Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Kawaridane ❯ Imposter Revealed! ( Chapter 14 )

AN: Sorry this one took so long. It was all jumbled and I had to rewrite it a bunch of times. I hope its right. This one is for my first flamer on mediaminer . org. Didn't anyone tell you calling people names doesn't get you anywhere? Thanks to all who are still with me at this point. I don't know what I was thinking when I started this but it may drive me insane yet. I'll keep you posted.

I do not own IY or YYH.

 

The smell in the tavern was one of sweat and death. Hiei found the air reminded him of his darker, younger days. His informant had chosen this spot to meet and Hiei could see why. The tavern was one large room but it was poorly lit with dingy booths ringing the room and a smattering of shabby tables throughout the middle. This was also a common gathering place for the local thieves and cutthroats and so one more pair of darkly clothed bodies would attract no attention.

Hiei heard the large double doors open and turned his head slightly to peer out of the corner of his eye. He recognized the newcomer as his informant almost immediately. Hiei scowled darkly. `The fool…'

The cloak he wore about his thin shoulders was dirty and tattered but his boots practically shone in comparison with their expensive detailing and smooth finish. Hiei could also see a glimpse of white silk through the neck of the cloak. Hiei sighed audibly and shook his head.

The young demon took a seat across from Hiei and the fire apparition could feel the apprehension pouring off him in waves.

“Your attempt at disguise is pitiful, young lord.” Hiei grumbled while looking pointedly at his footwear.

“I had nothing else! I had to borrow this cloak from the master yard keeper and even then it wasn't shabby enough!” The young demon had a hint of desperation in his voice.

Hiei glanced around the room casually trying to see if anyone noticed that squeaky outburst, and glared at his companion to be silent. It seemed no one heard or cared. `Good.'

“Enough, I was told you have the information I seek…” Hiei said evenly.

The young demon nodded. “Have you then reconsidered my price? Will you take me with you?”

Hiei held up his hands. “Yes, yes… what you say is what I think it is… you will need my protection.”

The young demon nodded, and began his story. As his words unravelled Hiei's worst fears were soon realized.

**********

The gentle spring breeze blew through the newly formed leaves and buds on the great trees above their heads. The twin hanyous sat together taking in the peace of this lazy Saturday.

Ayako turned her face to the sun and felt the warm rays banish the seemingly constant feeling of uneasiness she had experienced since Hiei left. The feeling was so familiar to her now that she only realized it existed when it was gone. Strange.

“So what have you decided?” Kagome asked, breaking the silence.

“What do you mean?” Ayako replied innocently.

“You know exactly what I mean. What have you decided about Ketsuji and Hiei?”

Everyone had taken care not to mention the fire apparition's name near Ayako. All but her sister of course. Who else could be so blunt?

Ayako sighed. “I think I have feelings for Ketsuji.”

“And Hiei?” Kagome pressed, “What happens when he comes back and finds you married and his leaving was for nothing?”

“Maybe he would then realize that he never should have left to begin with!” Ayako replied sharply.

Kagome didn't look at her. “You can't do this Ayako. I'm not saying you should forgive him. Hell if it were me that boy would be losing a very precious part of his manhood when he got back,” Kagome turned to face her, “but you can't marry Ketsuji out of spite. It's not fair to any of you!”

“I just told you that isn't the reason! I do like Ketsuji.” She replied weakly.

“Yeah, but do you love him?” Kagome asked. Ayako remained silent. Thinking.

What she felt for Ketsuji was completely different from what she felt for Hiei. With Ketsuji it was a quiet understanding and strong sense of friendship and comfort. With Hiei… it was fire. Passion, untamed and unrelenting. But that fire burned her, leaving her broken and empty. She feared it more than anything.

“There are many kinds of love, Kagome.” She replied finally.

Kagome let it drop. She knew exactly what Hiei leaving had done to her sister. Though Ayako knew what Hiei was doing, the fact that he had left when she needed him the most had hit her hard. His choice made her feel like she was less than the most important thing in the world to him. It shattered her ideals of love and romance that were indeed naïve but happy. It turned her world upside down.

She had seen how Ketsuji and Ayako got along. On the surface it appeared so wonderful, but there was something he was hiding. Everyone saw it but Ayako. It had been months and still herself and the others could find no proof of anything amiss. So Ayako dismissed her friend's misgivings as over protectiveness. Even they were beginning to feel that they were mistaken. Besides, they had all come to the agreement that whatever made Ayako happy was best, and the young demon lord seemed to do just that.

The sisters sat in companionable silence.

The sound of booted feet walking up the path to the clearing alerted the two to his presence. They turned lazily toward him knowing already who it was and Kagome felt that same twinge of unease settle in the pit of her stomach. Kagome got to her feet.

“Hey Ketsuji. I was just about to head back into the house to help Keiko with dinner. Be back at the compound by 6:30 you two.” Kagome smiled quickly at her sister, and hurried from the clearing with a flippant wave.

Ketsuji looked after her, a puzzled look on his face and Ayako giggled.

“Was it something I said?” Ketsuji grinned his famous grin and Ayako laughed harder.

He walked over and took a seat on the spot of grass that Kagome had just vacated.

Ketsuji tilted his head as he looked at her. “You wanted to talk to me about something?”

Ayako smiled and nodded. “Yeah… I do.”

**********

It had taken him months to find out the thing he felt in his gut from the beginning! How stupid could he have been to leave her there with him for so long! Hiei was fighting a vicious inner battle as he sprinted through the forests of the Makai. He had already sent a message ahead to spirit world to prepare a portal for him to cross back to the living world, but he feared he may be too late. The demon had been given months of leisure to work his dark manipulation on Ayako and anything Hiei did may not be enough.

His informant was the demon Ketsuji. The real one. His story was the last straw to Hiei's long lived suspicion that the demon who came to them, was working for Nikushimi.

From what the young demon had told him even Hiei's hope placed in Kurama and the others to keep her safe may not work, so subtle was the imposter's manipulation.

Hiei raced through the tree tops at break neck speed. Hiei felt the deep anger and desire to rip the imposter limb from limb seep into him like a disease. He would pay for what was being done to Ayako.

**********

Ayako looked up into the fading light of the late afternoon sky. She tipped her head back and drained the rest of the tea Ketsuji had brought with him. The dredges tasting bitter and rough.

She then thought of what she had come up here to tell him. Shortly after Kagome had left she thought she had come to a decision to tell Ketsuji how she felt but also ask to wait so she could tell Hiei to his face… for some reason now… she was having trouble thinking why she wanted to do that.

She was angry at Hiei. Angry as all Hell! And she did love Ketsuji. He was sweet and kind where Hiei was abrasive and grumpy.

But… she thought she also loved him.

Do you still? After all he has done?

Could she even remember why she hated him?

Enough of that. You love Ketsuji as well; you will forget Hiei and marry him immediately!

How was she to do this? Give up everything with Hiei for a man she barely knew…

A voice inside her persisted. This demon cares for you like that fire apparition never did.

The voice reinforced itself in her mind until it seemed she could no longer bring Hiei's face to memory.

Why are you so concerned about him? Forget him… your future is with us…”

Ayako's eyes took on a glazed look. `Us…?'

She smiled slowly.

“Ketsuji, I want us to be married immediately. I care for you more than I ever did for… what his face.” The look on her face was one of total devotion.

Ketsuji's normally kind face turned once again to the hard, cold countenance of their first meeting and a wicked smile crossed his face.

“Ah so the technique is finally complete? I thought you would die from the dosage before you succumbed to it. You gave me quite the lot of trouble little Kawaridane. Now let's go have your sister and be out of this place… neh?” His voice was low and threatening, but Ayako never once lost her smile or her awestruck eyes.

“Hai, Ketsuji-sama.” She replied enthusiastically.

He nodded and got to his feet. He turned around and the smug expression left his face, but quickly returned.

Hiei stood across the clearing from them with murder in his eyes and a scrawny young demon beside him.

“Hmm maybe this will be better.” The fake Ketsuji grinned cruelly.

Hiei wasted no time on words, he stepped forward allowing his power to surge from him enough so that it forced his companion back behind the nearest tree. The only reason he could withstand it at all because that awesome killing intent was not directed at him.

“Ayako, will you take care of this pest for me.” Ketsuji said evenly, without turning to the small hanyou beside him.

“Hai, Ketsuji-sama.” She replied with the same amount of enthusiasm and Hiei froze as he watched her transform her features to those of her demon heritage. She slowly sunk to all fours and her claws and fangs extended wickedly from her hands and feet.

“I know what you've done to her. What you've done to all of them. Leave her out of this! My fight is with you!” Hiei snapped angrily. Ayako growled darkly at his tone of voice.

She didn't like this demon or how he appeared to be threatening her master.

“I don't think so Hiei. You see I find it amusing. You will either have to kill the one you love to kill me. Or allow her to kill you. It's beautiful really.” Ketsuji grimaced and motioned Ayako with his hand.

Instantly she leapt at Hiei's throat. The swiftness and ferocity of her attacks threw him off balance and she almost managed to pin him, but he feinted attacking her and rolled free.

On his feet once again Hiei and Ayako began pacing in a slow circle. Ayako was taking her time analyzing her opponent's movements. Without warning Hiei tried to break for Ketsuji and rage shot through her. How dare he attempt to harm her beloved master.

She leapt after him and caught him hard in the side just as he was about to sink his sword into Ketsuji's chest.

They hit the ground hard and she rolled quickly to her feet. A gash on her forehead began bleeding furiously and Hiei watched as her glazed eyes gained a moments clarity with the pain.

“Ayako… its me! I know you are angry with me but he has drugged you! Manipulated you with a slow acting but highly effective mind control serum. He is controlling you!”

Ayako's vision was foggy from the blow to the head. She could hear someone calling her name but couldn't tell if it was from within or without.

“Ayako please!” …Hiei?

Ayako… kill him. He attempts to hurt your master. KILL HIM.

The glaze settled over once again and she was on all fours ready to attack once more.

“You attacked Ketsuji-sama. Die.” She whispered.

Hiei felt his heart sink. She slipped under his control once again. `Maybe if I could literally knock sense into her she would break his control!' Hiei shook his head. His stomach turned at the thought of hurting her.

She leapt at him again and this time she did manage to pin him. Hiei caught her wrists in his hands inches from having her claws rip his eyes from his head.

“Ayako. You have to break his control over you… he is going to take you to Nikushimi and Kill you! He'll take Kagome as well. He'll kill everyone…” Hiei shouted at her panting. Her feet had managed to take a chunk out of his left thigh. He was now bleeding fairly heavily.

Ayako's eyes flickered. “Kill…”

KILL HIM AYAKO. Kill him before he kills your master…

“My master…?” Ayako's face was wrought with pain and confusion.

“He is not your master Ayako. NO ONE is EVER your master.” Hiei whispered heatedly.

That seemed to do it. Ayako's eyes cleared but her arms had stopped responding. She was awake but could not control her body.

“Kill him Ayako. Watch him suffer as you soon will. You cannot break the physical power of the serum, you may have broken the mental cloud but your body is still mine!” the fake Ketsuji screamed in triumph from somewhere behind her.

“Hiei, I can't stop my body…” tears began to form in her eyes. “I…” She let out a fierce growl as she began losing what little control she had gained.

“Ayako, I never should have left you. My honour was worth nothing compared to you. You are stronger than this. I have to kill him.” Hiei seethed behind gritted teeth. The loss of blood getting to his head as he felt his strength weaken further.

Ayako let out a piercing roar and began pounding her forehead into the ground beside Hiei. He watched in shock as blood began to trickle down her face and still she hammered on.

“Ayako don't!” Hiei called out.

She hesitated only slightly. “I love you Hiei. But I don't forgive you.” With one final heave she cracked her skull into the ground rendering herself unconscious.

Ketsuji howled his rage and Hiei rolled her over gently and stood up, his legs shaking with the effort.

The clearing seemed to darken with Hiei's rage and Ketsuji for once looked nervous.

“Prepare yourself.” Hiei said evenly and launched himself at the imposter.