Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ If Anyone Falls ❯ First Impressions ( Chapter 1 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Kusara 
Anime/Manga: Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Action | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 09.01.2015 | Pages: 7 | Words: 4.8K | Visits: 467 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Action | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 09.01.2015 | Pages: 7 | Words: 4.8K | Visits: 467 | Status: Work In Progress
This story is based on the greatest anime series of all time, Yu
Yu Hakusho (at least I think so anyway!) I own no part or parcel of
YYH nor Studio Pierrot but if I did I would have continued it in
one of the many versions of stories I've written. This story will
be very Kurama and Botan centric (as if I would write for this
series in any other way) though all the usual players will be
involved. Unlike my other stories where the feelings are already
between the two, I am going to explore just how Kurama and Botan
grew to have feelings for each other. I may or may not break up the
work in arcs, just like the show, starting with the Kurama's theft
to save his mother. So do not worry, there will be several chapters
of KxB interaction as they progress from enemies, to acquaintances,
to friends, then eventually, to lovers. Anyway, onto the
story!
If Anyone Falls Chapter 1-First Impressions Kurama looked out the window of the hospital, emerald eyes focused on the rising moon, noting the brightness was waxing very close to its fullest form. His thoughts revolved around his mother who, having loved him so unconditionally, now lay dying in a hospital bed. Frustration filled him at his inability to help her. The former Makai thief had tried well enough to heal his beloved mother with various herbs and while it eased Shiori Minamino's pain, he could not cure her of her illness. When she had collapsed while the pair were out shopping for groceries, the kitsune had been so frightened that, in a panic, he had scooped her up and raced off to the nearest hospital. And now here his mother was, strapped to machines, weak and tired, fighting for life and all Kurama could do was watch her waste away. His helplessness gave way to more desperate emotion and he felt the cold fist of fear squeeze his heart and he rested his hand against his chest in an futile attempt to quell the growing despair that filled him. For he loved his mother and would do anything to keep her safe. Even if it meant stealing a dangerous artifact from the vault of Reikai. Hiei had come to him a few days prior, asking for his help in devising a plan to steal three great artifacts from Lord Enma's vault in Spirit World. Had he not been desperate to save his mother, the kitsune would of declined but when the fire demon had mentioned the Forlorn Hope, Kurama knew his mother's salvation resided within the power of the enchanted mirror. So he had assisted his friend and another demon named Goki in their theft, breaking out of the alliance and escaping before the Spirit Detective called Yusuke Urameshi could stop him. Yet he felt a need to explain his situation and a determined look grew upon the teenage boy's features and he backed away from the window, going to his mother's side, leaning down to kiss her forehead. “Rest, mother. I will be back to see you soon.” He whispered, exiting the room, heading down the hallway, trying to ignore the scent of death and disinfectant that permeated the air as he entered the elevator, leaving the hospital to head out into the city, using his power to passively search for the detective, surprised to find him within a crowd of people walking down the well lit sidewalk. His gaze remained straight ahead, spying the dark haired boy leaning against a walking stick. And from the looks of him, he's had a rough go of it. He thought in mild amusement. His eyes shifted to the blue haired girl helping the detective to walk, unable to help himself from admiring the beauty of her face. Well now, that is rather interesting.She must be an assistant of Yusuke's. He slowly walked past the pair, sensing the detective and the girl tense and he sent out reassuringly, Relax, detective. I mean you no harm. I do not wish to fight you. But if you would do me a favor and give me three days, I will gladly return the Forlorn Hope to you and suffer whatever punishment that entails. Kurama continued on, smiling a bit at their reaction, true to his word of not wanting to fight though he silently followed the pair back to an apartment complex, watching as the girl patched up the detective, reading their lips as they spoke about him. He learned that the female's name was Botan and he smiled despite himself. Peony is it? An appropriate name for a beautiful girl. He thought, his smile falling, his features tightening a bit at the girl's insistence that the fox spirit was up to no good, warning the dark haired boy of the dangers of the Forlorn Hope and its need to be used when the moon was at it's fullest. Why does it bother me what the girl thinks of me? He wondered, shaking his head, frowning in irritation at the sudden nonsensical concern he felt, disappearing from view, returning home to prepare for the school day. Three days passed and the red head waited outside of Sarayashiki Junior High, asking the nearest student if he could find Yusuke Urameshi, leaning against the gate wall until the younger boy came out to meet him. “Good afternoon, detective.” “Kurama?” Yusuke murmured, surprised to find the demon outside his school. “What are you doing here?” The older boy was nonplussed at the detective's simple mindedness, used to it when dealing with humans as he replied, “The three days are up and I wondered if you would follow me. There is something I need to show you.” The detective tilted his head, studying the teen before him. Kurama seemed to be a contradiction. He looked gentle and calm, his features were of the pretty boy variety that many of the ladies would drool over but there was something under the surface of that facade that was strong and deadly. Yusuke had no doubt that Kurama would be a very tough opponent to face or defeat. And besides, even if it were a trap, it got him out of school which was all the better. “Is that right? Okay... let's get out of here and we can talk about what it is you want to show me.” Kurama smiled and walked forward, waving the detective to follow, leading him into town and the pair stopped before a large building. “A hospital?” Yusuke murmured, looking over to the red head in surprise before narrowing his eyes a bit, growling out. “You trying to tell me something, Kurama?” The taller boy chuckled softly despite the seriousness of the situation. “No, detective. Follow me and I'll show you why I need the mirror so badly.” Yusuke blinked but entered the building, riding the elevator to the fifth floor, wrinkling his nose at the strong smell of disinfectant, watching as Kurama entered room 501, the name Minamino, Shiori visible underneath the numbers and he quirked an eyebrow as he saw the red head rush over to help a dark haired woman rise to a sitting position. “Mother! You shouldn't push your self! Let me help you.” Mother?! Yusuke thought incredulously looking between the demon and the human female, frowning at the deep scars that lined the woman's arms. “I'm alright Shuichi, dear. I'm actually feeling okay today,” Her brown eyes shifted over Kurama's shoulder, surprise in her face as she smiled. “It's been a long time since you brought a friend to visit. Hello, I'm Shiori Minamino.” Yusuke blinked and gathered himself enough to give a slight smile. “Nice to meet you. I'm Yusuke Urameshi.” Shiori smiled, turning her attention back to Kurama when he spoke, “Would you like me to peel an apple for you?” “No, that's alright. I'm not hungry, Shuichi.” “But if you don't eat something, you'll never get better,” Kurama chided gently, speaking in soft tones with his mother, stopping only when an older man entered the room. He rose, pushing his emotions down, a calm look upon his face once more as he turned to address the dark haired male. “Good evening, Kazuya.” The older man smiled, voice and features friendly. “Good evening, Shuichi. How is Shiori doing this evening?” “She says she feels better but I believe she will truly feel better visiting you,” Kurama answered, looking over to his mother one last time. “I'll leave you two alone for a while.” He exited the room, making a follow me motion with his head and the detective followed. The pair took the stairs to the rooftop of the school, the last rays of light bursting like fire in the sky, giving off a reddish glow as the sun sunk down towards the horizon. A steady breeze swirled in the air, tugging at the bed sheets that hung on the clothesline that littered the rooftop. Chain link fence surrounded the entirety of the roof and Kurama looked off in the distance, his voice even but soft as he began to speak. “Shuichi Minamino is my human name. The woman, as you already know, is my human mother, Shiori. My father died while I was very young and I have no memory of him,” He paused, guilt welling in his heart as he thought back to the start of his human life. “For 15 years I have been living in Ningenkai and for 15 years my mother has taken care of me, unaware of the truth of who and what I am.” Yusuke listened, confusion on his face. “I'm not really following.” The red head sighed inwardly but remained even in his tone as he explained. “My truest name is Youko. I was a demon fox with the ability to break wards and by use of stealth and cunning steal priceless and ancient treasures and artifacts. I lived for the challenge of breaking codes and puzzles and in my long life as a youkai, I grew bored. I yearned for a real challenge and in my mistake, chose the wrong item to go after. In my carelessness I was chased and mortally wounded by a Reikai hunter and I fled to Human World, taking up residence in the unborn child of a human woman. That woman, Shiori, became my mother. My original plan was to return to Makai in the ten years it would take for my human body to become fully demon but I...” He paused, voice becoming a bit softer, allowing a bit of his tightly controlled emotion to seep through the walls around his heart and mind. “I grew to care for my mother. She had sacrificed much for my sake, her love of me moving my heart and I could not abide leaving her side. And now she is very ill and I have been unable to heal her with my power or my herbs. In my desperation, I agreed to help Hiei to steal the artifacts, but unlike the other two, my reason was to save, not to harm. I know the true power of the Forlorn Hope. I know it will grant the user's greatest desire and that desire for me is to heal my mother, ” He took out the mirror, looking up and over to Yusuke. “Did you know that in some species, the offspring eat their mother?” He paused, studying the detective, voice nearly pleading as he spoke, “Please allow me to use the mirror. I will accept whatever punishment Reikai sentences me to so long as my mother is safe and well.” Yusuke frowned, still confused as he asked, “Why would a demon do that for a human?” “I don't know,” Kurama answered, “Perhaps it is because I feel great guilt at the deception I've continued to perpetuate, perhaps it's because I feel like I am one of those monsters that devour their mother. I have caused her great pain. I know it has been hard, raising a child who thinks you are inferior. I think, in a way, I broke her spirit, and have caused her to become ill. I owe so much to her and I have no other way of rectifying my mistakes but to use the mirror to make her well again.” “That's great and all, but why are you telling me this?” Yusuke asked in confusion. Kurama gave a soft sound of a laugh. “So that someone would know and understand why I chose to do what I did. Besides.... I felt that you would trust me..” The door opened to the rooftop and the two boys turned, Kurama frowning at the sight of Kazuya in the entryway. “Shuichi, hurry! You're mother has gone into a coma!” The red head gasped, rushing over and down the stairway, tearing into the room, sliding to a stop as a group of doctors checked on his mother. Machines blinked and beeped, the pumping noise of oxygen in a steady hum met the kitsune's ears and his eyes focused on his mother, a wave of fear slamming into him as he tried to keep his mask of reserve in place. “We're very sorry, Shuichi, but your mother is at a critical stage. Her body is already starting to shut down and it's only a matter of hours now before she dies.” He barely heard anything the doctor said, desperation clutching his heart as he headed back up the stairs, the glow of the moon at it's zenith and he took out the Forlorn Hope. “I have no choice. I must use this now.” Yusuke studied the red head. “I know you have to give something to the mirror in return for the wish to be granted. Do you have any idea what that something could be?” “Yes,” Kurama answered, “Life,” He crouched down, voice determined and strong as he called out, “Forlorn Hope! Grant my wish! Reflect my greatest desire!” Black bolts of energy shot up as the mirror came to life, the image of a healthy Shiori appearing on the glass surface. “You wish for the happiness of this woman. Is that your greatest desire?” A deep masculine voice asked. “It is.” “Wait a minute!” Yusuke shouted, troubled chocolate orbs staring down at the older boy. “Isn't there some other way you could do this?” “There is not.” Kurama replied, his gaze fixated on the glowing mirror. “To grant this wish, you must give your life in exchange. Is that what you desire?” “If it will heal my mother, then yes, I do.” Kurama answered, the power of the mirror pulsating now, tugging at the red head's hair, the light illuminating the resolve in his features. “Then your wish shall be fulfilled.” Black electrical current lashed out at the kitsune, pain spreading around the entirety of Kurama's body and he grit his teeth, closing his eyes, accepting his fate. I do this for you, mother. He thought, his mind reliving the past 15 years of his life living in human world. He would miss the blue sky and the gardens he'd planted in the backyard. He would miss the food and the entertainment. Most of all, he would miss being close to his mother. He would miss her laughter and her smile. It is better this way. He thought sadly, a pang in his heart even as he began to lose his life energy. I am a burden that she should not have to bear. She has Kazuya now. He will be able to take care of her and make her smile and happy. I have only brought her grief and misery. I deserve to die for my transgressions. “No!” Yusuke shouted, crouching down as well, reaching out, absorbing some of the bolts of energy and Kurama frowned, opening his eyes. “Why are you doing this?!” Kurama gritted out through the pain. “It is my wish to die, you should not have to suffer for this!” “What is the point of saving your mother if she dies from the heartbreak of losing her only son?!” Yusuke countered, resolve on his face as he continued, “I've seen the pain of losing a child in a mother's eyes and I don't want to see it again! Mirror take my life as well!” An explosion of ki erupted up and out, knocking the two boys to the ground, the light fading as the mirror spoke. “For your noble sacrifice, I took half of your life energies, the wish has been fulfilled.” The air grew silent and still, the light dissipating, revealing the the unconscious forms of Yusuke and Kurama. The kitsune awoke first, pushing off the ground, blinking in surprise. “I'm alive. Then that means... Mother!” He jumped up, heading down the stairs and into Shiori's room, tears in his eyes at the sight of her awake and upright. The color had returned to her skin, her eyes bright and alive once more and he rushed to her side, gently taking her hands in his own. He only half heard the shock of surprise from the doctors at the instant change in his mother's health. “Shuichi....” She whispered, smiling up at her son, tears in her eyes and joy in her features and Kurama could not help but react in a similar manner. “Mother.... I'm here... you're going to be fine now, I promise.” He sung softly, not caring at that moment if anyone saw the tears that threatened to fall. Kurama spend the next 20 minutes holding his mother's hand and visiting with her before he at last remembered the detective and he excused himself, heading back up to the rooftop, wanting to make sure Yusuke was alright, surprise reflected in his emerald orbs at the sight that met his view. Instead of the dark haired boy, the kitsune found the blue haired girl studying him with cautious eyes. She was dressed in a pink kimono and as he slowly walked towards her, he could sense a tenseness in her body, a slight flare of ki surrounding the girl and he now knew exactly who and what she was. A ferry girl of Reikai. Of course. He thought, smiling inwardly. That would explain why Botan was helping Yusuke. “Good evening, Miss,” Kurama began in a soft tone, his features impassive and his body language non-threatening as he stopped a few feet from the deity. “I mean you no harm. I merely returned here to make sure Yusuke was alright. He is alright, is he not?” Botan studied the red head as he approached her, watching for any sign that he might rush her or try to harm her but when no threat presented himself, she relaxed a bit, lowering her defenses, nodding at his question. “Yusuke's fine. A little tired but nothing he can't handle.” “Then I take it there is something you wish to discuss personally with me?” There was something in his tone that made her blush and she frowned. The teenage boy in front of her was very handsome, angelic almost, and that she felt an initial attraction to him was only natural. After all, just because she was a grim reaper ferrying souls to Reikai didn't mean she didn't have the heart and feelings of other females. She enjoyed looking at men as much as any other girl. And Kurama was lovely to look at. Still, she was more than just base desires and the deity straightened her frame, voice more business like as she answered, “As you well know, theft of Reikai property cannot go unpunished, even though you returned the item willingly.” “I figured there would be a reckoning for my actions,” Kurama replied. “So what is it Koenma wants from me?” The surprise in the girl's eyes and features made the kitsune inwardly chuckle. He found her expressions cute for some reason, though he kept his amusement to himself, his features impassive as he waited patiently for the lady to answer. “Because you were willing to give your life for your mother's and you used the artifact for that purpose and that purpose alone, Lord Koenma believes you should not be punished harshly. If there arises a need in a future in which you could help Yusuke, Koenma requests that you assist the detective.” She explained, watching the boy more intensely than perhaps she should have. It was hard to gauge what kind of man Kurama was. Spirit World intelligence had nothing on this red haired youkai. He was mysterious and puzzling to her. That he had power was evident in the ki she could sense from him. She had no doubt that if he wanted to, he could do great harm. But his willingness to sacrifice his life for the health of his mother spoke of a deep love that transcended the truth of what the boy was. She had never heard of a youkai that cared for a human the way this teenager did for his mother. You are truly a different type of being, aren't you, Kurama? Kurama kept still, smirking inwardly a bit at the way the girl's gaze lingered on him. Though he had locked his heart to keep it safe and those he cared about safe, he was still a man and not immune to the beauty or the effects of being ogled, however innocent it might be. Besides, there were worse punishments than working beside a beautiful woman in the form of the ferry girl and a powerful ally in Yusuke. “Very well. Whenever you have need of me, call and I will come to your aid.” “You mean Yusuke's aid, right?” Botan asked, even though she felt silly at her own question. “Did I?” Kurama answered, a slight teasing tone in his voice, amused at the blush that spread on the deity's features. Botan cleared her throat, wondering why she was so easily affected by his voice . “Yes, well... I'll make sure to get in touch with you when Yusuke needs some help.” Kurama nodded his manner and voice polite though there was a bit of a twinkle in his eye as he replied, “I look forward to our next meeting, miss...” His words trail off, studying her with an expectant look, which the deity picked up on, features sheepish. “Sorry... I forgot to introduce myself... Botan...” She answered with a smile, blinking when Kurama held out his hand to her. “It is nice to meet you, Botan. I am Shuichi Minamino, though you may call me Kurama.” She studied his hand, reaching out to place her hand in his, finding she liked his touch and the warmth of his skin against hers and the way he shook her hand was careful, as if he was afraid of hurting her. “I like your name, Shuichi... I mean, Kurama. It is nice to meet you as well...” Kurama shook her hand gently, not wanting to scare or harm her in any way. She had some healing ability, he could tell by the power that radiated through her fingers, and there was a spark of something else that he could not quite place and he found himself reluctant to let go of her hand but he slowly released his hold, backing up a bit. Disappointment flashed across the ferry girl's face at the loss of his touch, brow furrowing when she felt something in her palm and she turned her hand, opening it, surprised to find a small blue seed in the center. “What is this?” She asked, curiosity in her voice as she lifted her gaze to look at the red head. “It is a seed for Paeonia sterniana. A rare flower that grows only at high altitudes.” He replied softly. “It should bloom in Spirit World without any issues.” “So it's a flower then?” “Yes... a peony...” Botan studied him in surprise. Her name meant peony. So how did he know that was my name? I just now introduced myself properly. Was it possible he could read minds as well as talk telepathically? Oh no... I hope he didn't hear what I was thinking earlier! “I... that is..” She started then stopped, blinking when the boy chuckled softly at her. “What?” “Nothing... it's just... your surprise is kind of cute... that's all...” “Cute?” She squeaked out, earning another chuckle from the kitsune and she glared up at him. “Sorry...” He replied, holding up his hands in a placating gesture, his features turning reserved once more. “I just wanted to give you something that would make you smile. But if you do not wish to have the seed, I can take it back...” “No!” She said more quickly than she intended, closing her hand tightly around the seed, clearing her throat and relaxing a bit, a happy smile now upon her lips. “That is.. I thank you for the gift. I do love flowers.. Especially ones I was named after.” “I am glad to hear it. I, too, dabble in a bit of gardening...” He replied with a straight face as he watched the deity raise her left hand, an oar materializing in the air. “I would like to see your plants sometime, Kurama. I bet they are beautiful.” She said softly, tucking the seed behind her obi. She favored him with an amiable smile as she slid sideways onto her oar. “I should go now but I will inform Koenma of your answer and I will be sure to get in touch with you when Yusuke needs some extra help.” She floated up a bit, stopping her ascent to add, “I am happy that your mother will be alright. Goodbye, Kurama.” Her last words touched him and he held up his hand slowly. “Goodbye, Botan, and thank you.” Kurama said softly, watching her rise slowly into the sky, lowering his arm when she was out of sight, confusion marring his features at the worry that awoke in his heart at possibly never seeing her again. What is wrong with me? He wondered shaking his head as he forced his feelings down past the walls that contained his emotion, in control of himself once more, though he still wondered if and when he would hear from the deity again.
Okay, first chapter and first interactions completed. In case anyone wondered, I used the manga version for the most part in which it was Kazuya, Shiori's boyfriend, that visited with and went up to the roof to retrieve Kurama instead of a nurse like the anime. I know it's a bit slow with the KxB stuff, but there will be more interaction in the following chapters which will depend on reviews. So if you want me to continue, review and let me know.
If Anyone Falls Chapter 1-First Impressions Kurama looked out the window of the hospital, emerald eyes focused on the rising moon, noting the brightness was waxing very close to its fullest form. His thoughts revolved around his mother who, having loved him so unconditionally, now lay dying in a hospital bed. Frustration filled him at his inability to help her. The former Makai thief had tried well enough to heal his beloved mother with various herbs and while it eased Shiori Minamino's pain, he could not cure her of her illness. When she had collapsed while the pair were out shopping for groceries, the kitsune had been so frightened that, in a panic, he had scooped her up and raced off to the nearest hospital. And now here his mother was, strapped to machines, weak and tired, fighting for life and all Kurama could do was watch her waste away. His helplessness gave way to more desperate emotion and he felt the cold fist of fear squeeze his heart and he rested his hand against his chest in an futile attempt to quell the growing despair that filled him. For he loved his mother and would do anything to keep her safe. Even if it meant stealing a dangerous artifact from the vault of Reikai. Hiei had come to him a few days prior, asking for his help in devising a plan to steal three great artifacts from Lord Enma's vault in Spirit World. Had he not been desperate to save his mother, the kitsune would of declined but when the fire demon had mentioned the Forlorn Hope, Kurama knew his mother's salvation resided within the power of the enchanted mirror. So he had assisted his friend and another demon named Goki in their theft, breaking out of the alliance and escaping before the Spirit Detective called Yusuke Urameshi could stop him. Yet he felt a need to explain his situation and a determined look grew upon the teenage boy's features and he backed away from the window, going to his mother's side, leaning down to kiss her forehead. “Rest, mother. I will be back to see you soon.” He whispered, exiting the room, heading down the hallway, trying to ignore the scent of death and disinfectant that permeated the air as he entered the elevator, leaving the hospital to head out into the city, using his power to passively search for the detective, surprised to find him within a crowd of people walking down the well lit sidewalk. His gaze remained straight ahead, spying the dark haired boy leaning against a walking stick. And from the looks of him, he's had a rough go of it. He thought in mild amusement. His eyes shifted to the blue haired girl helping the detective to walk, unable to help himself from admiring the beauty of her face. Well now, that is rather interesting.She must be an assistant of Yusuke's. He slowly walked past the pair, sensing the detective and the girl tense and he sent out reassuringly, Relax, detective. I mean you no harm. I do not wish to fight you. But if you would do me a favor and give me three days, I will gladly return the Forlorn Hope to you and suffer whatever punishment that entails. Kurama continued on, smiling a bit at their reaction, true to his word of not wanting to fight though he silently followed the pair back to an apartment complex, watching as the girl patched up the detective, reading their lips as they spoke about him. He learned that the female's name was Botan and he smiled despite himself. Peony is it? An appropriate name for a beautiful girl. He thought, his smile falling, his features tightening a bit at the girl's insistence that the fox spirit was up to no good, warning the dark haired boy of the dangers of the Forlorn Hope and its need to be used when the moon was at it's fullest. Why does it bother me what the girl thinks of me? He wondered, shaking his head, frowning in irritation at the sudden nonsensical concern he felt, disappearing from view, returning home to prepare for the school day. Three days passed and the red head waited outside of Sarayashiki Junior High, asking the nearest student if he could find Yusuke Urameshi, leaning against the gate wall until the younger boy came out to meet him. “Good afternoon, detective.” “Kurama?” Yusuke murmured, surprised to find the demon outside his school. “What are you doing here?” The older boy was nonplussed at the detective's simple mindedness, used to it when dealing with humans as he replied, “The three days are up and I wondered if you would follow me. There is something I need to show you.” The detective tilted his head, studying the teen before him. Kurama seemed to be a contradiction. He looked gentle and calm, his features were of the pretty boy variety that many of the ladies would drool over but there was something under the surface of that facade that was strong and deadly. Yusuke had no doubt that Kurama would be a very tough opponent to face or defeat. And besides, even if it were a trap, it got him out of school which was all the better. “Is that right? Okay... let's get out of here and we can talk about what it is you want to show me.” Kurama smiled and walked forward, waving the detective to follow, leading him into town and the pair stopped before a large building. “A hospital?” Yusuke murmured, looking over to the red head in surprise before narrowing his eyes a bit, growling out. “You trying to tell me something, Kurama?” The taller boy chuckled softly despite the seriousness of the situation. “No, detective. Follow me and I'll show you why I need the mirror so badly.” Yusuke blinked but entered the building, riding the elevator to the fifth floor, wrinkling his nose at the strong smell of disinfectant, watching as Kurama entered room 501, the name Minamino, Shiori visible underneath the numbers and he quirked an eyebrow as he saw the red head rush over to help a dark haired woman rise to a sitting position. “Mother! You shouldn't push your self! Let me help you.” Mother?! Yusuke thought incredulously looking between the demon and the human female, frowning at the deep scars that lined the woman's arms. “I'm alright Shuichi, dear. I'm actually feeling okay today,” Her brown eyes shifted over Kurama's shoulder, surprise in her face as she smiled. “It's been a long time since you brought a friend to visit. Hello, I'm Shiori Minamino.” Yusuke blinked and gathered himself enough to give a slight smile. “Nice to meet you. I'm Yusuke Urameshi.” Shiori smiled, turning her attention back to Kurama when he spoke, “Would you like me to peel an apple for you?” “No, that's alright. I'm not hungry, Shuichi.” “But if you don't eat something, you'll never get better,” Kurama chided gently, speaking in soft tones with his mother, stopping only when an older man entered the room. He rose, pushing his emotions down, a calm look upon his face once more as he turned to address the dark haired male. “Good evening, Kazuya.” The older man smiled, voice and features friendly. “Good evening, Shuichi. How is Shiori doing this evening?” “She says she feels better but I believe she will truly feel better visiting you,” Kurama answered, looking over to his mother one last time. “I'll leave you two alone for a while.” He exited the room, making a follow me motion with his head and the detective followed. The pair took the stairs to the rooftop of the school, the last rays of light bursting like fire in the sky, giving off a reddish glow as the sun sunk down towards the horizon. A steady breeze swirled in the air, tugging at the bed sheets that hung on the clothesline that littered the rooftop. Chain link fence surrounded the entirety of the roof and Kurama looked off in the distance, his voice even but soft as he began to speak. “Shuichi Minamino is my human name. The woman, as you already know, is my human mother, Shiori. My father died while I was very young and I have no memory of him,” He paused, guilt welling in his heart as he thought back to the start of his human life. “For 15 years I have been living in Ningenkai and for 15 years my mother has taken care of me, unaware of the truth of who and what I am.” Yusuke listened, confusion on his face. “I'm not really following.” The red head sighed inwardly but remained even in his tone as he explained. “My truest name is Youko. I was a demon fox with the ability to break wards and by use of stealth and cunning steal priceless and ancient treasures and artifacts. I lived for the challenge of breaking codes and puzzles and in my long life as a youkai, I grew bored. I yearned for a real challenge and in my mistake, chose the wrong item to go after. In my carelessness I was chased and mortally wounded by a Reikai hunter and I fled to Human World, taking up residence in the unborn child of a human woman. That woman, Shiori, became my mother. My original plan was to return to Makai in the ten years it would take for my human body to become fully demon but I...” He paused, voice becoming a bit softer, allowing a bit of his tightly controlled emotion to seep through the walls around his heart and mind. “I grew to care for my mother. She had sacrificed much for my sake, her love of me moving my heart and I could not abide leaving her side. And now she is very ill and I have been unable to heal her with my power or my herbs. In my desperation, I agreed to help Hiei to steal the artifacts, but unlike the other two, my reason was to save, not to harm. I know the true power of the Forlorn Hope. I know it will grant the user's greatest desire and that desire for me is to heal my mother, ” He took out the mirror, looking up and over to Yusuke. “Did you know that in some species, the offspring eat their mother?” He paused, studying the detective, voice nearly pleading as he spoke, “Please allow me to use the mirror. I will accept whatever punishment Reikai sentences me to so long as my mother is safe and well.” Yusuke frowned, still confused as he asked, “Why would a demon do that for a human?” “I don't know,” Kurama answered, “Perhaps it is because I feel great guilt at the deception I've continued to perpetuate, perhaps it's because I feel like I am one of those monsters that devour their mother. I have caused her great pain. I know it has been hard, raising a child who thinks you are inferior. I think, in a way, I broke her spirit, and have caused her to become ill. I owe so much to her and I have no other way of rectifying my mistakes but to use the mirror to make her well again.” “That's great and all, but why are you telling me this?” Yusuke asked in confusion. Kurama gave a soft sound of a laugh. “So that someone would know and understand why I chose to do what I did. Besides.... I felt that you would trust me..” The door opened to the rooftop and the two boys turned, Kurama frowning at the sight of Kazuya in the entryway. “Shuichi, hurry! You're mother has gone into a coma!” The red head gasped, rushing over and down the stairway, tearing into the room, sliding to a stop as a group of doctors checked on his mother. Machines blinked and beeped, the pumping noise of oxygen in a steady hum met the kitsune's ears and his eyes focused on his mother, a wave of fear slamming into him as he tried to keep his mask of reserve in place. “We're very sorry, Shuichi, but your mother is at a critical stage. Her body is already starting to shut down and it's only a matter of hours now before she dies.” He barely heard anything the doctor said, desperation clutching his heart as he headed back up the stairs, the glow of the moon at it's zenith and he took out the Forlorn Hope. “I have no choice. I must use this now.” Yusuke studied the red head. “I know you have to give something to the mirror in return for the wish to be granted. Do you have any idea what that something could be?” “Yes,” Kurama answered, “Life,” He crouched down, voice determined and strong as he called out, “Forlorn Hope! Grant my wish! Reflect my greatest desire!” Black bolts of energy shot up as the mirror came to life, the image of a healthy Shiori appearing on the glass surface. “You wish for the happiness of this woman. Is that your greatest desire?” A deep masculine voice asked. “It is.” “Wait a minute!” Yusuke shouted, troubled chocolate orbs staring down at the older boy. “Isn't there some other way you could do this?” “There is not.” Kurama replied, his gaze fixated on the glowing mirror. “To grant this wish, you must give your life in exchange. Is that what you desire?” “If it will heal my mother, then yes, I do.” Kurama answered, the power of the mirror pulsating now, tugging at the red head's hair, the light illuminating the resolve in his features. “Then your wish shall be fulfilled.” Black electrical current lashed out at the kitsune, pain spreading around the entirety of Kurama's body and he grit his teeth, closing his eyes, accepting his fate. I do this for you, mother. He thought, his mind reliving the past 15 years of his life living in human world. He would miss the blue sky and the gardens he'd planted in the backyard. He would miss the food and the entertainment. Most of all, he would miss being close to his mother. He would miss her laughter and her smile. It is better this way. He thought sadly, a pang in his heart even as he began to lose his life energy. I am a burden that she should not have to bear. She has Kazuya now. He will be able to take care of her and make her smile and happy. I have only brought her grief and misery. I deserve to die for my transgressions. “No!” Yusuke shouted, crouching down as well, reaching out, absorbing some of the bolts of energy and Kurama frowned, opening his eyes. “Why are you doing this?!” Kurama gritted out through the pain. “It is my wish to die, you should not have to suffer for this!” “What is the point of saving your mother if she dies from the heartbreak of losing her only son?!” Yusuke countered, resolve on his face as he continued, “I've seen the pain of losing a child in a mother's eyes and I don't want to see it again! Mirror take my life as well!” An explosion of ki erupted up and out, knocking the two boys to the ground, the light fading as the mirror spoke. “For your noble sacrifice, I took half of your life energies, the wish has been fulfilled.” The air grew silent and still, the light dissipating, revealing the the unconscious forms of Yusuke and Kurama. The kitsune awoke first, pushing off the ground, blinking in surprise. “I'm alive. Then that means... Mother!” He jumped up, heading down the stairs and into Shiori's room, tears in his eyes at the sight of her awake and upright. The color had returned to her skin, her eyes bright and alive once more and he rushed to her side, gently taking her hands in his own. He only half heard the shock of surprise from the doctors at the instant change in his mother's health. “Shuichi....” She whispered, smiling up at her son, tears in her eyes and joy in her features and Kurama could not help but react in a similar manner. “Mother.... I'm here... you're going to be fine now, I promise.” He sung softly, not caring at that moment if anyone saw the tears that threatened to fall. Kurama spend the next 20 minutes holding his mother's hand and visiting with her before he at last remembered the detective and he excused himself, heading back up to the rooftop, wanting to make sure Yusuke was alright, surprise reflected in his emerald orbs at the sight that met his view. Instead of the dark haired boy, the kitsune found the blue haired girl studying him with cautious eyes. She was dressed in a pink kimono and as he slowly walked towards her, he could sense a tenseness in her body, a slight flare of ki surrounding the girl and he now knew exactly who and what she was. A ferry girl of Reikai. Of course. He thought, smiling inwardly. That would explain why Botan was helping Yusuke. “Good evening, Miss,” Kurama began in a soft tone, his features impassive and his body language non-threatening as he stopped a few feet from the deity. “I mean you no harm. I merely returned here to make sure Yusuke was alright. He is alright, is he not?” Botan studied the red head as he approached her, watching for any sign that he might rush her or try to harm her but when no threat presented himself, she relaxed a bit, lowering her defenses, nodding at his question. “Yusuke's fine. A little tired but nothing he can't handle.” “Then I take it there is something you wish to discuss personally with me?” There was something in his tone that made her blush and she frowned. The teenage boy in front of her was very handsome, angelic almost, and that she felt an initial attraction to him was only natural. After all, just because she was a grim reaper ferrying souls to Reikai didn't mean she didn't have the heart and feelings of other females. She enjoyed looking at men as much as any other girl. And Kurama was lovely to look at. Still, she was more than just base desires and the deity straightened her frame, voice more business like as she answered, “As you well know, theft of Reikai property cannot go unpunished, even though you returned the item willingly.” “I figured there would be a reckoning for my actions,” Kurama replied. “So what is it Koenma wants from me?” The surprise in the girl's eyes and features made the kitsune inwardly chuckle. He found her expressions cute for some reason, though he kept his amusement to himself, his features impassive as he waited patiently for the lady to answer. “Because you were willing to give your life for your mother's and you used the artifact for that purpose and that purpose alone, Lord Koenma believes you should not be punished harshly. If there arises a need in a future in which you could help Yusuke, Koenma requests that you assist the detective.” She explained, watching the boy more intensely than perhaps she should have. It was hard to gauge what kind of man Kurama was. Spirit World intelligence had nothing on this red haired youkai. He was mysterious and puzzling to her. That he had power was evident in the ki she could sense from him. She had no doubt that if he wanted to, he could do great harm. But his willingness to sacrifice his life for the health of his mother spoke of a deep love that transcended the truth of what the boy was. She had never heard of a youkai that cared for a human the way this teenager did for his mother. You are truly a different type of being, aren't you, Kurama? Kurama kept still, smirking inwardly a bit at the way the girl's gaze lingered on him. Though he had locked his heart to keep it safe and those he cared about safe, he was still a man and not immune to the beauty or the effects of being ogled, however innocent it might be. Besides, there were worse punishments than working beside a beautiful woman in the form of the ferry girl and a powerful ally in Yusuke. “Very well. Whenever you have need of me, call and I will come to your aid.” “You mean Yusuke's aid, right?” Botan asked, even though she felt silly at her own question. “Did I?” Kurama answered, a slight teasing tone in his voice, amused at the blush that spread on the deity's features. Botan cleared her throat, wondering why she was so easily affected by his voice . “Yes, well... I'll make sure to get in touch with you when Yusuke needs some help.” Kurama nodded his manner and voice polite though there was a bit of a twinkle in his eye as he replied, “I look forward to our next meeting, miss...” His words trail off, studying her with an expectant look, which the deity picked up on, features sheepish. “Sorry... I forgot to introduce myself... Botan...” She answered with a smile, blinking when Kurama held out his hand to her. “It is nice to meet you, Botan. I am Shuichi Minamino, though you may call me Kurama.” She studied his hand, reaching out to place her hand in his, finding she liked his touch and the warmth of his skin against hers and the way he shook her hand was careful, as if he was afraid of hurting her. “I like your name, Shuichi... I mean, Kurama. It is nice to meet you as well...” Kurama shook her hand gently, not wanting to scare or harm her in any way. She had some healing ability, he could tell by the power that radiated through her fingers, and there was a spark of something else that he could not quite place and he found himself reluctant to let go of her hand but he slowly released his hold, backing up a bit. Disappointment flashed across the ferry girl's face at the loss of his touch, brow furrowing when she felt something in her palm and she turned her hand, opening it, surprised to find a small blue seed in the center. “What is this?” She asked, curiosity in her voice as she lifted her gaze to look at the red head. “It is a seed for Paeonia sterniana. A rare flower that grows only at high altitudes.” He replied softly. “It should bloom in Spirit World without any issues.” “So it's a flower then?” “Yes... a peony...” Botan studied him in surprise. Her name meant peony. So how did he know that was my name? I just now introduced myself properly. Was it possible he could read minds as well as talk telepathically? Oh no... I hope he didn't hear what I was thinking earlier! “I... that is..” She started then stopped, blinking when the boy chuckled softly at her. “What?” “Nothing... it's just... your surprise is kind of cute... that's all...” “Cute?” She squeaked out, earning another chuckle from the kitsune and she glared up at him. “Sorry...” He replied, holding up his hands in a placating gesture, his features turning reserved once more. “I just wanted to give you something that would make you smile. But if you do not wish to have the seed, I can take it back...” “No!” She said more quickly than she intended, closing her hand tightly around the seed, clearing her throat and relaxing a bit, a happy smile now upon her lips. “That is.. I thank you for the gift. I do love flowers.. Especially ones I was named after.” “I am glad to hear it. I, too, dabble in a bit of gardening...” He replied with a straight face as he watched the deity raise her left hand, an oar materializing in the air. “I would like to see your plants sometime, Kurama. I bet they are beautiful.” She said softly, tucking the seed behind her obi. She favored him with an amiable smile as she slid sideways onto her oar. “I should go now but I will inform Koenma of your answer and I will be sure to get in touch with you when Yusuke needs some extra help.” She floated up a bit, stopping her ascent to add, “I am happy that your mother will be alright. Goodbye, Kurama.” Her last words touched him and he held up his hand slowly. “Goodbye, Botan, and thank you.” Kurama said softly, watching her rise slowly into the sky, lowering his arm when she was out of sight, confusion marring his features at the worry that awoke in his heart at possibly never seeing her again. What is wrong with me? He wondered shaking his head as he forced his feelings down past the walls that contained his emotion, in control of himself once more, though he still wondered if and when he would hear from the deity again.
Okay, first chapter and first interactions completed. In case anyone wondered, I used the manga version for the most part in which it was Kazuya, Shiori's boyfriend, that visited with and went up to the roof to retrieve Kurama instead of a nurse like the anime. I know it's a bit slow with the KxB stuff, but there will be more interaction in the following chapters which will depend on reviews. So if you want me to continue, review and let me know.