Hey people! HAPPY EASTER! Yeah, I'm getting this out a lil late, but oh well... Anyway, enjoy!
Oh, and Ladye Black co-owns this chapter as well! She is helping me alot more now, cause I'm almost finished with this series! Just a few more chappies to go:)
Summary: K/B-Botan is forced to protect the guys by disguising herself as a guy! But, only one person knows who this mysterious boy with blue hair really is. It's not Hiei, with his Jagan eye and all, it's not Kurama, and it's not any of the girls. It's…
Section break
"-" Words
'-' Thoughts
Past tenseChapter thirteen: The Sister's Three Part two
Botan looked around the room and saw a large wall in front of her with three different openings. Slowly, she walked inside and glanced around even more. Youko followed her through the door and it disappeared behind him.
"What do I have to do?"
"You have to find your way through this maze. While you're walking through, everything changes; so you might come through one way, but turn around to find it blocked." Youko answered her seriously. She nodded in response.
"Are you ready for this test?" A voice boomed.
"Yes." Botan answered. She almost praised herself for keeping her voice level, but stayed quiet.
"This is the last of the three tests, the hardest one of all. Are you sure you're ready?" the voice asked again.
"Yes." Botan said again. She was determined to get through this test and get out of here. She could then deal with Youko once back on the earth.
"You may begin."
Botan walked forward and chose the opening to the far right. She walked in and looked around. The walls were a grassy green color and seemed to blend well with the other walls. She turned a few times and then was faced with a door in the wall. She turned around and found that a wall moved to block her path. She looked at the door.
'To go in or not to go in… that is the question…' she thought bitterly. She could still turn to the right. She didn't know what to do. Giving in to curiosity, she opened the door and walked inside.
It seemed that she was transported to another part of the maze. Now, darkness loomed around her and the walls were gray. Botan looked through the darkness to try to see where she was going.
"Y-Youko… Youko, are you here?" she questioned. Silently, she pleaded to have him back by her side. Nothing happened.
"Please, Youko. Please come with me." She whispered to the darkness. Her hands were trembling in fear. Suddenly, a monster appeared in front of her. She screamed as it raised its claws to attack.
Suddenly, a light appeared before her. Then, Youko came from the light. Botan watched in awe as the creature returned to the darkness from which it came. Then, Youko turned to Botan.
"You called?"
Botan was over flowing with joy. She couldn't handle it all and nearly leapt onto Youko's form in a tight hug. The demon was startled for a moment, and stiffened in response. Finally, he calmed down enough to hug the dragon back. A serene smile was plastered on Botan's face until she realized what she was doing and straightened up.
"Uhh… yeah… thanks…" she murmured. He nodded as she backed up a few steps.
"Where should we go now?" Botan asked.
"Probably straight ahead." He offered unknowingly. Botan agreed and together they walked ahead.
(Scene change)
Melas huffed as she collapsed onto the couch. They had finally defeated the elephants and the penguin. Situk fell beside her and sank into the soft cushioning. They turned their heads and looked at each other for a while.
Eventually, they began to laugh. First it was only a giggle, and then it formed into outright laughter. Soon, they were both laughing hysterically and almost in tears. Yami and Hikari just watched in confusion.
What were they laughing about?
(Scene change)
Botan and Youko have been in the maze for nearly a half an hour. Still, they were walking, hoping desperately that they could get out of this place. But their hope was dwindling quickly, and the idea that they might never escape was growing just as quick.
Suddenly, Botan perked up. "Youko, who's that?" she asked excitedly. There was someone else in the maze. Youko looked ahead and appeared to be in thought for a moment.
"That's one of the stand-by men. This means we're close to the end!" he told her happily. Botan nearly cheered, but quickly decided not to. They both went to the man who stood with a straight face.
"To get past me, you must answer a riddle. The content of the answer will be a person. Are you prepared?" the man asked with a deep voice. Botan nodded in reply.
"He is handsome beyond all reason, with g-"
"It's Youko Kurama!" Botan shouted without warning, her finger jabbing to the Kitsune, who stood with shock on his face. The man looked at her, back down at a paper he was holding, and looked back up with astonishment in his eyes.
"How did you know?"
Youko fell over anime style as he realized that she was correct. Then, he realized what the man had said before and his lips formed an evil smirk.
It was then Botan also realized what happened. She whipped towards Youko and stared; she was close to being afraid and it shinned in her eyes.
"Oh shit…"
"'Oh shit', it right, my dear Botan, because I have a few questi- mfh!" he was cut off by her hand covering his mouth as she looked towards the man again.
She smiled toothily, "We'll just be going now. Thank you very much, sir!" she said, her voice was lined with nervousness. The man nodded and let them pass.
They walked quite a ways like that, Botan dragging Kurama with her hand clasped over his mouth. He was growing increasingly annoyed and it was only until after Botan figured she was far enough away from any other life-form, did she let go of Youko.
Immediately, Youko took authority, "Are you trying to kill me! You don't just shove your hand over someone's mouth and clamp down so hard that they can't breathe!" he shouted, gasping in air.
"I'm sorry…" Botan whimpered. She looked about ready to cry. Youko's gaze softened considerably and he calmed down. He took a deep breath and sighed.
Then, he smirked evilly. "So, how exactly did you know the answer was me?"
Botan blushed from head to toe and began to walk away. Youko called after her, but she never answered. Her heart was beating faster than a hummingbird's (Which would kill a normal person…) and wasn't slowing down. Finally, Youko settled beside her with a small true smile on his face as he gazed at the ferry girl fondly.
Is this what I want?...
(Scene change)
"You have to get her for me!"
A body slammed to the ground roughly.
"That's the only reason I'm keeping you here!"
The person began to stand up, but was thrown back down violently after another hit.
"Do you want the girl to die!"
Everything stopped. The attacker stared as the other body stilled at the thought. Crimson eyes flickered up to the person before him, glaring menacingly.
"If you kill her, I'll kill you…" he pressured darkly.
"I wouldn't make empty threats if I were you. Now, find her!"
Silence washed over the room.
(Scene change)
Botan shivered as chills fell up and down her spine. "Youko, something's wrong… I can feel it…" she whispered. There was something that was off in this world. Something bad was going to happen. It was her sixth sense as the Ether Dragon.
Youko looked around cautiously. His ears twitched, straining to hear anything out of place. His eyes narrowed dangerously. There was someone else here…
Suddenly, he hoisted Botan up in his arms and jumped. An attack hit the place where they just stood. Botan stared in fear as the Kitsune landed. He set her down gently.
"Who goes there?" he called. A chuckle emerged from a light mist that settled. It sounded forced.
"You have no need of my name." A voice called back. Youko snorted in reply. Then, a shadowy figure was able to be seen through the fog. Only his figure showed. But he had wings… like a …
"Dragon…" Botan breathed and stepped away from Youko's warmth. He instinctively reached out to pull her back, but he stopped short. Something told him not to interfere right now. Not yet…
"Dragon, why do you fight me? Your own kind?" Botan asked calmly. The figure didn't move or speak at all.
"I've come to take you to my master, nothing more, and nothing less. But, if you put up a struggle, then you will force me into battle." He responded.
"Why do you toil for someone? Shouldn't you be able to beat them, Dragon?" Botan asked carefully. She did not want to make this one angry, he was powerful. She could sense it.
"You will not achieve anything by asking questions. Now, Ether Dragon, will you come willingly?" the man asked, extending a hand.
It was now that Youko interfered. "Who is your master?" he growled out protectively.
They could almost feel the man smirk. Deep read eyes gleamed through the haze.
"Some know him as the Master of Darkness and Ice; he is called Toille." He said. Now, this changed things. Something like a growl protruded from Youko's throat. Botan stiffened visibly in response. Suddenly, her eyes began to glow from anger.
"Well, Traitor, you may tell your 'Master'," she spit out the name wickedly, "That if he wants me, he has to come for me and not send one of his lackeys to find me." Botan sneered. She loathed the man's master with her entire being, his name was nothing better.
"Do not call me Traitor like you know who I am!"
With that, a strong beam of energy blasted out at the duo. Both barely had time to dodge as another blaze flew directly at Botan. The fog cleared away as another fire from Botan flew through it.
Botan stood unsurely from her crouched position to see who was threatening her. She still couldn't make out anything besides long, dark hair. Smoke floated everywhere from the three attacks and clouded her vision.
She could hear Youko beside her. He was glaring ahead, in the direction of the man. His teeth were already bared. Suddenly, he leaped forward and disappeared in the smoke.
"Youko!" Botan screamed. She couldn't see anything. He just vanished from her sight and the smoke wouldn't go away. Slowly, she walked forward. She coughed as she inhaled smoke into her lungs.
"Youko!" she called, more urgently this time. She coughed again and her eyesight began to blur. Without warning, a fierce pain erupted in her head and she cried out in pain.
Her hands clutched at her head, clawing desperately to stop the pain. A flash erupted from behind her eyes and they snapped open. Her pupils were dilated and tears fell from the corners of her eyes.
"Please… Stop…" she whispered to no one in particular. Her back arched and she threw her head back as the pain overwhelmed her. Botan fell back onto the ground as darkness closed in around her and she faded out of Limbo.
(Scene change)
A woman, garbed in black, stared with glowing eyes into an orb. Reflected in it was a battle. She didn't move as the door opened and two others walked inside of the room. Both were also wearing black, seriousness covered their faces.
"He is not to be here." The first woman broke the uneasy silence. The other two nodded and looked away grimly.
"What are we going to do? We hold no power over him, he is not really in this world." The youngest asked. She had short black hair that was pulled off to the side. Her eyes gleamed with a cerulean glow.
"We can only wait, and hope that the Dragon can defeat her foe." The last one spoke. Her black hair was waist length and her eyes were deep violet. The eldest shook her head; long black hair tumbled around her shoulders.
"The Dragon is not awake anymore. She has been sent a message by another from the real world."
"A message!" the youngest interrupted. "She shouldn't be knocked out by a message! Unless…" she trailed off. Green eyes flickered to hers as the eldest nodded in response.
"Yes, that's what it was."
"Well, she should be awakening soon enough! She's only in a protective sleep, after all, right?"
"No, and yes. She is in a protective sleep, but she will hold herself there subconsciously until she feels that the danger is done. This is when her foe leaves this place. I fear that she will not wake until this man is gone." The oldest answered the second oldest.
"So, there is no hope of her waking up?" the youngest asked, sorrow reflected in her eyes.
"There is a small hope. But she will have to break free of the spell that is binding her, and she will have to face the danger that she wishes to protect against. It will be difficult, but it can be done."
Purple eyes stared grimly at the small glowing orb, the only light in the room. "Let's just pray that it is done."
(Scene change)
Youko lunged at the man with fire in his eyes. He was injured slightly, but could've been worse. The man dodged and fired back with an attack of his own. Youko barely dodged in time.
"You are not who I need. Where is the other Dragon!"
"I will not let you have Botan!"
Youko jumped back and dodged another attack from the man. Then, he called on his rose whip and lashed out. It struck the persons shoulder. He backed away and disappeared into the mist.
"You put up a good fight, but you have left the girl unprotected…" his voice faded out as fear crawled through Youko's body.
"Botan!"
(Scene change)
'I am safe here… nothing can hurt me…'
Thoughts echoed around her small form. She was curled up into a ball; her hair floating freely in the void, caressing her bare shoulders. Huge, dark wings obtruded from her back and shielded her from everything. Her eyes were closed, shut to the world and the place she wanted to flee from. Everything was so right here, so calm.
'No one can find me here…'
Without warning, a light appeared in front of her. It was blinding. Botan tilted her head up, as if to look at the light, but her eyes never opened. A woman's figure appeared from the light and floated before Botan.
The young Dragon straightened up and 'watched' the woman appear. Her eyes were still closed. A long staff materialized in the woman's hand, it was taller than she herself was. She wore a long white dress with scarlet trims. A golden head-piece rested on her. Her long hair was held back by a loose crimson ribbon.
"Ether Dragon, what do you do here?" the woman asked in a soothing voice. Her eyes were calm, as was her stance. She was familiar to Botan.
"What do you mean? This is my haven." Botan whispered back to the lady. She knew her from somewhere…
"Why do you hide beneath your own shadows?" the beautiful woman asked Botan with a convictional stare. Botan looked away, her eyes still closed.
"This is the only safe place around me." She told the woman quietly.
"No, you are only blind to the world where another safe haven lies."
"Where could another place such as this lie in the world?" Botan asked angrily, she knew it was not true!
"In the arms of the person who loves you." Botan was silent. No one loved her… did they?
The woman spoke again. "Open your eyes, Botan. Open them completely and you will see."
"Open…my… eyes?"
"Yes, Botan, open them wide. Good-bye, young Ether Dragon." With that final thought, the woman disappeared.
Botan looked confused as the woman disappeared, then, realization dawned on her face and she smiled slightly. "Thank you, Milanos." She whispered to nothing and then did something incredible for her state.
She opened her eyes.
(Scene change)
Botan gasped in deeply as she looked through her surroundings. She was back in Limbo. Everything was the same as before. She stood up shakily from the ground and glanced around the maze. Smoke still clouded her vision, but it had cleared up a bit.
Quickly, she rushed through it, looking desperately for Youko. She soon saw him. He was fighting someone. The other Dragon.
It was at that perfect time when the smoke cleared and she was revealed. The Dragon looked over to her and smirked. Suddenly, he flew over to her and grabbed her in his arms. She was not ready for this and was too stunned to fight back.
Then, she screamed. "Youko!" she cried out. She fought with all her might and the man abruptly and accidentally dropped her as she continued to kick him. So she fell.
'Please, wings grow!' she pleaded mentally. Deep inside she knew it was of no use; she needed another Dragon actually inside of this place to touch her. Her wings were not going to grow.
Amazingly, her eyes changed into dark purple as a blue-black aura formed and settled around her. Dragon wings were summoned and nearly encased her entire body. But, they were clear, almost non-existent. Botan stopped in midair and stared with loathing at the man above her.
"Stop trying to save me." She spoke bitterly.
"I don't want you to die."
His confession startled her so much that she blinked. But, by the time she opened her eyes again, the man was gone. She slowly floated down onto the ground, the transparent wings supporting her. As soon as her feet touched the ground, the wings disappeared.
"Why did he do that…" she questioned no one in particular. She was more so talking to herself than trying to get an answer.
"I just want to get out of here… now." Botan said as she placed a hand on her forehead. Suddenly, she smelt something. Her body stiffened and her eyes snapped open. She looked around quickly. This wasn't Limbo, or the maze… she was in a garden.
Melas, Situk, and Hikari were surrounding her. They were all having something like a picnic together while they were girls. They were all laughing and having lots of fun. Botan decided she liked this place far better than Limbo.
Suddenly, just as Melas was saying something, Kurama rushed in front of her. But, it wasn't Shuuichi; it was Youko.
"Youko, what are you doing! You're interrupting us!" Botan said, slightly angry. She was having fun with the other girls, why was he ruining it?
Then, he thrust out his hands before him. There, in his palms, was a small mirror. A blinding light came forth from the small mirror, and everything around her slowly disappeared. Soon enough, she was back in Limbo.
"What just happened?" she breathed as she looked around. Youko looked back to her and placed the mirror in her hands.
"You were trapped in an illusion. I got you out with this little trinket I… uh… found." He told her trailing off. She was about to ask about his hesitance, until he began talking again. "I have now helped you three times, yet I am only allowed twice. I cannot save you anymore. Now, this is your fight. Good-bye, Botan. I'll see you once this test is through." After those words he disappeared and Botan could only watch in mute horror.
Now, she was alone with the other Dragon.
(Scene change)
"Are we going to punish him for that later?"
"No, his heart was pure and intent on saving the girl. He will not be punished."
"Awww… that's so sweet!"
The older and middle children all looked to the youngest. Then, they rolled they're eyes. "You always were a sap for romance, San." The middle commented.
"There's nothing wrong with that, Dos!" San shouted back slightly angry. "At least I don't have to lie to guys to get them to like me!" she stated angrily.
"I do not lie!"
"You do too!"
"Do not!"
"Do too!"
"Do not!"
"Do too!"
"SHUT UP, BOTH OF YOU! I'm trying to watch this!" the eldest shouted, but quieted down as she finished.
"Sorry, Un…" San and Dos muttered. They both crowed around the softly glowing crystal ball, where the two Dragons were already fighting. And it wasn't even with fists, they were having a verbal war.
"Where did you get that!"
"I'm not telling!"
"Yes!"
"No!"
"Yes!"
"No!"
Un sighed as she watched the two bicker like her sisters were just a few seconds earlier. A sweat-drop fell down her head as they continued immaturely. This was going to take a while…
(Scene change)
"Tell me where you got that mirror! NOW!" the man shouted angrily.
Botan remained as stubborn as ever. "No."
"Tell me!"
"I got it from a friend!" It was the truth. She had gotten it from Youko, and he was her friend.
He paused. "Y-you know her?"
Botan looked confused. "Know who?"
Again he paused, and looked like he was thinking over something for a moment. "Do you know the woman called Milanos? Did she give that to you!" he asked her loudly, almost desperately.
Botan blinked. The man, that worked for Toille, who wished to kill her, was pleading with her. She was surprised. A moment ago, he was fighting ferociously. Now, he was close to begging.
Wait, did he say Milanos?
"I know Milanos. She saved me twice." Botan said out loud. She meant this more as a thought, but it just came out of her mouth. The man stiffened, and suddenly he was right in front of her, shaking her madly.
"You met Milanos! Where is she!" he shouted. "Please, Tell me!" he demanded.
"I-I don't know!" she cried and the man jumped away roughly. A slap would have done less damage, Botan thought bitterly, as she saw the pain that laced his face.
"You… but she…" he breathed in deeply and seemed to pull himself together. Slowly, he straightened himself up. "Alright, then, I take my leave. We will meet again, Botan of the Ether Dragons." He stated, pain still apparent in his voice though covered very well. The man disappeared after he said that and Botan looked around slowly. This place was a wreck.
She walked through the maze again, not really paying attention, just turning whenever she felt like it. Her mind was in a complete daze, like someone just hit her with a very heavy object. Which was almost true, but the object was the way the man acted when he spoke of Milanos.
'He acted like he knew her… like they knew each other… I wonder if he is looking for her or something, since he asked me if I knew where she was.' Botan thought idly. Her thoughts continued on this line until she saw something ahead of her.
It looked like a bird-bath. It was white, and it held water in it. But it was tall, about to her chest.
Botan walked over to it slowly, a little unsure. She looked into it and at first saw only her reflection. Then, the water rippled and her image vanished. She was soon thrown into a world of her past and of memories that she didn't want to remember.
She was thrown into her life before her ferry girl days.
She was thrown into her life as a Dragon.
End chappie!
Wow, that was long! Aboutfourteen pages in Word! That took me a while to write, but now, the plot develops even more! MUWAHAHAHAHAHA! Ahem... anyway...
To my Reviewers:
ChibiBotan88: lol, sry I was mean! But this isn't a cliffhanger! This is just the opportune moment to stop! heh, there's the next one!
Neko no Chaos: Yes, you rock! lol, yeah, I lied again, the chappie was getting really really long, and unless you want a freakin twenty-four page chapter it's not gonna happen untli the next (I hope...). lol, yeah, I decided to make Situk really really hyper alot cause she's a dreamer! Sry, that was probably a really bad pun! (Dragon of Dreams... lol) Yes, pink elephants, yellow penguin, and Momo-that's my nickname for him, cause I can't really remember his full name... Momohackleshniemerfruitincruitinpoor... somethin like that... heh, yes, Botan does have feelings for Youko and Kurama. :) Ja ne!
Botan Urameshi: Thank you! You're one of the few who wasn't completely confused by this chappie! YAY! Thank's for reviewing!
satarow-raven: Thank you! Yes, actually, the one that asks what leaps and runs, but has no legs actually had a different answer, but I changed it cause I thought mine worked better! lol, thank you very much!
Ladye Black: Yeah, you did get this one quickly. Lol, Momo was great, but you can have him! -shoves Momo to Black- he's really yours anyway! lol, anywho, Elliot can be a bad guys name! And I think it sounds really really cool as Toille! YAY! You accepted Ice! Ja ne!
white artemis: Thank you! Here's the update:D
Sparkling-Ruby Gem: Yes, I can't even wait for the other twists! I'm gonna get really really excited when I finally get to write those:D Ja ne!
Cristina Gomez: Sorry I confused you! I didn't mean to, I swear! lol, Shuuichi will come in soon, if every thing goes right, hopefully he'll show up in the next chappie! Ja ne!
Stargirl: Sorry I confused you! I'll try to use that sometime:) Thank you, and again, sorry I confused you!
Chisakami Saiyuki: Lol, I'm glad you think it's funny, and yes it is very weird... How could it not be with more than five cross-dressers at once? Lol, anyway, thanks for reviewing!
cuteanimechibi16: Heh, yeah my plot's a lil different. Thank you for reviewing! Ja ne!
Oh, yeah, I lied again... SORRY! Please forgive me! -pleads readers to forgive the authoress- I just haven't really been well lately, I swear, the preview that I had before will happen in the next chappie! I swear!
Ok, That's all I have to say! Review people! I only need six more and then I have 100! Yes, 100 REVIEWS! Isn't that amazing? Lol! Maybe I'll do somethin for the 100th reviewer... lol
Ja ne!