Chapter 2: Rebirth

With the return of Shadow’s older brother Miho, the day continued and ended with Miho being caught up what has happened over the years he was not home. Myuka and Rosemary were showed to a bedroom of which they would share together to stay the night in and every one got ready for bed. Miho stepped forth into his own bedroom, the one he hadn’t been in for many years. He took in a deep breath, smelling the air in the room with memories rushing back to him as if he was reliving the past again, back when he was still young. He started to think as he got himself ready for a shower, all the things Shadow had told him, he wanted to help her get back at Intaku for what he had done to the family. But how? That was the only question that ran through his head and he continued to think about it. After he had finished with his shower and slipped on just a pair of boxers and satin pants, he walked out of the bathroom that was apart of his room and sat down on the edge of his bed. Pondering, until some thing came to him. Why not resurrect the rest of the siblings? And possibly mother and father if they’re willing? He smiled. “That would be perfect… then all of us could team up together to get him…” He muttered aloud to himself. Satisfied with his plan that he kept in his mind, he finally laid down and got under the sheets, falling asleep after turning off the lamp that stood beside his bed.

Shadow on the other hand didn’t fall asleep right away like the others had. For some odd reason her eyes were kept wide-awake, as if she no longer wanted sleep at all. ‘There has to be some thing I can do…’ To bring down Intaku, yes?  Shadow winced at the harsh sound of Hera’s voice within her head. She nodded her head none of the less and sat up on her bed. ‘Yes… Do you know of any thing I can do? With all the knowledge you have, is there any sort of chance that can bring down Intaku once and for all?’ A hissing sound came from within the room as fog slowly started to roll in. The fog started to swirl together and a figure started to form. Just the top part of Hera’s body was created from the fog, a dim apparition to Shadow’s eyes, for she knew Hera had no physical form to take part of. A wide fanged smirk crept across her lips as she licked them, moving her arms as she placed them on her ‘hips’. Hm. There might be a way to kill off Intaku for good, but it could cost you your own life, Shadow. Shadow looked at her and narrowed her eyes at her. Her ears lowered to the back of her head, looking away for just a moment before gazing at the apparition. ‘What… would it be?’ Depends if you’d be willing to do as I say, to work for it. And it would depend if you’re willing to sacrifice your own life. Shadow didn’t hesitate in nodding her head once to accept that fate if so be. The smirk on Hera’s face grew even bigger into a devious grin, disappearing and reappearing on the other side of Shadow, making her turn her head to look at her. There is but one way. It will be a long journey, but I believe it would all be worth it in the end. She paused and looked away at the bedroom door. You would have to tell the others in the morning. But, the plan is… Search for my scattered power. The power that your great ancestor had depleted me from. My power has been locked away in those who are worthy enough to hold it, without them even knowing it. Most of them that hold my power, are your dear friends from all sorts of worlds. Hera paused, looking at Shadow without turning her head. Shadow had listened and thought about it, she looked at Hera as she arched an eyebrow. ‘Then what…?’ I’ll tell you how to get that power out of them and into your own body. Once you have all of the missing pieces, I will be at my true strength again. Using the Nan-Ryuu should do the trick in killing Intaku once and for all. Shadow narrowed her eyes into a glare at the thought of Hera being at her true power again. She knew the reasons why they were taken away in the first place. She knew how powerful Hera really is, even without all of her power, she still had seen what she is capable of doing… and destroying. She looked away, now not being so sure if she could even go through with this at all. Hera on the other hand, gazed at Shadow and merely laughed. Oh! Don’t you worry Shadow-chan. Once the Nan-Ryuu is used, my power will be as it is now. Using her ghostly hand, she motioned Shadow’s head to turn towards her, as if she had moved her head herself. She grinned, It would only be temporarily anyways and if you want to make sure of that, you can deplete me yourself. If your ancestor was able to, so can you. She explained and she could see Shadow sigh in relief to hear that. ‘Well… if you think it could work… then let’s do it.’ Why not just sleep for now and tell the others in the morning. And with that, the image of Hera vanished and the fog that was in her room, vanished.

Shadow had gotten up and out of bed after speaking with Hera. She walked towards her french doors, opening them and went through the curtains to get onto her balcony. She leaned on the rail, resting her arms on the cold concrete. As she stared out at the cold full moon, she started to think upon how to tell Myuka, Rosemary and Miho about what Hera has told her. She wasn’t sure if any of them would agree to letting her do such a thing, but she had to put it in the best words possible… which she knew it won’t be an easy task. But the hardest task, was telling her boss… Koenma who she knew wouldn’t be pleased to hear this kind of operation. She gave a silent sigh before standing herself up straight, turning to walk back into her room, closing the doors behind her. She settled herself down onto her bed and started to drift off to sleep.

Morning came by and soon as Shadow woke up, she had gotten herself ready for the day. She walked towards her dresser, picking up what seemed to be a compact mirror. But when she opened it, a voice came through it, the voice of Koenma. “What is it Shadow?” ‘I need to speak with you later on today. Bring the boys in too.’ “All right, that shall be done.” With that she closed it and sat it back down. She went out in search to see if Myuka and Rosemary were up yet, however, they both were still fast asleep. She then went to check to see if Miho was up, knocking quietly on his door, but with no answer, she quietly opened the door. She looked around, but didn’t see him anywhere in his room. She went further in and looked at his bed, he wasn’t there. She walked towards where the bathroom was and knocked, but no answer or sound. ‘Where did he go?’ She asked herself before she exited from his room. She waited a long while before Myuka and Rosemary had gotten up and readied themselves. As the three were all eating, Myuka glanced around the room. “So… Where’s Miho? Shouldn’t he be eating breakfast with us?” She finally said about him not being with them. ‘When I woke up and after I went to see if you two were up, I went to go see if Miho was… but he wasn’t any where to be seen in his room at all…’ Shadow said as she frowned slightly, looking from Myuka and Rosemary to the table. Rosemary frowned, “The day after he returns… he’s gone again. Maybe he’s just out some where and will be back?”

“Mother… Father… Are you sure you don’t want to come back?” Miho asked to whom were his and Shadow’s parents. He was at the Royal graveyard that lied in the back of Eterna Castle. He stood in front of the graves of the ones who were lost a long time ago, all of the siblings and his parents. In front of him, were the spirits of Lynnian and Youkotiru, Miho and Shadow’s parents. Lynnian gave a soft smile, “Oh Miho. As much as I would love to return back to the living, I’m afraid I can’t come back.” Youkotiru nodded his head in agreement. “Besides my son, it’s not the most honorable for me to do. Even though I may have died in dishonor, but I must accept this as my fate. Even you should know that.” Miho frowned and looked down at the ground, sighing. “I know…” He said under his breath. His four other siblings then appeared in their spiritual forms. “Please don’t be sad big brother. I’m sure all of us will still be fine as long as we all stick together… right?” Young Anno said, not knowing exactly where Miho was at so she didn’t bother trying to ‘look’ at him. Yahiko nodded his head, crossing his arms as he did. “Yeah. You’re right Anno. Besides, we’re all pretty close to each other anyways. I mean… We’re all one big happy family!” He said as he grinned, making the peace sign with his fingers and held them near his face. Yanno on the other hand, rolled his eyes at his twin brother, Yahiko. “You’re so cheesy, Yahiko.” The two glared at each other after he finished his statement. Hiruku sighed after reading the lips of her siblings, “Right… Well… At least we’d be mostly complete family.” Miho looked at his other siblings and chuckled slightly. Lynnian and Youkotiru smiled. “We’ll lend you our strength to bring them back Miho. It’s the least we can do for you.” “Thank you mother… father…”

“Where could he be?! We searched the whole castle lookin’ for him.” Myuka said as she, Rosemary and Shadow met up at the entrance of the castle. Shadow sighed and placed a hand over her headband that was on her forehead. ‘Maybe…’ She closed her eyes and a faint glow came from under her headband. Myuka and Rosemary both watched her, knowing what she was doing and they waited for an answer. Shadow’s vision started to lead her out of the castle and to the path that lies to the left, taking her around far back to the castle. However, she was cut off and so she opened her eyes and blank. “Did you see where he is?” Rosemary asked her. ‘I’m not sure. I was cut off when my vision took me to the Royal Graveyard.’ Rosemary and Myuka both looked at each other puzzled then looked back at Shadow. Myuka crossed her arms and tilted her hips to the side. “Why would he be there?” Rosemary crossed her arms while she held her hand near her lips as she started to think to herself. Shadow shrugged her shoulders, ‘I don’t know. I couldn’t see what was really going on at all.’ Rosemary looked up at Shadow, moving her hand away from her mouth as she smiled. “Maybe he just wants to see your family. After all, it’s been a very long time since he’s been here, he probably just wanted to see them again.” Shadow nodded, ‘Perhaps.’

They all heard the front castle doors slowly start to open. The eyes of all three girls quickly gazed at it to see who was entering inside. All of their eyes widen as they saw them all… Shadow’s siblings back, alive, and physical… With Yahiko and Yanno carrying Miho. “SURPRISE!” Yahiko nearly yelled out as he gave a grin. Shadow was shocked and stunned, paralyzed in her spot. She was so happy, she just didn’t know how to express it. ‘My siblings…’ She said as she rushed towards them, trying to hug every one of them. Myuka and Rosemary both looked at each other then back at the six who were reunited. “So… That’s why Miho was at the graveyard.” Myuka said as she smiled. Rosemary nodded, “Yup.” And then they went up and greeted the others. During the breakfast of Miho and the other siblings, the others seemed to be happy and shocked to be able to taste food again. “Man… I’m still hungry.” “You ate ten plates Yanno! How could you STILL be hungry?!” “Don’t blame me for having a bottomless pit of a stomach!” “More like having four stomachs.” Laughter went on, jokes went on. This seemed to be a happy moment. Shadow couldn’t help though but frown mentally, she still had to tell every one about the plan Hera had told her last night. “So Shadow, what was this thing you were gonna tell us about?” Myuka asked as every one has finished eating. Shadow blank as she sighed, ‘Right…’ She sat herself up straight. ‘I talked with Hera last night, she knows a way to defeat Intaku.’ While Shadow spoke, Hiruku told Anno what she was saying. Miho looked at Shadow and arched an eyebrow, “And what plan could she possibly make?” Shadow sighed, ‘Well… it deals with restoring her power… then using the ultimate attack…’ Yahiko abruptly stood up from his seat and banged his fists on the table. "Are you crazy?! That’s insanity!” Every one else nodded their heads in agreement with Yahiko’s statement. “Yeah! No good could possibly come out of that! Shadow… You should know better than that!” Myuka said as she crossed her arms and seemed to have pouted. Anno had frowned once Hiruku told her what Shadow had said. “Big sister… Please don’t do that. Does that cost your own life?” Shadow nodded her head, and Hiruku had told her yes. Then fog started to form right behind Shadow, not knowing what was going on, Miho stood up and readied himself against whatever this was. ‘Miho, sit. It’s only Hera showing herself.’ Shadow told him when she had looked at him when he was standing up. Hera’s spiritual form then was visible to every one else and she gave a loud hissing sound at them.

Don’t you all want Intaku dead? This is the only way that Intaku could be brought down for good is by restoring my lost power.  She had said to all of them. Miho glared at Hera as he had sat back down. “And why should we trust you in by doing so? How do we know you won’t try to destroy Eterna?!” He answered back, almost yelling at her. Myuka nodded, “Yeah! And how do we know of Shadow’s safety?!” Every one had nodded in agreement. Hera grinned in amusement, Well, Shadow had all ready said she was willing to sacrifice herself for this cause. And besides, I have another plan that would still keep Shadow alive and well. Don’t you forget, I’m filled with knowledge far more than you little younglings.  And with that she gave a hearty laugh, then stopped afterwards once she saw Miho’s mouth start to open. And no Miho, it doesn’t deal with you bringing her back to life. You lost that power bringing back your other siblings from the dead.  Miho growled at the fact Hera had knew that. Anno frowned, “Then how is she suppose to be safe?” Rosemary nodded, “Yeah. Shouldn’t you tell us your little plan on keeping Shadow alive?” Young ones, that will be revealed when the time comes to it. Just please, trust me on this. And on the other note, it deals with three special people, not all of them are here for me to reveal. Every one seemed to have glared at Hera, except for Shadow and Rosemary, who just sat there and wondered about what Hera had said. They started to talk amongst themselves about it, deciding whether or not to trust Hera on this and support Shadow going on with this. Myuka sighed, “All right. We support you, Shadow. But how are you going to tell Koenma?” Shadow smiled. ‘Thank you guys. And…’ She shrugged her shoulders. ‘I don’t know yet.’ She stood up from her seat and Hera vanished, as well as the fog. ‘Though I do have a meeting with him. So I might as well go now and tell him about it.’ “I’ll come too! Just so I can pick on him.” Myuka said as she grinned and stood up from her seat as well. Shadow sighed and shook her head side to side slightly, ‘Fine…’ She said and both her and Myuka vanished.

When Myuka and Shadow had arrived in Koenma’s office, Koenma was sitting in his chair while the guys, Yusuke, Kuwabara, Kurama and Hiei were standing around. “Welcome Shadow… Myuka.” Koenma greeted the two. Shadow gave a respectful bow then stood up straight. ‘I have some thing I have to ask of you.’ Shadow began, making the guys look at her curiously and same thing for Koenma. “And, what would this be about Shadow?” Koenma asked, wanting to know what it was that Shadow was going to ask of him. ‘It deals with Intaku…’ Every thing went silent as Shadow explained the case. “You… can’t be serious…” Yusuke said in shock. “That’s way to risky Shadow!” Kuwabara yelped. “Hmm… Though, what if it is the only way?” Kurama started his thought. Every one looked at him. ‘Hera has far more knowledge than all of us. You need to remember that. And she believes that this is the only real way to bring him down.’ “Well, Shadow, you do know I’m afraid for your safety. You’re a valuable member to my Spirit Detectives.” Koenma said to her. Myuka then snapped her fingers and grinned at Koenma. “Buuttt… I do remember Hera saying she DOES have a way to bring Shadow back.” She said as she smiled. Yusuke laughed, “Hera doesn’t have the power to do that! I mean Botan does. But Hera? Nah!” Kuwabara just crossed his arms and nodded his head. “And even if she does, I’d like to know what it is.” Koenma said as he placed his elbows on his desk and leaned forward. “Hn. It’s not Hera that’s to bring Shadow back.” Hiei said as he leaned against the wall and placed his foot against it, crossing his arms over his chest. Kurama started to think about that as well as Koenma, Yusuke and Kuwabara on the other hand both laughed. “I highly doubt it, it’s probably to lure you in to gaining her power back just so she could take over!” Yusuke said bluntly out loud. “Yeah! We don’t want to lose you Shadow!” Kuwabara said as he came to her and clung on to her. “Get off of her.” Myuka said as she pried him off of Shadow.

A fog started to surround Shadow as hissing came in loudly as the apparition of Hera started to appear. Must you dimwits be told every thing? She hissed loudly as she roared, glaring at all of the guys. Koenma sighed, “Oh Hera, just calm down will you?” Hera growled, I want you to all know, my plan is nothing more than a secret. However… I’ll make one exception, I’m only going to tell Koenma this. She said as she vanished and her voice could only be heard to Koenma, not even Shadow could hear her speak about her plan. Koenma’s eyes widen, however said nothing out loud that any one else but Hera would hear. “I see…” He then said, closing his eyes and nodding his head. Every one gazed at him curiously, but he shook his head knowing that every one else wanted to know what they were talking about. “Shadow… You have my permission to do this mission.” He said to her after a long silence that was in the room. Every one’s eyes widen at his answer. “However, you must take the boys and Myuka with you. Gather all the help you can get from allies… This won’t be an easy quest.”