Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Standing In The Shadows ❯ Chapter 15

Standing In The Shadows 15

Disclaimer: Once again 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.

 

Now for the warnings: The following few chapters are going to be something of a wild ride. This is the second of a few chapters that will be dark, have some torture and a major character death. YOU ARE WARNED! If this bothers you turn back now. I will accept no flames if you choose to ignore my words.

 

Chapter Fifteen

 

Kagome looked up at her grandfather, sorrow and confusion clearly showing in her bright blue eyes. The illusion had upset her more then she wanted to let on and she had the feeling that somehow his original questions had some bearing on what they had been shown. Silence reigned over the group yet again as she took a deep breath and steeled her nerves once more in order to answer his questions. “I was reading the scrolls and beginning to take notes when suddenly the air turned cold, like all the warmth had been sucked out of the room. I could see my breath in front of my hands, like I was in a freezer. So I got up thinking that maybe the heater had quit working or something when this overwhelming feeling came over me like I was being watched or something. I thought about getting someone but then I figured I'd look like an idiot because there wasn't anyone there so I didn't. I mean even though I sensed something I couldn't see anyone in my room with me so what was I going to say? I went back over to my bed and pulled the blanket around me, then I picked up the scrolls again.” Kagome looked slowly around the room to see if anyone was going to make fun of her but all she could see were concerned looks be directed her way so she looked back at her grandfather and mother. “As soon as they were in my hands they burst into flames but they didn't burn my hands. The flames were also a strange color blue, it wasn't like anything I'd ever seen before. As soon as they had been reduced to ashes Hiei and InuYasha pushed their way into my room and the strange feeling disappeared.” Her voice trembled slightly as she asked her next question. “What does it mean grandpa?”

 

“I believe it means that you've gained her attention.” Grandfather sagged back in his seat as he thought about everything that he wanted to tell Kagome that would help her during the hard times that he knew she and her friends would be facing. “Tell me Kagome, did you read far enough to learn that she can indeed be killed and how it was done in the past?” An undefined feeling of dread came over him along with a certainty that he didn't have long to impart the information. `Something tells me that I won't live to see the end of the battle and I have to get this information to them or it might be lost forever as well as costing them all their lives.' Squaring his shoulders he looked at each person in the room in turn, his eyes finally coming back to rest on Kagome. “Let me tell you what I know about Tamamo-no-mae.”

 

“She feeds on negative emotions. Anytime she can cause arguments she gains strength from the disagreements. If people are fighting, so much the better for her. The pain of others is like an aphrodisiac to her. But don't get me wrong, it doesn't have to be physical pain, emotional pain will work just as well for her purposes.” His eyes narrowed in thought as he considered how to get across the information that they needed to know. “While feelings of love and friendship aren't enough to stop her or even truly slow her down in the big picture they do present her with obstacles that she must overcome if she has targeted a particular person. Most often at that point she will try to drive a wedge between her intended target and those that are closest to her. She can't physically hurt you unless she has a human body but she can influence others minds and use them to try to accomplish her purposes.” A soft sigh escaped his lips as he thought back over his life and the choices he had made. “That was one of many reasons I chose to marry when I did. In my younger years the legends that Tamamo-no-mae had created had caught my interest and in my research I came to realize that her influence had never fully left the world. So when I knew I'd found the perfect woman for me, it also provided an extra protection against those negative influences. Of course that also gave me the wonderful daughter I have today and two fantastic grandchildren as well, so that was an added bonus.” Now he stood from his seat and looked at everyone briefly before his eyes came to rest on his daughter. “But, I'm an old man now and there aren't many hours left to sleep before we have to be back up to start the preparations for Himatsuri that we are holding here at our shrine. There will be several men coming to help raise the logs into place.” He paused for a moment as he looked at each of the males that were present with speculation in his eyes. “It would make the task ever so much easier if you men would be willing to stay and help an old man as well.”

 

“Of course they'll stay and help. We all will.” Shizuru looked over the group with a smirk on her lips as she considered the entertainment possibilities that the polite request had brought to mind. “It'll be a good way to work that alcohol out of their systems that they drank.” There were a few restless stirrings among the group that had suddenly found themselves volunteered for the job but no one protested as all of the girls present stared at them pointedly. Kuronue moved as if to pull her off to the side, clearly intending to ask her what she thought she was doing when her gaze fell upon him in slight disapproval. “You did say you wanted to spend time with me didn't you? Or was that someone else I heard talking?” When the bat demon still looked like he wanted to protest the logic she was trying to use on him, she added in a honeyed sweet voice. “Besides that, surely this isn't your way of admitting that my brother is stronger then you are, is it?” A look of undisguised anger flashed across the tall demon's face at the cutting remarks directed at him but he chose not to answer the challenge, instead turning and walking out of the room into the cool night air. Silence followed him out as everyone in the room stared after him, each lost in their own thoughts.

 

“It really isn't a good idea to bait him like that.” Kurama pushed himself up out of his seat and started walking towards the door as well. “We need to keep things positive around here. You've all seen an example of what havoc Tamamo-no-mae can cause people to do, let's not give her any more help to accomplish her goals. Besides, we already know he has skills that could be of great benefit to us in this fight. So we don't want to throw that away for the sake of wounded pride.” Turning his back then, he walked into the night air as well, following his old partner. There was no sign of the demon but somehow he didn't think the man was very far away. A whisper in his mind from Youko confirmed the thought and he called out softly, hoping for an answer. “Kuronue?”

 

A strong rush of air blowing past him was the only warning he had before a set of giant black wings brushed against him almost knocking him off of his feet. Kuronue stood before him, magnificent in all of his demon glory but obviously ready to do someone some serious bodily injury if he didn't get some answers he wanted. He stared at Kurama for several long moments in silence as his hand rested beneath his snow white sash. A glint of silver flashed in the moonlight as he shifted his weight slightly and the slight clink of metal was heard in the still night air. When he finally did speak his voice was devoid of all emotion and as cold as the ice that hung from the trees. “I want some answers. You claim to be my old partner, yet you have chosen to align yourself with some obnoxious humans. My partner would never have chosen to do such a thing. So, you will satisfy my curiosity now or you will die and I will return to Amaterasu's service, leaving the others to face Tamamo-no-mae as best as they can on their own.”

 

Kurama mentally stepped back willingly as Youko took over control of the body that they shared, more then positive that he wasn't the one that Kuronue was waiting to see. If the truth were to be told he really didn't want to have to fight Kuronue anyway. It would cause too much pain to the Kitsune that shared his body if he somehow caused the demon injury and he didn't want to be responsible for that. He also didn't want to think about what could happen if those still inside got involved in a fray with Kuronue. It would be a no win situation for him and Youko both. His red hair lengthened and turned silver, his emerald green eyes changing to gold as his body transformed into that of the spirit kitsune who lived inside of him. For a couple of moments the sight wavered before Kuronue's eyes between Kurama and Youko, then finally his old partner stood fully before him. They regarded each other in silence for a few moments, then Youko broke into a slow feral smile. “It's good to see you too Kuronue. You're a fine one to talk about wanting their curiosity satisfied. I have some questions of my own that I want answered as well. Such as I saw you die, so how are you here now? If by some miracle you actually survived and this is really you, then why did you take so long to get in touch with me? Do you have any idea what I went through when I thought you were dead all these years?”

 

Kuronue took a deep breath as the years faded away and the memories came flooding back into his mind but he refused to let it show just how much they still affected him. It was almost eerie as he looked deeply into those golden eyes that he used to know so well and smiled slightly as he found what he had been looking for. Even after all this time he could see the bond of affection that came with working together for so many years and it went a long way towards healing the secret pain that his heart had carried through the passage of time. A slow smile then came over his face as he prepared to explain the different events that had shaped his life after his supposed death. “I was dying, and I told you to run and save yourself. You did and I knew it was the only way you could get away but at the same time I couldn't believe you left me there to die alone.” Brief pain flashed across his eyes at the memory but then it was gone as quickly as it had come. “I remember the pain of the shafts that had gone through my body and then I screamed in rage, my rage at you and at myself for getting in this position in the first place. I don't even know who I was more angry at. We were better then that and never should have been taken by surprise like a pair of common thieves.”

 

`I never knew he felt that way. I wonder if I should tell him how his death has haunted me all these years.' Youko was nodding his head slightly in agreement but he didn't say anything, simply waiting for Kuronue to continue.

 

“The pain was excruciating and I knew I was dying. I could feel the life leaving my body as my blood poured out of my wounds and my eyesight began to grow dim. Only my hearing was still as sharp as ever and everything seemed to be unnaturally loud. That's when she came.” The memories played out in his mind like watching a movie, his first meeting with Amaterasu, How she had touched the shafts that pierced his body and one by one they had disappeared, leaving the wounds left behind to heal under her gentle touch. “Anyway, after she freed me from the trap she took me to the cave where she had once hidden to prepare me for the upcoming trials I was about to face. She wouldn't tell me why I needed to train so hard, she would only say that it was imperative. I had a choice of course, she said if I didn't want to stay that she would send my soul on to it's final reward and my body would be turned to ashes but I chose to stay. I don't think I've ever had a harder taskmaster but she has also been the most fair. I learned to use talents I never knew I had and I've perfected the ones you know about.” Now he stood proudly, all signs of the pain from the memories erased as he reflected on everything he had accomplished during the years of his apprenticeship. “I couldn't get in touch with you earlier because it wasn't Amaterasu's wish. I became the right hand of my Lady. I answer to her and her alone, I wouldn't be here now if it wasn't one of her desires. But I can assure you that you and this… band… of yours need my help if you wish to have a chance of winning against Tamamo-no-mae. Now, I've answered your questions, it's your turn to answer mine.”

 

The quiet talking inside the house drew Youko's attention for a moment before he turned his attention back to Kuronue's questions. `Apparently everyone is settling down for the night, it looks like they reached an agreement to stay and do what they could to help Kagome's family. So that means I'm not in any hurry either. I have time.' He breathed in the deep night air, as the smell of promised snow hung heavy around him and leaned back against a tree. “After you were trapped and I left…. “

 

~*~*~*~

 

`I don't care what they say. She's been mine to protect all these years and I'm not just going to hand over the job now to someone that I don't know or trust. I'm more family here then he is anyway and it's time he learned that fact.' Kagome's grandfather and mother had already made their way up the stairs and into bed. InuYasha stood then as well and stretched while he regarded those around him with a calm he didn't feel. "I'll be staying in Souta's room tonight since it's across the hall from Kagome's room. Someone has to be there in case something else happens tonight and if it does I'll be damned if I'm going to be stuck down here." Strained silence came over the room with the bold pronouncement as everyone looked at Hiei waiting to see what his reaction would be.

 

“I have some futons stored in my room that I can pull out. I think there's enough of them for all of us girls anyway.” Kagome looked around uncertainly, mentally figuring out where everyone could sleep. “It'll be kind of cramped up there but I don't mind if anybody else doesn't. Of course that doesn't solve the problem of where all you guys are going to sleep. I guess the couch will be a good place for one of you and InYasha's already said he is staying upstairs with Souta. Someone else could sleep in grandpa's recliner, assuming that anyone wants it. The rest can stretch out on the floor or something, I can get some extra blankets and pillows.” She looked at Hiei uncertainly, almost certain that he was going to object to the arrangements so far.

 

“You can stay in Souta's room for the night.” Hiei nodded his head slightly as he made his pronouncement like he owned the house. “You have my approval, it will provide extra protection for the rest of the night.” Fiery red eyes stared hard at the hanyou trying to drive home the point that he was to stay there and if anything managed to get past him that his life would be forfeit. Amber eyes stared back at him as a hand reached for Tetsusaiga but Hiei waved the threat off dismissively. “Kagome and Yukina will stay in her bedroom along with the rest of the girls and I will be just outside the door standing guard. Everyone else can find a place to rest as they see fit.”

 

Yusuke immediately stretched out in the recliner as Kagome went off to get the blankets and pillows that she had promised. Kuwabara laid out on the couch as soon as it's occupants had vacated their seats and grinned up at his sister who was looking at him with mild annoyance. As far as he was concerned he'd gotten one of the best places to sleep in the house and it didn't matter if his feet hung over one end. With a mumble of thanks he took the pillow that was now being offered to him and stuffed it under his head with a laugh. “I don't know where Kurama is gonna sleep but batboy can stay outside for all I care. He'll probably be more at home out there anyway.”

 

“I swear Kazuma, if he doesn't end up kicking your ass I will.” Shizuru stubbed out her last cigarette for the night and stood, ready to go upstairs for a few hours. “You've been trying to pick a fight with him all night and I have the feeling you're just about to find it. So when he finally lets you have it don't expect me to come to your rescue.” As far as she was concerned it was her final word on the subject and she laughed at the look of irritation that came across his face, clearly he hadn't expected her to take sides with Kuronue. But now as she headed up the stairs towards her now waiting bed the thought ran through her mind. `Tomorrow is soon enough to worry about all these problems, right now I hear a pillow calling my name.'

 

~*~*~*~

 

The house had gone dark as everyone settled down to sleep although Youko was well aware that the men inside were taking turns standing guard over the household. First it had been Hiei's turn, then InuYasha had taken over the watch but it was a good bet that the apparition wasn't really resting. `If he considers Yukina's life to be at stake I can guarantee he's still awake.' The half of him that was Kurama had long ago dozed off after he'd gotten tired of listening to the two partners regaling each other with their tales. Their voices lowered in the quiet so as not to disturb the homes occupants but still their talk continued. They had moved beneath the overhang of the house to get out of the wind but neither had showed any inclination to end their reminiscing. The moon and stars marched across the sky as the night slowly began to fade away into daylight, signaling the beginning of another day. Finally Youko looked up and stretched a bit. “Are you ready to help build that pyre for the fire ceremony they're holding today?”

 

“I suppose so.” Kuronue still wasn't happy with the way that decision had been taken out of his hands but short of making good on his promise to leave he didn't see any way around it. “I'm not ready to leave yet, I still have a human to settle a score with.” He raised an eyebrow at the smug look that Youko was now giving him and his look darkened perceptibly. “Just because I've decided to stay for the minute, don't think I won't stop helping if you decide to get lazy and not do your fair share. After all it is partly because of you that Tamamo-no-mae has chosen to come after us anyway, so I think it's reasonable that you do a lions share of the work.” Now a grin split across his face at the look of disgruntlement that came over his partner.

 

“Don't worry, he won't slack off.” Yusuke walked out on the porch and looked at the two demons standing there. The hair on his neck raised slightly at the sight of Youko standing there but he repressed a feeling of anticipation and dread that ran down his spine that came from the Kitsune being dominant over his teammate's body. `I really should have expected to see him and not Kurama. Kurama wasn't Kuronue's actual partner. But does Youko being in control now have something to with the scrolls burning last night and the sort of movie we saw? Is she really so dangerous that it's Kurama who will be staying in the background for the time being?' He ran a hand through his thick black hair and moved closer to the two demons who were now watching his approach. “I don't often see you taking the lead Youko, what's the occasion?”

 

“Because it's what is needed at the moment.” The long silver tail swayed slightly as Youko shifted his position before testing the air around himself for the feel of any strange youki. Just as he suspected the taint of Tamamo-no-mae was there but it didn't seem like she was anywhere in the immediate vicinity. Silver ears pricked forward for a moment as golden eyes stared off into the distance that the feeling came from, then with a slightly troubled gaze he turned to look at his old partner in silent communication. It was enough. Even after the centuries that had passed he knew that Kuronue would understand the meaning. His assumption was proven correct as the bat demon silently took the form of a black bird and disappeared into the distance leaving Yusuke to stare after him. Youko brought Yusuke's attention back as to the conversation at hand. His tone was cold and left no doubt to his meaning. “I would suggest we go inside. You standing there staring after him could be his downfall by broadcasting his direction. Rest assured, if you cause his demise I would not be inclined to let it go easily.” Even if Yusuke was considered one of Kurama's close friends, Youko would not stand by and watch the man's stupidity take his old partner from him a second time.

 

"Yeah, whatever," Yusuke tossed back at the kitsune, bristling slightly at the threat that was plain to hear in the demon's words. But he also understood the need for information and at the moment Kuronue was the best demon they had for the job. “Just don't forget who's the leader of this team Youko and it isn't you.” He turned around and went back into the house where everyone else was just beginning to stir. Kuwabara was still sleeping soundly, his snores filling the small living room and became increasingly louder as he rolled over onto his other side. “Man, this isn't what I wanted to hear.” He walked over and nudged the sleeping man with his foot hoping to wake him up so the infernal noise would stop. When all that got him was a muffled complaint to leave him alone Yusuke bent down and shouted in his ear. “Hey, get up! Hiei found out about you trying to kiss Yukina and he's on his way down to shove his katana up your ass!”

 

"You must have a death wish." Hiei's words came out with a snarl as he reached the bottom of the stairs. He'd been making his way downstairs to see if anyone else was up yet and had arrived just in time to hear what Yusuke had said to the red headed man. Now the fool was sitting up and looking around the room wildly, expecting an attack at any second from a very pissed off fire apparition.

 

“Good, everyone's awake.” Grandpa came out of his bedroom followed closely by Kagome's mother. They'd heard the commotion on their way down and as tempting as it was to ask, neither really wanted to know just what was going on. Sometimes it was just better not to ask. Grandpa looked the men over with a small, knowing smile making sure that he had their attention. This would teach them to act in such an inappropriate manner in his home. “I'm glad to see that you guys have so much energy today, you'll all be a big help moving those logs.” He started to whistle a nameless tune as he walked past the group and into the kitchen where he knew that his daughter would have the morning tea ready shortly. As he sat in his chair a vague feeling began to overcome him once again, a certainty that somehow this would be the last festival that he would participate in. He looked up into his daughter's worried eyes and knew then that she was feeling it also. Silently he took her hands into his and held them as she struggled against the unshed tears.

 

This was the scene that Kagome came upon when she stepped into the kitchen. Unease had been niggling at her mind as she had dressed, so she had hurried down before the rest of the girls. She'd heard Souta and InuYasha following close behind her as she had almost run down the stairs, needing to put the as of yet unidentified fear to rest. Now she had stopped so suddenly that Souta almost plowed into her as he had hurried to catch up. With a cry she flung herself onto her grandfather as she saw the stricken look on his face and that of her mother. Behind her she could hear everyone beginning to crowd into the kitchen behind them but right then she didn't care. For the moment she felt like a small child again, and needed the reassurance that her grandfather used to give her when he would chase her nightmares away. “You know something's going to happen don't you. Please grandpa, tell me what it is so we can stop her.”

 

“We all die sometime Kagome.” Her grandfather hugged her and rubbed her back as he looked into her eyes. “You've lived through enough to know that. I'm no different, my time will come as well. But nothing says it will be today or even this year. I also know that whenever my time does come, you'll handle it like the strong young woman you've become and you'll be just fine" It was a lie and he knew it but he did the best he could to reassure the girl in his arms. The kitchen was beginning to get rather crowded by this point as everyone milled around uncertainly trying to figure out what was going on. Grandpa pushed his way to his feet and looked at them all with a stern face but there was a glint of humor in his eyes. “What's this now? Can't an old man have his morning tea in peace? We have a busy day ahead of us and a lot of people will be here shortly.”

 

As if to punctuate his words, sounds came from outside the house of people beginning to arrive. Laughter and voices intermingled with the sound of machinery and chains being dragged along the ground. There was a knock at the door then, and Houjo's cheerful voice rang out. “Higurashi-san, we're here to build the pyre. Are you ready to begin the preparations for the festival?” The sound of footsteps receded then into the distance as the man returned to his friends and their self appointed tasks. Then a truck pulled up and Kuwabara gave a groan as he looked out the window and saw the truck was loaded with tree sized logs that were waiting to be unloaded.

 

“It looks like you guys are going to get a workout today.” Shizuru snickered as she too looked out the window at the log truck and then back at the assembled group. A wistful sigh escaped her lips as she watched the activity going on just outside the window. It was truly a pity that it wasn't warmer outside, at least then she might get a show. Nothing beat sitting back with a glass of tea watching the men as they stripped their shirts off. Even though she was friends with most of the males here and would never date them it didn't mean she couldn't appreciate their finer attributes. Keiko and Kagome were exchanging looks and she'd be willing to lay money on the fact that they were thinking something along the same lines. That could only be to the good in her opinion and it certainly beat the tears that had been threatening earlier. When she began laughing both sets of girls looked to her and immediately began blushing, knowing that they had been caught. Yukina was now looking at the three of them, more than a little confused by their behavior. Shaking her head Shizuru went to stand by her fellow perverts, giving them a mischievous grin, "It looks like I'm not the only one where who would like a little show." Her attention moved onto the males, their attention caught at hearing Shizuru's comment. "Tell me, are you guys up to it?”

 

“If you wanted to see us naked all you ever had to do was ask. I for one am always ready, willing and able.” Yusuke gave her a playful wink, knowing that the woman was teasing and more than ready to play along. He was tired of all the gloom and doom atmosphere already and if they were going to be forced into manual labor he might as well get some enjoyment out of it. Already he had his jacket pulled on and was getting ready to walk out the door. His mind was racing as he was thinking ahead about just how to give the girls the show they'd requested. Moving these trees was sure to be hot work despite the cold. It wouldn't be long before that jacket came off and he knew it. As he walked past Keiko and then Inuyasha there was a swagger of pride and arrogance showing in his step, his actions saying more clearly then words that there was no way the hanyou would be a match for him in any way. “Come on, let's get this show on the road.”

 

“Hn.” Hiei stood rooted to his spot while he was staring at the detective. The other males in the group might be ready to go out there and do manual labor for the sake of a human holiday but that didn't mean that he was ready to do the same. His glaze fell over to Youko, only to find that the kitsune had once more handed control over to Kurama. That in itself was of no real surprise, especially if avatar had decided to lend his assistance. Hiei nearly rolled his eyes, imagining the hell that would break loose should the humans gaze upon the fox in his demonic form. Frankly it wouldn't have mattered to him one way or another except for the fact that he'd be called upon once again to wipe the knowledge from the panic stricken humans. He folded his arms across his chest and looked at Kagome with a stubborn expression. “My skills lay in fighting, not in being a pack mule. I will stand watch, someone has to be on the lookout for Mae while this festival takes place."

 

“Please Hiei?” Kagome laid a hand on his arm while she looked into his eyes. “We could all really use your help out there and this is my grandfathers last festival. Somehow I can just feel it and I want it to be perfect for him.” Her new boyfriend still stood rooted to his spot but she could see a slight bending in his cold expression and decided to try to press her advantage. “There's enough of us out there that if she shows up we should be able to sense it before she has a chance to do anything. Besides that, you know that you'll never hear the end of it from the others if you aren't helping." Her voice dropped lower so only Hiei could hear her, "Do you really want Kazuma bragging to your sister about how he did the gentlemanly thing and helped out where you did not?" If anything his expression seemed to darken and Kagome knew that she'd said what was needed to get him to agree. Smiling slightly she dropped her hand and began reaching for her coat. “I'm going out to join the others while you decide. Maybe I'll be able to help with something too.”

 

“Fine.” Hiei considered her retreating back for a moment before he laid his cloak across the back of a chair and followed her out the door. It didn't look like this would too long with the way that progress was already being made. The logs were already unloaded from the trucks and chains were being hooked into them so a crane could move them over into their position in the growing mound. It was hot dirty work and in spite of the chill in the air everyone working had already broken a sweat. With a last glance at Kagome he walked over and took up a position guiding the hoisted logs into their proper place. `I don't know why everyone is so damn cheerful doing something like it. It must be another of those strange human customs.' He saw Yusuke putting the hooks into the logs and attaching the chains. Already the detective was covered with shed tree bark and he had a swipe of dirt across his face where he had wiped the sweat out of his eyes. Most of the other men looked just as hot and dirty. Every now and then one of them would call for a glass of water and one of the women would take it out to them, being careful to stay out of the way of the swinging logs. Shaking his head slightly he returned his attention to the work he was doing when he felt a pair of eyes burning into his back. A slight smile graced his features as a warm feeling of affection traveled down the bond that joined them. A glance over his shoulder revealed that Kagome was staring at him with a look of appreciation in her eyes. It wasn't difficult to see that she enjoyed the view that he was providing and he wondered if later she'd be up for a more private encounter. `I may just have to test how far she is willing to take this.'

 

At lunch time Kagome's mother called for a break and brought food out to the hungry work crew. All the women helped to serve the men and Kagome made sure to pile the food up on Hiei's plate. She was making her way over to where he was sitting when Yukina and Keiko fell into step next to her. Keiko was giggling behind her hand as she occasionally looked over to where InuYasha had found a seat. When the hanyou looked up from his meal and their eyes met a look of confusion briefly crossed his face only to be replaced a moment later with a look of contemplation. With a slight huff then he turned his head, pointedly choosing to ignore her as he turned his head to say something to Souta who had taken a seat next to him. Keiko hurriedly turned her attention back to her friends as Souta looked at her with a slightly worried expression on his face, then his eyes fell on the plate of food. “Kagome I hope you made that mountain of food for Hiei. I don't know that he's into chunky women.” Souta couldn't help but tease her and ducked his head when she shot him a murderous look.

 

“Don't worry, he'll eat it all. Especially since it's you that's the one bringing it to him.” Kurama had been walking past with his own plate of food and had overhead Souta's humorous comment. Deciding to join in the fun teasing the females he winked at Yukina. “But then if I had a beautiful young lady bringing me my food, I'd be sure to eat it all as well.” He would have continued the conversation on further but a slight movement he saw out of the corner of his eye caught and held his attention. “If you ladies will excuse me, perhaps we can continue this conversation another time.” With those words he turned and walked away towards a small thicket of trees, leaving the three girls to stand for a moment watching him go.

 

“I take it that food's for me. I hope you brought something to drink as well.” Souta had to work hard to smother his laughter at both Hiei's words and the look of indignation on his sister's face at that precise moment. He looked over at InuYasha to find that the inu was also watching with interest and anticipation. `Maybe he thinks that she's going to try to knock Hiei on his ass or something but I somehow doubt that's gonna work with him. Man, I wish I had a camera right now, this is priceless.' He watched as Hiei reached out and took the plate of food, then nodded to a shady place where they could sit and talk while he ate his lunch. When she hesitated the fire apparition arched an eyebrow and his voice was quiet but commanding. “I'm not going to eat standing up. Would you care to join me or not?” He knew that he had irritated her with his earlier comment but it wasn't in him to apologize for it. A large part of it was to enforce upon the hanyou that Kagome indeed belonged with him now and she was the one who tended to his needs. Fortunately she hadn't contested his dominance, as he was well aware that Inuyasha had been just waiting for such an occurance to happen. Kagome only hesitated for a moment before nodding and separating herself from the main group. Together they walked away as her friends and brother sat there staring, their eyes widened in shock. Clearly none of them had expected her to be compliant, although Kagome was determined that Hiei was going to learn one way or another that he was going to treat her with respect.

 

“That's going to be one explosive relationship.” Yusuke had walked up as they had been walking away and now he took a seat on the log next to Souta so he could eat his own lunch. The warm smell of the food tickled his nose as he took an appreciative smell then stuck his fork into the food. “Kagome's mom sure is a good cook. This is way better then what I get at home and it sure as hell beats my own cooking. Hey Keiko, maybe you could ask her to give you some lessons. I mean you're really good at making ramen and stuff but I've never had anything like this.” There was the sound of loud laughter behind him from Kuwabara as he suddenly found himself pushed over backwards off of the log by Keiko. Surprise and food covered his face as he stared at the sky for a moment, then a very upset Keiko blocked his view. ”Damn it Keiko, that hurt. It wasn't like I insulted you or anything, it was only a suggestion!” As the girl stormed off he turned to look at the others. “Well, it was.”

 

“You'll never learn Urameshi. Besides, I've eaten Keiko's cooking before and I think she's pretty good.” With another laugh he took his own seat on an adjoining log and stared down at his team leader for a moment before digging into his own food. It was good, he had to admit that and soon he was ignoring the conversation in favor of finishing his lunch before it was time to go back to work. `I never knew that old man could be such a taskmaster. As fast as he has everyone working this thing will be done in no time, assuming no one dies from heat exhaustion first. I hope Koenma doesn't take any lessons from him.' The welcome food and drink slid down his throat as his thoughts continued to wander and it was with some surprise that suddenly his plate was empty, all of his lunch now gone. He got to his feet and grinned at the others who were now finishing as well. “I wonder if there's enough left for seconds.”

 

“Don't even think it fool. In case you haven't noticed that's the bell ringing that says it's time to go back to work. The sooner this is finished the happier that I, for one, will be.” Hiei made his way past the group to take up his position once again moving logs. `I have far better things that I could be doing. Like cementing my claim on a certain Miko.' His gaze fell on the men around him. Even Houjo had showed up now to help with the logs although he was maintaining a large distance between himself and the group of people that Kagome now called her friends. A scowl deepened on his face as he stared at the fool who considered himself to be competition, wondering what it would take to permanently remove the man without getting in trouble with Koenma. “Once she's mine Koenma won't have much to say about it anyway.” Apparently he wasn't the only one who had noticed Houjo's presence however and he suddenly became wary as a slight wind circled the young man ruffling his hair. Even with the ward in place he could sense the sudden strange feeling of power that was present in the area and it was centered on the young man. Off to the side Kurama suddenly reappeared from the trees as an angry black bird raced through the sky towards where he now knew the strange youki was playing with the young man's mind. `Oh hell, what's happening now?' He watched in anger at the audacity that Tamamo-no-mae was showing by her actions but with all these humans around there wasn't much the team could do without causing another mass panic. Just as Kuronue reached the spot where she had been she disappeared in a shimmer of air leaving Houjo to stare up in confusion for a moment at the black bird that was hovering above him.

 

“Are you wearing something shiny?” One of the men laughed as he looked up at the hovering bird. “I've heard that those birds are attracted to shiny things. They like to carry the object off and hide it in their nest.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a napkin that he'd wrapped up some leftover bread in from lunch. “Here you go, I don't mind sharing.” With a flourish of his hand the man tossed bits of bread into the air, obviously waiting for the bird to swoop down and catch the bits as they fell. For a moment the bird hovered there as if contemplating the situation as he eyed the falling crumbs then he seemed to make up his mind. The man suddenly burst into laughter as the bird swooped down, obviously dive bombing the top of Houjo's head. “My apologies, I guess my aim was a little off.” With a squawk of triumph the bird flew off as the man turned back to his job. “Let's get back to work so we can have this ready for tonight. There isn't all that much left to do before it's finished.”

 

The rest of the afternoon passed quickly and soon the pyre was finished and waiting to be lit. Grandpa stood before the pile of logs and Kagome felt a lump of pride in her throat as she watched all the workers gather around him. Even from the short distance away that she was standing she could hear every word he spoke, telling everyone how thankful he was that they had come to help and how none of this would have been possible without each and every one of them. “I don't think I've ever seen him looking more proud.” Quietly she whispered the words to her mother who was standing beside her and felt her mother's arms go around her in a hug as an answer. A slow single tear trickled its way down her cheek as she thought about everything that had happened in the past year and how this was somehow a fitting way to start the New Year. `I know it isn't over but maybe, just maybe, this can be a wonderful night with nothing bad happening.' Her mother noticed the tear but chose not to comment on it, instead turning away to give her daughter the privacy of her own thoughts. Grandpa's small speech of thanks ended then and everyone started to leave. Several comments were heard about how magnificent the pile was and how they'd be back later that night when the bonfire was lit. A small group split off from the main as Souta and InuYasha turned and headed towards the house with the rest of Kagome's friends following a short distance behind. Whatever happened tonight, they hoped they would be ready.

 

~*~*~*~

 

“How do I look?” Slowly grandpa walked out of his bedroom dressed in his full set of ceremonial robes. “I want everything to be perfect tonight for you and your friends. I know that InuYasha's never seen us put on one of these ceremonies and everyone else has worked so hard. I want all of Tokyo to know how thankful we are for all of the support the shrine has been given over the years and we will be rebuilding the shrine.” Proudly he stood for his daughter's inspection as Kagome and Souta made their way down the stairs, also wearing their shrine robes. The light from the lanterns that had been placed in the living room for the holidays gave off a festive glow and made the robes seem to glow with an ethereal beauty. A few low whistles of appreciation were heard from the rest of the people that were currently lounging around on the chairs and sofa, making grandpa smile again with pride. “Tonight everyone will see what a proud and distinguished shrine family we are.” With a wink at Kagome he added slyly “Perhaps someday we will have more little ones in the house to carry on our proud traditions.”

 

Kagome thought she would die of embarrassment, both at her grandfather's comment and the roars of laughter that came from Shizuru and Kazuma. She snuck a look over at Hiei who had been leaning against the wall, only to find him looking at her with a speculative gleam in his eyes. Even Souta joined Kazuma in the laughter, in his mind this was the perfect revenge for the years of teasing that he had taken when his sister had been in the past. Grandpa had told him many times that he was hoping for lots of great grandchildren, now the pressure was off of him and onto Kagome where he had thought it should have been all along. More then once he had complained to Kagome about this very thing, how she was the oldest and so should have children first. Out of everyone there only InuYasha was looking slightly outraged but he kept his mouth shut, figuring this was family business and not his. Kagome shifted uncomfortably under the not so subtle hints that had been directed towards her. Hoping to change the topic of conversation off of her she peeked out the window into the coming night to look at the steady stream of people that were arriving at the woodpile. “Can we talk about this another time grandpa? People are arriving and it's time to light the bonfire.”

 

“You're correct. The time has come.” Grandly grandpa turned and headed for the door as Souta and Kagome fell in line behind him. Nothing in his expression showed the unease that was steadily closing in on him as the feeling of his awaiting fate blanketed him. `The end is near, I know it, but I'm not going to let this get me down. She may be able to destroy this body of mine but she won't be able to destroy our family. So in the end, she loses no matter how you look at it. Amaterasu, my only prayer to you now is that she makes it fast. Take my suffering as a sacrifice to honor you and help in the defeat of Tamamo-no-mae.' The procession filed out of the house and down the property to where the crowd had gathered. Many of the people had already picked up the bamboo torches and were waving them around with wild abandon, just waiting for their chance to become a part of the festivities and bring good luck to the families and friends. As he walked and smiled at the people carrying on he noticed that one person in particular caught his attention and held it. A person that had been a guest in his home many times throughout the previous years. Suddenly it all came together in his mind but there was nothing he could do to change his fate now. No one heard the whisper that passed his lips as he picked up the main torch that he would use to light the fire. “Houjo.” The young man looked his way then and saw the old man through eyes that were not his own.

 

“Shit, be ready. Something's gonna happen.” Yusuke passed the whisper down to his team that was following behind him and everyone fanned out slightly as if they were joining the crowd but each was taking a strategic position towards the young man that now seemed to waver between Houjo and a Kitsune in appearance. The young man grinned slightly and moved into a throng of people as if he somehow knew that he had been spotted. Frustrated Yusuke watched as the man made his way easily over to the bonfire that Kagome's grandfather had just set to fire with his ceremonial torch. “Hiei! Get Kagome and get her the hell out of here!” Yusuke's shout would have been useless above the noise of the fire and the crowd but the shout wasn't needed. Already Hiei was racing towards the Miko and her family, only to slam up against an invisible wall.

 

The fire leaped heavenwards as the pile of logs all burst into flames at once. It created a wind of it's own, giving itself a life it might not have otherwise had. Souta stepped back in horror and Kagome reached for her bow that she wasn't carrying as the violent wind coalesced and took the form of a giant laughing fox. “Bitch! I know who you are and you aren't going to win!” Desperately Kagome tried to push her grandfather behind her and almost succeeded when she bumped into Houjo. The man had been dancing wildly next to the fire trying to get as close as he could to the procession when he was pushed just as he reached his destination. Reflexively he dropped the burning brand in favor of catching himself but he was close enough that it didn't matter. Now everyone watched in horror as the priest robes that the old man wore caught fire and quickly spread. A cruel smile crossed his face as Kagome let out a scream of anguish and desperation as she watched her grandfather burst into flames before her very eyes. “No!!!!”

 

~*~*~*~

 

Author's Note: I know, I'm so evil. Leaving grandpa burning like that. Find out his fate in the next chapter. It will come in time I promise :D

 

I want to say thank you to everyone who is still sticking with the story and thank you for the reviews that you leave. They mean a lot to me.

 

I also want to dedicate this chapter to Ryu who has not only been my wonderful beta but has ongoing health issues. I hope you get feeling better soon, but in the meantime if you need something to read, here you go.