Title: Until Proven Guilty

Genre: (thought I'd put this since I can only fit two in the summary) Mystery/Suspense/Thriller/Romance/Action

Rating: PG-13

Warning: ALTERNATE UNIVERSE. This is REALLY an AU - please don't flame me if you don't like those. You're welcome to turn around now.

Summary: After getting put in rehab for alcohol, Botan finds herself right in the middle of a murder. Starting on a chilling pursuit to free the name of her new found friend (Kurama) she ends up almost getting killed herself. She quickly learns that you trust no one and anyone can be innocent...until proven guilty.

Disclaimer: I do not own Yu Yu Hakusho or Inuyasha. However, the story line is mine - don't steal! n.n;;

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Chapter 1

Reikai Rehabilitation Center

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(Botan's POV)

I felt my world swaying beneath me again and I blindly clutched the closest thing my hand could find. Which just happened to be the public trash can that was on the sidewalk I had been aimlessly walking down. I relinquished my grip and brought my hand up to face, examining the large wad of gum I had placed my hand over - now squashed to my palm.

"Oh gross..." I muttered. I set down the bottle of beer I had all but drained and tugged at the sticky material. It clung to my fingers and I growled angrily, shaking my hand as if I could somehow just shake the gross substance off my fingers. As I continued waving my now covered hands, I lost my balance and stumbled into the street. Given my drunken condition, I could hardly walk as it was, but the asphalt was wet from the storm that had just gotten over. I had barely taken three steps when my black designer boot slipped and I was sent tumbling to the ground.

I barely felt the pain of the impact because of my intoxicated brain. I also barely heard the loud honk coming from behind me.

oOo

"Miss? Are you awake?"

I groaned and opened my eyes, meeting the soft, brown hues of a plump woman dressed in a white uniform. I quickly realized I wasn't in my bed and began to panic. I tried to sit upright, but the woman placed an arm on my shoulders and forced me down. Realizing how weak I really was at the moment, I frantically began to scan my surroundings. There was a large machine hooked to my bed that kept making a soft beeping noise. There was a quaint counter on one side and a large fern with two chairs on the other.

Revelation hit me like a ton of bricks. I was in a hospital room. "W-What happened?!" I shouted, bolting upright before the woman could restrain me again. "Why am I here? What's wrong with me?"

The woman sighed and placed a hand on mine, giving it a slight squeeze. "You're fine dear. The doctor will be with you shortly."

This answer calmed me enough that I managed a small nod instead of shouting again. She gave me a reassuring smile and left the room. I only had to wait another two minutes before a burly man came in who I could only assume was the doctor. "Hello Botan," he greeted warmly, taking a seat next to my bed.

"Hello," I whispered, barely restraining the anxiety of wanting to know why I was in the hospital.

"I assume you want to know why you're here," he began calmly.

I gave a quick nod.

"Last night you were nearly hit by a large truck." He ignored my shocked gasp and continued. "Fortunately, he swerved just in time and you were left with a minor injury on your right shoulder."

I glanced down at my shoulder and sure enough, there was a J-shaped cut embedded on my skin. I looked up at the doctor. "Is it infected or something?"

He gave a throaty laugh. "Oh no, it's not - you'll hardly feel it in a few days."

I smiled. "So I can go home then."

The doctor stopped laughing and gave me a grave look. "I'm afraid not." I felt the panic rise in my stomach again before he continued. "The reason the truck almost hit you was you were sitting in the middle of the road, completely unaware of your surroundings. Do you know why Botan?"

I swallowed nervously, pretty sure that I did, but I decided to remain silent.

"It was because you were two points beyond legally drunk, Botan," the Doctor reprimanded slowly, giving me a scolding look. "We consider it serious when you put yourself and others in danger."

I could only nod in reply.

"Therefore, given the circumstances, we're sending you to a rehabilitation center."

I almost flipped out of the bed. "What?!" I raged, glaring at the Doctor in disbelief. "I don't need rehab! Everyone drinks a little!"

"We've checked your records and we've found that your drinking habits are more than just a little. You've gotten several tickets and offences of DUI and you have overdue fees in almost every bar in town." He paused, allowing the information to sink in. "You will have two days to be completely moved into The Reikai Rehabilitation Center."

I sunk back into the pillows of the hospital bed in disbelief. I had always had a slight problem with drinking, but I had never considered I would have to go into rehab over it.

oOo

I swung my backpack over my shoulder and adjusted my two hundred dollar sun-glasses. I gave the huge, white building another disgusted look before making my way through the large glass doors. I glanced around at the spacious center and had to admit that it was actually really nice. A lot nicer than I had thought it would be, anyway. There was a check-in desk in the middle, a large set of stairs leading up to what I was sure the living rooms. To my left side was a huge rec room - games, a TV and an assortment of furniture decorated it. To my right was a large cafeteria, which I was surprised looked like it came straight out of a nice university. With a disgusted frown I realized the rooms in which they worked with the patients must be upstairs.

I wanted to find my room so I could just relax and sulk to myself. Maybe I'd just stay up all night and watch "Down to the Gutterhole". My favorite movie since I was twelve - no doubt what started my drinking habits...

I was only standing there a moment before a young man approached me, looking to be only a few years older than I was. He had jet-black hair that was slicked to his head in a 90's style do. His large chocolate eyes made his already boyish face look even more innocent. He grinned at me and stretched out his hand. "Hi, I'm Doctor Urameshi, you must be Botan."

I took his hand uncertainly. I had expected him to be some type of secretary or messenger boy. It was weird that he had taken time to come and greet me personally. It was even weirder that he was a doctor at his age. "Hi." I moved a strand of hair out of my eyes before bluntly adding, "How old are you?"

He didn't seem surprised at my sudden question and gave a knowing laugh. "I know, you probably think I'm too young to know what I'm doing, but I can assure you I am more than qualified."

I released his hand and gave him a small smile. "I'm sure you are," I replied, trying to keep the cynicism out of my voice. "But you still didn't answer my question."

He grinned at me unexpectedly, still not deterred by my less than friendly actions. "I'm twenty-two."

My assumptions had been correct. "You are hardly older than me, Dr. Urameshi. I'm–"

"Nineteen, I know." He laughed at my surprised face. "You are my patient. I make it my business to know these things."

I glared at him bitterly, shifting my bag on my shoulder. He didn't seem perturbed by my glare (not surprising) and offered a hand for my bags. "Here, let me show you to your room."

I willingly gave him my large bag, my wounded shoulder yearning for a break. He easily tossed it over his shoulder as if it were nothing more than my make-up bag and started up the stairs. I followed wordlessly behind him. As soon as he reached the top, he took a left and after walking past about ten doors, stopped.

"Room 420," he quipped cheerily, pointing to the golden numbers engraved on the door.

"Is that supposed to be some kind of joke?" I snapped.

He stared at me innocently. "What do you mean?"

I rolled my eyes and snatched my bag from his arm. "For your information, I am NOT a crack-head."

He chuckled, taking out a golden key from his pocket. "I never said you were."

I snatched the key from him before he could say anything else and shoved it into the keyhole. I turned the doorknob and pushed the door open, instantly greeted with a soft lilac smell. "Wow," I breathed, my anger immediately washing away with the beautiful aroma. "My room smells wonderful!"

Dr. Urameshi grinned, looking happier than when we had met - if that was possible. "That," he said, hauling my backpack into my room, "was Kurama's idea. He said a lady's room deserved to smell as good as flowers."

I gave him a genuine smile. "Is Kurama another doctor?" I asked sweetly.

"No," Dr. Urameshi said with a small smile, his face getting a softer look. "He's a patient."

"Oh," I said, unable to help wondering if he got high off of crushed rose petals or something. After a few moments of us both standing there in awkward silence, I stretched out a grateful hand. "Well, thanks for everything Dr. Urameshi."

He gladly took it and gave my hand a hearty shake. "Don't thank me just yet. I'll show you around tomorrow at eight." He paused, giving me a playful wink. "And please, call me Yusuke."

I laughed and pushed him out of the door. "See you TOMORROW, Yusuke."

He laughed as well and with a short wave, headed back down the hall. I shut the door and set to work unpacking. It was quick work and I was finished in about fifteen minutes. I glanced at the clock and with a start realized it was nearly ten! Normally, I didn't go to bed past one - but also normally, I didn't wake up past noon.

I wanted to get out of rehab as soon as possible and that meant convincing my doctor that I was fine. Slipping into my pajamas, I tried to prepare myself for tomorrow. I would start by making a good first impression.

-

I awoke to an insistent pounding on my door. I groaned and buried my face into my pillow. Who the hell would be trying to talk to me at this ungodly hour?

"Botan? Are you up?"

I sat bolt upright in shock and horror. I was in the rehabilitation center! "Oh no! Yusuke - hold on!" I sprang out of bed and grabbed my silky, light blue robe. I quickly tugged it around my waist and raced to the door. With one flurried motion, I yanked it open. "Yusuke!" I gasped, not surprised to see my familiar doctor, a bewildered look on his face.

"Botan, are you alr–"

"I'm fine!" I lied. "Just waiting for you to come!"

He raised a disbelieving eyebrow, but didn't say anything. As we walked down the hall, I quickly braided my long blue hair down my back in an attempt to look halfway decent. When we got to the stairs, he started to point out various things. "That's the cafeteria where you eat..."

I rolled my eyes. Duh.

When we got to the bottom of the stairs, he pointed to the large rec room. "That's our game room where you can go when you have free time." I didn't expect us to go in, like we had done for all the other places in the "tour", but he led me into the large room. "There's someone I want you to meet."

Curious, I followed him until we came to a young man seated at a small table, a large rope tied in various knots and twists profusely around his wrists. He looked up when we approached. His eyes were a deep, soulful green. The sudden movement shifted his long, red hair. Every lock, every curl, it seemed to be in perfect tune with his character. The soft, silky structure hung loosely down his back. Two, thick strands however floated near his face, barely skimming the bottom half of his shoulders. A few wayward strands made up his bangs, almost covering his thin, red eyebrows. Odd perhaps, for long hair usually does not look natural on men. It did for this man however. His face was quite attractive, yet oddly feminine. The high cheekbones represented a sense of pride. He gave us a soft smile. "Hello."

"Hello," I couldn't help but return his contagious smile.

"This is Botan," Yusuke introduced me. He waved a hand towards the young man. "And this is Kurama. You two get to know each other, I'll be right back." Without another word, he turned and left us alone.

"Please, have a seat, Botan," Kurama said softly, gesturing his tightly wrapped hands towards an empty chair.

I nodded and took a seat, suddenly feeling too embarrassed to look at his face. "What are you here for?" he broke the silence, easily making the question sound polite and innocent instead of nosy.

I blushed hotly and stared at my hands. "Alcohol.." I finally muttered. To my surprise, he gave a soft a chuckle. Slightly angry, I quickly changed the subject before he could say anything. "What about you?"

He remained silent. Thinking that maybe he was a bit ashamed, I decided to stare at my hands again, instantly regretting I had asked.

"Thief trickery," he suddenly answered. I glanced up in confusion. I let out a surprised gasp when I saw the rope coiled neatly on the side of the table, his hands completely free. He chuckled again at my surprise.

"How did you do that?!" I inquired, not bothering to hide my amazement.

He gave a humble shrug. "Like I said - that's what I'm best at. I'm actually not addicted to anything so it's odd that I'm in a rehabilitation center, but the government still hated my abilities." He gave a dry chuckle. "Since they couldn't prove I committed any crimes, which - I hadn't for a long time, they stuck me in here."

I suddenly felt a wave of sympathy. "How long have you been in here?"

His eyes darkened, making them look almost black. "A year and four months."

My own punishment now seemed very light - and I was actually guilty of my crime. "Sorry," I said softly, not knowing what else to say.

He dismissed the idea with a wave of his hand. "Don't be."

We both went quiet again. Unable to bear the now tensed silence, I said, "Thanks for suggesting that my room should smell like lilacs. I really love it."

His face brightened into a pleased grin, as if I had given him a favor instead. "I'm so glad you like it!" His smile turned sheepish. "I enjoy flowers."

I smiled warmly at him. "That's wonderful." I pretended to act like an experienced man-hunter. "If only all men could appreciate the finer things in life."

He laughed loudly and I couldn't help but join him. His laughter was full of life and very addictive. I actually looked forward to making him laugh again.

Suddenly, our laughter was interrupted by a young woman approaching our table. "Hi," she said shyly with a warm smile. She had dark brown hair that was pulled into a neat ponytail, her dark blue eyes shining with intelligence and caring at the same time. I also noticed she was wearing the same light blue and tan colors that Yusuke wore.

"Hello, Sango," Kurama greeted warmly. "May I help you?"

"Actually," she began, giving the red-head a pretend annoyed look. "I came to see Botan."

I raised my eyebrows in surprise. I had no idea who she was. Apparently, she realized it too because she gave me a knowing smile. "My name is Sango, I'm a nurse here. If you need anything, especially something that males can't help you with-" She paused to give Kurama a playful nudge. "-then I'm your girl!"

I grinned. "Thanks - I'll be sure to take you up on that offer," I replied, already starting to think that life here wouldn't be so bad.

-

In the days that followed, I got to feel more and more at home. I shared all of my meals with Kurama, chatting casually about everything from which type of cleaner was best to use to under-privileged children. Sango often joined us when she wasn't busy with work. Her and Kurama behaved like they were brother and sister.

Two days after I had arrived, while I was sharing waffles with Kurama, Sango came by for her usual morning visit. After we said our usual hellos, I shoved a particularly large bite of waffle in my mouth and gave a dismayed look at Kurama's meager portions. "You make me feel like such a pig!" I complained after swallowing.

He gave a soft laugh. "I'm trying to watch my figure," he teased, twirling his fork carelessly.

Sango snatched it away with a playful giggle. "Stop playing with your food Kurama!"

Instead of his usual fake pout, he frowned at the fork in her hand. "I was using that, Sango dearest."

"Were you?" she asked airily, taunting him by waving it just out of his reach.

He sighed calmly. "Sango, please return my fork or I will be forced to fling syrup on you," he stated, scooping up a spoonful of the sugary, brown fluid to prove his point.

She narrowed her eyes. "You wouldn't dare."

She was answered when syrup landed right in the middle of her forehead, dripping down over her nose. She looked completely stunned for a moment, but didn't waste any more time in turning the butter platter upside down on Kurama's head. As the smooth, yellow substance creamed in with his crimson locks, I let out a surprised gasp before starting to giggle uncontrollably.

Kurama didn't seem to notice me as he picked up his orange juice and held it up to Sango. Her eyes widened and she let out a surprised squeal. She quickly leapt from her seat and ran behind me, grabbing my shoulders like a shield. My laughter stopped abruptly. "Kurama, don't even think abou–" I gasped as orange juice drenched my entire face, soaking my hair as well as the front of my shirt. Letting out a growl, a lunged for my own waffles, but Kurama was too fast. He slipped his hand through just in time to pull it out of grasp. Unfortunately, while he was bent over the table, a middle-aged woman walked by our table, unintentionally knocking into him. A surprised look crossed his face before he lost his balance and fell, face-first, into my plate of waffles.

I don't think I've ever laughed so hard in my life.

Yusuke would join us whenever he could as well. Since he was usually the one starting the jokes, I would have never guessed he was a doctor here. In fact, I had begun to ignore the fact that some people were unnaturally white and constantly shaking. I forgot I was even in a rehabilitation center until my first meeting with Yusuke.

I went into his office the same day I had my food fight with Kurama and Sango. He was seated comfortably behind a large wooden desk, his feet placed casually up, crossing at the ankles. When I entered, he immediately took his feet off and pulled in his chair so he could sit up straight. "Good afternoon Botan," he said with mock formality. "Today we start discussing your difficulties."

I comically stuck my tongue out at him and took a seat in one of the plush armchairs. He laughed at my antics and began searching through papers - papers I assumed were my records. Suddenly, his expression turned upside down after reading a particular paper. "I told them not to give me any alcoholic cases..." he grumbled angrily.

I blushed hotly. "I'm sorry," I muttered, avoiding his gaze. "You must find it really..." I searched for the right words, "disgusting to have a liquor addiction." I finally looked up at him.

He stared at me with utter surprise before letting out a thundering laugh. "Not at all." To prove his point, he reached into one of his desk drawers and pulled out a small bottle of some type of liquor. In one swift motion, he downed half of it. My jaw dropped in shock.

He laughed again and put the bottle back in the drawer. "Everybody drinks," he said casually. "Some people just abuse alcohol. I hate these types of cases because there is not much us as doctors can do. It's mostly the victim that determines whether they get over it or not."

I gave an obvious sigh of relief, but I quickly felt anxious again. What if I COULDN'T get over it on my own? "So...what is the "not much" that you DO do.." I questioned, trying to keep my question light and unreadable.

"Make sure that you don't get a hold of the stuff," he answered with a smirk.

I forced a small smile. "Okay..."

Yusuke smiled unexpectedly. "Don't worry. I've seen people who really have a problem - and you're not one of them."

"Really?" I asked hopefully, gazing up at him.

"Really." He stood up and walked to the front of his desk, casually leaning back with his hands. "Have you felt any urges since you came here?"

I shook my head, realizing it for the first time myself.

Yusuke sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "It seems to me that whatever could go wrong went wrong when you drank. Bad luck in my opinion."

I felt hot tears sting at the back of my eyes. I felt so grateful to have such an understanding doctor. Now I trusted his abilities completely, despite his young age. "Thanks," I managed to verbalize my gratitude.

He playfully wagged his pen in front of my face as if to scold me. "Just make sure to stay off the stuff for the next three weeks. That's when they'll test your blood. If you don't have any alcohol, you're free to go. If you do, you stay for another three weeks."

I paused, before bravely nodding. "I guess I better make the best of the rest of my three weeks," I announced with confidence.

He grinned. "That's the spirit."

-

When my first week was up, I was almost considering drinking a few shots of whiskey just for the chance to spend more time with Kurama, Sango and Yusuke.

The Saturday exactly one week from the day I came, all four of us were eating lunch together. Which was unusual considering Sango and Yusuke were usually busy in the middle of the day. Yusuke was just getting into a story about an elderly woman that was addicted to cat-food when the entrance door to the center flew open and a woman burst through, followed by about three burly men in suits. She was young and very beautiful - coal black hair and equally black eyes, making her fair skin look even paler.

She approached our table and ripped her designer sunglasses from her face. "Well!" she snapped, glaring at Kurama, Sango and Yusuke. She didn't seem to notice I was even there.

Yusuke stood and tried to smooth out the wrinkles in his tan pants. "Well what?" He kept his voice calm and rational.

"Who is that?" I whispered to Sango, but she didn't answer. Her deer-in-headlights expression remained the same - as if she were so surprised to see this woman that she didn't even acknowledge me.

The woman fumed and clutched her hands to her sides. "Well, what do you know!? Who did it?! I have a right to know! Tell me!" she all but screamed.

I was glad to see Yusuke looked as confused as the rest of us."Kikyo," he began calmly. "I have no idea what you're talking about. None of us do."

Kikyo's eyes widened in anger and I thought she would slap Yusuke, but instead she brought her face right next to his. "Hiei has been murdered, you dense, conniving rat!" she whispered bitterly.

Sango gasped next to me and place a hand over her mouth in horror, her eyes widening even more. I saw Kurama bury his head in his hands and Yusuke slumped lifelessly into his chair, all three turning a ghostly shade of white.

"Who did it?" Yusuke finally croaked.

"They have arrested Inuyasha!" she spat angrily. "But I know he didn't do it! You!" She rounded on Kurama. She clutched his shirt and yanked him up so he was forced to look at her. She glared at him spitefully before slapping him clean across the face. "You framed him, you heartless bastard!"

Kurama didn't respond at all, his usually vibrant, green eyes were dull and lifeless. Kikyo raised a hand to slap him again, but Yusuke caught her arm. "Kikyo stop! Kurama didn't frame Inuyasha!"

"Yes he did! He hated Inuyasha as much as Hiei did! He'd love to see him suffer!" She struggled violently against Yusuke's hold, but his grip remained firm. Finally she hung limp in his arms.

I was beginning to wonder if she'd passed out when she suddenly stood straight and placed her sunglasses over her eyes again. She whipped around and glared at Kurama. "I will see you pay for what you have done," she hissed. She snapped her fingers and her three bodyguards followed her out of the Reikai Rehabilitation Center. As soon as the glass door swung shut, I glanced at my three friends. They all looked stricken with grief.

As confused as I was, I could at least decipher that whoever this Hiei character was, he meant a lot to these people.

- - - - - - - - -

Sherkoni - Please don't give up on this story! If you're confused, don't panic - it will be explained next chapter. Not EVERYTHING, but this is a mystery fic, lol. Please review - I won't say any of the pairings, but....given my history, I think we can see the most obvious one. n.n;;