Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ After the Fall ❯ A Frightening Vision ( Chapter 7 )

Chapter 7-- A Frightening Vision

"This way!" Hiei shouted above the rumble of thunder and the onslaught of nature's tears that continued to wash over and around them, making the sharp incline of the trail more difficult to traverse. Still Yusuke and Kuwabara managed to keep up with the swiftly moving fire demon who cast his hardened red orbs over his shoulder every now and then to make sure they were not lagging too far behind.

Come on Yusuke, move faster. Hiei thought urgently, his handsome features twisting in concern as he looked over to Kurama. Despite what he had told his friends, the poison in the kitsune's system was wreaking havoc within Kurama's mind, causing terrifying hallucinations that the fox spirit could not escape from. Even Hiei, who had suffered much and seen his fair share of violence and death was shocked and upset by what he was bearing witness to. It bothered him and the Koorime wondered why. His eyes narrowed as a thought sliced through his consciousness. Because what I've seen is too coherent to be passed off as hallucinations.

"Tell me something Hiei," Yusuke shouted out above the roaring thunder that rumbled above them, reaching up with his free hand to wipe the rain running down his face while he kept the unconscious Kurama steady upon his right shoulder even as he struggled up the slope. Even in the darkness, Yusuke had noticed the worried look plastered upon the small demon's face and it filled him with trepidation. "Just how sick is Kurama?"

The Koorime did not answer right away. He had said little to them ever since they had returned to the trail, only an occasional grunt of disgust or an order to pick up the pace. Hiei had never been much of a conversationalist and he didn't plan on starting now. But I must tell the boy something, if only to stop his chattering. "Kurama will be fine Yusuke, I just want to get to Mukuro's as soon as possible!" The fire demon replied finally, turning his eyes straight ahead, gritting his teeth as the annoying sound of Kuwabara talking disrupted his senses.

"Are you sure Hiei?" The large man asked. "His energy seems different, I've never really sensed anything like it before. It's like .. He's here but he's not ... "

Hiei smirked. The dumb one's more perceptive than I thought. The fire demon's smirk widened when he heard Yusuke insult his friend.

"What the hell have you been smoking Kuwabara?" The smaller man shouted over to his friend.

Kuwabara frowned. "Smoking?" He murmured in confusion. "I don't smoke Urameshi, you know that."

Yusuke smacked his forehead with his free hand. "I meant figuratively not literally dumb ass!"

Kuwabara's features tightened in anger. "Stop insulting me Urameshi! I know what I'm talking about!"

"Kuwabara is right Yusuke." Hiei spoke in a begrudging tone. "Kurama is caught between worlds right now."

"But you said ... "

Hiei cut him off. "Forget what I said." He replied quickly, stopping his progress halfway up the slope. "Believe me I hate having to admit this, but carrot top is right. Which is all the more reason we should stop this moronic conversation and get a move on." He said sharply before adding, "And I don't know about you but the sooner I get out of all this damn rain the better."

Yusuke and Kuwabara nodded as the three continued on in silence until they reached the top of the slope.

A flash of lightning illuminated the surroundings, revealing a valley of densely packed trees for a split second. But it was more than enough for them to see the confines of an immense fortress situated on a hill overlooking the woodland, far above the tops of the even the tallest trees. Another flash erupted, allowing a better view of man made or ,in this case, demon made structure. It was a compound surrounded on all sides by thick metallic walls as dark as the night.

Finally. Hiei thought with a sigh of relief. He was anxious to return to Mukuro's side and to get help for his best friend. "Come." He said with a swipe of his hand as he began quickly and effortlessly down the gravely embankment.

Yusuke and Kuwabara looked at each other then back down to the ground in trepidation.

The smaller man started down first, struggling mightily to maintain his balance, nearly tripping when his foot smacked against a large rock half hidden in the slippery ground. "Stupid rock!" He shouted in anger, gritting his teeth as the weight of Kurama was bearing down fully upon his shoulder. "Hey Hiei!" He yelled out after regaining his balance. "Could you slow it down a little, us mere men are having a little trouble keeping up!"

Hiei said nothing as he turned to them. He stopped, eyeing them impatiently as he waited for them to complete their descent.

After many painstaking movements, the two young men cleared the embankment and began to follow the Koorime as he led them through the woodland for several more minutes until at last they emerged into a clearing.

My God! Kuwabara thought as he craned his neck back, his awe struck eyes taking in the enormity of the compound.

Hiei noticed this as he glanced away from the larger man back to his home. "Impressive is it not?" He asked, the pride evident in his voice as he walked past the two humans, heading briskly towards the winding stone pathway that led up to two enormous doors high above them.

Kuwabara could only nod as he turned slowly to follow as did Yusuke, his breathing growing more labored by the second as the weight was becoming close to unbearable. Still he keep his mouth shut, not letting out that his shoulder hurt like hell and his legs felt like rubber bands stretched too tight.

After much effort, the three of them finally reached the gate which began to pull inward slowly, the screech of metal announcing their presence to all, the sound smacking into them in waves of noise to rival the storm. After several tense seconds, the gates stopped, revealing several large, multistoried buildings colored in the same scheme as the walls. The interior resembled a small town, with row upon row of smaller structures within and near each wall. A maze of sculpted gray stone greeted their tired feet, designed in tight formations and created with a skill that would withstand the test of time.

Hiei noticed immediately upon entering the sanctity of his home a certain orange haired female standing in the center of the compound. Her features slightly amused, her posture relaxed even as the rain fell down around her, pinging against the right side of her face where a cybernetic device wrapped around her right eye and ear. She was an odd sight to behold. Strong, proud, fearless. All traits the Koorime admired. She was different, unique. Just as he was. And to Hiei he wouldn't have it any other way.

The fire demon stopped a few feet from her, meeting her curious gaze with a steady one.

"I see you've brought some visitors to see us." She said amiably, smiling like a gracious hostess welcoming friends to her home.

Hiei turned slowly away from her, gesturing to Yusuke who still held Kurama. Although from the looks of things, the young man seemed to be having some difficulty. "Kurama is in need of medical attention." He said softly, a tinge of concern escaping from his usually indifferent lips as he turned back to his teacher.

Mukuro looked away from her pupil, her face growing serious as she walked up to Yusuke and around. "What happened to him?" She asked in light concern as she studied the motionless kitsune.

Hiei hesitated for a mere second before replying. "He was poisoned with the syrup of a Talimantrious plant."

Mukuro raised an eyebrow, frowning as she continued to stare at Kurama. "It seems someone knew they were coming." She spoke somberly before reaching out to take Kurama off a grateful Yusuke's shoulder.

The spirit detective gave a sigh of relief as he backed away, stretching his right arm out, rotating it several times. "Thanks."

Mukuro gave a nod and started forward. "Let's get out of this rain shall we?" She said lightly stopping when Yusuke spoke.

"You said someone knew we were coming. How do you know that?" He asked as he studied the female demon with curious eyes. "Hiei himself didn't know until we were attacked."

Mukuro gave a laugh. "I had nothing to do with your assault, descendent of Raizen if that's what you're wondering." She said with a smile. "If you want to know, I suggest you follow me inside. Unless of course you'd like to become ill from exposure. Either way I don't care." She added. "What I care about right now is helping Hiei's friend."

Yusuke shrugged, conceding to her words as he started forward, a confused but silent Kuwabara close behind until all of them disappeared into the largest and tallest building at the far end of the compound, eager for different reasons to find out just what the hell was going on around them.

*******

How long has it been? Botan wondered as she paced nervously in her darkened bedroom. Her gaze straying over to the black jacket that belonged to the kitsune. Earlier she had arranged it tenderly upon her bed, her eyes softening each time she looked upon it, a smile of love gracing her lips. A smile that fell as she thought of how harshly she had spoken to Kurama. She had not meant to lash out at him in that manner. But she had been hurt by his actions and as happens when emotion takes over reason, she overreacted. Kurama had not raised his voice, had not argued with her. If he had it would have been easier to understand. Instead he remained calm, if a little surprised when he talked to her, the last words he spoke spinning in her head.

I care about you Botan. That's why I did what I did.

What did he mean exactly? The deity wondered as she stopped her wandering and came to rest beside the bed, reaching out to lovingly caress the jacket beside her.

Do you care for me as only a friend Kurama? She wanted to ask him. Or is there something more to your words, some hidden meaning I have yet to fathom. Botan turned away, removing her hand as she gazed out her window, the skyline darkening with the coming of evening. When I look into your eyes again will I see a love that burns brighter than the sun or only the familar shimmer of friendship you always give me? She wondered, shaking her head as a sudden doubt sprang into her mind. Why then did he ask Koenma to keep me here if he truly loves me? I always thought you keep the ones you love closest to you, never to let go. But you didn't Kurama. You walked away without even saying good-bye.

Botan's eyes grew sad as she looked downward, a communication device clenched firmly in her right hand. She loosened her grip, turning the object over several times, contemplating whether or not to contact her heart's desire again. She had been frightened when she saw the spark of anger reflected in the kitsune's eyes, eyes aimed not at her but to something off to the side. His features grew serious, deadly. As if he was preparing to go into battle. Botan knew something was wrong. Something that did not bode well for her friends.

But Kurama had not eased her fears or elaborated on what was going on. Only that he would contact her as soon as he could. Botan believed him. Believed in him. But more than a hour had elapsed since she had last spoke with the kitsune and she was beginning to worry. Her rising fear was reflected in the erratic beat of her heart against her breast. What if something had happened to him? What if he was hurt. What if he was ... Botan shook her head in an attempt to drive away the horrifying images that formed within her mind. Images of a bloodied and bruised Kurama lying motionless in a pool of his own blood. Broken and alone.

"Oh God!" She cried as she clenched her eyes in pain.

The waiting was killing her.

The thought of him in pain brought an ache in her heart that could not be quelled. It hurt to think of him. It hurt to think that she might be sent to retrieve his soul. She could not bear it.

And then she heard it. At first she sat there, gazing into the air , her body suddenly growing rigid and her features paling.

Botan!

The deity jerked her head to the right.

Kurama? She thought in fear and surprise. She heard him cry out to her. It was his voice. But that can't be. He's in Makai, not here. She frowned, gasping as she felt a wave of pain rip through of her. Botan dropped her communicator, the sound echoing within the room as she gripped her head in agony and fell to her knees. The images were intense, vivid, alive! There was her beloved, fighting for his life against some nameless foe she could not see or hear. Time seem to stand still as her gaze shifted slowly over to Kurama who seemed unable to move, his clothing tattered, his flesh torn, blood seeping from the endless wounds spread along his body.

Kurama did not look towards the blinding light of spiritual energy that rocketed towards him. Instead, his pained, frightened eyes seem to be directed at her, tears of blood rushing down his once perfect flesh now stained in crimson. Botan stay away! It's too dangerous! You'll be killed!

Botan let forth a cry of anguish as she rushed forward, ignoring his warning, embracing him with her arms just before the light slammed into him and all grew into darkness.

Botan's clenched eyelids flew open, her purple orbs brimming with tears. His voice was lost to her. She could no longer sense him from afar.

"Kurama!" She cried in pain as she rose to her feet. Something had happened to the kitsune. She was sure of it. Normally, when the deity felt and witnessed something so real, it meant the person she was close to was dying. It had happened with Genkai and now it was happening with Kurama.

Quickly, Botan reached up and wiped the tears away. Straightening her frame, she marched over to her closet, took out a few items then marched over to her window and opened it. She held out her right hand to her side, an oar materializing out of thin air. With a look of determination, the ferry girl hopped on and flew out into the night air of Reikai. Hang on Kurama, She thought as she headed towards the entry into Makai and Mukuro's territory. I'll be with you soon, I promise!

*********

Darkness.

Pain.

Death.

There was nowhere to go. No way for him to defend himself from the relentless onslaught of images tormenting him. So many people dead, so many lives wasted and for what?! Kurama had no idea. He did not know where he was, who he was fighting. Whether it was a force or one being the kitsune knew not. All he knew for certain was that death was coming, ready to lay claim to all in it's path and there was absolutely nothing Kurama could do to stop it.

He relived the same nightmarish hell over and over again. Bodies strung along a darkened pathway filled with a dense smoke that made the fox spirit choke as he took in the noxious fumes. He cried out in horror and anger as he noticed the dead were his friends, his loved ones. Everyone was gone! All save one. Kurama ran onward, searching for her, crying out her name. But there was no reply. The air grew strangely silent and a deep voice shouted out to him.

"Are you ready to die kitsune!"

Kurama growled in rage as he prepared for his foe's attack but could not sense anything as he was struck by an invisible force that literally took his breath away. Every blow, every attack felt so real. The kitsune growled in pain as wave after wave of psychic energy smacked into him, pushing him backwards, tearing his clothing, ripping his flesh open. His strength, his spiritual energy was draining from him as he was lifted into the open air and sent backwards by a large blast of psychic energy that hammered him into the ground.

He struggled to rise to his feet, only to collapse onto his knees, his breathing labored. Blood poured freely from the gashes and scrapes that appeared on his face and chest. Kurama tried to wipe away the crimson fluid that seeped into his eyes but his arms would not comply. God he felt so tired. So weak. What is wrong with me? He wondered as he clenched his teeth in pain, waiting for his attacker to finish him off when the sudden sound of footsteps to his left caught his attention. His heart leaped into his throat as he sensed an all too familar chi. No! Stay away! Turn back!

"Botan! Stay away! It's too dangerous! You'll be killed!"

But to his dismay the deity did not listen. She stood absolutely still. Their gazes locked, even as the kitsune sensed a massive ball of spiritual energy rocketing towards him. I'm sorry Botan. I'm sorry I never told you how I felt.

His eyes widened as Botan rushed towards him, embracing him into her arms, holding tightly to him as the blast struck them full force and into nothingness.

"No ... Botan ..." He murmured, his lips trembling, his skin flushed, his hands clenching the blankets beneath him so tightly his knuckles had turned white.

The kitsune lay upon a small bed in a darkened room, his chest bare as Mukuro tended to his wounds, bandaging his shoulder with more skill and care than Hiei, who stood beside her, would have thought possible. But Kurama could not sense this. He was too drawn within himself to realize it was only a nightmare brought about by the poison in his system. Or was it?

Mukuro finished her work, straightening her frame as she backed away, a soft smile upon her lips. "It seems even when he's unconscious, the ferry girl is uppermost in his thoughts." She said lightly as she turned to Hiei.

"Hn." The fire demon sounded as he studied the kitsune with worried eyes. He is still suffering. The Koorime thought gravely. And I with him. For Hiei too, had seen through Kurama's eyes the horrible visions that plagued him.

Mukuro noticed the pain in her pupil's eyes and her smile fell. "What's wrong Hiei?"

Hiei did not answer right away. How could he after what he witnessed. The death of everyone he knew. The destruction of the three realms. The loss of his sweet sister. It's just a nightmare Kurama's suffering! Nothing more than an evil hallucination! He tried to reason with himself and found the answer did little to calm the fear that was growing in his consciousness. The visions were too real, too coherent to be the stuff of bad dreams. For the first time in his life, Hiei was afraid. Not for his own life, but those of his friends, of his sister, of Mukuro's. The pain of their loss would kill him. Gritting his teeth, the fire demon blocked out the psychological distress of Kurama, unable to watch anymore.

"Hiei?" Mukuro repeated, reaching out to tap him on the shoulder.

The fire demon blinked, his face growing impassive once more, revealing none of the torment he was feeling. "It is nothing to concern yourself with Mukuro." He said coolly turning his gaze away from her.

Mukuro knew he was lying but did not press the issue as she turned her attention over to the door that swung open.

Hiei followed her gaze, his lips twisting into a smirk as he watched Yusuke and Kuwabara walk towards them, having changed into the fresh set of clothes the Koorime had managed to scrounge up for them.

"How is he?" Yusuke asked as he stopped beside Hiei, rolling up the sleeves of his black button-down shirt as he peered down at the prone red head.

"He will live." Hiei said gruffly, not in a talkative mood as he walked over to Mukuro who had taken a seat in a chair near the far corner of the room. The fire demon turned back around and threw a leveled gaze at the two men.

"Tell me Mukuro," Yusuke began as he shifted his worried brown eyes over to the two fire demons. "Just how long will it take for him to recover."

Mukuro leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes, her features thoughtful. "It's hard to say. Since the kitsune is half human, the poison was able to take hold throughout his entire system, including his mental functions. The side effects of this poison are said to cause vivid and horrific hallucinations that the victim is unable to escape from." She answered, opening her eyes to find Yusuke and Kuwabara eyeing her in grave concern.

"But he'll okay, won't he?" The orange haired man asked, stepping forward. "I mean he's also half demon, that's why he's still alive isn't it?"

Mukuro nodded slowly. "That is the only thing that is keeping him alive. Had you been infected you would have died instantly," She replied turning her gaze from Kuwabara to Yusuke who she now addressed. "And you Yusuke, even with your S class power would most likely be in the same position as Kurama is in now, that is how dangerous the talimantrious toxin is to humans."

Yusuke frowned and looked back at Kurama, his voice silent for a few seconds before he spoke once more. "You said earlier that someone knew we were coming. Would you care to elaborate on that for me now?"

Mukuro looked over to Hiei who nodded. "The person who attacked you knew you were all human, at least to some extent." He began in a matter of fact voice. "He used Talimantrious tipped arrows to attack you."

Yusuke looked at Hiei in confusion. "You said a person, but we were attacked by several."

"You were attacked by dopplegangers." He said simply, his features tightening in annoyance as Kuwabara spoke.

"Dopplegangers?" He murmured confusedly. "What the hell is that?"

"You truly are stupid aren't you." Hiei said with a disgusted sigh.

Kuwabara glared at him, clenching his fists. "I'll show you stupid you little .."

Yusuke silenced the big man with a wave of his hand. "Shut up Kuwabara." He scolded his friend. "Let him finish."

Kuwabara sighed and relaxed his fists. "Fine." He grumbled although he still eyed the fire demon in disdain.

"It's an old shinobi trick." Hiei continued. "Your attacker used his energy to make several copies of himself, each one a puppet to the master. Able to mimic the motions of the shinobi controlling them. Without thought or feeling, they are completely under his will."

Yusuke's eyes widened in understanding. "Which is why they didn't scream." He said slowly. "They don't feel pain or fear. They feel nothing because they're not alive."

Hiei looked at Yusuke in respect. "Exactly."

"But how then did you know where to find us if they don't have any power of their own?" Kuwabara asked, eyeing Hiei skeptically.

Hiei turned to him. "Because you mindless twit, like you I sensed a immense burst of spiritual power that vanished as quickly as it developed." He replied irritably, feeling more like his old self. "It was exactly like what I had experienced the day before in Ningenkai when I had a discussion with Kurama about that annoying ferry girl."

Yusuke frowned. "Kurama didn't mention that conversation. Only what happened later that evening when he was attacked by someone of mixed blood. "

Hiei looked at the detective in disbelief. "Kurama was attacked last night?" He murmured, his gaze shifting over to his friend.

Yusuke nodded. "It's why were here." He replied. "Both Kuwabara and I had weird run-ins with someone or something possessing strange power. Kurama wanted to find out if you had anything strange happen to you but since you don't have the modern convenience of a telephone, fox boy suggested we pay you a personal visit." He added with a sigh. "And now Kurama's hurt and I still don't know jack squat about what's going on. So tell us Hiei, did you experience anything odd yesterday? Besides your experience in the human world, 'cause I'd like to get back home as soon as possible before Keiko realizes I'm gone and has a freaking heart attack."

Hiei shook his head slowly as he cast his eyes over to his mentor. "Nothing strange occurred here if that's what you're wondering."

"Great." Yusuke grumbled. "Just freaking great. When Botan finds out ...." His voice trailed off as he realized something.

"Hey Urameshi, what's wrong?" Kuwabara asked, his concerned eyes focused on the smaller man.

Yusuke turned to him, his features paling. "Kurama was supposed to give call her back." He said distantly, his eyes focused to the side.

"Yeah, so?"

Yusuke did not reply, twisting back to Hiei and Mukuro. "I know you changed his clothes." He said, looking around the darkened room. "So where's his pants?"

But Hiei was ahead of him, walking over to the opposite side of the room and reaching out to draw the black fatigues upwards, searching the various pockets until at last he found the communicator and tossed it over to Yusuke who caught it and flipped it open.

The detective typed in a quick command. "Come on, come on. Answer Dammit!" He growled as he stared hard at the small screen.

There was no reply.

Yusuke snapped the device closed violently. "Shit!" He cursed as he crammed the communicator into his pocket.

"What the hell are you so upset about Urameshi? So Botan didn't answer. Maybe she's busy doing something for Koenma."

"Yeah," Yusuke said softly, his features hardened. "And maybe she's on her way here." He added turning his gaze to Hiei.

A look of silent understanding past between the two as the Koorime reached up and removed his white head band. His Jagan eye opened slowly, flaring with a soft green light as Hiei lowered his hand, closing his normal eyes and concentrating. In his mind, the fire demon saw Botan struggling to steer her oar against the relentless wind that roared around her, he sensed her thoughts. Foolish woman, risking her life to come here. He tsked mentally. And yet she does it out of concern for the kitsune. He thought as he smiled inwardly. She loves him that much.

"Well, Hiei. What do you see?"

Hiei opened his eyes. His Jagan eye returned to it's normal hue, closing upon his mental command before he returned his headband upon his brow. "She's in Makai as we speak." He answered, gazing over to Kurama. "She knows something has happened to him."

Kuwabara shook his head. "She knows better than to come into this realm. What the hell was she thinking?"

Hiei smiled. "Love makes people to foolish things." He said softly, tossing a side glance over to Mukuro who returned his surprisingly gentle look with one of her own.

And although it last a mere flicker of an instant, Kuwabara had seen it. Hmm. He thought in surprise. Hiei and Mukuro have feelings for each other. Who knew.

"You have to warn your men not to harm her." Yusuke said quickly and with authority as he walked over to Mukuro.

Mukuro looked up at the young man a enigmatic smile on her lips. "She will not be harmed." She answered. "My troops are well trained. But I can not guarantee her safety outside of my patrol zones. There are many more things living in this vast wilderness than I can account for. Things with no respect for Reikai and it's inhabitants." She said as she rose to her full height, her blue eyes focused on the Koorime as she addressed him. "Go with them Hiei. Help them in any way you can." She commanded as she turned away and headed for the door.

"Where will you be Mukuro?" Yusuke asked, his gaze steady if a little hard.

Mukuro did not stop as she reached the open doorway "To tell my men that the ferry girl is not to be touched or harmed in anyway before sending them out to find her." She replied over her shoulder, turning to her right and out of the view of the remaining occupants in the room.

Hiei started forward silently, disappearing out the door a few seconds later.

"What about Kurama?" Kuwabara asked, looking over to the kitsune.

"Fox boy will be fine." Yusuke answered as he headed out the door after Hiei. "Right now we've got a bigger problem on our hands. Let's go."

But Kuwabara did not go. Instead he studied Kurama with concerned eyes. They say you're going to be all right and maybe you are, but something is wrong here. Something has happened to you Kurama, something bad. I can feel it.

"Hey doofus!" Yusuke shouted, poking his head around the open doorway, his features irritated. "Get your ass moving! Botan could be in trouble if we don't find her soon!"

"I'm coming Urameshi!" Kuwabara yelled over his shoulder. The large man's features grew determined. I know how you feel about Botan, Kurama. He thought as he looked down at the kitsune. Slowly and with pride, Kuwabara placed his right arm over his chest and made a fist. And if it's anything like how I feel about my Yukina then it's my duty as a friend to make sure she comes back here alive! I swear upon my honor, nothing will happen to her! He pledged in sincerity before turning around and marching out the room, leaving a resting Kurama alone to himself.

********

"Come on stupid compass!" Botan shouted as she shook the small red instrument in her hand, her angered eyes gazing downward towards the darkened ground. How in the hell am I supposed to find Mukuro's in these conditions! She thought in frustration. When she had entered Makai, she was certain she chose the portal closest to the female demon's compound. But the deity's sense of direction had never been very good, and in her rush to reach Kurama she had forgotten her communicator.

Stupid Botan! She chided herself. If you had just tried to contact him rather than rushing head long into the thick of things, you wouldn't be in the situation!

But the ferry girl could not help herself. Her heart wouldn't let her. She needed to see him. Needed to know he was all right. Even the threat of being attacked did not bother her.

Kurama where are you? she wondered, so lost in thought over the kitsune and his whereabouts, she was ill prepared for the fierce gust of wind that slammed into her, throwing her off course towards the trees.

Botan let out a cry, gritting her teeth as she pulled the oar towards her, using all the strength she could muster, barely missing being impaled by a rather nasty looking bough that twisted upward high into the sky.

That was close! She thought with a heavy sigh as she righted herself, turning her gaze westward. A flash of lightning erupted above Botan, nearly blinding her with it's intensity. She clenched her eyes shut, gritting her teeth in pain as a wave of thunder smacked into her ears. She wanted to cry out for help, but kept silent, lest she attract something bent on hurting or killing her. Even with the storm raging around her, Botan refused to land. I stand a better chance of finding Kurama in the air than I do on the ground.

When she was able to open her eyes again, the deity gazed westward once more, the last direction the arrow of her demon compass had pointed to before it went haywire. She scrutinized the horizon, her eyes widening as she caught a glimpse of large structure some distance away. There it is! Her mind cried in triumph. Setting her jaw, Botan tightened her grip and zoomed forward, her heart racing with joy at her good fortune.

She swept down into the open area of the compound a few minutes later, casting her eyes furtively about. "Uh ... hello?!" She called out in uncertainty, walking towards the large building in front of her only to stop suddenly as she found herself surrounded by at least a dozen demons of various sizes and features, all of them leering at her, some tossing lustful gazes as their eyes traveled provocatively up and down her body.

"Well, well, well, lookie what we have here boys." The demon closest to her left said as he swiped his tongue over his thin lips, his pale, plain features twisted in desire. "What's such a beauty like yourself doing in a place like this?"

Botan straightened her frame, eyeing the demon who addressed her in disgust. "I'm looking for Kurama. Where is he?"

The demon looked away from her to his gang and let out a dark laugh. "Never heard of him." He replied as he advanced upon the deity, reaching out to grab her.

But Botan was too quick, bringing her oar up to defend herself. She smacked the demon upside the head, sending him crashing backwards onto the stone ground, knocking him out cold.

Snarls of rage erupted all around her. "Get her!"

Botan swung her oar in wide arcs, trying to keep them at bay only to have it wrestled out of her hand by several of her attackers who tossed the oar away and grabbed at her all at once, their hands digging into her skin, causing her to cry out in pain. They dragged her away from the larger building towards the left wall, laughing maniacally and whispering filthy promises to her. Kurama help me! Her mind cried as she thrashed violently against them, biting down on the arm around her neck.

The one demon screamed, releasing his grip but another one rose his arm up to strike her down. The deity eyed him defiantly, spitting into his face. The demon's arm began a downward sweep but it never reached her. Botan's eyes widened in shock as a long, thin green blade burst through his neck, nearly severing it from his body.

Botan winced as the blade retracted quickly, letting out a sigh of relief as she felt the remaining hands upon her slip away. The ferry girl watched as the demon collapsed sideways onto the ground, the gray stone turning red as his blood flowed freely along it's smooth surface. Botan's gaze shifted from the dead body back up to the figure that stood a short distance before her. His red hair was matted down by the heavy downpour, the rain cascading down his bare chest and onto his black pants in rivulets.

"Kurama!" Botan cried out in joy only to be silenced by the demon behind her, his calloused hand snaking around her throat, cutting off her voice.

The kitsune's naked feet were unaffected by the cold, slippery stone beneath him as he advanced forward, emerald eyes aflame with gold as he pointed his blade threateningly at the demon holding onto her.

"Let her go!"

"Or what boy!" The demon shouted defiantly, tightening his grip. "You can't kill us all."

"Can't I?" Kurama said, his voice deepening, becoming cold and hard as he closed his eyes and disappeared from view.

"Where did he go?!" They shouted, casting their eyes about in uncertainty.

Suddenly the demon holding onto Botan's neck let out a choking sound of his own as Kurama's arm wrapped around his neck. He reached up to claw at it only to go silent as the kitsune quickly snapped his neck, killing him instantly.

Botan stumbled free, whirling around to find Kurama fighting all the remaining demons at once. With swift decisive blows, the kitsune struck out with lightning quick reflexes, his fist smashing into the first attacker's neck, busting his windpipe, sending him to the ground in a heap only to kill another with a quick kick to chest, sending the man flying straight into the wall, his body leaving an impression in the thick metallic wall before sliding down and collapsing face first onto the ground. Another lunged at him from behind only to have his torso separated from his body at Kurama whirled around and slashed outward with his blade. The kitsune wasted no more time as he killed the remain demons with ease, cutting them down without mercy or remorse. In mere seconds, it was over. Red mixed with gray as the kitsune willed the weapon back into a blade of grass, tossing it to the side. Kurama turned slowly around, his eyes full of concern as he walked over to Botan.

"Are you all right?" He asked, studying her carefully for any injuries.

"My throat .. hurts a little." She replied hoarsely, clasping her neck.

Kurama reached out and gently removed her trembling hand away. His eyes grew dark as he noticed several purple bruises against the pale flesh of her slender neck. The marks of four fingers and a thumb.

Botan tried to calm the rush of her heart as Kurama tenderly laid his hand upon her injuries and began to heal them.

He was so close. His touch so achingly gentle that Botan couldn't help but blush at the sudden heat that spread through her body.

"I'm sorry you had to witness that." Kurama murmured, breaking the uneasy silence that was lingering between them.

Botan said nothing, unsure how to tell him what she was truly feeling. "I'm sorry you had to do that." She said finally, her heart crying in disappointment as he pulled his hand away. "If I hadn't ... come here, none of this would have happened."

"True," Kurama said in an even tone. "But I'm glad you are here." He added softly causing the deity to look up at him, her surprised purple eyes meeting his tender emerald ones.

"Kurama .. I ..."

"What the hell happened here?!"

The pair looked to their left to find Hiei, Yusuke and Kuwabara staring at them.

"Did .. You kill all these guys Kurama?" Kuwabara asked, eyeing the corpses in disbelief. "Ugh, gross." He added as he noticed the lake of blood spread out below the bodies.

Hiei eyed the mess in curiosity, his gaze falling on the outline upon the wall. "I see some of Mukuro's men did not listen to her orders." He said softly as his red orbs settled upon Kurama and Botan.

"They were going to kill her Hiei." Kurama explained simply even as his eyes remained on Botan.

"Well then, they got what was coming to them." Hiei said. "Besides, you did Mukuro a favor by ridding her of soldiers incapable of following orders." The fire demon turned away from them as he walked towards Mukuro's headquarters.

"It's good to see you back to normal Kurama." Yusuke said with a smile coming up to slap him upon the shoulder before turning to Botan. "And you Miss Botan should have followed Kurama's advice and waited for him to contact you." He scolded, earning a death glare from the deity.

"Shut up Yusuke!" She snapped. "I'm not a child and I don't have to listen to you!"

Yusuke shook his head, walking past them followed by a strangely silent Kuwabara. "Have fun Kurama!" He shouted over his shoulder, giving them a wave of his hand before disappearing into the building along with Kuwabara.

Botan frowned. "What the hell is he talking about?" She murmured as she stared after them.

"I have no idea." Kurama said with a shake of his head then, to the surprise of both, reached down gently to clasp her hand.

Botan's heart skipped a beat, her gaze falling down to their entwined hands, a tender smile gracing her lips.

A smile that mirrored Kurama's as their eyes met. She's so beautiful. He thought as his heart beat against his chest, the sound roaring in his ears as he tried to remain calm. But how could he with her so close to him. He had wanted to tell her when he was healing the bruises upon her lovely neck his true feelings. How scared he was she would be harmed. The rage he felt at their actions. Such strong emotions gave him pause. He was used to controlling himself, used to being alone. But I don't want to be alone forever. I want to be with her.

The words of Koenma suddenly sprang to his mind. Botan is not an ordinary woman. She is part of Reikai. Those that live in this realm are not allowed to love those of the other realms. It is forbidden.

Forbidden. The kitsune thought in dismay and anger. Even if the situation in the human world is resolved. I could never be with her. Never know her touch or her love. Koenma would not allow it.

Botan felt his sadness, even if she didn't know the cause. "What's wrong Kurama?" She asked, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze.

Kurama looked over to her, trying hard not to show how much he was hurting. "It is nothing Botan." He said with a small smile. "Come on." He added softly, gently tugging on her arm. " Let's get out of this rain."

Botan complied, walking slowly beside him, wishing for all the world she could hold onto his hand forever, reveling in the feel of his hand in hers. Oh well. She thought with an inward sigh. Even if it lasted for only a few seconds, it was enough. For now anyway. I'll get you to talk to me Kurama, even if it takes all night. She vowed silently as the two entered the building and disappeared from view.