A/N: Chapter 9 was supposed to describe the fight scene between the demon and "Ayane" but I was half-asleep while I was typing. Despite that, I hope that the last chapter was entertaining enough. I know that this story is getting confusing but at the end, everything will make sense. I also want to thank HieiFan666 for the only review last chapter. The updates aren't frequent but thanks for sticking by this story.
Chapter 10: Two Attacks In One Night
Damn it. What's with that recurring nightmare? The one with me attacking a family and accusing them of being demons. Then the one where I 'wake up' to find Hentai (her nickname for Hiei) holding my hand. Ayane thought as she dried another dish with a rag. Why do I always see him in my dreams or should I say 'nightmares'? Does he have something to do with me? With my past? Am I really a demon hunter? Could he possibly have been my...boyfriend? The dish slipped from Ayane's hand, stirring her from her thoughts. Her face was visibly blushing now. Luckily, nobody was in the kitchen to witness it. Ayane bent down to retrieve the broken pieces, reviewing the details of the dream in her mind. It-it couldn't be. Then again, every time I have that nightmare, he is always holding my hand at the end.
Ever since she lost her memory, Yusuke and his friends was half-relieved that the mysterious demon hunter couldn't kill anymore. Though the problem remains, is Ayane really the demon hunter that they were supposed to sought after? It is suspicious that she claims to be Yusuke's cousin from his mom's side when Yusuke didn't even know he had a cousin. It is also suspicious that she came home with a bloody arm on the same day that a strange attack was announced on the news. They weren't really sure. Nobody knows how the remaining Anda demon hunter looks like. The only evidence that they have is that Ayane looks identical to Lisa Anda, one of the greater demon hunters. They couldn't question the girl either; the girl could barely remember her own name. She had thought her name was Aya because Yukina kept calling her "Aya-chan". With what little knowledge they had of her, they told her about herself.
Meanwhile, there's trouble stirring in the world of demons. Recently, the three leaders of Makai and the junior lord of Reikai have been arguing about the infamous Anda. One of the leaders of Makai, King Yomi opts to eliminate the last Anda descendant so that she couldn't continue the bloodline; thus ending the threat of Makai. Even after the disappearance of Lisa Anda, Yomi is still worried about the legendary sword (that only a descendant of Anda could wield) that can kill high-leveled demons and ultimately, the three kings. After the confirmation of such a sword existed, many demons and humans alike, sought to travel all over the three worlds for it. In the end, all of them ended up coming home with nothing.
Regarding to Hiei and Ayane's relationship, ever since the incident, the latter chose to ignore the former whenever she saw him. Whenever she does address him, she calls him "Hentai-san". Unbeknownst to her, he was assigned to protect the black-haired teenager by Koenma's orders; a job that Hiei begrudgingly took. Koenma's reason was that "King Yomi might've sent assassins to get rid of her." So she would see him every single day, if not in the apartment, then at least sitting on a tree outside of Urameshi residence. Whenever she saw him outside the window, she'd pull down the shade. While she hated Hiei, she made a good friend, Yukina. The innocent koorime kept Ayane company along with Keiko, Shizuru and Botan. In a way, Ayane felt like a prisoner. She could hardly go to the store without the impression that she was being watched. Of course, it was Hiei that did all the watching. In his mind, the only good thing about this job was that he would be able to see his sister. (Yukina is usually with Ayane. She feels responsible for Ayane's memory loss.)
Back to the present, Ayane was alone in the apartment. Yukina had left hours ago upon Ayane's insistence. She was grateful for the company but she felt like she was being babysat. It was getting dark outside. After cleaning up the mess, she headed to the bedroom that was Atsuko's. She had seen Atsuko some days ago though she disappeared this morning. She wasn't that worried since Yusuke told her that it was normal for his mom to do that. Ayane glanced up at the clock and saw that it was only 6. I haven't seen that pervert all day. Ayane thought suddenly. Then again, why should I even care! She threw open the blankets and got into bed. Since there was nothing to do, she figured that she'd sleep away the boredom. She turned off the light and rolled over.
An hour later, she couldn't fall asleep. She had tried drinking warm milk, reading a book, watching a movie and even taking sleeping pills. None of the methods worked and she was left to staring at the dark ceiling. It was so quiet that anybody could hear a mouse squeaking. Then suddenly, a crashing sound was heard coming from the living room. Ayane stopped her tossing and turning, her body frozen on the bed. Her heart was beating violently against her chest. "What was that?" She asked meekly. As she lay frozen, footsteps could be heard. Maybe it's Yusuke. Her conscience argued. You dummy! How could that be Yusuke? He would have keys to his own home. Ayane groaned to her reasonable side. If it's not Yusuke, then it's probably a burglar.
Ayane rolled off of the bed, crouched behind one side of the bed and waited, grasping her hand around the neck of the lamp. She could hear the footsteps walking to the kitchen, to the bathroom, to Yusuke's bedroom. Something occurred to her; the stranger was looking for something! Otherwise, he would've spent at least a good 10 minutes in each room to steal whatever values they had. Only her eyes could be seen peering over the top of the bed. But what? What could this person be looking for? What if whatever he's looking for is in this room? Though what's in this room that the other rooms don't have?
The intruder grasped the doorknob of the last door that he hadn't checked out. A smirk formed on his lips as he realized Ayane must be right behind this door. "It's been a while, Ayane," he whispered to himself. "You can't hide from me forever. I must say, it was quite easy getting rid of your bodyguard."
Meanwhile, a dark figure was standing on a tree that faced the apartment. "Really. Haven't you had enough of your womanizing, disgusting demon?" The dark figure said, cloak billowing in the wind.
He opened the door to reveal a dark room. He walked over to the lump on the bed, flipped the blanket and saw a stack of pink pillows. It was a clever ruse though the he wasn't amused. With a 'hmph', he crawled on the bed and stuck his head over the other side. Empty. He walked over to the closet and teasingly opened the doors slowly. To his disappointment, all he saw was a few dresses hung and some strewn on the floor of the closet. He closed the closet doors halfway, enough for Ayane to watch him. So she's under the bed, is she? He walked over to it and stuck his head under the bed. Also, empty.
As he raised his head, a black cord seized him by the neck. "So you outsmarted me, Ayane," he said. He could sense that Ayane was right behind him, pulling with all her might. "You've mastered the art of stealth. So where were you? I looked everywhere you could've possibly hidden."
"Look," Ayane said, tightening the lamp cord around his neck, ignoring his question, "I don't who the hell you are or how you know me. But I am warning you; you'd better get the hell out of here before I hurt you." The ferocious in her voice was undeniable; her old self was shining through. Ayane was shocked that she could muster this much courage to face this guy.
His eyes started to glow red. He grabbed the cord in front of his neck. Sizzling sounds could be heard; Ayane gasped; the cord was dissipating with his touch. Uncertain on what to do, Ayane brought the lamp on his head. Unfortunately, it just broke. She ran out of the bedroom and into the living room. She was almost to Yusuke's room when she felt someone grab her arm. His strength was incredible; he had flung her onto the couch; she felt like she was flung against a brick wall. Ayane got up and climbed over the back of the couch before he could come near her. She grabbed the nearest thing, the television and hurled it in his direction. "Whoa, " she said, looking at her hands. She felt like something was controlling her. She never knew she was this strong. The TV set was burned in mid-air before it could even reach the dark-haired man. What the hell is he?
"You can't run away forever, Ayane," said the man tauntingly.
"Maybe not but I can do this," she said. She ran forward, grabbed a chair and flung it at the man. I hope this works. It felt like time was slowing down. The man just stood there, confident, the chair almost impacted with him. Predictably, the chair burst into flames. The man's face was smug but when the chair barely finishes burning; Ayane's foot came hurtling through and hit his stomach. He was caught off-guard and flew back into the floor. Ayane dropped down to her knees, holding her foot. It was slightly burned when she had kicked through the burning chair. I have to get out of here before he wakes up. She forced her left and unharmed foot to walk. She leaned her hand against the nearest wall and willed her left foot forward. She winced every time her right foot hit the floor. The man on the floor started to groan in pain. He was starting to move.
"I have to get out of here," she muttered. She was almost to the front door; she reached out only to be yanked back. He was already up. He was furious now. He was holding her by her hair. "I always get what I want, always," he said. She could see the determination in his red eyes. He leaned down to kiss her but Ayane bit down his nose. He released her hair and clutched his nose in pain. Ayane stood planted on the floor, ready to fight again, despite her injured foot. She didn't know it but her instincts were overtaking her. Determination shone in her beautiful amber eyes.
"Heh. Your fighting skills have improved since the last time," he said, his nose bleeding. Ayane stood in horror as he started to change shape. His body was shrinking, his big nose was changing shape, his eyes stopped glowing, his hair was beginning to raise, his clothes seizing to fit him. Instantly, Ayane's face was contorting in anger. "YOU!" In front of her stood the same man who had seen her half-naked. The same man that hangs around the house and is one of Yusuke's friends. She remembered that everybody else called him "Hiei".
"Me," he simply said.
"What the hell are you?" Ayane asked.
"Don't remember me, do you? Well, let me refresh your memory. Six years ago, there existed a girl of ten years. Her parents knew about her family's legacy but they never told her. Rika Nomura, her mother wanted to give her precious daughter a safe life so she married a regular man instead of continuing the legacy. Unfortunately, one day, tragedy struck. The little girl's family was killed by a gang of demons. Ever since the death of her parents, the little girl resolved to kill every demon in the worlds. That little girl's name was Ayane Nomura but her known name is Ayane Anda. And the leader of the demon gang is standing right before you."
Ayane's fists clenched and unclenched. She was shaking with anger. The story sounded so farfetched yet she believed every word of it. With a swift movement, Ayane grabbed the nearest vase and broke it, using the biggest piece as her weapon. She charged forward only to be grabbed by a hand from behind. She looked behind her and gasped; there was a cloaked figure holding her arm. Ayane tried to push the figure away but-CRASH! The Hiei look-a-like and Ayane looked shockingly at the sight; another Hiei had just came hurtling through the window. The Hiei look-a-like regained himself quickly and dodged the real Hiei's sword just in time. Ayane stood immobile, watching the fight with a stunned face. "Th-there are two of them!"
"One of them is the imposter," the figure said. Ayane jumped at the voice. For a brief moment there, she had forgotten all about the mysterious figure.
Ayane didn't know what to say. She didn't know what to do. The fight in front of her was neverending. Should she go and get help? But where would she get help? From the police? They would laugh in her face if she ever told them about the fighting demons. No! It's impossible! Demons aren't real! This is just another one of my nightmares. She winced in pain as she stood on her right foot. But if I was dreaming, how come I feel pain? She looked up at the pair fighting. She couldn't see anything; they were too fast. All she could see was blurs moving around.
She could feel something pinching into her skin. The room was darkening. She landed on the floor in a thud. "I apologize, Ayane, but if I don't do this now. You'll be making the biggest mistake of your life," the figure said, throwing aside the syringe on the floor. A smooth and youthful looking hand protruded from under her cloak, holding a small silver dagger. "I hope you understand, this is for our family's future."
The fight between Hiei and the imposter was put to a stop. The latter had escaped through the window but not without shooting a backward glance at the unconscious Ayane. Hiei noticed this and the cloaked figure, which stood, waiting in the corner. Ayane was beginning to regain consciousness. She opened her eyes to see moving shapes; a dark one and a gray one. Ayane held her head and groaned but the gray figure didn't notice. Her vision was starting to come through. She could see Hiei on the floor, his shirt ripped in places revealing a few bloody wounds. He was panting heavily, leaning on his sword for support.
"I can sense that you're a high-class demon," the gray figure started to speak. The voice was soft yet firm at the same time. It was full of hatred yet calming. Anybody could tell that it was a woman's voice.
"Who are you?" Ayane asked from the floor, unable to contain herself. "Your voice is familiar." She lifted her body off the floor but fell down again. The pain in her foot was unbearable.
"Ayane," the figure bent down and reached out to touch Ayane's face. "I am finally able to see you. You grew up to be such a beautiful young lady."
"Is that you, mom?" Ayane choked, trying to hold back tears.
"Wait here for me," the figure said, standing back up again. "We'll be able to talk more after I'm finished with him". The figure faced Hiei's direction and Ayane followed suit.
"What do you mean by 'finished with him'?" Ayane asked breathlessly, standing up.
"This is for your own good, Ayane. We don't need his blood to dirty us," the figure said with disgust in her tone.
Ayane spotted the dagger that the mysterious woman held. It was covered in dark-greenish colored liquid.
"You're going to kill him?" She asked quietly. "NO!" She grabbed onto the figure's arm. "You can't! He helped me!" Ayane struggled to take the dagger from her. The clever figure dropkicked Ayane's right leg. The latter let go and winced. She didn't care if her right leg was still sizzling quietly. She started to crawl towards the slowly walking figure, which was getting closer to Hiei. "No, please, mom. Please don't. I don't care what he did to deserve it..." Ayane pleaded. Tears were welling up in her eyes. She clutched her 'mom's' ankle from taking another step.
"Ayane, let go before I hurt you," her 'mom' said, sighing. The dagger still raised in her hand. Ayane loosened her hold. Ahead, Hiei was just a foot from the figure and Ayane. He was still panting heavily, his eyelids were drooping. He looked too exhausted to fight anymore. The fight with the previous demon was too strenuous for him. "Hiei..." Ayane mumbled without realizing it. Within a second, the figure jumped forward, aiming the dagger at Hiei while he raised his sword to defend himself. Everything happened so fast. If the figure's face could be shown, Ayane and Hiei could've seen the shocked expression upon her face. Her hand shook as she slowly took out the dagger that had penetrated Ayane's back. A shuddering gasp escaped from Ayane as she fell on top of Hiei. Her eyes closed, her breathing heavy and her body still. At the last moment, Ayane had jumped in front of Hiei in time to absorb the dagger's stab. Before she passed out, she thought: Thank you...
A/N: Sorry for the long update. In addition to high school, I have to do all this college stuff. In this chapter, an intruder tried to convince Ayane that Hiei killed her parents. Then another intruder tried to kill Hiei but Ayane saved him. Another thing, Ayane's new personality might be more innocent but her old self shines through whenever there's danger; meaning that she still knows how to fight. She just doesn't know how that she does. Hope that wasn't too confusing. Until next time...