Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Kawaridane ❯ The Way ( Chapter 15 )

AN: Sorry this took sooooo long. Man things have been crazy with school and it took me a long time to get this one right. Again I was inspired a long time ago with this chapter and I wanted to get it right. Especially the end part. If you listen to Sugarcult's - Pretty Girl, you'll understand the feeling I'm trying to portray. I do not own IY or YYH.

 

The clash of Hiei's katana against Ketsuji's rang throughout the forest. Hiei's rage hung around them like an ominous cloud and served to blot out the last of the fading sunlight. Their battle was fierce and the opponents evenly matched.

“I'm mostly relieved I no longer have to put on a show for you people.” The fake sneered, “Having to take that snivelling, worthless creatures name was enough to make me sick.” He motioned towards the small figure all but forgotten kneeling next to Ayako's unconscious form.

Hiei didn't look away, so intent on his prey he dare not show an opening.

“My true name, given to me by Nikushimi himself, reflects my true nature. A nature carved by the tyranny of the late Lord and Lady of the North, whom took my family from me not long after my birth.” The fake grinned. “Would you like to hear it?”

Hiei sneered.

“Oh how gracious of you. Yes my true name is Kurushimi. The true son of hatred, rightfully named pain and anguish.”

Hiei had had enough. He leapt at the arrogant, deranged demon with black fire coating his katana blade. His sword of the darkness flame may be vulgar, but it was safer than unleashing the dragon with Ayako only a few feet away.

Kurushimi laughed with true glee and parried Hiei's attacks with his own blade.

“You know I have only one regret about this whole business…” Kurushimi looked truly saddened as he parried another of Hiei's blows.

Hiei continued ignoring him, knowing he was trying to distract him with his incessant chatter.

“I regret that I didn't get a taste of the Kawaridane-hime. If you would have been just a day later I would have been having my way with her right now.” Kurushimi laughed.

Hiei never lost his cool, though the words struck home. `What if he had been that much later…?' There was no time for “what if's”.

Hiei feinted to the right as he had done with Ayako long ago and struck a deep slice across Kurushimi's left side. The taller demon stumbled but recovered quickly; however, the laughter was gone from his face.

“I would have made that little spawn of tyranny, hanyou scream my name… She would soon have no reason to remember your name… even without the mind control serum I employed…” Kurushimi spat.

Hiei was through letting this insolent demon speak. He changed stance quickly to end this but just as he was about to Kurushimi leapt away towards Ayako, he quickly knocked the real Ketsuji to the ground and raised his katana to finish her.

Hiei cried out and leapt towards him, he managed to cause Kurushimi to miss her vitals by hurtling a blast of fire at him but the sword still buried deeply in her left shoulder. Hiei swung with fury and severed the enemy's arm just below the elbow.

Kurushimi screamed and leapt away leaving behind his arm and his sword.

“I will see you again soon little Kawaridane… you will seek the call of Nikushimi.” He looked directly at Hiei his eyes burning with hatred. “She cannot resist the call. Enjoy your little hanyou while you can Hiei….”

With that he was gone. Hiei didn't care. Ayako was still unconscious and blood streamed from the wound on her shoulder. With the excitement of the battle Hiei had forgotten about his own injury. His own blood loss caught up with him as he fell to his knees beside her.

“Ketsuji…. Help me with her…” Hiei's voice was raspy and weak. Ketsuji nodded and quickly rushed to help Hiei gather Ayako's small form in his arms.

Finally settling her against him, and refusing Ketsuji's help, they slowly made their way to the compound.

**********

Keiko was outside getting a breath of air. She had considered sending Yusuke after Ayako and Ketsuji. It was getting late. Then she felt an intense surge of spirit power. She quickly fled into the house to get Kurama and Yusuke. When they came outside again the power had diminished but a figure could be seen walking out of the northern forest.

Kurama and Yusuke instantly recognizing that spirit power ran towards Hiei, Ayako and the strange demon accompanying them. Upon reaching the edge of the clearing Hiei swayed dangerously on his feet and then crumpled. Keiko sprung to action quickly calling back to Genkai before joining the two in their run towards their friends.

**********

“So who the hell are you?” Yusuke was subtle as always.

“Hai, gomen I am Ketsuji. Ah before you object I need to request that you do not interrupt my tale for I know it will not make sense to you at first.” Ketsuji said quickly.

Nods were seen around the room. It was evening of the following day. Ayako was still sleeping and Hiei was god knows where.

“Thank you. Now. The man you have known to bear my name these past few months was an imposter. He was sent here by Nikushimi to poison Ayako.” He looked around. They were keeping their word though Yusuke looked like he was going to explode with questions or objections, or random strings of profanity.

“His name is Kurushimi, though I did not know that before last night. All I know is that he is the one who killed my entire family and believed he's killed me as well. My family's position as first clan under the royal family had much influence with the surrounding population in the Northern Makai and Nikushimi, wanted to control it.”

“But you look nothing alike!” Yukina blurted out then quickly blushed and covered her mouth. “I'm sorry.” Her apology was muffled.

The real Ketsuji laughed and continued. “You are quite right, although since I am only the fourth son of the family I was not well known to the public eye. Only my close friends would be able to tell the difference and they were `taken care of'.” His face fell.

“Disappearances have been a common occurrence since Ayako and Kagome's parents were killed. Nikushimi is paranoid and eliminates any threat to his power. Kurushimi is but another victim. His mind has been twisted for Nikushimi's purposes. He believes it was the Lord and Lady that banished his family and indirectly led them to their deaths. This is all just what Nikushimi has told him. During the raid on the castle his parents were slaughtered along with many others… Kurushimi was just an infant and one of Nikushimi's men took pity on him. Unfortunately there are many like him. That is why there are so many followers, and many demons leap at the chance to be a part of the legendary Karyuudo. The hunters of the Kawaridane.” He shook his head.

“It is a sad state. Hiei found me while looking for the truth behind Kurushimi. I think he found more than he bargained for.”

Kagome was the first to speak. “We have to do something. That was my family's throne! My name. I only learned of it recently but that does not change the fact that we need to stop sitting around waiting for the hunters to find us.”

Inuyasha smiled at his mate.

Genkai was about to speak when Ayako slowly entered the room and took a seat beside her sister.

“It's about time you got here…” Yusuke teased gently. “Now where is that useless fire apparition?”

Ayako, trying to keep a straight face simply pointed. Hiei was lounging in the windowsill.

“Sneaky fire demons barging into meetings…” Yusuke grumbled as he settled back next to Keiko.

“Ketsuji, what do you know of this “mind control device” Kurushimi used?” Genkai queried.

Ayako visibly stiffened and Kagome put an arm around her twin.

Ketsuji shook his head. “Not much. All I know is from what Kurushimi said during the fight last night. That it took many doses to complete and that once it was complete, it will work within miles of either of the two people able to control it. Kurushimi, or Nikushimi himself.”

“I believe there may be a way to counteract it.” Ketsuji continued then stopped.

“Well??” Yusuke was not in the mood to be patient. His little sister controlled by the same crazy demon trying to kill her? Hell no.

Ketsuji looked unsure of how to word his reply when Kurama stepped in.

“I believe I know what he speaks of.” Kurama said calmly.

Ketsuji looked relieved. The tension in the air was palpable and he did not want to test tempers.

“Oh you stupid fox… if you don't stop stalling I'll beat your pretty little face in!” Yusuke was slowly turning red.

Kurama smiled. “This type of mind control works on a neurochemical basis. With long term exposure to a certain neurotoxin it has manipulated Ayako's mind to respond in a certain way to a certain stimulus. Its absolute effectiveness demands daily dosages for months…” Kurama hung his head. “Unfortunately this Kurushimi has had plenty of time to achieve this requirement.”

“The only thing that is more powerful than this type of neural connection is one much more primal.” Everyone knew exactly what he was going to say as he looked down at Shizuru. “A demon mating mark would, theoretically, overrule it.”

The room was silent. No one wanted to breach this subject.

Finally a small voice could be heard, though it did nothing to break the tension.

“It is getting late. Let's talk about this tomorrow.”Ayako quietly rose and left the room, avoiding everyone's gaze.

Once everyone rose to exit to their respectable rooms Hiei stood in the room alone, staring after where Ayako had left, minutes ago. Without a word he disappeared out the window. He needed to think.

**********

Hiei breathed deeply the late spring air. It was going to rain. Soon. Normally he would go to Ayako's room when it was cold. He didn't mind so much but she objected. He didn't think he'd be welcome there right now.

From his spot in the tree he could see in Ayako's window. He hadn't seen her move since she had risen to open her outside door a few minutes ago. She just lay on her futon, facing away from him.

`What have I done to her?' Hiei scowled. He knew she hated him for leaving. Her words when he came back were proof enough.

I love you… but I don't forgive you…

She didn't need to waste her time. He hated himself for leaving her. It was his fault that the creep was able to poison her. If someone else had gone he could have protected her. He conveniently forgot that even the infallible kitsune avatar was fooled by the imposter. It was easier to wallow in his own self loathing.

The scent of rain got stronger and the first small drops started to fall. Hiei sensed movement and looked up to see Yusuke and Keiko hurrying across the compound to Ayako's door. They knocked and Ayako stood up and beckoned them inside. Hiei watched and listened intently. He knew Yusuke wanted to remove his balls for what he'd done. He didn't blame him.

“Ayako I don't want you to feel compelled to… mate… with that worthless fire demon.”Yusuke said sincerely. “We'll find another way to counter act the control. Genkai said she'd start scouring her books in the morning.”

Ayako nodded sadly. “Thank you Yusuke, and you and I both know he is not worthless.”

Hiei's heart leapt. What was she saying?

**********

“Yes we know. I just hope you're alright Ayako.” Keiko said quickly to cut off any rude retort Yusuke was prepared to give.

“I'm fine. Just tired. Thank you so much for your concern but I'm going to get some rest.”Ayako walked them both out and was about to turn back inside when she saw Yusuke stroll out into the clearing in the rain. Curiosity overtook her as she looked out her slightly open doorway.

“Hey Hiei! You know if I could climb trees I'd be up there beating you to a pulp right now!” Yusuke shouted. Keiko had abandoned trying to get him to come and had hurried back to their room.

“You needn't bother, spirit detective. My wounds are self inflicted.” Hiei said quietly.

Ayako needed to strain her acute hearing to hear Hiei's voice over the increasing downfall of rain. When he spoke however a small shiver ran down her spine. She really couldn't stop her traitorous body, could she?

How does he make me feel this way when I have every reason to hate him? I love him. I won't stop loving him. Damn him.

Yusuke was about to reply when he felt a small hand on his shoulder. He turned around and saw Ayako standing in her pajamas and bare feet. The rain matting the hair to her head.

“Thank you Yusuke, but I should fight my own battles.” She smiled and he hesitated. She tightened her grip and turned her expression into one of quiet pleading.

He relented. “Alright. But you call me if he gets acting funny.” With that he shot one last glare at Hiei's tree and stalked off towards his room.

Ayako revelled in the feeling of the rain on her face and neck. She felt as if her worries were being washed away. A small splash was heard as Hiei leapt down from the tree and slowly approached her. She remained silent as he looked her over. His eyes told her everything she wanted to hear. She knew she'd forgive him. He'd break her.

He gently brushed her wet hair away from her face and ran his hand down her cheek. Her heart beat quickened and she quickly grabbed his hand and held it away from her, but she didn't let go.

The rain poured around them, the perfect accompaniment to their mood.

 

 

AN: Nikushimi - hatred, Kurushimi - pain, anguish