Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ If Anyone Falls ❯ Revelation ( Chapter 27 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Another update! Hope everyone enjoys it!

Note: We are finally going to delve into Botan's past in this chapter though it will be fleshed out more in the next installment.

Onto the story!

Chapter 27-Revelation

October 16, 1993 Ginza District, Tokyo

Botan and Kurama walked hand in hand through the Ginza district, Yukina and Kuwabara close behind. The four of them weaved through the throng of people hunting for a good deal on the many discounted items lining the sidewalk. Music filled the air and the scent of food lingered, making the deity's stomach growl but she said nothing, wanting to enjoy the outing with her beloved and her friends. I only hope I get to remain here with Kurama for a while longer before Koenma makes his move against King Enma. It had been a few weeks since her conversation with the spirit prince and though she wanted to learn more of her past and why she was brought to the palace as a young girl, Botan was worried about what would happen when her boss decided to confront his father. And I don't want Kurama hurt if Enma refuses to abdicate the throne.

“What's wrong, Botan?”

The ferry girl blinked at the sound of the fox spirit's voice and she turned her gaze in his direction, flashing him a bubbly smile to hide her anxiety. “Just thinking about all the great deals they have going on around here today.”

“Yeah, there sure are a lot of cool things on display,” Kuwabara murmured, looking around. “I could go for a couple of fighting games for my Super Nintendo but the electronic stuff must be further on down the line here.”

“Um, I don't mean to sound silly but what exactly is this festival about?” Yukina asked, her red eyes surveying the colorful displays and assorted wares surrounding her.

“This is the Dai Ginza festival,” Kurama answered. “It's held every year from the 10th to the 17th of October to commemorate the Meiji Restoration that saw an end to the Shogunate, transforming the government into what it is today.”

“Do humans have festivals often?” Yukina asked.

“We sure do, baby!” Kuwabara said with a grin. “We like to have fun and celebrate things. Fall is the best time of the year! The leaves all change into really bright colors and stuff, too!”

“Ooh, I love the leaves changing!” Yukina replied with childish enthusiasm. “Will we get to see some of those colors, Kazuma?”

The street fighter grinned. “You know it, love! I'll take you on a color tour myself next weekend if you want!”

“That sounds like fun!” The ice youkai said with a happy smile.

Kuwabara nearly danced with joy at the girl's response, flirting and talking in excited tones with the ice apparition as the planned out what to do next at the festival.

Botan watched the interaction between her two friends, smiling as she whispered to Kurama, “They are very cute together, don't you think?”

Kurama gave her a slight nod, eyes twinkling a bit. “They certainly are rather easy going around each other... I can see why the two of them are a good match,” He wrapped his arm around her waist, leaning in to whisper in her ear. “Much as we are a good match, koishii.”

“So, guys, me and Yukina are feeling a bit hungry. Want to get some grub before we continue onto the next part of the sidewalk sale?” Kuwabara asked, drawing the pair's attention back to the street fighter.

Botan's stomach grumbled at the mention of food and Kurama smirked. “Sounds like a plan, Kuwabara.”

“Sweet! I saw a yakitori vendor a little ways back, want to go there?”

The mention of grilled chicken on a stick appealed to the kitsune and he nodded, keeping his hold on Botan's waist as he spoke. “Lead the way, Kuwabara.”

The four of them ordered then ate their lunch before heading back down the path of would be bargain hunters. Botan spied some colorful clothing and she came to a stop, Yukina following as the two girls perused the various dresses that hung on the discount racks outside the stores. The ferry girl pulled out a stunning red number that looked to be about her size and she held it up against her lithe frame. “What do you think about this one, Yukina?”

The ice youkai beamed as she studied the ferry girl. “That's really beautiful!”

“You think so?” Botan asked softly, looking down at the dress. “I don't usually wear red but seems rather happy and vibrant.”

“You should get it then.”

The ferry girl smiled but shook her head, putting the dress back on the rack. “I don't need any new clothing right now but I admit it is fun to look.”

Yukina nodded, red eyes perusing the selections, voice a bit shy as she spoke. “I've been meaning to ask you about something... but I'm not sure if it's... too personal....”

Botan studied her small friend, tilting her head to the side. “What is it, Yukina?”

“Well... I was wondering about... what it's like....” the youkai started then stopped, struggling to put her thoughts into words without sounding silly.

“What it's like?” The blue haired girl repeated, waiting patiently for Yukina to clarify.

“What it's like... to live with a man... to be with him... to... love him...”

The ferry girl blinked at the question then smiled. “It's wonderful,” She answered, feeling a bit of heat in her cheeks as she explained further. “I mean.... Kurama does tease me at times and I swear he enjoys seeing me pout but I love himwith all my heart and my body. When I'm near him, I feel wanted and loved. When I'm far away, I hurt and miss him terribly.”

“And did it... hurt?”

Botan knew what the girl was referring to, feeling the faint pulse of Kurama's ki within her shoulder and she cleared her throat. “Do you mean the bite or the...um... other?”

“Both I guess,” Yukina whispered. “You don't have to tell me... I just...” The ice apparition's brow furrowed and she looked down. “I was always told that it was painful... that males were selfish and enjoyed hurting females with their... you know...”

The deity found Yukina's naivete endearing, even if the subject matter was sensitive. “It wasn't painful for me... quite the opposite actually,” She admitted with a blush. “I'm sure there are those men that enjoy hurting women and degrading them... but Kurama isn't like that... and I know Kuwabara isn't like that at all. He adores you and is very protective of you. And you love him, don't you, Yukina?”

Yukina blushed at the question, whispering, “Kazuma is a sweet man... and I admit I care for him. I even think what I feel in my heart is love... but I worry about our future together. He's a human... and I am a youkai. He will grow old and die and I... I don't want him to leave me... and any... children we may have... if we... if we become... bonded.”

The deity's expression turned sad, understanding the girl's trepidation of pursuing a relationship with a human. Kuwabara was strong for a human... but he would eventually grow old... and die... that was the gift and the curse of a mortal life. And what of Yusuke and Keiko? They faced the same situation as Yukina and Kuwabara did. Yusuke and Yukina would be heartbroken at the loss of their loved one. As would I be if Kurama were a human and not a youkai. “I know that it must be... scary... to think about such things. But if you love each other, enjoy the time you have. Even if it's fleeting, our loved ones will live on in our memories.”

“I know you're right... and I am scared about the future... but I want to be with Kuwabara... even if it's only for a little while...”

“Then don't be afraid to tell him how you feel. Kuwabara will never pressure you into anything. He's an honorable and gentle man, especially in regards to you.” Botan encouraged, her gaze shifting over to the kitsune, finding him talking in hushed tones with Kuwabara and she wondered what was being said.

Kurama stood a short distance from the two girls, Kuwabara to his right as the men waited patiently for the girls to look through the different racks of clothing. His sensitive hearing picked up the conversation between his beloved and Yukina and the red head smiled. This is girl talk, something I shouldn't intrude upon. He thought, a warmth in his heart at the deity's declaration of love and the manner in which she helped put Yukina at ease. This is something Botan needs... time with her female friends... she should visit the other girls more often.

“Hey, Kurama, can I ask you something?”

The kitsune shifted his focus away from the deity at the sound of Kuwabara's voice, features curious at the serious look on the street fighter's face. “Is something wrong, Kuwabara?”

“No... at least I don't think so,” Kuwabara began, drawing in a breath then letting it out slowly as he continued, “Do you think Yukina really likes me?”

Kurama quirked an eyebrow. He's worried about Yukina's affection towards him? Even now? “Of course she does, Kuwabara. Why wouldn't she like you?”

“I mean... I know she likes to spend time with me and everything... and I make her laugh... but she's never said anything about how she feels towards me... I guess I'm just a bit... nervous about it since I'm a human and she's a demon. I mean, what if she decides to stay with me... and we get married and have kids... I won't be around forever... not like her... I don't like the idea of leaving her alone in this world...”

“Kuwabara.... if you worry about the future constantly, you won't be able to enjoy the present. It's true humans do not live long lives, but that doesn't mean you abandon your heart out of fear of what will happen as you grow old. Trust me, you'll miss out on living if you let your worry rule your world.”

“Yeah...” The taller man murmured. “I was thinking that too... but I want to be careful with her... don't want to scare her or anything if you know what I mean.”

“I'm not sure I do...” Kurama commented gamely, fully aware of what the boy was implying.

Kuwabara blinked. “You know... kissing and stuff... I don't want to force myself on her...”

The red head's features softened. “I find it best to let the girl dictate what she wants and when she wants it... though once you've established a... physical connection, sometimes they'll want you to show some initiative as well...”

Kuwabara blushed and cleared his throat. “I don't know anything about that kind of stuff.”

Kurama smiled. “That's alright, Kuwabara. But when you're older and more in tune with such things, you'll understand better what women want and when they want it.”

“I guess so...” Kuwabara murmured, features thoughtful. His brown eyes focused on the smaller man. “So, uh, I don't mean to sound creepy or anything but why am I sensing a bit of Botan's ki from you?”

I was wondering when he would ask that. Kurama thought, knowing how sensitive the street fighter was in sensing spiritual energy. “Yukina didn't tell you?”

“Tell me what?” The boy asked, staring blankly at the fox spirit.

How to word this? The kitsune cleared his throat as he answered. “Youkai, when they chose a mate, mark each other with a bite, infusing a bit of their energy into the wound to show who they belong to but it is only done through a physical bond.”

“Man, that sounds weird...”

Kurama chuckled. “I suppose it does but it is necessary to keep each other safe from potential... violations... it is the only rule all youkai follow. When one is marked, they are off limits in a... physical way.”

Kuwabara blinked. “You mean Yukina and I will have to bite each other in order to be together?”

The red head's features turned contemplative. “Yukina's instinct will kick in when you consummate your relationship. She will bite you and you will return the gesture.. it can't be helped...”

The taller man blushed darkly, knowing what the kitsune was talking about. “Ack! I don't know if I should be listening to all this right now... I'm not ready for any of that stuff...”

“And that's perfectly alright, Kuwabara,” Kurama replied. “So long as you two remain in Human World, there is no rush to claim each other. Take your time with Yukina. Be her friend first and foremost, listen to what she has to say, spend time with her and just... enjoy being in her presence. The rest will come later, I promise.”

Kuwabara studied his friend and smiled. That's what a real man does, isn't?

“Hey, handsome!”

Botan's voice drew Kurama's attention and he turned, favoring her with a tender look as he held out a hand for her to take. “Hey, beautiful. Did you find anything you wanted to purchase?”

The ferry girl reached out, clasping her hand around his, stepping up to him as she answered, “There were a few cute things but nothing I need at the moment.”

He pulled her gently to him, wrapping his free arm around her waist, nuzzling her crown. “Are you sure, sweet? Whatever you want of me, I will give to you.”

Botan leaned into him, closing her eyes at the nuzzle. “The only thing I want and need is you, Kurama....”

Her devotion and love washed over the kitsune in waves and he hugged her, the love in his heart for her carrying in his voice as he whispered fiercely. “Botan... it is the same for me... you will always be my koibito... no matter what.” He heard someone clearing their throat and Kurama turned, finding the street fighter studying the pair with a slight tint to his cheeks.

“I don't mean to interrupt anything, but you've got a lot of people staring at you guys right now.”

Let them stare. Kurama replied inwardly though he slowly and reluctantly pulled back, still holding Botan's hand. “Shall we move on then? Maybe listen to some of the bands playing further down the path here?”

Botan missed the close contact of the kitsune's body against her own. It wasn't sexual. No, it was more powerful than that. It was love... it was comfort... it was his heart she was drawn to... his brilliant mind and his powerful spirit... it was Kurama and everything he was that made her heart flutter and her body ache. Still, they could cuddle later tonight. And I do want to enjoy the festivities while I can. “Sounds great!” Botan replied, flashing the red head a bubbly smile, walking hand in hand with him down the sidewalk, her two friends following and they spent their time listening to music and buying a few trinkets before the sun set low in the sky and the four of them departed home.

October 30, 1993 Genkai's Compound

Kurama and Botan walked up the steps that led to the entrance of Genkai's temple, both smiling at the other as they held hands. The human psychic's compound was becoming a rather regular event, allowing the kitsune to spend intimate time with Botan without prying eyes and ears. But eventually the training would end and Botan would have to return home. I only hope she can remain with me for a while longer. The red head thought, lifting his head as he sensed Koenma's presence, curious emerald eyes falling on the spirit prince's teenage form.

“Hello, Koenma. Come to greet us have you?”

“I wish it were only that,” Koenma replied, looking nervously between the ferry girl and the fox spirit. “We have a visitor...”

Kurama quirked an eyebrow at his former boss's tight expression. “Someone from Reikai, I take it?”

“Yes,” The brown haired male replied, turning around, his red cape swishing from the sudden movement. “Follow me.”

Botan could tell her boss was troubled and she asked in concern. “What's happened, Koenma, sir?”

Koenma said nothing for a few seconds before answering, “I received intel from our visitor as to my father's involvement in matters that go way beyond conspiring with the kings of Makai. I felt it... appropriate to make him wait until you could be informed personally, Botan.”

Kurama frowned, his mind working in rapid succession, murmuring. “Is this in relation to Botan's family past?”

“Something like that...” Koenma replied, stepping onto the engawa, the kitsune and the peony close behind. The three of them slipped off their shoes, the spirit lord reaching out to slide open the main hall shoji door. He entered first, the pair following, each blinking in surprise at the unexpected visitor.

“Mr. Otake?” Botan murmured. “What are you doing here?”

The former captain of the SDF lifted his gaze, features and tone respectful but serious. “Greetings, Botan... Kurama... sorry to intrude upon your personal time but there is information I wished to share with Koenma and now.... I will share with you.”

The ferry girl sat down, Kurama to her left, curious amethyst eyes studying Otake as she waited patiently for him to speak.

Otake looked over at Koenma, catching his subtle nod and he drew in a breath, letting it out slowly before he began. “First, you must understand that this information has only recently come to light and that I had no part in the events that led up to this point in time,” He paused, looking over at the ferry girl as he continued. “Since my demotion and replacement, I began to work discretely for Koenma and uncovered some rather disturbing information in regards to your past, Botan.”

The deity's brow furrowed, anxiety filling her. Just what was so horrible that Otake seemed hesitant to tell her?

Kurama sensed her emotions and he reached out, gently laying his hand over hers in a supportive gesture.

Botan looked down at the kitsune's hand over her own and she felt his energy mix with hers, bringing comfort and easing her anxiety.

Otake saw the love between the two then, neither surprised nor offended. They complement each other quite nicely, despite coming from different realms. “As you know, Enma has been the ruler of the Southern Quadrant of Reikai for several millenia, in that time he's spent convincing the entire population of Reikai that Ningenkai must be protected from the influences and threats of Makai. That is the reason why the SDF was created in the first place. But our... prejudices against youkai truly began nearly a 100 years ago... when the prince of the Northern Quadrant was killed on the way to a treaty negotiation between Makai and Reikai to leave Human World alone.” He paused, looking over at Koenma who gave a subtle nod for him to continue.

“That prince, Satoru, was the only child of the king and queen of the Northern Realm. A very powerful family... the strongest of all reigens in existence. He left behind a wife and a child but they went missing shortly after the prince's death. The royal family sought out King Enma, hoping he would use the SDF to search for the missing family members but all efforts were in vain. No trace of their ki could be found within the entirety of Spirit World but they did find clues as to what happened, leading them to suspect youkai involvement. Enma used this information to order a purge of all youkai from Ningenkai and began a slow and steady take over of parts of Makai. The barrier around Spirit World was fortified, no longer allowing access to the other two realms. Only the southern part of Reikai would have access to Ningenkai and Demon World.”

“This is interesting but what does this have to do with my past?” Botan asked, a puzzled expression on her face.

Kurama already suspected the dark truth but said nothing, wanting to hear the full story from the former SDF leader.

Otake kept his gaze on the ferry girl as he answered. “Before I reveal that, you need to know the events that led up to this moment. As I was saying, Enma alone would have the ability to dictate who could come and go between realms, the rest of Reikai gave little thought or concern to the goings on of the mortal world and the youkai territory. No one questioned his decisions or his rule... until now...” He paused, looking once again at Koenma for permission to continue before he spoke once more.

“Recently, messengers came from Makai to the Southern Palace, requesting Yusuke, Kurama, and Hiei be allowed to travel to Demon World and remain in their employ. It was quite unusual to have such guests, given the strained relations between our realms. But they arrived in a very secret manner and would have left without notice if one of the ogres employed there hadn't noticed their presence.”

George... Botan and Kurama thought at the same time.

“This meeting resulted in King Enma agreeing to their demands, conspiring with the rulers of Makai to strengthen their power and threaten Ningenkai in the process. Despite Reikai's lack of interest in the dealing with the other realms, it still holds treason as a crime, no matter who is involved. If it was revealed that Enma had dealings with Makai he would be sent to jail. But that crime is small compared to the events that happened a 100 years prior,” Otake lowered his gaze, voice soft. “Enma's wife, Kasumi, disappeared after a heated argument with Enma over something to do with her younger sister, Mizuki. The details of that argument eluded me until I dug deeper and discovered some rather surprising things.”

“What did you discover, Captain?” Botan asked, trying to temper her irritation at the slow pace of Otake's story.

He lifted his gaze to study Botan, features and tone somber. “Mizuki was the wife of the murdered Satoru... their child... a daughter... was said to have vibrant purple eyes, long blue hair... and a very strong ki... stronger than her parents combined...” He paused then added. “That child... is you, Botan...”

Botan gaped at Otake in stunned silence at the revelation of her heritage. I'm... the missing child?

“You're shocked, I know... I was shocked as well... for one, your ki is not the same as a member of the royal family... yet you were able to handle that sphere without dying... only someone very strong in ki could hope to achieve that without fading away. You have purple eyes and blue hair... and your parents died when you were little... too little to remember the truth of what happened long ago.”

“But... but why...” Botan asked, finding her voice once more. “Why would Enma have me raised as a ferry girl if I belonged to the royal house of the north?”

“To keep you from knowing the truth of what happened to your family and to keep you from using your power against him.” Otake answered, his dark eyes shifting over to Kurama who spoke.

“Enma manipulated her memories, didn't he? And altered her ki in a way to keep her from being identified all for the purpose of keeping his secrets... secret...”

Otake blinked, surprised at the mind of the man before him. “Yes... but how did you know that?”

“Simple deduction,” Kurama answered. “I suspect, given what information you've revealed and Botan's true lineage that Enma was the cause of Satoru's death and Mizuki and Kasumi's disappearances. However, he couldn't achieve this alone. So who else was involved, Otake?”

I guess that's why Koenma made this man a detective. Otake thought as he cleared his throat. “I have not always been the captain of the SDF. The leader before me, Akira, would have been in charge during the time of all these disappearances.”

“And I assume he's also nowhere to be found.”

Otake sighed. “That is correct,” the former captain conceded. “We were told he simply retired. It happens from time to time.”

“But what happened to my mother? And how is my father's death the fault of Enma?” Botan asked.

“If Satoru would have succeeded in a treaty, Enma's clout and influence in Reikai would vanish... yet he was instrumental in arranging the meeting in Makai... the question is... why the prince? Why not Enma himself?” Otake replied, features troubled. “That is when I found out the truth...”

“The truth of what?” Botan asked, studying the man expectantly.

“Enma set the prince up to die... so that he could have Mizuki to himself...”

And there you have it. The true motivation. Kurama thought as he looked over at Botan. The shock and pain on her features broke his heart and he moved closer, lifting his hand from hers to wrap his arm around her shoulders, offering his support. “I take it she spurred his affection?” He asked, his gaze shifting over at Koenma, finding his head lowered as if in shame of his father's actions. He's heard this already and still is affected. This is rather disturbing news indeed. The kitsune returned his attention Otake who answered,

“That I do not know... some details still elude me. The only way to get the full truth is to talk to Mizuki or Kasumi... or Enma himself.”

“Yet those women are missing and there is no way Enma would willingly reveal that information,” Kurama replied, noting the tone in the former captain's voice, more thoughts coming to him as he added, “But you wouldn't mention confronting Enma directly unless you knew the location of one of the witnesses.”

“Very good, detective,” Otake said in a respectful tone. “Enma won't reveal it willingly but if we brought Kasumi before him....”

“He'd be forced to admit to his wrong doing.” Kurama finished for him. “ The question is, just where is Kasumi?”

“Spirit World Jail.” Otake answered, looking over at Botan who gasped then murmured,

“He... He imprisoned his own wife?”

“I was... shocked as well when I found out,” Otake replied. “I never thought that the king could be so... cruel... and heartless... That is why he must be stopped and arrested... before this war reaches fruition and death comes to Ningenkai.”

“Given your previous behavior, I find it odd that you would care about Human World so much, Otake.” Kurama said in a calm tone, though inside he was angry.... angry at the loss of Botan's family and a chance of a normal life... angry at the manipulation of her memories and her body... angry at the faulty system of government and rules of Reikai. The youkai blood that flowed within him raged for revenge... to kill those who had wronged and hurt his beloved. But it would not do to rush in blindly. I must abide by their rules... killing Enma would solve nothing... but having him humiliated and revealed as a murderer and manipulator would shake up Reikai. Perhaps then we can have better relations between the three realms once again.

“I am a member of the SDF and despite my loyalty to Reikai, what has been done by Enma is wrong and must be punished. No one is above the law. Not even my king.”

“I suppose you have a plan then, to accomplish the task of arresting Enma?” Kurama asked, shifting his focus over to Koenma who spoke.

“Yes... but it must be handled delicately,” Koenma pushed off the wall, coming to stand before the pair. “I hate to ask this of you, Kurama, but given your skill as a thief and breaker of codes, I will need your help to spring my mother free from jail.”

Kurama quirked an eyebrow. “You want me to break into Spirit World Jail to free your mother?”

“I know it sounds crazy, but given my current status, I cannot just waltz in and demand her release. They will arrest me on the spot.” Koenma replied.

“But going there is very dangerous...” Botan said, looking up at her boss. “I don't want Kurama to risk his life for this.”

“It's alright, Botan,” Kurama said softly, drawing the deity's attention to him. “Despite the risk, I will gladly help put an end to Enma's rule so that you can return to your home... and reunite with your remaining family.”

Botan turned her gaze over to Kurama, voice soft but insistent. “If you go, then I will go with you.”

“Botan...” Kurama murmured. “I don't want you to be hurt either... it is safer for you remain here.”

“I'm coming with you, Kurama,” Botan repeated, her voice brooking no argument. “You're going to need transportation to get to and from Reikai jail. I can fly you there.”

“But Botan, you've never even flown outside of Southern Quadrant. You don't know the way there.” Koenma commented, studying his head ferry girl with concerned eyes.

“Captain Otake does,” Botan replied, looking over at the former leader of the SDF. “He's coming along, too, is he not?”

The mustached man gave a nod. “Correct. I know which level and cell number she's in. The trick is to get in and out without being detected or caught. But since I know the security system and the rounds the guards make, we should be able to succeed in freeing Kasumi,” He cast his gaze over to Kurama. “Still, we will need to incapacitate the guards for things to run smoothly. Do you have the ability to do that, Kurama, without killing anyone?”

The kitsune nodded. “I know of several ways to go about it, but the herbs I need are at my home. I'll have to retrieve them before we make our way to Reikai. We should head up there in the morning and proceed with your plan then.”

“That's fine,” Koenma said, studying his detective and the ferry girl as he turned away from them, heading towards the door. “I will see you in the morning and we'll go over the plan in greater detail. Goodnight.”

Kurama and Botan rose and exited the hall, stopping before the door of the ferry girl's usual room. The deity reached out to slide open the door, stepping inside, Kurama following and he closed the door behind him, concerned eyes focused on the back of his beloved. “Botan? How are you feeling about all this?”

“A bit overwhelmed...” She whispered. “I.. I can't believe what Enma's done. I don't understand why he would do such terrible things...”

“Lust can make a man go mad,” Kurama commented. “That he wanted a woman that was not his and set him up to die isn't without precedent.”

“It still doesn't make it right,” Botan replied, turning to face him.

“No, it doesn't,” Kurama said softly. “What he did to you... what happened to you as a child... He won't get away with it, Botan. I will make sure of that.”

The ferry girl lowered her gaze. “I don't want you to risk your life over me, Kurama.”

The red head walked up to the ferry girl, reaching out to wrap his arms around her, pulling her into a hug. “Peony, I understand your fear and your worry but when you love someone, you don't walk away because danger is involved.”

Botan leaned into him, closing her eyes as she rested her head against his shoulder, her own arms wrapping around his waist. “I am afraid... and nervous... If I am who Otake says, that means I'm from a royal line... then I might not be allowed to remain a ferry girl. I don't know... What if... what if they make me stay?”

He felt her fear at being parted from him, his own emotions growing turbulent at the thought of being separated from her, though his voice remained even as he tilted his head to rest against hers. “I promise that no matter what happens, I will never leave you, Botan. So do not worry about, love. It will all work out in the end.”

“I hope so.” Botan whispered.

“It will, sweet.” Kurama replied turning to nuzzle her hair. “So why don't we see what Genkai's up to before we get some sleep, hmm?”

“Okay...” The girl replied, reluctantly lowering her arms and backing away from the kitsune.

The pair found and talked with the human psychic for a few hours until the light of day faded and night claimed the sky and they retired for the evening. Kurama lay beside Botan, his arm wrapped around her sleeping form, gazing up at the ceiling as his mind went over the information from earlier. The news was rather dark and disturbing. No wonder relations had been strained between the different realms. But was it simply Enma's coveting of a married woman that drove him to commit murder by proxy? Or was that merely a means to an end? Murder and death were common enough in Makai... a youkai killing someone as important as a royal member from Reikai? No one would even question it... or suspect different. But how did Otake learn of this?

He must have possession of hard evidence. Orders? Threats? Letters? Then there was the matter of breaking into a maximum security prison. Trusting a SDF officer who had tried earlier to arrest the very man that he now supposedly worked for was a bit risky. Was there more going on than what Otake was claiming? Could it be a trap? No. He answered himself. He wouldn't reveal such sordid information if it were a mere ruse.

Kurama looked over at the sleeping features of the ferry girl, his expression softening a bit. She was his world now. One he would protect and defend until his dying breath. The thought of her being forced to remain in Reikai frightened him. I don't want to let her go... but it is right for her to learn of her family and to understand where she comes from. Even if... Even if they disapprove of me... I won't part from her.

He reached out, caressing the girl's cheek gently, smiling as she leaned into his touch, mumbling incoherently before burying her head against his neck, her arm stretched out across his chest. “Love you, Botan...” He whispered reverently before he closed his eyes and tried to will himself to sleep, knowing he'd need rest before their trip up to Reikai.

October 31, 1993 Western Quadrant of Reikai

Botan flew through the chilly air, gaze focused on the encroaching mountain range before her. After stopping to pick up the herbs Kurama would need, the ferry girl had flew them to the meeting point, surprised to find Ayame there. But how else would everyone get into Reikai? She couldn't carry them all on her oar. And now here they were, heading to a place she'd never been, to free Koenma's mother. If Mizuki is my mother than Kasumi would be my aunt... someone who can tell me about my family... The thought of learning more of her family was both nerve wracking and exciting. And the ferry girl still worried that revealing her identity to the whole of Reikai could cause... complications in her relationship with Kurama. She bit her lip, casting her gaze downward. I don't want to be apart from Kurama or my friends.

“Are you alright, Botan?”

Kurama's voice broke through her haze of troubling thoughts and she nodded, looking over her shoulder at him, giving him a warm smile. “I'm fine, Kurama, just a bit worried about this mission.”

He matched her smile, knowing she was being brave even as he sensed the worry growing within his koishii. “It will be alright, love. The mist I am going to use will incapacitate the guards for a long period of time. We should be in and out quickly.”

Botan relaxed a bit at his words, though concern still plagued her heart as she followed Ayame's lead, ascending slowly, the air growing thinner and colder as they traversed up and over the range, carefully steering the oar on a downward angle, slowing down as they reached the outskirts of the prison, coming to land in the open field.

Kurama slid off, Botan following and the pair walked over to where Koenma, Ayame, and Otake stood.

“Are you ready to proceed?” Otake asked, his gaze focused on the red head.

“I am,” Kurama answered, surpressing his ki to an undetectable level. He turned, moving up to Botan. “Wait here, love. This shouldn't take too long but if things go sour, I want you to flee this place and return to Ningenkai. Do not get caught. I don't want you... imprisoned or worse over this...”

Botan shook her head. “Kurama... I won't abandon you... If something happens to you here, I won't run away from it... I will follow you...”

The kitsune reached out, pulling her to him, his hand lifting to cup the side of her face as he rested his forehead against hers. “Botan... I will come back to you... I promise... so there is no need to follow. Just survive and wait for me...” He leaned in to give her a quick kiss before reluctantly backing up, turning away from her, features hardening as he addressed Otake. “Let's go.”

Botan watched the kitsune walk away, worry marring her features. Please be careful... and return to me, Kurama.

Spirit World Jail

The SDF guard sat at his station, eyes focused on the gameboy in his hand, working furiously with the arrow keys as he competed in a game of Tetris, too absorbed in his play to see the shadow pass by. A mist swirled around him and the guard instantly passed out, the hand held game clanking on the metal desk, his head following. Otake entered the guard station a moment later, heading to the keyboard built into the desk, typing in a series of commands, the closest monitor changing, revealing a darkened cell and someone asleep on the small bed, making a motion with his head. “There... that's the cell Kasumi's in. Level 12-Dissidents, cell number 121 D.”

“Dissidents?” Kurama murmured as he entered the room behind the former captain. “Enma had her labeled a political threat to the realm?”

“Yes, but that was for the purposes of keeping her locked up. No one outside of the prison system would know her existence here. The SDF follow Enma's orders without question or complaint. It's how he's gotten away with so many things over the years.” Otake answered, typing in more commands, the screens shutting off as he erased the evidence of their presence. He straightened his frame, moving away from the keyboard. “There, that should do it. I've set a delay on recording for thirty minutes. That should give us the time we need to free Kasumi and return to the surface.”

The red head nodded. “Lead the way.”

Otake headed out the room, the kitsune following as they made their way to the elevator, descending to the twelfth level, Kurama releasing the herbal mist into the air, knocking out any and all guards as they walked briskly down the corridor, coming to a stop at the cell marked 121 D. Kurama studied the locking mechanism, removing a seed, crushing it and blowing the dust onto the keypad, green prints materializing on 4 numbers, each a bit lighter than the other and he found the pattern, punching in the sequence, the metal door hissing as it slid open, revealing the surprised form of Kasumi.

“Who are you? What do you want with me?” Kasumi asked, her violet eyes studying the two men in trepidation and curiosity.

“My name is Otake, former captain of the SDF,” The reigen male began, making a motion over to the kitsune. “This man is Kurama, a spirit detective under the employ of your son, Prince Koenma.”

The lady's features brightened at the mention of Koenma. “My son... is my son here?”

“Yes, my queen,” Otake answered. “He sent us here to free you from this place and to help dethrone his father, your husband.”

“That man is not my husband... he's a liar and a murderer...” Kasumi spat out, a hateful look on her face. “It will be my pleasure to confront him and bring him down.”

Otake back pedaled a bit, surprised at the venom laced in the lady's words but Kurama was nonplussed, voice soft but insistent. “Shall we leave this place then?”

The brown haired woman nodded, exiting the cell. “Lead the way and I will follow.”

Outside the prison

Koenma paced nervously, arms crossed and features scrunched in a look of anxiety. This waiting is killing me. He grumbled silently.

“My lord, are you alright?” Ayame asked, studying her boss in concern.

“I'm fine... just... what is taking them so long?” Koenma replied, “It's been nearly an hour and still no sign of them.”

“Koenma sir, look!” Botan cried, pointing towards the jail.

The spirit prince whirled around, relief and nervousness filling him at the sight of Kurama, Otake, and... “Mother!” Koenma cried, running towards the woman that broke into a sprint, meeting her halfway, leaning into her hug as she pulled him into her arms.

“My son! You came for me!”

Koenma held his mother tightly, tears in his eyes as he whispered. “I would have come sooner if I had known. I'm so sorry... so sorry for all this...”

Kasumi stroked her son's back, crying as she replied. “I know.... but you're here now... that's all that matters...”

“My lord we should hurry,” Otake addressed Koenma in a soft but insistent tone. “The monitors are about set to come back online and we risk capture if we don't leave this place.”

“Of course.” Koenma replied, reluctantly pulling away from Kasumi. “Come on, mother, let's go home and put an end to father's scheming.” He led her over to Ayame, helping her onto the oar before sliding behind her.

Otake went over to Botan and Kurama, sliding onto the back as the ferry girl lifted off the ground.

“Hold on tight!” Botan shouted, zooming up, sticking close to Ayame as they fled the jail and mountain range, turning in a southeasterly direction as she leveled off the oar. Inwardly she was relieved that nothing bad had happened to Kurama. But worry still filled her heart over what was to come as the group made their way towards the Southern Reikai palace.