Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Rakuen A Romance For A Kitsune ❯ Circle Of Life ( Chapter 2 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Thundercat 
Kurama gets the surprise of a lifetime!
Anime/Manga: Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Drama | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 10.12.2003 | Pages: 7 | Words: 4.6K | Visits: 621 | Status: Work In Progress
Kurama gets the surprise of a lifetime!
Anime/Manga: Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Drama | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 10.12.2003 | Pages: 7 | Words: 4.6K | Visits: 621 | Status: Work In Progress
**** Chapter 2: Circle Of Life****
From the day we arrive on the planet
And blinking, step into the sun
There's more to be seen than can ever be seen
More to do than can ever be done
There's far too much to take in here
More to find than can ever be found
But the sun rolling high
Through the sapphire sky
Keeps great and small on the endless round
It's the circle of life
It's the wheel of fortune
It's the leap of faith
It's the band of hope
Till we find our place
On the path unwinding
In the circle, the circle of life
Some say eat or be eaten
Some say live and let live
But all are agreed as they join the stampede
You should never take more than you give
And it moves us all
The circle of life
It's the wheel of fortune
It's the leap of faith
It's the band of hope
Till we find our place
On the path unwinding
In the circle, the circle of life
Some of us fall by the wayside
And some of us soar to the stars
And some of us sail through our troubles
And some have to live with the scars
It's the circle of life
It's the wheel of fortune
It's the leap of faith
It's the band of hope
Till we find our place
On the path unwinding
In the circle, the circle of life
From the day we arrive on the planet
And blinking, step into the sun
There's more to be seen than can ever be seen
More to do than can ever be done
There's far too much to take in here
More to find than can ever be found
But the sun rolling high through the sapphire sky
Keeps great and small on the endless round
The Circle Of Life
Last time.......
With a white knuckle grip on her ore she sailed the skies towards her grim destination. Usually this kinda thing was normal for her since it was her job but she never had to ferry somebody she knew.
When Genkai died one of the other ferry girls picked her up. Poor Botan's heart was breaking but she knew why Koenma picked her for the job is because that certain soul would feel more at ease around her.
.........
The screaming sounds of an ambulance echoed through the city streets as it raced towards it's destination.
A small crowed of spectators gathered around the scene of a woman lying in the arms of a young red haired man.
Silent tears streamed down the young man's cheeks as paramedics made every attempt to revive her.
Un seen by the crowd save for the young man and the newly departed spirit standing beside him, a deity descended from the heavens above.
Not caring that his suite was getting dirty from sitting on the side walk, he sat there staring on as the lifeless body of the woman he once called mother was being hauled
into the ambulance. The spirit looked at the deity in surprise.
"Botan?"
"Hi Shiori."
Botan gave her a warm but sad smile and held a hand out to her.
"I've come to pick you up."
At that the young man looked to his right a little and gave the spirits a bitter sweet smile.
"Botan may I please have a word with my son before we go?"
"Of course."
Shiori knelt down and placed a ghostly hand on his shoulder.
"Kurama please think about what I said earlier. I don't want you to be alone. True love dosen't come around very often.
I was lucky enough to be graced by it twice in my life. If you find your true love, please promise me that you won't let her slip away.
Please promise me that please?"
Kurama blinked away tears that welled up in his emerald eyes and he silently whispered to her.
"I will mother, I will. Good bye Mother."
"Good bye Kurama."
With that Shiori rose and turned to Botan.
"I'm ready now."
Botan nodded as she helped her friend onto her ore.
**** On the way to Reikai****
*I feel so horrible, like I betrayed him. I...I stole something from the one I love! I don't blame him if he's angry with me.
Oh Kami what have I done?! Why didn't I just refuse to take her?!* She had cried so may tears that her eyes simply could not shed any more.
As the flight went on Shiori could tell something was wrong because the pilot of the strange flying ore wouldn't look or say anything to her.
"Um Botan may I ask who or what are you? I've seen you hanging around my son and his friends."
Botan nervously looked over her shoulder at her passenger and tried to smile a little.
Her throat was raw from sobbing but some how she managed to speak.
*Sigh* "Well, I guess you have a right to know but I have to warn you, I may not be able to answer some of your questions because some info are classified.
I'm one of the many ferry girls of the Reikai Realm. I ferry souls like you to Reikai so they can be judged then be rewarded or punished for the deeds they did in life.
I deliver messages for the gods and for the past fourteen years I've been assigned to help Kurama and the others."
"Ah Then I take it that you knew about his true form then?"
"Yeah I'm sorry I couldn't tell you, I wanted to but it was his secret to tell not mine.
Plus I would have gotten in big trouble with my boss, um you'll meet him later."
Shiori smiled warmly at the blue haired girl.
"I have no regrets save for the fact that I'll never see my grand children, but I'm glad that he chose you."
"Hunh?"
Botan looked at her and blinked in confusion.
"Ha ha Never mind."
*** Three Days Later***
The doctors had ruled her passing as death by a fatal heart attack. But he knew different,
it was just her time and she went peacefully. He took comfort in the fact that she didn't suffer and that she was guided by
some one he trusted. But that some one kept avoiding him for some odd reason but he hoped she'd come to the funeral.
Shiori's funeral was held at Genkai's temple in traditional Japanese customs. A large beautiful color photograph
of Shiori was put on display, Kurama's finest flowers decorated the temple, close family and friends
where invited and all wearing traditional Japanese garb, a buddist priest called upon to lead mourners in prayer and so on.
With her head bowed in shame Botan hid herself in the back out of Kurama's view as the service went on.
The gang all sat together in the fifth row while Kurama, his step family and his mother's family all sat in the front rows.
Hiei being Hiei chose to sit out side away from the crowd up high in a maple tree.
As the service ended a figure dashed out the back while Kurama went to meet up with the gang at the entrance.
"Kurama the service was beautiful!"
"Thank you Keiko. I'm glad you guys came."
Kuwabara looked around in all different directions.
"Hey I coulda sworn I sensed Botan some where around here."
Yusuke looked thoughtful for a minute.
"Hmm Come to think of it she's been acting kinda weird lately."
The gang all looked at him and nodded in agreement. They where all worried about her because they all knew how badly she took Genkai's death.
After all they all had gotten close to Kurama's mom over the years.
Kurama frowned and thought to himself. *…..And I think I know why. I have to talk to her.*
After the last few mourners left Kurama went to sit under the tree Hiei chose as his perch.
"You should kill the onna."
As if he didn't believe his own ears he gaped in shock. Then his expression melted into one of anger.
"Just what the hell do you mean by that!?" He growled.
"She killed your mother, you should take revenge." The fire demon replied cooly.
"I can not believe that you are suggesting such a thing! Botan has been our ally and friend for fourteen years!
She was just doing her job!"
On the inside the kitsune was seething but put on a mask of calmness.
*If he or anyone else lays a hand on her they shall personally witness the effects of my death seed!*
High up above still unseen by the reynard the Jaganshi smiled to himself.
*That definitely got a rise outta him. Maybe he has taken a fancy towards the baka ferry onna.* Twas a rare moment indeed.
**** Five months later ****
As lowly beings rest to replenish energy so must the heavenly deities who watch over and guide them.
A dark mysterious figure clad in black from head to toe gracefully weaves through the Reikai Palace security. It's as if
the perp knew the place inside and out. Then plan was perfect everything had been thought of. Black costume to blend in with the shadows,
tools to bypass the security systems and pick locks, and a magic spell to mask scent.
Well it was almost perfect, the Yoko Kurama wannabe forgot to use a spell for masking auras.
You see the security cameras not only capture images but auras as well.
Through the shadows of the night the thief quietly pads down the hall
towards Koenma's office. Making sure that nobody saw or heard the thief picked the old fashion lock on Koenma's door.
With a small flash light in hand the figure searched the entire office for a secret file. Once the file was found the
perp carefully put the file in a black bag and left with a smile as if nothing at all had happened.
**** At Untouchable Inc.****
Since it was a warm Saturday everyone had taken the day off to spend it with friends and family and have some fun. Well except for Hiei and Kurama.
Hiei was off in Makai doing God knows what and Kurama was quietly tending his roof top garden at the Spirit Detective's HQ.
Kurama's garden was small but very beautiful and true to the Japanese way of gardening.The Japanese practice a unique kind of landscape
gardening. Japanese gardens attempt to reproduce in miniature a stylization of natural landscapes. The Japanese also cultivate dwarf trees, such as the cherry and plum, which, through skillful pruning.
The potted flora that are dwarfed by special methods of culture are called bonsai. There are also azalas honey suckle, chrysanthemum and of course roses and peonies.
As he watered the peonies his thoughts drifted towards a certain blue haired girl.
*Sigh* Botan……. Why has she been avoiding me? Is it because of my mother? Dose she feel guilty?
I wish I could tell her that I'm not angry with her if fact I'm glad she did it.*
A warm gentle breeze carrying the scent of peonies danced through the garden making his red mane billow about his face and setting his senses ablaze.
"Botan?"
The fox turned to the right and the vision he saw lifted his spirits almost. Almost being the key word, for he was still upset about her avoiding him.
Wearing a white spaghetti strap sun dress with light pink hearts with a small matching purse and white low heel sandals, the woman in question dis mounted her ore and as it disappeared she nervously stepped towards him.
That's when he realized that something was different with her hair, she wasn't wearing it in a pony tail like she usually dose instead she was wearing it down.
*By the Gods! She's beautiful!*
"Um hi."
*Oh Gods Oh gods….. Um Ok I have to do this, I have to! Oh Kami please don't let him be mad at me!
I know I've been avoiding him a lot lately…….."
Kurama could sense the fear and regret radiating off her. He sat the watering can down and moved closer to her.
She stepped back but the determined male got closer.
"You've been avoiding me."
Botan cast her eyes down in shame.
With a slight growl and narrowed eyes he forcefully cupped her chin so she could look him in the eye.
His expression softened when he saw warring emotions in her beautiful lavender eyes, emotions that have
scared her very soul. But he still didn't let go for fear she might take flight. And for a brief moment he almost lost
control over his plants for he was so lost in the depths of her eyes. He wasn't aware of it until he felt a honey suckle vine creep up his leg.
With a tiny flare of his youkai power his plants reverted back to their normal state.
That's when the dam broke.
"I'm sorry! I..I.. I did.. didn't really want to take her from you I swear! I never ment to hurt you.. Or her.
I absolutely hate myself and I understand if you're pissed at me and want kill me!"
Botan trembled in fear, tears streamed down her cheeks and her heart hammered in her chest.
The kitsune embraced her in a fierce hug and whispered rather harshly in her ear.
"DO NOT THINK THAT! I will NEVER harm you in anger! Nor will I let any one else!
I know it was her time and that you were only doing your job. I DO NOT blame you! Now
please stop this nonsense and just let it go. It pains me to see you this way."
Kurama firmly but gently let her go to wipe away her tears with his thumbs. His eyes
scanned her face for signs of understanding and to his relief and utter joy signs of the
Botan he came to know and love started re surfacing.
*Sniff*
"Um Ok."
Botan smiled then blushed as she realized that he held her and brushed away her tears and how close they still were.
Then she blinked and got a good look at him and blushed again. She finally noticed what he was wearing.
He wore white shirt slightly buttoned down with the long sleeves rolled up, Levis blue jeans and black Niki tennis shoes.
But unknown to her the male youkai caught standing in front of her detected a slight change in her
scent and was secretly reveling in it. He was so drunk on her scent that he almost lost control of his plants again.
And unknown to him she too noticed a change in his scent. Even though she wasn't a demon her nose was good enough to
recognize the scent of roses that seemed to emanate from him.
*He smells so good.*
She looked away slightly and fidget about.
"Um apologizing to you wasn't the only reason why I came to see you."
At that the Kitsune's eyes lit in amusement.
*This kinda reminds me of the days when those silly ningen girls tried to flirt with me and ask me out.*
Kurama's brow quirked.
"Oh and may I ask why?" Mirth filled his tone as he cocked his handsome to the side and he smirked at her.
Botan nervously bit her lip.
"I was kinda hoping that you'd come with me to meet someone today."
Now both of the kitsune's brows rose.
"To meet someone? Like who and where are we going?"
"I can't tell you it's a surprise!"
"Well all right, when do we leave?"
Botan smiled as she summoned her ore.
"Right now!"
********
As the "Aladdin" like trip went on the fingers of the kitsune and the deity unknowingly yet
instinctively laced together. So entranced by her long blue locks blowing in the wind and
tickling his face, he almost failed to notice their place of destination. His emerald eyes grew wide.
*Nakayama General Hospital?!*
*** Flash back 1990 afternoon time ***
I went to Yusuke's high school and asked someone to fetch him and tell him to meet me at the front gate.
"Huh? Kurama!!"
"Yep."
"Today I'm to return the treasure."
"Eh?"
"Oh right."
*I could tell by the look on his face that he had forgotten."
"Before I do, there's someone I'd Like you to meet."
"Meet?"
*I brought him to this very hospital to meet my mother.*
"Oh my… You've brought a friend how nice."
*Mother tried to sit up.*
"Easy, Mom don't get up."
*I could sense he was a bit perplexed.*
"It's all right. I'm feeling much better today."
*I sat by her bed side.*
"Shall I peel an apple for you?"
"Maybe later dear.."
"Mom, you have to eat….. or you'll never get better!"
"As you like Shuichi. Tsk you're worse then the doctors."
*I could sense my friend wanted an explanation so I led him up to the roof so we could speak in private.
I stared out towards the night sky looking at the moon, not facing him I bared my soul to him.
**** End flash back ****
"Well here's where we get off!"
Botan had chosen to land in a nearby ally so they wouldn't be seen. After all people might get
suspicious if they saw the "couple" just suddenly appear outta thin air and riding on an ore.
Being the gentleman he was Kurama slid off first and offered her a hand to help her off.
Even though he knew she was perfectly capable of getting off with out any assistance, he did
so any way out of politeness and as a good excuse to hold her hand. And while doing so he kept
keen kitsune senses open for any signs of trouble. Kurama politely bowed to her with a gallant smile
and offered his arm to her. Blushing the blue haired lady took it with a smile.
*Sigh* Is he like the only guy in the known universe who still uses "Old School" manners?
I mean would it really kill a guy to open a door for a lady?! Well Kuwabara's ok but he only
dose this kinda stuff for Yukina.*
Once the couple neared the main entrance, the young blonde nurse manning the receptionist desk
automatically recognized "Shuichi" from her high school days. With glee she pressed a button
and buzzed them in but she kinda scowled in jealousy when she realized that he
was with "some blue haired bimbo". The nurse tried to mask her jealousy when the "bimbo"
walked up to her station.
"How may I help you Ma'am?"
"Can you please tell me where the Maternity Ward is?
The nurse blinked.
Kurama stood in the middle of the lobby looking around.
*Hasn't changed very much.*
But his head shot up and turned towards Botan when his keen ears picked up that
question.
*The Maternity Ward!!!??*
"Uh it's on the fifth floor in the East Wing."
The nurse pointed to the left towards a public elevator.
"Just take that elevator over there."
Botan smiled and grabbed her companion. She said a quick "Thank you" over her shoulder.
The nurse watched on with envy and as soon as the elevator door closed, she quickly
neglected her duties. She picked up the phone and hit the speed dial.
"HI GUYS! YOU WILL NEVER GUESS THIS IN A MILLION YEARS!!!!!!!!…."
"I HAVE JUST EXPERIENCED *GASP* A CLOSE ENCOUNTER WITH THE LEGANDARY
*GASP*
SHUICHI MINAMINO!!!!!!!!!"
*GASP* AAAAAHHHHHIEEEEEEE I KNOW!!! I KNOW!!!!"
Inside the elevator the couple winced in pain as the loud shrieks penetrated
their ears.
Botan leaned back on the opposite wall, crossed her bare arms and smirked at the
male in front of her.
"Let me guess, old "fan club" member?"
"Yes… And apparently the "club" still exists."
"Why the Maternity Ward?"
Botan smiled.
"You'll see!"
**** In the Maternity Ward ****
Kurama looked around still confused as his lovely companion went to chat with
the nurse in charge of the ward. When she came back she had two sets of folded teal colored
hospital garb. Smiling she held out one set to him. Perplexed even farther he accepted with a
questioning look.
"Just go get changed and I'll be right with you."
As Kurama exited the men's room wearing the teal uniform he found Botan already dressed and
waiteing by the door for him.
"Botan I thought we were going to meet someone?"
"We are! Just fallow me."
Botan led the kitsune to a nursery filled cute new born baby boys and girls.
"The nurse said they were short on help today. So I talked her into letting us volunteer for
the day!"
"All right."
That still didn't answer his questions.
The whole nursery was decorated with pictures of popular Disney and Anime characters,
little Teddy bear mobile, and cute little yellow ducky wall paper and a wooden rocking chair
in the middle with cushions and a yellow afghan draped over one of the arm rests.
The boys where dressed in powder blue caps, booties,mittens, and PJs with matching
blankets. While the girls were dressed in similar rose pink clothes. All of the little
cribs had their information at the foot, like name, date of birth, gender, blood type ect.
What amazed the fox was the out put of spiritual energy the babies generated.
"Um Botan why are the Ki levels of these infants so high?"
"Hmm?"
"Oh! That's because they where just born a few days ago so they still have a close connection to Reikai.
Unfortunately most of these babies will loose their "Sixth sense" due to being "conditioned" over the years."
That's when Kurama felt a familiar energy. He padded down the isles of cribs to investigate then suddenly he stopped
at one baby girl's crib. Botan smiled.
*He found her!*
The kitsune stared down in wonder at the tiny infant and then at Botan.
"Surprise Kurama! Meet baby Sakura Yamaha, your mother's reincarnation!"
For the first time in his life the fox trembled, his heart raced, and his world spun.
Botan quickly rushed to support him.
"I think you should sit down."
With a little bit of fumbling the dainty diety guided her shocked companion
to the rocking chair. He sat there completely shocked and staring off into space.
"Mmm ma my mother!"
But before he knew it a tiny pink bundle was gently placed in his arms.
He wept tears of joy as he gazed at the most beautiful goddess he had ever laid eyes on.
"Thank you Botan. Thank you!"
**** Meanwhile at The Ramen House*****
Yusuke was wolfing down his seventh bowl of beef ramen when his Nokia cell phone went off.
All of Keiko's customers glared at him in hate. He grinned stupidly at them and sweat droped
a little.
"He heh um excuse me."
He dashed out the door before they could kill him. His phone was still chirping.
Once safely out side he fished it out from his pocket, flipped it open with a flick of
his wrist, he glanced at the caller's number and recognized it.
"Yelloooooooow?"
"Yusuke."
"'Sup toddler? Got me a case?"
"Yes"
"Cool."
"I'm afraid this one concerns a member of your team. I'll send Hinageshi to fill you in. Koenma out."
"Damn! I wonder what kinda shit's brew'n now?"
*Waite! Why the hell is he sending Hinageshi? Where's Botan?"
**TO BE CONTINUED!**
From the day we arrive on the planet
And blinking, step into the sun
There's more to be seen than can ever be seen
More to do than can ever be done
There's far too much to take in here
More to find than can ever be found
But the sun rolling high
Through the sapphire sky
Keeps great and small on the endless round
It's the circle of life
It's the wheel of fortune
It's the leap of faith
It's the band of hope
Till we find our place
On the path unwinding
In the circle, the circle of life
Some say eat or be eaten
Some say live and let live
But all are agreed as they join the stampede
You should never take more than you give
And it moves us all
The circle of life
It's the wheel of fortune
It's the leap of faith
It's the band of hope
Till we find our place
On the path unwinding
In the circle, the circle of life
Some of us fall by the wayside
And some of us soar to the stars
And some of us sail through our troubles
And some have to live with the scars
It's the circle of life
It's the wheel of fortune
It's the leap of faith
It's the band of hope
Till we find our place
On the path unwinding
In the circle, the circle of life
From the day we arrive on the planet
And blinking, step into the sun
There's more to be seen than can ever be seen
More to do than can ever be done
There's far too much to take in here
More to find than can ever be found
But the sun rolling high through the sapphire sky
Keeps great and small on the endless round
The Circle Of Life
Last time.......
With a white knuckle grip on her ore she sailed the skies towards her grim destination. Usually this kinda thing was normal for her since it was her job but she never had to ferry somebody she knew.
When Genkai died one of the other ferry girls picked her up. Poor Botan's heart was breaking but she knew why Koenma picked her for the job is because that certain soul would feel more at ease around her.
.........
The screaming sounds of an ambulance echoed through the city streets as it raced towards it's destination.
A small crowed of spectators gathered around the scene of a woman lying in the arms of a young red haired man.
Silent tears streamed down the young man's cheeks as paramedics made every attempt to revive her.
Un seen by the crowd save for the young man and the newly departed spirit standing beside him, a deity descended from the heavens above.
Not caring that his suite was getting dirty from sitting on the side walk, he sat there staring on as the lifeless body of the woman he once called mother was being hauled
into the ambulance. The spirit looked at the deity in surprise.
"Botan?"
"Hi Shiori."
Botan gave her a warm but sad smile and held a hand out to her.
"I've come to pick you up."
At that the young man looked to his right a little and gave the spirits a bitter sweet smile.
"Botan may I please have a word with my son before we go?"
"Of course."
Shiori knelt down and placed a ghostly hand on his shoulder.
"Kurama please think about what I said earlier. I don't want you to be alone. True love dosen't come around very often.
I was lucky enough to be graced by it twice in my life. If you find your true love, please promise me that you won't let her slip away.
Please promise me that please?"
Kurama blinked away tears that welled up in his emerald eyes and he silently whispered to her.
"I will mother, I will. Good bye Mother."
"Good bye Kurama."
With that Shiori rose and turned to Botan.
"I'm ready now."
Botan nodded as she helped her friend onto her ore.
**** On the way to Reikai****
*I feel so horrible, like I betrayed him. I...I stole something from the one I love! I don't blame him if he's angry with me.
Oh Kami what have I done?! Why didn't I just refuse to take her?!* She had cried so may tears that her eyes simply could not shed any more.
As the flight went on Shiori could tell something was wrong because the pilot of the strange flying ore wouldn't look or say anything to her.
"Um Botan may I ask who or what are you? I've seen you hanging around my son and his friends."
Botan nervously looked over her shoulder at her passenger and tried to smile a little.
Her throat was raw from sobbing but some how she managed to speak.
*Sigh* "Well, I guess you have a right to know but I have to warn you, I may not be able to answer some of your questions because some info are classified.
I'm one of the many ferry girls of the Reikai Realm. I ferry souls like you to Reikai so they can be judged then be rewarded or punished for the deeds they did in life.
I deliver messages for the gods and for the past fourteen years I've been assigned to help Kurama and the others."
"Ah Then I take it that you knew about his true form then?"
"Yeah I'm sorry I couldn't tell you, I wanted to but it was his secret to tell not mine.
Plus I would have gotten in big trouble with my boss, um you'll meet him later."
Shiori smiled warmly at the blue haired girl.
"I have no regrets save for the fact that I'll never see my grand children, but I'm glad that he chose you."
"Hunh?"
Botan looked at her and blinked in confusion.
"Ha ha Never mind."
*** Three Days Later***
The doctors had ruled her passing as death by a fatal heart attack. But he knew different,
it was just her time and she went peacefully. He took comfort in the fact that she didn't suffer and that she was guided by
some one he trusted. But that some one kept avoiding him for some odd reason but he hoped she'd come to the funeral.
Shiori's funeral was held at Genkai's temple in traditional Japanese customs. A large beautiful color photograph
of Shiori was put on display, Kurama's finest flowers decorated the temple, close family and friends
where invited and all wearing traditional Japanese garb, a buddist priest called upon to lead mourners in prayer and so on.
With her head bowed in shame Botan hid herself in the back out of Kurama's view as the service went on.
The gang all sat together in the fifth row while Kurama, his step family and his mother's family all sat in the front rows.
Hiei being Hiei chose to sit out side away from the crowd up high in a maple tree.
As the service ended a figure dashed out the back while Kurama went to meet up with the gang at the entrance.
"Kurama the service was beautiful!"
"Thank you Keiko. I'm glad you guys came."
Kuwabara looked around in all different directions.
"Hey I coulda sworn I sensed Botan some where around here."
Yusuke looked thoughtful for a minute.
"Hmm Come to think of it she's been acting kinda weird lately."
The gang all looked at him and nodded in agreement. They where all worried about her because they all knew how badly she took Genkai's death.
After all they all had gotten close to Kurama's mom over the years.
Kurama frowned and thought to himself. *…..And I think I know why. I have to talk to her.*
After the last few mourners left Kurama went to sit under the tree Hiei chose as his perch.
"You should kill the onna."
As if he didn't believe his own ears he gaped in shock. Then his expression melted into one of anger.
"Just what the hell do you mean by that!?" He growled.
"She killed your mother, you should take revenge." The fire demon replied cooly.
"I can not believe that you are suggesting such a thing! Botan has been our ally and friend for fourteen years!
She was just doing her job!"
On the inside the kitsune was seething but put on a mask of calmness.
*If he or anyone else lays a hand on her they shall personally witness the effects of my death seed!*
High up above still unseen by the reynard the Jaganshi smiled to himself.
*That definitely got a rise outta him. Maybe he has taken a fancy towards the baka ferry onna.* Twas a rare moment indeed.
**** Five months later ****
As lowly beings rest to replenish energy so must the heavenly deities who watch over and guide them.
A dark mysterious figure clad in black from head to toe gracefully weaves through the Reikai Palace security. It's as if
the perp knew the place inside and out. Then plan was perfect everything had been thought of. Black costume to blend in with the shadows,
tools to bypass the security systems and pick locks, and a magic spell to mask scent.
Well it was almost perfect, the Yoko Kurama wannabe forgot to use a spell for masking auras.
You see the security cameras not only capture images but auras as well.
Through the shadows of the night the thief quietly pads down the hall
towards Koenma's office. Making sure that nobody saw or heard the thief picked the old fashion lock on Koenma's door.
With a small flash light in hand the figure searched the entire office for a secret file. Once the file was found the
perp carefully put the file in a black bag and left with a smile as if nothing at all had happened.
**** At Untouchable Inc.****
Since it was a warm Saturday everyone had taken the day off to spend it with friends and family and have some fun. Well except for Hiei and Kurama.
Hiei was off in Makai doing God knows what and Kurama was quietly tending his roof top garden at the Spirit Detective's HQ.
Kurama's garden was small but very beautiful and true to the Japanese way of gardening.The Japanese practice a unique kind of landscape
gardening. Japanese gardens attempt to reproduce in miniature a stylization of natural landscapes. The Japanese also cultivate dwarf trees, such as the cherry and plum, which, through skillful pruning.
The potted flora that are dwarfed by special methods of culture are called bonsai. There are also azalas honey suckle, chrysanthemum and of course roses and peonies.
As he watered the peonies his thoughts drifted towards a certain blue haired girl.
*Sigh* Botan……. Why has she been avoiding me? Is it because of my mother? Dose she feel guilty?
I wish I could tell her that I'm not angry with her if fact I'm glad she did it.*
A warm gentle breeze carrying the scent of peonies danced through the garden making his red mane billow about his face and setting his senses ablaze.
"Botan?"
The fox turned to the right and the vision he saw lifted his spirits almost. Almost being the key word, for he was still upset about her avoiding him.
Wearing a white spaghetti strap sun dress with light pink hearts with a small matching purse and white low heel sandals, the woman in question dis mounted her ore and as it disappeared she nervously stepped towards him.
That's when he realized that something was different with her hair, she wasn't wearing it in a pony tail like she usually dose instead she was wearing it down.
*By the Gods! She's beautiful!*
"Um hi."
*Oh Gods Oh gods….. Um Ok I have to do this, I have to! Oh Kami please don't let him be mad at me!
I know I've been avoiding him a lot lately…….."
Kurama could sense the fear and regret radiating off her. He sat the watering can down and moved closer to her.
She stepped back but the determined male got closer.
"You've been avoiding me."
Botan cast her eyes down in shame.
With a slight growl and narrowed eyes he forcefully cupped her chin so she could look him in the eye.
His expression softened when he saw warring emotions in her beautiful lavender eyes, emotions that have
scared her very soul. But he still didn't let go for fear she might take flight. And for a brief moment he almost lost
control over his plants for he was so lost in the depths of her eyes. He wasn't aware of it until he felt a honey suckle vine creep up his leg.
With a tiny flare of his youkai power his plants reverted back to their normal state.
That's when the dam broke.
"I'm sorry! I..I.. I did.. didn't really want to take her from you I swear! I never ment to hurt you.. Or her.
I absolutely hate myself and I understand if you're pissed at me and want kill me!"
Botan trembled in fear, tears streamed down her cheeks and her heart hammered in her chest.
The kitsune embraced her in a fierce hug and whispered rather harshly in her ear.
"DO NOT THINK THAT! I will NEVER harm you in anger! Nor will I let any one else!
I know it was her time and that you were only doing your job. I DO NOT blame you! Now
please stop this nonsense and just let it go. It pains me to see you this way."
Kurama firmly but gently let her go to wipe away her tears with his thumbs. His eyes
scanned her face for signs of understanding and to his relief and utter joy signs of the
Botan he came to know and love started re surfacing.
*Sniff*
"Um Ok."
Botan smiled then blushed as she realized that he held her and brushed away her tears and how close they still were.
Then she blinked and got a good look at him and blushed again. She finally noticed what he was wearing.
He wore white shirt slightly buttoned down with the long sleeves rolled up, Levis blue jeans and black Niki tennis shoes.
But unknown to her the male youkai caught standing in front of her detected a slight change in her
scent and was secretly reveling in it. He was so drunk on her scent that he almost lost control of his plants again.
And unknown to him she too noticed a change in his scent. Even though she wasn't a demon her nose was good enough to
recognize the scent of roses that seemed to emanate from him.
*He smells so good.*
She looked away slightly and fidget about.
"Um apologizing to you wasn't the only reason why I came to see you."
At that the Kitsune's eyes lit in amusement.
*This kinda reminds me of the days when those silly ningen girls tried to flirt with me and ask me out.*
Kurama's brow quirked.
"Oh and may I ask why?" Mirth filled his tone as he cocked his handsome to the side and he smirked at her.
Botan nervously bit her lip.
"I was kinda hoping that you'd come with me to meet someone today."
Now both of the kitsune's brows rose.
"To meet someone? Like who and where are we going?"
"I can't tell you it's a surprise!"
"Well all right, when do we leave?"
Botan smiled as she summoned her ore.
"Right now!"
********
As the "Aladdin" like trip went on the fingers of the kitsune and the deity unknowingly yet
instinctively laced together. So entranced by her long blue locks blowing in the wind and
tickling his face, he almost failed to notice their place of destination. His emerald eyes grew wide.
*Nakayama General Hospital?!*
*** Flash back 1990 afternoon time ***
I went to Yusuke's high school and asked someone to fetch him and tell him to meet me at the front gate.
"Huh? Kurama!!"
"Yep."
"Today I'm to return the treasure."
"Eh?"
"Oh right."
*I could tell by the look on his face that he had forgotten."
"Before I do, there's someone I'd Like you to meet."
"Meet?"
*I brought him to this very hospital to meet my mother.*
"Oh my… You've brought a friend how nice."
*Mother tried to sit up.*
"Easy, Mom don't get up."
*I could sense he was a bit perplexed.*
"It's all right. I'm feeling much better today."
*I sat by her bed side.*
"Shall I peel an apple for you?"
"Maybe later dear.."
"Mom, you have to eat….. or you'll never get better!"
"As you like Shuichi. Tsk you're worse then the doctors."
*I could sense my friend wanted an explanation so I led him up to the roof so we could speak in private.
I stared out towards the night sky looking at the moon, not facing him I bared my soul to him.
**** End flash back ****
"Well here's where we get off!"
Botan had chosen to land in a nearby ally so they wouldn't be seen. After all people might get
suspicious if they saw the "couple" just suddenly appear outta thin air and riding on an ore.
Being the gentleman he was Kurama slid off first and offered her a hand to help her off.
Even though he knew she was perfectly capable of getting off with out any assistance, he did
so any way out of politeness and as a good excuse to hold her hand. And while doing so he kept
keen kitsune senses open for any signs of trouble. Kurama politely bowed to her with a gallant smile
and offered his arm to her. Blushing the blue haired lady took it with a smile.
*Sigh* Is he like the only guy in the known universe who still uses "Old School" manners?
I mean would it really kill a guy to open a door for a lady?! Well Kuwabara's ok but he only
dose this kinda stuff for Yukina.*
Once the couple neared the main entrance, the young blonde nurse manning the receptionist desk
automatically recognized "Shuichi" from her high school days. With glee she pressed a button
and buzzed them in but she kinda scowled in jealousy when she realized that he
was with "some blue haired bimbo". The nurse tried to mask her jealousy when the "bimbo"
walked up to her station.
"How may I help you Ma'am?"
"Can you please tell me where the Maternity Ward is?
The nurse blinked.
Kurama stood in the middle of the lobby looking around.
*Hasn't changed very much.*
But his head shot up and turned towards Botan when his keen ears picked up that
question.
*The Maternity Ward!!!??*
"Uh it's on the fifth floor in the East Wing."
The nurse pointed to the left towards a public elevator.
"Just take that elevator over there."
Botan smiled and grabbed her companion. She said a quick "Thank you" over her shoulder.
The nurse watched on with envy and as soon as the elevator door closed, she quickly
neglected her duties. She picked up the phone and hit the speed dial.
"HI GUYS! YOU WILL NEVER GUESS THIS IN A MILLION YEARS!!!!!!!!…."
"I HAVE JUST EXPERIENCED *GASP* A CLOSE ENCOUNTER WITH THE LEGANDARY
*GASP*
SHUICHI MINAMINO!!!!!!!!!"
*GASP* AAAAAHHHHHIEEEEEEE I KNOW!!! I KNOW!!!!"
Inside the elevator the couple winced in pain as the loud shrieks penetrated
their ears.
Botan leaned back on the opposite wall, crossed her bare arms and smirked at the
male in front of her.
"Let me guess, old "fan club" member?"
"Yes… And apparently the "club" still exists."
"Why the Maternity Ward?"
Botan smiled.
"You'll see!"
**** In the Maternity Ward ****
Kurama looked around still confused as his lovely companion went to chat with
the nurse in charge of the ward. When she came back she had two sets of folded teal colored
hospital garb. Smiling she held out one set to him. Perplexed even farther he accepted with a
questioning look.
"Just go get changed and I'll be right with you."
As Kurama exited the men's room wearing the teal uniform he found Botan already dressed and
waiteing by the door for him.
"Botan I thought we were going to meet someone?"
"We are! Just fallow me."
Botan led the kitsune to a nursery filled cute new born baby boys and girls.
"The nurse said they were short on help today. So I talked her into letting us volunteer for
the day!"
"All right."
That still didn't answer his questions.
The whole nursery was decorated with pictures of popular Disney and Anime characters,
little Teddy bear mobile, and cute little yellow ducky wall paper and a wooden rocking chair
in the middle with cushions and a yellow afghan draped over one of the arm rests.
The boys where dressed in powder blue caps, booties,mittens, and PJs with matching
blankets. While the girls were dressed in similar rose pink clothes. All of the little
cribs had their information at the foot, like name, date of birth, gender, blood type ect.
What amazed the fox was the out put of spiritual energy the babies generated.
"Um Botan why are the Ki levels of these infants so high?"
"Hmm?"
"Oh! That's because they where just born a few days ago so they still have a close connection to Reikai.
Unfortunately most of these babies will loose their "Sixth sense" due to being "conditioned" over the years."
That's when Kurama felt a familiar energy. He padded down the isles of cribs to investigate then suddenly he stopped
at one baby girl's crib. Botan smiled.
*He found her!*
The kitsune stared down in wonder at the tiny infant and then at Botan.
"Surprise Kurama! Meet baby Sakura Yamaha, your mother's reincarnation!"
For the first time in his life the fox trembled, his heart raced, and his world spun.
Botan quickly rushed to support him.
"I think you should sit down."
With a little bit of fumbling the dainty diety guided her shocked companion
to the rocking chair. He sat there completely shocked and staring off into space.
"Mmm ma my mother!"
But before he knew it a tiny pink bundle was gently placed in his arms.
He wept tears of joy as he gazed at the most beautiful goddess he had ever laid eyes on.
"Thank you Botan. Thank you!"
**** Meanwhile at The Ramen House*****
Yusuke was wolfing down his seventh bowl of beef ramen when his Nokia cell phone went off.
All of Keiko's customers glared at him in hate. He grinned stupidly at them and sweat droped
a little.
"He heh um excuse me."
He dashed out the door before they could kill him. His phone was still chirping.
Once safely out side he fished it out from his pocket, flipped it open with a flick of
his wrist, he glanced at the caller's number and recognized it.
"Yelloooooooow?"
"Yusuke."
"'Sup toddler? Got me a case?"
"Yes"
"Cool."
"I'm afraid this one concerns a member of your team. I'll send Hinageshi to fill you in. Koenma out."
"Damn! I wonder what kinda shit's brew'n now?"
*Waite! Why the hell is he sending Hinageshi? Where's Botan?"
**TO BE CONTINUED!**