Chapter Two

The two months had passed swiftly, Fuuko noted grimly, as she trudged up the deserted track leading to the Old Temple. Formerly deserted, she corrected herself, as she observed several footprints of different sizes along the path. She adjusted the large duffel bag on her shoulders and marched on.

She had trained vigorously in the limited time span, and her power had increased. Training with Recca and Domon was easy, for they had short tempers and were predictable. It was the heated sessions with Mikagami that were quite challenging. Their duels often ended with a draw, for the two would get tired before actually defeating each other. But all's well, since she had learned several new techniques from the Ensui master.

Fuuko shaded her eyes under the heat of the sun. The entrance to the Old Temple loomed before her. Inside, hundreds of heads moved about, some nervous, others determined. But she did not see any sign of her teammates. "Shimatta…" she mumbled under her breath. How were they supposed to see each other if they were scattered every which way? She was pondering over whether to make a scene or hunt for a payphone to make a call to the Hanabishi household, when she was tapped on the shoulder.

"Mi-chan!" she squealed in delight when she realized who it was. She threw her arms around him in relief, "Am I glad to see you!" Tokiya raised an eyebrow, "Ohayou Fuuko. Where are the others?"

She suddenly remembered what she was doing, and blushing, released him from her grip. His face remained passive as he looked around, "It's quite a crowd. How do you suppose we find them here?" She opened her mouth to reply when a shout was heard, and her head snapped to where the source was.

There was apparently a brawl ongoing in the center of the crowd, and the spectators were paying close attention to the opponents.

A familiar voice floated to Fuuko's ears, "Bakayarou! Spiky-headed jerk!"

"Domon…" she realized, with a groan.

Tokiya grimaced. The tournament hadn't started yet, and already they had made a reputation for themselves… and not a very good one at that. He was suddenly grabbed by the hand by his companion, "What the--? Fuuko? Where are we going?"

Fuuko turned to him, "We gotta stop Recca and Domon before they reveal their abilities to them. Kuso! Those idiots…" Tokiya nodded and together, they quickly weaved through the crowd, until they came to the front.

Recca and Domon were standing opposite of each other. Domon's face was wrinkled with rage and concentration, while Recca stood coolly, but his arm was glowing a familiar shade of red.

"Recca! Domon! Bakas! Yamette!" Fuuko growled. She ran to Domon, and hissed at him, "Quit it… it's like you're revealing yourselves to everyone. They'll be able to identify your ability, and use that knowledge against you." Understanding, Domon relaxed his stance, and with a sharp glance from Fuuko, so did Recca.

A mutter rose from the crowd, and they scattered, for there was no more reason to watch. Recca and Domon lowered their heads humbly as Fuuko lectured them on proper etiquette at tournaments. She was just about to give a sermon on "incompetent and inadequate senses of responsibility", when Recca interjected, "Fuuko. We get it, okay? We're sorry that we had a sudden, spontaneous urge to kill each other. Now can we please stop it with the priest act?"

Fuuko huffed, "You better NOT do that again Recca, Domon."

Recca smirked, "Yes, `kaasan…" Fuuko just glared menacingly at him.

"Oh, excuse me?" said a feminine voice.

They all turned to the source of the sound. The owner of the voice was a young woman with chestnut brown hair and eyes. She was rather pretty, although her features were marred with a worried look. "Have you, by any chance, seen a brash-looking gentleman with black hair, slicked back? Because I can't find my fiancé…" She looked as if she wanted to cry.

Recca frowned, "Uh… I can't say I have… gomen…"

She sighed, "Oh well, arigatou anyway…"

"Keiko!"

The woman turned around, her eyes lighting up, "Yusuke!" She looks and sounds like a helpless damsel… Fuuko thought A man of the description she had mentioned earlier jogged up next to the woman, "Gome-oompf!" He was thrown aback when his fiancée wrapped him in a bearhug. "Oh Yusuke…"

In a few seconds, Yusuke was covering a quickly growing lump, as Keiko glared at him, "Where've you been?! Why on earth did you leave me there at the entrance?!" I take it back… Fuuko thought, laughing inwardly

"Aww come on Keiko! I thought you were right behind me and Kuwabara when we saw Kurama. We were looking for you…" he trailed off, placing his hands behind his head.

"There she is!"

Yusuke lifted his head nonchalantly, "I found her ahead of ya Kuwabara…" The new arrivals, a tall man with bushy orange hair and a drop-dead gorgeous guy with long red hair, tied behind neatly, approached Yusuke and Keiko. It was the drop-dead gorgeous guy who noticed Recca and the others.

"Ohayou, minna. What team might you belong to?" the redhead asked politely when he saw them watching the scene of Keiko and Yusuke. Recca took this momentum to boast and smiled proudly, "Team Hokage, winner of the Urabutousatsojin. And you?" He asked, grinning cockily.

Yusuke smirked, "Team Urameshi, winner of the previous Ankoku Bujutsukai." Gone was the cocky grin on Recca's face, and shock was apparent on his features. "Nani yo? Honto ni?" The redhead laughed, "Hai. This is Urameshi Yusuke, our team captain," Yusuke gave them all his customary smirk, "Kazuma Kuwabara," the bushy-haired guy gave buffed up his chest and nodded at them, appearing to be brave, "and I myself. I am Minamino Shuichi, but known to them as Youko Kurama. Hajimemashite!" He bowed to them.

Tokiya turned to Kurama in surprise, "Minamino Shuichi, you say? The student who scored the highest points in SATs in Japan?" Kurama blushed, "Hai… that would be me… how did you know?"

"It was mentioned to me…" Tokiya looked him up and down, seemingly surprised to meet that the student the teachers told him about. They had also told him that he had a great chance of topping that record that Minamino Shuichi had set a few years back. Kurama nodded, "Sou ka… well, what are your names?"

Recca cleared his throat, "I'm Hanabishi Recca, team captain of the Hokage. This is Ishijima Domon, Kirisawa Fuuko and Mikagami Tokiya." Handshakes, waves, and nods were exchanged.

"How come there are only three of you?" Fuuko blurted out.

"Our other team member is going to meet us there," Yusuke explained. "He already lives there, so he decided to go straight."

Kuwabara grimaced, "The shrimp?"

Kurama laughed, "You'll be surprised when you see him Kuwa-kun."

"See who?"

"Botan!" Keiko smiled, and she took her friends hand. The blue-haired deity grinned at Keiko and then glowered at the rest of them, "I thought we were meeting at the entrance at 10 am?"

Yusuke snickered, "Oops. Gomen Botan. Hehehe!" Kuwabara joined in the snickering, and Kurama hid a smile. Botan just pouted, "Mou! You guys are so mean!" She turned to the strangers, "Ohayou! I'm Botan. Who are you guys?"

A flurry of introductions were made again.

"Oh… Team Hokage!" Botan said, "I've heard of you! You recently won the Urabutousatsojin, ne? Congratulations!" She smiled at them. Recca blushed, "Arigatou Botan-san… how did you-" He was cut off by a howling wind.

Everyone looked in the direction of the wind and saw a purple portal, with a view of an island. The island was surrounded by dark water, almost black. The trees on the island grew in tight clusters. There were only two buildings on the island. On one side, a tall, plush-looking building, probably a hotel. On the other side, approximately 100,000 meters away, was a huge, circular dome. The Hokages stared in awe at the battleground, until a ghostly image replaced the view.

The image was of a middle-aged man in a gray business suit, with long gray hair, tied in a ponytail. He had a thin mustache and goatee and a faint smile on his face. "Arigatou for accepting my invitation, minna," he said, in a soft but firm voice, "I am Tomite Mikoda, the tournament organizer. Let me get straight to the point. I am expecting a good tournament. Do me well, players. As you have noticed the previous image, yes, that is your destination. It is a remote island in Makai. You will be transported there through this portal.

I will watch your performances, starting tomorrow, which is the start of the elimination round. You will get settled into your rooms and have all of the afternoon to prepare." He bowed to all of them, "Irashaimasse. Welcome to the Ankoku Bujutsukai." Then, his image disappeared, revealing the island again.

There was a brief and momentary silence in the crowd, then suddenly, everyone pushed and shoved themselves to the front of the crowd, going through the portal and disappearing. Yusuke grinned to himself, "Well, they've certainly improved their method of traveling."

Kurama turned to the Hokages, "We'll see you in the elimination rounds, ne? Mata ato de ne, minna! Good luck!" They all gave cheerful waves, and parted ways.

*****

"NANI YO?!" Fuuko screeched. Her eyes were bugged out. She was red with anger, and the vein on her head was nearly popping. Her fists were clenched tightly. If looks could kill, Domon and Recca would have been six feet under.

"You are making me room in with… HIM?!"

Tokiya raised his eyebrow, "I have a name Fuuko. Besides, I don't like this arrangement much more than you do."

Recca was grinning cheekily, "Hey Fuuko! Lighten up! They only gave us two rooms and look on the bright side, at least it's not Domon!"

Domon was too busy looking at their surroundings to even retort at the comment. They looked like they were in a normal five-star ningen hotel. They were standing in front of two doors, their rooms. The hallway they were in was furnished lavishly. A soft green carpet ran from one end to the other. Expensive-looking paintings adorned the walls, and fragrant flowers were placed in china vases. Oddly though, flowers seemed to be biting each other's stems off.

If the hallway was extravagant, imagine what the entire hotel was. Floor-to-ceiling paintings, like a copy of Leonardo's Mona Lisa that looked suspiciously real, polished hand-carved tables and chairs, rich Persian carpets, and shiny marble floorings. It was like stepping into a mansion. It was run by onis, trained ogres wearing uniforms. They scurried back and forth, carrying luggage and trays and God knows what else. One particular oni juggled three suitcases on each arm and a small makeup bag on his head. They got their keys from the front desk, and trudged up five flights of stairs before realizing that there was an elevator.

Fuuko was looking from Recca to Domon to Mikagami. "Can't I just get one room, and you guys can cram into the other?"

"FUUKO!"

"Oh alright! I'll room with Mikagami!" she huffed. She grabbed the keys from Recca and picked up her duffel bag, "Come on roomie!" She entered the first room and stopped short, gasping.

There were two gigantic canopy beds, each fixed neatly, with hospital corners. Two shiny, polished mahogany cabinets were placed beside the beds. Opposite to that, there was the bathroom, adjoining theirs and Domon and Recca's room. The scent of roses filled the entire room. And at the farthest wall was…

"A balcony!" Fuuko squealed. She threw her bag on one of the beds, and rushed to the landing. Closing her eyes, she breathed in the fresh air and smiled dreamily. The breeze played with her hair, and framed her face delicately. She sighed happily.

Tokiya glanced at her briefly, and shook his head. That Fuuko… she's so childish… and yet so amusing at the same time… He approached her and leaned onto the stone railing beside her. Fuuko turned to him, "Surprised, Mi-chan, for my love of balconies?"

He glanced at her, "The question crossed my mind."

She giggled softly, stroking the carved stone with delicate fingers. "When I was a kid, around eleven or twelve, I used to love pretending I was a princess. Even though I was a tomboy outside, I was a Little Princess at heart. I loved the elegant balconies like Romeo and Juliet's, the princely steeds, extravagant banquets, beautiful palaces… and of course, the thought of the handsome Prince Charming."

Surprisingly, Tokiya found himself listening to her story.

Her eyes became misty. "We had an elementary party, one time. And I was thrilled. I could become a princess for even one night. I waited excitedly for that day, and when it arrived, I was beside myself with excitement. I sat primly in my long, fluffy, lavender dress. I even wore a fake tiara headband. I watched everyone dance and have fun, waiting for someone to ask me for even one number. I waited and waited… and waited. All night long I sat there, looking suddenly stupid in my dress and my tiara. By the time the clock struck nine, the dance ended, and my dream of being a princess was shattered."

She turned to him with a bright smile, "Be glad Mi-chan… if I hadn't banished that thought, I would have been a prissy, screaming damsel in distress, instead of the incredibly witty, amazingly strong and dazzlingly charming Kirisawa Fuuko." She gave him a wink and a smile.

He responded by giving her a faint grin. "Sou da ne…" I didn't know that side of Fuuko… she seemed so vulnerable when she told me…

She giggled softly, shaking him out of his reverie. "Nani?" he questioned, raising an eyebrow. She shook her head, "I just found it funny that I would open up to you, when only a few minutes ago I didn't even want to room with you… you know?" She smiled at him, "I just… want to thank you for listening, even if it was just for a few minutes."

She jumped away from the balcony, and dusted her palms, "I think I'd like to walk around the place. Care to join me, Mi-chan?" She held the door open as she waited expectantly at his answer.

He shook his head. "I'll have to unpack," he said simply. He shook his head again as the door closed. "Tokiya, you're getting soft, damn you…" he whispered softly, "Don't get too close to anyone Tokiya… remember Mifuyu… damn you, don't hurt anyone anymore." He let out a sigh and reached for his suitcase.

*****

"IYADA!"

Kuwabara was staring dumbfounded at a familiar figure in front of them, with Yusuke mirroring his actions. Kurama was laughing his head off, while Botan and Keiko were giggling at the expressions on Yusuke's and Kuwabara's faces. "Lookin' good Hiei!" Botan commented, looking the fire demon up and down. He blatantly ignored her gaze, and said his customary, "Hn."

He shifted uncomfortably under their pensive gazes. It's like they've never even seen me before… he thought. "Bakayarou…" he muttered under his breath. "Demo… didn't you used to be this big?" Yusuke demonstrated with his hand, about half Hiei's size. Hiei glared at him, and Yusuke immediately lowered his hand. "B-B-But… look at him! He's as tall as you, Yusuke!" Kuwabara stuttered, still shocked at the growth spurt of the shrimp.

Kurama grinned at his friend. Well Hiei... you sure have grown!

Hiei snarled in his direction. Baka kitsune!

Oi! Minna! Shouldn't we be settling into our rooms instead of dawdling out here?" Botan pointed out, raising an eyebrow. They all nodded and stared at the ring of keys that Yusuke held, then turned to Kurama, who in turn, sweatdropped.

"Er… hmm... obviously, Botan and Keiko should stay together..." Kurama analyzed. "Then Yusuke and Kuwabara-kun in one room, then Hiei and I in the other. Is that alright with everyone?"

They all agreed on the decision, and trudged off to their designated areas.

*****

"HI!" Botan called out, waving to the person on the next balcony.

Kurama smiled warmly, "All settled there, Botan?" He hid a grin as the wind disarrayed her blue locks, making her crinkle her face in annoyance. She sighed, "Yosh, Kurama-kun! What about you?"

Sneaking a peak into the room he shared with a certain fire demon, he couldn't suppress the chuckle that escaped his lips. Hiei was caught in a tangle of sheets he had fallen in awhile ago, and the more he struggled, the more he couldn't escape, until only his spiky head remained visible. With his entire body wrapped in the comforter and the sheets, he greatly resembled a mummy. "Nanda yo?" Hiei grunted, "What are you laughing about?" In order for him to keep his life, the kitsune simply shook his head.

Turning his head back to a very curious ferry girl, he grinned, "Quite done now, Botan." She raised her eyebrow, puzzlement crossing her features, then shook her head, "Wow... I'd love to see more of this place. It looks spectacular!" She gushed, a dreamy look in her eyes. Then disappointment replaced it, "But Keiko-chan and Yusuke have decided to spend the day together, and I very well can't go alone!" She pouted miserably.

Kurama shook his head, amused at her despondent expression. "Well, Botan, I'm preparing to take my own tour around the hotel gardens... care to join me?"

She gasped, "Honto ni, Kurama? Wai~! I'll meet you outside!" She left the landing in a flash. Chuckling to himself, Kurama grabbed his coat from the back of a chair, and, after asking Hiei if he needed any help, left to meet Botan outside their room.

*****

Hiei fought. But it was a losing battle. He struggled against the force that was holding him back. He tried to strain free of the vise-like grip it had on him. But alas, he was beaten when he was completely covered. He tried to use his Kokuryuuha, but he could not breathe...he was running out of air...

Suddenly, a faint chuckle reached his ears. He tried to turn to the source, but he couldn't even twist his head. "Oi! Whose there?" he snarled. The blanket flopped over his eyes. He blinked twice, then realized he couldn't see his attacker.

"Oh Hiei... sometimes, you can be such a clown."

He relaxed when he realized who it was. "Mukuro. What are you doing here?"

The blanket piece covering his eyes was lifted, and his crimson eyes gazed into her vivid blue ones. She smirked, "Need any help?" She chuckled some more when Hiei frowned. "Iie... I don't need any help."

She shook her head, and then gently unwrapped him from the tangle of sheets he was caught in. "Domo," he said shortly, as his lungs breathed air once again. She smiled at him, and lay down on the bed. "Nice accommodations," she commented, looking around the room. Hiei grunted, and kicked the sheets away.

"You didn't answer my question."

She sighed, "If you must know, I was just checking up on you… seemed like you needed my help…" She smirked. Stepping toward him, she kissed his cheek gently, and smiled. "I shall be going now. Kiotsukete, itooshi…" She gave him a sad smile, then disappeared.

He gazed at the spot where she was only seconds ago. A small smile grazed his lips and he whispered, "Suki da, Mukuro. Arigatou for everything."

*****

Recca leaned into the fluffy pillows that the hotel had provided him. "They're really friendly here, ain't they, Domon?" he commented. His friend was gazing out the window. "Hey Recca… do you miss Yanagi?" Domon asked.

Recca looked curiously at him, "Well… in a way… kinda… yeah, I guess. Why?" He looked suspiciously at him, "You aren't still pining for Fuuko are you? I mean, I guess she's made it kinda obvious that she only likes you as a friend when you landed in a clump of bushes five miles away when you tried to grab her." He chortled at the memory, when a red-faced, and red-butted Domon had shuffled back to them, for he had landed in a thorny rose bush.

Domon flushed, but dismissed that thought with a wave of his hand. "Iie, not that… it's just that… nothing." He continued to stare out the window. "Why didn't Yanagi and the others come, by the way?"

Recca shrugged, "She said she'd be coming tomorrow. Gotta do something for the kids today... been planning it for months. 'Kaasan said she'd stay behind so someone could accompany Ganko and Yanagi here."

Domon gave him a puzzled look. "How can we all fit? We've only got two rooms." Recca grinned mischievously. "Nope," he said, holding up another key. "There's an extra one. I just wanted to see Fuuko's reaction when I told her she had to bunk with Mikagami." He laughed out loud, prizing his marvelous scheme.

Domon managed a small smile.

Recca looked at him, "What's wrong Domon? This isn't like you at all. Spill it." Domon raised an eyebrow. "It was nothing, I told you. I'm just... worried, ya know? 'Bout tomorrow and all..."

Recca stared at him and waved that idea away with the shake of his hand, "Nah… that's not it. The day you get nervous for a fight is the day I betray my Hime. Come on! I promise I won't tell anyone."

Domon released a heavy sigh, "If you must know… promise not to tell anyone?"

"I promise."

Domon crossed his arms, "You know Kachiko Inoko?" Recca furrowed his brow. "The dark-haired girl in our Bio class? Yeah, why?"

Recca got his answer when Domon blushed. "Ooooh… you like her, don't you?" And he couldn't resist. "WAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Domon has a GIRLFRIEND! So that's why I always see the two of you together!"

The door flew open and Fuuko's head peeped in, "Domon?! You?! And Inoko?!"

Domon was seething with fury, "Recca!!!! You promised!!!"

Recca grinned cheekily at him, "Oops. My tongue slipped."

"Why you…" Domon glared at him and reared back his fist.

Recca stuck out his tongue as he avoided Domon's heavy fist.

"They never cease to amaze me," Fuuko said to herself, "They really are the best of friends." Then she closed the door quietly, and left them to their battle, which she knew would go on for quite some time.

*****

"… and what's that, Kurama-kun?"

"That is the Pygmea Lilactia, or the Little Lilac," Kurama explained. "It is very common in grassy meadows. It's an herb often used for healing. I use it sometimes myself." He smiled as Botan nodded sagely, treasuring the beauty and knowledge he had shown her in the garden.

The hotel garden was a vast array of Makai plants, and Kurama knew each one and every one of them. He could will them to do anything he wanted, like curl away or bloom magnificently.

"And, oh wow, this is gorgeous!"

Kurama looked in the direction she was pointing at and smiled, "The Vermillion Rose. The most beautiful kind of rose in all of Makai. Very different from the Carnivorous Carmines that I showed you awhile ago. This is simply used for decoration, but they're very rare. I doubt anyone form the hotel would like it plucked from this garden." He ran his fingers over their delicate petals.

The dismay in her voice, and face, was apparent, "Oh… sou da ne… well, can we go back through the roses again?"

"Sure." Kurama agreed, running a hand through his hair, though his feet were aching a bit. They had been walking for about three hours through the gravel paths lined with flowers and plants. The afternoon sun shone brightly overhead as they made their way through the clusters of red, pink and peach.

"Oh Kurama! Weren't you supposed to prepare for tomorrow's fight?" Botan suddenly realized. "Ohhh… gomen! I dragged you into coming with me… gomen!"

Kurama laughed, "Botan, it's okay. I don't need to prepare for anything. And besides, I would have gladly accompanied you without hesitation, so you need not worry about anything." Botan looked up at him with shiny purplish-pink eyes, "Honto ni, Kurama-kun?"

He smiled gently, "Hai."

She nodded happily, satisfied. She started to skip along side him, acting like a little kid again, humming a merry tune. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, a rock waylaid her path, and she tripped.

"Whoa!" Kurama exclaimed, as he grabbed both her arm and waist and pulled her closer for her not to fall, "I've got you…" Attractive green eyes stared pensively into shy purple ones, and he subconsciously tightened his grip around her waist. "Daijobu desu ka?" he asked.

"H-Hai… arigatou…" Botan stammered, as she felt his arms pull her closer.

She smells of roses… like those Vermillions… I never realized that she was this lovely… and sweet-smelling… He raised his hand to brush a strand of cerulean hair away. It was blocking his view of her now misty purple eyes when…

"Oi! Botan! Kurama! What are you guys doing?"

Quick as lightning, they retreated from each other's arms and looked at the disturbance. "Kuwabara!" they both exclaimed at the sight of their carrot-headed friend. He stared at them oddly, "Did I interrupt anything?"

"Er, no! Botan.. she, um…" Kurama stuttered.

"Fell! Yeah… I fell… and Kurama-kun…" Botan added, straightening her hair, brushing the bangs away from her eyes.

"Caught her… yeah, that's it, I caught her…" Kurama cleared his throat. He had never felt this distressed and frantic in his whole life.

Kuwabara stared at them for a second then shrugged. "Oh… I see…"

Kurama looked at the floor. "Kuwabara… why are there rose petals scattered all over?" Kuwabara eyes flickered on the rose petals and grinned widely, "Oh that! I was just playing 'Yukina loves me, Yukina loves me most'… you know? And I plucked about five or six roses to use…" He saw their horrified expressions, and waved his hand, "Oh no! Not the ones with teeth! The bright red ones over there…"

Kurama shook his head, "Not the…"

"MY VERMILLIONS!!!"

An oni wearing trousers and a very angry face stepped out from the hedges, waving a pair of pruning shears over his head. "Those were my prized possessions! You ruined them!" He screamed, waving the shears at them dangerously.

"I think we should run," Kurama hissed at them, and they immediately obliged.

*****

Yusuke and Keiko stared, surprised at the sight before them. Kurama, Botan and Kuwabara were being chased by a maniacal-looking oni. They shook their heads and concentrated on the pineapple shakes they were sipping as the afternoon sun disappeared over the horizon.

*****

"'Fashion Breakthroughs of 2001'… 'I'm a compulsive liar'…" Fuuko mumbled, flipping through the American magazine she had brought. It was rare of her to buy a fashion magazine, but what the heck? She'd give it a try.

"Hmmm... 'Quiz: How To Know If a Guy Likes You'…" She raised her eyebrow. Duh… like hello? Is this really critical information, that they'd have to print millions of copies in several countries? She thought. But it was funny how she thought that way even though she was flipping to that page.

"Lemme see… page 87… number one… You've just been stood up for the Prom, and you've been crying for hours--"

The door opened, and Tokiya stepped out.

"Hey Mi-chan!" Fuuko greeted him smiling, hiding the magazine behind her back. No way was she ever going to let anyone see what she was reading.

He greeted her with a cold stare and stepped out of her way, bumping into her right side abruptly. He started to walk down the hall, ignoring her penetrating stare.

She frowned at him, rubbing her shoulder, "Ow..."

He glanced over his shoulder. "Oh. Gomen." He said, then walked away from her.

She glared at his retreating form menacingly, and then slammed the door shut. "And just when I was beginning to think he was somewhat decent..." She muttered. She threw the magazine into her duffel bag, and grabbed her Walkman. She jammed her ears shut with the earplugs, and huffed into her pajamas.

I'm afraid to fly... the Walkman sang into her ears.

She collapsed against the pillows, still fuming.

And I don't know why...

"He's a jerk."

I'm jealous of the people who...

"Stupid, idiotic, cold jerk."

Are not afraid to die...

"Why did I even think that he was decent?"

It's just that I recall...

"What was I thinking when I told him about... I don't know..."

Back when I was small...

Fuuko let out a sigh and closed her eyes.

Someone promised that they'd catch me...

"Why did I tell him anyway?"

But then they let me fall...

"Typical Fuuko... expecting too much of something that gives nothing..."

*****

Tokiya stared out into the black Makai sea, his arms leaning against the window frame. His portable radio blared beside him. Fortunately there was a signal in the hotel. He stared up at the blanket of bright eyes shining down on him. Are you up there Mifuyu? He mused silently.

Annoyed at the loud rock tune currently pounding on the speakers, he switched stations.

And now I'm fallin'
Fallin' fast again...
Why do I always take a fall...
When I fall... in love...?

He paused at the familiar song. Mifuyu's favorite. She was always singing it, day and night, so often that he had to beg her to stop. But now, it didn't do anything but bring tears to his eyes. I know I have to let go... but I can't...

[Yes you can... I know you can...]

He stood up straight, looking around, "Neesan?"

[Hai, Tokiya.]

"Neesan... you don't know how hard it is without you with me."

[Please... you must let go of my memory sometime...]

"Neesan... I don't know how to..."

[Yes you can... I'm happy where I am now... and I wish you were just as happy as me... I love you little brother... I want your happiness more than anything in the world... and it saddens me that I am the reason you have been unhappy for seven years... so please. I'm begging you... be happy... and let me go...]

He bowed his head, tears pouring silently down his cheeks. He held a shaking hand up to his cheek and felt the wetness trickling. He smiled faintly, "Arigatou... neesan."

[Someone needs your affection right now. Someone in pain. Treat her like your sister. She needs that right now. Take care of her like I once took care of you. Kiwotsukete, little brother. I will always watch over you... I love you]

He stood up, wiping his cheeks swiftly. I'll have to apologize to Fuuko. He thought, pulling out the key to the room when he was in front of it. I was so rude awhile ago. I hope she'll forgive me.

He slowly opened the door. "Fuuko?" he called out.

His eyes fell on her still form, on her bed. He approached her thin frame and smiled gently. She had fallen asleep listening to her Walkman. She wore a peaceful look, as the song continued to play in her ears. She was curled up in mint green cotton pajamas, hugging her arms.

She must be freezing. Was Tokiya's first thought.

He scooped her up in his strong arms. She stirred slightly, pressing her face into his chest. He fixed the sheets of her bed and set her down gently, tucking the blanket under her chin.

She smiled gently as she felt warmth embrace her. She snuggled into the fragrant pillows and clutched the fuzzy blanket to her.

Tokiya brushed a stray lock of purple hair away from her forehead. "Good night Fuuko," he whispered. As an afterthought, he leaned forward and kissed her forehead gently. Before he forgot, he pulled the earplugs out of her ears and put the Walkman away. As he turned it off as it played the last words.

When I fall... in love...

*****

Kurama sighed at Botan, "Well… at least we got away, ne?"

She glowered at Kuwabara, "Yeah, no thanks to him!"

Kuwabara frowned, "Hey! It wasn't entirely my fault! You didn't exactly help when you poured the bucket of ice-cold water on his head."

"He was gaining on us! What was I supposed to do? Let ourselves be minced into tiny pieces?"

"Precisely why I pushed him into the lake!"

"We wouldn't have been in that predicament if not for you, Romeo!"

They were walking down the hall to where their rooms were, having narrowly escaped the mad gardener in the lobby. They walked abruptly, in case he would magically reappear behind them.

"Well... it's over now." Kurama stated firmly, cutting off any arguments that might come about, "Let's all get a good night's sleep and forget about it."

Kuwabara mumbled an "Oyasumi, minna," to them and entered the first door, his and Yusuke's room.

They reached the second door, Botan's and Keiko's room. "Well, Kurama... arigatou for accompanying me..." she said, shyly.

"It was my pleasure, Botan," he replied pleasantly.

She smiled back, "Well, good night then." She reached for the doorknob.

"Matte."

She turned back to him, "Naze da?"

He reached into his hair, "I forgot to give you this." And out of his hair he pulled out a perfect Vermillion, the dew still fresh on it's petals. She gasped as he placed the flower in her fingers, "Ohhh... Kurama..." She stared at the rose, then at Kurama, with tears in her eyes. Then, she flung her arms around Kurama, embracing him tightly.

"Oh arigatou arigatou arigatou!" she whispered into his ear, "It's beautiful."

Kurama smiled, "I'm glad you like it, Botan."

Blushing madly, she pulled away from him. "How can I ever repay you, Kurama-kun?" He laughed softly, "Just make sure you take care of it, okay? It's getting late... you should get inside, Keiko might worry."

"Hai... good night, Kurama."

"Good night Botan."

*****

Botan closed the door tight and leaned against it, the rose gently caressing her cheek as she held it up to her face. She had a dreamy far-away expression on her face.

"Hey Botan! Daijobu desu ka?"

She snapped out of her reverie to find Keiko staring at her.

"Hai Keiko... I'm fine... how did your day go?"

"Oh... rather well," Keiko burst into giggles, "I saw you, Kurama and Kuwa-kun being chased by that oni downstairs. How did that happen? And where did you get that rose? A secret admirer Botan? Fess up!"

Botan laughed, "No, just a friend. And where on earth did you see us?"

"While Yusuke and I were eating..."

*****

Kurama entered the room to find Hiei at the balcony. "Hello Hiei. Anything wrong?" Hiei shook his head briefly. "Iie. Mukuro just left."

Kurama raised an eyebrow as he changed into his pajamas, "She visited you?"

"Twice."

Kurama let out a laugh, "Looks like she's really smitten by you. Turned on the old youkai charm, Hiei?"

"Chih."

Kurama shook his head and climbed into bed. He knew he should have at least thought about the elimination rounds tomorrow. He should have trained today, toned his skills and all. He should have practiced his techniques.

But all he could think about as he drifted off to sleep were purplish-pink eyes.