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Balance Factor Chapter 37

Year Six

Enlightenment

A/N: Thanks for all the reviews!

I might write up what Shirogane did with Umbridge later and post it as a separate story. Not before I finish this series though.

As for Homurabi, yes, you will get to see him even though he is responsible for Ryuuko's death. Recall that none of the Shadow Children know about Kazuki. Including Homurabi. So their meeting will be quite interesting.

Confusion flickered on Harry's face, looking at Ron. Ron hesitated and spoke.

"I think Malfoy is up to something," he said calmly. "I… don't know what it is… but call it a gut instinct."

"Hmm… He probably is, since he's kind of forced to work for Voldemort so his parents don't get tortured to death," Harry said mildly. "I wouldn't worry though. He's talked to me about his plans and I've taken protective measures."

Ron sighed a little, looking at Hermione. "You know, Harry. Despite knowing you for almost six years… I feel like I barely know you at all."

"It's like… you barely tell us anything anymore," Hermione said, looking a little upset. Harry paused.

"With Akira and everything… And you using powers that no one has ever heard of… And Ryuuko," Ron said slowly. Harry looked from one to the other and took a deep breath.

"I told you the story, didn't I?" he asked, looking slightly confused. "Akira is a special case I only found out last year… And even then, I didn't really know the circumstances to. I still don't. But it's not my place to pry in my King's life. He is my King and I would be considered his servant."

"Servant? I don't need servants," Akira said, approaching the three. "You're my friend, not my servant. Get it right." He pointed a finger at Harry and added. "I don't keep around servants. I keep around dogs and friends."

"Ah, my mistake. I'm his friend," Harry corrected, looking at Hermione and then Ron. "You learned about Shirogane from Ryuuko last year, didn't you?" He waited for their nods before taking a deep breath. "Well, I suppose I can tell you a little more."

"Tell… us more?" Ron asked. Harry nodded, beckoning them to the Room of Requirement, not wanting to be overheard.

Ron and Hermione followed. Akira humphed a little and walked next to Harry. Harry felt a little thrill shoot up his spine, but then it subsided. Akira's presence as the Direct King was twice as noticeable since he was carrying Ryuuko in his pocket.

"Sit," Harry said, opening the door to a warm, living room like environment. "Ryuuko, will you make tea for us?"

Ryuuko poked his head out from Akira's pocket, jumped out on the table, and started to make tea. Harry sat in an armchair, Akira next to him in another armchair. Ron and Hermione sat on the sofa.

"Since the beginning of time, Ryuuko has existed. Shirogane, his counterpart, in all terms, is the same," Harry said. "What you have to know is that although they took secondary Kings, those kings were not equal in power to the originals. The secondary Kings and any subsequent Children used to be human. The reason they were chosen was because they had an affinity to either Light or Darkness. The four Kings and I can see this affinity. We call it Factors."

Ron looked a little surprised at the new information. Hermione was staring at Harry, but her eyes would flicker to the tiny Ryuuko pouring out tea for everyone.

"In addition to Factors, the Direct Kings, Shirogane and Ryuuko, each possessed an inshi," Harry continued. "This inshi is what allows them to tune their powers to the balance. It was for the Light inshi, Ryuuko was killed all those years ago." He didn't seem to notice Ryuuko adding sugar cubes to his tea, too preoccupied on how much he should actually reveal to them. "Shirogane possessed the Dark inshi, but he stored it in another human to prevent himself from being targeted and killed."

"That's when I come in," Akira said. "I am the successor of Ryuuko and had possessed his essence. I had a friend named Kengo who was an idiot, but a very good friend." Hermione gave a little squeak at how Akira seemed to disregard his friend by calling him an idiot.

"It turns out, Kengo was the human that Shirogane had stored his inshi in. He would go berserk when he collected too much Darkness. That's actually how I met Kou," Akira continued. "Kou was battling Kengo and was about to use a suicide attack to try to stop Kengo, but Ryuuko stepped in, saving both Kengo and Kou's lives. He possessed my body, a feat normally very hard to accomplish, but since I had inherited his essence, we naturally synced."

"So… Ryuuko can possess people?" Hermione squeaked, looking at the small Ryuuko offering people tea as if he was going to jump out and attack them. "That's really dark magic! Almost the Imperius curse!"

"Only if they already have a part of me inside them," Ryuuko clarified, looking at Hermione. "And I cannot do it often. Only in very dire circumstances. This is because syncing takes a lot of power and it's very bad for the host to remained synced. I am a deity after all. Most bodies are not meant to hold the vast amount of power my existence requires. Akira-kun is my successor, so, naturally, his body is able to handle the strain."

"Wait, wait, wait," Ron said. "When you say successor… What exactly does that mean?"

"Akira-nii was going to inherit Ryuuko's memories and his inshi. As a result, he was meant to become the new Direct King," Harry said patiently. Ron's mouth dropped open.

"Anyway," Akira said, ignoring Ron's stunned look. "The point is, four years ago, I met this weirdo named Shirogane. He said he had been looking for me. I didn't know it at the time, but he knew I was Ryuuko's successor because I looked a lot like Ryuuko when I was human. Even more so now." He glanced at the tiny Ryuuko, who was sitting on the table, sipping the black tea he made. Harry picked up his tea and took a sip, instantly choking on the sweetness.

"The bastard didn't explain anything and I got pulled into the war that was brewing between Light and Dark. Homurabi," Akira paused, looking at the confused faces of the two, "the other Shadow King," he clarified, a look of understanding passing Hermione and Ron's face. "Homurabi had declared war when he killed Ryuuko and Shirogane was exiled to the human world using the authority from Ryuuko's inshi. Shirogane had been searching for Ryuuko, but found his successor instead. Me."

Akira paused, letting the two digest the information. "To save my life, he turned me into a shin."

"Because Akira's Factor's affinity is Light, changing him to a shin would be a huge damper on his abilities as a rei. By nature, rei, beings of Light, and shin, beings of Darkness, are opposites. Switching between them is impossible. But Shirogane was a direct King. He had the ability to change humans into shin," Harry said, glaring at an innocent looking Ryuuko. "And Akira is Ryuuko's successor. This created a temporary shin being. But because Akira is naturally rei, he was unable to use his full powers."

"And I fought him. Homurabi found us and aimed to attack me. We traveled to the Shadow Palace and counterattacked," Akira said. "Turns out the bastard did it for Shisui. He thought Ryuuko was going to get rid of Shisui and didn't want that."

"He killed Ryuuko out of love for Shisui?" Harry asked, in half disbelief.

"Yeah. Cheesy, but there you have it," Akira said watching Ryuuko put his cup down.

"Why are all the Kings gay?" Ron asked rudely. Ryuuko's mouth pressed into a thin line.

"I'm afraid I don't understand. We have counterparts. Our counterparts are who they are. We cannot change that," Ryuuko said. "We bear no attraction to a gender. Only to our counterparts." He tilted his head and added, "And perhaps individuals with our affiliated factors."

Ron flushed. Harry smiled reassuringly.

"Unfortunately, Ron, that's just it. We don't feel attraction like humans do," Harry said, leaning back. "We're entities. In Ryuuko's and Shirogane's case, pure beings."

"Anyway, as it turns out, I inherited Ryuuko's inshi and Homurabi gave back the Shadow inshi. All's well that ends well," Akira said, grinning. "And I am Shirogane's counterpart as well."

"There's more though. Ryuuko's presence was weaker in you, Akira, because he was in me as well," Harry said, looking at Akira. "After you inherited his inshi, Ryuuko withdrew his presence from you and concentrated his presence on me." He looked at Hermione and Ron and then said, "I am special, as you know. Different from other entities. That is because I can manufacture inshi in my core. Using the newly made Light inshi in me, Ryuuko was able to materialize. That's why you can see him now." He nodded to the little Ryuuko, who was looking sleepy.

"So… That's it? Homurabi… is dead?" Ron asked, sipping the tea a little, his eyes lighting up with happiness. "Whoa… this tea is good…!"

"Homurabi isn't dead," Akira said, sighing a little, looking at Ron and Hermione as he sampled the tea as well. "The misunderstanding has been cleared. And he doesn't really hold any grudge against Ryuuko or Shirogane. Shirogane's a bit bitter about it though."

"Shirogane is… kind of terrifying," Hermione said, quietly, taking her tea and downing it. "He was here last year… He gives off… a dangerous presence. People don't approach him because of it."

"Shirogane's naturally distrustful. He became even more distrustful of humans after I was killed by Sawaki," Ryuuko said calmly. "Homurabi may have arranged my death, but Sawaki killed me. I believe Sawaki committed suicide soon after Homurabi lost against you, Akira-kun?"

"No… He survived to tease Kou more," Akira said. A look of surprise crossed Ryuuko's face, but then he gave a small laugh. Harry sighed.

"Well, I think that sums everything that has happened so far. But, there is a reason I divulged this information with you," Harry said turning to Ron and Hermione. "Ron and Hermione. Both of you have the potential to become shin and rei respectively."

There was a silence. A long one. Hermione's mouth opened in a small 'o' of surprise. Ron's eyes were as wide as saucers.

"Ron has the potential to become shin," Harry said calmly. "Your Factor is affiliated with Darkness. In contrast, Hermione has the potential to become rei."

"I'm not a Dark wizard!" Ron said, standing up abruptly. "I'm not going to be a Dark wizard!"

"Dark and evil are two different things, Ron," Harry said, sighing deeply. "I have no doubt you won't become a Dark wizard. Still, if you refuse, it is in your every right. Hermione, however, may not have much of a choice." He glanced at the girl.

"Me?" Hermione said faintly. Harry smiled a little, tilting his head. "But… why me, Harry?"

"Because your Factor is too Light," Harry responded. "Staying in the Human Realm will corrupt you eventually. Not for another ten years, but it will happen." He crossed his legs, closing his eyes carefully. "Either Ryuuko or Akira will change you, I'm guessing. Shisui might not want to. He worries too much about things."

"But… what would we do when we're shin and rei?" Ron asked, calming down with Harry's words.

"Maintain the balance," Harry said. "This is done by eliminating kokuchi who cross. Kokuchi are creatures that live in the Shadow World. Normally, kokuchi are not violent, but the opposite attribute in the Human World causes them to go berserk. They cause damages, possessions, and insanity." He leaned back a little. "In contrast, Light beings called hakua exist to repair tears that kokuchi potentially use to cross. Only Kings are able to repair large tears though."

"Is… that it?" Hermione asked. Harry laughed.

"And paperwork. Must not forget the paperwork that comes along with it," he said, remembering Ryuuko's desk.

-0-

Harry visited the Burrow for Christmas. He watched as the whole Weasley family helped out in preparing Christmas dinner and he had decided to show Akira more of the balance. He drew Akira in his core and showed him his Factor and the balance swirling.

The balance had tipped towards Light so Harry held up a hand to his core, trying to gather Darkness to equalize it. It was hard, but by the time he was done, he felt satisfied.

Akira took great interest in the Weasley family traditions. He had never really celebrated Christmas as his family never really came back, but for the past four years, he had celebrated it in Master's bar. Before that, it was Kou-nii's place. Kengo and Aya had dragged him to there and even Shirogane got into the spirit of things. Cake was served and they would all exchange gifts there. Akira remembered that he had given Shirogane…

A twinge of pain hit him right in the heart. Akira gripped his shirt and shook his head to clear it. What was that feeling? Was it guilt…?

"Akira-nii?"

Harry sat down next to Akira on the porch. The rest had taken refuge in the house, but the cold air didn't bother the rei. Ryuuko's element was ice, after all.

Akira glanced at Harry before reaching up to ruffle his hair. Harry accepted the gesture and leaned his head against Akira's arm.

"Thinking about something?" Harry asked, curious. Akira hesitated but then spoke.

"Do you think Shirogane looks down on me on purpose?"

Harry blinked, but didn't move from his spot. Ryuuko poked his head out of Akira's pocket and listened. Since the question wasn't directed towards him, he wasn't going to answer. He was curious to hear Kazuki's interpretation. Was that what was bothering Akira all this time? It had been three months since they had met up personally.

Harry paused and looked at Akira. "I think Shirogane is afraid."

"Afraid? Afraid of what? What could that man possibly be afraid of?" Akira asked in disbelief. Harry eyed the other and spoke again.

"Do you know what it's like to lose a counterpart? I felt it, though I didn't see it," Harry said, looking at Akira. Akira fell silent, unsure. "It's absolute despair. Drowned out by the Darkness…" He paused. "That's why Shirogane went to search for you instead of me. During that time, the only person balancing him was me. I provided some light, so he wouldn't go insane. But he knew it wouldn't last. My Light, though it was Ryuuko's, pales in comparison to the real Ryuuko. As it should. Ryuuko is the purest embodiment of Light. And Shirogane, the purest embodiment of Darkness."

Harry smiled a little, closing his eyes and leaning completely on Akira, who tolerated it because Harry was still speaking.

"So to prevent losing his counterpart, it's possible Shirogane keeps you out of battle and doesn't want you to do things because he's terrified of that feeling," Harry said, sighing, watching his breath linger in the air. "To protect you is to protect himself. Even Ryuuko, who was skilled in battle and lived for hundreds and thousands of years, was killed. What chance does a boy who just became a rei have?"

Harry paused and added. "He might also love you deeply. I do not know. That is between you and him. Not my business." He glanced up and noticed the light pink blush on Akira's face.

"He likes Ryuuko more," Akira said, frowning, looking at the tiny Ryuuko watching the snow fall. "He doesn't love me. He just wants to preserve the balance."

"He doesn't treat you like he treats me, does he?" Harry asked, looking a little worried. Akira shook his head. "Then that proves that he feels something for you. At least, he does not hate you. He is somewhat affectionate towards you, if he's willing to share a bed with you."

"That's not-I… It's not-Like…" Akira stumbled over his words. Harry glanced at him and gave him a smile. "It's just to keep the balance that's all!"

"Is that what he told you?" Harry asked, smiling at Akira's beet red face. "There are other ways to keep the balance, you know. They may take longer, but sexual intercourse is not the only way. If Shirogane truly despised you, he would have chosen the other way, regardless of the amount of time it took. I think Shirogane loves you."

"That bastard lied to me! He said that… that was the only way!" Akira said, his face flushed. Ryuuko looked amused and shook his head.

"You inherited my memories… How could you not know?" Ryuuko asked. Akira flushed.

"I… haven't gotten that far yet…!" he said, fidgeting.

"Shirogane has a funny way of showing affection, but his feelings are sincere," Ryuuko said, chuckling. "I think you should go back to him. He will have missed you, even if he doesn't say so. He will probably make a big deal about your return, but be relieved to see you." He leaned on Akira's side and added. "That's just Shirogane though… "

-0-

Harry stared at Rufus Scrimgeour, the new Minister of Magic. He had expected Fudge to get sacked, but this new man… Was almost every bit as incompetent.

"You're imprisoning innocent people and calling them Death Eaters," Harry reminded. "Just what kind of sick, nasty Minister do you want to be? Do you have a death wish?"

Scrimgeour flushed. "Some say it is your duty to be used by the Ministry."

Harry outright laughed at that. "Oh, no, Minister. I do not approve of your tactics and sure as hell won't let the public think I do. I will not let myself be used by the Ministry like a mascot." He gave a grin filled with venom. "Find Umbridge yet?"

Scrimgeour's face contorted in anger. "She disappeared from Hogwarts and was never seen again. We've turned the place upside down over the holidays to try to find her."

"See what happens to people who try to change me by force?" Harry said, implying he was the cause of the incident. "I haven't forgotten, Minister." He raised his right hand, the scars of "I must not tell lies" still very visible against his pale skin. "These scars were caused by the Ministry."

"I see you're Dumbledore's man," Scrimgeour said, his eyes narrowed.

"Oh no, Minister. Wrong again," Harry said calmly. "My loyalties lie among those of the highest class. Dumbledore doesn't even come close. For all of his sneaking around, he tells me nothing. How can I be loyal to a man who does not trust me as an equal?" He crossed his arms. "My loyalties lie with those that respect me as a being with feelings. Anyone else is of lower class. So, where do you stand, Minister? As equals or as lower class?"

Scrimgeour didn't respond. Which was fine with Harry, as he knew the answer anyway. He turned away from the Minister of Magic.

-0-

"So these items… Horcruxes," Harry said calmly, looking at Dumbledore. "You have been tracking them down and wish for me to eliminate them."

"Normally, it is very hard to eliminate Horcruxes, but… With your power… You said you fed it into the Darkness… I'm not too sure what it does to the Horcrux," Dumbledore said, after they had viewed the confrontation between Morfin Gaunt and Tom Riddle. Harry paused, thinking about it.

"When a human becomes a being of Darkness, they lose their soul... more or less. I would imagine it got disintegrated by the element," Harry said. "After that, it was probably filtered back into the Earth. His soul is lost. It's cruel, but he shouldn't have been throwing his soul around anyway." Harry paused and added, "Granted, I was only able to remove it because it was inside my vessel at the time. For the other ones, I do not know." He paused and added, "I do not think the soul will be able to resist the lure of Darkness. If I ran you through with a weapon made of Darkness, I would taint you beyond repair. You would go mad." He gave a pleasant smile and spoke again.

"But for soul fragments… It's a bit of a different story… They require a container to not be scattered," Harry said, looking thoughtful. "Destruction of the container should be sufficient."

"The only problem is… that there are only two ways of destroying Horcruxes," Dumbledore said. "Assuming your method does not work, Basilisk venom and Fiendfyre are those ways."

"Fiendfyre," Harry repeated, looking thoughtful. "Basilisks are hard to come by these days." He tapped his chin and leaned forward. "How does one conjure Fiendfyre?"

"The infusion of Dark Arts into fire," Dumbledore said quietly.

Harry paused a little. He wondered if Dumbledore knew about his elements, as he did accidently set his fire off during the meeting in the Triwizard tent. "Alright. We'll forgo that. Instead, how will we destroy them?"

"…I cannot say," Dumbledore said, depressed. Harry paused, glancing at the ring sitting innocently on Dumbledore's table. "I was hoping… Ryuuko could give some insight on this matter."

"Ryuuko is with Akira," Harry said calmly. "Ryuuko collects Light a lot faster with him than he does with me because he has a direct connection. If we ever bump into a Horcrux, I can try experimenting with its destruction. But until we do, we'll continue to look for clues on what they could be."

"I have a task for you, Harry," Dumbledore said, his face grave.