CHAPTER 21 – Behind the curtains
Who gets to determine who is the sinner and who is the saint? How many so called sins do you need to gather before there's no turning back? But what if your heart feels light as a feather despite the so called sins the world appointed you? Yet an easy heart is hard to come by and as time progresses becomes harder to hold on to.
As Rin's journey tool almost all of December, the beginning came easy. Veins full of adrenaline, goal complete she found it easy to concentrate on the small hints left behind that would eventually take her to the new location of her camp. She walked the demon soil proud, head held high as she no longer had to hide her powers for the sake of weak humans that couldn't accept or understand what demons truly were.
Days passed and blended together and while alone you turn into your biggest enemy. Shizuru and Keiko hated her, surely there was no way they viewed her in a good light after taking away a friend of theirs. She had let Yukina down more than once and she still couldn't forget the way the little ice maiden stared at her when they were all brought to Genkai's temple on that early morning in order to form the team. She had played them, lied and manipulated their feelings, yet somewhere along the road she started caring about them as well. She didn't want to get Lya hurt on her birthday, she knew the demon she payed off to attack wasn't strong enough to inflict damage, she just needed to distract the others, but in the end Hiei played an even bigger distraction on the group. She was surprised to find Myra going after her, but in the end someone had to figure out at least a small part of her plan. She was glad it wasn't Yusuke. Admiration, friendship, more…those things sprung to mind and made her heart bounce when she thought about the young boy.
She cried when no one saw her, tears of pain and of a burden too heavy to bare alone.
And Kurama's eyes, oh how they looked that night. He didn't beg, he wasn't scared, he understood but wanted to live regardless. Her sister lost that spark. Rin knew she had given up somewhere along the road while others tried to keep her alive. Maybe it was a cruel thing to do, maybe they should have just allowed her to pass on.
And that's when Rin wept, her body shaking, breaths uneven, each sob breaking her apart.
When she finally discovered the camp, she was drained, exhausted and her mind hazy.
"Father I have returned."
His ears perked up, honey colored eyes traveling to his daughter. The warm embrace of her loving father eased the tension in her soul. She had returned, she was finally home.
"It's done."
Was all she said as he nodded kissing his daughter's forehead leading her deeper inside the camp.
"Come and eat, we'll talk business after."
As the hot food filled her belly and warmed her up she stared at the small fire in front of her and smiled. Her mother watched her with loving eyes as her left hand drew circles on her lower back her mouth asking question after question.
"Have you been eating well? You look a bit skinny. What about sleep? You look so tired dear."
It did not matter that she was independent and earned her right to be a bounty hunter. It didn't not phase the demoness when Rin came home covered in blood and her clothes torn, she was still her child.
Setting aside the empty ceramic bowl her golden eyes focused on her father.
"I need to talk to you since time is very precious."
He cracked his knuckles as he positioned himself better to listen to his daughter's story, but she had no intention of speaking about her latest bounty, she already told him it was done. She would not deliver all the details as she would usually do, taking up hours to deliver her story. It was done and no more words were needed on the subject.
"We are in danger. There is another group out there using our name. Spirit World thinks the Faceless are a bunch or rouge criminals, which honestly wouldn't be too far from the truth, however they have become the main focus."
Her parents exchanges a look for a brief moment before her father got up. She watched him, eyes wide, mouth dry and she also stood up.
"That's not all, I'm not done."
His determined eyes pinned her in place, not needing to say a word. He was menacing on his own, there was a reason why he was the leader.
"Sit, he'll return shortly."
Her mother motioned her as she slid back and huffed crossing her arms across her chest. She didn't need whatever old parchment or book her father would fish out in order to deliver some words of wisdom, she was not a child anymore who needed to be taught. She just wanted to warn them and get some rest. She swore under her breath as the seconds drew into minutes and more passed.
She turned only when the sound of footsteps drew her attention, seeing near her father an imposing young man who's steps barely made a sound as he walked slowly. Reaching the fire he drew so close that his light blonde hair danced from the heat. She was certain that if the sun reflected off it, it would be almost white. The new comer sat on a log, eyes focused only on the fire in front, a sad and broken gaze. But when her stare drew his attention she saw something savage shined in his eyes so she shifted in her seat directing her puzzled expression to her father. Those amethyst eyes from before were unnerving, the scars on his arms showed he's been in battles and probably hid more under his fancy clothes. Looking back, her brows knit since the light long hair and violet eyes almost reminded her of Myra. But she knew all her family was in Human World.
"Who is this? Since when do we allow new blood in our camp?"
Her father suppressed a chuckled, proud his daughter knew the rules and always followed them.
"New blood is sometimes necessary, times are changing Rin. You spoke to us of a group of rogue demons called the Faceless." His claws motioned to the man sitting by the fire.
"They exist," the man spoke extending his hand to touch the flames, his voice deep and chilling "but whoever is hunting them is not after your family."
"How do you know?" her eyes scanned him, anger burning deep "How long do you think it will take before Spirit World finds out I am part of the Faceless, the true Faceless?"
Fire danced in his eyes as his hand retracted unharmed.
"Not like you go out proclaiming your name to Demon World. So Spirit World is involved now? Never took Koenma for a fighting man." He muttered not moving.
"It's not him." Rin spoke eyes traveling to all participants "It's Klarise, she is now the new ruler and trust me she's sick in the head."
Silence surrounded the group for a long time before anyone spoke again, but Rin had no time for games. She wanted to know who this demon was sharing camp with them. This demon who looked more like royalty and so out of place in the rustic set up. Seeing the questions painted in her eyes, her father broke the silence.
"He is someone who survived an attack from the Faceless. Before you know who he is, how about you hear him out Rin."
Rolling her eyes she did not peal her attention away from the stranger. Her tail waged nervously as her tongue ran across her teeth.
"I'll listen, but Spirit World be damned if I understand why new blood is allowed to roam free. Have you been attacked by this group while I was away?"
The stranger glared and her mother jumped. She was scared of him. Looking at her father, she demanded answers.
"We have been involved in battles with them, yes."
Clicking her tongue once, she tried not to give away the sudden surprised that washed over her. Had she been that focused on Kurama that she missed what others were talking about in front of her? Offering a small smile to her mother she turned once again to the stranger.
"You're not part of us, you are an enemy that's why everyone is tip toeing around you right now."
"Enemy? Perhaps." His voice trailed on as his eyes always went back to the fire "However the enemy of your enemy is in this case an ally. Tell me did they deliver a card prior to the attack?"
She watched him going back in her mind. They did deliver cards to everyone, but the death card belonged to Lya who survived an encounter before with the Faceless. But there wasn't an attack, however if they took advantage of the situation she created after, the rift in the team, Yusuke could be…
"I'll take it as a yes judging by your face. In normal circumstances they couldn't have done much damage to me but I had someone to protect even with the cost of my own life."
Rin quickly noted the change in his eyes, how his hands coiled into fists, how his voice dimmed, so she settled down.
"Did you manage to save that person?"
That same savage look returned in his eyes, teeth baring for a fraction.
"I would say yes and no. I can't find her anywhere, she's gone, they'll all gone."
Connections started flaring up in her mind as goose bumps covered her skin despite being so close to the fire. But this was wrong, so wrong.
"I am not saying I don't believe you and that Spirit World managed to document all the attacks of these jokers, however I think you're full of shit. No one survives the Faceless right? Apart from Lya that is."
He didn't speak while getting up and coiled his hands in her collar. Her mother let out a sharp yell as her father barked orders at the man holding her. But all grew silent as Rin shook from head to toes, fear washing all color from her skin. When he towered over her, pale white skin turning to fur as black as night, the smell of blood paralyzed her. Wild hungry eyes bore into her own as she looked nothing but a child in his grasp.
"That name." he growled exposing teeth that had torn through flesh so many times before. She knew the stories, she stayed clear of the signs when he was around. No one would go near, no one would dare.
"You're…" her lips trembled as shaky hands found their way around him massive paw.
"The Wolf little girl." He edged closer snarling and that's when Rin calmed down.
"Lya Nox is alive."
Letting her down on the ground he stood motionless for a few seconds his fur moving slightly as he inhaled and exhaled is short successions. They all jumped when his chest drew forward head rising to look at the sky above them, a howl so terrifying and empty filling the silence around them.
On the 20th of December, Kurama returned to Human World. Being back was all he wished for. With sluggish moves he entered the apartment to find it freezing cold, the temperature inside similar to the December cold outside.
"Hiei, I appreciate the visit, however you could have turned on the heat."
A sleepy Hiei turned up in the hallway rubbing his left eye groaning. Kurama's arrival more than likely woke up from his much needed slumber. Focusing his friend, crimson eyes went wide once he saw he wasn't alone. Leaning on Lya for support, Kurama offered a weak smile. He knew the instant Hiei's eyes landed on the girl that he did not expect to see her there.
Settling on the couch, the heat was turned up and a few web searches put in an order for a new window that hopefully would arrive before the holidays.
"It's done, I'm leaving."
Her voice was low and monotone, eyes watching through Kurama as she spoke. He just nodded thanking her for the trouble and turned to Hiei once she was out of the apartment to see his trying to cover up the broken part of the window, not necessarily because he felt bad, but because he needed something to do to not focus on Lya. Circling the room once more he asked Hiei to close the curtains, getting up the moment no one could see inside. Stretching his body he turned smiling at his friend's confuse face.
"Don't worry, I was just pretending. It's true that the poison laces on the blade did most of the damage but…"
Shaking his fist Hiei hissed through his teeth.
"You had a knife lodged in your heart, how are you even alive?"
Going to the fridge he frowned seeing how all he had was mostly eaten, papers and empty cans sitting inside the refrigerator.
"I'll tell you everything after you go buy some drinks and food. I can't be seen out yet, you know weak and barely moving."
Wind blew Kurama's hair as Hiei ignore his meaningful smile, returning moments later with some items even though Kurama didn't even manage to provide him with some money.
"I guess it will do." He sighed shaking his head and taking the items from Hiei. But he didn't do it for it, he went outside to try and catch Lya.
"Rin missed" that caught Hiei's attention "a few millimeters and I would have died that night in her apartment. Thankful for me, no one tried to take the blade out either." Opening a can of beer he gave it to Hiei before taking one for himself "I don't think she misses, but on an subconscious lever I want to believe she didn't want to do this."
Hiei threw his head back laughing, action that caught Kurama off guard for a second despite the mocking tone.
"Don't be naïve, the bitch wanted you dead."
Shaking his head once more disapprovingly his eyes became a little sharper.
"I concealed my energy and fed myself herbs that would make me sick all this time in order to gather more information."
Placing the beer on the floor, Hiei took a seat crossing his hand over his chest and motioned Kurama with a slight bob of the head to continue.
"Firstly the portal will remain closed. The coronation ball didn't bring any new changes in that aspect as Klarise made an example of what Rin did." A roll of his eyes hid Hiei's frustration "You can expect no one was happy, however Enki will be trying to right the wrongs done even though I did not press charges." His fingers intertwined as Kurama crossed one leg over the other, resting his hands on his knees in an elegant pose on the couch "But I have reasons to believe we will soon get a change to go to Demon World, at least some of us and Spirit World will try to get rid of all inhabiting demons from Human World."
Hiei's rigid posture relaxed somewhat before Kurama had a chance to deliver the next line his emerald eyes loosing focus as he glanced to the side.
"Spirit World had sent Lya back as well however you should expect a visit from Ayame. You will no longer be her protector. As for Myra and Rin, I have heard nothing."
"Finally!" he answered mockingly.
"I can't help Lya either Hiei, not in my situation, but we also can't let the girls fall to Klarise."
The fire demon didn't ask but he wanted to know what the real deal was with Yoko and Lya.
"But you can help them. You can move around more freely since you won't be a protector. I've seen Lya changing, Klarise has a hold on her of a different sort, like she is controlling her entirely. I would not be surprised if she also used force like in the past."
Hiei scoffed rolling his eyes once more.
"And what do you expect me to do?"
Kurama's mouth didn't open, instead extending a piece of paper to him, that has been wiped of scents and energy.
"Koenma found out, but in Spirit World we could not get close to Lya in order to tell her. She needs to know Hiei."
Not even looking at the paper, he placed it in his pocket.
"If Klarise got to her, she's as good as dead and nothing will bring her back. And I don't think your woman has long before she cracks either."
Kurama's brow lifted slightly, calculating his response.
"She's not my woman, out convention involves something other than feelings."
Shrugging his shoulders Hiei put on his cloak and turned to the window.
"What do I know about feelings?"
"Have you visited Yukina yet?" Kurama asked watching his friend carefully.
"Don't push it." He glared before exiting the apartment.
Wiping the boots on the mat inside the café, Keiko shivered as she pulled her scarf off. The small setting was warm and cozy, cinnamon and coffee filling the air around her as she heat warmed her cheeks.
"Finally."
She froze, eyes set on a table near the window, to see a smiling Shizuru waving at her with nonchalance. Approaching slowly she mentioned to the waitress she wanted the café special tea she would always get and finally discarded her winter coat dropping it on the available chair at the table.
"What are you doing here Shizuru?" she tried to deliver her the best smile she could possibly summon however it was clear there was no coincidence behind her friend sitting at the table she usually sat so she could see anyone exiting and entering the building Lya and Myra lived in.
"Tell me what's going on Keiko, all of it."
Of course she was worried, how could she not be? Yukina and Kazuma were not in the loop anymore, but neither did they share the most recent events with her. Shizuru suddenly found herself with one less employee in the salon and friend while everyone looked pissed as Hell and sad at the same time when she asked about Rin. Initially she took offense when she learned she wasn't invited over at her place for the birthday party, but now as Keiko laid out the details she knew from Yusuke she's happy she wasn't there. Trying to figure out if it was because she cared and wanted to protect her or because she wasn't important at all were futile questions, but they hurt no less despite of that.
Nodding her head she put out the fifth cigarette smoked since Keiko started talking and glanced out the window.
"So this is what you've been doing all this time? Helping Yusuke out?"
Even though it was addressed as a question, Keiko didn't answer since it rang more as a statement in her ears. It was exactly what she was trying to do. Always trying despite what Yusuke did, despite the time she spent apart from him, time and time again. Stepping over her soul even though Rin managed to steal him away and make him in one year feel things she could never after years of knowing him. screw that, it took Rin a couple of months, half of those being spent with other protectors. Did Yusuke like her even before he learned who and what she truly is? Resting her chin in the palm of her hand she let out a heavy sigh trying to concentrate on something else.
"Just so you know, I arrive her about one hour before you and both Myra and Lya are inside. If you want we can…"
The words froze on her tongue as her pupils dilated, eyes focusing more and more on the building in front of the café.
"Something is wrong, call Yusuke."
Before she could even ask Shizuru what she felt, she sprung from her chair, coat and hat behind, running across the street and inside the building.
The structure vibrated as Shizuru ran up the stairs that seemed to never end. The sound of glass shattering quickened her pace until she stood in front of an open door leading inside to the girl's apartment. Precaution burned at the end of her nerves as she slowly stepped in the small hallway, the girls not visible from that angle. Covering her ears she yelled in pain sliding against a wall until her knees hit the floor. What was going on all a sudden?
Getting over the vertigo sensation she pushed herself up trying to ignore the piercing pain in her ear drums. Lya flew across the kitchen, back hitting the counter, cups and plates smashing and shattering against the floor. She was quick to recover and evade Myra's claws that destroyed one of the counters as if it was made of paper.
Surprise washed over Lya's features as she took notice of Shizuru watching them, frozen on the spot. Myra clenched her claws a couple of times as if testing if they were still working and turned her head to the right.
A sharp gasp escaped Shizuru's chest as she took in Myra's face. She didn't register the energy that swirled around her making her white hair bounce softly. She didn't see the black claws that reached out to grab her. The only thing she could see where the whites of her eyes plastered with red veins so bright and so many. Her once bright violet eyes were bloodied by the veins reflecting off them. Blood dripped from the lashes, small wounds present in the corner of her eyes broke her skin as if Myra used those claws to try and claw at her eyes.
Yanking at her hair, Lya puller her back barking at Shizuru to run. A sinister smile formed on Myra's lips as she turned wrapping a hand around Lya's throat.
"Run." She struggled losing her voice and air as the immense force threatened to break her wind pipe.
"Let her go!" Shizuru yelled finding her voice yet her legs wouldn't budge. Lya clawed at Myra's hand, eyes shifting between green and grey, the latter apparently adding to the struggle.
A tug at Shizuru's sleeve turned to a shaky pull as Keiko got a hold of her arm, pulling her out of the apartment. She protested until after a blur she saw Hiei standing next to the girls his katana pointed at Myra's neck, glare burning bright. Steadily the grip loosened, but she did not let her go.
"You shouldn't have saved me."
Running up the stairs, Yusuke came in the doorway surprised to see in one place the people he had been looking for.
"Let go Myra." Lya hissed through her teeth, eyes glowing a neon grey for a second before she squinted her eyes shut. Hiei's blade drew blood as he pressed down on Myra's neck a fraction. Fingers unfurled as claws stepped away from the small demoness. Using the back of his katana, Hiei knocked Myra out letting her fall to the floor despite the broken glasses, cups and plates. Yusuke finally reacted drawing in breath.
"Can someone explain to me what the fuck is going on before I lose my shit?"
A/N Ok guys I was so excited about introducing the Wolf since Lya had shared her story about their life together. I have played with several ideas in my head trying to see how best to place him and when the grand reveal will come to light. I am so hyped right now :) I will try to deliver the next chapter right before the Xmas holiday since it will go perfectly with the time period.
Thank you all :)