Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ After the Fall ❯ Just Friends Part Two ( Chapter 9 )

Chapter 9--Just Friends Part Two

Dark was the interior of the building Kurama and Botan had entered but a few seconds ago. At first Botan had been afraid, tightening her hold of Kurama's hand, edging closer to him as they stood in the hallway, studying their surroundings. No decorations adorned the blackened walls. The floor seemed to be made of the same gray stone that littered the grounds, large slabs of square rock polished and smooth and laid expertly by gifted craftsmen..

Kurama's eyes were unhampered by the darkness as he scanned the hallway, his ears picking up the sound of familar voices just beyond the doors in front of them. "Come on." He whispered softly to Botan, his features impassive though his eyes remained curious as he led Botan through the doors and into the open room.

"Don't you guys believe in electricity?" Kuwabara murmured as he looked about, his dark eyes taking in the lack of light around him. "It's awfully creepy in here."

"And I like it that way." Hiei quipped, standing a short distance away from the orange haired man, his arms crossed and his eyes closed.

Kuwabara shook his head, eyeing the Koorime as if he had just broken out into a Broadway tune. "God you're strange Hiei."

"Better than having the mental compacity of a toddler."

Kuwabara glared at the fire apparition, his features and fists tightening. "What was that shrimp!"

"Hn. Deaf and dumb aren't you." Hiei retorted, his face a mask of smug superiority as the larger man exploded.

"You think you're so damn clever don't you!" He yelled. "Let's see how smart mouthed you can be with a broken jaw!"

"Try me."

"That's it!" Kuwabara yelled advancing towards the fire demon only to be pulled roughly back by Yusuke.

"Knock it off Kuwabara!" The dark haired spirit detective shouted, moving deftly in front of the larger man, his eyes dangerous. "We're guests here remember!"

Kuwabara continued to glare but his posture relaxed as he sensed Kurama and Botan approach.

Yusuke and Hiei noticed this as well, turning their attention to the pair.

The fire apparition's smug look did not waver as he opened his eyes to study his friend and the ferry girl. A big smirk formed upon his lips as he spied the way their hands were entwined. Surprise, surprise. He thought. Seems the kitsune has gathered some courage. Perhaps there is hope for them after all. "Decided to come out of the rain I see. Hand in hand no less." He said in a teasing voice.

A look of irritation flashed across the kitsune's face but he did not remove his hand from Botan's as they stopped a few feet in front of the fire demon. Knock it off Hiei. Kurama sent out mentally to the Koorime.

Hiei snickered inwardly as he sent back, Lucky for her you arrived when you did. Just like a knight in shining armor from one of those silly ningen fairy tales.

Kurama's eyes narrowed dangerously, unaccustomed to being teased. Do me a favor Hiei and kindly shut up.

"Hey Urameshi?" Kuwabara whispered out of the corner of his mouth. "Is it just me or does Kurama seem agitated right now?"

Yusuke nodded. "They must be communicating telepathically." He answered, looking over at the two friends, a frown on his face. "And whatever Hiei is speaking to him about is ticking Fox boy off."

A sudden sneeze erupted in the air, breaking off Kurama and Hiei's mental conversation. The kitsune cast his eyes over to the deity, frowning as he felt her discomfort.

"Sorry." Botan apologized, reaching up to push away the long strands of water logged blue hair that had adhered themselves to the side of her face.

Kurama's gaze lingered longer than he had intended as he took in the soaked clothing that clung to her skin, showing off the contours of her shapely body. She was so feminine, so beautiful, it literally took his breath away. She was as perfect and glorious as the dawn, as exquisite and exotic as a desert rose. Kurama shook his head suddenly, shoving his emotions savagely to the side.

Forbidden.

She was forbidden to him.

A pure soul that he had no right to love.

He was tainted by the sins of his past. No matter how hard he tried, how many times he atoned for his past, it could not take away the stain of blood he had spilled or the crimes he had committed. Still, even with the forbidden mantra swimming in his head, he could not help but hope for some small measure of happiness. And love. He wanted to feel love and give love. It was Botan he wanted. Botan he loved.

I must stop thinking like this. It will only bring more pain, more suffering.

And yet Kurama was suffering.

Suffering because he couldn't tell her. Couldn't pull her into his arms and whisper the words he longed to say. That he loved and desired her. Even now, as she gazed up at him, her purple orbs so warm and inviting, he could bring himself to tell her. Kurama, who had never lost a battle of words or got lost in thought, was rendered speechless by her presence, her perfection. He had been frightened, lying there in the darkness moments earlier, when he had heard her call out to him in his mind. It had penetrated the hazy fog of unconsciousness, waking him, urging him into action. And he had responded to her distress, dispatching the vile creatures attacking Botan with ease. The fear and anger at her treatment fueled his adrenaline, egging him onward. And now with her out of harms way, he suddenly found his confidence waning, no longer sure he could handle being in her presence without blurting out his feelings.

"Kurama?"

The kitsune flinched, startled by the concerned tone of Botan's voice. It was the first either of them had spoken to each other since they had entered the building and it took Kurama a few seconds to compose himself. His quizzical emerald eyes met the worried purple orbs of the deity and held.

He seems so lost. So alone. Botan thought as she looked up at him, her heart beating against her chest like a drum as she noticed the pain reflected in the kitsune's eyes. Pain she wanted to free him of. But she didn't know the cause for she could not see into his mind or know the true depths of his feelings. And she was burdened by a pain of her own. One that would not let her be. The images of his suffering, his sacrifice as he tried to warn her away haunted her. She had to talk to him. She had to let him know the fear and anxiety she felt over him. But I can't talk to him yet. Not until were alone and away from all these prying eyes. She thought disappointedly as she forced herself to remain neutral. "It's nothing really. I was just ... wondering why you were looking at me so intently. I don't look all that bad do I?" She asked flippantly. That's it Botan. The deity told herself. Put on your bubble head routine so nobody notices how you really feel.

Kurama opened and closed his mouth, too shocked to speak. He had been caught looking and wasn't sure how to respond. Come on Kurama say something! The kitsune chided himself as a dozen different thoughts entered his consciousness, none he wanted to voice out loud, lest he be teased and mocked endlessly by his friends. "I was just noticing how soaked your clothing was and thought it time we get you out of those and into some dry ones." He answered finally, wincing at the connotation, gritting his teeth as he heard Hiei's snickering voice inside his mind.

I'm sure you'd like that Kurama.

Kurama whipped his head over to the fire apparition, tossing him an irritated look as he shot back mentally, Be silent Hiei!

"Yeah I could use a fresh set of clothes myself." Kuwabara said as he looked down at his drenched shirt. "I feel weird with all this soaked clothing stuck to my skin."

Hiei's face grew impassive as he crossed his arms and closed his eyes. "There is no need." He said dismissively, a smirk gracing his lips.

"What do you mean no need!" Kuwabara snapped, bringing his right arm up and swinging it outward and to the side, causing water to shoot off in all directions. "We've got puddles underneath us for crying out loud!"

"Quiet fool!" Hiei growled, opening his eyes and tossing a hard stare over to the tall man. The fire demon unlocked his arms and held them to his sides. The black spikes of his hair began to ungulate, seemingly alive, as an invisible power built up around him. With a quick mental command, he unleashed a blast of heated air that washed over everyone, circulating around them, drying their clothing and warming their skin.

Kuwabara and Yusuke blinked in surprise, bringing their hands up to their faces as they inspected their now dry clothing.

"That's a handy talent." Yusuke said lightly, tossing an impressed look over to Hiei.

But his best friend was less than impressed. "Why the hell didn't you do this the first time shorty?!"

Hiei ignored the aggressive posture of his future brother in law as he answered. "Because you moron, I felt it more important to attend to Kurama's injury than your slight discomfort."

At the mention of the word injury, Botan's face tightened. "Injury?" She said quickly, her concerned eyes zooming in onto Kurama's suddenly nervous ones. "What injury?"

Thanks a lot Hiei. Kurama grumbled mentally as he removed his hand reluctantly from Botan's and back to his side, turning sideways until he was directly in front of her. "We need to talk." He said softly, lowering his head and rolling his eyes at the sudden snickering of Yusuke and Hiei behind him. "Alone if you don't mind." He added, tossing a hard stare over his shoulder that made the detectives only laugh louder.

"Hey man anything you say Kurama!" Yusuke managed to get through his chuckle, patting the irritated red head on the left shoulder as he passed by, an embarrassed Kuwabara behind him.

"Sorry Kurama." The orange haired man said , stopping briefly beside him, an apologetic smile on his face. "Urameshi can be a jerk sometimes." He added with a shake of his head, focusing his attention back on Yusuke, his features grew angry. "Hey Urameshi wait up!" He howled, rushing forward. "Don't leave me alone in this creepy place!"

Yusuke poked his head back inside the door way. "The move it you big wussy!" He shouted, disappearing back into the darkened entryway.

Kuwabara burst through the door, disappearing as well.

Only Hiei remained behind, his features highly amused as he walked slowly past the pair. "I'll just go and take care of that little mess you left outside Kurama." He said with a smile. "And I suggest you take your conversation to a more private area," He added, his gaze focused straight ahead as he reached the doors and opened them. "These walls tend to have ears ... and eyes." He said in a serious tone before exiting the room.

The fox spirit watched his friend leave, a frown fixed upon his handsome features. What are you talking about Hiei? He wondered as he began to inspect the room, his eyes narrowing as he understood finally what the Koorime meant as he sensed several masses of energy. There are others nearby, watching, listening. Just beyond these walls. Hiei was right. This really isn't the best place to hold a conversation.

Kurama returned his attention to Botan, his hardened features softening as he flashed her a gentle smile. "Come on." He said with a tilt of his head, holding out his right arm towards her.

"Where are we going?" She asked as she took his proffered hand and clasped it gently within her own.

Kurama led them forward and out of the large room into the darkened corridor. "Somewhere we sit down and talk without all this darkness." He replied, pivoting to his left and walking purposefully down the hallway, Botan in tow.

A short time later they reached the room Kurama had been resting in. The red haired man opened the door slowly, pushing it forward to allow Botan access inside. The deity went in first, followed quickly by the kitsune who closed the door softly behind him before walking past the ferry girl towards a small lamp sitting upon a wooden night stand nearby.

Botan watched in fascination as Kurama reached out, his hand aflame with the familar blue aura of his spirit energy, and placed it upon the lamp's metallic base. Instantly the room became flooded with a bright white light that illuminated the Spartan interior. Her eyes shifted about the room, taking in the dark stone floor, the small wooden table in the corner where two chairs sat across from each other, another chair situated in the opposite side of the room where a pair of black pants lay across it's back, the faceless walls an off shade of white, the night stand and finally the small bed along the wall in front of her. Botan frowned as she noticed a mass of bandages piled haphazardly in the center of the black comforter wrapped around the mattress. She started forward, wanting to inspect this curious sight further, only to stop when Kurama began to speak.

"You took a great risk coming to Makai Botan," He whispered softly, his bare back still towards her. "A great risk indeed." He continued, turning around slowly to face her, his features calm but his eyes puzzled. "I must admit I am curious as to why you decided to come to such a dangerous place."

Botan did not meet his gaze, nor did she answer right away. Her eyes were fixed upon the bandages in front of her. How can I tell him? She wondered as she walked over and scooped up the darkened gauze stained a curious shade of red. He would only find my reason silly and inconsequential. "I felt you dying." She answered finally, her gaze riveted on the gauze in her hand.

Kurama frowned. Dying? He repeated mentally. Why would she feel me dying. I wasn't ... The kitsune's eyes widened. It can't be ... It was just an hallucination from the poisoning. She couldn't have felt my distress from so far away. Moving forward, Kurama closed the distance between them, his green eyes filled with trepidation and wonder. "Botan tell me please," He said in a anxious tone. "What exactly made you think I was dying?"

But Botan did not answer. Rather she asked him a question of her own. "What happened to you Kurama?" She said in a pained tone, holding up the bandages with her right hand, her eyes now meeting the kitsune's.

Kurama let out a sigh, looking away from the deity, not wanting to upset her more than she was. "It's not important Botan."

Botan frowned, tossing the bandages back upon the bed as she closed the distance between them, unsatisfied with his answer. "It's important to me Kurama."

The kitsune looked back at her, his reserve melting away as he noticed how close, so very close they were to each other. The concern in her eyes brought new pain to his heart and he found himself clenching his hands tightly to his side in an attempt to keep them from reaching out to hold her. "Why is it important to you Botan?" He found himself asking, his eyebrows shooting up at a comment that was meant to stay inside but had slipped past his lips.

Botan flinched as if she had been struck. Because you are important to me! She wanted to shout at him, wanted him to know how her heart was hurting for him. Because I love and care about you! All the emotion she had held down after all these years, all the heartache she had endured, rose quickly to the surface. For so long she had kept her feelings hidden, her desires unmet because she could never tell just what the kitsune truly felt for her. Well no longer! She vowed. I can't take this anymore. He has to know how I feel. For both our sakes.

The deity turned away from him, steadying herself, gathering the courage to tell him.

Kurama could only watch in confusion as Botan remained silent. Botan please, tell me why this is so important to you. His mind cried, wanting to hear the truth. Even with all this doubt swirling within him he stood silent, waiting for her to speak.

"I was afraid for you Kurama. Did you know that?" Botan began at last, letting out a shaky sigh as she walked farther away from him, her purple orbs fixed idly at the wall in front of her. "I had the most horrifying vision of you. Broken and bleeding. Alone. With no one to help you." She paused, trying hard to hold back the tears that gathered within her eyes. "You were in such pain. So much pain. I felt it Kurama. I heard you call out to me, telling me to flee, to save myself. And I didn't listen. I fled to your side, shielding you with my body as a blast of spirit energy consumed us and all grew into darkness."

Kurama looked at her in shock. She ... She saw into my mind? She saw all that? He wondered incredulously, unsure how she had become a witness to his hallucination, his nightmarish vision. Suddenly it didn't seem important to know why or how. Only that she was here now because of what she saw, because she worried for him. "So that's why you came here." He murmured as he started towards her. "You were afraid for me."

Botan nodded almost imperceptibly but did not turn to face him as her body began to tremble from the pent up emotion that began to release itself like the rising of flood gates. "Did you know I cried for you Kurama?" She continued. "All those years ago when you fought in the dark tournament. Against that sadistic bastard Karasu. My heart literally stopped as I watched the explosions rip away at your body, tearing your flesh, the blood erupting and spilling all about you. The torturous screams that escaped from your throat. It was almost more than I could bear. But that was all I could do for you. Watch and pray and cry. I was so afraid for you that day. Afraid that I would yet again be called to escort someone I loved to Reikai."

Kurama was speechless. He had never known she cared that deeply for him. That she loved him. How could I not have known? He wondered as he stopped just behind her. I have been so blind all these years. Too consumed with my own feelings for her not to notice that perhaps she felt the same for me. That perhaps it was this very reason she came to me for comfort. And in his heart Kurama knew she was in need of comfort again. He could tell by the way she was trembling. My God! He thought. She's in pain over me! "Botan ... I .."

But the deity did not let him finish as she whirled around to face him at last, tears brimming down her cheeks as she looked at him with saddened eyes. "When you fought Shigure in the tournament for Makai and were wounded, I flew to your side, exposing my true identity amongst a dangerous and unruly crowd that would have gladly killed me. And do you know why I did that Kurama? Because I had to make sure you lived. Because if you die, a part of me dies too." She said softly, urgently as she stepped closer to him, her eyes pleading, hoping he would understand. "It was why I came to Makai. Why I'm here now. I can't sit on the sidelines anymore Kurama. I'm tired of being the cheerleader. I want to help you now, in the human world, not stay shackled to a desk in Reikai at Koenma's beck and call." She added as she reached out an exploratory hand up to the kitsune's face. "Let me help you Kurama. Let us find out the truth together."

Kurama flinched but did not shrink away from her touch as he looked down into her eyes, his features fallen as he found himself unable to speak. Here she was, pouring out her heart to him and he couldn't even utter a word. Nothing. He was afraid. Afraid to tell her. His heart sank as he realized she would never comply with Koenma's orders. It was evident in the stunt she pulled to get to Makai. Kurama drew in a deep breath and spoke in a slow, even tone. "Do you really think that wise Botan. Risking your life to help us? What would be gained by your death?"

Botan's gaze did not waver, her features grew confident, prideful. "With you around, I have nothing to fear."

Kurama chuckled, he couldn't help it.

Botan frowned briefly then laughed as well, wrapping her arms suddenly around his waist, nestling her head against his bare shoulder, closing her eyes in bliss.

Kurama seemed to stiffen slightly, surprised by her actions, only to relax and wrap his arms around her, holding her close, resting his chin against the fine blue strands of her hair that hung lavishly down her head. It felt so natural to hold her in his arms, so right. But the reality of their situation rose up like a snake and bit him. Koenma will punish her. Right or wrong . And it will be because of me. Because she cares for me she would suffer. I cannot allow that to happen.

Slowly, reluctantly, Kurama pulled away from the deity, clasping her shoulders gently as he looked at her with pained eyes. "Botan listen to me. Nothing would please me more than for you to stay with me, to help us find out what is going on. But I must ask you if this is what you truly want? Do you really want to risk your position in Reikai for me? I am not worth it Botan."

Botan looked up at him, her features growing dark. "What do you mean you're not worth it? "

Kurama closed his eyes in pain, unable to meet her gaze. "I am not worthy of your time or your love Botan. I am not of your world. I am a human with a Youko soul. A tainted thief and murderer. What kind of future could we possibly have together?"

But Botan would not relent as she reached up and cupped his face in her hands, gazing candidly into his saddened eyes. "I don't care where you came from. I don't care what Koenma thinks. I don't care about your past. I care about you Kurama. A beautiful man with a beautiful soul. That is the man I've come to know, the man I love."

Kurama hung his head, his chest heavy as he fought to hold back the pain growing within him as he realized what he had to do. The only way he could still see her without her being punished. " And I love you too much for you to throw away your life for me Botan. It is better we remain friends. Friends and nothing more."

Botan's chin sunk downward, her features wounded. "Friends and nothing more?" She murmured, the words stinging her heart as she looked at him. Yet part of her realized he was only looking out for her best interests. Looking ahead to the consequences while she could not get past her emotion. That showed he truly cared for her. That he loved her not as a friend would but as a man loved a woman. But if that's true why must we go our separate ways? Why can't we be together?

Because, a voice inside her head spoke. Kurama knows as well as you Koenma will not allow his head ferry girl to be involved with a human, let alone one with a Youko soul.

The truth was almost too painful to believe.

With a sigh of resignation, Botan nodded. It is the only way I can still see him. The only way we can be together. "Friends then." She said sadly as she held out her hand.

Kurama looked down at the deity's outstretched hand, unsure if this is what he truly wanted. Don't be a fool Kurama. Take her hand and accept. With a forced nod, the kitsune listened to his thought and clasped her hand firmly into his own, shaking once then slowly releasing his grip.

The door to the room burst open suddenly as an excited Yusuke stood in the door frame, Kuwabara right behind him. "I hope we're not interrupting anything." The dark haired spirit detective said in a teasing tone, his smile falling as his gaze shifted back and forth between the deity and the kitsune, noticing how glum they looked. Okay. He thought as he stared at them. Looks like the two got into an arguement or something. Yusuke's features grew serious, his chocolate eyes focusing on Kurama who addressed him.

"What is it Yusuke?" He asked in a somber tone, his features impassive, unreadable.

Yusuke smiled. Now that's the Kurama I know. "Hiei is willing to lead us to a shorter portal that will get us closer to home than the one we traveled through." He began, looking over to Botan as he noticed how quiet she was. That's weird, he thought with a frown. Usually Botan is chirping like a baby chick. I wonder what Kurama said to her to make her so quiet. Oh well, he thought with a shrug. I can always find out later. All the better to tease Fox boy with. He added gleefully. "He's waiting near the front entrance. He told us to tell you that he's ready whenever you are."

Kurama frowned. He must be worried about his sister being alone. Either that or the others within this compound didn't take to kindly to the death of their fellow soldiers. He thought as he nodded at Yusuke. He walked over to the chair in the corner, lifting the pants, revealing his black turtleneck which he quickly put on after laying his fatigues back on the chair. Quickly he bent down to retrieve the black combat boots nestled underneath the seat, slipping them on expertly and ,with a grace only he possessed, rose to his full height. Kurama scooped his fatigues off the chair and folding them neatly before handing them to Yusuke. "Could you put this in your backpack for me?" He asked.

Yusuke nodded. "Sure." He said, taking the outstretched clothing before turning around and out the door.

Kurama's gaze focused back on Botan who gave him a soft smile, letting him know everything was okay. That she didn't blame him for what had transpired. I am sorry Botan. But it is better this way. Better for both of us. He thought sadly as he watched her approach and go past him out into the hallway before turning around to follow.

*********

"So Ailia, tell me what is so important that Ren decided to call us all over to his loft ?" Lina said crisply, eyeing the taller woman to the left of her with a mixture of fascination and disdain as she shifted repeatedly in her seat, her leather clad arms crossed and her pale features agitated. "We do have lives outside of our mutual alliance you know."

Ailia leaned back in her chair at the head of the dining room table, her pretty features twisted in boredom as she fidgeted with the black sleeve of her blazer, her legs crossed as she sat sideways in her chair. "I honestly don't know Lina." She replied softly. "Ren has a habit of hanging around in museums and libraries whenever he feels the need to connect with his past. Or just history in general. When he gets in one of these funks it usually takes weeks before he moves on to something else."

"Ren is right to study the history of men." A tall, dark haired, dark eyed man seated at the far end of the table spoke, his muscular frame straining against the blue button down shirt he wore. "By studying their history, you learn their mistakes and how not to repeat them."

Ailia rolled her eyes. "Thank you for that wonderful bit of insight Tahomen." She said sarcastically as she looked over to him. "We all know he just loves learning any weakness he can exploit. And the past is full of violence and death. Vicious wars he has memorized and reiterated to me on numerous occasions."

"I take it you don't like his plan then?" A lean, compactly built man with slicked back bright gold hair and intense blue eyes asked, his wiry arms crossed against his loosely fitting pale green oxford shirt.

Ailia frowned. "I never said that did I Kigorei?" She replied. "Merely stating a fact."

"Being human once yourself, I can understand your trepidation Ailia." Kigorei continued with a smirk.

"Ah but remember Kigorei, you are half human as well." Ailia reminded him.

Kigorei shrugged, looking away from her, his features calm, not offended by her remark. "Aren't we all." He murmured.

"Indeed we are." A masculine voice emanated from nearby, causing everyone to turn towards the entrance elevator where Ren now stood, an odd smile on his lips as he marched towards them, a gold box tucked beneath his right arm. "It is what has allowed us to remain undetected in the human world for so long."

Ailia's eyebrows raised as she read his thoughts. So that's why he's smiling like that. She thought with a frown. "Got lucky I see." She said flatly, envious of his escapades when she herself wasn't allowed any fun with the kitsune.

Ren's smile only broadened. "In more ways than one my dear Ailia." He said as he stopped to the right of Tahomen and sat his package onto the table. "Do you know what this is?" He asked looking around the table, watching gleefully as everyone leaned forward to study the box.

"Not a clue." Lina said, leaning back in her seat, still agitated.

Ren looked over to Kigorei. "Kigorei? Any thoughts?"

Kigorei shook his head. "None."

"Ailia?"

The raven haired woman let out a sigh. "Just get to the point Ren." She said sharply.

Ren sighed. "You guys are hopeless you know that don't you?" He said as he turned lastly to Tahomen. "What say you brother? Do you recognize these symbols at all?" He asked, pointing his index finger to the blue symbols wrapped delicately around the boxes borders.

Tahomen studied the writing carefully, his eyes widening. "It is similar to the ones father showed us many years ago." He said looking up at Ren. "But what does it mean?" He asked.

Ren smiled. "It means we are one step closer to achieving our goal." He replied cryptically as he quickly tore off his jacket and threw it to the side.

"What is it Ren?" Ailia asked, her voice brimming with impatience.

Ren's gaze shifted from the box over to Ailia. "Being once part of Reikai I thought you would recognize the inscription around this box."

Everyone's eyes widened in surprise. "That box came from Reikai." The exclaimed in unison.

"Yes." Ren replied distantly, his gaze focused back on the metallic object in front of him. "No one has been able to open it. Not even the one who found it over a three thousand years ago."

"I really wish you would quit pussyfooting around Ren and get to the point." Ailia growled. "This game of yours is really starting to bore me."

"This box was found in an Egyptian story teller's burial chamber. The hieroglyphics around his wall told of an object that fell out of the sky said to hold the writings of the gods."

"But no one knows what's inside." Kigorei said softly. "You said no one was able to open it."

Ren smiled. "True." He said as he rolled up the black sleeves of his silk shirt and rubbed his hands together. "Until now."

Ailia snorted. "Fat chance. It doesn't even have a lid." She said a doubtful smirk upon her lips. "What makes you think you can open it?"

"Because those of Reikai blood can." He replied, bringing up his right hand which began to glow a bright shade of blue. Quickly he laid it down upon the box, his smile brightening as the blue hieroglyphics began to glow. The box began to separate, the borders folding down until at last the inside was revealed.