Mine

Summary: She swallowed thickly, fear curling around her heart as his large black wings expanded, stretching out in an act of intimidation. The black dragon opened his mouth, exposing the razor-sharp twin rows of teeth. Glistening saliva dripped from his maw and the sacrifice quivered, tears gathering in her fearful stormy blue eyes.

Disclaimer: I in no way own the great anime/manga InuYasha, created by Rumiko Takahashi, or YuYu Hakusho, created by Yoshihiro Togashi

Pairings: Hiei/Kagome

Warning: Alternate Universe. Kind of set in the IY Universe, but the YYH Universe doesn't exist. Other than Hiei being an ass, nada.

HBWD's Corner: Let me make one thing clear. Though I may like eastern style dragons that are long bodies and most of the time, no legs, I imagine these dragons as the western version. For example:

http:/ browse . deviantart . com/?qh=§ion=&global=1&q=black+dragon#/ds5b5u (take out the spaces). That is what I imagine a dragon to look like. But that's not what they all look like. That was just an example!

Inspired by How To Train Your Dragon and Dragonheart and The Dragon of the Darkness Flame on Hiei's arm and Eragon (the first book only) and Reign of Fire and anime fight background music for the fight scenes, romantic music for the mushy stuff and random anime music for the rest and because I love dragons so much!

Somewhat dedicated to my hubby, who totally wants to be a dragon himself *rolls eyes*

I've changed familial relationships around, you'll understand once the story starts, so, ONTO THE STOREH!

1. Greed .1

Tree's shivered and shook as a large black mass passed through them. They groaned as they were pushed out of the way and one fell when a thick black tail with a dark red underside hit it harder than necessary, not that the creature cared.

The jutting, rounded nostrils quivered as the beast took a deep breath before flicking out the forked tongue hidden behind the double layered, jagged teeth. It twitched, wiggled and the tiny pores opened as wide as they could, tasting the air. An odd, but very familiar scent and taste filtered in and the being growled but continued on its way.

A girl with stormy blue eyes filled with tears of betrayal shook faintly. She stared at the man in front of her, her long, well-kept raven hair slipping from the loose tie it was in. Her lip quivered and she shook her head. "Y-you're… You're lying! I can't… I mean, I was going to…"

He turned his head away and she could sense the sadness in his aura. "I am sorry, my granddaughter… But, you were chosen." He held out the stone, its shiny, smoky blue surface to eerily similar to her own eye color.

The girl looked down the line of the other teenagers, who had looks of relief and sadness (for her, she hoped!) across their faces. "But I had a purpose here, Grandfather! I was to take over as Head Girl once Kikyou-senpai turned twenty!" She stood up suddenly. "I don't want to be sacrificed! I have a PURPOSE!"

The Head Priest turned his head away and stared at the wall to his side. "I know… You held so much promise. Your powers are so vast, and you have much potential… Maybe that is why the Dragons want you…?" He looked back at her before moving to stand in front of her. "As my granddaughter, you must show respect and poise when faced with our protectors. You will be the light that keeps our Village hidden from those that would abuse us." He gently touched her forehead with the tips of his glowing fingers.

"But…" A heavy sigh passed her lips and she set her jaw. "I will, but only for the Village." She looked at the others in the room. There were three others that were kneeling on their cushions, each one the same age as her but with different levels of power. She outranked them by how deep a blue her aura was. It was a nice, rich copen blue that shone bright when she meditated or was angry.

She steeled herself and took the stone from her grandfather before taking a deep breath. "You will do us proud, Kagome-chan." She nodded and walked out through the door to greet the rest of the villagers and give them the news.

The small black dragon wandered through the forest to the large congregation of dragons he could sense. They seemed to be gathered for some reason. This was rare, because dragons were usually solitary creatures, only coming together for mating purposes.

He stopped and tilted his head to the side slightly. The tiny holes on the side of his skull thinned slightly to pinpoint the sound. Growling softly he continued on his way, ignoring the other dragon that had come down to investigate.

It slipped into view from the dragon trail. The dragon was much larger than he was; his head probably would only reach its shoulder, with deep blue scales and large navy eyes. Instead of a thick fur bundle at the base of the skull like he had, it had smooth scales and pointed backbones. "Dragon, you are not from around here." It said, or rather, she did. Her tail swung lazily behind her, the spiked end glinting as a threat. "State your name and your business."

He had a mind to tell her to fuck off, but instead trailed his thin, forked tongue over his jagged, sharp fangs. "I would fly from here but I have wounded myself and found this forest demon and human free." He stretched his torn wing and shifted himself into a more offensive stance. Though his wing was broken, he could still pack a good bite.

She snorted and turned away from him. "I was not sent to fight. My Lord only wants for me to greet any dragons that wish to be here for the sacrifice." She turned her head to look at him and he snorted at the look in her eye. "Were you drawn here for the sacrifice, young one?"

The black dragon ignored her and continued on his way. He could smell water close by and wanted to get himself cleaned of the damn fox demons stench as soon as possible.

She hissed angrily at him and slipped in front of him. "You still haven't answered my other question, little one." The blue dragon sashayed up to him and curled her head against her neck in a sly way. "May I know your name?"

He reared back and made a disgusted sound in the back of his throat. He was not in the mood for a quick rut. "Out of my way, water dragon. I have no business with you."

The female snarled louder and flared her wings out in an act of intimidation. "Your name or you may not pass."

His internal flame built up in rage, boiling and bubbling, just begging to be let loose upon the whore of a dragon. Smoke curled from his throat, through his open mouth and around his exposed teeth. "Move." He said slowly, as if talking to someone with a lesser intelligence. Which she was, in his opinion.

"Enough!" An old, withered voice said and both dragons turned to look at a lavender dragon with a Noh mask crushed at the top of his skull. He was old, though you wouldn't be able to tell just by looking at him. It was the smell and taste of old power, old wisdom, old magic that surrounded the great beast. "Ora leave. You have bothered our guest. Go find Knot and see if he will take care of your problem." The dragoness hissed but did as she was told.

Odd. The black dragon thought before he narrowed his eyes at the ancient dragon.

"Hiei, am I correct?" Said dragon gave him a blank look, trying not to give anything away. "I am Ryukotsusei. I am the head of this tatsu and I welcome you to this honored event." He turned around and lumbered towards the water smell. "Come, we have a healing springs that you may use for that wing of yours."

Hiei flared his nostrils in anger at being told what to do, but followed after him. A healing spring sounded wonderful right now. But as soon as he was good and healed, he was out of here. He never liked being around more than one or two dragons at a time. And from what he was getting (by smell and taste) there was a lot more than one or two. And the old coot had said tatsu, so that meant there was a whole group of them. Great, just what I need.

Kagome let the purified water run down her back, taking the cleansing soap with it. Kikyou, her older sister, stood off to the side and talked quietly with their grandmother. She was a gentle woman with a heart of gold and a tongue of silver.

She tried to listen in on their conversation, but was unable to pick up anything really important. Great, a sacrifice. Is this what I was meant to be? Why was I chosen? I have so much going for me! I was to be High Priestess! I have responsibilities here on Earth! Tears burned the back of her eyes, trying to force their way down her soft cheeks. I know it's to protect the Village, but why did I have to go? What was so special about me? She shook and let the bucket tip over her head.

"Kagome-chan…" Her sister's soft voice called out and the young sacrifice schooled her face before standing and turning around.

"Yes, nee-chan?" She answered and curled her arm over her chest to keep her private parts hidden from view.

Kikyou was crying. Large, fat tears rolled down her porcelain cheeks and fell onto the white kimono she was holding. My sacrificial kimono… Kagome thought absently as wrapped her arms around her sister's shoulders and gave her a soft hug, murmuring words of comfort.

The older priestess got herself under control in no time and pushed Kagome away. "Look at me, crying like a baby when you're the one… The one…" Fresh tears gathered and she handed the white robe to their grandmother and latched onto her sister. "If you go, I go!" She whispered in Kagome's ear with conviction.

Said sacrifice-to-be pushed Kikyou away and stared at her with wide stormy blue eyes. "What? Are you crazy! That's not how it works! You weren't chosen, nee-chan! You don't need to go!" Kikyou shook her head and pushed Kagome's hands away before pulling her in a back-breaking hug. "You… uh, you can't go!" The raven squeaked out.

The older sister sniffled softly and pulled away. "I know, but I don't want you to be given to the dragons!" She whispered again, but it was much louder than expected. Her bottom lip trembled and Kagome felt horrible.

"The Village will be safe for ten more years… And that's all that matters!" She wiped away her sister's tears and patted her cheeks in a consoling manner. They looked at each other silently before both lips quivered in a similar manor. "Oh, Kikyou-nee-chan, I'm so scared! I don't want to be burned alive!" She wailed and latched onto her, sobbing loudly into her older sister's shoulder. Said sibling clung to her back and buried her head in Kagome's shoulder. Both cried quietly.

Kaede-sama, the current Head Priestess, walked forward and held out the ancient 'Dragon-Song' scroll that the sacrificial 'spirits' had to sing. "Ye must dance and sing this as a greeting to our Wondrous Protector and his children. And when the Chosen Dragon steps forward, you are to bow to him and let loose your energy to see if it pleases him or her." She looked at Kagome with her good, yet sad eye and dabbed at it with her sleeve.

"Grandma…" She held up her hand and pushed the scroll towards Kagome again.

"Take it before this old lady loses control of her emotions." Kaede watched as the naked sacrifice took the Dragon Song Scroll and looked down at it with tear-filled stormy blue eyes. "Now, finish your cleansing bath and pray to the Gods that you go quickly and with no pain." She turned on her heel and left, fighting tears as she went.

Kagome turned towards her older sister and swallowed thickly. "I need to finish…" She trailed off, not knowing what to say now.

Kikyou looked off to the side and gathered all of her courage. This is a blessing… This is a blessing…! She repeated in her head. It has to be… "I will see you after you have prayed, before the ceremony."

The young priestess watched her sister leave the bathhouse and turned towards the blessed springs. "Well, it's now or never, Kagome!" She pep-talked herself and walked up to the springs and dipped her toe into it. A rush of warmth spread up her leg and she felt… Cleansed, as if the Gods themselves were blessing her, clearing away all her troubles. She sank into the springs and swam around for a few minutes before finding the rocky niche and seating herself upon it, lotus style, and started to meditate.

Hiei followed Ryukotsusei at a sedated pace. His wing stung horribly, but he endured it as the trees started to thin. He could smell the healing waters and his wing felt just that much better. "You have come at a wondrous time, young one."

Hiei rolled his large red eyes, Like I give a shit…

The elder dragon, or Wrym, lumbered alone in front of the black dragon. "The ten year sacrifice is about to take place. One lucky dragon is going to take this year's sacrifice for their own. I wonder if they will survive…?" Ryukotsusei turned his head and stared down at the smaller dragon. "There have only been two humans that have survived the sacrifice. Midoriko and Genkai, I think their names were… Very interesting humans, they were. Strong willed…"

The two stopped in front of a large hot springs. Hiei stepped forward but was stopped by a spiky tail. He showed his teeth to the old codger and was about to move around him when the elder spoke. "For you to use our sacred springs, you must attend the sacrifice… It is a great honor and wondrous site to witness the humans sing and dance their version of the Dragon Song."

The black dragon snorted but nodded. "Sure, I'll go." He moved past the Wrym and dipped his toe into the water. He felt the healing process start already and quickly, but smoothly, slipped into the pool of iridescent water. He sighed softly and submerged his whole body in the warm liquid. It was heaven, this warmth that encased his whole being. He closed his eyes and concentrated on healing his wounded wing. He willed the thin membrane to knit itself back together, forced the bone back into its proper place and demanded the muscles to stitch themselves back to normal.

He opened his eyes and was surprised to see the elder dragon gone. Oh well, who needs him anyway? He closed his eyes and nostrils and dunked his head under the water.

Kagome let out a gasp of air as she stumbled in the step. "Oh…!" She rasped. "Darn it, that was so not supposed to happen…" She scowled and reset her body into the starting position. She hadn't had to do the Dragon's Dance for the past year so she was a little rusty… And still clumsy as ever! She scowled and closed her eyes and started to whisper the Dragon Song.

"Dragon fire,

Dragon wing,

Dragon breath,

Dragon's si…! "

Her foot caught on the white robe and she tripped… Again. "By the Gods, why is this kimono so long?" She let loose a frustrated sound and picked up the end of the clothe. "So annoying…" She murmured and sat down on the wooden floor of the dojo. "I'm never going to learn this by tonight…" Curling her knees up and wrapping her arms around them, she was oblivious that a Graduated Monk had slipped into the dojo.

He was there to train, but was surprised to see the sacrifice sitting on the dirty tatami pads. "You'll ruin your kimono that way, Kagome-kohai!" Miroku said and smiled his disarming smile, hoping to make her feel less… Sacrifice-y.

Said girl scowled and curled into herself tighter. "What does it matter when I'm going to be turned to ash and then eaten in front of everyone?" She crossed her arms over her chest and looked off into the distance, fresh tears gathering at the corners of her eyes. "Why me, Miroku-senpai? Why me?" She stood up and turned to look at him, hands curled against her chest. "Why did they choose me?"

The older monk shrugged lazily. "Maybe they thought you'd taste good with all that fat on you, Kagome-kohai?" He easily moved away from her as she threw her arm out to try to hit his knee. He laughed and crouched down next to her. "Need me to help you learn the steps?"

The priestess shook her head. "No…" She picked at her toenail absently. "No, I can get it; I just need to practice more." With a heavy sigh she stood up and pulled up her robes more. "Just need to fix the kimono and I should do fine." She re-tied her sash, pulling the thick material up higher so she could have better movement without tripping onto her face. "I mean, I've had to do the dance at the festival every other summer since I was seven… And I sort of remember the steps; it's the song that I don't know! I was never a good singer and, well…" She shrugged absently before sighing resolutely.

Miroku smirked lazily. "I know the song, and I could teach you." Kagome gave him a fierce look and he blinked in surprise.

"I know we've never gotten along but I didn't know you hated me that much." Miroku's amethyst eyes widened.

He stood up quickly and waved his hands in front of his chest. "Oh…! Oh, it's nothing like that, Kagome-kohai! I didn't mean it to sound like I was… I was… Uh…" He rubbed the back of his head and chuckled nervously. "I was just trying to spend more time with you before you… Uhm…" He blushed. Miroku the Amorous Monk actually blushed.

Tilted her head to the side and she stepped forward. "Really? Oh, well, I'm sorry I jumped to conclusions." She touched his arm softly and he settled his hand on her own. It was her turn to blush. "Miroku-senpai…?" She murmured.

"I wish it was someone else that the dragons had chosen… I was hoping… That when you came of age…" He turned his face away from her before he seemed to come to a conclusion. "I wanted to ask the Head Priest if I could have your hand in marriage… I have admired you for a long time, Kagome-kohai and just recently I had made the decision to make you my bride. I had already started to build our hut…" He trailed off then and Kagome's bottom lip trembled.

"Oh, Miroku-senpai… You want to marry me?" Tears gathered in her eyes, but for a different reason. She swallowed thickly and chewed her bottom lip. "I would have said yes…" She blushed again, her hands fumbling with her sash. "I've always admired you as well, Miroku-senpai. No matter what situation you were put in, you always stood your ground with a silver tongue and a will of steel."

The monk grinned perversely and wiggled his eyebrow at her. "And I can use that tongue for other things too." Kagome rolled her eyes and walked to the middle of the dojo and let her body settle into the starting position.

Her hands were pressed against her chest and her head was bowed. "If you don't mind, though, I've got to concentrate on keeping the village safe for another ten summers."

Miroku nodded morosely and grabbed his pack. "I'll tell the rest of the village not to enter the dojo then…" He headed towards the door but paused before leaving. "I'll miss you, Kagome-chan." With that, he was gone.

Kagome swallowed thickly and teared up again. "Oh…" Her body shook as she let loose a heavy breath.

Hiei slipped from the springs and shook the water from his black, scaled body. He walked lazily towards the area where he could smell and hear the other dragons. All conversation stopped, though, when he entered the clearing. There were many different dragon species gathered together, all crowded along cliff-line that looked down onto a flat rocky surface surrounded by a deep ring of crystal clear water. The dragons watched him wearily, even as the elder made his way over to Hiei.

"Ah, young one. You look in better spirits now that you have healed yourself." He unfurled a great wing and coiled over the black dragon's body. "Come, you shall sit with me. The ceremony shall start soon. The humans will come and you don't want to miss the festivities." Ryukotsusei rested his wing against his body again when they reached his spot. It was at the very center of the valley-like cove and he sat regally upon the rocky throne like the king he thought he was.

The black dragon snorted but settled in beside him. He watched the other dragons silently, curiously. He had never seen such a large group of dragons together in one area. It was astounding, since dragons were normally solitary, territorial creatures. But each one looked as comfortable as could be, all stretched out and waiting for the sacrifice to begin.

"They are only here because of the festival." Ryukotsusei murmured. "I only have a few dragons in my clan, Ora is one of them." He turned his great head towards Hiei and watched him silently. "You are a very young dragon, are you not?"

Hiei narrowed his eyes and bared his teeth at the old dragon. "What of it…?" He knew that with age came power in all dragons. The old geezer could probably give him a good fight if he weren't so slow moving.

Ryukotsusei closed his eyes and turned his head towards the clearing. "Youth is wasted on the young…" He said more to himself then to Hiei, who just snorted and looked out into the rocky surface. "Ah, look, here come the humans who are going to set up the decorations for the festivities." A few humans walked onto the large rock in the middle of the cove, carrying lanterns and an assortment of other interesting things.

Hiei tilted his head to the side slightly and watched through narrowed red eyes as the humans set up for the Sacrificial Ceremony. He kept quiet as they worked diligently, every once in a while looking up and around at the large gathering of dragons. They didn't seem intimidated, like Hiei thought they should have been, but worked in a respectful quiet.

Once the clearing was set up, the lanterns lit, the rocky surface covered with multi-colored flower petals and cleansing incense lit the humans left in the same solemn quiet that they came in with. An hour passed, and the sun had started to set before anything happened.

The Wrym shifted quietly beside Hiei, finding a better position and looked at him from the corner of his eye. "It's about to start. I love when they come in, so entertaining…" He trailed off as soft music filtered into the clearing and all noise just stopped. No dragon moved or spoke, or even seemed to breathe as the humans filed in. Three humans were playing instruments (Hiei didn't know what they were and truthfully didn't care) and moved around the circle, taking their specific positions.

The music crescendoed, growing louder and louder as a little human girl, covered in white with a thick white veil over her head stepped in. Bells jingled as she stepped and then, the music quit. She walked around the circle, raising her hands above her head as she went. Her head tilted back and she opened her mouth and started to sing.

"Dragon fire,

Dragon wing,

Dragon breath,

Dragon's sing!"

Hiei's scales were set on edge and as she moved around the area, her feet moving effortlessly with the steady beating drum, he felt something inside him start to grow.

"I am but a humble human,

Asking the Great One

For this little favor.

My family, my home,

My village, my people!

Please give us eternal safety

And eternal peace,

I give my body and soul

To the Dragon's flame!"

She twisted around and threw the veil from her head and crouched low, her intricately decorated hair glittering in the lantern's light. She moved until she was on her knees and tilted her head back, exposing her neck. She started to hum and her energy skyrocketed, shooting upwards and then curving back down to swirl and dance around her petite form.

"My I be the sacrifice

That keeps this village safe

From those that would do harm

And cause us pain.

Fire from the dragon's belly

Burn bright!

I beg and plead

Take me from the mortal plane

And devour my ash

For I am yours and yours alone"

Hiei stood up and, ignoring Ryukotsusei's surprised yell, leapt down into the water below. The water splashed and shot upwards, raining down on the girl and soaking her kimono. She swallowed thickly, fear curling around her heart as his large black wings expanded, stretching out in an act of intimidation. The black dragon opened his mouth, exposing the razor-sharp twin rows of teeth. Glistening saliva dripped from his maw and the sacrifice quivered, tears gathering in her fearful stormy blue eyes.

The drummer continued to keep the beat steady and the girl swallowed thickly, but continued to sing.

"Burn my body, take my soul

But in return, keep my home

On the mortal plane

Safe and undisturbed."

The drumming stopped and everyone held their breath.

Hiei lurched forward and wrapped his clawed hand around her tiny body. He twisted away from the humans and, holding her against his chest, beat his wings to get himself away from the clearing and the other dragons.

Angry roars and jets of fire shot towards him, but he easily dodged them (he was built for speed more than brute strength) and flew away, his prize clutched tightly in his clawed front foot. And the only word that he could think of was mine. Mine, mine, MINE!

0. End .0

HBWD's Corner: This story won First Place in thedeadliestsin . proboards . com contest. The theme was The Seven Deadly Sins, and this is the first chapter of it. The story is complete, so I will be posting weekly… Or by however many reviews it gets. First 10 will get the next chapter ;)

And yes, I know I have been MIA for, like, EVER on this site and I apologize. Just, getting married, moving from one state to another, then from one town to another, then moving again, then getting a GSD and a Poodle puppy, and having cruddy roommates, and just, life in general. And I know that that doesn't really give a good enough reason as to why I haven't updated any of my stories since June of '09, and the main reason is I have been lazy and didn't feel like writing… Well, for those stories. Plot bunnies come and go and most of them have went. If I really push myself, though, I'm sure I could pump out the rest of the stories… Just have to actually buckle down and write the outline, then flesh it out, and post it. So some stories might be totally revamped… Or removed, depending on my mood…

And, once again! I beg your forgiveness! So, as this hayuuuuuuge A/N comes to an end, I say that the first reviewer to this chapter will get any fiction wish they could ever want! Any InuYasha crossover, any of my older stories updated, or a whole new fandom that I have no knowledge of but have the time to research. It's up to you, my wonderful reviewers! Whose gonna get it first?

Translations:

-senpai – mentor

-chan – a diminutive suffix; it expresses that the speaker finds a person endearing

Tatsu – dragon clan

Nee-chan – big sis

Kimono – traditional Japanese garment warn by women, men and children

-sama – used mainly to refer to people of a much higher rank than oneself and sometimes towards people one greatly admires

Dojo – a Japanese term which literally means "place of the way". Initially, dojo were adjunct to temples. The term can refer to a formal training place for any of the Japanese do arts but typically it is considered the formal gathering place for students of any Japanese martial arts style to conduct training, examinations and other related encounters

Tatami – originally meaning "folded and piled" mats are a traditional type of Japanese flooring

-kohai – protégé