Disclaimer: Sorry I don't own Yu Yu Hakusho
Author's Note: I've decided that chapter 2 is just a cursed chapter. For every story I've written, chapter 2 has always been the one that no one reviews. I guess it's when you really decide on whether or not you are interested in a story. Oh well, gotta keep going! Because I still like this story and I know at least three people who will probably read this (thank you Time on my hands, ReaperDemon, and Botan and Kurama lover). Hahaha, see you all in chapter 4.
Oh yeah, if you can't get a good visual on Botan's outfit, here's what I'm going off of.
wontonpandachan (dot) deviantart (dot) com/art/Hearts-of-Glass-Botan-95065949
Please review!
--
Hearts of Glass
Chapter 3
Enter Old Allies
--
"Baka Onna. Do you have any idea what you've just done?"
I looked at the fire demon, standing back up as I did so. This can't be real. I've thought of these two on a few different occasions since being in Makai, but I really thought that there was no chance we'd ever bump into each other. Can you blame me? Both of these men chose to leave Ningenkai behind and didn't bother contacting any of us after that. I assumed that I was dead to them and, in turn, they became dead to me. This can't be a hallucination, though. I wouldn't hallucinate Hiei growing taller...well, he's still short compared to Kurama but I'd say he has an inch on me, two at most. Then again, 150 years is a long time. And Yukina's aged, so I guess it would be stupid of me to think Hiei didn't as well.
"Well?" He narrowed his eyes.
Oh yeah, I was asked a question! I shook my head no.
"You just killed a very important man. We were trailing him for a few days and had other plans for him." Kurama said.
"The weak fool could have been killed anytime. But we were waiting..." Hiei glared at me.
"Weak? What do you call those fire katanas of his then?!"
Man, how was I supposed to know that my ex-comrades were tracking the guy who wanted to rape/kill me? And...did I just stand up to Hiei? Apparently. Kurama gave an amused look over to his frustrated friend before turning to me with a look of something I can't decipher. Approval maybe? I gave a small smile and shrugged my shoulders. Whatever it was, it wasn't anger and that's good enough for me! I heard Hiei mumble something about an amulet, but it was obvious that he wasn't really paying attention to me anymore.
"He was wearing an amulet that temporarily increased his power. Even with an ability like his, I'm sure you noticed that he wasn't a very skilled fighter."
I nodded, urging him to continue.
"It was a present from his brother, the man who was responsible for Enki's death. Unfortunately that's all we know."
So that's why he walked around like he owned the world! I guess having such strong family ties practically guarantees you immunity from any trouble you might get into you. And with that amulet of his, he could easily fool people into thinking he was a strong, powerful demon. I paled. To kill someone that important really can't have been a smart thing. I smacked myself in the head and groaned as it all finally hit me.
"We were going to follow him to his brother's hideout and torture information out of him then. We needed to wait because we don't know where the hideout is. But Byakori had a mission--"
"So that's what his name was!" I blurted.
I eeped as Hiei glared at me and decided to finish the story.
"Which was to kill you. When he doesn't return it'll become obvious what happened."
Oh man, that's definitely not good news. I gave a frustrated cry and started pacing back and forth in the alleyway, hands up and yelling a whole bunch of four letter words in succession. I don't know how long I was pacing or ranting, but I felt my breath start to run out and I stopped. Nothing can change the past. But what can I do about it now? I turned to ask for advice only to wish I had a camera. Both Kurama and Hiei were staring at me like I had grown a second head! Hahahaha. Well let them be shocked, if they think I'm the same ferry girl then they have another thing coming.
"So what do I do?" I asked.
Kurama walked towards me. Did I mention that he's amazingly good looking? Like really good looking. I know I sound like a hormonal teenager, but I also know that I have a point. I'd like to see anyone do better if they had him coming at them at a slow speed with that grin on his face. And, as nice as the moment is there's still the matter at hand of what I'm going to do! He stopped walking barely an inch from me. And as much as I tell my body not blush I already feel the heat coming to my face.
"Do you trust me?" He asked in a low voice.
I nodded and he scooped me into his arms bridal style. Without further notice we were off. Within minutes Cyrus became a blur and I had a feeling I knew what he was going to say next.
"I think you just became an outlaw, Botan."
--
A week later and here I am. I have no idea what possessed Kurama to take me that night. I mean, we don't know each other. I can't really think of a single occasion where I held a conversation with Kurama's Youko half back then, but it's the same Youko half--who now is the full Kurama--that stepped in to help me. We've been on the move, never staying in one place more than a day. At the moment we're in between cities and camping in the wilderness. I looked at the kitsune across from me curiously.
My suspicions turned out to be right about him. He is completely back to being Youko Kurama, but I've learned that I was also very wrong about him at the same time. I can't see him as the bloodthirsty monster that his file made him out to be. He's been polite to me the whole week we've been together and has saved my neck on more than one occasion. My criminal status traveled fast; and I guess a nice bounty was put on my head. Countless amounts of demons have come here trying to collect.
Fools should've thought twice before coming after the Grim Reaper.
Koenma was pretty mad at me when he found out. He had a little tantrum--which I know means that he's just really worried about me--before finally starting to figure out what to do next. We agreed that it was still beneficial for me to be here; there was also no time to train someone else for the job. But it was decided that I shouldn't contact him unless absolutely necessary: if word got out that a powerful demon was really killed by someone from Reikai it could spell a lot of trouble. I understand the reasoning, but it's a little scary. It's as if I really am on my own now. Well, maybe not completely.
"So what are you thinking about?"
Kurama walked over to my side of the fire and took a seat next to me. I smiled at him and looked back into the flames.
"Nothing much. Just reflecting over everything that's happened."
"I see. Are you unhappy with it?" He asked.
I thought about it for a second. A part of me wanted to scream YES at the top of my lungs. I've become a criminal and killed people--yes people, I've had to defend myself from stupid bounty hunters--and those are things that I never thought were a part of me. But at the same time, this experience has taught me a lot about myself. There's so much more to me than just happiness. Sure, I am a jolly person but that's not all I am. Since the beginning of all of this I've gotten to explore parts of my personality that I was always trained to suppress.
"Not really, it's just interesting. If you had told me back then that I'd be a wanted criminal--and a demon at that--I'd think that you had gone crazy."
"If it makes you feel any better I think you're a remarkable woman, and a beautiful koorime."
"Thank you." I mumbled, Kurama-caused blush in place.
"If I didn't know better I would assume that you were born a demon. Was it hard to learn?"
I nodded and started telling him my story. I don't really know why: maybe I need someone to listen, maybe I want to keep this conversation going, probably a mixture of both. I mentioned living at the temple with Touya and Yukina. I heard the leaves above us rustle. I guess hearing Yukina's name made Hiei jolt up in his tree. I told Kurama how I had to adjust to my enhanced senses; and how I embraced ancient koorime ways. Above all else, I told him about my training. After all, he was probably most curious about how I came to learn how to fight and use ice attacks.
"Touya. I remember him. Koenma couldn't have picked a better teacher."
"I agree. But enough about me! What's it like to be your own person again?" I turned to him.
He laughed at my bluntness.
"Well it's nothing new. I was me for thousands of years before my time in Ningenkai. I knew it was only a matter of time before I returned here."
I didn't dare look away.
"When Shiori Minomoto died I knew it was time to return. I could've simply separated from Shuichi, but his soul was still in an infant form. I would've left behind an adult with the mind of a newborn. You see, while I was not in control of my Shuichi half, my mind was there. My knowledge, my experiences, they merged with the human side of a soul that was never allowed to develop. And when I left I took it all back with me as I'm sure you noticed. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'd bet money that you were the one to bring his soul to Reikai. He didn't recognize you, did he?"
"No, he didn't. He had no idea what was going on actually." I admitted.
"That's because I kept the memories. I didn't want to forget."
He looked at me and I smiled sadly. Those memories are a melancholy thing. Definitely a double edged sword. We sat in silence for a little while longer, just enjoying the night. At least that's how it is on my half. I eventually got up and gave him an apologetic smile before wandering off into the woods. Nature calls! I did my business and started wandering back. I started hearing snippets of conversation and, curious as ever, I quickly masked my ki to listen in.
"Why did you bring her with us, Kitsune?" Hiei asked.
"She's strong Hiei. She's more than capable to handle our lifestyle. Besides, what would you have me do, leave her to the bounty hunters?"
"She could have gone back to Reikai."
"You know she couldn't. She's on a mission." Kurama pointed out.
"The minute she slows us down I'll deliver her there myself. Dead or alive."
"Oh stop. We both know you won't harm her. She's on our side, Hiei. We're all she has here in Makai. Why won't you accept that?" Hiei glared at Kurama's question.
"Hn."
Hiei jumped back into his tree and Kurama sighed and went back to his sitting position. I stayed where I was and thought over what I had just heard. Already a plan is formulating in my head. All I have to do now is wait for morning.
--
I woke up with a smile on my face. Kurama was already up and cleaning up the camp. None of us actually have any bags, but we do clean our campsites. I'm not the only criminal here. Both of my traveling partners have bounties on their heads, so we try our best to cover our tracks. It doesn't help a great deal, considering we still get attacked fairly often, but it's a ritual and rituals are meant to be followed. I stood up and started stretching. Ignoring the raised eyebrow Kurama was giving me, I marched over the "the tree."
"Hiei?" I asked quietly, not sure if he was awake.
"Hn."
"Fight me."
"Hn."
"Is that a yes?"
"Hn."
"Dammit fight me!"
I picked up a rock at threw it at him. I knew that he would dodge, but I just wanted to get him out of the stupid tree. Kurama was still cleaning the campsite, but he has slowed down considerably. I didn't have to look to know that he had an amused look on his face. I had no time to look at Kurama anyway: Hiei had jumped out of the tree and was now staring straight at me. His face showed anything but amusement at my antics but I don't care! This is the only way to show Hiei that I'm not useless!
"Fine." He stated simply.
Then he vanished. I barely had time to acknowledge that he had agreed to my demands before I remembered to dodge. Hiei has speed. I knew that then, and the years have only made that speed of his increase more. I did a few backflips to put some distance between the two of us. Not being put off in the least Hiei charged me, bringing out his sword in the process. I ran to meet him dead on. Not expecting that, he quickly switched tactics and jumped, bringing his sword back to strike.
Instead of going left or right I kept on forward. I know that if I try to turn Hiei could easily change directions and catch up with me before I realize what's happened. As Hiei--and sword--started descending I didn't change my direction. At the very last nanosecond I fell into a perfect split and slid right underneath him. Not quite fast enough, though. I know I heard some hair being slashed. I drew ki to my hand and and little ice balls appeared. As I turned, still sliding, to Hiei I quickly blew and sent the ice at him. Touya would be proud that I used his sacred move so precisely.
Hiei was able to slash most of them away, but was hit by a few stray icicles. Probably annoyed by my dodging Hiei took matters into his own hands. He created a ring of fire to surround the two of us, and it quickly grew to become a dome of fire. We're both trapped...shit. Two can play at this game though. I conjured a blizzard that was confined inside by the fire. It's the weirdest thing. Like being trapped inside a snowglobe, except the walls are fire yet the ice isn't melting. I guess Hiei's fire dome is more of a sealing technique than a burning one.
"Why are you doing this Onna?"
I ignored him and instead focused on our battle. I focused my youki into my nails, creating ice claws. Then I took a page out of Hiei's book and charged at him. He effortlessly dodged my attacks and soon I found myself on the defensive again. And let me tell you, Hiei's sword strikes are a lot harder to dodge than Mr. Musician's--yeah, uh, I forgot his name again--twin katanas. I gasped and made a face as I got hit again. While one hand controlled the sword, Hiei's other hand and legs are also moving, and I'm getting hit left and right.
It doesn't matter to me, though. I take my hits and learn where to block next time. I slash back at him, startling Hiei for a second. It's just enough time for me to go back on the offensive. I punch, kick, and slash in an attempt to hit the fire demon. I do too, once or twice so far. I slash again then jump into a handstand as he dodges, bringing my legs into a helicopter motion. I feel that I got one kick in before his blade slices my leg. Ouch! I bite my tongue and jump back, knowing that I'm on defense again. I think Hiei wants to finish this. He zipped out of sight and I'm barely able to hold out my claws in time to catch his sword between them. I pant and spit out blood.
"I don't want to be anyone's burden anymore!" I scream at him.
While our weapons are still stalemated I jump up from the side, catching Hiei's head between my legs. I tighten them around his neck and let go of his blade, quickly torquing my body and flinging him into the ground. But I'm not far behind. I got up and jumped after his body, catching up to him in mid-air moments before he impacts with the ground. I hold out my arm in front of me, claws extended as I follow him to the ground. I aim for his neck and meet his widened, shocked eyes. I hit the ground and there's nothing there. He dodged. I feel a blade suddenly pressed against the back of my neck and I know it's over.
"You...are not a burden." He says as he removes his sword from my neck.
"Really? You mean that?"
He nods and I jump up, quickly healing all of the wounds I gave him before working on myself. I watch Hiei move his arm around, nodding to himself. I guess that means he approves of my healing job! I sit down in the remaining snow--the blizzard looooong gone--to catch my breath. Hiei wordlessly sits beside me. He looks like he's caught in his own thoughts at the moment. I lay down for a second and let the cool snow melt against me. Hiei's talking brings me back to reality; I sit up to face him.
"You've gotten strong. Touya did a good job." I smile at his words.
"So you were listening last night!" I smile wider as he nods his head.
"It's...nice...to see you again...Botan."
I stare at him in shock, not quite believing what just came out of Hiei's mouth. This is the most nice Hiei's been to me. EVER. And he used my name?! It doesn't matter that he made a face and struggled with actually getting the sentence out. Temporarily forgetting exactly who Hiei was, I tackled him into the snow with a hug. I feel him stiffen for a second before he hugs me back, awkwardly patting my back. His hands drop and I notice the fire dome starting to disappear. Hiei sits back up as it finally fades for good.
"Onna. Get off me." Hiei grumbles and I quickly jump off him.
"Um...does this mean you're okay with me joining you guys now?" I ask.
He gets up and gives me an unreadable look.
"Hn."