Chapter 2: The Reason/Yume-Yami Lobo Schwarz/YLS
----------------------------
I awakened in Oniichan's bed. I must have been knocked out for many hours for the moon was already at its peak.
At least I killed Urameshi and wiped out the chance of him ever hitting someone with that blast again. But the girl was still alive…
There was still a pain in my stomach but I didn't care. All I know is that I saved him and he would be furious tomorrow morning. But I would be happy. Though, I would have to cry to make him send someone back for my chainsaw. I wouldn't mind, of course. Tomorrow, I will be able to see my beloved Oniichan. And as long as he lives while I do, I shall be happy.
I dressed in the kimono my father had given me. It was crimson with a white pattern identical to Oniichan's. It hangs at my shoulders but other than that, it covers everything. I am…naïve and I will admit it. Anyways, I stepped out of his room and sure enough, ran right into him. It was apparent he didn't get enough sleep because of me. I have this power that I was born with that allows me to sense what people are feeling and what they want to say. Sometimes I want to hear it, sometimes I don't but usually I have control.
The flames in his eyes pained me. He must've noticed because his gaze softened. "Why in seven Hells did you do that?"
"You are my brother and my leader, Oniichan. I will readily give my life for yours." I bowed to him.
He nodded and I let out a sigh of relief. He wasn't angry but rather fearful for my safety. It is time for breakfast, He said through the mental link that all demons had.
Coming! I replied.
I quickly ran after him, greeting everyone I saw. Usagi-sama was looking for me. She is one of the nicest people but if you get on her bad side-well I wouldn't want to.
SesshouYasha was with her, as usual. She wants to become a great artist like Usagi-san so I think she was practicing. I smiled at them and quickly caught up with Oniichan. I…am sorry if I angered you-
You have no need to apologize. You have your own free will in this syndicate and I will allow you to leave it as long as you keep what was secret a secret. But remember, Yume-
I know, I know. Never lie. I wouldn't even dream of lying to you, Oniichan or the mob. Everyone's like family now.
Good. Now come, everybody in the syndicate can hear your stomach growling for food.
I laughed out loud. It took us no more than five minutes to reach the dining room. Both my father and InuYasha's made the table in there. I utterly hate that filthy hanyou for interrupting my time with Oniichan in the past but I feel that my detestation is waning.
Oneesama or Kunii as most like to call her, had prepared a large breakfast with Miroku and SY's help. They had already started eating along with everyone se. Except Jaken. I loathe him with every fiber of my being. Oniichan told me he hired him only because of his connections with the coppers. I believe once he said that he would kill him if I really wanted him to leave. I think I said no. It was many years ago so I don't really remember.
I sat down in between Kyuui-san and Wolfwood. He smiled and shoved a plate of scrambled eggs and toast towards me. When I realized that Miroku made them, Wolf and Kyuui-san cracked up. You see Miroku is just now learning how to cook so everything comes out burnt not very cooked. He is used to scamming someone for a meal or a place to sleep so things are rather uncomfortable here where he only needs to ask or grab it.
I waved at Miroku and Oneesama when they sat down four chairs down from the head of it. Nobody sits at the head or the very end. The end is my seat just because I usually sit there but the head is officially Oniichan's. That morning I chose to sit by Kyuui-san so it was open.
Wolfwood tossed the plate into the trash and handed me another (obviously done by Oneesama). "Thanks."
"No problem." He turned back to his own platter, "Anything for a face like that."
If Oniichan was there he would've killed him. I blushed and stuck my fork into the eggs. They smelled delicious and I was almost about to shove my entire face into my plate, when I saw Oniichan. I stopped immediately and pushed my chair back. I gave him the salute of Youkai; you cross you right arm over your heart mummy style and hold up two fingers. Then you put your left over it, hold up two fingers on that hand, and then bow. Everyone around me did the same and stayed in bow position until he took his seat at the head of the table. We all took our seats again and waited for him to give his morning orders. He looked at Kyuui-san Emii-san and me first. Then at Hiei, Vegeta, Yukina, Kenshin, Vash and Kurama. "Another day and the Youkai still live…!" He started.
I didn't hear the rest of his orders because of the mental talk we demons were speaking. Great speech, Milord. Kurama said sarcastically.
Shut up about Oniichan!! I shouted.
Can one speak and talk mentally at the same time?
Yes you accursed kitsune, Oniichan said icily, and you just missed your orders.
Kuso!
You're going to have to take care of the punks that are invading our territory along will your current mission.
But what is my mission, Milord?
Ask Yume. I'm sure she knows, right?
O-of course!
What is it then? This was my payback for yesterday.
I-I don't know-
THEN WHY'D YOU LIE, DANGIT!?!?
The mental attack he sent hit me hard. I cringed in pain. The demons at the table looked me. All except Hiei had sympathetic faces. It was only they and the important members of our syndicate that know of my connection to Oniichan. The others here at Youkai only know that I have known "Boss" for a long time. That's exactly why everybody is allowed to know that InuYasha was his brother; all because he was there for missions and so Oniichan could protect his blood. If everyone knew he loved me they would treat me differently.
F-forgive me…
Of course he would spare me. I started listening to his orders. "There were none for you." Kyuui-san whispered.
I nodded and reminded myself to pay her back somehow. I was surprised when he drew Tenseiga. "I want YLS, Kurama, Yukina, and Usagi-san to inspect this sword with me."
The four of us opened our mouths to say something. Of course we knew everything about that sword already. It was so blunt it didn't even hurt. It was a sword that couldn't kill. None of us knew why he kept it.
Oniichan shot us hostile looks so we quickly closed them. He ended the instructions shortly afterwards. Wolfwood kicked his chair back and began to walk away. "Where're you goin'?" I asked.
"Gotta pick up some smuggled Gs from Europe." He replied as if it were grunt work.
I knew it wouldn't be easy. "SY is going with you, right?"
"Tch. Of course. You think Boss would let me go without 'er?"
"Well guns are easy to pilfer…"
He touched my cheek. "Don't you worry about a thing. I haven't been even close to being caught yet."
Again, it was a good thing that Oniichan wasn't looking. Wolfwood chuckled and left to find SesshouYasha. I sighed, said goodbye to Kyuui-san and Emii-san, and left to the spell room. It is amazing that magic still thrives in this world of mech. Only certain few know how to tap into their powers and even fewer even realize that they have powers.
Kurama and the other two were already there. Usagi-sama was resting on a tables, Yukina was sitting in one of the chairs, and Kurama and Oniichan were standing. Kurama locked the door behind me. "You're late." My brother said harshly.
"You shouldn't be a baka about it! It's only by three seconds-"
"THREE SECONDS COULD BE YOUR LIFE!!" I know he didn't intend to sound mean but he did.
"Forgive me." I bowed deeply. I wasn't used to it because I was born and raised in the US but Oniichan was a "Jappo", as Tom Cruise said in The Last Samurai.
He nodded and mellowed his look. "I have found the purpose of this sword." He stated proudly and drew Tenseiga.
He beckoned for me to come to his side. I gulped and did so. He grabbed Tokijin in his left hand and placed it against my neck. "Would you die for me as you almost did yesterday?" He muttered in my ear. His hot breath almost made me melt.
"Would you?"
"Yes." My voice wavered.
"Thank you." He was barely audible. He removed the blade from my neck and hugged me. His scent was half mine but the other half was almost all power. I felt tears coming to my eyes when I hugged him back. Oniichan kissed my cheek and the next thing I knew, there was a great pain coming from my abdomen. He let me go and I fell backwards. Blood, my blood, spilled all over the floor. Tokijin was pushed through my stomach all the way to the hilt. Yukina gasped and hid her face in Usagi-sama's shirt. I think Kurama was yelling at Oniichan but my hearing was gone and my sight was blurry. A hazy blade stabbed me in the arm. But I didn't feel pain. It was like warmth; just like that one moment long ago…The pain in my stomach disappeared and I felt every single one of my wounds healing. Oniichan grabbed my hand and helped me off of the floor. Usagi-sama used a spell to get rid of the blood. He embraced me again but this time he didn't have his blades out. "Not again, not again…" I sobbed into his inner kimono.
He pushed my face further into the silk. "As you can see, Tenseiga is not a weapon of killing but one of mending…"
I blacked out.
Again I was in his bed. But this time it wasn't as late. I heard something out on the balcony and listened closer. A male voice, bass, was singing one of my favorite songs. The Reason by Hoobastank. "I'm not a perfect person.
There's many things I wish I didn't do.
But I continue learning.
I never meant to do those things to you.
And so I have to say before I go…
That I just want you to know-
I've found a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
And the reason is you…
I'm sorry that I hurt you,
It's somethin' I must live with everyday
And all the pain I put you through
I wish that I could take it all away
And be the one who catches all your tears
That's why I need you to hear!"
I moved onto the balcony, leaned on his shoulder, and joined Oniichan in the chorus. "I've found a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
And the reason is you…"
He buried my face into his inner kimono. This song has many meanings for us, does it not?
Yes. I would change my entire life again just for your happiness. When you are happy, I am too.
But I have pained you. I shouldn't. You are my true family and I should do my best to actually make you happy.
You sound like a father, not a brother. So what if we fight a lot? That's what brothers and sisters do! As long as the others never find out I'll be content.
He scooped me into his arms and dropped me onto the bed. Fine.
He slid under the comforters with me and I snuggled into him. "Goodnight, Yume."
" 'Night, Oniichan. I love you."
I think in my last dwindling moments in reality he returned the comment…
----------------------------
I awakened in Oniichan's bed. I must have been knocked out for many hours for the moon was already at its peak.
At least I killed Urameshi and wiped out the chance of him ever hitting someone with that blast again. But the girl was still alive…
There was still a pain in my stomach but I didn't care. All I know is that I saved him and he would be furious tomorrow morning. But I would be happy. Though, I would have to cry to make him send someone back for my chainsaw. I wouldn't mind, of course. Tomorrow, I will be able to see my beloved Oniichan. And as long as he lives while I do, I shall be happy.
I dressed in the kimono my father had given me. It was crimson with a white pattern identical to Oniichan's. It hangs at my shoulders but other than that, it covers everything. I am…naïve and I will admit it. Anyways, I stepped out of his room and sure enough, ran right into him. It was apparent he didn't get enough sleep because of me. I have this power that I was born with that allows me to sense what people are feeling and what they want to say. Sometimes I want to hear it, sometimes I don't but usually I have control.
The flames in his eyes pained me. He must've noticed because his gaze softened. "Why in seven Hells did you do that?"
"You are my brother and my leader, Oniichan. I will readily give my life for yours." I bowed to him.
He nodded and I let out a sigh of relief. He wasn't angry but rather fearful for my safety. It is time for breakfast, He said through the mental link that all demons had.
Coming! I replied.
I quickly ran after him, greeting everyone I saw. Usagi-sama was looking for me. She is one of the nicest people but if you get on her bad side-well I wouldn't want to.
SesshouYasha was with her, as usual. She wants to become a great artist like Usagi-san so I think she was practicing. I smiled at them and quickly caught up with Oniichan. I…am sorry if I angered you-
You have no need to apologize. You have your own free will in this syndicate and I will allow you to leave it as long as you keep what was secret a secret. But remember, Yume-
I know, I know. Never lie. I wouldn't even dream of lying to you, Oniichan or the mob. Everyone's like family now.
Good. Now come, everybody in the syndicate can hear your stomach growling for food.
I laughed out loud. It took us no more than five minutes to reach the dining room. Both my father and InuYasha's made the table in there. I utterly hate that filthy hanyou for interrupting my time with Oniichan in the past but I feel that my detestation is waning.
Oneesama or Kunii as most like to call her, had prepared a large breakfast with Miroku and SY's help. They had already started eating along with everyone se. Except Jaken. I loathe him with every fiber of my being. Oniichan told me he hired him only because of his connections with the coppers. I believe once he said that he would kill him if I really wanted him to leave. I think I said no. It was many years ago so I don't really remember.
I sat down in between Kyuui-san and Wolfwood. He smiled and shoved a plate of scrambled eggs and toast towards me. When I realized that Miroku made them, Wolf and Kyuui-san cracked up. You see Miroku is just now learning how to cook so everything comes out burnt not very cooked. He is used to scamming someone for a meal or a place to sleep so things are rather uncomfortable here where he only needs to ask or grab it.
I waved at Miroku and Oneesama when they sat down four chairs down from the head of it. Nobody sits at the head or the very end. The end is my seat just because I usually sit there but the head is officially Oniichan's. That morning I chose to sit by Kyuui-san so it was open.
Wolfwood tossed the plate into the trash and handed me another (obviously done by Oneesama). "Thanks."
"No problem." He turned back to his own platter, "Anything for a face like that."
If Oniichan was there he would've killed him. I blushed and stuck my fork into the eggs. They smelled delicious and I was almost about to shove my entire face into my plate, when I saw Oniichan. I stopped immediately and pushed my chair back. I gave him the salute of Youkai; you cross you right arm over your heart mummy style and hold up two fingers. Then you put your left over it, hold up two fingers on that hand, and then bow. Everyone around me did the same and stayed in bow position until he took his seat at the head of the table. We all took our seats again and waited for him to give his morning orders. He looked at Kyuui-san Emii-san and me first. Then at Hiei, Vegeta, Yukina, Kenshin, Vash and Kurama. "Another day and the Youkai still live…!" He started.
I didn't hear the rest of his orders because of the mental talk we demons were speaking. Great speech, Milord. Kurama said sarcastically.
Shut up about Oniichan!! I shouted.
Can one speak and talk mentally at the same time?
Yes you accursed kitsune, Oniichan said icily, and you just missed your orders.
Kuso!
You're going to have to take care of the punks that are invading our territory along will your current mission.
But what is my mission, Milord?
Ask Yume. I'm sure she knows, right?
O-of course!
What is it then? This was my payback for yesterday.
I-I don't know-
THEN WHY'D YOU LIE, DANGIT!?!?
The mental attack he sent hit me hard. I cringed in pain. The demons at the table looked me. All except Hiei had sympathetic faces. It was only they and the important members of our syndicate that know of my connection to Oniichan. The others here at Youkai only know that I have known "Boss" for a long time. That's exactly why everybody is allowed to know that InuYasha was his brother; all because he was there for missions and so Oniichan could protect his blood. If everyone knew he loved me they would treat me differently.
F-forgive me…
Of course he would spare me. I started listening to his orders. "There were none for you." Kyuui-san whispered.
I nodded and reminded myself to pay her back somehow. I was surprised when he drew Tenseiga. "I want YLS, Kurama, Yukina, and Usagi-san to inspect this sword with me."
The four of us opened our mouths to say something. Of course we knew everything about that sword already. It was so blunt it didn't even hurt. It was a sword that couldn't kill. None of us knew why he kept it.
Oniichan shot us hostile looks so we quickly closed them. He ended the instructions shortly afterwards. Wolfwood kicked his chair back and began to walk away. "Where're you goin'?" I asked.
"Gotta pick up some smuggled Gs from Europe." He replied as if it were grunt work.
I knew it wouldn't be easy. "SY is going with you, right?"
"Tch. Of course. You think Boss would let me go without 'er?"
"Well guns are easy to pilfer…"
He touched my cheek. "Don't you worry about a thing. I haven't been even close to being caught yet."
Again, it was a good thing that Oniichan wasn't looking. Wolfwood chuckled and left to find SesshouYasha. I sighed, said goodbye to Kyuui-san and Emii-san, and left to the spell room. It is amazing that magic still thrives in this world of mech. Only certain few know how to tap into their powers and even fewer even realize that they have powers.
Kurama and the other two were already there. Usagi-sama was resting on a tables, Yukina was sitting in one of the chairs, and Kurama and Oniichan were standing. Kurama locked the door behind me. "You're late." My brother said harshly.
"You shouldn't be a baka about it! It's only by three seconds-"
"THREE SECONDS COULD BE YOUR LIFE!!" I know he didn't intend to sound mean but he did.
"Forgive me." I bowed deeply. I wasn't used to it because I was born and raised in the US but Oniichan was a "Jappo", as Tom Cruise said in The Last Samurai.
He nodded and mellowed his look. "I have found the purpose of this sword." He stated proudly and drew Tenseiga.
He beckoned for me to come to his side. I gulped and did so. He grabbed Tokijin in his left hand and placed it against my neck. "Would you die for me as you almost did yesterday?" He muttered in my ear. His hot breath almost made me melt.
"Would you?"
"Yes." My voice wavered.
"Thank you." He was barely audible. He removed the blade from my neck and hugged me. His scent was half mine but the other half was almost all power. I felt tears coming to my eyes when I hugged him back. Oniichan kissed my cheek and the next thing I knew, there was a great pain coming from my abdomen. He let me go and I fell backwards. Blood, my blood, spilled all over the floor. Tokijin was pushed through my stomach all the way to the hilt. Yukina gasped and hid her face in Usagi-sama's shirt. I think Kurama was yelling at Oniichan but my hearing was gone and my sight was blurry. A hazy blade stabbed me in the arm. But I didn't feel pain. It was like warmth; just like that one moment long ago…The pain in my stomach disappeared and I felt every single one of my wounds healing. Oniichan grabbed my hand and helped me off of the floor. Usagi-sama used a spell to get rid of the blood. He embraced me again but this time he didn't have his blades out. "Not again, not again…" I sobbed into his inner kimono.
He pushed my face further into the silk. "As you can see, Tenseiga is not a weapon of killing but one of mending…"
I blacked out.
Again I was in his bed. But this time it wasn't as late. I heard something out on the balcony and listened closer. A male voice, bass, was singing one of my favorite songs. The Reason by Hoobastank. "I'm not a perfect person.
There's many things I wish I didn't do.
But I continue learning.
I never meant to do those things to you.
And so I have to say before I go…
That I just want you to know-
I've found a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
And the reason is you…
I'm sorry that I hurt you,
It's somethin' I must live with everyday
And all the pain I put you through
I wish that I could take it all away
And be the one who catches all your tears
That's why I need you to hear!"
I moved onto the balcony, leaned on his shoulder, and joined Oniichan in the chorus. "I've found a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
And the reason is you…"
He buried my face into his inner kimono. This song has many meanings for us, does it not?
Yes. I would change my entire life again just for your happiness. When you are happy, I am too.
But I have pained you. I shouldn't. You are my true family and I should do my best to actually make you happy.
You sound like a father, not a brother. So what if we fight a lot? That's what brothers and sisters do! As long as the others never find out I'll be content.
He scooped me into his arms and dropped me onto the bed. Fine.
He slid under the comforters with me and I snuggled into him. "Goodnight, Yume."
" 'Night, Oniichan. I love you."
I think in my last dwindling moments in reality he returned the comment…