Chapter IV
'Where are you?'
Botan gasped at the sudden pressure on her neck just as her feet left the ground. She made a choking, gagging motion at her throat, eyes brimming with tears while her lungs ached as the treasure guardian continue to squeeze, stopping her breath short. Color started to drain from her face, the healthy skin color turning into a sickening hue as darkness crept from the corner of her eyes.
'Doors are closing on you. Hurry up and get yourself here at once. Your foolish tendencies might have activated some sort of a booby trap.' Hagiri's reprimanding tone, coupled by the occasional static noise coming from the earpiece permeated her aural faculty, with the jeer eliciting a spark of irritation enough to pull her out of trance.
One gloved hand dropped to her side, reaching for her belt, frantically feeling around the utility pack for something that could temporarily disorient the creature's senses. A silver of hope lifted her spirit when she got a hold of the modified flash grenade, instantaneously pulling the pin and throwing the handheld bomb up in the air, shutting her eyes just when the device emitted an excessive megacandela of blinding light before an intense loud bang overwhelmed her awareness.
Her mouth fell open at the relentless asphyxiation afterwards, a strangled scream erupting from her constricted throat when it became apparent that the creature remains unfazed by the previous strive, considering that it took all of the impact from the explosion as it arched over her lithe form.
Desperation to breathe overtook as she started to thrash, trying to dislodge herself from the death grip. Wisps of sky blue hair dancing in front of her eyes as she freneticly clawed at the arms covered with flesh so gruesome, like something dead that had decayed in water. Efforts grew still when the hood of the apparition fell from its head, her eyes widening in fear at the sight of what could have been a stuff of nightmares. Where should have been eyes, there was only thin, grey scabbed skin stretched blankly over empty sockets staring right back at her. What should have been mouth came a gaping shapeless hole, sucking the air with a sound of a death-rattle. A sense of foreboding settled in the air when the smell of putrid, death-cold breath filled her failing lungs, drowning her with dread. All of a sudden, amidst the bleak and horrifying moment, a distinctive voice reached her ears, one so rich and soft yet ironically sharp enough to slice through the darkness brought by her foul captor.
"Botan."
Botan whirled her head to the side and freezed in a mixture of shock and relief when overfamiliar green eyes pierced her purple ones.
The vice of anxiety slackened when Kurama met her gaze as his bottled up emotions slammed at his walls like raging tidal waves of the ocean. Surprise isn't an emotion that he'd ever taken well, even if this is a welcomed one. For perhaps a split second his sentimentality was suspended, visible for any and all to see, until it shattered like glass, the capricious mood swept by his fastidious control with millenia-old proficiency.
As Kurama regained his composure, he, together with Yusuke and Kuwabara, made a move to aid the deity. However, the attempt was put off when Hagiri shot his arm out, brazenly hampering their advancement.
"Get out of my way, human." The fox demon warned tightly, narrowing his eyes while baring straight ivories in clear agitation as his primal intuition kicks in, categorizing the other male as a threat from ensuring the safety of his intended mate. No doubt his alter ego would've taken over and would've dealt with this insolent fool if he was able to utilize his demon energy.
Hagiri raised a peculiar brow at the red-head, unperturbed by the hostility, before a wry smirk grew over his face. The lazy check mark stretching up to his dimple. "Hn. She can handle it herself and you are no different in this plane."
Stare down ensued between the gentlemen, both sizing up the other. Eyes locked, neither backing down from the silent threat hovering above their shoulders, nor giving each other the glory of bragging rights where the first to avert their eyes will be the loser, and that means subservient, weaker.
"I can't believe I'm saying this but could you fucking stop the social domination already?! We need to - LOOK OUT!" Bawled Yusuke, catching their attention when the magical beast suddenly tilted its head back while producing a deafening screeching sound, bones cracking as its misshapen mouth splits open, wide enough to fit a head inside.
They were about to save the damsel in distress but stopped, the gang stiffening in astonishment, when Botan dauntlessly striked the inner elbows of the creature with her hands, jerking the specter forward before delivering a violent headbutt that could give Chu a run for his money. The sudden offense evoked an unpleasant shrill from the cadaverous figure as it recoiled sharply, loosening its grip, allowing her to break free from the frontal chokehold.
"Eh?!" Yusuke and Kuwabara gaped at the unwonted display of aggression before wide and toothy grins erupted on their faces as they cheered on their just-found friend. "Nice, Botan!" The mazoku exclaimed punching his fist in the air whilst his best friend whistled his merriment.
"Botan! Hurry!" Kurama shouted while catching the slab of granite. The rest of the men, excluding Hiei, joined his endeavor as the stone continue to slide down with acceleration.
As soon as her feet touched the ground and heeded the fox's warning, Botan started bolting towards the sealing exit, running as fast as she could, feet traveling with speed and agility as the paws of a lioness while maneuvering over the debris from the previous explosion. She quickened her pace when the persistent creature materialized ahead, blocking her way out with the imposing spread of its dark cloak.
"Come on, onna." Hagiri muttered under his breath. The tinge of concern in his deceptively calm utterance not lost to the perceptive red-head beside him.
Yusuke clicked his tongue when the cloaked figure multiplied, reminding him of his fateful encounter with Suzaku, back from the beginning of their team's fun-filled yet perilous escapade. She won't make it in time if she fought those. He thought dishearteningly while struggling to lift the hefty stone, beads of sweat forming on his temples due to overexertion.
"Bo...tan...chaaaann!!!" Kuwabara gritted his teeth, veins protruding on his neck as the pressure of the situation starts to take a toll on his human body.
Thereupon, their pride and joy went off the charts when Botan cleverly avoided the ring of deathly creatures by dropping onto the ground, using her momentum to slide across the room and past the threshold just before the men jumped away from the collapsing entry, releasing the support on the slab before it slammed onto the ground with a crash.
"Way to go, Botan-chan!" The pompadour-head exclaimed as he dumped the fire demon onto his shoulder once again.
"Let's move!" She uttered loudly while righting herself to resume her running, the gang in tow.
They traveled further than before, miles deep in a labyrinth of unending passageways impervious to the light of the sun, traversing the stretch of identical stonewalls under the ruthless grinding noise that shook the hard baked earth with the walls of the maze itself started to move. After a few minutes, they stopped to enter in what appears to be a secret dock located at the bottom of the pyramid, where a state-of-the-art, amphibious submersible was neatly parked.
"Now I am convinced that Koenma is stingy and cheap." Yusuke remarked as they neared the submarine with Botan giggling at the background.
"Woah! This is so cool! It's like we're on a sci-fi movie!" Kuwabara exclaimed as he jogged around the vessel with the still unconscious Hiei jostling on his shoulder, poking the large acrylic sphere in giddy excitement. His brows furrowed in concern after noticing the passenger seats mounted in the platform of the cockpit. "Hey guys, it has only four seats... Are you sure the glass can hold all our weight — "
An eerie chorus of wailing made them snap their heads towards the entrance, groaning when the hair-raising sound got louder by each passing second.
"Those bastards just won't quit, do they?" Yusuke lashed out whilst cracking his knuckles.
"We have no time for that. Get inside." Hagiri uttered with a little haste while opening the hatch of the submersible, raising a curious brow at the extended hand of Botan.
"Go, Hagiri. You're the only one who knows how to pilot this thing. Bust a gut trying to reduce the time in ascending the surface." She said in a hushed whisper, mindful not to let Kurama comprehend her words, smiling at Hagiri just as the man begrudgingly handed her his spare gun and fixed her with a pointed look before boarding to start up the vessel.
Kurama turned his back on the passageway after heeding a light tap on his shoulder and couldn't help his sharp intake of breath after seeing Botan smiling at him, face to face.
"Time to board the sub, Kurama." She prompted, smiling softly when the fox demon expelled a shaky breath at the utterance of his name. Looking at the others, she added. "You too, Yusuke...Kuwa-chan."
They nodded simultaneously before following her towards the submersible. She ushered Kuwabara and Hiei first, followed by Yusuke, then the seemingly reluctant Kurama. Ever the gentleman. Botan thought after coaxing the red-head to enter first.
A sudden blare resonated inside the submarine when the deity went inside to grab a reel of guide line with harness and a couple of grenades from their supply, the angry red hologram of the word 'overloaded' plastered on the intuitive interface of the control panel. At the notion of getting impeded from the notification, Botan swiftly reached for the hatch but the movement was not fast enough to escape the firm hold that clasped her hand.
"Kurama - " She was cut short when he tugged at their joined hands, the action sent her turning to face the stern look of the red-head.
"Either you stay here and I will go or we will go together." His voice low but vehement, no doubt he had figured out their solution to the presented problem.
"They're after me, Kurama. We can't let them inside the sphere or all of us will drown, and I won't let any of you take my place instead or risk your lives just to keep me safe...not this time and not if I can help it." Botan beseeched albeit with a little conviction, darting her eyes from his prepossessing sight and onto the pathway when the wailing sound intensified.
"I will not abandon you." His hold, tightening as if to reiterate his point, capturing her attention once more.
The deity sighed softly as she searched his face, smiling reassuringly in an attempt to ease his agitation. "You won't. I'll be right behind you, I promise."
"Famous last words, Botan." The ambivalence palpable in his smooth voice as he pulled her closer.
"Strap yourselves. We're good to go." Hagiri announced just as the propellers of the submarine came to life.
Yusuke and Kuwabara exchanged meaningful glances before the mazoku walked towards the pair, stopping behind Kurama to place a hand on his shoulder, giving Botan a warning look with the impression of a brotherly advice to fucking-take-care-of-yourself-or-else. "Kurama." The measured cadence of his voice and the weight of his hand spoke volumes to the disgruntled red-head.
Purple eyes adoringly considered the aggrieved man in front of her as Botan heeded his distress. Oh. Kurama...
With the unusual display of desperation coupled by a tinge of acerbity, no doubt she will be subjected to a lengthy discussion once this is done. Still and all, the current situation calls to choose the lesser form of evil and she'll be damned, even more so, if Kurama is harmed because of her. "Trust me." She entreated, placing her other hand on his cheek to placate his worry."Please."
I want to, koishii. I really do. But it is a risk I am not willing to take, not when I just found you... Nevertheless... Kurama pursed his lips in frustration, slowly blinking while seeking shelter in the warmth of her hand, savoring the intimacy while rationalizing his thoughts, letting out a shuddering breath thereafter before reluctantly easing his hold. "Just...come back to me." He implored instead prior to receiving a peck on the corner of his mouth.
"Roger that, sir." The deity said as she pulled back, giving him a two-finger salute accompanied by a megawatt smile and her trademark wink before letting herself out of the sub and shutting the watertight hatch, just in time for the ghostly figures to emerge from the passageway.
"How will we know if they succeeded or not? Are we going to wait here until they broke the surface? What if they're dead?" Rinku posed while walking back and forth on the deck, playing with his devil yo-yo while doing so.
Lazy blue eyes followed the repetitive movememt as Chu scratch his chest. "Stop pacing, Rinku. It's making me dizzy and I had just finished spewing my innards out." He said with a gruff voice while Shishiwakamaru fought the urge to gag in recollection of the disgusting matter.
"It is taking longer than expected." The hexed ice-master professed while forming a crystal of ice in between his hands.
"They should be alright." Suzuki stated albeit doubtful, shifting his gaze upwards at the sound of a yawn before the hovering wind master grumbled. "You guys think too much. We will know the outcome of this mission when the time comes."
Captain Sasaoka regarded the men with a nagging feeling akin to perturbation. Those lads are really lootin' a while down thar. He mused, turning around to retire in his quarters but halted the attempt, his lone eye widening a fraction when it caught sight of a small dot in the horizon.
Her aim was true as bullets spat out from Botan's hand, with each supersonic impact flinging the creatures back in an awkward cartwheel. At an opening, she quickly installed the reel in an attachment on the steel platform beside the sphere, subsequently donning and securing the safety harness before firing at the phantoms once again.
"Don't forget to save your breath, onna. We will launch in 10 seconds." Hagiri's voice ran through the transciever when she reached for the grenades. The dive line stretches as the submersible started to sink in the water.
"Copy that." Affirmed Botan, removing the earpiece before biting on the pins of the explosives, throwing it onto a nearby pillar afterwards.
9...
Kuwabara gawked, rubbing his eyes in disbelief when Botan landed a straight punch on one of the apparition's face as it lunged at her. "I can't believe what I'm seeing."
7...
"When did she become such a badass?" Yusuke marveled while watching their friend fend off the specters.
5...
Kurama's stomach lurched when one cloaked figure made a grab at her leg after she kicked it on its middle.
3...
"Since the bastards made a bloody manuscript out of her." Hagiri muttered in a clipped tone.
1...
The peculiar statement was unheeded when it was followed by the jarring blasts of the bombs just as the submersible thrusted downward. Cracks appeared when the walls of the watery passage screamed while their sleek ride knifed through the onslaught of falling stone fragments. Thriving saline population swam alongside them, deserting their disintegrating aquatic habitation. The fluorescent lights of the vessel flickered rapidly before regaining its constant illumination as soon as they passed through the mouth of the pockmark on the seafloor, leaving a cloud of sand smoke in their wake while the pyramid that had stood for millions of years crumbled into its own foundations, trapping its occupants by crushing.
Hagiri clicked his tongue whilst switching the gears at full throttle, displeasure written all over his usually impassive face at the dilatory movement of the submersible. We're too heavy for a high-speed longidutinal course. I hope she can hold out until then.
Where are you, Botan? Kurama thought worriedly upon noticing the strange tautness of the guide line, rotating his head to look for any signs of the deity. It didn't take him long from searching though, since her hand suddenly slapped at the starboard side of the acrylic sphere, eventually grabbing onto the handle of the steel encasement.
They simultaneously breathed a sigh of relief, but respite was short-lived, because as she emerged from below, so as the creature with scabbed hands that had her on a chokehold once more.
Good heavens! Botan mentally swore when the cloaked being managed to slipped through the wreckage, immediately kicking her feet to boost her approach towards the propelling submarine. Her hands straining, pulling on the dive line before extending one of the appendages forward to grasp the grip installation but was thwarted by a sudden pull on her leg, ending her slapping the plexiglass instead. She looked down just as the phantom reached out to strangle her neck, her mouth involuntarily releasing an ample amount of precious breath as her airway compressed.
With super human effort, the deity placed her footing on the ergonomically designed platform and reached for the handrail once again whilst trying to break free from the constricting hold of the dreadful being. The former endeavor was a success, however, her struggle to address the persistent crushing on her neck proved futile since her movements were subtle underwater.
Just then, out of the corner of her dimming vision, a silhouette arrested her attention as it enchantingly moves in the brine with steady confidence. Upon recognition, she desperately retrieved the dive knife in her utility pack postehaste, giving free reign to the hands of her captor. Thoughts groggy, she anchored her elbow around the handle before shakily slicing across her palm, knife falling off her hand as the injured limb disentangled from the handle, replaced by the good counterpart.
Red cloud engulfed the creature when she thrusted her bloodied hand on its inhuman face, smothering it with the tensional viscosity of the crimson liquid. No sooner had she planted herself flushed against the acrylic glass, a blur of white abruptly tore the treasure guardian away from her, scabbed hands subsequently unleashed her battered neck when rows of heavily serrated, triangular teeth sunk into rotten flesh as the ferocious hammerhead shark dragged the thrashing foul creature back to the deep, dark and desolated abyss.
Cerulean hair rises like sun-kissed seaweed, rippling in the current as her head, bobbing up and down in the likeness of a ragged doll, pounded and fuzzed in the onset of asphyxia where every cell in her body screamed oxygen. She can't hear the muffled chatter in the submersibe anymore, her ear had popped long before the attack of the phantom. Splotches of black danced in front of her and she couldn't remember if her eyes were opened or closed. She held what remains of her breath for as long as she could, too long in fact, until alas, the last puff of life escaped her and rose as a fascinating stream of bubbles to the surface.
Numbed from the burning sensation of saline waters entering her lungs, the deity succumbed to the seducing call of darkness whilst her fingers ghosted blindly over Kurama's handsome face on the other side of the glass.
Don't you dare, Botan. Knuckles turning white as the fox demon clenched his hands into tight fists, sparing no effort in squeezing out his inhibited spectral powers to manipulate the free-floating algae and provide a supplemental oxygen for the deity. Stormy greens narrowing from the surge of trepidation and helplessness when his efforts remain in vain. Hang on. Please. Kurama begged inwardly as the current swirls around the limp body of his intended, giving an impression of an enchanting water nymph, teasing him of what the ocean has on its strong hold.
"Is there anything that we can do to help?! We're all guys for fuck's sake!" Yusuke cried out while looking for something - anything in the submarine to aid their drowning friend.
Hagiri spared a glance at the unconscious woman who is hanging loosely on the side of the sub, biting the inside of his cheek to subdue his rising agitation." Take your seats and stop the unnecessary movements. You're upsetting the center of gravity, it's slowing us down."
"What?! She's drowning and all you can think of is gravity shit?!" Kuwabara exclaimed incredulously.
"Got anymore bright ideas?" Hagiri snapped, daring anyone to say something irrational, as well as reminding them of their inability to use their spectral powers unless breaking the water surface.
The men blinked in surprise and wonder upon experiencing a subtle jerk just as a couple of sturdy steel lines, seemingly hoist hooks of a crane, encircled the submarine, bracing themselves thereafter when their vessel ascended in record time. Next thing they knew, they were dangling above the deep blue sea as light suddenly flooded their visions.
A groan snapped them out of their momentary state of shock, curious sets of eyes shifted to the waking fire demon sprawled awkwardly on one of the cushioned passenger seats.
"Rise and shine, sleeping beauty." Kuwabara quipped while snickering, overjoyed at the unexpected extrication.
Hiei ignored the gibe as he massaged the side of his head, wincing when a sharp pain shot from his temple. "What happened?" Narrowing his eyes in suspicion when it fell on the man seated at the pilot seat. "What are you doing here?"
"Easy there, man. He saved our asses back in the treasure hall. We'll talk about it later." Yusuke stated, following the careful but hurried movement as Kurama wordlessly went out of the sphere to resuscitate Botan, releasing a breath that he didn't know he was holding when the deity eventually coughed out water before losing consciousness in the arms of the fox demon.
They turned their attention to Hagiri upon hearing his amused chuckle, following his line of sight before letting out the similar merriment themselves. For there in the deck of Captain Sasaoka's ship, the former Team Kurama waved enthusiastically at them, together with the remaining human members of Sensui Seven.
One corner of his lips slightly twitched in annoyance upon hearing the boisterous yabber on the other side of the door. Ridiculous. Hagiri thought at their idea of debriefing. If not for his group boarding this ship, he would've untowed and driven their trawler boat away from here. The door to the bridge opened with a graceful flick of his hand, a lone eyebrow raising as his violet eyes regarded the occupants of the room with mild interest before sauntering towards the less noisy end of the long table.
"Good call, Hagiri." Kamiya commented, clapping the younger man on the back just as Sniper had taken his seat. "We wouldn't have found you sooner if not for the distress signal."
"Botan-nee-chan would've really drowned, and operating a ship's crane is so underrated by the way." Amanuma quipped while folding his arms on his head.
"She was submerged for a little while though, think she'll be alright? It would've helped the situation greatly if I was able to manipulate the water." Mitarai sighed in frustration.
"Which is not possible because of the celestial block. Furthermore, Kurama's healing ability is almost in par with my own. If she had taken any damages from their encounters, he could fix her with ease." Kamiya stated while adjusting his specs on his nose, the glass glinting at the movement.
"These bunch of idiots still don't have a clue as to what's ahead of them, don't they?" The game paragon put forward while eyeing the other group with incredulity.
"Not yet. Unfortunately, I don't expect them to pull up stakes when it is apparent that Kurama is fond of the onna." Hagiri uttered while reaching for the canteen of refreshment. "Nevertheless, I won't allow her to pull off our lot. I will make sure that she remains within my sight."
"Botan believes she's in debt to you and I doubt she'll leave us hanging. It's atypical of her." A slight quirk graced the doctors lips as he craned his head towards the other bunch, mirthful brown orbs still directed at his stoic comrade. "You sound a little off, Hagiri. Jealous, perhaps?"
The taunt was answered by a raised brow as Hagiri took a swig on his water bottle.
.
.
.
"...AND YOU DIDN'T EVEN THINK OF TAKING AT LEAST PIECES FOR EACH OF US?!" Chu and Rinku exclaimed while slamming their hands on the table.
"It's far from our concern, man..." Yusuke said with a roll of his eyes while lazily picking on his ear, grinning sheepishly at Hiei when the fire demon gave out a knowing snort, adding salt to the wound by stating further. "... and Hiei almost got chomped by the bloody monster over a stupid coin if not for Sniper." Yusuke and Kuwabara snickered when a baleful death glare was sent in their direction. Oooohh.. Scary.
Their prideful friend is obviously displeased that a human, not to mention, a former adversary saved his skin. Furthermore, while having no access to his demon energy may have prolonged his recuperation and provide a valid excuse, him, sleeping all throughout the commotion did nothing to save his honor.
"Sniper?" The other set of demons echoed questioningly in chorus.
The mazoku pointed his thumb at the other end of the table, gesturing to the small group of humans currently engaged in their muted conversation. "See that dark-haired, pretty boy with an aura of a jerk?... That's him."
"Ah. He's the one they're talking about." Suzuki remarked while stroking his chin, blinking when the former detectives raised their eyebrows in curiosity.
"The metaphorical rabbit hole where you made your exit was conveniently placed a little ways on the portside of the ship. His company found us after he transmitted your location for an off-shore salvage." Touya elucidated, looking at Sniper with mild esteem while the rest of the disbanded team nodded their supplements.
"Looks kinda cool for a human if you asked me. And he's quick on his feet like Kurama." Lauded Rinku, arms resting on the headrest of his reversed seat.
"If I didn't know any better, I'd say that you love him already, kid."
A round of laughter erupted from the rest of the gang at Chu's remark while the child demon indignantly sputtered his dissent, shrinking on his seat in embarrassment.
"Where be th' other lad?" Captain Sasaoka queried upon noticing the absence of the wily red-head.
"He's in his cabin and won't be available...At least not before Botan-chan wakes up." Kuwabara elucidated before biting the cap of his water bottle.
"The fox be hovering like a hawk on the sheila, eh?" Chu remarked suggestively while wriggling his eyebrows.
Touya sighed at the perversed notion. "You cannot fault him. It's been awhile since he last saw her, and their unforeseen parting was caused by something unpleasant."
"Never thought it is possible for a ruthless and cunning demon such as Kurama to fall in love, with a woman who has a little sex appeal no less." Shishiwakamaru voiced out.
"If I were you, I'd keep that thought to myself if you don't want to make love with Kurama's death plants." Suzuki commented before adding a thought that made the pretty boy harrumphing when the rest of the gang nodded their supplements. "Or... You're just saying that because you find her beautiful and you're a little too late. Much like with Master Genkai..."
"Love, ye say?" The old skipper indulged after puffing away on his clay pipe. "Such a dreadful bond fer a demon 'n a deity t' share."
"Heh. Not as dreadful as a child demon fancying an enhanced grown up human." The in-joke tickled the group once again as the mazoku dodged the devil yo-yo aimed at him.
Their guffaw taking up a notch when Chu added, avoiding a slash from Shishi's sword after. "Or a demon samurai who doesn't know how to use his own sword to get the sheila he wants!"
'Tis scallywags can't stay serious fer a long time. Captain Sasaoka mused, shaking his head in mild amusement before turning sober once more. "Ye seem delighted enough. But if yer mission was a success, then where's th' real booty?"
All heads turned to the former Spirit Detectives who, in turn, blinked innocently at first before scratching the back of their heads, with Hiei averting his eyes elsewhere. Bashful of the fact that they forgot all about the dagger after seeing the deity.
"Err... You see —"
"I hate to break it to you, but you do need to concern yourselves over something that was never meant to be in your possession." Hagiri interjected, garnering everyone's attention.
Yusuke spared a weary look over his company who gawked at the brash remark. See what I mean? He wanted to say.
Crimson orbs narrowed in contempt as Hiei settled his gaze on the cocky, pathetic excuse of a man. "It was our mission to retrieve it and we would've done so if not for your interference. Wouldn't be far-fetched to think that you instigated the sudden attack to throw us off the path."
"Think what you will but it won't change the fact that because of us, you are capable of breathing fire right now." Hagiri's arms crossed as he made himself comfortable in his seat, tilting his head in mock consideration before uttering with a haughty smirk. "I must say, I did not expect such big words coming from someone who ended up hibernating after getting knocked out by a single blow in the head."
The fire demon disappeared in a blur, materializing on the table in front of Hagiri in a split second, crouching to eye-level while angling the sharpened tip of his katana at a familiar spot on the seated man's chest. "Want to repeat a history?" He threatened, eyes flashing dangerously.
"Want me to write a new one for you?" The arrogant slant in Sniper's lips broadened when Hiei visibly tensed as a utility knife prodded at his jugular.
Interesting. His psychic ability is in a new league. Hiei watched the knife from the corner of his eye, backchanneling with a smirk as the portable blade continue to dig on his skin.
"Stop it, Hagiri. And would you please manipulate your own things." Mitarai chided albeit timidly, snatching his knife in doing so.
The conceited smirk not leaving Hagiri's face as the agitated fire demon continue to intimidate whilst applying subtle pressure on his sword. 'We both know it's a lost cause.' Sniper stated telepathically, appearing smug at the surprised look on the fire demon's face. Clearly, they'd underestimated their augmented abilities.
"Settle down guys..." Yusuke mediated while scratching his head in exasperation albeit a little tripped on Sniper's off-handed remark.
"Hn." Hiei grunted, easing his posture before jumping off the table to resume his seat. He should've teleported away from here by now, but without the presence of an insightful comrade, he's determined to keep a eye on the bastard.
"Heh. That was amusing." Jin commented while hovering above the group, ear twitching in excitement. Humans with exceptional abilities, ei? This shoud be fun.
"If I may, it was not implausible for Hiei to suspect. Hard to view it as a mere coincidence when you arrived in an opportune moment. How did you find out about the dagger anyway?" Trust the appropriate question coming from Touya.
Kamiya smiled cryptically along with his reply. "It was raining when you premeditated with Koenma."
The gang blinked at the doctor in confusion. If crickets were present in the middle of the sea, they would be stridulating by now.
"Aaaaahh!!!!!!!! You don't mean..." All heads whipped towards Kuwabara when he shrieked, then followed the accusatory finger as it pointed at Mitarai who scratched his cheeks in a mixture of shame and embarrassment. "You eavesdropped using your water monster!"
"Eh heh.. Sorry, but it was necessary." Seaman said, apologetic.
"I loot it that th' beauty has th' dagger. Ain't it right, lads?" Captain Sasaoka's inquiry was answered by simultaneous nods from the former Sensui Seven.
"Well, then. We got the dagger and accidentally bumped into Botan. All that's left to do now is report to Koenma — WHAT THE HELL?" Yusuke's proposition was cut off when a bottle cap striked the communicator off his hand, the device clattering on the floor with the screen glass shattering from the impact. The mazoku fixed Sniper with a withering look, the other man playing it cool while drinking his refreshment.
"I am afraid that's not possible." Kamiya voiced out in a low tone that made Yusuke and the rest of the gang sat up in alarm.
"Told you they would do that once they see her." Amanuma chipped in prior to whistling a merry tone.
"Seems you're not bearing the same ideologies. Do you intend to fight on the same side?" Suzuki queried, eyes narrowing in suspicion.
Hagiri regarded them with utter indifference before smirking prior to giving a snide remark. "Hn. We do not take sides, not after Sensui. And unlike you, we refuse to sell our souls and serve as single-minded military dogs for an overly pretentious realm. Subjecting ourselves to that kind of humiliation is below standards."
"What the fuck did you say?!" "Kuwabra —" Yusuke made a grab at Kuwabara who made a move to stand with the intention of mauling Sniper's pretty face when a smooth voice, modulated with austerity, cut through the fuss.
"If that is the case, then perhaps you should start explaining the reason why you are operating alongside a high-ranking official of the Spirit World." Kurama interjected as he stood by the door, clad in a white dress shirt under an outerwear, hands tucked inside his jeans pockets. Although demonstrating a cool reserve, the rigidity of his posture promises an abrupt retaliation when provoked. He's supposed to stay by the deity's side, and it irked him to leave Botan, but his subconscious mind has a lot of gaps that beg to be filled. "You speak of pretentiousness when you know no boundaries in nettling the people who liberated you from your own foolishness...Seems reprehensible and purely asinine for a human with high standards, you think not?"
Hagiri narrowed his eyes at that and was about to open his mouth to provide a snappy counter remark but stopped when an insubstantial weight settled on his shoulder.
Kamiya slightly shook his head at his companion, firming his clutch on Hagiri's shoulder upon perceiving a silent protest. Then, he swept his eyes over the other group, settling his gaze at the stony-faced fox demon as he spoke. "We are not here to antagonize. I understand that we got off on the wrong foot, but you must keep this from Spirit World for now. Trust me when I say that it is what Botan would have wanted you to do."
...what Botan would have wanted you to do. Apparently, the doctor also knew how to play with words. While the statement gave rise to a multitude of deplorable comebacks, Kurama cannot ignore the fact that Botan may be alive and well because of their former adversaries. Moreover, as vexing as it is, it appears that the deity trusted this men enough to hide herself under their wing instead of the gang's. Lastly, if it is really what she wanted, it certainly meant that Botan is wary of her own realm. Making up his mind, he shifted his gaze and sauntered towards the gang, bringing out something from the breast pocket of his jacket before laying the shiny item down on the table.
"You were able to snitch the mirror in the middle of that?!" Yusuke exclaimed, gawking at the golden glass with incredulity while some of the gang made a choking noise at the back of their throats, feasting their eyes on the precious article.
"As I said, old habits die hard." Kurama smiled minutely at their reactions before sliding the treasure towards Captain Sasaoka, fixing the man with a serious expression in doing so. "I believe this will compensate your cooperation in filtering the delineation to Koenma. Do we have an accord, captain?"
"You're trusting this pirate to keep his mouth shut in exchange for that?!" Kuwabara cried out, the chair screeching as he sharply stood from his seat.
"C'mon, Kurama. It's worth more than his silence. You're not serious are you?" Rinku implored with puppy eyes.
"Why not slit his throat and be done with this loose end already?!" Chu menaced while procuring his knife.
Their nonsensical tirades went ignored as Kurama waited for the man's response to his proposal whilst the old skipper need not spell out the silent threat from the golden flicker in his eyes.
A lad that knows th' language o' th' ole world. Captain Sasaoka mused while examining the fortune in his hand, staring at his reflection on the glass, weighing his options before giving a toothy smile to the fox. Pirate be a pirate aft all. "Aye, lad. I shall nah disclose th' dagger 'n yer beauty. Ye 'ave me word."
Kurama eased up, satisfied with his answer then regarded the men on the other end of the table. "I am certain that you can provide us with logical explanations, but I think it is best to have it when we set foot on land."
"I agree. However, risks has become even more ubiquitous since Botan was taken. If you're willing to gain the answers you seek, we suggest that the conversation be done in our hideout." Kamiya proposed to which the gang exchanged looks before nodding their approval.
"Very well."
The bone-chilling glow of moonlight highlighted the darkened room bathed with a viscous red spread. There's blood — so much of it, some painted the walls in splashes of gore, the others pooled in uneven surfaces of the wooden floorboards as the liquid continue to flow out of the limp bodies on the ground. Her eyes, wilder than of a deer caught in a trap, stung from fright and from the strong metallic scent of the carnage. 'Who could do such a thing?'
Shaky breath passed through trembling lips while her lids fluttered close as she began to lure the departed souls out of their bodies, only to snap her eyes wide open when she detected life amongst the dead. The deity immediately made her way towards the source with the intention of healing. When she managed to get close enough to crouch beside the human in prone, she froze, heart skipping a beat upon hearing a deep chuckle behind her.
Botan turned towards the source of the sound and couldn't help but gape at the handsome man in all black attire as he stepped out from the shadowed corner of the poorly lit room.
'I finally found you.' The man said, soft voice serenading like Kurama's, the eerie glint in his onyx eyes, however, spoke a different story.
She immediately stood from her position, a sudden realization had her brows furrowed in perplexity just when the hairs at the back of her neck began to rise in trepidation from the aura he emitted. 'You can see me?' But I'm in my spirit form...
The smile he gave her, although breathtaking, was one born to elicit terror. 'We are of the same nature. I will be glad to indulge you of our origin if you come with me...'
The deity retreated as the man stalked towards her, like a cruel predator to its cornered prey. 'I can't do that.'
'Oh? Why is that?' The slight tilt of his head was of mockery than of inquisitiveness.
Equipping herself with the flying contraption, she made a stance in an attempt to defend herself. 'Because you're a stranger and you... terrify me.' She gasped in surprise when the man suddenly vanished and reappeared directly in front of her, pale hand reaching out to enclose her fingers curled around the shaft of the oar.
'Allow me to rectify that.' He uttered before the wooden paddle dissolved into a waltzing black smoke, effortlessly pulling on her hands before wounding an arm around her waist, crushing her supple body against his hard frame. 'I can see another reason why they made it so hard for us to find you.' A feral smirk graced his lips as icy fingertips traced along her hairline and the arch of her slender brow, leaving a tingling sensation on the sensitive skin of her temple before caressing the softness of her cheek and eventually teased her lips with the feather-light strokes of his thumb. 'You are in your most beautiful form, precious.'
Botan tried her best to peel away from his hold but her limbs betrayed the effort, tendrils of her spirit energy formed as it transferred to her captor. 'Why...are you...doing...this?' Her voice sounded weak as her consciousness began to slip away, tears started to fall from her eyes while pushing weakly against his chest, whimpering as she called the fox demon in her head.
The mysterious man responded by capturing her parted mouth, taking away the remnants of her energy as his eyes bore into hers in a cruel travesty of tenderness. Darkness spread from the pit of his orbs as she fell into a cycle of frightening nightmares. A never-ending terror where she got a glimpse of the unforgiving scarlets... watching, waiting and wallowing in her cries of agony.
.
.
.
Thick lashes trembled before unveiling a set of amethysts. Botan blinked for a couple of times before sitting up, rubbing the recurring dream away at the same time. Lids drooping and leaden with sleep snapped open upon realizing her state of dress, gaze immediately locating her discarded albeit neatly folded wetsuit on the chair beside the bed with the grey, cold steel peeking from the main zipper of the garment. She expelled a sigh of relief prior to tilting her head in confusion when her hands met the soft cotton of the white oversized shirt that coated her person. Who—? A whiff of floral and musk plastered a smile on her face as she fisted the cloth and breathe in the soothing scent, calling into memory the previous events that took place prior to losing her consciousness.
She briefly wondered where the fox demon was before swinging her legs, with more than necessary effort, to the side of the berth then let out a sharp cry when she slipped off the thin mattress and onto the cold hard surface of the floor.
"That hurt..." She winced, lower lip jutting forward as she healed the little scrape in her knee, taking notice of the absence of her undergarments while doing so, blushing madly at the implication thereafter. Oh my god... Wisps of short cerulean swayed as she shook her head to rid of the deviant thoughts, running her fingers to tame the tousled hair afterwards before straightening up.
The vigorous waves of the afternoon sea compelled her to walk towards the porthole just when a dazzling twinkle at the bedside table caught her attention as the postmeridian light bounces off the barrette with an attractive glitter. Her hand moved to its own accord, rosy fingertips traced the intricate design before lifting the clip, further inspecting the pattern. Pretty...
Unbeknownst to her, she is being subjected to a similar appreciation as bottle green eyes scanned over her lithe form. Kurama wanted to hum his approval at the enticing sight of the deity wearing only his shirt whilst subduing his carnal thoughts as the light from the small window gave him an outline of her curvaceous body underneath the white cloth. Admittedly, it is rather difficult to keep her nubile form out of his head after changing her clothes. He smiled when she remained oblivious to his presence. Wanting nothing more than to covet her attention from here on out, he spoke, catching her off-guard. "A gift from mother."
Botan whirled around upon hearing the rich sound to find none other than Kurama, leaning casually at the doorframe with his arms crossed against his chest. His arresting features commanded the air in the room, demanding her attention which she readily complied with an involuntary ogle. If it was under different circumstances, she would've pouted in the unfairness of it all. Kurama has always been easy on the eyes no matter what he wears, and apparently, no matter what the situation is. It should be made illegal to look that good in well...everything. Pink dusted her cheeks when she percieves the teasing glint in his eyes. Ack. He caught me!
"She wanted me to give it to you and bring you with me on my next visit." He divulged further, righting his form while uncrossing his arms to close the door before slowly walking towards her.
"I see. That would be lovely." She uttered timidly, directing her gaze at the clip in her hands, biting her lip when the fox demon stopped directly in front of her. The distance was near enough for his steady breath to fan her face.
His hands twitched inside his pockets when he felt her radiating body warmth. So close, but not quite. The smile on his lips narrowing a bit when Kurama sensed her unusual shyness. He would have none of that.
"How are you feeling?" He asked while gently prying the barrette off her dainty hands, reinstating their familiarity by the lingering contact.
"Well... I guess." She said, watching the reducing distance between them as he reached beside her, carefully placing the hairclip on the surface of the table. Silken strands of red hair tickled her cheek as the deity restrained herself from reaching out and cling to the fox demon by nervously playing with her hands.
Kurama reoriented himself, brows furrowed when she kept her gaze averted, obviously avoiding their impending conversation. "Look at me, Botan." He enjoined, grasping her fiddling fingers before tilting her head to fix the deity with a stern look. "You have a lot of explaining to do yet I will not force you to tell me everything right now. However, I need you to at least tell me why."
Why didn't you come to me? Why didn't you tell me? Why did you left me in the dark?...
The unspoken questions made her tremble in regret, but she quickly squashed the emotion. Instead, she filtered her thoughts whilst trying to come up with an acceptable response. She wanted to explain her absence, but disclosing the reason will only jeopardize his safety, because no matter what happens she knows that Kurama will never let her go, as unofficial as their relationship is. Nonetheless, it is still worth a shot to mask her justification with platitudes about his peaceful living.
"You have your human life ahead of you. I'm not worth all the trouble, Kurama." Botan stated a little too quick to his taste, biting her lip when his expression hardened as disapproval crossed his handsome face. She tried to look down in hopes of escaping the inevitable but he held her gaze, decidedly uncompromising. "I... wanted to keep you safe."
"I am supposed to be the one protecting you and it is not your job to keep me safe. The most recent stunt I conceded, but there will no longer be a next time." He reproached, pursing his lips in displeasure. If the deity thought that he will let her escape by laying that stereotypical card on the table, she is surely mistaken.
"It's not your job too! Hagiri taught me how to defend myself so you don't need to protect me all the time." The defiance that manifested in her countenance completely disappeared after seeing the flecks of gold lacing the greenness of his eyes. No doubt her wordings did a number to his territoriality. This time, she didn't stop herself from tearing her gaze off the smothering look, consequences be damned. "Honestly, I don't want you to get involved. The legion is nothing like your past enemies. They are extremely powerful, the epitome of evil, naturally merciless and innately cruel..."
His hands formed into tight fists while pacifying his suppressed thoughts. He will let her get away with her cutting retort, however, she'll have to try better in demoralizing his spirit. "When did that stop us? When did that stop me from overcoming death? Do not be so sure of things that is not yet certain — "
The bitter attack was silenced when the deity took a step forward, closing the gap between them, nestling herself against the fox demon as her arms went around his body. "I know... Kurama." She started, voice nothing more than a solemn whisper, hushed like imparting a surreptitious affair. "I know because I experienced it first hand..."
Her hands tightened their grip on his jacket when he stilled from her words, moving to nuzzle his chest to placate his brewing aggravation. "You're very capable, I never doubted that. But... I can't forgive myself if you got hurt because of me. I don't know what to do if I lose you. You are all I have, Kurama." The deity pulled away just enough to look up his face. "You were able to escape the darkness once. I am afraid that if I let you into this, they will be able to drag you somewhere you can't recover, where I couldn't reach you. That's why I had to do this alone, or with someone who is already involved."
Insufferable woman. The deeper baritone of his alter ego echoed in the vortex of his thoughts, refocusing his scattered thinking after sustaining the impact from the subtle revelation of his intended mate. Albeit pacific, he could tell that his Youko-self is also plague with anticipation and animosity by the intermittent flaring of his demon energy. In spite of all his abstractions, he knew this is not the time to dwell on such vengeful rumination. Not when Botan is baring her vulnerability.
After handling the churning anger deep in his system, the ball of his hands loosened as Kurama lifted his arms to return the embrace and resisted the urge to double check her body for any signs of trauma. He took large breaths of air to compose himself, her enticing scent releasing him from his furious state and cocoons him with her femininity, rosy lips that parted ever so lightly beckoning his attention and inviting him to relive a distant memory of her taste. "They won't. I will not go anywhere without you nor will I let them get away with everything that they have done. I care not what the odds are but if you bleed, I will bleed with you. If you die, I will die with you. If you succeed, I will be with you. Every step of the way, from here on out."
"But Kurama — "
Her words of demurral were swallowed by his mouth when Kurama kissed her with no reservations, lavishing her with his pent up emotions. Botan whimpered at the perfervid gesture before letting her defenses fall like the leaves under the onslaught of a raging cyclone, submitting herself to the pleasure of his retribution. He made a sound akin to a possessive growl when she melted into him, purring and dragging the deity closer upon hearing the frantic beats of her heart, singing from within. Her body jerks as she started to cry, releasing the tension of the year they were apart, crying, for the missed opportunities they could never take back. With every slant of their mouths, more tears roll unchecked. With every teardrop, comes the heat of his touches that melted the distance between their souls and binded their loosened thread. After a year of stolen chances, wasting time isn't on the agenda anymore.
The moment siezed when Kurama pulled back, wiping the remainder of her tears before resting their foreheads together. Eyes ablazed with an inexplicable mixture of emotions, their lips brushing as he spoke. "A year, Botan. A year of torment. Do you have any idea how it felt when I first learned from Koenma that you have gone missing?" When her lips quivered, he kisses her again. Sweetly, gently and fleetingly this time. "I understand that you are fearful of what the future may hold, but I will not tolerate your selfless streak. We will get through this together and you, of all people, should know that I am not easily dismissed."
"Kurama." She whispered his name like a prayer against his lips, conceding.
Spirits. He couldn't remember when his name had sounded so wonderful. "Koishii..." One of his hands came up to stroke her hair before cradling her cheek, smiling when the deity continue to blink in surprise at his endearment. "You wanted me to trust you, now I need you to do the same. Will you put your faith in me, Botan?"
She met his eyes, being a ferry girl made her accustomed to the sight of varying degrees of emotions and quality of souls. While some gazes held promises and passion, some regret and vehemence, his was all that and more. And only Kurama can turn staring into a breathtaking art form.
Her mouth painted a soft smile and she nodded once before he folded her in the safety of his arms again. And for the first time, after a while... Botan felt that everything will be alright.
A/N:
I finished half of this chapter prior to writing Memento, and surprisingly, I was able to finish it before christmas. I initially thought I was a goner... Huhu TT_TT
But alas! An inspiration literally knocked on my door when the doujinshis I ordered from Otaku arrived earlier today..Yey!!!! I am so thrilled to read the Killer Contents Vols. 1 and 2... Kurama x Botan of course. Such a shame that I couldn't share it with you guys. Wouldn't want to be sued due to copyright infringement...lolllllsss..
Nonetheless, I hope you liked this chapter and maybe.. Maaaybbeeee I could post an update on or before December 25.
Ringo Shion - waaa...my apologies. I'll try my best to update more often :)
sweetcanines - Oh my! Thank you for the correction...Maybe it's a sign for me to get on a diet XD
h114 - As always, thank you for your kind words and support.
kyolihk - Guess this chapter answered the question...buttttt...??? XD
Tashio - My... Such plans for the fox. Kurama did something to you, dear??? As for the appearance of other characters... Probably, some.
Thank you for reading!
Drop you reviews, loves!
Xoxo