in her chest painfully for both Hiei and Yukina as she tried to find the words that would give both of them a chance to move past and accept this latest development. “Yukina, stop and think about this for a minute if you can. For some reason it looks like the mirror has given you the ability to see others souls and you might not always like what you are going to see. But, apparently it isn't showing you the persons entire soul either, more of what has been and the potential of the moment.” Kagome struggled to put her thoughts into the words that Yukina so desperately needed to hear. “Hiei, was angry when you looked at him, of course it would show you the darkness. But did you also see his potential for the good? The caring that he keeps hidden and can't show? He is still the same as he was five minutes ago, before you saw his soul. He is still the brother you searched so long for and love. The same as he loves you.”
 
Yukina nodded her head slightly, she was going to have to learn to control this new ability that the mirror had given her if she didn't want to experience this kind of overload every time she looked at someone. Giving Kagome a small smile of thanks she rose slowly, turning to face her brother. Fear of his reaction to her pulling back from him was uppermost in her mind, she hoped she hadn't found him just to lose him again because of something like this. Their eyes met, this time she saw his own pain and fear of rejection that matched her own. `We really are more alike then I knew, maybe he can forgive me' Slowly she walked towards him, praying that he would believe what she was going to say. “Hiei, I'm so sorry. I never knew.” Her voice caught in her throat as she strangled a sob, tears beginning to form in her eyes and rolling down her cheeks unheeded.. “Please don't hate me for how I reacted, I didn't understand. But I do now. Please don't leave me again. I don't think I could bear it.”
 
Kurama's eyes met Yusuke's over Hiei's head. The Kitsune gave a slight nod and cautiously they released the little fire apparition, holding their breath waiting to see what would happen. Hiei still looked like he was ready to bolt, what would or would not happen now depended on Yukina and if her words had been enough to convince him. He stood stock still, his expression unreadable as his sister reached out with trembling arms . Silently he allowed her to wrap her arms around him in a rare display of public affection. Uncertainly his arms circled around her in return and he held her while she cried. Over her shoulder, his red eyes met and held Kagome's ice blue ones. The Miko smiled, if there was sadness reflected in them because of the circumstances there was also relief at this outcome of acceptance.
 
“Ahem” Amaterasu cleared her throat, relieved at the outcome between the siblings but wanting to get the issue of the artifacts carriers concluded. “We still have business that needs to be attended to here. She watched with interest as Hiei guided Yukina over to sit with him, Yusuke and Kagome. Now that Yukina had that mirror it was obvious to everyone that he would be damned if he was going to leave her unprotected. Kuwabara stood up to go over to Yukina's side but a hand on his arm stilled the action. While Shizuru didn't think that Hiei would kill her brother she wasn't ready to take any chances in the event that he would prove her wrong. It was clear that recent events had set the apparition on edge and there was no telling what would set him off. A quick glance in his direction confirmed her thoughts as he stood exceedingly close to both Yukina and Kagome, his posture a silent challenge daring anyone to come anywhere near the two females.
 
Amaterasu stood, the Kusanagi no Tsurugi held expertly in her hands and leaving no doubt that she did indeed know how to use it. The sight of the sword brought back the memory of the pull that the sword had already exerted upon Hiei and Kuwabara, causing Keiko to glance over at Hiei. If she had thought that the fire apparition was dangerous before, it was nothing compared to now. Hiei's eyes were living dancing flames, the depths of hell reflecting in them. Silently she leaned against Inuyasha, her unease silently transmitting itself to him. She had always felt some slight apprehension around the hybrid, he was just too moody and intimidating for her to truly feel at ease and comfortable around. Now with the possessive way he was acting towards Yukina and Kagome, she wondered for the first time ever if any of them were truly safe should he choose to get angry with them. It was without thinking about what she was doing that she had silently leaned against Inuyasha. Yusuke however noticed her action, his eyes narrowing and darkened with anger. It would appear that she had decided for some unknown reason that she wanted the hanyou, whether she realized it consciously or not. He was hurt as well as angry, this was going too far in his book. `Damn it, she knows Hiei won't hurt her! He has never given her any reason to think he would once he was a part of the team. I trust him dammit why can't she?'' His fists were clenched so hard his knuckles turned white. `If she was that worried, she should have come to me, not sitting over there leaning against him!' Inuyasha gave the girl a small hug, choosing to completely ignore Yusuke. But he did glance over at Kagome, worried that Keiko might know something that he didn't and Kagome could somehow be in danger, his hand resting lightly on his Tetsusaiga.
 
`There will many more complications brought into play then who is leaning against who.' Amaterasu spoke quietly to Yusuke alone. She was aware of the effect that Keiko's actions were having upon the Spirit Detective but she was not about to step in. The girl was in charge of her own choices and destiny in matters such as this. Amaterasu would not interfere. But she had decided that she would have to help make these new developments and transitions a little easier for Yusuke to accept. `If it does help to ease your mind, know that in the end you will have the mate that your heart will come to desire. Your choice for a mate will most likely surprise you, and several others as well' She gave a small dry chuckle. `It will be a good choice, one that will be right for everyone concerned. She will come to love you as much as you love her. But that is for the future to take care of, for now we have more important matters to attend to'.
 
Yusuke's eyes grew wide with surprise at the unexpected mind to mind communication and the words that the Goddess had spoken for his ears alone. The few times he had experienced this type of talking it hadn't boded well for him, he had come to despise it. But the words that Amaterasu had spoken to him left him puzzled. `What are you talking about? The mate will be the one that my heart comes to desire? That's Keiko. Isn't it? You don't think I'm just going to hand Keiko over to that fool do you? Hell, she doesn't even know him and I've protected her all these years So just what makes you think that I will give her up?' His eyes narrowed as he looked at Keiko then back over to Amaterasu. But his questions for the moment would have to go unanswered, the Goddess had clearly turned her attention back to the artifact that she was holding in her hands.
 
Amaterasu once again lowered the shield that was containing the power of the sword. The sound of the rushing wind that raced past their ears grew in volume, drowning out any coherent thoughts as the sword began to glow and take on a life of its own. The sound of crashing thunder reverberated throughout the shrine, the bells beginning to ring of their own accord. It felt as if the walls themselves were trembling under the onslaught and everyone with the exception of Amaterasu covered their head, expecting the shrine walls to come crashing down on top of them at any moment. At the height of the sound of the storm the sword left Amaterasu's hands. It hung in the air above their heads for a moment, held by unseen hands. Inuyasha's mouth flew open in disbelief and anger as the sword disappeared from his sight, only to appear a moment later in Hiei's right hand.
 
This was entirely too much for Inuyasha to tolerate. He had fully expected that the sword would choose him as a carrier, a companion to Tetsusaiga. The sword had now proven him wrong, in his mind it had rejected him as being unsuitable. He jumped to his feet and yelled at Amaterasu, his golden eyes flashing in rage. “There is no way he should be the one to get that sword! I'm the one that the Tetsusaiga has appointed to be a protector over humans. It's only natural that this new sword should choose me as well. Shorty here hasn't kept anyone alive other then himself for all I know. It isn't like he has kept Kagome alive for the past five years or protected the jewel shards. In fact he really hasn't proven anything at all to me so far! One fight against Naraku! One fight, and everyone seems to think that he is Mr. Powerful and Wonderful. Well, I'm not buying into this crap, he hasn't proven himself worthy to have it in my eyes. What has he done to deserve that honor? Look at him, he even terrified two of the girls! There's no telling what he will do with it! Take that sword back and give it to someone who really deserves it!”
 
“If you truly believe that you deserve the sword, then come and take it from me. If you are in such a hurry to die I will be happy to oblige you.” Hiei's voice was cold, daring the hanyou to try to come and do just that. He knew that he was taking a chance issuing the challenge given Amaterasu's earlier warnings but he didn't particularly care. Inuyasha was going to have to learn his place in the scheme of things, if the hanyou lost his life in doing so then so be it. The hanyou could live or die on his own merits. It was no concern of his, in his mind the sword was far better off with him then with Inuyasha anyway. He spared a glance over at Koenma to see his boss standing there with his mouth falling open in shock at the way Hiei was being so openly challenged inside the temple despite his mothers repeated warnings. Amaterasu looked positively livid, her face a mask of anger.
 
“You will sit down now!” Amaterasu's angry voice bounced off of the walls of the shrine as Inuyasha was slammed down onto his seat beside Keiko, his ears flattened in anger at the sudden movement. Apparently Kagome wasn't the only one who could cause him to sit, he was more then unhappy with the knowledge. Amaterasu's angry voice caught his attention once again. “You have been warned once, you have been warned twice. My patience is at an end. I will not tolerate being yelled at, I will not have fighting in my shrine! You will not be warned again!” Her angry eyes swept the rest of the occupants in the room. “This means all of you!” Satisfied that her point had finally been taken she turned her attention back to Inuyasha. “For the remainder of the artifacts choosing you will remain seated and you will remain quiet! When this business is concluded you will find that your voice has returned and you will be able to speak once more. At that time you will also be able to stand. Until then you will behave, you have no choice in the matter.” She turned to Hiei, her eyes serene once again. “You might not be happy at having been chosen as a carrier, but the artifacts do not choose unwisely. Personally I agree with the swords choice. Why don't you test the sword Hiei, find out what you can do with it.”
 
“Hn” Even though the apparition had an utterly bored look on his face, he couldn't stop the warm shiver that raced through his body at the initial contact with the sword. The feeling of warmth spread through him, reaching far into the depths of his soul only to come to a sudden stop as the power that was the sword met the power of the dragon. Power licked along the edges of power as each tested the boundaries of the other looking for a weakness that could be exploited allowing one or the other to emerge as the dominate force. Kurama and Yusuke's eyes grew very wide as they felt the familiar surge of power that they had come to recognize as the dragons signature. It was that growing pressure that caused Kurama to look over at his partner just in time to see the warding that was covering Hiei's arm burst into black flames.
 
What the hell is going on Hiei?" There was no missing the fact that the dragon was beginning to pull loose from Hiei's arm, already the head of the beast had worked its way free and it was in the process of pulling the rest of the way free. "Hiei!" Yusuke's sharp voice cut through the air, hoping to reach the apparition who seemed to be losing control. His words had no effect, apparently the battle for dominance between the dragon and the sword was taking all of Hiei's attention. Yusuke grabbed Kagome's arm, easily reading the shock and worry in her eyes, her attention completely absorbed by the battle Hiei was currently fighting. Ignoring her lack of responsiveness he yanked the miko up on her feet even as he grabbed hold of Yukina's hand just as she had begun to take a step towards her brother. Ignoring the Koorime's protest he began to forcibly drag them towards the entrance of the shrine, yelling a warning to the others. "Run dammit! Don't just stand there!"
 
Pandemonium broke loose inside the shrine as everyone started running for the door at once. Amaterasu released Inuyasha from his seat allowing him to grab Keiko by the hand and pull her through the front door, following close on Kagome's running heels. Once they were outside he pulled Keiko behind him, the Tetsusiaga already in his hand. He wasn't sure exactly what was going on but all he needed to know at this point was it had just been proven to him that his assumption not to trust the unknown demon had been correct. Hiei was now deemed a threat in his eyes, one that needed to be removed. If he got a chance he would kill Hiei before the sun set on the day regardless of what Kagome might think, he would deal with that problem later. Botan had grabbed Souta and pulled him outside of the shrine as well. She had seen many unusual things take place since she had become the Guide of Dead Souls and even stranger things since becoming Yusuke's assistance but the poor young man standing next to her had not and was in a state of shock, having never witnessed anything remotely resembling the events that were currently taking place in front of him. Kazuma and Shizuru headed for the door together while Kurama remained behind, doing his best to guard their retreating backs. He knew it was unlikely he would be able to stop Hiei's greatest attack should the dragon break free but he was willing to try if it became a necessity. Amaterasu gave Koenma a hard shove past Hiei, knowing exactly what was going on. The dragon would be forever changed after this, and likely Hiei as well. It was only because she had sensed the swords intentions that she hadn't put a stop to this already. This was a necessary evil, one she would not interfere in. But it was up to Hiei however to be strong enough to control the outcome. As they reached the courtyard she erected another barrier and waited for the final events to unfold. If the apparition lost control of the beast, it could very well kill all within but at least the human world would be safe from its attack until she could subdue it.
 
Inside the shrine Hiei was trembling with the exertion of the battle that was going on inside his body. The thought of dropping the sword from his hand never crossed his mind, long years of training had seen to that. The balance of power swung back and forth as each sought to dominate the other. Hiei's vision swam before his eyes as with a triumphant roar the dragon broke free of it's last remaining confines. The tattoo on his arm swelled as the beast raised it's head and body high into the air, swinging around in a wide arc before circling back to stare at it's master and the sword that he held. The roof of the shrine exploded destructively, causing debris to rain down as towers of black spirit energy erupted from the ground Black lightning danced along the inner surface of the barrier, striking down and further demolishing what little had been left of the walls yet still the battle of wills between the sword and the dragon continued.
 
Everyone within the barrier with the exception of Souta and Keiko could feel the difference of the energy that was expanding within the barrier as the battle was fought but no one except Amaterasu was sure which artifact was winning the battle The growing energy pushed everyone hard against the side of the barrier holding them pinned in place unable to move. They would now be powerless to defend themselves should the dragon take it into its mind to destroy them all The dragon gave a loud roar of anger as it brought that mighty black head down suddenly, tearing the sword away from Hiei's hand and exerting a mighty blast of spiritual energy causing the sword to seemingly vanish. Another bellow, this one of triumph and power issued forth from the black dragon as it circled inside the confines of the barrier looking for any that would dare to challenge its now formidably increased powers. Koenma gave a strangled gasp of disbelief at the event that had just occurred while Yusuke and Kurama stared at the apparition with wide eyes. Even Amaterasu watched tensely, waiting for the conclusion of this battle. If someone wasn't able to do something soon it was obvious to all of them that an unimaginable evil was about to be loosed on all three of the worlds that no one would be able to control. Even now the beast was pushing against the walls of the barrier looking for a weakness so it could break loose and wreak vengence until its blood lust was sated.
 
Hiei's body was still being wracked with tremors as he fought to regain control of the dragon and the power that it had gained. The black flames of hell licked over his body with the exertion and the amount of energy that he was expending. Finally his efforts began to pay off, something was beginning to happen but it wasn't anything that any of his partners had expected. Mouths fell open as the energy that was the dragon began to swirl and coalesce, growing more solid with every moment that passed. Flesh tore violently, blood spilling from the wounds but it didn't seem to weaken the beast. A piercing shriek rent the air as the wounds about it's neck began to pulse, the swelling growing larger by the minute. It was with growing horror everyone realized then that what they were seeing was the formation of heads, the distinguishing characteristics becoming apparent. Five in all now stared at them coldly, weaving in an almost hypnotizing manner. They couldn't seem to decide upon one target, each one possessed a mind of its own and a desire to sate it's bloodlust on whoever dared to come close. The sound of rock splitting apart was what made them realize that while they were engrossed in the formation of its many heads, limbs had also formed and now they were carving deep gouges into the concrete which it stood on. Still, the dragon trembled as its transformation continued and two large, leathery wings erupted from its back. What had once been the dragon from hell had now become the chromatic dragon, the most powerful of the dragons ever known in any of the worlds to have existed.
 
Hiei collapsed to the ground, unconscious from the strain and overexertion of his power as the dragon came to stand in front of where Hiei had fallen. The power that had been holding everyone pinned against the walls of the barrier also collapsed allowing everyone to move once again. For a moment no one moved, too much in shock at the transformation they had just watched take place. Yukina was the first one to move, with a cry she started to run over to where her brother lay unconscious. The dragon turned and five heads warily watched her approach, obviously searching for something before they decided whether she would be the first to be devoured from among it's prey trapped in front of it. One of the heads lowered, it's jaws open and dripping saliva as the nostrils flared taking in a deep sample of Yukina's scent.
 
“Yukina no!” Kuwabara couldn't stand the idea of watching the girl he loved being eaten by this new dragon that had somehow emerged out of the tattoo that had formally represented Hiei's ultimate attack. The very idea was robbing his mind of reasonable thought as it filled him with a panic that he didn't know he was capable of feeling. Voices were shouting all around him but they seemed to come from a long distance off. He couldn't make out any words that were being said and frankly he didn't care. Time seemed to slow to a crawl for him as he jumped to his feet, shrugging off the hands on his arms that were trying to hold him back from going to Yukina's aid. His long legs pounded the ground as he ran towards her, his hand reaching out to grab her arm and stop her advance towards her brother.
 
~*~*~*~*~
 
Authors Note: Ok, only one more artifact left to choose a carrier for. I already know who it will be, hopefully all of you will agree with my choice also. All of this will tie together in the end, I promise. Kuronue is grumbling next to me that he didn't get any time in this chapter but I have promised him some space in the next one.
 
As always I want to say thank you to all my reviewers, both new and old. I love you all. And thank you to Ryu for being such a wonderful beta and putting up with my ranting when my muses decide to go difficult on me. You're the greatest.
 
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