Well… Hello folks. Sorry, I normally try to update this on Wednesday, but I had finals to study for! So you get it today. Be happy.
Thank you Cheap Libertad, my lovely and talented beta reader.
Are any of you guys into Inuyasha? Like Sesshoumaru/Kagome's? Like weird, twisted plots with angst and humor? Read Cheap Libertad's new fic, Six Underground!!! Go do it!
::Shameless plug::
~*~
Botan didn't know where they were going. Mostly because she'd buried her head in Kurama's shoulder as soon he raced of with her. She was too afraid to look up, but she could feel, from her position in his arms, that they were going fast. Very fast. Faster than it should possible for anyone to travel by themselves, let alone with another person in tow.
And the ride was smooth. Although she knew that they were traveling through a thick forest with thousands of trees to dodge and boulders to hop over, she hardly ever felt jostled. If she hadn't been so terrified, she would be enjoying herself immensely.
After all, how many girls got to brag about being carried through the forest by a beautiful fox demon? Not many, she was sure.
Soon, Kurama began to slow down, eventually stopping by a stream. With their close proximity to each other, Botan could hear him lightly panting, and she felt somewhat relieved to know that he was at least affected by the swift journey in some way.
Even after they had stopped, Botan refused to look up, and she would not unwrap her arms from around his neck, or untangle her fingers from his silver locks. She was shaking terribly and though she tried to stop, she couldn't help but to think of all the horrible stories she had heard about the great thief, which made her even more nervous.
After walking for a few minutes, Kurama leaned over and placed the deity gently on top of a boulder, reaching up to remove her hands from his hair, and wincing slightly as he felt a few strands pull loose. He stepped away and regarded her curiously.
She had her knees pulled to her chest, and her arms wrapped around herself. Her head was bowed and she refused to look at him. He noticed that she was trembling violently and delicately arched an eyebrow in amusement. The girl was already terrified of him, and he hadn't really done anything yet.
He cleared his throat and waited for her to look at him. She didn't move. Kurama chuckled lowly.
"Ferry girl. Look at me, please."
Botan shook her head and curled into herself as much as she could. Kurama began to feel annoyed. He had expected her to fear him, of course. He was the greatest thief in the three realms, and he had just kidnapped her, after all. But this was ridiculous. She was acting as if he had just slaughtered her family in front of her, or something. He narrowed his eyes.
"Why are you so afraid? Look at me, ferry girl." He demanded.
Botan couldn't stop herself this time. His light voice was musical and somehow comforting. Slowly and irresistibly, she felt her gaze drawn too him. Her eyes started at his waist, where she noticed his silvery foxtail was slowly swaying back and forth, then her gaze traveled upward. Over his powerful torso and toned chest. His arms were crossed. Finally, her eyes met his, and she noted the bemused _expression on his face, as one of his ears swiveled slightly in her direction. He was ethereal, shining with his own silver aura. Beautiful. Though she should have expected that. He was described as such in the stories.
Kurama, for his part, had decided to take this time to size the girl up himself. He hadn't been able to get a good look at her when he was observing the camp, only taking the time to notice that she was attractive and leaving it at that.
She was finally facing him, somewhat more relaxed than a few seconds ago. Her face was drawn and pale, her hair disheveled from the trip through the wood, and she was biting her lip in a worrisome manner, but she was attractive. Lovely, in the unconventional way. An innocent sort of beauty that he found himself appreciating. Most demon women had that seductive charm that this woman didn't seem to posses. It was different, and he liked it. Youko could appreciate beauty, after all. He was a collector of jewels and flowers, he knew much of aestheticism.
"Was that so difficult, then?" He asked her, as he sat down beside her, a respectable distance away for he could still smell her fear.
Botan regarded him for a moment, then shook her head slowly. Kurama smiled.
"Good. Now the first part is out of the way. As you may have assumed, you shall be my guest for some time. It would be convenient for me to know your name. We shall both tire of 'ferry girl' very quickly, I imagine."
He was nice. Or at least, he seemed that way. Botan knew it was just his charm and that she shouldn't, she really shouldn't… But she could help it. Slowly, she began to relax in this demon's presence.
"It's Botan, sir."
Kurama inwardly sighed with relief. From her initial appearance and attitude toward him he'd been expecting a fight. He smiled in a gentlemanly manner.
"Botan." He said, as if tasting the word. He let it linger between them for a moment, as he looked thoughtfully off into the distance. He turned back to her.
"I like it. It's suits you for some reason. Does it mean anything, where you come from?"
Botan began to feel nervous again, under his hot, molten gaze. She unconsciously flinched away from him.
"It's a type of flower. A peony."
Kurama smiled genuinely at her.
"A flower? I am rather fond of flowers, myself. Well, now I think I like your name even more, little peony."
Botan smiled hesitantly at him.
"Excuse me, sir-"
Kurama waved a hand dismissively, and cut her off.
"Don't call me that please. It makes me feel old. You may call me what everyone else does. Kurama."
Botan smiled gingerly.
"Ah… Kurama-san…"
He looked at her inquisitively.
"Er… How long do you plan to keep me as a… a guest? And um… What would you have me do during my… uh… stay with you?"
Kurama frowned. Here he was, trying to keep the conversation light, but apparently this girl was all about business. He regarded her solemnly and leaned back upon his elbows. As soon as he'd stopped smiling, the sedating effect of his aura ceased to work on her and she began to feel increasingly nervous.
"Well. That depends, Botan." He said, in a clipped tone. "First, I must take you back to my base. Then, we must wait for the rest of my crew to return. After that, I must send Prince Koenma my demands. For your sake, let us hope he complies. If and when he does, then I shall return you to him, unharmed." He shrugged. "As for what you shall do while you reside with me… That is entirely up to you. Although…" He turned and grinned licentiously at her, "I'm sure I could think of a few things that would keep you busy." He watched in vicious amusement as Botan paled further and drew away from him, as far back as the boulder would allow her. He cocked his head to one side. "No? You're sure? Well, then. We'll find something else." He chuckled to himself at the animal like fear in Botan's eyes. Beautiful eyes too. All purple, like a sunset. Or an amethyst.
"Well. I think that we have rested long enough. Are you ready to travel once more?" He stood and held his arms out to Botan, a malicious twinkle in his eye. Botan didn't move.
Kurama sighed and leaned over to take her up in his arms again. At first, Botan tried to keep from touching him anymore than was necessary. But then he took off, and she yelped in surprise, wrapping her arms around his neck once more, and burying her head in his shoulder. Kurama chuckled darkly and began to move faster.
~*~
Koenma was in a state. His hair and cloths were tousled. His tent was a mess. There were papers everywhere, and he was pacing back and forth. Every now and then an oni would wander by and he would stop pacing to yell harshly at it, sending it scurrying away in tears.
Lord Hijimoto sat on a crate at the end of Koenma's tent, somehow managing to look graceful and well kept, despite the mad appearance of everyone else. He watched in mild amusement as Koenma abused anyone who got near him.
"Prince Koenma… I think you should calm down now."
Koenma glared at Hijimoto and continued to pace, sucking furiously on his pacifier.
"Calm down? Calm down? I can't calm down! The best ferry girl I've been assigned in the past five hundred years has just been kidnapped my the most famed thief ever to have lived!"
"I know what happened as well as you do, Koenma-sama. But look at the bright side. It could have been you that Kurama carried off."
Koenma considered this for a moment, then felt incredibly guilty.
"What are you talking about? It would have been better if he had taken me instead! Botan would be safe."
"You are wrong. It is better this way."
Koenma turned violently and viciously jabbed a finger toward Hijimoto in an accusatory manner.
"You don't care about Botan at all! You don't care that she's in the hands of that… that… demon who could do all kinds of things to her!" Koenma flung himself down on his bed and began to moan.
"Oh, what did I do, Botan? I should never have dragged you on this mission! I should have made you stay home! Why were you so insistent?" But Koenma knew why he had let her come. He couldn't refuse Botan anything, and look where it had gotten her. Gotten both of them.
Lord Hijimoto coughed delicately from his crate.
"You are wrong, Koenma-sama. I do care about the fate of the little ferry girl. However, should the worst happen, she is replaceable. You are not. Do you see what I mean?"
Koenma sighed miserably.
"To you she may seem replaceable. But to me she is not." He stuck out his lower lip and commenced to pout.
Hijimoto frowned.
"Do you hold some sort of affection for the girl, Koenma-sama?"
Koenma blushed.
"Wha-? No! Of course not!" He glanced furtively around to make sure no one was listening.
"I see."
"It's just… She's a great ferry girl! Do you have any idea how long it would take to train another girl to be as good as Botan? A long time!"
Hijimoto cocked an eyebrow. Koenma laughed nervously.
"Anyway, what are we waiting around for? Why aren't we out there looking?"
Hijimoto leaned back.
"We have no idea where Youko's base is. Do not fret, Koenma-sama, when he is ready to negotiate, he will come to us. Until then, we should not work ourselves into a state." He looked pointedly around the tent, his gaze lingering on scatted papers and broken boxes. Koenma grinned sheepishly.
"I see. I apologize for my behavior, Lord Hijimoto."
Hijimoto nodded graciously.
"I accept your apology Koenma sama. I suggest that, while we wait for Kurama to bring his demands, we retreat to my palace, where you may at least rage in peace."
Koenma accepted happily.
~*~
Kurama finally stopped in front of a small cave entrance. He set Botan on her feet and kept his arms around her waist to steady her. She quickly extracted herself and moved away from him. He frowned. And they had been making such progress too.
"Welcome to my humble home, Botan. I hope you enjoy your stay with me." He watched as she looked around. There wasn't much to see on the outside. Just more forest. She turned back to him, looking curiously beyond him and into the mouth of the cave.
"Is that where you live?" She asked uncertainly. He nodded.
"It doesn't look like much, does it?" He asked her, leaning against one side of the entrance.
Botan shook her head. Kurama laughed.
"At least you're honest. But I think you'll be pleasantly surprised, once you see the inside. Follow me." He turned and walked in, listening carefully until he heard the footsteps of the deity behind him.
~*~
AN: Well… That about does it for chapter four! I hope you guys liked it. Even though it was short. Before you all attack me with a big stick, I reiterate: finals!!! Okay? A perfectly valid excuse for my laziness… Yes indeed.
As usual, thanks to the people who reviewed the last chapter:
Broken Hope: You should really read them, they are way better than my stuff. Anyway, I'm flattered that you make time in your busy schedule for my fics! I'm really sorry about your computer, by the way. Now I'll never get the next chapter. Ah, well. I hope you eventually find a way to solve your problem. How did you like the Kurama/Botan interaction this chapter? Since you've been looking forward to it, I hope it wasn't a disappointment.
Yume Ookami: awww, Jen! I'm flattered. Even though I didn't update WTT… Heh… I know you'll find it in your heart to forgive me. Anyway… Love you!
blonde fox: Here's some more then! Uh, hopefully, the good parts started with this chapter.
The New Girl: Wow. By the time that I post this, I will have already updated Thief!. Amazing, isn't it?
Amanda: Thank you, and here is your update!
Cheap Libertad: You just like laughing at me. I know it's true! You still want Hiji-chan? Even though he's a prick, sorta?
lobsterblue22: I hope I updated before your brain went Kaboom with all the suspense. Anyway, I know the fic you speak of, and I LOVED it! I was so mad that the author never finished. ::Sigh:: Ah well. I promise to finish mine, does that make up for it somewhat?
miyako14: Thank you. Okay, I updated already!
Hedi Dracona: Well, here it is dear!
PassionateAngel: Hijimoto will play an important role in this fic. And he's dead sexay to boot. Yes ma'm. Don't worry, I'm not neglecting Thief! By writing this fic as well!
Lady Nightshade: I'm glad you think so.
Sarah: ::Blushes:: The best K/B fics? I don't know about that. Take a good long look at some authors like Diana-Jae, Raven Sin, and Frith and then tell me what you think. Anyway, here is the next installment. I hope Youko is sexy enough for you! XD
KitsuneGirl: Okay, okay! Here's an update!
Fireblaze: I didn't have any intention of leaving it like that! That's why I updated! Anyway, thanks for the review, and I love K/B's too!
Dark Chobit: Thank you! By the way, I love your name. I love chobits! I'm on the fourth manga right now. It's so cute!!! Anyway, I'm sure I wouldn't have minded if Kurama decided to pick me up and run off with me in his arms… ::Le sigh::
SweetKaori: Thank you, your enthusiasm is overwhelming! If I were a novelist I would give you a copy of my book before it hit the shelves. That way you wouldn't have to sleep outside the bookstore. I'm just nice like that. ^__^ Anyway, I shall be sure to send you an email letting you know that I have updated.
Carol: Okay, I did!
Okay dears, it's time to review again!!!