I don't own Yu Yu Hakusho.

"Speech"

'Thought' ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter 4

After school Kurama and Botan left for Kurama's house. They both decided it would bee best if Botan stayed at Kurama's house. The play would be that Botan had come over so she and Kurama could * work* on a project, than around eight she would leave and use her oar to get to Kurama's window. The window would be open and she could slip in. That was the simple plan, though it didn't go as it was planned.

They entered the house and Shiori welcomed them.

"Hello Shuuichi, now who is this?" Shiori greeted.

"Hello Mother. This is Botan. She came over to work on a project we were assigned." Kurama replied

"Hello Mrs. Minamino, it's a pleasure to finally meet you. Shuuichi has told mew so much about you." Botan said as she bowed.

"Now, Now. If Shuuichi told you things about me, Then you must be good friends with him. Call me Shiori. Now, I hope All the things Shuuichi told you has been good." Shiori said

"Yes, He has never told me a negative thing about you Shiori." Botan answered.

"Really? Now that's nice. So Botan will you be going on the family camping trip?" Shiori asked

"Yes. I'm going with my Grandmother. Besides, since Shuuichi is going, it will be fun." Botan replied.

"Oh, really?" Shiori asked.

"Well, enough Chit-chat. Botan and I have a project we need to finish." Kurama said as he pulled Botan up the stairs.

"Wait. Botan, would you like to stay for dinner?" Shiori asked

"I don't want to impose." Botan replied.

"Don't worry. I'll just put a fifth spot out." Shiori said as she headed for the kitchen.

As Kurama and Botan went up the stairs Kurama smirked. "Well that's one problem solved." They then entered his room and started to talk to about the mission.

As Kazuya returned home he saw Shiori in the Kitchen, Shuiichi watching TV and He saw Kurama's shoes. He guessed he was in his room. He placed his Briefcase in his and Shiori's room before heading downstairs.

"Hello Shiori" Kazuya said as he kissed her. "Hello Shuiichi."

"Hello Kazuya." Shiori said

"Hey Dad." Shuiichi said from the livingroom.

"Hey Shuiichi, be a dear and get your brother and Botan." Shiori said as there were noises above them and some shouting.

"GIVE THAT BACK TO ME FOX!"

"NOT UNTIL YOU STOP SAYING 'BINGO'"

"NOT IN THIS LIFETIME FOX!"

"THEN FORGET IT!"

There were some thumps and a sound like something was tackled. Once all the noises stopped, they heard a door open and they both came down. Botan was glaring at Kurama and Kurama carried a smirk on his face.

"Yusuke put you up to it didn't he?" Botan said easing her glare. Kurama put an innocent look and nodded. They entered the living room and saw the strange looks they were getting.

"What?" They both asked.

"Who's your friend Shuuichi?" Kazuya asked

"Oh, This is Botan. Botan my stepfather Kazuya Hanataka and my stepbrother Shuiichi Hanataka." Kurama introduced.

"So you're the Botan that was in Shuuichi's room two nights ago." Shuiichi said

"Bingo. But, I didn't know you knew I was there." Botan said blushing

"Shuiichi heard you, and told everyone at breakfast.

"Oh," Botan said. "Shiori, do you need any help?"

"No, No Botan, You're our guest, don't worry."

"Alright" Botan answered

"So Botan, how did you and Shuuichi meet?" Kazuya asked

"We met through a friend of ours. Yusuke. Then when I moved to Shuuichi's school we became even better friends." Botan said as she took a sip of water.

"So are you two dating?" Shuiichi asked, this caused Botan to spit out her water.

"No, no, wee are just friends, that's all." Kurama answered for Botan.

"Really, I thought you two were dating." Shiori replied

"Me too," Kazuya agreed.

"Really?" Botan and Kurama said as they both of them sweatdrop.

"Hey Botan, you don't think Koenma thought." Kurama paused

"I sure hope not." Botan replied "The gang is one thing, but our boss is another."

"Oh well, we will deal with it next week, "Kurama said with a sighed. They than all started to eat dinner. Afterwards Botan announced that she would have to leave.

"Well Shuuichi, I must get going. I have to go all the way to Grandmother Genki's tonight." Botan replied.

"Sure." Kurama said as he was interrupted.

"Wait, Botan, where does your Grandmother live?" Shiori asked

"Oh, she lives about 2 miles off this small village. It's about three hours away." Botan responded

"Then I can't let you leave. It's too late for you to go. You can stay here the night." Shiori stated.

"But where will she sleep?" Shuiichi asked

"She can have my bed. I'll sleep on the floor." Kurama said

"No, I can't do that." Botan replied

"Yes you will." Kurama argued

"I won't, It's your bed so." Botan argued

"You will sleep on it." Kurama finished.

"No! I won't." Botan argued.

"Then I'll make you sleep there." Kurama replied.

"Fine, Jeez you're so, so." Botan sighed

"Sly, cunning, sheathe..." Kurama helped

"Stubborn." Botan said as she giggled.

"Ha Ha" Kurama replied "Mother, may wee be excuse?"

"Sure leave the plates, we can't have guests do the dishes." Shiori said as she started to pick up the plates.

"Oh no, You invited me for dinner and allowed me to stay the night, the last I can do is wash the dishes in repayment." Botan took the plates "Besides you can use this time to pack for the camping trip" She than headed for the sink.

"Let me help you Botan." Kurama said.

While Kurama's family finished packing Botan and Kurama were discussing who Koenma would send to be their * Aid* in protecting them and help keep them out of trouble.

That night, some whimpering waked up Botan. It was so quiet that she was surprised that she even heard it. She got out of bed and knelt next to Kurama to wake him when she discovered he was the one whimpering. She was about to wake him when he whispered "Botan, Hiei, I'm sorry. Kourone Forgive me," Botan then started to shake him.

"Kurama, Kurama, please wake up. Kurama!" She finally was able to wake him up.

"Botan, what's wrong?" Kurama asked worried

"I could ask you. You were having a nightmare. Are you all right? Do you want to talk about it?" Botan asked

"It's nothing, just a dream of the past, that's all." Kurama replied "Forgive me for waking you."

"It's quiet all right. We are partners on this mission. We have to help each other out. So if you want to talk, just tell me." Botan said.

"Sure, same for me. If you are ever in danger, just come to me. I'll help you." Kurama told her. "Now off to bed, we need to get some sleep."

"Alright, night Kurama" Botan said as she got back into the bed.

"Good night Botan" Kurama replied.

When Botan woke up again it was morning and Kurama was missing. She got out of bed and headed downstairs hopping to find Kurama, but she only found hiss mother.

"Good Morning Botan. Are you ready for the trip?" Shiori asked.

"Bingo." Botan responded

"I'm guessing you are looking for Shuuichi aren't you?" Shiori stated

"Yes, I was. But I guess he is taking a shower." Botan respond

"Yes, he woke up earlier. But tell me Botan, how did you and Shuuichi get so close? I've never seen him act like that towards anyone; including myself." Shiori asked

"Oh, well. I. We, we're just friends, that's all. We aren't even best friend." Botan stuttered

"If you say so." Shiori replied; it was obvious that she didn't believe Botan; she would have said more, but Kazuya came downstairs.

Upstairs Kurama had just out of the shower. He was about to enter his room when he saw Shuiichi in there.

"Yes?" Kurama asked. He really wanted to get dressed.

"Shuuichi, remember, when you told me to tell you if I saw any of that weird energy around anyone." Kurama nodded "Well, I can see it around Botan, except it seems as if she isn't alive, but dead." Shuiichi said

"Don't worry about her. She's good. I'm glad you told me, now could you please leave so I can get some cloths on." Kurama replied. Shuiichi nodded and headed for the door. He was about to leave when he asked

"Shuuichi, Where did you get those bruises?"

"You don't need to know, trust me, you don't." Kurama told him. Shuiichi just nodded and left.

Kurama changed into some cloths and went downstairs. There, he whispered something to Botan. She nodded and left. When she came back she was dressed in her pink shirt and blue jeans with hr brown jacket. Then a few minutes later Shuiichi came down.

"Mr. Hanataka, would it be alright if you gave me a ride to school?" Botan asked

"Sure, but what about your grandmother?" Kazuya asked

"Oh, I called her last night. I told her to meet me there." Botan replied.

"Alright than, has everyone eaten?" Kazuya asked, Everyone nodded. "Then let's go." Everyone went to the car.

They soon reached the school and waited in front of the bus.

"I see the fox got here on time." An old voice said from behind.

"Foxes are known for there punctuality Genki" Kurama replied

"I see your awareness hasn't dimmed since the tournament." Genki said

"Genki, I'm so glad you made it." Botan said cheerfully

"That's your grandmother?" Kazuya and Shuiichi asked

"Botan, when will this trip begin." Genki asked

"Soon Genki, don't worry you won't die?" Kurama said with a chuckle. He had to stop himself from saying 'Again'

"Shuuichi!" Shiori exclaimed "Mind your manners"

"Don't worry Mrs. Minamino. Fox here was just sharing an inside joke." Genki replied "Now just remember to watch out for hunters wee don't want another fiasco again."

"Touché, Genki Touché." Kurama said,

"Alright, when I call your name board the bus with your family. Reiki and Minamino." Botan and Kurama got up and entered thee bus. Botan and Kurama sat behind Kazuya and Shuiichi. Shiori and Genki sat across Kazuya and Shuiichi. Soon the trip started and Shuiichi and Botan fell asleep. Kurama entered a meditative state. The adults started to talk.

"So Mrs. Genki..." Kazuya started

"Call me Genki. Everyone does." Genki told them.

"Yes. Genki how did you meet Shuuichi?" Kazuya asked

"We met though a student of mine Yusuke." Genki replied "I got to know him though Botan."

"Really?" Shiori asked, "How's that?"

"About 2 years ago Botan's parents were killed in a car crash. Botan was left in my care. About a year ago she invited Fox over and they both help me plant my garden. Now he comes twice a month to my temple and helps me out." Genki replied 'Yes, this should help the Fox out. Good thing Botan warned me about them, and something I could help him out with. '

"How sweet." Shiori said

"Quite so. I was truly worried when he came over on Wednesday. He was patching a hole in my roof when he slipped and landed in a rose bush. He was alright but had a nasty cut on his shoulder." Genki replied with a smirk.

"Oh my." Shiori said. She felt bad for suspecting he had done something bad.

"SO what was the conversation you two had outside?" Kazuya asked.

"Well about 2 months ago, I fell ill and was bed ridden for about a week. Botan and Fox stayed and helped me get better." Genki replied.

"Oh, so the was where he was. He could have called." Kazuya said

"I don't have a phone." Genki stated.

"Oh"

"Tell, me are you Fox's real father?" Genki asked

"NO, I'm his stepfather. But why do you call Shuuichi 'Fox'?" Kazuya asked.

"He seems to attract a lot of foxes over to my temple every time he visits. So I call him Fox." Genki replied.

"Yes, Shuuichi always had things follow him where since he could walk" Shiori said. This got Genki's attention.

"Really?" Genki and Kazuya asked

"Yes, at first it was plants, than it was baby animals, it was so cute until it was bats followed him, Then his father died and they all seem to stop following him." Shiori told them. Genki gave a chuckle.

With that they all fell into silence. The trip lasted for two more hours. When the bus came to a stop everyone got out and grabbed their bag.

"Alright everyone. We have a 20-minute hike a head of us. Then we will set up camp. Then we will all introduce ourselves. Now, let's go." Mr. French said.

Botan, Genki, Kurama and his family started out. They had walked for about five minutes when Shuiichi went up to Kurama.

"Shuiichi, what is it?" Kurama asked, "If its about Genki then don't worry she's good."

"No, it's not that. There is an icy blue energy following us." Shuiichi replied

"Icy blue huh, I see. Thanks for telling me." Kurama smirked, he then jogged up to Genki; whispered something to her, passed her his bag and walked up to Botan.

"Botan we're being followed. I'm going to check it out. Stay here with Genki" Kurama ordered.

"Alright, but." Botan started

"I'll be back in ten minutes." Kurama told her. With that h left for the forest. Shuiichi saw him leave. HE knew his best chance for answers would bee from Botan. He went up to her.

"Umm, Botan?" Shuiichi asked

"Yes?" Botan replied

"Well, umm, Botan where did Shuuichi go?" Shuiichi asked

"He went to check out who's following us." Botan answered.

"What will he do if he finds them?" Shuiichi asked with a faint blush.

"Depends. If it's a good friend, then nothing; an enemy then kill them; a friendly rival than fight." Botan explained

"What do you mean?" Shuiichi asked

"Well to put it simply, then if it is someone who wants to hurt us then Shuuichi will stop him" Botan said

"Alright" Shuuichi said as he continued to walk in silence.

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Hope you like. I typed this all as soon as I could. I would put a longer author note saying some things but my cousin Geminidragon is rushing me to finish. So please R&R. until next time.

C-ya