Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Hidden Intentions ❯ Pendant of the Souls ( Chapter 4 )

Disclaimer- I own Yu Yu Hakusho…..:angry lawyers begin moving towards DFA: eeep!…I mean I own Yu Yu Hakusho DVD's…:angry lawyers back off: whew! That was a close one. Nope don't own it, If I did I would have Hiei chained to my bed * snicker *. LOL just kidding. I claim ownership to any characters not in the series and manga.

 

 

“Normal Speech”

 

Thoughts

 

: Telepathic Speech:

 

 

Hidden Intentions

 

 

Recap from last chapter:

 

The cave walls began to groan and crack as a fine tremor reverberated throughout the passageway. Debris began to rain down from the ceiling onto Botan and Hiei. The cave walls were beginning to give.

 

“Run onna!!” yelled Hiei over the cracking of the stone.

 

Dragging her up by the arm, Hiei sprinted down the passage way with Botan in tow. Seconds later the cave ceiling collapsed in on itself, filling the air with dust.

 

When the dust settled, Botan looked back behind her at the rock filled spot where she had been lying moments before. Turning back to Hiei, worry crossed her face.

 

“Hiei, we're trapped.”

 

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Chapter 4- The Pendant of the Souls

 

 

“I am well aware of our situation onna. Quit your sniveling and let us go. We still have to find the pendant for that knee-high fool Koenma. We can worry about getting out of the cave after we have retrieved the trinket.” emotionlessly stated Hiei.

 

“You are right Hiei. Lets just find the pendant and get the heck out of here. This place gives me the creeps.”

 

Hiei nodded in affirmation and turned to head down the darkened passage way. Botan whipped out her ever-handy-dandy flashlight and quickly followed the raven-haired demon, not wanting to be left alone at any point in time while they were still in the cave system. She was pretty sure that wouldn't bode well.

 

Hiei did not like the situation at all. But of course he wasn't going to tell the onna. There were just too many things that didn't ring true. The forest surrounding the cave for one. He would have to agree with the onna, the place was plain creepy. There had been a strange aura around it. He hadn't sensed anything quite like it before. Not that he was scared; the place had simply unnerved him.

Just as the cave itself had. The cave, just as the prophecies had said, was dangerous. And now they were stuck in the place. He had yet to figure a way out of their rather sticky situation, and as much as he hated to admit it, he was hoping the ferry onna would come up with some sort of bright idea. He was more concerned about the caves other dangers at that point in time. The beast that he had defeated back there was probably the beginning of the trouble that they would face. It wasn't as though the beast was that difficult to defeat, it was totally the opposite. The beast was almost too easy. Yes, the creature had been able to land quite a few blows on him, but the cramped space and a good dose of overconfidence had played a large part in that. Not just that, but he had been distracted. He had been worried over the onna's safety. Why?

 

Hn… I did not want her to be hurt, that fool Koenma would probably throw me back in the Reikai jail if his precious ferry girl had been injured. That fool is always looking for some reason to blame me. All the same, we need to get out of here. I highly doubt that that creature will be the last of our problems. If that is the worst soul-sucking beast we will encounter, we should count ourselves lucky.

 

 

Each was lost in their own thoughts as they continued down the tunnel. Neither had spoken a word to the other since they had left the cave-in site. The main concern was getting the pendant, so why all the rampant thoughts? It may have just been the repressive atmosphere, but there seemed to be a lot to consider.

 

 

Botan wondered if they would encounter any more creatures like the last one. Shuddering at the thought, she hoped they wouldn't. She trusted Hiei to keep them safe, but it seemed to her like the last one had been way to close of a call. When she had regained consciousness from hitting her head on the cave floor from the creature's first attack, she had witnessed the beast landing a blow on Hiei. Naturally she had cried out. But when Hiei had telepathically told her to be quiet she knew that he did not need any more distractions. Even though she hadn't made a peep during the battle (and even though it did take a great deal of effort not to), it had seemed like Hiei had been distracted by something. He hadn't been fighting with his normal finesse and grace. That was something Botan had rarely, if ever, had seen.

 

Why am I thinking about him again? Grrr…..I really don't know. But, I was really worried about him when he was fighting the creature. I knew that Hiei would beat it. It's not like there has ever been very many that could beat him. I can only think of a couple. I know the creature must have landed at least a couple blows on him, but in this dim light I can't see for sure. I know we really don't have time to stop and check, but I really wish I knew if Hiei was hurt or not. Why am I so concerned about this? That demon has done nothing but make my life a living hell most of the times that I have been around him. Why should I care other than for the sake of the mission?

 

`Because you care for him'…

 

Oh great, now I'm hearing voices. I must have hit my head harder than I thought.

 

`Silly girl, you know that am right. You have feelings for the fire demon. Do not deny them.'

 

I do not! I don't care for Hiei in the least. I consider him a friend and that is all. What am I doing? I'm hearing voices, and now I'm talking to them! I have got to be going insane.

 

`Nothing of the sort. You aren't talking to strange voices, you know me for I am you. At least I am what you do not have the courage to admit to yourself. You care for the demon in front of you. Your dreams do not lie. You have cared for him since the closing of the Dark Tournament, and your feelings have increased tenfold since you saw his valiant efforts to defeat Sensui. Embrace your feelings; they will not lead you astray. Your thoughts and dreams are a part of you girl. You cannot deny them, just as you cannot deny me.'

 

Why are you torturing me? You don't know what you are saying. I don't have feelings of that sort towards Hiei. I can't have feelings towards him.

 

`Ah but you do. We both know that you find him undeniably attractive. Isn't that in itself a feeling? I have you on that. We both know that you crave love and affection, and that you are drawn to him like a moth is drawn to a flame. He is a temptation that you greatly wish to indulge in. You wish to taste him and all that he offers just as you would desire to taste the finest chocolate. Remember, the only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it. Resist it, and your soul will grow sick with the longing of the things it has forbidden to itself. I will leave with much to be considered.' And with that, the voice receded to the back of her mind.

 

After the little talk with her apparent `alter ego', she idly wondered it that was how Kurama felt when his Youko half decide to give him some input. The voice had been more right than she wished to admit.

 

 

 

 

It was growing inside the host. The mark had increased in size and now covered much of the host's shoulder and neck, but still the host did not know it was there. The pink-green glow throbbed in time with the host's heart. Its effects were beginning to show. The fire was beginning to grow inside of the host. Once the fire was kindled, there would be nothing in its path that would stop it from consuming the host, from burning alive with its heat.

 

It did not care if it's host body died. That did not matter to it. It was neither alive nor dead. It simply existed. Like a parasite it would feed, but it was not a parasite. No, nor did it need sustenance. For it had no need for nourishment. With no form to feed, it simply was.

 

It could grow, but it had no body.

 

It would feed, but would gain nothing for it needed no nothing.

 

It existed, but had no feelings or desires. It was as if it had always been there, but had never been there.

 

It was all encompassing, but encircled nothing.

 

It had no conscience or soul, but it was neither evil nor good.

 

It could be created, but never truly destroyed.

 

It was all that was, and all that was not.

 

It was all that had happened, and all that could be. But at the same time it was nothing.

 

It knew all, saw all, and desired all.

 

It was building inside of the host. Not enough to notice yet, but soon it would show all. Little by little the fire would overtake the host. Little by little the host would succumb to its will. It did not matter that the host possessed a will and strength that surpassed many. That fact was of little importance. The result would be the same. Nothing had ever beaten it, nothing ever would. There were some things that could never be denied.

 

 

 

 

The two continued trudging down the damp halls of the cave. No light was in sight. Not that they expected any. Botan's flashlight had given out about an hour ago. Even with his youkai senses, Hiei was having trouble seeing in the dark. So far they had not encountered any more demons, or creatures, or whatever the heck that thing was. That was a definite plus.

 

Botan had decided not to dwell on anything that had to do with their current mission. What the voice in her head had told her had unnerved her far more than she had ever wanted. To many things that it had said had rang true. Far to many.

 

Hiei on the other hand was wondering about he creature's origins. He had figured that the creature was one of the soul-sucking beasts that the prophecy had warned them of. Prophecies tended to be right if you could understand whatever the hell they said, which most of the time you couldn't.

 

They had been lucky so far in avoiding any more demonic attacks, but of course as most things went, their luck would soon run out. Nothing was ever this easy.

 

His Jagan told him that they were drawing near the pendant. He for one was glad that they were almost done. He wasn't exactly feeling very well. His neck had stopped itching, but his temperature had seemed to increase. It was almost as if he was burning up. He could also feel something building in him. He wasn't sure he knew what it was. He recalled that he had felt something like this before, but he had absolutely no clue as to what it could have been. Whatever it was he wanted to get out of this place. The fox was sure to have an answer if his condition worsened.

 

There was absolutely no desire on his part to see whatever else the caves many corridors might hold. There could have been great treasure for all he cared, but he still wasn't going to stay in this place any longer than was necessary. If the onna wanted to stay and play with the demons, she was welcome to it, but not even whole bucket of sweet snow was going to keep him here.

 

Suddenly his Jagan picked up on a disturbance in the distance. Whatever it was, is sure wasn't human. He began to pick up his pace. They were definitely getting close to the Pendant, so it followed that there was going to be a demonic guard to it. It would be a folly for there not to be.

 

As they continued walking, it became apparent that the halls were becoming lighter. There was some sort of light source up ahead.

 

:Onna… We are drawing near the pendant. I sense a presence up ahead. It is more than likely guarding the Pendant. I need you to be wary.:

 

: All right Hiei…: She telepathically replied as she materialized her metal bat.

 

 

It was like stepping into the blinding sun. Neither Botan nor Hiei could see for a few moments. Hiei was poised with his hand blocking his crimson eyes from the bright light for a few moments until he could see again. That momentary blindness was what the creature was looking for, and it intended to take it to his full advantage.

 

It attacked. Whereas, the last beast had been gray in appearance. This one was almost completely colorless. It blended well with the stark surroundings of the cavern. Its empty white eyes held no emotion except for hunger. Hunger for souls. Just as the creature before it, this beast was drawn to the pure soul of the amethyst-eyed girl. It cared little about the other soul. It opened its mouth; its razor sharp teeth glittered in the blinding light. Its hunched body flew through the air towards the unsuspecting girl.

 

It was never to reach her. The white skinned demon was knocked off of its intended course by a blur of black. The demon skidded to a halt a few feet away from the crouched figure. Crimson eyes eyed the creature with disgust. How this pathetic creature managed to be called a demon was a mystery to him.

 

He lunged forward, his sword raised to attack. The creature managed to catch his blade between the claws of its left hand and stalled the blades decent towards the creature's opaque body. With a savage growl the creature ruthlessly torn into Hiei's body with the claws on its right hand.

 

The claws dug deep into Hiei's back, raking from his right shoulder to the small of his back. Blood poured from the wound soaking his clothes and splattering the ground around him like a halo. Mercilessly the creature bit into his arm. The sound of tearing flesh could be heard throughout the cave.

 

With an effortless toss, the creature threw Hiei aside and proceeded to move towards the startled girl. The creature had assumed that the dark figure was down for the count. But as always, the bad guy had underestimated things. And that was one thing that Hiei hated most. The beast would pay for its mistake.

 

Never underestimate me fool.

 

It did not even sense his presence until the blade of his katana had sliced completely through the creature's up-raised arm. The severed limb thudded dully to the floor. A look of astonishment flitted across the beasts face, and was quickly replaced by an expression of pure blinding rage.

 

It spun and snapped at Hiei, but all it came in contact with was thin air. With a whip of its long tail, the creature attempted to hit him. The spiked end of its tail caught on the material in Hiei's sleeve, tearing the material off as it passed, but leaving the fire demon relatively unharmed, although slightly less clothed than he had been moments before.

 

Hiei had had enough of the creature. He levied the final blow. The creature did not even realize that he had moved. That lack of inattention would be the death of it. Its massive head rolled across the floor to land at the base of the stone pedestal at the center of the room.

 

Upon the pedestal, suspended on what seemed to be thin air sat the Pendant of the Souls. Their prize. Its luminescent glow filled the room. A mirage of dancing colors could be seen playing across its pearly surface. Botan walked forward to grab it. It was one of the most beautiful objects she had ever seen. It was something she was sure that even the great thief Youko Kurama would find worthy of possession.

 

Oddly enough, there did not seem to be anything hindering her from retrieving it from atop its pedestal. She placed the pendant in the special pack that Koenma had sent with them to contain it so that it would not accidentally suck up any souls on their way back to the Reikai vault. It was as if they had passed their final test in this cave of horrors. Unfortunately that wish would not be satisfied. She glanced back at her companion to find him kneeling on the floor with his back to her.

 

As she walked closer to him, she could see a fine trembling coursing through his form. Blood was running down his arms in steady streams. His hand were clenched at his sides, almost as if he was afraid he was going to reach out to someone, and was afraid of the result of such an action.

 

Sweat was tricking down his face, and when he turned to face her, she could see a strange haze in his eyes. One that she had never seen before. His chest heaved in labored pants, his breath whistling through clenched teeth with every exhalation. He dropped the rest of the way to a floor with a cry of pain.

 

She assumed it was his wounds that were causing the reaction. She knew she had to do something to stop the blood flow. He may be a demon and therefore more resilient than a human, but he still could die from blood loss. She ripped his bloodstained cloak the rest of the way from this body. She knew he would be more than likely pissed about her destruction of his clothes, but she figured that was a bridge that was better left uncrossed for now. It wasn't as if there was much left of it anyway. She began tearing strips from it so she could begin bandaging his wounds.

 

That's when she saw it. On his back a strange pinkish-green mark could be seen. It ran from the junction of his left shoulder and neck to half way down his back and arm. Its sickly color throbbed in time with his heart. She knew this wasn't good, but focused her energies on bandaging the bleeding wounds first. She would consider the implications of this later.

 

With Hiei still on his knees in front of her, she continued her work. She had just finished wrapping his the wound on his broad chest, when another wave of what she thought was pain passed over his body. What she thought was pain continued to shake his form as she finished bandaging his torn body.

 

 

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A/N- Hello again all you readers. Sorry this chapter was shorter than the others, I was in a hurry to get it typed up and at this point it was getting late. It's about 1:30 in the morning and I am finally coming off of my caffeine high. I apologize in advance for any mistakes I might have made.

 

This chapter should bring us pretty close to the end of the story. I should have everything finished up by chapter 6 at the latest. That is unless my plot muse decides to run off with story. I never know what she is going to do

 

I would like to give a quick shout-out to a couple of my favorite writers Resmiranda and Aine of Knockaine. You two rock! I highly recommend their stories. Resmiranda is the brilliant author of “Tales from the House of the Moon”(InuYasha) and Aine is the wonderful creator of “Forever Mine”(Trigun). Seriously you should check these stories out. If I listed all of my most favoritist writers, we would be here all day and then some. Much thankies to all you that have inspired me, I couldn't do it without you.

 

Please review. Reviews keep my muse happy and well fed! Reviews will also give me incentive to get the next chapter out that much sooner.

 

DFA