Chapter 9

The two budding lovers leave the Chikatetsu-Narimasu station and head for the first stop of their date. They're clearly nervous, but are calmly sitting in their seats as if it's just another day. Kurama sits in one seat next to a window while Kiyoni sits across from him. After looking out the window for a couple of minutes Kiyoni says, "So tell me. Where are we going exactly?" "I'm not saying," Kurama responds with his head resting on his left hand, "I'll ruin the surprise if I do."

"Aww c'mon. Can't you give me one small hint?"

"…No."

"...Party pooper." She crosses her arms and pouts in a huff. Kurama smiles at how cute Kiyoni is.

A short time later, the two arrive at their destination. The train conductor announces, "Itabashi. This is Itabashi," on the loudspeaker. "Oh. We've arrived," Kurama proclaims. The two get up and exit the train. On the way out Kiyoni asks, "Itabashi? What's in Itabashi?" "You'll see," answers Kurama.

Upon exiting the station, Kurama and Kiyoni are greeted by the hustle and bustle of the spring travel season. "It seems we're not the only ones who are out and about today," Kurama concludes. "What made you come to that conclusion," Kiyoni asks sarcastically. Kurama grabs a map of the area from a nearby station display case and takes a look. Kiyoni looks over his shoulder; she really wants to know where her date is taking her. "Oh! We're not far at all," Kurama determines. The two walk off with Kurama leading the way.

"You still haven't told me where we're going," Kiyoni says. "Patience, Kiyoni. We're not too far," Kurama promises. He slows down his pace a bit so that Kiyoni can walk next to him.

Within less than ten minutes, they finally arrive at their official destination. "Atsuku Botanical Garden. This is our stop," Kurama declares. "No way! Are you sure," Kiyoni inquires while looking at the large dome sitting over the campus. Kurama nods his head, "We both have a common interest in botany. So what can be as perfect as this?" Kiyoni looks back at him with an interested smile, clenching her bag strap, "Good idea I guess. Let's go."

They walk inside the indoor garden and are amazed by what they see; the most beautiful and tropical plants ever displayed. The sweet scents of the flowers fill the air. Areas of red, purple, pink, blue, yellow, and green create a giant, maze like path that leads to a souvenir shop and a food court in the back. Birds, who have made this garden their home, fill the skies underneath the mesh-styled dome. "This…is…amazing," says Kiyoni. "Agreed. Ready to take a closer look," Kurama questions. Kiyoni nods her head and the two make their way through the garden.

The paths within this botanical garden are impressively organized and balanced. In one area, are tulips and orchids and pink moss along the outer walkways. In another area, cherry and plum blossoms fill the skies and the air with hydrangea and daffodils surrounding their roots. Lilies and wild orchids are seen everywhere people turn their heads. Even the wisteria flowers are making an early debut this season. To Kurama and Kiyoni, they're in botanical heaven. "Yeah, this was a great idea Suu'chi," Kiyoni declares. "Thank you, I'm glad you approve," Kurama answers. The two make their way towards the wisteria trees.

Kurama takes out his phone and starts taking pictures and video. Kiyoni follows suit but, only for a little bit; she wants to experience this place first-hand. Once they make it to the wisteria trees, Kiyoni walks in front of Kurama who is still recording. He watches and records closely as Kiyoni reaches her hand out to touch the flowers. He's overjoyed to be with someone who enjoys the beauty of Mother Nature as much as he does. Kiyoni notices Kurama's actions and is immediately embarrassed, "Ah! Suu'chi what are you doing? Put that away, you're embarrassing me!" She covers her face.

"Aw come on Kiyoni, you look so pretty on camera. Don't be shy."

"Suu'chi please put that phone away."

"Alright, alright I'll put it away." He stops recording and puts his phone back in his pocket as Kiyoni approaches him.

Kiyoni takes a hold of Kurama's arm, "Let's go down this way." She tilts her head slightly to the left. They take a walk down a tangent path.


Meanwhile, back in Mushiyori, Yusuke, Botan, Kuwabara, and Keiko discuss plans about dealing with the vampires. "You think any of those bloodsuckers will show up today," Kuwabara asks. "If they do, they're gonna wish they hadn't," Yusuke responds.

"Luckily for us I managed to bring the demon compass," affirms Botan, showing off the item as proof, "If they are around, we will know."

"Can we please talk about something else? I'm getting scared just walking out here with you guys," Keiko inquires. Her head is pointed downward. "Why are you so scared? You're in good hands with us," Yusuke insists with his arms behind his head.

"Oh I don't know maybe it's because there are monsters out there who want to do nothing but drink blood all day," Keiko answers sarcastically.

"Hey, I was trying to be nice," Yusuke cracks back.

"You could've just changed the subject like I asked Yusuke."

"And you could learn to trust me more Keiko. When I say you're in good hands, then you're in good hands."

"Now, now you two. You can have your lovers quarrel later," Botan professes. The demon compass on her wrist senses demonic activity nearby and goes off without warning. "Where is it coming from Botan," Kuwabara inquires urgently. Botan looks at the compass, "It says that…it's coming from…over there!" By "over there" she means near a bakery down the street. "Alright, time to kick some vampire ass," Yusuke declares while clenching his fists, "You ready Kuwabara?"

"Oh yeah. Let's go Urameshi," Kuwabara answers popping his knuckles, "Botan, you stay here with Keiko." Yusuke and Kuwabara run off to find the vampire. "Please, be careful," Keiko insists loudly.

The boys reach an alley near the bakery. They walk down the alley to look for the vampire. "You sense anything," Yusuke questions.

"Yeah. I'm sensing major demonic energy down here."

The boys continue to walk down the alley when they hear something in the background, "C'mon. Open up those legs of yours and nobody gets hurt."

"You are such a pervert Tatsuo."

"What can I say? I'm a leg man. And this one's got some nice, juicy ones."

The boys come across two underlings feeding on a teenage girl. It's Hotaru and Tatsuo. Hotaru is standing behind the girl against the building next door, feeding from the right side of the girl's neck while Tatsuo is feeding from the girl's inner left thigh. The girl is positioned slightly squatted with her legs open so that her attackers may comfortably feed. Nauseated and upset, Kuwabara attempts to scream, but Yusuke stops him before that happens. "Shut up you doofus. You'll scare them off," whispers Yusuke. The boys squat behind a dumpster out of the vampires' eyesight. Kuwabara whispers back, "What?! You're crazy if you think I'm gonna sit here and let those vampires kill another innocent Urameshi. You heard Koenma, no more innocent lives remember?"

"Yeah, yeah. But the last time I tried the ambush approach, they took off faster than you can say 'bloody murder'."

"So what do we do?"

"Follow my lead." Yusuke gets up and walks towards the vampires, Kuwabara in tow. "Excuse me. I couldn't help but noticed your little threesome here. Mind if we join," he asks as he approaches the vampires.

The underlings pause on their meal to see what the fuss is about and turn their attention to Yusuke and Kuwabara. Yusuke notices that the vampires were the same ones found near the blood bank hanging out with Namida. "Hey, I know you," he says while pointing at Tatsuo. "Oh shit, it's him," cries Tatsuo, "Let's get out of here Hotaru." Tatsuo gets up and starts to run away. Hotaru follows suit while simultaneously dropping the girl to the ground. Yusuke and Kuwabara give chase.

"Hey! Get back here! We just want to talk," shouts Yusuke. The underlings split direction upon reaching the street. The boys split as well; Yusuke follows Tatsuo and Kuwabara follows Hotaru. Yusuke and Tatsuo run for about a few blocks, trying miserably to avoid bumping into people. "Out of the way," commands Tatsuo. "That's it! I'm so kicking your ass when I catch you," Yusuke threatens. "That's if you can catch me," Tatsuo takes off using his superhuman speed like he did last time. "Damnit," Yusuke says to himself upon stopping at a street corner.

On the opposite end of the block, Hotaru continues to run away from Kuwabara. She turns a corner and heads towards the area where Botan and Keiko are. "Is that Kuwabara? Who's that he chasing," Keiko asks. Botan turns her head to take a look. The chase reaches the girls. When Kuwabara meets the girls, he gives a heads up, "There's a girl in that alley that needs help. She's been bitten. Look into that will ya?" He runs off continuing his chase. "Oh that's terrible. Let's go Keiko," Botan decrees. "Right," Keiko nods her head in agreement.

The two run towards and down the alley to meet the girl. After a quick check, the girls notice that she's alive but in no condition to move or speak. "Keiko, call for help," Botan commands. "On it," Keiko answers. She takes out her phone and calls for help, "Yes, hi. There's a girl who needs help. I think she's been bitten. We're in the shopping district near Star Bakery. Thanks." She hangs up the phone, "An ambulance is on its way." Yusuke returns not long after, "How is she?" "Not good. I can heal her wounds but she needs blood and quick," Botan answers.

"Did you see Kuwabara by chance?"

"We saw him chase a girl down the street. Was she one of the vampires," asks Keiko.

"Yeah. I think her name was Hotaru. I chased her partner, Tatsuo, down until he took off like a bat out of hell."

"Well this is something Kurama's not gonna be too happy to hear about later," Botan determines.

Kuwabara runs after Hotaru for a couple more blocks. She looks back to see if she's still being chased. Unknowingly, she crashes into an outdoor dining area of a restaurant. Kuwabara takes on the opportunity, he catches up to her not long after. A small crowd huddles around Hotaru offering assistance. She hisses at the idea, bearing her fangs. "Ah! She's one the vampires," screams a woman. "Ok, ok I think that's enough for one day," Kuwabara announces upon approaching the crowd. He crouches down to Hotaru. "What do you think you're doing," she asks.

"I help you, you help me, got it?" Hotaru agrees and allows Kuwabara to help her up. "Uh, sorry about that everyone. My sister tends to go overboard with her cosplay ideas," he says as he walks off with Hotaru. They walk to a nearby park bench. Hotaru takes a seat while Kuwabara remains standing. "Alright. Since I got this code that prohibits me from hitting girls, I'm only going to ask you this nicely. Why are you vampires attacking our city," he interrogates as if he's a detective.

Hotaru rolls her eyes, "I was hungry. A normal lunch didn't do it for me. Same goes for the other guy."

"Just how many of you 'guys' are there?"

"Including myself and my partner, there are nine of us. We're here for a reason."

Kuwabara starts to freak out, "Nine! There are nine of you? Why the hell would there be nine of you?"

"Simple. We're looking for the tenth."

"And just who's 'the tenth'?" By then, Yusuke, Botan, and Keiko catch up with Kuwabara. "Hey! Is that the other one," shouts Yusuke.

Kuwabara turns his attention to his friends and waves, "I got one of them Urameshi!" As soon as the friends turn their attention towards Hotaru's direction, they find she's disappeared. She had used her super speed to leave while the humans were distracted. "Aw, poo," Botan utters, "She got away." "Damnit, and she was so willing to talk too," Kuwabara mutters, "Anyway, what happened to the girl in the alley?"

"An ambulance came and took her to the hospital. Hopefully she'll be alright," Keiko assures.

"What did that vampire say anyway," Yusuke questions.

"She said there's nine of them including her and the other guy. They're looking for the tenth," Kuwabara replies.

"Well who the hell is the tenth," Yusuke inquires again.

"I don't know," Kuwabara answers while shrugging his shoulders.

"Grr. Stupid vampires. I wish we'd know who they're looking for. That way I can find him first and beat the crap out of him for putting everyone out on a wild goose chase," Yusuke declares clenching his fists again. Keiko places a hand on his shoulder to keep him from getting too angry, "It'll be fine Yusuke. Things will come out in due time." Botan observes the two from behind, "I hope you're right Keiko," she thought.


Back at Itabashi, Kurama and Kiyoni decide to rest for a little while at the garden's food court. Kiyoni is sitting at a table looking around the building as Kurama approaches her with two cups of drinks for them. "Incoming," he announces. He then hands a cup to Kiyoni. "Ooh, thank you Suu'chi," she says taking the drink into her hands. Kurama then takes a seat at the table.

"So what drinks did you get us?"

"Chamomile iced tea for you and rose iced tea for me." He takes a sip of his tea, "Mm, delicious."

Kiyoni takes a sip of her tea, "Mmm, it's as I remember. Speaking of, tell me if you remember this." She puts down her cup and reaches into her bag to pull out a book. The book is yellow with blue picture framing on both the front and back.

"I don't believe it. It's your old botany book."

"Hey, you remember!" She slides the book across the table to Kurama. He then opens the book to take a look inside. Kiyoni's botany book is a scrapbook of all of the flowers that she liked as a child. Kurama helped her create that book with a few of his own favorites. Pictures of lilies, orchids, roses, and other flowers fill the book. The pictures bring back memories for the both of them. "I can't believe you still have this book," Kurama proclaims still perusing.

"Are you kidding? No way I was gonna give that up!"

Kurama soon see pictures of flowers that he's never seen before, "Some of these entries are new, where you found them?"

"Oh, uh. They're from…my grandfather's garden. It turns out, he knew of my love of flowers and had a garden prepared for me for my arrival."

"How nice of him."

"Yeah, really nice." She takes another sip of her tea.

Kurama then comes across a photo that he has seen before. He takes it out for another look. "I remember this one," he states. The picture in question is a photo of them taken at the age of ten; a few weeks before Kiyoni left Japan. The children are posed with Kurama (then with shorter hair) standing to the side, arms crossed looking to the right, and a sly smile. He's wearing a light pink polo shirt with dark blue shorts. Kiyoni is positioned with her left arm around Kurama's shoulders, her body leaning against his back, holding up the peace sign with her right hand, and a winking face. She's wearing a yellow polo shirt underneath a yellow and black, plaid designed overall dress. Her hair is styled in two afro puffs with yellow hair ties at the base. "Yes. This picture definitely brings back memories," he determines. He hands the photo over to Kiyoni.

"Out of all the pictures I have in that book; I cherish this one the most."

"Because it's the last one we took together?"

"Because of all the memories leading up to this picture." Kiyoni holds the photo close to her heart.

"We did have a lot of fun together."

"Yes Suu'chi, we did."

Kurama looks around the establishment, "I got an idea. Let's make a new one right now."

"A new what exactly?"

"A new memory, with a new picture. C'mon." He then gets up and pulls Kiyoni along leaving their drinks behind.

"Wait Suu'chi, what are we doing?"

"You'll see, stand right here." He leads Kiyoni to an area of purple tulips. He takes out his phone, stands next to her, and wraps his right arm around her shoulders in an attempt to take a group picture.

"Okay, are you ready?"

"Hold on, Kurama I gotta fix my hair a bit. This is so exciting!" Kiyoni adjusts her hair and gets in position. Kurama follows suit. He then holds his phone up in the air to take the shot, "Okay, one…two…"

On "three", Kurama takes the photo while at the same time kisses Kiyoni on her left cheek, surprising her. The photo is taken at the precise moment of the kiss and her reaction. He steps away from Kiyoni for a moment to review the shot, "Hm. Not bad, a perfect shot." He looks back at her direction to find her head turned to the right in an attempt to hide her blushing face.

"Are you alright Kiyoni? I didn't over step my boundaries just now, did I?"

Kiyoni stops blushing and turns her head to look at Kurama, "I'm fine. Really, I'm fine." She regains her composure and walks back to the food court to grab their drinks and her picture book. Upon her return, she hands Kurama his drink. "Let's go," she insists and walks off. Kurama stands silent absolutely worried that he did something wrong at this point.


As evening and Kiyoni's curfew approaches, Kurama finally manages to see the apartment building where she lives with her parents when he walks her home. They've been rather silent since the kiss back at Itabashi.

"So this is where you live. Not bad," Kurama concludes. The apartment is a twenty story building, built for the middle class of the city.

"Thank you. I like it. It's comfortable."

"Well, I guess this is the part where we…part ways. I hope you enjoyed yourself with me."

"I did. It was a really good idea to take me there." They pause for a moment.

"Well…I should…get going. Good night." Kiyoni makes her way to the door.

"Kiyoni, wait!"

She turns around to face Kurama, "Yes? What is it?"

"I just remembered. You said that you too have a crush on someone, right?"

"Yes, that's right."

"And it's someone I know, right?"

Kiyoni nods her head, "Mm hmm."

"Well…may I…ask who it is?" At this point, Kurama is concerned that the move he made may have cost him a shot at her heart.

Kiyoni walks up to him and places her hands on his chest. She lifts herself up on her toes as if to tell him a secret. Without warning, she kisses him on his left cheek. "The guy I like is you Shuuichi," she whispers. She then lowers herself down and again makes her way to the door. "I look forward to our second date. Good night." She enters the building and heads home. Meanwhile, Kurama remains standing in the apartment complex's entrance yard completely surprised. He has a smug smile, his face is blushing beet red, and hearts dance around his head and eyes. After a few seconds, he shakes his head out of his trance and touches his freshly kissed cheek. "I'm glad the feeling is mutual," he thought, "I most definitely look forward to a second date as well."

At the same time Kurama is exiting the area, Kenichi is entering it. The two men slightly bump shoulders as they pass. "Excuse me," they both announce before bowing towards each other and walking away. "So that's Shuuichi, huh," Kenichi thought to himself. It turns out he did follow Kiyoni on her date but from a distance, which means he did witness Kurama kissing her. "I hope it was worth coming back here Kiyoni," he thought again. Given the severity of the situation going on in Mushiyori City, Kiyoni is going to need more than just her father to protect her.