dont own YYH

still looking for ideas on Tanashi's death. thank you for all those who have reviewed and contributed ideas (cant remember names right now, srry), they're very helpful!


Chapt. 58

I Can't Kill Them

"Who's there?" Hiei calls, looking around on edge.

I sniff the air. "No one with a scent, but I can feel their vast energy," I answer, looking about as well. Then I noticed the clock no longer ticked. The far door stood half open and a shadowed figure stood, frozen, in place. Something, or somebody, had stopped time and set off a purplish aura.

"It is I, the Demon Stone, whom you sought so long ago. Come now, release me from my prison," the great voice booms again.

"Can you not talk to us first before we release you?" I ask it.

"If that would send you proof," the Stone agrees. "I have come with tidings and news of despair. The tidings I bring are to Hiei and yourself, Darkfire. I just want to congratulate you both on your regained bond; and also to wish you luck in your future together.

"As for the despair, I fear it will tear a large hole in your heart. The demons in the East, mainly the fox clan and wolf pack that reside there, are being dragged into a battle. The panthers of the North are combining with other cat demons and traitorous foxes to wage a war on the outnumbered wolves. They will surely parish without proper leadership and the correct allies."

"Yea, and what would you have me do about it?" I growl, folding my arms across my chest.

"To lead them as was meant of you!" the Demon Stone roars. "You cannot abandon them!"

"Why not? They abandoned me!"

"They call for your aid; you will give it to them!"

"And what if I don't?"

A great thunder rumbles all around us, shaking in my ears. I had no fear towards it, but the rumble made my heart race. Hiei's eyes widen slowly with each booming roll. I can feel sweat roll down the side of my face and my neck. My hands shake as I grasp my knees in a strange, unwanted fear.

"You will do as you were destined! They need your guidance, so you shall give it to them," it rumbles, stopping the shaking.

"I can't do it alone," I mumble.

"You won't be alone. The other Chosen Child will help you, even if you don't ask. Your friends will aid you, whether you like them to or not. And your mother and father and Oshi will always be with you to guide you on your journey."

"I won't play into a fate that does not exist! I wanted to be normal! To live a happy life with my parents, my human parents! They love me! My fate hasn't been decided because I don't will it!" I scream to the ceiling. "I will not aid a people who cannot accept a child of forbidden parents!"

"You will because Tanashi will slaughter them all and then come after the ones closest to your heart!" it booms.

"Fine, let them die! But he will find it hard to kill those that are close to my heart because no one is there any more! Furthermore, what heart!"

"Darkfire, please!" Hiei shouts, grabbing my tense arm. "You swore to finish Tanashi off once and for all, are you going to back out now?"

I rip my arm from his grasp and glare daggers at him. "Tanashi will die, but not because I wish to help these demons," I snarl through clenched teeth. "And not even you hold a place near my heart."

Hiei's eyes twitch slightly at this remark, but remain in their constant gaze. "I did, once," he whispers, stepping away.

"Demon Stone, show me where Tanashi is!" I demand.

"If you release me and fulfill the destiny that was set aside for you," it answers smugly.

"Fine," I growl, not wanting to argue any longer. The clock begins to tick again and the door finishes opening. Through said door steps in Kurama.

"The trees, they call your name in distress," he says, looking out the window.

"I'm sure," I snap, storming from the room.

"Darkfire, what's going on?" he calls, stepping after me hesitantly.

I stop, but remain facing forward. "Tanashi, he's getting ready to attack them."

"The wolves and foxes, your kin?"

"Yes," I answer with reluctance.

"Are you not going to help them?"

"I must."

"I'll help you."

"No!" I snap, turning on him. "No, you will stay here."

"I will not!"

"Kurama, you must. If you were to go, you would also have to slay your own kin."

"Spirit Foxes and regular demon foxes are very different."

"Could you kill them all the same?"

"If need be."

"Can you kill them!"

He doesn't answer, just stares at me. His green eyes just look at me, sending pity on angel wings. It was an odd look compared to my accusing gaze. I was panting and shaking from head to toe. Sweat slid down my face.

I repeat my question with more force.

"Can you?" Kurama asks, resting his shoulder on the wall.

My glare becomes a look of shock. Could I kill them? Of course I could! But, then, why couldn't I say it? Why couldn't I say yes? I never killed a fox or wolf those two long years, but I never really thought about them either. I could kill all sorts of creatures, humans, and demons without hesitation, but the wolves and foxes made me hesitate in my thoughts.

"I didn't think so," he muses, pushing from the wall and turning away from me. "You need us out there to kill what you can't."

I gasp slightly and give a look of painful defeat. He was right: I can't kill a fox or wolf, no matter what he may have done. Falling to my knees, I hold back tears of hurt. My body shook and ached all over, it begged me to let the tears flow, but I would not. Not this time.

"TANASHI!" I howl, throwing back my head.