Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction / Gensomaden Saiyuki Fan Fiction ❯ Dragons of Shame ❯ Chaptire 13 ( Chapter 13 )

AN: Well, that last chapter kinda…sucked. Haha, I am very mean and critical of myself. It gives me the initiative to write better! WHEE! So please don't think I'm suicidal…Because I'm not…I'm just crazy is all. Yeah, that's it, I'm just crazy! WHEE!

I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas! I did! I got lots of presents, so I'm very happy! =D

 

Disclaimer: I don't own Yu Yu Hakusho or Saiyuki

 

Now please enjoy:

 

Chaptire 13: The dragon feels defeated

 

When Botan Death had decided to return to the human world to raise her son, she chose a career as a freelance fictional book writer. She found one of the best editors in Tokyo, who just so happened to be one of kindest and most handsome humans she had ever laid eyes on. After only a year, they had begun dating.

 

However, Botan knew that her young son would be angry and uncomfortable with this. Thus, she and Kenichi Saotome kept their love a secret from not only Ranma but also from anyone else they knew. Even King Goku didn't know. Botan had every intention of gently telling Ranma about her relationship with her editor before he was twelve, but her son always managed to say something that made her trash the idea.

 

It was always something like “We don't need anyone else to make us happy, right mommy?” or “Do I make you happy?” or “I'm never going to get married, I wanna stay and protect you forever!” or the worst of all “You don't have any secrets from me, do you, mommy?”

 

And slowly, Ranma came to realize he could control his mother with these little sayings, with his temper, with his protective and dominating nature. Botan had allowed that to happen. She could easily have hanged it, she could have moved them both to Demon World and had him under constant training, or she could've had King Goku come straighten him out-but no. She figured he would grow out of this controlling stage.

 

She was wrong.

 

However the time had now come for her to put her foot down and let Ranma know that she was in control of not merely her life but his as well. She already knew how Ranma would react. She knew he would be angry, he would lash out, he would scream, fight, argue, and perhaps even beg. “But you'rethe adult, Botan.”a small voice in Botan's conscience whispered “The boy has no say in this: this is your life! Take control!”

 

With this thought, Botan and her new fiancée strode through the door, calling out Ranma's name. He appeared before her, along with his friend Yuji, and smiled as a greeting, Jessy soon joined them in the living room, coming down the stairs quietly. Botan didn't even notice the young goddess's pained expression, she had just had one of the biggest battles of her young life, fighting the voice that threatened to control her.

 

“Say hello to Ken, Ranma” Botan ordered before allowing Ranma to sit down. Ken glanced fearfully at her and Ranma cocked an eyebrow.

 

“What?” he asked.

 

“Say hello to Ken, Ranma.” She repeated, Ranma gave her another look before he mumbled a boorish `hello' to Ken. Botan didn't press it forward, though.

 

“Ranma,” She started firmly “I have something very important to tell you.” Jessy snorted from where she stood at the entryway to the living room, Botan ignored her “It's about Ken and I.” Ranma furrowed his brow and glanced at Jessy who had snorted again “He and I have been a couple for several years now.”

 

“What?” Ranma snapped, eyes narrowed, Yuji shot a furtive glance in Jessy's direction, she was snickering behind a small hand at this point, and her golden eyes were alight with amusement. “What are you talking about?”

 

Botan tried cleared her throat and suddenly found she had lost her voice. “Keep going, Botan.” The little voice mused “What makes him think he has control over you? He should have better manners: you are the one who birthed him. He owes you! Not only is he a bastard child- he is a bastard child conceived from rape. Tell him what filth he is, tell him the disgusting manner in which he was conceived! Tell him what his father did to you! Punish the brat.”

 

“Mother!” Ranma's voice snapped her out of her momentary stupor “I am speaking to you-what are you talking abou-“ His words were cut short as Botan's hand came into contact, for the second time of both their lives, with his cheek. Yuji and Ken gasped, Jessy stopped snickering her eyebrows were now raised high, disappearing into her dark bangs.

 

“It is time you pay me the respect that you owe, Ranma Death.” Botan snarled, not recognizing her own voice “I am your mother, I have control. This is my house, this is my life, and your life is also mine. So be silent and listen to what I have to say.” Ranma's red eyes were narrowed so sharply that his pupils were almost snake-like.

 

“As I was saying before: Ken and I have been a couple for many years, and now we are getting married.” Botan said smartly, Yuji's eyes went wide and he stared at Ranma, Jessy remained still. “Is that clear, Ranma?”

 

Ranma was breathing heavily, his chest rising and falling quickly “You…” he began softly, obviously struggling to keep his voice strong “You can't do this to me.” Botan cocked a brow “You have no right, NO FUCKING RIGHT!” Ranma stood up and tossed the coffee table between them to the side, shattering the glass a mere feet away from where Jessy stood, she didn't flinch “AFTER ALL I HAVE DONE FOR YOU, FOR US-THIS IS HOW YOU TREAT YOUR SON?!”

 

“Ranma,” Botan attempted to speak, the voice was suddenly gone and in its place was her conscience.

 

“NO!” Ranma bellowed “I REFUSE TO LISTEN TO ANOTHER ONE OF YOUR FILTHY WORDS! WHAT MADE YOU THINK YOU COULD TREAT ME LIKE SOME SORT OF PET? WHAT MAKES YOU THINK YOU CAN JUST SPRING THIS BULLSHIT ON ME LIKE THIS?! WHAT HAVE I EVER DONE TO DESERVE THIS?! I'VE DONE NOTHING BUT BEHAVE LIKE A PERFECT CHILD FOR YOU!”

 

A stab of guilt pierced Botan's heart, what Ranma was saying was true, he was a good son, he was only trying to assure the safety and protection of both of them. Despite his ignorance of the entire situation, of why they had to hide.

 

“I WOULD KILL FOR YOU! ANYTHING TO MAKE YOU HAPPY WITH JUST ME! WHY IS MY LOVE NOT GOOD ENOUGH?! WHY DO YOU INSIST ON RUINING EVERYTHING?! I'VE LIVED WITHOUT A FATHER FOR ALL MY LIFE-NEVER ASKING WHO HE WAS! NEVER CARING AND NOW- NOW YOU EXPECT ME TO ACCEPT THIS-THIS-BASTARD AS A STEP-FATHER?!”

 

That was also true. Ranma had never asked about his father before.

 

“DO YOU THINK KEN WILL ACCEPT US FOR WHAT WE TRULY ARE? WILL HE WELCOME US INTO OPEN ARMS?! I REFUSE TO SIT BACK AND ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN, MOTHER!”

 

What did he want her to do?

 

“YOU HAVE TO CHOOSE, MOTHER! CHOOSE BETWEEN ME OR THIS MAN! THIS STRANGER! CHOOSE!” To this Jessy snorted loudly, catching everyone's attention. The tiny girl stood in the doorway, leaning against the frame, finding some dirt under her fingernail very interesting. “Do you have something to say, Jessy?”

 

Jessy smirked “Well,” she shrugged “I just think you're being selfish is all, making your mom choose like this.” Ranma glared daggers at her, she remained unphased. “You can't provide your mother with everything. Have you forgotten she needs a mate? A soul mate, you moron. You can't expect her to take you on as a lover. That would be…incest.”

 

“Don't be disgusting!” Ranma snarled causing Jessy to snicker again.

 

“Exactly, Ranma.” She chortled “You have no idea what it's like to have a soul mate of any kind. You only barely began making…ah, `friends.'” She glanced wickedly at Yuji before continuing “Your mother, on the other hand, has felt the woes of love. She's experienced the waves of emotion that settle over you when you are in love, so it's only obvious she would crave it once more.”

 

Ranma's lip curled and he glared at Ken. Botan's jaw had dropped at Jessy's words, surprised at their logic and astuteness. However, this was no news to Ranma, he was well aware that the young goddess was wise beyond her years-despite the random outbursts of profanities.

 

He glared at Jessy, baring his teeth in an almost animalistic way, but Jessy merely shrugged. “I'm only telling you how it is, Ranma. You have to give Botan the chance to, well, live.” She turned around before glancing over her shoulder “But you're not the only one at fault here, Ranma.” And with that the young girl marched back up the stairs, leaving the room thick with different emotions.

 

Anger, hatred, remorse, sadness, confusion, disappointment…

 

And all of these were emanating from Ranma. He couldn't decide whether he should run up the stairs and attempt to beat the hell out of Jessy for confusing him, or if he should kill Ken and stop the foolishness all at once, or he could run away. He could.

 

The thought appealed to him most of all the others. He could run away. He could abandon his mother, his human life and flee to Demon world. He could take on a care-free life, not having to worry about his mother constantly. He could drop all his anxieties. He could take on many lovers, or he could even take Yuji with him.

 

He bit his lip, mind swimming. He was falling down a bottomless pit of confusion, tormented by the many opportunities before him. But first, he needed to get out. He needed fresh air, however he also needed some sort of…lashing out of sorts. The urge to break something made his fingers twitch, he had his back turned to the other members of the room, staring at the place where Jessy had been standing only moments before. He could easily turn around and throw his cell phone into that bastard editor's face, smashing his nose.

 

Ranma could just picture the delightful scene as it would take place: He would turn and chuck the phone, with all his demonic strength, at Ken. He would hear the orgasmic sound of the nose crushing, blood would splatter everywhere, all over Ken's face and clothes, all over…Botan.

 

“How dare she spoil this happy family…” the little voice sprang up “She should be…punished.” Ranma's eyes flashed and violent, primordial instincts obtained sovereignty over the young demon's mind. “She holds nothing but contempt for you, you know…” Ranma nodded slightly, his breathing became heavier, his fingers twitched again. They ached to feel the delicious rubies of hot blood run over them, color his hands red.

“…Ranma…” another small voice sprang up, although it sounded more external, unlike the other.

 

“Ranma,” the internal words were getting louder “Your mother doesn't love you enough. After all you've done for her!” Ranma nodded again, he suddenly felt blind and only emotions were leading him as he turned around to face his mother, popping his knuckles. “She should be punished!” He took a step towards her.

 

“…Ranma…” the outer voice said again, a little more fervently as he took another step. He stretched out his hands hungrily.

 

“She only hates you…” the louder voice started as Ranma took another step towards his mother, who was shrinking back against the couch fearfully. Ranma could practically feel the blood pumping through her veins, aching to be released from the fleshy prison. “…Because you look like your father, and that isn't your fault! Now kill her, Ranma!”

 

“Father?” Ranma mumbled, stopping himself short, his fingers an inch away from his mother's neck. “Father…but I've never…met my father…how do you know what he looks like?” The second question was directed towards the voice, which didn't answer.

 

“RANMA!” Yuji shouted, pulling Ranma back by the collar of his shirt, he had been the outer voice calling him “What are you doing?” Ranma blinked and his vision was back, he stared directly at Botan, her violet eyes filled with tears and…fear?

 

“Mom—I'm…” he gripped his head as a sudden pain shot through it, a blinding, white-hot and excruciating pain. He needed to get away-NOW. He pulled himself out of Yuji's still tight grasp on his shirt and ran towards the door, the pain was so strong he felt as if his head might explode into a million pieces. He didn't feel the cold air as it hit his skin when he ran outside. He ran out into the middle of the street, gripping his head.

 

He fell to his knees and screamed, the pain shooting through his skull. He was going blind again, he only saw rubies of red drip onto the concrete as he bit his tongue. Ranma screamed again and scratched at his face. The voice that had been telling him what to do was shrieking vociferously, yelling incomprehensible words in a different language.

 

“RANMA!” Yuji yelled from the front door, Ranma groaned and fixed his eyes on his friend over his shoulder. When the young Urameshi saw trickles of red running down the younger boy's face he dashed towards him. Ranma bolted, screaming in pain as the voice shrieked even louder at the action.

 

Yuji attempted to keep up with his friend as he ran to the main street, cars skidding out of the way, trying to avoid Ranma. Tires squealed, horns honked, a few crashed, and Ranma never stopped. Yuji screamed when a car actually hit Ranma, he saw Ranma go limp for a moment at the contact-his body flew into the air with a rag-doll like effect before going rigid and doing a sort of back flip off the car roof. He kept running after placing his feet on the ground.

 

The woman in the car yelped and slammed on her brakes, giving Yuji the chance to run across the street after Ranma. But Ranma was fast, too fast. Yuji couldn't keep up and the last he saw of Ranma was his spiky hair as it disappeared into the park. Yuji fell to his knees and growled angrily, pounding his fist on the sidewalk. Tears burned his eyes.

 

What the hell was going on? He was so confused! Why had Ranma reacted so…fiercely to the news of his mother getting married? Yuji could understand being angry, screaming and throwing things… but when he'd walked towards his mother, hand outstretched as if her were going to choke the blue haired woman…

 

“Blue…hair?” Yuji blinked away the tears and stood up. The image of the woman in the octagon picture frame dangling from his father's car mirror flashed in his mind. He recognized the woman now. It was Ranma's mother. How did their parents know each other? Wasn't Botan the woman Yusuke and the others had been searching for…for almost…seventeen years?

 

Suddenly it clicked.

 

Ranma said it had always been just he and his mother…Yusuke had once said Botan had run away. Ranma said his family was very private…and now Yuji knew why. It was because they were hiding from The Spirit Detectives.

 

An approaching, large and intimidating energy forced Yuji from his whirling thoughts. He turned around to see a very tall and beautiful man walking towards him. The man had spiky chestnut brown hair, thick and falling around his face. The man's eyes were shining like hot, liquid gold and his skin was the color of ground cinnamon. He was wearing a long, trench coat of white Tiger fur. He was tall, and strong looking, Yuji could tell he had muscles even through the thick coat.

 

Yuji blinked rapidly, not sure whether to run away from this god-like man, or stand there and piss his pants like a child. The man moved too fast for Yuji to choose either. The mean had to be at least six feet tall. He towered over Yuji.

 

He stared down at the young Urameshi, golden eyes shining immaculately. And then Yuji realized who the man was. “Y-you're Jessy's father…”

 

“Yes, Great Sage Equal to Heaven, Son Wu K'ung.” Goku replied kindly, his voice surprisingly less thunderous than Yuji would have imagined “But you may call me Goku, young Urameshi.”

 

“H-how do you know my-“

 

“I know your father, simply put.” Goku chuckled “Speaking of fathers-I should be one and retrieve my daughter from Ranma's mother.”

 

“WAIT!” Yuji suddenly shouted when Goku turned on his gold-booted heal towards Botan's house. “Wait, one moment!”

 

“You're human,” Goku stated, not ceasing his pace “You may be useless at most things but I'm certain you can multi-task. Walk and talk, boy.” Yuji would normally have had many comebacks to the rude statement, but as Goku was much too intimidating, Yuji only complied.

 

“Uhm, well, sir, It's just that Ranma is acting strangely.” He started “And he ran away! I'm worried-“

 

“He'll come back when he is ready, boy.” Goku answered as they crossed the crowded street. Yuji lowered his head, seeing the police cars and ambulance helping people. One cop approached Goku and attempted to speak with him, but he stopped short and only stood dumbfounded.

 

Apparently even the spirit-energy retarded could feel the mammoth power that was Goku.

 

“Uh, how do you know that Ranma will be alright, sir?” Yuji asked, feeling child-like with so many questions.

 

“Because he is strong.” Goku replied matter-of-factly.

 

“Oh.” Yuji replied as they approached the house.

 

“Oh, indeed.” Goku's eyebrows disappeared into his bangs, an expression identical to Jessy's, when he caught sight of Botan crying in Ken's arms and the shattered coffee table lying forgotten on the other side of the room. Yuji noted that Ken stiffened even before his eyes turned towards Goku. …Odd.

 

Botan looked up as the two came in. “Goku…” Botan sobbed, wrenching herself from Ken and flinging into Goku's arms. “Ranma-“

 

“I know little sister.” Goku said compassionately “He will come back when he clears his mind. Springing this news on him about your secret…engagement when it has been the two of you for all of his life has been difficult on him. You must have realized that?” Botan sniffled and nodded before wiping her eyes, she turned towards Ken.

 

“Goku, this is Kenichi Saotome,” She informed, Ken reached a hand out to shake and Goku eyed the outstretched hand. He ignored the man and instead turned his gaze back to Botan. “My fiancé.”

 

“I'll be taking my daughter home, now,” Goku said strongly “And also I will be escorting the young Urameshi home.” Botan looked startled.

 

“U-Urameshi?” she whispered “Not Yusuke Urameshi's son?” It was as if her eyes had suddenly opened, because she then realized that he had to be Yusuke's son-they had the same face.

 

She began to back away slowly and then turned around and ran up the stairs quickly, thankful for an excuse to be away from that face. How had she not realized it sooner? Because she was blind and selfish.

 

She was too busy worrying about her love between she and Ken becoming open to Ranma. She didn't even bother to think about how it would affect his mind…his life…She had only been concerned about herself…how she and Ken would live, if they would have more children…

 

And she realized that most of the time Ranma had not been included in her thoughts. Botan bit her lip, angry at herself for being so self-centered. She couldn't behave that way! She had a child who needed her!

 

Botan knocked politely on the door of Jessy's room before walking in to find the young goddess standing at the window, staring down at the empty street. She didn't turn when Botan entered. “Jessy, dear, your father is here.”

 

“Where did Ranma go?” Jessy asked, ignoring Botan's statement.

 

“I'm…not sure.” Jessy finally turned.

 

“You know this is mainly your fault, right?” she asked softly, not expecting an answer she sighed and continued “You're the one who keeps stuff hidden from him. He has few secrets. And the secrets he does have he plans on revealing them to you as soon as he gets a chance. But you're too selfish to pay attention to him anymore.” Botan furrowed her brow and closed the door of the room, not wishing for the others to hear their conversation.

 

“You can't speak to me this way, Jessy.” She said firmly. Jessy snickered and turned back to the window, placing her small hands upon the sill.

 

“I can do what I want.” She chortled “Besides, you need to hear the truth anyway. I assume Daddy told you that Ranma's friend happens to be the son of Yusuke Urameshi?” Botan's eyes widened “Don't act so shocked, Botan! I'm a Goddess. It's my job to know stuff like that. But I won't go into further detail…I'm bored.”

 

Botan bit her tongue lightly and wondered what else the child could possibly know. “You said my father is here, right?” Botan remained silent and nodded her head, Jessy turned around, and walked around Botan towards the door.

 

With her hand on the door knob Jessy turned back around “Are you coming?” Botan gave herself a small shake and followed the young girl into the hallway and down the stairs. When Jessy caught sight of her father, she ran and jumped into his large arms.

 

“I'm so happy to see you!” she squealed happily as he swung her around while placing large kisses on her cheeks. Botan joined them and forced a smile, she glanced down at Ken who was biting his bottom lip, his face had gone pale.

 

“Ken-“

 

“Well! Botan! Thank you so much for caring for my darling little work of perfection.” Goku boasted merrily as the front door suddenly opened to reveal three tall men. Botan, Yuji and Ken jumped violently as they came into the living room, Jessy only smiled giddily at them.

 

“SANZO!” she chirped, reaching a white arm-length glove covered hand over her father's large shoulder toward one of the men, who smirked and held her tiny palm. The man was tall, even taller than Goku. This man had to be at least 6'3. He had pale skin like moonlight and golden hair that was pulled back into a think ponytail wit long bangs that fell around his face, a red chakra on his forehead and he had piercing eyes of deep lavender.

 

With Jessy's bronze hand in his the man seemed even paler. “How are you, monkey junior?” he asked a surprisingly silky, deep voice, Yuji had pictured a sort of light and feathery voice. He was wearing a sari of pure, white silk, it hung loosely over his shoulders and then was pulled tightly at the waist by a golden belt. The bottom of the sari dragged on the floor, with wide slits for the man's pale legs, and thick gold anklets just above his bare feet jingled as he walked.

 

“I'm not monkey junior!” Jessy giggled and pulled playfully at Sanzo's hair with her free hand.

 

“Yes you are.” One of the other men said in a very smooth and sultry voice, Yuji assumed that this man was trying to sound sexy but when he continued talking he realized that it was just the way he naturally sounded…and appeared “Did you miss your uncle Gojyo?”

 

The man was just a bit taller than Sanzo, but quite a comparison standing next to him. Where as Sanzo was shining and golden, Gojyo was dark and very much a darkling of sorts. He had skin the color of desert sand, and thin, choppy black hair. His bedroom eyes were red like wine, and he was clad in tight, black leather pants, a leather jacket with gold lining that hung open revealing a tan, lean chest with a silver skull and silver plates on the shoulders accompanied the pants, and black boots with red lacings completed the outfit. Also, on his forehead was some sort of black Chakra.

 

The man nuzzled Jessy's nose and grinned wickedly, Sanzo sneered and slapped the other man. “OW! What the hell, Konzen?” Gojyo snarled.

 

“You were touching me.” Sanzo answered, taking Jessy out of Goku's arms, who remained silent and smiling. The golden haired man smirked as Jessy rested her head on his shoulders and sighed comfortably, she gazed at the last man who was pulling out a small fur coat, identical to Goku's.

 

“Hakkai…” Jessy smiled as the man approached. He was shorter than Sanzo or Gojyo, but still taller than Goku. This man was slightly frightening, yet still beautiful. He was darker than Sanzo, yet still milky colored. He had dark brown hair that fell in an almost mullet-style to his shoulders, and deep green eyes behind black-rimmed glasses. Out of all the men, he was the most “normal” dressed person.

 

Although it was still odd, he wore an off-white lab coat, underneath was a white button up with a forest green tie, and dark brown pants. “Hello, my little darling.” He greeted in a surprisingly kind voice as he helped Jessy into the coat with his black gloved hands. “Were those your shoes by the door?” Jessy nodded, he eyes drooping slightly when she laid her head back onto Sanzo's shoulder.

 

“May I ask to what we owe the pleasure or your presence?” Goku asked suddenly, ignoring the other people in the room.

 

“You didn't expect us to let you pick up our spunky little princess alone, did you?” Gojyo asked with a crooked smile, he ruffled Jessy's hair and made an ugly face when Sanzo glared at him “Don't hog her to yourself, you selfish bast-“

 

“Now, now, children,” Hakkai interrupted pulling Gojyo away from Sanzo by the collar “Behave! We don't want to be any more intruding as we already are to Madam Botan, now do we?”

 

As if the other three men suddenly realized Botan, Yuji and Ken were there they turned to them, eyebrows lifted. “Hello!” Botan smiled nervously, placing a hand on Ken's shoulders “I hope you are all doing well?”

 

“Wonderful now that we have our princess back in our hands.” Gojyo smiled “We'd ask how you are, but we already know.” Botan winced slightly and Sanzo smacked the black-haired man in the back of the head. Gojyo hissed and glared at his offender. “I swear, I'm going to screw your neck off and crap down your throat!”

 

This time Sanzo Used Jessy's hand to smack him in the back of the head. “Dammit!”

 

“Uh, Kenichi!” Botan started, sensing a fight approaching “Allow me to introduce you to my…friends! This is Goku, Jessy's father.” Goku didn't look at Ken “Eh, and this is Konzen Douji, but we all call him Sanzo.” Sanzo also ignored the man and chose to walk to the front door to put Jessy's shoes on her tiny feet “This is Kenren Taishou, we call him Gojyo!” Gojyo followed the other man.

 

“Be careful, Konzen, she's sleeping. Don't wake her up!” he warned unnecessarily.

 

“I know that, you half-wit!” Those still in the living room hear Sanzo snap back.

 

Botan was now flushing pink “And this is-“

 

“Tenpou Gensui.” Hakkai finished for her, bowing politely “They call me Hakkai, however, I prefer it if you didn't.” he gave a cold smile and turned towards Yuji, acknowledging him for the first time “We have a car waiting outside, Yuji. Why don't you join the others? Don't worry their bark is worse than their bite.”

 

Yuji nodded numbly, he glanced at Botan “G'bye, Ms. Death.” He mumbled before walking out of the living room, leaving Botan, Ken, Goku and Hakkai.

 

They waited until they heard Yuji shut the front door and walk outside to speak “Hakkai-“ Botan started only to be cut off with Hakkai's stern words.

 

“Sit down, Botan.” She bit her lip and sat next to Ken, who only stared at his hands silently. Hakkai's smile was no longer present as he continued “We thank you for caring for Jessy.”

 

Botan nodded.

 

“However,” Hakkai continued “We cannot understand why you took such…ignorant actions as to get engaged to this…man.”

 

“I resent that, sir!” Ken said boldly, standing up suddenly.

 

“Sit down, fool.” Goku snapped, Ken clammed up and flopped back onto the couch, all courage deflated.

 

“As I was saying,” Hakkai continued “Your actions have caused disturbance to this happy home we have provided you. To the protection we have given you. There is a high chance that Ranma may be permanently disturbed.”

 

“W-what?” Botan whispered shakily “But I-I didn't think-I don't understand…how can that-“

 

“Have you not noticed my absence?” Goku asked “Do you honestly believe I would leave my daughter here for so long without so much as a letter?” Botan covered her face with her hands “Something has been happening and your engagement to this stranger will only worsen the situation.”

 

“We will be taking Jessy permanently.” Hakkai informed, turning on his heel towards the door after a curt bow “Along with Ranma.”

 

“What?! No! You can't do that to me!” Botan cried, standing up and rushing towards Hakkai “You can't take him from me!” she clutched a coat-clad arm. “Goku! Please don't allow him to-“

 

“The decision has been made, Botan.” Goku replied sadly “We will take him home with us and keep him until he is well enough to come home. But you must call off this foolhardy affair! Should you not do so-“

 

“No, Goku, please…”

 

“We will keep Ranma forever.” Hakkai finished, Botan sobbed in defeat and let her hand fall as she sunk to the floor.

 

“I didn't think…” she cried miserably “I was only…”

 

“Being selfish.” Goku sighed “This is your punishment, Botan. I hope you will atone for your sin during Ranma's absence. He will be well enough to enter the tournament next summer. I pray you will be ready to accept him.”

 

And then they left, closing the door softy. Leaving Botan to sob on the floor as Ken sat dumbfounded and frightened on the couch.

 

--The plot Thickens, peoples—

 

Koenma still remembered the day Botan had asked him if she could live in the human world, because she wanted to retire with the Spirit Detectives. Koenma had been sitting at his desk, reading some infuriating letter from Son Goku about the next meeting, when Botan knocked timidly on the office door.

 

“Come in.” Koenma called out loudly, seeing the pink and blue out of the periphery of his eye he knew immediately that it was Botan “What is it, Botan?”

 

Botan bit her lip and gripped her oar tightly to her chest, another person followed her into the room, making Koenma look up finally. “Oh, Kurama, too. What is it?” Concern creased his forehead “Is something wrong?”

 

Kurama smiled encouragingly at Botan and nodded his head slightly, Botan flushed the same shade of pink as her kimono “Oh, well, actually...Koenma, sir.” She started hesitantly “I do have something rather important to tell you. B-but it's nothing to be worried about!” she said quickly as the Spirit Prince stood up “I was just…just…”

 

“Just what? Spit it out!”

 

“Well, I'm here to tell you that I'm going to retire with Kurama and the others and I would like to live in the human world as a human!” she gasped heavily and saw the room start to spin slightly, Kurama placed his hands on her small shoulders for support.

 

She gave a small smile as thanks and started back at Koenma. His forehead was creased again, and he was now sitting on the edge of his desk, hands in his lap.

 

“No.” he denied, Botan's face dropped. “Now get back to work, I'm busy.”

 

Botan stood there utterly defeated, having no clue what to do. Kurama made an impatient sound and stepped forward “Koenma,” he started angrily “You didn't even consider it!”

 

“Because there is nothing to consider, Kurama.” Koenma snapped back “I've given her my answer and that is final. Now leave my office, I have work to do.”

 

Botan gave a small sob, causing Koenma to look up. He caught a single tear streak down her face before she buried her face into her hands, her oar clattered to the floor. Kurama walked towards her and whispered something into her ear, she sobbed even louder and shook her head. “No, no…he'll never agree…” Koenma heard her whisper back.

 

Kurama furrowed his brow and stared at Koenma. “Koenma, please.” He pleaded “You have to understand-you have to understand.'

 

“Understand what?” Koenma said icily, crossing his arms, striding foreword with his long legs “Do I need to understand that my best ferry girl wants to run off with a convicted felon? A demon?” Kurama's emerald eyes narrowed “Yes, I know about the two of you. Despite what you think, I am not blind.”

 

“Well then you can see that we love each other!” Kurama argued, taking a bold step towards the prince “What's the problem with her wanting to become my wife?”

 

“WIFE?” Koenma snapped, glaring at Botan “Is that what you truly want? My best ferry girl-“

 

“That's all you see her as, Koenma!” Kurama refused to give up obviously “A ferry girl, and employee! She's tired of cleaning up after your messes! Your immature, childish antics! She can have a child of her own-“

 

“A CHILD?” Koenma's eyes nearly popped “Is that what is happening, Botan? You're pregnant and you want to make amends by-“

 

“I AM NOT PREGNANT, KOENMA!” Botan screamed, glaring with swollen eyes “I've been a ferry girl forever and now that Kurama loves me I want to be with him! Why can't you give me that?” It was the first time Botan openly admitted she and Kurama were in love. She didn't stop yelling until she was dizzy again, and Kurama had to hold her.

 

When she had finished her rant, Koenma granted her permission. And that was where the hell-story had started.

 

Koenma growled angrily at himself when he felt tears sting his eyes, blurring his eyesight. He blinked them away and continued to walk up Yusuke's front lawn to the door, which Yusuke opened even before the prince had completed the short distance.

 

“Felt you coming.” Yusuke informed with a smirk “Kurama, Hiei and Kuwabara are here, too.”

 

“Good.” Koenma replied as he walked inside and greeted the others who were all seated in the living room drinking tea.

 

“What's going on, Koenma?” Yusuke asked worriedly “This is the first time in years that you've called us altogether.” Koenma nodded and sat down on the chair Yusuke normally lounged in.

 

They heard a car pull into the driveway. “That must be Yuji.” Yusuke said thoughtfully “He can let himself in.”

 

“Alright…” Koenma began slowly “I have some news about Botan.” Everyone listened intently, even Yuki who had been passing through the living room to the kitchen. “She's safe, and well, of course. I was at the regular meetings of Heaven and Spirit World…when they revealed to me they have been the ones hiding her.”

 

“WHAT?” Yusuke and shouted Kuwabara shouted in unison.

 

“This whole time?” Kurama asked softly. “Did they say why?”

 

“Yes…” Koenma continued “Apparently…she has a son who is about fifteen or sixteen year old.” Everyone's jaw dropped, Hiei's eyes went wide. Fifteen...had Botan gotten pregnant their child would be…

 

“Kurama…” Kuwabara said suddenly “Is he yours-?”

 

Kurama shook his head quickly and stood up, running a hand through his hair “No.” he replied “No, no he isn't mine. Botan and I never…”

 

“Then who's-“

 

“I'm not finished.” Koenma replied “They wouldn't tell me the father, but they did give his name.”

 

“What is it?” Kurama demanded, a bit crazed.

 

“Kurama, calm yourself.” Hiei warned “Go on, Koenma.”

 

Koenma cleared his throat “Yes, well…his name is Ranma Death.”

 

“No fucking way!”

 

All eyes snapped towards Yuki, Yusuke threw a pillow at him “Mouth, Yuki!”

 

Yuki tossed the pillow aside “I know that kid!”

 

“WHAT?”

 

“He goes to my school! In fact, he and Yuji are like best friends now! Dad, you just drove Yuji to Ranma's house.” Yusuke snatched his keys from the key rack and headed towards the door, the others followed.

 

When they walked outside, though a mammoth amount of energy hit them all at once, they stopped in the driveway. Yuji was getting out of the large, dark green SUV, along with four full-grown gods and a child goddess. “Who the hell?” Yusuke growled.

 

“Hello, stupid Prince.” Goku greeted with a smirk “Didn't I tell you to steer clear of Botan and her offspring?”

 

“Son Goku…” Hiei said softly. Goku was famous even in the Demon world, and so was his daughter, who Hiei immediately recognized, having seen her once or twice when she was younger.

 

“Hi, Mr. Spiky-Scary-Eye man!” Jessy said loudly, waving her arm in the air childishly, she was being held by Hakkai now “I hope you aren't causing any more problems for Mr. Loser-Pacifier-Poopy-Baby-Diaper man, are you?”

 

Gojyo smirked mercilessly, he pulled Yuji back by the collar of his shirt. “Didn't Goku warn you, earlier today?” his smirk widened into an evil grin “I thought the word `war' was tossed around, am I right, Konzen dearest?”

 

Sanzo snorted “As unbelievable as it sounds, Kenren, I think you're right…For once.”

 

“I'll let that one slide, since you're such a lady-killer.” Gojyo's red eyed glinted “Hey, Jessy, what do you think about that, huh? War, would you fight for us, neh, neh?”

 

“Of course she wouldn't,” Hakkai chuckled.

 

“Oh, but how come, Tenpou?” Gojyo whined.

 

“Because I would win, silly!” Jessy laughed “Neh, neh, Hakkai?” Hakkai smiled as well.

 

“Of course.”

 

“We didn't go, Goku.” Koenma informed firmly “We hadn't even left.

 

“Ah, `Goku, Goku, Goku!'” Goku mocked “I think it's high time you pay me my respect! It's Seitan Taisei to you from now on! After all, Koenma, we will be engaging in war, won't we?”

 

“W-A-R!” Jessy spelled merrily, thrusting a small fist in the air.

 

“You wouldn't really wage war against us, would you? Seitan Taisei?” Yusuke asked with a slight threatening tone “I would that be wise for heaven?”

 

“Cork it, filth.” Sanzo snarled “It's not like you have a place in Heaven.”

 

“Ooooh!” Jessy giggled, jumping from Hakkai's arms to the cold concrete of the driveway “Another new person! Ooh! And another and another!”

 

“How many is that, Jessy?” Hakkai queried, going into teacher-mode.

 

“Three!” Jessy answered.

 

“Looks like you got your monkey trained.” Kuwabara snickered, Jessy glared at him.

 

“Looks like you don't have your ugly BEAST trained, Mr. Grow-More-Flowers- -I'm-Too-Sexy-For-My-Panties man!” she directed towards Kurama who merely blinked in confusion.

 

“Who are you calling a ugly beast, squirt?!” Kuwabara demanded.

 

“First of all- It's `who are you calling an ugly beast,'” Hakkai corrected “And secondly I believe she was referring to you!”

 

“This is ridiculous!” Hiei snapped, catching everyone's attention “What do you mean you will wage war against the Spirit World?”

 

“And people call me dense!” Jessy Scoffed, placing her hands behind her head, Hiei glared at her and Jessy kicked her shoe off, hitting him squarely in the Jagan. He screamed and gripped his head, falling to the floor.

 

The gods all laughed.

 

“Wasn't doing you much good, anyway, Hiei Jaganshi, convicted Thief.” Jessy said smoothly

 

“And as soon as we win this war…” Gojyo started.

 

“You will be a convicted rapist.” Hakkai finished in a frighteningly cheerful tone.

 

“Daddy, what's a rapist?” Jessy asked suddenly, running to her father.

 

“Oh, a rapist…” Goku began, picking his daughter up as a cloud gathered around his feet “Is what Hiei is!” He glared at Hiei and then smiled cruelly at Koenma “Well! To start this war, Koenma we will be taking a prisoner!”

 

“P-O-W!” Jessy spelled out, emphasizing each letter with a punch in the air.

 

“The Urameshi kid should do nicely, I think.” Gojyo said non-chalantly, looking Yuji up and down “Yep! He'll make a nice pet!”

 

“I name him Toppers!” Jessy decided

 

“Why Toppers?” Hakkai asked, his cloud also appearing hazily around his feet.

 

“Because that's the position he and Ranma were in-“

 

“THAT'S ENOUGH, JESSY.” Hakkai said loudly, Gojyo was snickering.

 

“That's Konzen's nick-name for you, Gojyo!” Jessy informed.

 

“Haha-wait, WHAT?!” Sanzo chuckled and rose a few feet in the air, sitting atop his cloud. The green SUV turned into a small dragon, that rested atop Hakkai's shoulders as he too rose up in the air.

 

“DAD!” Yuji screeched when Gojyo flew up as well, holding onto the teenager by only his collared shirt.

 

“YUJI!” Yusuke bellowed, aiming his fingers at Gojyo, who merely laughed.

 

“Moron!” he chortled “You'll hurt your boy, we don't want that, now do we?” he dangled Yuji over the concrete, now stories high in the air, taunting those below. “I'd be ok with whatever you throw at me. But fleshy-boy here, I don't think He'd make it!”

 

“NO!” Yusuke screamed, jumping on top of his own car “Give me my son back!” The others laughed, Kurama took out his whip and attempted to grab Yuji.

 

“Hey, hey!” Hakkai called “You might hurt someone with that toy you have!”

 

“Or break a nail.” Sanzo sneered, they all laughed again.

 

“Koenma!” Goku called “I won't tell you when our attack will be! I like to surprise you! But I will be at the tournament in June!”

 

“GOKU!” Koenma bellowed, trying to be heard over Yusuke's screaming for his son back. “This isn't right! Give Yusuke the boy!”

 

“Why should we?” Jessy demanded “You didn't stay away from ours, and after daddy warned you!”

 

“She's quite, right, Prince Koenma.” Hakkai put in “You brought this upon yourself! Have a nice evening everyone! Happy New Year!”

 

“And happy Hanukah!” Gojyo laughed, pulling Yuji back onto the cloud as they all disappeared into the sky with Yuji screaming.

 

“DAD! HELP ME!”

 

“YUJI! NO NO NO NO NO!” Yusuke screamed “Koenma! Get me into Heaven! I want my son!”

 

“That won't work Yusuke!” Koenma said calmly “We can only wait for what they do. None of us are allowed into Heaven. We are Spirits, demons and humans! We would be let into Nirvana, where the souls go. Not where the Gods are, there are different levels. There's nothing I can do at this point!”

 

Yusuke screamed and punched the car window, shattering it.

 

“I'll go to Botan's house. That's what I'll do. She'll know what to do.” She was desperate at this point, wanting nothing more than to have his son back. “I don't understand why this happened! How did this start? Hiei! You know something! They were talking to you! What did you do?!”

 

All eyes turned to Hiei, who was still clutching his eye, blood stained the now red head band. He stared wildly at all of them, wincing. He sighed and tried to collect himself. “Well-“

 

--Bang—

 

Goku and the others flew towards an old, abandoned housing district that had once thrived before the depression of the twentieth century. They stopped just outside of what used to be a house for Geisha. Jessy hopped out of her father's grasp, her one bare foot landing gracefully among the rubble.

 

“Why has nobody re-done this area?” she mused, mainly to herself. She could tell it had once been beautiful and warm, quite the opposite of what it is now. She walked inside the house, the door hung off the hinges so her polite knock was unnecessary. “Pardon my intrusion!” She called kindly as she walked inside.

 

She walked among more rubble, flowers formed on every surface her bare foot came into contact with. She walked towards a large kimono closet that was collapsing slightly in some places. But the door remained firm. She tore it off the hinges and smiled warmly at the contents.

 

Ranma lay dozing, among old, charcoal covered kimonos that had been forgotten for so long. He was half-naked, having lost his shirt at some point and he was breathing heavy, large puffs of white forming with every exhale. “Come on, Ranma.” She said sweetly, pulling him with surprising strength, she grabbed all the kimonos and wrapped them around Ranma before dragging him outside.

 

She formed her own cloud and joined the other gods and passed out human in the sky. Gojyo had Yuji slung over his shoulder like a pack of rice.

 

“Trade ya!” he offered jokingly as they flew back into Heaven.

 

--Cliffhanger?—

 

AN: yep. That's what it is. I hope you liked this chapter. I know it was a bit…choppy. But the choppiness was needed. Had to get it over with. I feel relieved. I really hope you liked it.

 

=]

 

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