Chapter Three
Uncomfortable silence enveloped the room. Everyone can't seem to think of anything right to say, more like nobody can think of anything to say at all. Each of them feeling the tension building up.
Botan is still not conscious. She was lying in Kurama's hotel bed. The sheets were already changed and the blood puddle on the floor was cleaned up. Evidences of that morning's events were no longer prominent. Only Botan's unconsciousness and Kurama's absence were left to remind them that something was wrong.
Beside the sleeping Botan sat Koenma-sama. He had just arrived. He didn't expect that something like this would happen. He was clueless, he had spent the last 30 minutes thinking of reasons for something like this to happen but he hadn't come up with anything.
Shizuru was also there, standing next to the door. As if ready to take orders from anyone at any moment. She didn't tell Yukina and Keiko about finding Botan unconscious an hour ago. She knew it wouldn't do any good and could only add to the tension everyone was feeling right now.
On her left was Kuwabara. Also with the same worried expression. He didn't know what to do. In fact, he still doesn't quite understand what had happen. And Kurama missing only added to his confusion.
Yusuke and Hiei were also in the room. Both sitting on the floor across each other. Hiei wore a bored expression. He always does that. You can never tell when he is concern or not. But the fact that he stayed there shows that he somehow cares.
Yusuke's face on the other hand was deep in a frown. He was worried, the uncomfortable silence is making his anxiety rise up. And the loud ticking of the clock is getting on his nerves.
They were like that for what seems like an eternity. Then the silence was broken by Botan's sudden movement. Yusuke jumped to his feet, he quickly headed for Botan's side but before he could, Koenma stopped him. He didn't say anything, just the look on his face stopped Yusuke on his tracks.
Botan raised her hand and tried to grab Koenma's sleeves, but all she could manage was to loosely grip his arms. She was too weak to do anything. Then she spoke with a voice much more like a whisper.
Koenma leaned to listen what she has to say. He could feel the great effort Botan was exerting.
"Ko-o-en-ma-sa-ma..." Botan managed to say.
Koenma saw the pain she was going through. He knows that he has to know what had happen and why Kurama was missing. But instead of asking questions, he hushed her saying that she still needs rest. He comforted her, telling her that everything is under control.
She fought Koenma's insistence for her to rest. She has to say that Kurama is in danger or else they'll never know what happened and that Kurama may die. She tried sitting up, though she knows she'll not be able to do so. Then she spoke again, panic and persistence on her voice.
"No, you have to save Kurama... he is killing Kurama!" tears were already falling from her eyes.
Koenma's question on what happened to Kurama was answered.
"He possessed him... he's taken over his body..." she added.
"Who's he?" Koenma asked gently. Not wanting to add pressure on Botan.
"I don't know... I don't know... But, I-I think I've seen him be-be-fore," Botan struggled to say.
Koenma waited for what she would say next. He was afraid to ask questions. He might push her over the edge.
Botan stared at the ceiling, her eyes filled with tears. She was trying to recall the shadow of the stranger on Kurama's body. Then she looked at Koenma's eyes. After a while she spoke again.
"He has eyes of fire... there was a deep scar on his cheeks..." Botan drew an imaginary scar on her cheeks with her index finger, showing Koenma what the stranger's scar looked like.
Koenma tried picturing the man Botan was describing in his mind. Eyes of fire? Scar?
"He knows me... he knows you... he hates you... you and your father... He told me, someone erased him from me...I don't know what does that mean." Botan continued.
Erased him from Botan? Koenma thought. Then his mind cleared.
Koenma knew enough of what he needed. He quieted Botan. Brushing her hair with his fingers. He told her to sleep again assuring her that they would save Kurama.
Botan obeyed. She was too tired. She knew they would go and save Kurama. Before closing her eyes, she was able to say the words "save him". Then she was deep in a slumber.
Koenma stood up. He looked at Shizuru. He didn't say anything but Shizuru understood. She quietly left the room, a silent prayer was in her heart. She knew that what had happen and what is about to happen is something serious. She never saw Koenma worry that way. He was so worried that I can't see it in his eyes anymore....
Koenma motioned for Kuwabara, Hiei and Yusuke to come with him. They went outside to the end of the corridor, where Koenma knew no one would hear what they were about to talk about.
There was silence for a while, Koenma didn't know where to start. How do I say this? I know I can't say this. But what do I do?
"I believe I know him..." He finally said. Carefully choosing his words. He wanted to tell them everything he knows, but he also knew that there has to be a limitation.
"Then what are we doing here?" Hiei asked with annoyance. He began to walk away. "If you want to talk, talk. I'll go and find Kurama" His voice indicated that he meant every word he said.
"No, you can't!" Koenma stopped him.
"And why can't I?" Hiei shot back without turning back.
"You stop right now or you'll only dig Kurama his own grave!"
Hiei stopped. Stubborn as he is, he still stopped. Something in Koenma's voice made him do so. What does he mean by that?
"If you go and try saving Kurama now, you'll only kill him." He said, as if hearing Hiei's thoughts. He took a deep breath, then he continued.
"Not one of you can save him... not one..." Koenma leaned on the wall. Contemplating on what he should say next. No, I can't tell them... I trust them, but I just can't...
"Then what are going to do? Just let him die?!" Kuwabara can no longer contain his thoughts. If Koenma is right about not anyone of them can save Kurama, then at least they should try. He just can't let Kurama die without them doing something for him.
"Kuwabara is right, we can't let him die this way." Yusuke agreed. Looking at Koenma seriously.
"I know..." Was all Koenma said. His mind was still debating on what was the right thing to do. If I tell my father about this, he'd be able to do something about it. But he'll kill Kurama if it was the easiest way to solve the problem... Kill Kurama? No... I can't allow that... He was slowly drowning in confusion, cold sweat already forming in his forehead.
No, I can't let my father take over this, he may risk Kurama. I have to do this without him, but if my father finds out about this, he'll make sure that I'll be sorry for it. I...
"What's wrong Koenma-sama?" Yusuke asked noticing Koenma's state of mind.
Silence was Koenma's only response. I have to do something! Damn it! Getting my father involved was not an option! He knew that his father was capable of ending Kurama's life if he has to without thinking twice. But he also knows that if they try to save Kurama, they'll also risk his life. But it is better to try saving Kurama and risk his life than just letting him die...
With that decision he spoke again. This time, his voice no longer bore confusion. He was decided. A plan was already on his mind, and that is to tell them everything he knows. Without restrictions. This may cost him everything, but he has to do something. Damn it, this has to work!
"His name is Hiroki." Koenma started.
"Who?" Kuwabara asked. Koenma's sudden talking confused him. He can't make sense on what Koenma had just said.
"Hiroki. Kurama was possessed by him. He will take Kurama's body. He'll live in it until he slowly kill Kurama. And when Kurama dies, his body will be Hiroki's." Koenma explained.
"So, that's why we can't save Kurama. If we do, we'll have to kill Hiroki first and by killing Hiroki, we'll also be killing Kurama." Yusuke said, he was seeing the situation clearly now.
"Precisely. Kurama's body and Hiroki's soul is merging. So, we can't kill Hiroki." Koenma said.
"So what do we do? If we can't save him, who can?" Kuwabara asked.
"Botan can." Koenma declared. His statement was followed by silence. He saw surprise in Yusuke, Kuwabara and Hiei's faces. So, he continued.
"I wasn't suppose to tell you this. This was a secret and it still is." Koenma said, his voice indicating that not one of them should tell anyone about this. "Botan has powers. Powers stronger than you could imagine being possessed by her..."
"What do you mean? She seems harmless." Yusuke interrupted.
"Yes she does, because she doesn't know about her powers." Koenma paused for a while, then he spoke again, relating how Botan acquired such great powers.
"A long time ago, the Spiritual World was attacked. Reikai was nearly destroyed, but my father managed to win the battle. That attack left great damage to the Spiritual World. And so my father thought of a way to prevent it from happening again... that is to grant each spiritual being with great powers. But these powers are sleeping, even those who have them aren't aware of their presence. These powers are only to be awaken at times of great need."
"Hiroki, the one who possessed Kurama's body, was sort-of Botan's mentor. When Botan first arrived to serve the Spiritual World, Hiroki taught her and Ira, another spiritual being, everything they have to know. He was a good guy. Or so we all thought. But we were wrong. Hiroki discovered that he possesses great powers. He summoned it all by himself with greed in his mind. He was able to do so. His power has turned evil, after all it was his intentions.
"We weren't aware of it. We didn't know. Until the day he exploded. He killed Ira with Botan watching every bit of it. But I don't think he'd do the same with Botan. I believe he loved Botan. When we found about his awaken power and how it was used in such evil way, we weren't prepared. My father doesn't have any idea how to bring back to sleep a summoned power until just recently. And so, what my father did back then was take Hiroki's body and send his soul to an endless journey through space. He reasoned that without the body, he'll never be able to inflict danger to anyone."
"From that day onwards, we witnessed Botan's grieving over Ira's death. We saw how much pain she had gone through thinking that Ira was killed by someone she trusted. Botan is bad with deaths of the ones close to her. You all know that. Look at her now with Genkai. Botan was a hundred times worse than that back then. And so my father decided to erase Hiroki and Ira and that fateful tragedy from her memory."
"Wait... if your father know about the Hiroki guy, maybe he can help us." Kuwabara butted in.
"Yes he can." Koenma answered. "He would probably eliminate Hiroki, and he'd reasoned that sacrificing Kurama's life is a lot better than getting more people killed by Hiroki's evilness. Believe me, I know my father. He won't think twice in ending Kurama's life if it was the only way out."
"Ohh...." Kuwabara commented. Kurama dying is never an option.
Koenma ignored his comment. He knew Kuwabara understood what he was trying to say. He continued talking about Hiroki.
"I never thought the day would come that he'd come back. I don't know how. But my guess is through illusions. He was good at that, I remember him using illusions and fake images in killing Ira. Perhaps he managed to create false images and fooled Kurama. I don't know, I can't tell. Whatever he did to get to Kurama, I don't care. Let's just save him."
"But how?" Yusuke asked.
"Like I said, Botan's our only chance."
"How do you know she'll be able to fight Hiroki?"
"They have equal powers, Kuwabara. She can take him. But if I'm right, Botan has the advantage. Hiroki still doesn't have a body. He'll have trouble controlling Kurama's, it is still not his."
"But Botan doesn't have any idea that she has powers, much more use it. She doesn't know the bad guy and her past with him and you see her condition right now, she's too weak." Yusuke argued.
"And if ever you tell her about her power right now, doesn't that require training for her to use them?" Kuwabara added.
"I can bring back her lost memory. And I can summon her powers for her. All she has to do is hit the target."
"Wait a minute. Hit the target? You mean, hit Kurama? Damn! This is a lose-lose situation!".
"No, Yusuke. Botan's power, when summoned with non-evil intentions, can kill everything extremely evil in an opponent. Kurama, in his state right now is not capable of doing nor thinking any evil. If Botan aimed for him, she'll only kill Hiroki. Hiroki is the only evil in Kurama right now. I'm sure of it."
"What if Hiroki already has Kurama? What if we're too late?" Hiei spoke.
"No, we're not late." Koenma checked the clock the corridor wall. "We have a good five hours to save Kurama." He said.
"How do you know?" Yusuke asked.
"Don't ask. We had enough chitchat. Let's go back to business and save the day."
Uncomfortable silence enveloped the room. Everyone can't seem to think of anything right to say, more like nobody can think of anything to say at all. Each of them feeling the tension building up.
Botan is still not conscious. She was lying in Kurama's hotel bed. The sheets were already changed and the blood puddle on the floor was cleaned up. Evidences of that morning's events were no longer prominent. Only Botan's unconsciousness and Kurama's absence were left to remind them that something was wrong.
Beside the sleeping Botan sat Koenma-sama. He had just arrived. He didn't expect that something like this would happen. He was clueless, he had spent the last 30 minutes thinking of reasons for something like this to happen but he hadn't come up with anything.
Shizuru was also there, standing next to the door. As if ready to take orders from anyone at any moment. She didn't tell Yukina and Keiko about finding Botan unconscious an hour ago. She knew it wouldn't do any good and could only add to the tension everyone was feeling right now.
On her left was Kuwabara. Also with the same worried expression. He didn't know what to do. In fact, he still doesn't quite understand what had happen. And Kurama missing only added to his confusion.
Yusuke and Hiei were also in the room. Both sitting on the floor across each other. Hiei wore a bored expression. He always does that. You can never tell when he is concern or not. But the fact that he stayed there shows that he somehow cares.
Yusuke's face on the other hand was deep in a frown. He was worried, the uncomfortable silence is making his anxiety rise up. And the loud ticking of the clock is getting on his nerves.
They were like that for what seems like an eternity. Then the silence was broken by Botan's sudden movement. Yusuke jumped to his feet, he quickly headed for Botan's side but before he could, Koenma stopped him. He didn't say anything, just the look on his face stopped Yusuke on his tracks.
Botan raised her hand and tried to grab Koenma's sleeves, but all she could manage was to loosely grip his arms. She was too weak to do anything. Then she spoke with a voice much more like a whisper.
Koenma leaned to listen what she has to say. He could feel the great effort Botan was exerting.
"Ko-o-en-ma-sa-ma..." Botan managed to say.
Koenma saw the pain she was going through. He knows that he has to know what had happen and why Kurama was missing. But instead of asking questions, he hushed her saying that she still needs rest. He comforted her, telling her that everything is under control.
She fought Koenma's insistence for her to rest. She has to say that Kurama is in danger or else they'll never know what happened and that Kurama may die. She tried sitting up, though she knows she'll not be able to do so. Then she spoke again, panic and persistence on her voice.
"No, you have to save Kurama... he is killing Kurama!" tears were already falling from her eyes.
Koenma's question on what happened to Kurama was answered.
"He possessed him... he's taken over his body..." she added.
"Who's he?" Koenma asked gently. Not wanting to add pressure on Botan.
"I don't know... I don't know... But, I-I think I've seen him be-be-fore," Botan struggled to say.
Koenma waited for what she would say next. He was afraid to ask questions. He might push her over the edge.
Botan stared at the ceiling, her eyes filled with tears. She was trying to recall the shadow of the stranger on Kurama's body. Then she looked at Koenma's eyes. After a while she spoke again.
"He has eyes of fire... there was a deep scar on his cheeks..." Botan drew an imaginary scar on her cheeks with her index finger, showing Koenma what the stranger's scar looked like.
Koenma tried picturing the man Botan was describing in his mind. Eyes of fire? Scar?
"He knows me... he knows you... he hates you... you and your father... He told me, someone erased him from me...I don't know what does that mean." Botan continued.
Erased him from Botan? Koenma thought. Then his mind cleared.
Koenma knew enough of what he needed. He quieted Botan. Brushing her hair with his fingers. He told her to sleep again assuring her that they would save Kurama.
Botan obeyed. She was too tired. She knew they would go and save Kurama. Before closing her eyes, she was able to say the words "save him". Then she was deep in a slumber.
Koenma stood up. He looked at Shizuru. He didn't say anything but Shizuru understood. She quietly left the room, a silent prayer was in her heart. She knew that what had happen and what is about to happen is something serious. She never saw Koenma worry that way. He was so worried that I can't see it in his eyes anymore....
Koenma motioned for Kuwabara, Hiei and Yusuke to come with him. They went outside to the end of the corridor, where Koenma knew no one would hear what they were about to talk about.
There was silence for a while, Koenma didn't know where to start. How do I say this? I know I can't say this. But what do I do?
"I believe I know him..." He finally said. Carefully choosing his words. He wanted to tell them everything he knows, but he also knew that there has to be a limitation.
"Then what are we doing here?" Hiei asked with annoyance. He began to walk away. "If you want to talk, talk. I'll go and find Kurama" His voice indicated that he meant every word he said.
"No, you can't!" Koenma stopped him.
"And why can't I?" Hiei shot back without turning back.
"You stop right now or you'll only dig Kurama his own grave!"
Hiei stopped. Stubborn as he is, he still stopped. Something in Koenma's voice made him do so. What does he mean by that?
"If you go and try saving Kurama now, you'll only kill him." He said, as if hearing Hiei's thoughts. He took a deep breath, then he continued.
"Not one of you can save him... not one..." Koenma leaned on the wall. Contemplating on what he should say next. No, I can't tell them... I trust them, but I just can't...
"Then what are going to do? Just let him die?!" Kuwabara can no longer contain his thoughts. If Koenma is right about not anyone of them can save Kurama, then at least they should try. He just can't let Kurama die without them doing something for him.
"Kuwabara is right, we can't let him die this way." Yusuke agreed. Looking at Koenma seriously.
"I know..." Was all Koenma said. His mind was still debating on what was the right thing to do. If I tell my father about this, he'd be able to do something about it. But he'll kill Kurama if it was the easiest way to solve the problem... Kill Kurama? No... I can't allow that... He was slowly drowning in confusion, cold sweat already forming in his forehead.
No, I can't let my father take over this, he may risk Kurama. I have to do this without him, but if my father finds out about this, he'll make sure that I'll be sorry for it. I...
"What's wrong Koenma-sama?" Yusuke asked noticing Koenma's state of mind.
Silence was Koenma's only response. I have to do something! Damn it! Getting my father involved was not an option! He knew that his father was capable of ending Kurama's life if he has to without thinking twice. But he also knows that if they try to save Kurama, they'll also risk his life. But it is better to try saving Kurama and risk his life than just letting him die...
With that decision he spoke again. This time, his voice no longer bore confusion. He was decided. A plan was already on his mind, and that is to tell them everything he knows. Without restrictions. This may cost him everything, but he has to do something. Damn it, this has to work!
"His name is Hiroki." Koenma started.
"Who?" Kuwabara asked. Koenma's sudden talking confused him. He can't make sense on what Koenma had just said.
"Hiroki. Kurama was possessed by him. He will take Kurama's body. He'll live in it until he slowly kill Kurama. And when Kurama dies, his body will be Hiroki's." Koenma explained.
"So, that's why we can't save Kurama. If we do, we'll have to kill Hiroki first and by killing Hiroki, we'll also be killing Kurama." Yusuke said, he was seeing the situation clearly now.
"Precisely. Kurama's body and Hiroki's soul is merging. So, we can't kill Hiroki." Koenma said.
"So what do we do? If we can't save him, who can?" Kuwabara asked.
"Botan can." Koenma declared. His statement was followed by silence. He saw surprise in Yusuke, Kuwabara and Hiei's faces. So, he continued.
"I wasn't suppose to tell you this. This was a secret and it still is." Koenma said, his voice indicating that not one of them should tell anyone about this. "Botan has powers. Powers stronger than you could imagine being possessed by her..."
"What do you mean? She seems harmless." Yusuke interrupted.
"Yes she does, because she doesn't know about her powers." Koenma paused for a while, then he spoke again, relating how Botan acquired such great powers.
"A long time ago, the Spiritual World was attacked. Reikai was nearly destroyed, but my father managed to win the battle. That attack left great damage to the Spiritual World. And so my father thought of a way to prevent it from happening again... that is to grant each spiritual being with great powers. But these powers are sleeping, even those who have them aren't aware of their presence. These powers are only to be awaken at times of great need."
"Hiroki, the one who possessed Kurama's body, was sort-of Botan's mentor. When Botan first arrived to serve the Spiritual World, Hiroki taught her and Ira, another spiritual being, everything they have to know. He was a good guy. Or so we all thought. But we were wrong. Hiroki discovered that he possesses great powers. He summoned it all by himself with greed in his mind. He was able to do so. His power has turned evil, after all it was his intentions.
"We weren't aware of it. We didn't know. Until the day he exploded. He killed Ira with Botan watching every bit of it. But I don't think he'd do the same with Botan. I believe he loved Botan. When we found about his awaken power and how it was used in such evil way, we weren't prepared. My father doesn't have any idea how to bring back to sleep a summoned power until just recently. And so, what my father did back then was take Hiroki's body and send his soul to an endless journey through space. He reasoned that without the body, he'll never be able to inflict danger to anyone."
"From that day onwards, we witnessed Botan's grieving over Ira's death. We saw how much pain she had gone through thinking that Ira was killed by someone she trusted. Botan is bad with deaths of the ones close to her. You all know that. Look at her now with Genkai. Botan was a hundred times worse than that back then. And so my father decided to erase Hiroki and Ira and that fateful tragedy from her memory."
"Wait... if your father know about the Hiroki guy, maybe he can help us." Kuwabara butted in.
"Yes he can." Koenma answered. "He would probably eliminate Hiroki, and he'd reasoned that sacrificing Kurama's life is a lot better than getting more people killed by Hiroki's evilness. Believe me, I know my father. He won't think twice in ending Kurama's life if it was the only way out."
"Ohh...." Kuwabara commented. Kurama dying is never an option.
Koenma ignored his comment. He knew Kuwabara understood what he was trying to say. He continued talking about Hiroki.
"I never thought the day would come that he'd come back. I don't know how. But my guess is through illusions. He was good at that, I remember him using illusions and fake images in killing Ira. Perhaps he managed to create false images and fooled Kurama. I don't know, I can't tell. Whatever he did to get to Kurama, I don't care. Let's just save him."
"But how?" Yusuke asked.
"Like I said, Botan's our only chance."
"How do you know she'll be able to fight Hiroki?"
"They have equal powers, Kuwabara. She can take him. But if I'm right, Botan has the advantage. Hiroki still doesn't have a body. He'll have trouble controlling Kurama's, it is still not his."
"But Botan doesn't have any idea that she has powers, much more use it. She doesn't know the bad guy and her past with him and you see her condition right now, she's too weak." Yusuke argued.
"And if ever you tell her about her power right now, doesn't that require training for her to use them?" Kuwabara added.
"I can bring back her lost memory. And I can summon her powers for her. All she has to do is hit the target."
"Wait a minute. Hit the target? You mean, hit Kurama? Damn! This is a lose-lose situation!".
"No, Yusuke. Botan's power, when summoned with non-evil intentions, can kill everything extremely evil in an opponent. Kurama, in his state right now is not capable of doing nor thinking any evil. If Botan aimed for him, she'll only kill Hiroki. Hiroki is the only evil in Kurama right now. I'm sure of it."
"What if Hiroki already has Kurama? What if we're too late?" Hiei spoke.
"No, we're not late." Koenma checked the clock the corridor wall. "We have a good five hours to save Kurama." He said.
"How do you know?" Yusuke asked.
"Don't ask. We had enough chitchat. Let's go back to business and save the day."