Standing In The Shadows 16

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 chapter is going to be something of a wild ride. This is the third 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 Sixteen

The blue flames leapt skyward, as if dancing on the breeze. There was no stopping the inferno from engulfing the man as onlookers watched in horror, despite their repeated attempts to reach him. More than one person cried out in horror as they watched the gruesome display. The old man's features were still clearly visible as he writhed in pain, helpless to do anything in the face of the torture that was being inflicted. His eyes widened as if he was looking at something that only he could see, his expression that of a man who knew he was staring death in the face. His mouth opened in a silent scream, no sound coming from his tortured lungs. Kagome voice could be heard over the crowd, crying out her anguish as his skin began to peel and blacken, curling as sheets of it were sloughed off of the underlying muscle. The stench of burning flesh filled the air as the fat on his body began to melt but death was still kept out of the old man's reach. Unable to hold himself up any longer, his legs gave way from beneath him and the old man sank to his knees as if he were offering a prayer to the gods. Those nearby shrank back, not wanting to chance upon the same misfortune happening to them as the fire continued to grow. Only a select few continued to try and approach, braving the heat of the fire in an effort to save the old priest.

"Somebody help him! Oh my God, somebody please help him! Kagome please! Don't go any closer!" Mrs. Higurashi grabbed her daughter and pulled her backwards away from the fire, in an attempt to prevent another disaster from befalling her family. There was no doubt in her mind that the girl was going to run into the flames, heedless of the danger in an effort to save her grandfather. Forcibly she turned Kagome away from the sight before her and prayed that she would be strong enough to hold the now struggling girl as she pulled her tight against her own body. "Stop fighting me Kagome! That's my father in there, remember?" Her own voice broke with the pain of what they had seen but she had to make the young miko see reason, "I can't lose both of you!" Desperately her eyes traveled over the crowd, looking for anyone at all that would be able to do something to help her. Kagome didn't calm in the least, if anything she seemed more frantic to break free, to take the monster that had ripped their family apart on her own. The sounds of wailing sirens was heard in the distance racing towards them but Mrs. Higurashi already knew in her heart that they wouldn't be able to get there fast enough to save her father. With a desperate cry she buried her face into her daughter's hair, praying that it would all be over soon.

'Bitch you're not going to win against us.' Yusuke pushed Keiko to a position of relative safety behind him when he heard the sound of Kuwabara running up behind him. The redhead's voice cut through the air as he summoned his spirit sword and Yusuke gave the now possessed Hojo a nasty grin. 'If that sword could cut through the barrier to the Makai it sure as shit should be able to cut through this one.' This demoness had no idea what was about to hit her and Yusuke was more than looking forward to it. People fell back from around him, and indignant shouts could be heard over the roar of the flames. Although he didn't turn his complete attention away from Houjo the Toushin took a chance to check on Kuwabara's progress. He couldn't help but stare in surprise for a moment as the taller man pushed his way towards them, practically throwing people out of his way if they couldn't gather the sense to move fast enough. As the man reached him he stepped to the side, giving Kuwabara room to bring the sword down against the barrier. For a long moment it looked as if the effort would be in vain. Sparks cascaded around him where power met power in the struggle for supremacy. Yet moments later an ear piercing screech filled the air signaling the demise of the barrier. "Let's move!" Yusuke shouted over the terrified sounds of the crowd behind them, no doubt they were worried about what horrors might befall them on this night but he couldn't take the time to worry about that now.

As soon as the barrier came crashing down Hiei made a sprint towards Kagome and her mother trusting in his team mates to handle the rest of it until the women were out of the way. As expected Kurama rushed towards Houjo, making a grab for the possessed human before he had the chance to escape.

Kurama knew that the others would have their hands full and he was the one best suited to taking Mae down. The possibility that she would leave traces of mental suggestions or coercions in her wake was a distinct possibility and the avatar knew that there was no way in hell he could allow the man to leave the scene. There was every possibility that Mae would continue to use him as a host in an effort to destroy the rest of the group or anyone else who happened to be present at the festival. As he reached forward to grab the possessed human a green glow enveloped his hand, startling him momentarily until he realized it was the jewel at work. Before Houjo had a chance to avoid him the energy engulfed his body and slowly sank into his skin. Before Kurama could catch him, the man began to fall to the hard ground as the spirit of the malevolent kitsune was purged from his body. Clarity came to Houjo for a few moments then and his eyes grew wide with terror as the power of the jewel coursed through his body, showing him everything that had just occurred. His legs no longer bore his weight and with a cry he collapsed to the ground as something suddenly whistled past them through the air.

The silent screams that poured from grandpa's tortured throat were suddenly cut short as a blast of energy flew past, finally putting an end to his torment and suffering. The unseen weapon buried itself deeply into the burning flesh, tightening around the man's heart and forever stopping it's beating. Silently the now lifeless body fell fully to the ground as the fires finished their work, consuming what was left of Kagome's grandfather. Soon there would only be a pile of ash remaining to be buried on the shrine grounds alongside his parents and numerous other people who had served through the centuries as the shrines priests and guardians.

No one quite knew what to do or say and the only sound in the courtyard now were the violent sobs coming from both Kagome and her mother. Knowing that she had a job to do, Botan stepped forward and laid her hand gently on the shoulder of the spirit who was standing over the pile of ashes. Her voice was filled with sorrow and compassion as she addressed the spirit of the old man, hoping that she could offer him some sort of comfort for the journey ahead, "It's time to go now, I've come to take you to the afterlife and from there to wherever you decide to go from among your choices." Koenma had given her the job to collect this particular soul, knowing that he would need the comfort that she could offer him. It was the least that they could do for the man who had earned such respect throughout his lifetime and given the circumstances around his death he was to be given specific consideration. Now she was to take him directly to Koenma himself so the spirit could go to the reward he so richly deserved. The delicate scent of cherry blossoms filled the air around them as she waited patiently, watching silently as the man she had known for such a short time but who had already managed to earn her respect looked over at his daughter and granddaughter who had all but collapsed with unbearable grief.

"There's still so much they need to know," Somehow he knew that no one present could hear his voice with the exception of Botan who was still standing patiently waiting for him, "There's still so much that needs to be done." When Botan just looked at him sadly he moved over to hug his daughter and offer some comfort, even knowing that she wouldn't be aware that he had done so but he felt the overwhelming need to do it anyway. As he had suspected would happen his arms now went through her as if he were merely an illusion with no form to make physical contact. Yet the slightest glimmer of hope remained when he approached his granddaughter because he knew how powerful she was. Perhaps that would be enough to bridge the gap and allow him a final moment with her. But as he attempted to do so he was met with the same result and with a heavy heart he turned to address the ferry girl, "Is there any way I can speak to them one last time before we go?"

Botan nodded her head after a moment of thought and whispered the key to a Knowing. It was only because of Kagome's advanced abilities that they were able to do this in the first place. Had they had that option when Yusuke had died the first time things would have been ever so much easier. But there wasn't any going back to change the way things had happened so it was best not to think of such things. "Kagome won't be able to see you, but she will be able to hear you inside her mind. She's going to be the only one that you're going to be able to talk to and it won't be for long." With those words she stepped back and silently waited for the man to have his final words with his granddaughter.

"Kagome?" Grandpa waited silently as he watched her head come up at the sound of him whispering her name in her mind. Frantically she looked around for him, drawing concerned looks from everyone surrounding her. Sighing heavily he spoke into her mind once more, "Only you can hear me, don't question why. Please just listen, I don't have much time before I have to go but there are some things I need to tell you first. Don't grieve for me too long, be sure to tell your mother and brother that as well. If you do, it will only give Tamamo-no-mae more power and that's something no one needs. Also, he might not be sure about it yet but Hiei will grow to love you and his love will help keep you safe. Take what he offers you and don't look back with any regrets. You'll need to draw upon his strength for the upcoming battles, don't be afraid to ask it of him." He looked up at Botan then, knowing they needed to be going and his time was up. He brushed his fingers through her hair though he knew that she wouldn't be able to feel the caress, "You'll see me again someday Kagome, I promise you this. All of you will. I love you all. Goodbye for now." The spell that had allowed him to speak with her then faded from existence and he knew there wasn't any putting this journey off. Slowly he climbed onto his seat on Botan's oar and gave the tall woman a forlorn look, "I've said what I've needed to, and it will have to be enough. I'm ready, take me to this Koenma so he can judge my soul."

Souta had stared in confusion when Botan had left his side and moved to stand beside his grandfather's ashes but his eyes nearly popped out of his head when an oar appeared in her hand and she suddenly faded from his sight. What was worse was the others had watched the same thing as well but weren't the least bit concerned at what had happened to her. Hurriedly he tried to move over to where he had seen her last when the sounds of a scuffle had caught his attention. Turning around his eyes widened when he noticed the police had finally arrived and were now wrestling Houjo to the ground. Obviously they had deduced that he was the guilty party by the way he'd been restrained and had decided to take action. Terrified shrieks and incoherent babble fell from the man's lips as a medic approached. The only thing he could conclude was that somehow the man had gone insane. 'I guess I should feel sorry for him but right now I just can't.' The shock of the evenings events were just too much to comprehend all at once and woodenly he watched as a needle was inserted in Houjo's arm, making him immediately go limp and allowing the medics to strap him to a gurney. The sound of talking reached his ears, apparently the young man was being taken to a well-known psychiatric hospital until such time as his sanity returned and they could figure out what had happened. It might be cruel of him but he couldn't feel sorry for the man, he'd had a hand in killing his grandfather. Whether he was in control of his actions or not Souta just couldn't bring himself to forgive him, at least not yet. 'I hope he never gets out.'

The sound of additional sirens wailing through the air signaled the arrival of more police officers as well as the news media. Reporters hungry for the breaking story swarmed over the festivalgoers as the police tried to get everyone away from the bonfire so that it could be put out and they could begin their investigation into how such a tragedy had occurred. A few of the reporters spotted Kagome and Souta in their shrine robes and rushed towards them, clearly intent on getting an exclusive interview with the shrine family which would ensure that they would gain recognition in their chosen field.

"Excuse me please." The young officer spoke to Kagome and Souta since they were the ones that were wearing shrine robes and obviously belonged here out of everyone. "This area is now a crime scene and we must secure it. Please take yourselves and anyone else that belongs here up to your house and wait inside where we clear the area and process the scene. It will probably be more comfortable for you there and you won't have to deal with the press yet." He turned and looked at the reporters who were now standing only a few feet away, impatiently waiting to ask their questions, then turned back to Kagome and Souta. "I would also ask that you not speak to the media until we have completed our investigation. Another officer will be up to the house to speak with you shortly and take your statements about what happened here."

Looking utterly defeated and lost Mrs. Higurashi nodded her head and wrapped her arms around her children before starting to make her way back to the waiting house. Silently Hiei and Kurama fell in step on each side of them as they trudged their way back down the incline. Yusuke, Kuwabara and InuYasha walked behind them, on guard for any further possible attacks that might come from out of nowhere while Keiko, Yukina and Shizuru stayed close to the small group. Overhead a black bird circled, keeping a watch over the entire proceedings until everyone had disappeared inside the house. Only then did the bird give up his vigil and land in a tree. No one noticed when it disappeared into the shadows as if it had never been there in the first place.

Kagome sank down heavily beside her mother on the couch as Souta seated himself on the other side of the woman. They both wrapped their arms around her; trying to offer her what comfort they could while attempting to draw their own comfort and support at the same time. But it did little to alleviate the pain and loss that was shredding their hearts and minds into ribbons. The soft sound of crying filled the air as the finality of their loss overcame them and Mrs. Higurashi finally gave herself over to her overwhelming grief. Her eyes became unfocused as she slowly began to rock back and forth, no longer focusing on those around her, instead sinking into a deep depression that excluded everyone and everything around her. 'Father, there's no way I can go on without you. Wherever you are wait for me.'

"I'm going to make them some tea." Kurama spoke softly to Hiei as he moved towards the kitchen. Pulling some of the seeds from his hair, he looked them over critically while he decided which ones he wanted to use. "If we don't do something to help them, especially Mrs. Higurashi, to deal with the shock of what has happened tonight we might very well lose her. I'm not sure that Kagome could handle the shock of losing both her grandfather and her mother in one day and still remain mentally stable enough to be of any use in the upcoming fights against Tamamo-no-mae." Silently he regarded the fire apparition that was standing beside him for a moment when he felt the hand laid against his arm, stopping his forward progress. There was a look of obvious concern as well as anger in those glittering red eyes and Kurama waited to see what his partner wanted to know.

Hiei's voice was soft, below the hearing of most of those in the room. "Make your tea for them as you must fox, but I want to know what it was that happened back there." He pulled Kurama into the kitchen and firmly shut the door so there would be no chance that anyone would overhear him asking the question that had been eating at him since they'd started the walk back up to the house. "That fire should have killed her grandfather but it didn't. He continued to live past the point where any mortal should have succumbed to it." His eyes narrowed with impatience and anger as he watched for the small nod of confirmation, telling him that his assumption was indeed correct. "So, why didn't the fire kill him Kurama? If you know the answer now would be a very good time to fill me in on it."

"It would have eventually, but not until Tamamo-no-mae had gotten her full pleasure out of his torture and the emotional agony from the humans that were watching. Only then would she have allowed him to die." The cold emotionless voice seemed to come out of nowhere, then Kuronue stepped out of the shadows formed by the refrigerator and into the middle of the room. "The goal was an increase of her own power and to destroy the mind of the miko, thereby rendering her helpless and vulnerable to further attack. It's a common enough tactic among the kitsune that you learn about when you live with them long enough." A glance over at Kurama was almost enough to make Kuronue laugh at the sour look that crossed the kitsune's face at having what he obviously considered personal information revealed. Casually he pulled a chair over to himself and leaned against it. "Part of your ways are going to have to be revealed if we're going to be able to deal with this female Kurama unless that deity of yours is willing to take her into hand and I haven't seen where that's going to be the case."

Understanding dawned in Hiei's eyes as he considered Kuronue's words with all their implications but the answers he was coming up with left him with more questions. There were traces of bitterness edged with the anger that he was feeling as he addressed the bat demon who seemed to be at least willing give him a few answers. "It was you who delivered the killing blow to the old man. If you know so damn much about kitsune and how their abilities work, why couldn't you have decided to save him instead?" He could still hear the sounds of crying coming from out in the living room through the closed door and it was grating on his already stretched nerves. "You could have saved him and they wouldn't be going through the pain and trauma of having watched him burn to death. I should kill you right now for that reason alone." It was an unfair accusation and somewhere deep inside himself Hiei knew it but that didn't stop him from saying the words.

"No Hiei, Kuronue couldn't have saved him." Kurama turned away from making the tea to look at his partner. "Just because he has some knowledge of our abilities and even how to counter some of them from his time spent in Youko's company doesn't mean that he could have saved Kagome's grandfather. He did the best thing he could under the circumstances which was to end the old mans suffering." It was a hard truth to accept and one that he felt at least partly responsible for since he'd been telling himself that he should have known something like that was coming. With a heavy sigh he pulled the tea off of the stove and poured it into the waiting cups. "This tea will make them sleep with no dreams. It's not a cure but right now they need it and it's the best that I can offer them. One of us can stand guard over them to make sure there are no further attacks while the rest of us come up with some kind of plan to deal with Tamamo-no-mae."

"Fine!" The word came out as a growl from the fire apparition but Hiei did pick up one of the cups carefully and walk through the now opened door into the living room where everyone was gathered. The emotions that pervaded the room were so thick that the air was fairly crackling with the negativity but he resolutely ignored the feelings as he made his way towards the couch where Kagome and her family sat. She looked up at him as he approached and once again he was struck by the pain on her face. 'I'm going to kill the bitch who did this to them if it's the last thing I do.' Kneeling down beside her he spoke in the kindest tone he had although it still sounded gruff and demanding to his own ears. "Take this and drink it. We'll stand watch over you while you sleep and make sure that nothing comes to harm you."

"I'm staying with them!" InuYasha made the bold statement as Kagome slowly drank the tea that had been handed to her. Her mother and Souta had also been handed cups of the same tea and were even now drinking theirs as the hanyou made his declarations. "They're more family to me then they are to any of you so it's my right to stay with them!" Glaring he pulled his sword and stood staring at the assembled group as if daring any of them to dispute his claim to the right.

"Personally I think that's an excellent idea, provided that they all stay in the same room and you're willing to guard the rest of the women at the same time." Kurama didn't have to turn around to feel the anger that was being directed his way by his team leader and his partner. "I also believe it would be a wise idea if someone with the ability to sense psychic energy was also there to help with the guarding. Therefore I propose that Kazuma stand watch with you, together you can keep a good eye over everything. In the meantime I can fill in the rest of the team on what I know about Tamamo-no-mae. Of course we will be filling the both of you in on all information and plans that are made when your watch is relieved." Now he turned to look at Yusuke and Hiei. "I trust this will be acceptable to the both of you?"

As they walked towards the house the silence between the two police officers was almost deafening as each went over the notes that they'd written from interviewing witnesses. Strange comments from witnesses about lightning shaped like a sword and a tall red headed man wielding the energy were just too much to be believed. They were most likely going to write it off as being mass hysteria and shock of the people witnessing the old man burning to death, it was the only logical thing to do. Equally likely to be delegated to the mass hysteria theory was the idea that a girl with sky blue hair had been standing beside the fire one moment and had vanished into thin air before peoples very eyes. Finally the younger of the two officers looked up from his notes and addressed his companion "None of this makes any sense. These people can't actually believe they saw these things." He shook his head when he got no reply from his partner. "You also know that this tragedy means that there's going to be bad luck for the coming year. I mean how can it not? The New Year has ushered in bad luck for this shrine, I hope it doesn't follow us because we were here." The look of worry on the young man's face didn't go unnoticed by his companion but there was nothing the older man could say to refute the claim.

"Let's get this part over with so the family can mourn their loss properly." They had now arrived at the house, which they had seen the shrine family disappear into when they had left the burning field and they watched for a moment. Sympathy filled them as they paused at the doorway, knowing they had no choice but to interrupt the mourning that they knew was taking place inside the house.

"Hello. Mrs. Higurashi?" Officer Oshiro knocked on the door and then waited while the occupants of the house turned and looked at them in surprise. "We would like to come in and get some statements for our reports so we can leave you in peace to mourn your loss."

Various look of different emotions greeted his words. 'That short guy with the spiky hair doesn't look like he's going to be of any help to us at the moment, he looks like he's mad as hell.' A cold shudder went down his spine as the man in question stared at him with a guardedly hostile expression. Imperceptibly his hand reached down towards the gun at his side at the threat his instincts were yelling at him that the man posed. In his peripheral vision he thought he saw the shadow of a sword being lowered and his attention swung over in that direction as a young man with slicked back hair walked towards him and back again. "Stop right there where you are and show me your hands!"

Authors Note: And here I'm betting that people thought this story had been abandoned. Well.. it hasn't. The muse has returned from taking her extended vacation, perhaps she can be persuaded to stay a while. I'm sorry this chapter is shorter then normal, hopefully the next one will be longer. On a side note the next chapter has a lemon planned for it assuming interest in the story is still here. Reviews are appreciated.