Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Foxgloves ❯ We meet again ( Chapter 2 )

I think I must be very disturbed somewhere deep inside.

Wow… I can't believe you people like this! Well, good, I guess. Here's the next installment.

Again, thanks to Cheap Libertad my beta reader who didn't get to see this because my email wouldn't send it, and who bitched about my happy sunshine fics until she drove me to write this to shut her up. And DisturbedVixen, for inspiring me with her fic Secrets Behind Emerald Eyes. DisturbedVixen, this chapter is for you!

~*~

Hiei slowly wiped his sword clean on the shirt of the demon he had just wounded. Bodies lay strewn throughout the dense forest in which the latest skirmish had taken place. The once serene wood was now splattered in blood, it had pooled so thickly in some places that the ground would surely become infertile for the next several years.

Not that this mattered to Hiei.

The demon he had just severely injured lay across a fallen tree stump, staring incredulously at the gaping hole in his chest. He blinked stupidly up at the koorime.

"Wha- who? Where did you come from?"

Hiei ignored him, re-sheathing his sword. The demon continued, a dark stain began to pool around him, running down the sides of the rotted tree bark to drip oily to the ground.

"Why would you do this? We are traveling merchants! We meant no harm to anyone!" Blood mixed with spittle was gathering stickily at the corner of his mouth, slipping down his chin… He began to babble, losing his wits as death's grip began to take a firmer hold.

"They will find you! Yes, and they will punish you for your deeds! We will be avenged! We will-"

He was cut off as Hiei calmly lifted his leg and slammed his booted foot into the fallen demons face, grinding his heel slowly, relishing the feeling of crushing bone and cartilage under torn skin.

"Shut up and die."

When he removed his foot, the demon below him gave one last sobbing, shuddering breath before he succumbed to his fate - his muscles going limp as death finally claimed him.

Hiei took a moment to admire his handiwork, then raised his head to look around.

Carnage everywhere. It caused his lips to twitch upward minutely. There was nothing more pleasing than a job well done.

~*~

He found Kurama nearby, sitting languidly upon a large boulder, surveying the horror he had helped create and cracking his whip lazily every minute or two.

"Youko." Hiei greeted, stopping to stand a few feet away from the kitsune. Youko inclined his head slightly to acknowledge Hiei's presence, then went back to staring mutely around him - a far off gleam in his eyes.

Hiei was used to Kurama's standoffish nature, but lately the youkai had been more distant than usual. He still killed alongside Hiei, and it was obvious that he enjoyed it just as much as always, but Youko's mind was definitely somewhere else.

It was beginning to annoy Hiei.

"Fox!" Hiei's voice was sharp enough to cut through Youko's distracted haze; he turned his amber gaze toward his friend.

"Yes?"

Hiei was watching him, irritated.

"What is wrong with you? You haven't been focused at all lately."

Kurama's tail swished slowly behind him as he narrowed his eyes.

"The ferry girl." He murmured softly. Hiei frowned.

"That's what's been occupying your mind? That was weeks ago. Why do your thoughts still liger upon her?"

"I want her." Youko said simply, shrugging.

Hiei growled.

"Why? She was just a stupid girl from Reikai."

Kurama eyed him coldly.

"I want her." He reiterated, adamant.

Hiei sighed.

"You won't be focused until you've got her?"

Youko shook his head 'no'.

"How do you plan on getting her, then?"

"I don't know…"

"You'd have to learn to see her, first. She'd be in spirit form were she to return to Maikai."

Youko frowned.

"She had a body last time."

"Obviously that was a special occasion. And her body was badly damaged anyway."

Hiei looked suspiciously around, then kicked the corpse closest to him.

"There's probably one close by right now, to gather these souls."

Youko looked up greedily.

"Do you think it's Botan?"

Hiei snorted.

"I don't know, I can't see spirits. But I know someone who can teach us." He eyed the kitsune closely. "If, of course, you're serious about wanting this ferry girl."

Youko stood slowly and grinned.

"Serious? Why, Hiei, you know I never jest!"

The koorime gazed upon him with a stoic expression. Youko laughed.

"Yes, I want the ferry girl. Take me to this person so I may learn to see her."

Hiei toyed with the hilt of his katana for a moment.

"Alright. But just why do you want her so badly? I have known you to desire women, of course, but never for longer than a night. And never to this degree of distraction."

Youko closed his eyes and smiled. The expression was not pleasant.

"I am not sure why I want the girl so badly. But I am not in the habit of denying myself anything, nor am I about to start." His golden eyes opened and fixed upon the sky. "If there is any way to get what I desire, then I shall find it." He turned again to his spiky haired friend.

"Come, we are finished here. Take me to this friend of yours."

Hiei scowled.

"I never said he was my friend. I just told you that I knew someone who could teach us to see spirits. I doubt he'll do it of his own free will, though." He smiled nastily at Youko. "We may have to use force."

Kurama grinned.

"Why, that is one of my favorite methods of manipulation."

Hiei laughed and darted off, sure the fox would follow.

~*~

Botan grimaced as a cool wind passed over her bare shoulders and pulled her light robe tighter. She raised her head, staring at the blue sky overhead and wishing with all her might that she were on her oar soaring through it. But, she was still recovering.

It had been several weeks since the disaster with Yakumo and the Apple of Discord. A good bit of time had passed since that cold blade had pierced her side and nearly killed her. Because of the shock she had felt nothing at first - but the adrenaline had soon worn off and the wound had become a fiery, gaping hole - seeping blood over her stomach, her knees, onto the ground only to pool about her…

She shuddered. That had not been the most pleasant evening of her existence.

And to add insult to injury, two demons had showed up to jeer at her as well! Botan squared her shoulders indignantly. Well, she'd shown them, hadn't she? After all, she'd been dying so there was no need to fear their threats.

Still… It had been disturbing, the two odd youkai threatening her and stepping back to watch her die. If it hadn't been for Casca…

Well, she didn't want to think of what would have happened had the demon not showed up to stop her bleeding and take her back to Koenma.

"Botan…"

She turned to face the owner of the soft voice. Ayame's cool dark eyes were staring sympathetically from the balcony entrance.

"You should be resting."

Botan frowned. She was fine, almost completely healed. The burning pain in her side had been reduced to a dull ache thanks to both Casca's quick thinking and Ayame's healing touch. Added to the fact that she'd spent the last couple of months in bed so that her mortal body could heal as naturally as possible (the best way, Koenma had insisted) - she was feeling quite restless.

"I'm alright, Ayame." She sighed, but walked toward her friend anyway. "I'm really just looking forward to getting back to work!" She joked, shooting the other girl a quirky grin.

Ayame smiled gently.

"You've been confined to bed for a while now, it's no wonder you can't wait to get back on the oar."

Botan grabbed a kimono from the pile of neatly folded clothes resting on a chair next to her bed.

"I'm ready whenever Koenma is, and that's the truth." She dressed quickly, Ayame helping her with the obi.

"If you say so…"

Botan turned and flashed the peace sign.

"Are you kidding? Get me back in the field!"

"Well, I must say that I'm glad you feel that way. Koenma would like to see you in his office as soon as possible."

Botan looked at her in surprise.

"Really? Do you think he's going to give me an assignment?"

Ayame shrugged, folding Botan's robe and placing it in the armoire.

"I don't know, why don't you go find out?" She gave her friend a small smile and Botan - needing no further incentive - raced out of the room.

~*~

Koenma paced silently on top of his desk, lifting his chubby toddler legs to step over random piles of documents that laid strewn on the wooden surface.

What did it mean? What was their reasoning?

He sucked thoughtfully on the pacifier in his mouth, his light brown eyes narrowing slightly.

After Casca's report a few months ago, he'd decided to keep a closer eye on the two demons that had threatened his deity. Both were well known in Maikai and their reputations proceeded into Reikai - especially into the official records.

Youko Kurama, the famed thief and Hiei, the bearer of the Jagan eye… They had teamed up several years ago and had immediately started going on killing sprees. Nothing to big or serious - not serious enough for the Reikai prince to start worrying over anyway. This pattern of random destruction (as contradictive as it sounds) had continued up until several weeks after Botan's attack. Then the two demons seemed to have faded into obscurity for a month or so - only to have returned very recently with a vengeance. They were slaughtering more now than ever, quicker too, as if they were working toward a goal.

Now it was starting to become worrisome. Every single ferry girl that he had assigned to Maikai was out right now, gathering the souls of Youko's and Hiei's victims. Unfortunately, Youko had staged another attack that morning and there were no ferry girls to spare. Ayame had a mission in Ningenkai this afternoon, she didn't have time to go and round up a hundred plus souls in Maikai. Which left him with only one option.

Botan.

Koenma felt tremendously guilty about sending her off to Maikai again so soon after her recovery, but there was no avoiding it.

"Koenma-sama?"

He looked up to see the bubbly blue haired ferry girl grinning happily at him.

"Botan! Come in, come in!"

She entered the room completely, closing the door behind her and approaching his desk. Koenma braced himself.

"Botan, I'm afraid I have-"

"A mission for me? Great!"

He face faulted. This was not the reaction he had expected.

"Well, erm, yes."

"Excellent! A chance to get out! Do you know how cooped up I've been feeling?!" She summoned her oar, vaulting up onto it and floating in front of his desk. She gave a mock salute and giggled. "Where to, captain?"

"Maikai."

Botan's smiled slipped slightly but she had plastered back in place before Koenma noticed. He handed her the coordinates and watched as she soared out the window, waving cheerily over her shoulder.

"She's such an… odd girl."

~*~

Youko grinned as his last victim fell to the earth, pleased as the life blood of the demon spilled over the grass, the red contrasting so nicely with the green.

Really, this should be considered an art form.

He retracted his rose whip, placing the seed into his hair once more and turning to survey his surroundings. There were bodies everywhere, copious amounts. He smirked. They wouldn't be able to ignore this for long, soon they'd have to send a ferry girl - or risk a few hundred lost souls. He only hoped that this time, they'd send the right ferry girl. He and Hiei had come back from their little sojourn a few days ago - greatly enlightened - and were making up for lost time. And Youko himself was eager, very eager to put his new talent to use. And luckily for the groveling little hermit who'd they'd visited - the trick worked. Youko could see spirit forms, and therefore, could begin to look for his deity. He started the best way he knew how - by killing everything in his path.

Unfortunately, Botan hadn't been sent to retrieve any of the souls. Very disappointing. But he'd keep it up until she came.

Hiei had decided not to join in the fun this morning, choosing instead to go someplace quite for meditation. Kurama snorted. Without his partner to gloat with, the whole blood shedding experience wasn't quite the same.

He sat comfortably in the underbrush, waiting for a ferry girl to arrive, and hoping it would be his.

~*~

Botan floated overhead, looking in horror at the scene below her. There were corpses everywhere! Blood stained an entire section of the forest. It was disgusting. She descended into the clearing, choosing to remain on her oar and float about. There were so many souls… It was going to take her forever to herd them all together.

She froze suddenly. She had the distinct feeling that she was being watched, which was impossible of course. She berated herself for being paranoid.

Out of the corner of her eye she saw a white blur - she recognized the demon from her trial with Yakumo. Had he done all this? What a monster. It was best to ignore him - since she was in her spirit form she knew she'd be safe from his harassment this time.

Youko, however, had other plans. He had seen her from his hiding place. At last, he had her.

A twig snapped behind the girl.

"Hello, Botan." Youko watched, grinning, as the blue haired deity turned to him. Surprised, her eyes narrowed.

"How… How can you see me?"

Kurama grinned. "It took practice." His eyes swept over her lithe form hungrily, noting with pleasure the white-knuckled grip she had on her oar. She was afraid, good.

She watched him for a moment, a light frown marring her lovely features. Youko slowly licked some of the blood off his fingers, chuckling at her look of disgust.

Botan turned away to continue her previous task of gathering the souls of the murdered youkai.

"Wait!" He called, leaping into a tree, so he was level with her. "Talk with me." He purred.

Botan edged her oar away from him, her eyes wary.

"I'm busy." She frowned, gesturing to the souls that were beginning to line up behind her.

Youko snorted.

"They're dead, they're not going anywhere until you say so." He smiled charmingly at her. "Talk with me." He repeated.

"I don't think so," she said, after a moments hesitation. She turned away once more, only to be interrupted by Kurama's gentle voice.

"Don't be rude, Botan. After all, I went through a lot of trouble to get you here."

Her head jerked toward him, her face confused. She should ignore him, she knew, but…

"What?"

"I staged this slaughter, hoping to draw you here. I've been wanting to see you since that day you knelt injured in the field." His canines glinted sharply in the sunlight.

Botan stared at him, shocked."

"You killed all of these demons just to bring me here?!"

"Yes."

Botan shook her head angrily. "You're sick." She turned, urging her oar away from the kitsune.

Youko growled, how dare she turn her back on him, after all the work he went through to make sure she came! He bared his teeth. He would have to punish her. He could almost taste her blood on his lips, hear her whimpers of fear.

Grinning, he leapt, his eyes widening in surprise as he passed through her and tumbled to the ground. He stood quickly, looking up at her in confusion.

Botan was looking down at him, blinking.

"What… How?"

She laughed at him, tossing her head back, her azure hair shining brightly.

Youko snarled and flexed his claws, itching to wrap his fingers around her graceful neck.

"Of course," he said, "you're insubstantial."

"Of course," she replied, her lips twitching upward, "spirit form."

He watched silently as she began to herd the confused souls together.

"Materialize your body." He called to her. She shot him a look like he was crazy.

"So you can attack me? No."

He smirked slowly at her. "Are you afraid of me?"

Botan decided not to answer, instead nudging the last soul into line. She prepared to leave.

"I'll do it again." Kurama called softly, but Botan heard him. She frowned, not looking at the thief.

"I'll slaughter everyone. Every demon in Maikai. I'll make you keep coming back until you become substantial for me."

Botan glared, her raspberry eyes finally fixing on him.

"What do you want?" She whispered.

Kurama's eyes darkened, his smile held promises of malice.

Botan paled drastically, she felt a shiver of fear make its way down her back.

"Leave me alone!" She tried to sound strong, but the effect of the demand was lost when her voice broke.

Youko laughed maniacally, his golden eyes holding the girl in place.

"I don't think so, my deity." He murmured softly. "You've managed to capture my interest."

"Lucky me." Botan snarled, clenching her oar tightly and hunching her shoulders.

Kurama smiled indulgently. "Perhaps. Perhaps not. It all depends."

"Depends on what?" She asked fearfully.

"On how much you resist, and," he purred, "how much you like pain." His eyes roamed her body slowly, Botan could almost feel his hands upon her… His claws raking across her skin…

"I promise not to hurt you as much if you come willingly." He cooed sweetly.

Botan felt herself tremble. This was ridiculous, she had no reason to fear him! He had no power over her.

"You can't touch me!" She said, firmly this time.

"Not yet." Youko grinned.

Botan took a shuddering breath.

"I'm leaving." She told him flatly. He nodded, folding his arms across his chest.

"I'll see you soon."

"Don't count on it!" She tossed over her shoulder as she began to fly away.

Youko chuckled.

"But I do."

His eyes followed her retreating figure possessively as she disappeared into the distance, the souls of his victims trailing behind her.

~*~

A.N.: Well, how's that for chapter two? My, aren't Hiei and Youko… Disturbing? ::Shivers:: Really, I have no idea what possessed me to write this stuff. Anyway, thank you all for reading! And if you are enjoying this then you are a sick, sick person. Thank you!