A Demon's Love pt. 16
The warm water pelted her skin and wings as she thought of him. She dreamed of him as she always seemed to do for these past days. She didn't mind.
~Dream~
They danced in a midnight garden to the tune of a silent waltz. He led her gracefully twirling and twisting down the stone pathways of a large garden filled with roses and flowers. Tall evergreens lined the pathway, silhouetted by the white and silver moonlight. Neatly trimmed hedges stood in the distance to be admired by any guest of the garden. An orchestra of stars shined down on them as they played the silent waltz. She wore her wedding gown as he wore a white tuxedo with tails. His silver hair and tail flowed behind them as they danced down the pathway, dancing toward some unknown and mysterious destination in a mysterious and unknown garden. The pathway opened up to a white gazebo, turned silver in the moonlight.
He held out his white gloved hand to her as they stopped and turned to the gazebo. She placed her hand in his as she gently walked up the stairs with his guiding hand never leaving hers. He climbed up the wooden white steps behind her. Her silvers stared into his gold as they slowly inched closer together. She leaned up as he lowered himself down to her. They locked in deep kiss they both longed for and desperately wanted. The moon shined into the gazebo, giving them a silhouette and a silver aura. The moonlight fell onto her wings making them shine in silver and white. They broke the kiss as they looked deep into each other's eyes with true love. Suddenly, he pulled her close into a tight embrace, never wanting to let her go. She wrapped her arms tightly around him as she got over the surprise of his actions.
She rested her head on his chest only to look up at a strange sound that came from him. He was sobbing. She pulled out of the embrace and wiped his tears away with a gentle caress of her hand.
"Why are you crying?" she whispered worriedly as her eyes filled with worry.
He pulled back into the fierce embrace holding her tightly as he whispered into her ear.
"Don't leave me," his whispering voice implored to her.
"I'll never leave you," she whispered back to him as her eyes began to tear. "Come what may. I'll always be by your side."
She felt a salty tear fall down her cheek. His gloved hand reached up and caressed it away leaving her face dry with no more tears to shed that night.
"I fear you'll fly away on your wings and leave me forever," he whispered chuckling as she smiled.
She leaned up to his soft fox ears.
"You don't need wings to fly," she said softly into his twitching ears. "My love can do that for you. I'll lead you.. You just have to trust me."
"I trust you," he softly replied.
She held her pale hand out to him as his gloved hand reached for it. She lead him outside where a light breeze began to blow, sending flower petals swirling around them. She began to gently flap her large wings taking them soaring into the night sky.
"Do you trust me?" she asked softly one more time.
"Yes," he immediately replied.
She let go of his hand, but he didn't fall. He looked at her in curiosity as she smiled. The garden was far down below them, all of the shrubbery and flowers blending into the night. He stood floating and flying by her side.
"You see?" she asked smiling. "My love shall give you the power to fly. All you need to do is trust me."
He flew closer to her and pulled her into a tight embrace. She raised her head as his head inched closer to hers. They locked in a deep kiss as a warm breeze blew around them.
~End Dream~
Kizna smiled softly as she stepped out of the shower. Her clothing and cloak lay in a corner near the door waiting for her to dress.
Kuwabara woke groggily to the early light. He dragged himself to the bathroom for a shower and to brush his teeth. His suit hung behind the door as the frame and camera sat safely on the kitchen table.
The cold falling water slapped his face slowly waking him.
Koenma stepped out of the shower and dressed in his toddler clothing. The memories of his early morning dream haunted him constantly making him blush as he thought about it. 'So close,' he thought as he lay a small hand on his lips. 'Stupid oni.' He summoned his spirit energy and began to grow. In the depths of the bathroom mirror stood the teenage Koenma. He changed into the tuxedo as he looked over himself in the mirror when he was finished.
The tuxedo accentuated him in the right places of his older form's well built figure. It showed well toned biceps and a defined abdomen. The pant legs showed off long strong legs. He carefully combed his hair, making sure every strand was in its proper place.
"Koenma- sama," the oni called from outside the door. "Will you be done soon? You and Botan should be getting ready to leave soon."
"Coming!" Koenma called back as he slipped on his dress shoes and opened the door. "How do I look?"
"Very well sir," replied the oni as he looked over the grown Koenma. "Here."
"Thank you," Koenma said as he took the small gift from the oni. "Where's Botan?"
Botan stepped out of the bathroom dressed in her human clothing with her hair in its ponytail. She gather her gift and dress and walked out of her room in search for Koenma.
She heard soft voices as she stood outside Koenma's nursery. She lightly knocked on the door slowly opening it.
"Koenma?" she called softly before her breath caught.
She looked at the Rekai prince standing tall and proud in his tuxedo. Her face was locked in a blank stare as she stared at his rare and elusive older form. Her eyes looked him over going over every curve the tuxedo accentuated.
"Botan?" asked Koenma as he looked toward the ferry girl with a blank look on her face. "Are you all right?"
"Eh.... yea," she managed to squeak out as she found her voice and breath. "Are-e... you-u.. ready?"
"Yes," he replied before turning to the oni. "Make sure no one finds out about this... or it will be on your life."
"Y-yes Koenma," the oni stuttered fearing possible punishment.
"Shall we Koenma- sama?" asked Botan staring starry-eyed at the young prince.
Koenma nodded momentarily catching her in a deep gaze only to have her turn away lightly blushing. She turned to hide the pink tint that stained her face unaware that Koenma knew.
They walked into the office hallways as the early morning workers began their busy day. She summoned her oar and prepared to fly. She side-saddled the oar, hung the hanger of the dress on the oar and held the gift tightly in her lap. She motioned for Koenma to come sit behind her. He sat down trying to balance himself and his gift on the oar.
"Are you all right?" Botan asked as she looked at the struggling prince.
"I can't balance," he complained as he tried to steady himself.
"Um... hang onto me," she mumbled shyly as she turned away blushing again. "And hold on tight."
Koenma felt the heat slowly crept across his face turning him red. He gently placed a strong arm around her small waist tightly making her tense. His arm seemed to fit perfectly around her as he smiled a secret smile. She relaxed into his touch as a bright blush crept across her hidden face.
"Ready?" she asked shyly.
"Yes," he replied softly and shyly.
They quickly raced through the office heading towards the Ningekai gates.
Keiko stepped out of her shower as she still thought about him. She had dreamed of him the night before and couldn't get the dream out of her mind no matter how she tried.
~Dream~
It was daylight as she ran frantically in a garden maze, filled with tall green hedges, blooming with white lilies. She could hear the cries of a teasing male voice behind her as the young man chase her. She wore a long chiffon gown that fluttered in the wind as she ran. The top was a light periwinkle blue with a pink ribbon tied just below her chest. Under the pink ribbon flowing in the wind, long lengths of white chiffon at blew and billowed as she ran. Her loud giggles filled the air as she ran making the young man find her easily by the sound of her voice.
She rounded a corner at a set of hedge crossroads and hid in a nearby dead end as the young man came running. She bit her tongue trying to suppress her giggles. The young man wore a simple white button down, long sleeved shirt and khakis. Clean white dress shoes adorned his feet as white heels adorned hers. She leaned on the bushes making them rustle as the young man noticed the soft sound. Yusuke slowly crept towards the rustling bush. He could hear soft suppressed giggles coming from her.
"GOTCHA!" he cried as he jumped out from behind the bush making her scream as she took off running once more.
He reached out to touch her only to miss by mere inches. She was prey, and he was the predator. He would do anything to catch her. Their laughter and cries echoed through the garden as both enjoyed the chase. She came out of the end of the maze as she looked down on the garden from the high softly rolling hill that ended near a stone pathway by a large lake, unaware of the creeping young man behind her. He leaped and cried, making her jump, giving her no time to escape him. His strong arms encircled her waist as he tackled her, sending sprawling and rolling down the green hill in each others arms, laughing loudly. Their laughs echoed louder through the garden grounds as they reached the bottom of the hill in a scandalous position. She lay on the green grass her gown stained green from rolling on the hill as he straddled her pinning her outstretched arms with his hands above her head his clothing stained green as well. He raised his hands in mock threat.
"YOU WOULDN'T!" Keiko cried loudly in shock as she realized what he would do.
He nodded with an evil grin on his face. He lowered his hands and began to tickle her ribs ignoring her protesting screams and laughter.
"Yu.. Yu.. Yusuke!" she cried in-between laughs. "Stop.. Please!"
"Nope!" he replied as he tickled harder making her laughs ring through the grounds louder. "Not until I get it!"
"Fine!" she cried and laughed desperately. "I give! I give!"
He removed his hands from her sides and stared down at her. Her eyes shined with sunlight and laughter. Her breath was shallow from laughing. Her arms fell limply above her head. He lowered himself so that their noses were centimeters apart.
"You'll keep your word?" he whispered softly as she nodded breathlessly.
Closing her eyes, she raised her head slightly and locked him in a deep kiss. His eyes closed as he returned it, matching her ferocity. Her arms encircled his neck tightly as his arms found their way around her waist. They pulled apart faces only inches away. She smiled.
"I've kept my word," she said as she blushed and smiled.
~End Dream~
Keiko blushed as she remembered the last fragment of her dreams.
'That did not happen,' she thought trying to convince herself that part of her dream wasn't real.
'Face it. It did,' said another part of her subconscious. 'And you liked it.'
Keiko's blush grew deeper. She quickly shook the voices out of her head and quickly changed into her clothing. She walked out of the bathroom and walked to her room to get her things. She looked in Kizna's room and found her sitting restlessly waiting for Keiko dressed with her gown and shoes laying on the bed.
"Kizna," Keiko called from outside the door as the blush slowly faded. "We'll be leaving soon."
"All right," Kizna called as she walked to the door and opened it. "I'll just get my things."
Keiko smiled.
"Nervous?" she asked as she walked to her room with fairy following with her clothing.
"Very," Kizna replied happily. "But excited at the same time."
Keiko smiled. She walked to her bed and picked up her things. They made their way to the door and walked into the morning sunlight.
Kuwabara stepped out of the shower, dried off, and changed. He brushed his teeth and prepared to leave. He hung his suit over his back, held his shoes under his arms and walked out of his room. His sister slept soundly in her room as he quietly crept down the stairs hoping not to wake her. He crept into the kitchen and hung the camera around his neck as he picked up the frame from the table. He walked out the door and into the morning sunlight.
Yusuke ignored the rants of his drunken mother talking to someone invisible as he prepared to leave. He slung the suit over his shoulder and carried his shoes and gift under his arm. He walked out of the apartment ignoring his mother's drunken protests.
Hiei awoke to the morning sunlight shining in his eyes. Realizing what day it was, he gathered his things and leapt to the temple.
Kurama stepped out of the shower and began to change. He brushed his red mane free of tangles with a smile never leaving his face. His green eyes shined with love as he kept thinking about his dreams of her. He changed into his clothing and walked out of the bathroom to prepare his suit and shoes only to find him mother smiling happily. She wore a white Chinese style dress with gold closures with silver roses embroidered in the fine expensive fabric. In her hands, she held a small box to her son. He realized what it was.
"The rings?" he asked receiving a nod.
He threw her arms around her locking Shiori in a tight embrace. She pulled out of his arms and placed the box in his hands. He placed the box in his pocket.
"Thank you," he whispered into her ear as he pulled her into his arms once more.
Shiori smiled.
"Go you must get ready," she said smiling. "We have to leave soon."
"Yes mother," he replied as he walked to his room.
She grabbed her coat as he grabbed his clothing. They rode down to the elevator in a comfortable silence. The sunlight greeted them as they walked to the temple.
Keiko and Kizna looked up the long flight of stairs to find Genkai standing at the top waiting for them as she seemed to always do. The old psychic welcomed them with a small grandmother's smile. Kizna waved happily to her.
"Hello, I'm Keiko," Keiko said as she greeted the psychic.
Genkai looked over the girl curiously before taking her hand. She sensed something, but it wasn't the strange and stale air of a demon. It was something else. It was a something that could melt the coldest hearts and the stars shine. An old grin spread across her face as she realized what it was.
"I'm Genkai," she rasped to the young girl as she grasped her hand. "I sense something from you child. Are you in love?"
Kizna looked happily at Keiko wondering if what Genkai said was true. Keiko blushed unable to find words to answer with. Genkai chuckled.
"You're wondering how I know," the psychic rasped again making Keiko nod as her blush grew. "Your aura gives it away. Kizna seems to have it too."
"Is it Yusuke?" Kizna asked excitedly.
Keiko's blush grew deeper as Kizna smiled. Keiko turned away to hid her reddening face. As she looked down onto the ground, she caught a glimpse of a strange shadow. She looked up to the sky wondering what it was making the others looked up as well. The shadow swept by again this time just above them circling to the ground. It was the familiar shape of an oar with two figures sitting on it. Immediately, they recognized Botan, but the figure behind her was someone different. Kizna looked curiously at Botan's blushing face as she realized the young man behind her had his arm tightly encircled around her waist with a light blush on his face as well.
"Botan!" Kizna called happily as she waved to her receiving a wave in return.
"Guys I believe you all know Koenma?" Botan said shyly as she pointed to the young man behind her trying to keep her red face hidden.
"Hello I'm Keiko," she greeted with an outstretched hand.
"Hello Koenma," greeted Kizna happily as she noticed Botan's red face. "Botan, why is your face red?"
"Eh..." Botan stuttered unable to find words. "Genkai! Do you have a place where we could change?"
The old psychic smirked. She motioned for the girls to follow her. Botan and Koenma stepped off the oar as Botan put it away saving it for another time. Botan quickly ran trying to hide her blushing face.
Koenma watched them go off into the distance. His arm seemed to tingle from when he held her. He smiled and looked curiously around at the temple grounds. He walked towards the top of the stairs and looked down as he saw a small group of people. A woman with dark hair, a young man with rose red hair, another young man with slicked raven hair, and a carrot top.
Yusuke, Kuwabara, Kurama, and Shiori stood at the foot of the temple steps. They ran into each other only a few moments before and completed their journey together. They began the long trek up the stairs and were greeted with a different sight. A young man stood at the top of the stairs. They exchanged glances of confusion with one another.
"You don't recognize me do you?" the disguised Rekai prince asked receiving shaking heads from them. "It's me Koenma."
Yusuke, Kuwabara, and Kurama's eyes went wide in surprise unable to comprehend Koenma's change.
"Hey what do you know?" asked Yusuke sarcastically. "The toddler has actually grown."
"Watch it Yusuke," said Koenma threateningly his eyes shining with pure dominance and determination.
"Ah, the groom is here," rasped a disembodied voice.
They turned and saw Genkai slowly walking towards them smoking her cigarette.
"Hm," another disembodied voice answered her as a black shadow stretched across the ground.
Their eyes followed the spiky black shadow and found a small black figure with a suit over his shoulder.
"Hey shrimp," greeted Kuwabara receiving a threatening growl from Hiei.
Kuwabara chuckled nervously. The others rolled their eyes.
"Genkai- sama," Shiori said as she ignored the others.
"Yes child?" the old woman asked raspily.
"Tell me have the others arrived?" Shiori asked curiously receiving a nod. "May I go see them?"
"Of course," she replied as she began to walk away. "Follow me."
"All right," replied Shiori as she began to walk away before turning to her son. "Suuichi, I'll be with the girls."
"Yes mother," Kurama replied as he turned to her.
"Yusuke!" called Genkai as she turned to them. "Show your friends where the dressing rooms are."
Yusuke muttered swears under his breath as he watched Genkai walk away from them. He sighed.
"Our rooms are this way," he sighed as he lead them to another part of the temple. "Coming Koenma?"
Koenma shook his head and looked around at the temple forests. He wandered around the temple grounds as he stumbled onto the chapel. He stared in awe at the millions of roses wondering if Kurama had really done this. 'This has to be Kurama's work,' he thought amazed by the sight. He took a seat and sat just admiring the sight in deep thought.
The girls looked around in the large room used for the bridal party. Soft white carpeting lay on the floor making their feet sink into its soft depths. A large four-poster cherry bed stood their left high above the floor with a small set of steps leading to it. A white antiqued vanity stood near on the back wall with a small deep red cushioned stool. Worn white molding stuck to the walls about halfway between the floor and ceiling. Half of the wall was painted with a green with a layer of a shining gold. Conversely, the other half was the color of worn burgundy. Two doors stood in the back of the room one leading to a small white bathroom and the other into a small nook with a set of tables of chairs fit for two. Brushes, bottles of perfume, cans of hair spray, curling irons, and blow dryers lined the top of the vanity. Large windows to the right let in much sunshine through the camouflaging leaves of the temple vines. The room held an antiqued elegance. Tall black candle holders stood on either side of the bed with small unlit votive candles resting on the black platforms.
"Not bad," said Botan as she looked around the room. "Shall we girls?"
Keiko nodded as Kizna did the same. They heard a soft knock on the door as Botan went to open it revealing Shiori. She smiled as Keiko walked into the bathroom to change. Botan walked into the nook after greeting Shiori to change as well.
Yusuke opened the door revealing a large room similar to the girls', but in a royal blue and white without the vanity, still holding the same antiqued beauty and elegance. The rustle of plastic and cloth echoed through the room as they prepared. Yusuke walked into the bathroom first preparing to change.
Hiei walked curiously to the vanity wondering about the small bottles of cologne and hair gel as he arched an eyebrow. He picked up a small bottle and uncapped the lid. A strong musky smell wafted into his sensitive demon nose making him choke. Kuwabara laughed at the demon's misery. He growled making Kuwabara quiet.
"It's called cologne Hiei," Kurama explained chuckling. "Humans use it to make themselves smell different from their actual scent."
"Hm," he replied grumbling. "Stupid humans."
"Hey!" cried Kuwabara glaring at Hiei as Hiei glared back.
"Bathroom is free," said Yusuke as he walked out fully dressed in his tuxedo.
"I'll go," said Kuwabara pushing Hiei out of the way, eliciting a growl from the demon.
"Hiei you can change there," said Kurama pointing to the nook trying to avoid Kuwabara's bloody death.
"Hm," he replied as he walked to the nook.
Yusuke looked into the mirror making sure his hair was in the proper place trying to take his mind of the dream only to blush brighter with each passing memory in his mind. Kurama noticed the humans brightly blushing face in the mirror.
"Are you all right Yusuke?" Kurama asked chuckling. "Your blushing."
"No I'm not!" Yusuke snapped trying to think of an excuse. "It's... just.... too hot!"
Kurama chuckled louder.
Kizna looked deep into the mirror as Shiori curled her hair with the curling iron. The gold clip held half of Kizna's hair with small curled strands left out to frame her face and the rest to fall lightly down her back in tight glossy light blue ringlets. Kizna looked warily and seemed to whimper at the hot iron as it neared her ear. Shiori lay a comforting hand on her shoulder, silently telling the girl not to worry. She pulled out the iron done curling the last curl. Kizna sighed in relief.
"How are you dear?" Shiori asked excitedly as she and Kizna sat down talking quietly.
"Nervous, excited, it feels like I want to get it over with, but yet I want to savor the moment," she replied happily as she wrung her hands nervously. "Is that how you felt?"
"Yes," Shiori replied happily as she reached for a can of hair spray. "Close your eyes dear."
Kizna slowly close her eyes preparing for what human mother would do. She heard the soft hiss coming from the hair spray bottle. An alcoholic smell flooded her noise making her nose twitch in disgust. Shiori giggled as she let the veil drop covering the curls as she watched Kizna's face in the mirror contort into shapes of disgust and curiosity.
Botan and Keiko watched the two from a distance silently smiling at one another. Their dresses seemed to hug their bodies like second skin making them have a regal air. Botan stood near the window as she curled her long blue hair into ringlets from its high ponytail. Keiko sat watching the scene as she brushed half of her brown hair back into a silver butterfly clip with white rhinestones. They walked up to her as they finished fixing their hair.
"May we do her make up?" asked Botan excitedly as she searched for make up in the vanity drawers.
"Sure," Shiori replied smiling as she stepped away.
"Can't fool me Yusuke," said Kurama chuckling as Kuwabara walked out of the bathroom. "We'll talk about this when I get back."
"What was that all about?" asked Kuwabara confusedly.
"Nothing," Yusuke snapped turning to hide his blushing face.
Luckily, Kuwabara was to dense to notice the blush on Yusuke's face. Hiei slowly walked stiffly out of the nook wearing his black tuxedo. The suit seemed to accent all the boys' muscles and strong physique as the pant legs seemed to accentuate their strong and powerful legs.
"I need some air," said Yusuke as he walked out of the room.
"Wait up Urameshi!" Kuwabara cried as he ran after him. "I'm coming too!"
"Stupid humans," muttered Hiei as he turned to the soft creak of the bathroom door.
Kurama stepped out of the bathroom dressed handsomely in his white tuxedo. He wrung his hands nervously as he looked down at the fire demon.
"Let me guess," Kurama began as he closed the door behind him. "Yusuke and Kuwabara just walked out."
Hiei nodded.
"Stupid humans," he muttered shaking his head.
"Yes, I have to agree on this one," replied Kurama shaking his head as well. "He left before I could ask him about Keiko."
"What does Keiko have to do with anything?" asked Hiei as he and Kurama stepped out of the room.
"Hiei you must take more notice of your surroundings," replied Kurama chuckling. "If you haven't noticed Yusuke seems to like Keiko very much."
"Hm," Hiei said not wishing to pursue the topic of romance.
Botan sprayed the white mist of the hair spray into her newly curled ringlets as Keiko applied the light layers of make up on Kizna. Kizna felt the light pulling of the black mascara brush running across her eyelashes. She felt the soft sponge of the eye stick smear the light pink eye shadow across her eyelids after Keiko told her to close her eyes. She felt something wet and strange painted on her lips as Keiko held a firm grasp on her chin blocking her view of herself from the mirror. Keiko smiled.
"Well what do you think Botan?" asked Keiko excitedly as the small fairy opened her eyes.
Botan turned and looked at Kizna as her mouth grew into a wide grin.
"Keiko," the ferry girl began in a congratulatory manner. "You are a genius."
"Thank you," Keiko replied kindly as she stepped out of Kizna's way. "What do you think Kizna?"
Kizna looked into the mirrors hidden depths and found a goddess staring back at her. The strange and exotic goddess had half of her light blue hair pulled back in a gold clip with pieces hanging out to frame her face in light blue curls as the rest of her locks were wound into tight ringlets with a white veil falling lightly down her back. Light pink eye shadow adorned her eyelids making them shimmer as the pink ended in a graceful cat's eye style. A thin layer of black mascara brought more attention to her eyes seemingly making her silver eyes shine. Shimmering light pink gloss shined on her lips making them shine more as she turned her head to get a better look of herself. The white and pink flowers that seemed to grow out of her hair had strung through the ringlets and her head. She looked at herself in awe.
"I-I'm.. Beautiful," she whispered unknowingly loud enough for the others to hear.
"No, you were always beautiful," said Shiori as she laid a hand on Kizna's shoulder. "You just never realized it."
Kizna smiled as she blushed. She stood up and undid her cloak letting fall around the stool covering it as it dragged on the floor. She walked to her gown and began to unpack it from its plastic wrappings. Along with her shoes and dress, she almost walked into the bathroom about to leave the others in a waiting anticipation.
"Wait!" said Shiori as she held out something to Kizna. "You're going to need this."
"What is it?" she asked curiously as she looked at the two items in her hands.
One item was her garter which she recognized, but the other one was different. It was a brown flesh color that was soft to the touch and seemed to stretch whenever it was needed to.
"It's called a stocking," said Keiko referring to the flesh colored material in her hands. "Human girls wear them under their dresses and skirts. You just put one leg in one leg of the material and the other leg in the other."
"Thank you," replied Kizna kindly as she entered the bathroom.
They chatted quietly amongst themselves eagerly wondering what she would look like when she stepped out. They heard the soft creak of the bathroom door and light tapping of heels as she walked out with her wings unfurled in their glory. Their faces grew smiles of excitement and happiness. A light blush stained Kizna's face as she looked nervously at her hands wringing them as they grew slick with sweat.
"Well?" Kizna asked unsure of herself. "Will it be all right?"
"Of course!" cried Botan happily as she jumped around with jitters. "We're almost done."
"What do you mean?" Kizna asked curiously wondering what she could have forgotten.
"The human wedding tradition," said Keiko picking up where Botan left off.
"Something old," began Botan happily in a matter-of-fact tone.
"Something new," added Keiko. "Something borrowed."
"And something blue," finished Shiori smiling.
"Well her hair is blue and the dress is new," said Keiko as she made her observation. "We need something borrowed."
They pondered on what she could use for the 'something borrowed.' Botan looked at the two bracelets that adorned both her wrists with one on each one. 'Why not?' she asked herself. She took of a simple bracelet of white rhinestones and handed it to Kizna.
"Something borrowed," Botan said happily as she placed Kizna's wrist into the bracelet.
"Are... you.. sure?" Kizna asked as she received a nod from the ferry girl. "Thank you."
Botan smiled.
"Something old?" asked Keiko.
"Already taken care of," replied Shiori getting wondering looks from everyone. "You'll see."
Shiori turned to the window as she heard the distant sound of cars passing by. Through the leaves, she saw the familiar faces of friends and family.
"The guests are starting to come," Shiori said excitedly. "I'd better go greet them."
"All right," Kizna said happily smiling as she wrung her hands.
She felt her heart begin to race and a smile began to creep across her blushing features as she smiled.
"Kizna," began Keiko nervously. "Could I ask you something?"
Yusuke and Kuwabara walked to the temple steps watching as the guests began to stream towards the chapel. Guests smiled at them as they smiled back in politeness. They turned as they heard soft tapping heels coming toward them and saw Shiori walking towards them softly smiling.
"Shiori!" a voice cried as a middle aged woman wearing a flowery dress made her way up the steps.
"Hello!" Shiori cried back happily as she went to hug the woman.
"Tell me," said the woman excitedly. "Who is this young woman that your son is marrying? And why didn't you tell me sooner?"
"I kind of just found out myself," replied Shiori happily. "You should see her. She is very beautiful."
"But who is she?" the woman asked again getting more curious.
Yusuke and Kuwabara exchanged nervous glances wondering how Shiori would answer the woman's question. Shiori turned to them and gave them a comforting smile telling them not to worry.
"You'll just have to wait and see," she replied cryptically. "Come I'll show you to the chapel."
Shiori led the guests away to the chapel. They gasped in awe at the sight of the roses. Soft whispers of the guests echoed through the roses as they wondered and complemented on the roses' beauty. She spotted a young man sitting near the front of the chapel thinking in deep thought among the roses. 'Koenma,' Shiori thought happily as she gestured for the guests to sit. Various guests took their seats in various spots around the chapel waiting and whispering about the wedding.
Shiori walked up to him making Koenma brush the thoughts of her out of his mind. He smiled up at Kurama's human mother. The human's eyes shined with kindness asking him if he was all right as he sat alone. Koenma nodded as she turned away smiling.
"What is it Keiko?" asked Kizna as Keiko's face began to turn pink.
"How do you know when your in love?" she asked shyly turning a darker shade of pink.
"You don't know really," replied Kizna smiling. "It's just a something in your heart that tells you that whenever your with that one person it's right. And when it's true love, you can feel his arms around you even if he's not with you. And if you lose your way, you just close your eyes, and he has found you instantly. Sometimes the bond of true love is so strong that you'll dream of him every night when he's not with you."
"Is that what happens with you and Kurama?" asked Botan receiving a blushing nod from the bride.
Outside unbeknownst to them, Kurama and Hiei silently listened, but dare not look in. Kurama smiled as he silently agreed with his soon to be bride and wife.
"Do you dream of someone?" Kizna asked both of them as their faces began to turn red. "You do don't you?"
They nodded. Kizna smiled.
"Who do you dream of?" she asked curiously. "Let me guess, Yusuke for Keiko, and....."
"Koenma," finished Botan shyly as she blushed getting shocked stares.
"What happens tell us," commanded Keiko glad the attention was taken off her.
"Well...." she began as she remembered her lost dreams.
~Dream~
She walked alone on the shining streets of Paris headed toward the bridge. The bright lights of the boutiques shined light the stars that hung in the sky above the misty city. She wore a cream colored, knee length trench coat with a white scarf. Sticking out from the bottom, she wore cream colored slacks with matching knee high boots. She walked with her hands deep in her pockets. The rain had stopped and had left a silver shine all over the streets of Paris. The lights turned misty as their reflections fell into the dark river. She looked over the railing of the bridge as she got there and stared at the Eiffel Tower in the distance a monumental sight for lovers around the world. She sighed. She turned to the shops behind her and just stared as though she were waiting for someone to come to her. Waiting for him. 'I see why they call this place the City of Lights,' she thought as she looked at all the shining boutiques. She walked to the center of the bridge and looked down into the dark river. She saw the black outline of shadow as she stared sadly at the water. She heard the soft taps of shoes on the wood of the bridge, but ignored them. A black shadow stood next to her in the water, but she ignored it. She snapped from her daze as she saw a light pink rose being thrown into the water destroying hers and the stranger's reflections. She turned to the person beside her shocked and smiled as she realized who it was.
He stood across from her dressed in a black knee length trench coat with a deep red scarf along with black slacks and black dress shoes. In his hand, he held a large bouquet of pink roses with the other deep in his pocket.
"I didn't think you'd come," she said happily. "You were always so busy with the paperwork."
"I figured this would be important," he replied as he held out the roses to her.
"Thank you," she said softly as she took the roses from his hand blushing.
He smiled as he walked closer to her. He reached up a black gloved hand and caressed her cheek gently. She moved her head to match his movements and lay small kisses on his palm. He slowly pulled her near him as his hands slid down to her small waist. He lifted her chin making her eyes match his gaze. He removed the pacifier from his mouth keeping a firm yet gentle hold on her waist.
"Ko..." she began only to be cut off by a searing kiss.
Koenma dropped the pacifier in his pocket and wrapped both his arms tightly around her waist. The roses Botan held in her hand fell to the ground with a soft rustle as she desperately held onto him. They closed their eyes ignoring the world around them under the watchful Paris lights and towers along with the myriad stars above them. Thick clouds began to obscure the stars' view, and out from the clouds, soft snow flakes began to fall.
~End Dream~
"How romantic," sighed Keiko dreamily as Botan finished her story.
"Thank you," Botan replied blushing.
"I quite agree," said Kizna softly.
Kurama and Hiei silently listened from the door with small grins upon their faces. Behind them, they heard soft scuffles of someone coming down the hall. It was a young man in a delivery suit carrying a bouquet of white roses.
"Is this the bridal suit?" the young man asked receiving a nod. "I have the bride's bouquet."
"I'll sign for them," said Kurama as he took the clipboard from the young man.
He signed the paper with his experienced human calligraphy and handed the clipboard back to the young man.
"Thank you," said the young man.
"You're welcome," replied Kurama smiling friendly. "Come on Hiei. We better go before they find out we were here."
"Hm," the fire demon replied.
The girls looked up as they heard a knocking from their ajar door. Botan opened it and found the young delivery man.
"I've got the bride's bouquet," he said as he held up a bouquet of white roses.
"I'll sign," said Keiko as she walked to the door.
"No need Miss," he replied as he looked onto the clipboard to read the signature. "A Minamo Suuichi took care of it."
"He was here?" asked Keiko in confusion receiving a nod.
"He seemed to be standing outside listening to you guys with some short kid," he answered as he handed her the roses.
"Well, thank you," Botan called to the man as she closed the door. "He was here?"
"Apparently so," said Keiko as she noticed the soft look on Kizna's face. "Are you all right?"
"So that's why," Kizna said to herself.
"Why what?" asked Keiko confused.
"That's why my nervousness is gone," Kizna replied softly as Botan and Keiko smiled.
The warm water pelted her skin and wings as she thought of him. She dreamed of him as she always seemed to do for these past days. She didn't mind.
~Dream~
They danced in a midnight garden to the tune of a silent waltz. He led her gracefully twirling and twisting down the stone pathways of a large garden filled with roses and flowers. Tall evergreens lined the pathway, silhouetted by the white and silver moonlight. Neatly trimmed hedges stood in the distance to be admired by any guest of the garden. An orchestra of stars shined down on them as they played the silent waltz. She wore her wedding gown as he wore a white tuxedo with tails. His silver hair and tail flowed behind them as they danced down the pathway, dancing toward some unknown and mysterious destination in a mysterious and unknown garden. The pathway opened up to a white gazebo, turned silver in the moonlight.
He held out his white gloved hand to her as they stopped and turned to the gazebo. She placed her hand in his as she gently walked up the stairs with his guiding hand never leaving hers. He climbed up the wooden white steps behind her. Her silvers stared into his gold as they slowly inched closer together. She leaned up as he lowered himself down to her. They locked in deep kiss they both longed for and desperately wanted. The moon shined into the gazebo, giving them a silhouette and a silver aura. The moonlight fell onto her wings making them shine in silver and white. They broke the kiss as they looked deep into each other's eyes with true love. Suddenly, he pulled her close into a tight embrace, never wanting to let her go. She wrapped her arms tightly around him as she got over the surprise of his actions.
She rested her head on his chest only to look up at a strange sound that came from him. He was sobbing. She pulled out of the embrace and wiped his tears away with a gentle caress of her hand.
"Why are you crying?" she whispered worriedly as her eyes filled with worry.
He pulled back into the fierce embrace holding her tightly as he whispered into her ear.
"Don't leave me," his whispering voice implored to her.
"I'll never leave you," she whispered back to him as her eyes began to tear. "Come what may. I'll always be by your side."
She felt a salty tear fall down her cheek. His gloved hand reached up and caressed it away leaving her face dry with no more tears to shed that night.
"I fear you'll fly away on your wings and leave me forever," he whispered chuckling as she smiled.
She leaned up to his soft fox ears.
"You don't need wings to fly," she said softly into his twitching ears. "My love can do that for you. I'll lead you.. You just have to trust me."
"I trust you," he softly replied.
She held her pale hand out to him as his gloved hand reached for it. She lead him outside where a light breeze began to blow, sending flower petals swirling around them. She began to gently flap her large wings taking them soaring into the night sky.
"Do you trust me?" she asked softly one more time.
"Yes," he immediately replied.
She let go of his hand, but he didn't fall. He looked at her in curiosity as she smiled. The garden was far down below them, all of the shrubbery and flowers blending into the night. He stood floating and flying by her side.
"You see?" she asked smiling. "My love shall give you the power to fly. All you need to do is trust me."
He flew closer to her and pulled her into a tight embrace. She raised her head as his head inched closer to hers. They locked in a deep kiss as a warm breeze blew around them.
~End Dream~
Kizna smiled softly as she stepped out of the shower. Her clothing and cloak lay in a corner near the door waiting for her to dress.
Kuwabara woke groggily to the early light. He dragged himself to the bathroom for a shower and to brush his teeth. His suit hung behind the door as the frame and camera sat safely on the kitchen table.
The cold falling water slapped his face slowly waking him.
Koenma stepped out of the shower and dressed in his toddler clothing. The memories of his early morning dream haunted him constantly making him blush as he thought about it. 'So close,' he thought as he lay a small hand on his lips. 'Stupid oni.' He summoned his spirit energy and began to grow. In the depths of the bathroom mirror stood the teenage Koenma. He changed into the tuxedo as he looked over himself in the mirror when he was finished.
The tuxedo accentuated him in the right places of his older form's well built figure. It showed well toned biceps and a defined abdomen. The pant legs showed off long strong legs. He carefully combed his hair, making sure every strand was in its proper place.
"Koenma- sama," the oni called from outside the door. "Will you be done soon? You and Botan should be getting ready to leave soon."
"Coming!" Koenma called back as he slipped on his dress shoes and opened the door. "How do I look?"
"Very well sir," replied the oni as he looked over the grown Koenma. "Here."
"Thank you," Koenma said as he took the small gift from the oni. "Where's Botan?"
Botan stepped out of the bathroom dressed in her human clothing with her hair in its ponytail. She gather her gift and dress and walked out of her room in search for Koenma.
She heard soft voices as she stood outside Koenma's nursery. She lightly knocked on the door slowly opening it.
"Koenma?" she called softly before her breath caught.
She looked at the Rekai prince standing tall and proud in his tuxedo. Her face was locked in a blank stare as she stared at his rare and elusive older form. Her eyes looked him over going over every curve the tuxedo accentuated.
"Botan?" asked Koenma as he looked toward the ferry girl with a blank look on her face. "Are you all right?"
"Eh.... yea," she managed to squeak out as she found her voice and breath. "Are-e... you-u.. ready?"
"Yes," he replied before turning to the oni. "Make sure no one finds out about this... or it will be on your life."
"Y-yes Koenma," the oni stuttered fearing possible punishment.
"Shall we Koenma- sama?" asked Botan staring starry-eyed at the young prince.
Koenma nodded momentarily catching her in a deep gaze only to have her turn away lightly blushing. She turned to hide the pink tint that stained her face unaware that Koenma knew.
They walked into the office hallways as the early morning workers began their busy day. She summoned her oar and prepared to fly. She side-saddled the oar, hung the hanger of the dress on the oar and held the gift tightly in her lap. She motioned for Koenma to come sit behind her. He sat down trying to balance himself and his gift on the oar.
"Are you all right?" Botan asked as she looked at the struggling prince.
"I can't balance," he complained as he tried to steady himself.
"Um... hang onto me," she mumbled shyly as she turned away blushing again. "And hold on tight."
Koenma felt the heat slowly crept across his face turning him red. He gently placed a strong arm around her small waist tightly making her tense. His arm seemed to fit perfectly around her as he smiled a secret smile. She relaxed into his touch as a bright blush crept across her hidden face.
"Ready?" she asked shyly.
"Yes," he replied softly and shyly.
They quickly raced through the office heading towards the Ningekai gates.
Keiko stepped out of her shower as she still thought about him. She had dreamed of him the night before and couldn't get the dream out of her mind no matter how she tried.
~Dream~
It was daylight as she ran frantically in a garden maze, filled with tall green hedges, blooming with white lilies. She could hear the cries of a teasing male voice behind her as the young man chase her. She wore a long chiffon gown that fluttered in the wind as she ran. The top was a light periwinkle blue with a pink ribbon tied just below her chest. Under the pink ribbon flowing in the wind, long lengths of white chiffon at blew and billowed as she ran. Her loud giggles filled the air as she ran making the young man find her easily by the sound of her voice.
She rounded a corner at a set of hedge crossroads and hid in a nearby dead end as the young man came running. She bit her tongue trying to suppress her giggles. The young man wore a simple white button down, long sleeved shirt and khakis. Clean white dress shoes adorned his feet as white heels adorned hers. She leaned on the bushes making them rustle as the young man noticed the soft sound. Yusuke slowly crept towards the rustling bush. He could hear soft suppressed giggles coming from her.
"GOTCHA!" he cried as he jumped out from behind the bush making her scream as she took off running once more.
He reached out to touch her only to miss by mere inches. She was prey, and he was the predator. He would do anything to catch her. Their laughter and cries echoed through the garden as both enjoyed the chase. She came out of the end of the maze as she looked down on the garden from the high softly rolling hill that ended near a stone pathway by a large lake, unaware of the creeping young man behind her. He leaped and cried, making her jump, giving her no time to escape him. His strong arms encircled her waist as he tackled her, sending sprawling and rolling down the green hill in each others arms, laughing loudly. Their laughs echoed louder through the garden grounds as they reached the bottom of the hill in a scandalous position. She lay on the green grass her gown stained green from rolling on the hill as he straddled her pinning her outstretched arms with his hands above her head his clothing stained green as well. He raised his hands in mock threat.
"YOU WOULDN'T!" Keiko cried loudly in shock as she realized what he would do.
He nodded with an evil grin on his face. He lowered his hands and began to tickle her ribs ignoring her protesting screams and laughter.
"Yu.. Yu.. Yusuke!" she cried in-between laughs. "Stop.. Please!"
"Nope!" he replied as he tickled harder making her laughs ring through the grounds louder. "Not until I get it!"
"Fine!" she cried and laughed desperately. "I give! I give!"
He removed his hands from her sides and stared down at her. Her eyes shined with sunlight and laughter. Her breath was shallow from laughing. Her arms fell limply above her head. He lowered himself so that their noses were centimeters apart.
"You'll keep your word?" he whispered softly as she nodded breathlessly.
Closing her eyes, she raised her head slightly and locked him in a deep kiss. His eyes closed as he returned it, matching her ferocity. Her arms encircled his neck tightly as his arms found their way around her waist. They pulled apart faces only inches away. She smiled.
"I've kept my word," she said as she blushed and smiled.
~End Dream~
Keiko blushed as she remembered the last fragment of her dreams.
'That did not happen,' she thought trying to convince herself that part of her dream wasn't real.
'Face it. It did,' said another part of her subconscious. 'And you liked it.'
Keiko's blush grew deeper. She quickly shook the voices out of her head and quickly changed into her clothing. She walked out of the bathroom and walked to her room to get her things. She looked in Kizna's room and found her sitting restlessly waiting for Keiko dressed with her gown and shoes laying on the bed.
"Kizna," Keiko called from outside the door as the blush slowly faded. "We'll be leaving soon."
"All right," Kizna called as she walked to the door and opened it. "I'll just get my things."
Keiko smiled.
"Nervous?" she asked as she walked to her room with fairy following with her clothing.
"Very," Kizna replied happily. "But excited at the same time."
Keiko smiled. She walked to her bed and picked up her things. They made their way to the door and walked into the morning sunlight.
Kuwabara stepped out of the shower, dried off, and changed. He brushed his teeth and prepared to leave. He hung his suit over his back, held his shoes under his arms and walked out of his room. His sister slept soundly in her room as he quietly crept down the stairs hoping not to wake her. He crept into the kitchen and hung the camera around his neck as he picked up the frame from the table. He walked out the door and into the morning sunlight.
Yusuke ignored the rants of his drunken mother talking to someone invisible as he prepared to leave. He slung the suit over his shoulder and carried his shoes and gift under his arm. He walked out of the apartment ignoring his mother's drunken protests.
Hiei awoke to the morning sunlight shining in his eyes. Realizing what day it was, he gathered his things and leapt to the temple.
Kurama stepped out of the shower and began to change. He brushed his red mane free of tangles with a smile never leaving his face. His green eyes shined with love as he kept thinking about his dreams of her. He changed into his clothing and walked out of the bathroom to prepare his suit and shoes only to find him mother smiling happily. She wore a white Chinese style dress with gold closures with silver roses embroidered in the fine expensive fabric. In her hands, she held a small box to her son. He realized what it was.
"The rings?" he asked receiving a nod.
He threw her arms around her locking Shiori in a tight embrace. She pulled out of his arms and placed the box in his hands. He placed the box in his pocket.
"Thank you," he whispered into her ear as he pulled her into his arms once more.
Shiori smiled.
"Go you must get ready," she said smiling. "We have to leave soon."
"Yes mother," he replied as he walked to his room.
She grabbed her coat as he grabbed his clothing. They rode down to the elevator in a comfortable silence. The sunlight greeted them as they walked to the temple.
Keiko and Kizna looked up the long flight of stairs to find Genkai standing at the top waiting for them as she seemed to always do. The old psychic welcomed them with a small grandmother's smile. Kizna waved happily to her.
"Hello, I'm Keiko," Keiko said as she greeted the psychic.
Genkai looked over the girl curiously before taking her hand. She sensed something, but it wasn't the strange and stale air of a demon. It was something else. It was a something that could melt the coldest hearts and the stars shine. An old grin spread across her face as she realized what it was.
"I'm Genkai," she rasped to the young girl as she grasped her hand. "I sense something from you child. Are you in love?"
Kizna looked happily at Keiko wondering if what Genkai said was true. Keiko blushed unable to find words to answer with. Genkai chuckled.
"You're wondering how I know," the psychic rasped again making Keiko nod as her blush grew. "Your aura gives it away. Kizna seems to have it too."
"Is it Yusuke?" Kizna asked excitedly.
Keiko's blush grew deeper as Kizna smiled. Keiko turned away to hid her reddening face. As she looked down onto the ground, she caught a glimpse of a strange shadow. She looked up to the sky wondering what it was making the others looked up as well. The shadow swept by again this time just above them circling to the ground. It was the familiar shape of an oar with two figures sitting on it. Immediately, they recognized Botan, but the figure behind her was someone different. Kizna looked curiously at Botan's blushing face as she realized the young man behind her had his arm tightly encircled around her waist with a light blush on his face as well.
"Botan!" Kizna called happily as she waved to her receiving a wave in return.
"Guys I believe you all know Koenma?" Botan said shyly as she pointed to the young man behind her trying to keep her red face hidden.
"Hello I'm Keiko," she greeted with an outstretched hand.
"Hello Koenma," greeted Kizna happily as she noticed Botan's red face. "Botan, why is your face red?"
"Eh..." Botan stuttered unable to find words. "Genkai! Do you have a place where we could change?"
The old psychic smirked. She motioned for the girls to follow her. Botan and Koenma stepped off the oar as Botan put it away saving it for another time. Botan quickly ran trying to hide her blushing face.
Koenma watched them go off into the distance. His arm seemed to tingle from when he held her. He smiled and looked curiously around at the temple grounds. He walked towards the top of the stairs and looked down as he saw a small group of people. A woman with dark hair, a young man with rose red hair, another young man with slicked raven hair, and a carrot top.
Yusuke, Kuwabara, Kurama, and Shiori stood at the foot of the temple steps. They ran into each other only a few moments before and completed their journey together. They began the long trek up the stairs and were greeted with a different sight. A young man stood at the top of the stairs. They exchanged glances of confusion with one another.
"You don't recognize me do you?" the disguised Rekai prince asked receiving shaking heads from them. "It's me Koenma."
Yusuke, Kuwabara, and Kurama's eyes went wide in surprise unable to comprehend Koenma's change.
"Hey what do you know?" asked Yusuke sarcastically. "The toddler has actually grown."
"Watch it Yusuke," said Koenma threateningly his eyes shining with pure dominance and determination.
"Ah, the groom is here," rasped a disembodied voice.
They turned and saw Genkai slowly walking towards them smoking her cigarette.
"Hm," another disembodied voice answered her as a black shadow stretched across the ground.
Their eyes followed the spiky black shadow and found a small black figure with a suit over his shoulder.
"Hey shrimp," greeted Kuwabara receiving a threatening growl from Hiei.
Kuwabara chuckled nervously. The others rolled their eyes.
"Genkai- sama," Shiori said as she ignored the others.
"Yes child?" the old woman asked raspily.
"Tell me have the others arrived?" Shiori asked curiously receiving a nod. "May I go see them?"
"Of course," she replied as she began to walk away. "Follow me."
"All right," replied Shiori as she began to walk away before turning to her son. "Suuichi, I'll be with the girls."
"Yes mother," Kurama replied as he turned to her.
"Yusuke!" called Genkai as she turned to them. "Show your friends where the dressing rooms are."
Yusuke muttered swears under his breath as he watched Genkai walk away from them. He sighed.
"Our rooms are this way," he sighed as he lead them to another part of the temple. "Coming Koenma?"
Koenma shook his head and looked around at the temple forests. He wandered around the temple grounds as he stumbled onto the chapel. He stared in awe at the millions of roses wondering if Kurama had really done this. 'This has to be Kurama's work,' he thought amazed by the sight. He took a seat and sat just admiring the sight in deep thought.
The girls looked around in the large room used for the bridal party. Soft white carpeting lay on the floor making their feet sink into its soft depths. A large four-poster cherry bed stood their left high above the floor with a small set of steps leading to it. A white antiqued vanity stood near on the back wall with a small deep red cushioned stool. Worn white molding stuck to the walls about halfway between the floor and ceiling. Half of the wall was painted with a green with a layer of a shining gold. Conversely, the other half was the color of worn burgundy. Two doors stood in the back of the room one leading to a small white bathroom and the other into a small nook with a set of tables of chairs fit for two. Brushes, bottles of perfume, cans of hair spray, curling irons, and blow dryers lined the top of the vanity. Large windows to the right let in much sunshine through the camouflaging leaves of the temple vines. The room held an antiqued elegance. Tall black candle holders stood on either side of the bed with small unlit votive candles resting on the black platforms.
"Not bad," said Botan as she looked around the room. "Shall we girls?"
Keiko nodded as Kizna did the same. They heard a soft knock on the door as Botan went to open it revealing Shiori. She smiled as Keiko walked into the bathroom to change. Botan walked into the nook after greeting Shiori to change as well.
Yusuke opened the door revealing a large room similar to the girls', but in a royal blue and white without the vanity, still holding the same antiqued beauty and elegance. The rustle of plastic and cloth echoed through the room as they prepared. Yusuke walked into the bathroom first preparing to change.
Hiei walked curiously to the vanity wondering about the small bottles of cologne and hair gel as he arched an eyebrow. He picked up a small bottle and uncapped the lid. A strong musky smell wafted into his sensitive demon nose making him choke. Kuwabara laughed at the demon's misery. He growled making Kuwabara quiet.
"It's called cologne Hiei," Kurama explained chuckling. "Humans use it to make themselves smell different from their actual scent."
"Hm," he replied grumbling. "Stupid humans."
"Hey!" cried Kuwabara glaring at Hiei as Hiei glared back.
"Bathroom is free," said Yusuke as he walked out fully dressed in his tuxedo.
"I'll go," said Kuwabara pushing Hiei out of the way, eliciting a growl from the demon.
"Hiei you can change there," said Kurama pointing to the nook trying to avoid Kuwabara's bloody death.
"Hm," he replied as he walked to the nook.
Yusuke looked into the mirror making sure his hair was in the proper place trying to take his mind of the dream only to blush brighter with each passing memory in his mind. Kurama noticed the humans brightly blushing face in the mirror.
"Are you all right Yusuke?" Kurama asked chuckling. "Your blushing."
"No I'm not!" Yusuke snapped trying to think of an excuse. "It's... just.... too hot!"
Kurama chuckled louder.
Kizna looked deep into the mirror as Shiori curled her hair with the curling iron. The gold clip held half of Kizna's hair with small curled strands left out to frame her face and the rest to fall lightly down her back in tight glossy light blue ringlets. Kizna looked warily and seemed to whimper at the hot iron as it neared her ear. Shiori lay a comforting hand on her shoulder, silently telling the girl not to worry. She pulled out the iron done curling the last curl. Kizna sighed in relief.
"How are you dear?" Shiori asked excitedly as she and Kizna sat down talking quietly.
"Nervous, excited, it feels like I want to get it over with, but yet I want to savor the moment," she replied happily as she wrung her hands nervously. "Is that how you felt?"
"Yes," Shiori replied happily as she reached for a can of hair spray. "Close your eyes dear."
Kizna slowly close her eyes preparing for what human mother would do. She heard the soft hiss coming from the hair spray bottle. An alcoholic smell flooded her noise making her nose twitch in disgust. Shiori giggled as she let the veil drop covering the curls as she watched Kizna's face in the mirror contort into shapes of disgust and curiosity.
Botan and Keiko watched the two from a distance silently smiling at one another. Their dresses seemed to hug their bodies like second skin making them have a regal air. Botan stood near the window as she curled her long blue hair into ringlets from its high ponytail. Keiko sat watching the scene as she brushed half of her brown hair back into a silver butterfly clip with white rhinestones. They walked up to her as they finished fixing their hair.
"May we do her make up?" asked Botan excitedly as she searched for make up in the vanity drawers.
"Sure," Shiori replied smiling as she stepped away.
"Can't fool me Yusuke," said Kurama chuckling as Kuwabara walked out of the bathroom. "We'll talk about this when I get back."
"What was that all about?" asked Kuwabara confusedly.
"Nothing," Yusuke snapped turning to hide his blushing face.
Luckily, Kuwabara was to dense to notice the blush on Yusuke's face. Hiei slowly walked stiffly out of the nook wearing his black tuxedo. The suit seemed to accent all the boys' muscles and strong physique as the pant legs seemed to accentuate their strong and powerful legs.
"I need some air," said Yusuke as he walked out of the room.
"Wait up Urameshi!" Kuwabara cried as he ran after him. "I'm coming too!"
"Stupid humans," muttered Hiei as he turned to the soft creak of the bathroom door.
Kurama stepped out of the bathroom dressed handsomely in his white tuxedo. He wrung his hands nervously as he looked down at the fire demon.
"Let me guess," Kurama began as he closed the door behind him. "Yusuke and Kuwabara just walked out."
Hiei nodded.
"Stupid humans," he muttered shaking his head.
"Yes, I have to agree on this one," replied Kurama shaking his head as well. "He left before I could ask him about Keiko."
"What does Keiko have to do with anything?" asked Hiei as he and Kurama stepped out of the room.
"Hiei you must take more notice of your surroundings," replied Kurama chuckling. "If you haven't noticed Yusuke seems to like Keiko very much."
"Hm," Hiei said not wishing to pursue the topic of romance.
Botan sprayed the white mist of the hair spray into her newly curled ringlets as Keiko applied the light layers of make up on Kizna. Kizna felt the light pulling of the black mascara brush running across her eyelashes. She felt the soft sponge of the eye stick smear the light pink eye shadow across her eyelids after Keiko told her to close her eyes. She felt something wet and strange painted on her lips as Keiko held a firm grasp on her chin blocking her view of herself from the mirror. Keiko smiled.
"Well what do you think Botan?" asked Keiko excitedly as the small fairy opened her eyes.
Botan turned and looked at Kizna as her mouth grew into a wide grin.
"Keiko," the ferry girl began in a congratulatory manner. "You are a genius."
"Thank you," Keiko replied kindly as she stepped out of Kizna's way. "What do you think Kizna?"
Kizna looked into the mirrors hidden depths and found a goddess staring back at her. The strange and exotic goddess had half of her light blue hair pulled back in a gold clip with pieces hanging out to frame her face in light blue curls as the rest of her locks were wound into tight ringlets with a white veil falling lightly down her back. Light pink eye shadow adorned her eyelids making them shimmer as the pink ended in a graceful cat's eye style. A thin layer of black mascara brought more attention to her eyes seemingly making her silver eyes shine. Shimmering light pink gloss shined on her lips making them shine more as she turned her head to get a better look of herself. The white and pink flowers that seemed to grow out of her hair had strung through the ringlets and her head. She looked at herself in awe.
"I-I'm.. Beautiful," she whispered unknowingly loud enough for the others to hear.
"No, you were always beautiful," said Shiori as she laid a hand on Kizna's shoulder. "You just never realized it."
Kizna smiled as she blushed. She stood up and undid her cloak letting fall around the stool covering it as it dragged on the floor. She walked to her gown and began to unpack it from its plastic wrappings. Along with her shoes and dress, she almost walked into the bathroom about to leave the others in a waiting anticipation.
"Wait!" said Shiori as she held out something to Kizna. "You're going to need this."
"What is it?" she asked curiously as she looked at the two items in her hands.
One item was her garter which she recognized, but the other one was different. It was a brown flesh color that was soft to the touch and seemed to stretch whenever it was needed to.
"It's called a stocking," said Keiko referring to the flesh colored material in her hands. "Human girls wear them under their dresses and skirts. You just put one leg in one leg of the material and the other leg in the other."
"Thank you," replied Kizna kindly as she entered the bathroom.
They chatted quietly amongst themselves eagerly wondering what she would look like when she stepped out. They heard the soft creak of the bathroom door and light tapping of heels as she walked out with her wings unfurled in their glory. Their faces grew smiles of excitement and happiness. A light blush stained Kizna's face as she looked nervously at her hands wringing them as they grew slick with sweat.
"Well?" Kizna asked unsure of herself. "Will it be all right?"
"Of course!" cried Botan happily as she jumped around with jitters. "We're almost done."
"What do you mean?" Kizna asked curiously wondering what she could have forgotten.
"The human wedding tradition," said Keiko picking up where Botan left off.
"Something old," began Botan happily in a matter-of-fact tone.
"Something new," added Keiko. "Something borrowed."
"And something blue," finished Shiori smiling.
"Well her hair is blue and the dress is new," said Keiko as she made her observation. "We need something borrowed."
They pondered on what she could use for the 'something borrowed.' Botan looked at the two bracelets that adorned both her wrists with one on each one. 'Why not?' she asked herself. She took of a simple bracelet of white rhinestones and handed it to Kizna.
"Something borrowed," Botan said happily as she placed Kizna's wrist into the bracelet.
"Are... you.. sure?" Kizna asked as she received a nod from the ferry girl. "Thank you."
Botan smiled.
"Something old?" asked Keiko.
"Already taken care of," replied Shiori getting wondering looks from everyone. "You'll see."
Shiori turned to the window as she heard the distant sound of cars passing by. Through the leaves, she saw the familiar faces of friends and family.
"The guests are starting to come," Shiori said excitedly. "I'd better go greet them."
"All right," Kizna said happily smiling as she wrung her hands.
She felt her heart begin to race and a smile began to creep across her blushing features as she smiled.
"Kizna," began Keiko nervously. "Could I ask you something?"
Yusuke and Kuwabara walked to the temple steps watching as the guests began to stream towards the chapel. Guests smiled at them as they smiled back in politeness. They turned as they heard soft tapping heels coming toward them and saw Shiori walking towards them softly smiling.
"Shiori!" a voice cried as a middle aged woman wearing a flowery dress made her way up the steps.
"Hello!" Shiori cried back happily as she went to hug the woman.
"Tell me," said the woman excitedly. "Who is this young woman that your son is marrying? And why didn't you tell me sooner?"
"I kind of just found out myself," replied Shiori happily. "You should see her. She is very beautiful."
"But who is she?" the woman asked again getting more curious.
Yusuke and Kuwabara exchanged nervous glances wondering how Shiori would answer the woman's question. Shiori turned to them and gave them a comforting smile telling them not to worry.
"You'll just have to wait and see," she replied cryptically. "Come I'll show you to the chapel."
Shiori led the guests away to the chapel. They gasped in awe at the sight of the roses. Soft whispers of the guests echoed through the roses as they wondered and complemented on the roses' beauty. She spotted a young man sitting near the front of the chapel thinking in deep thought among the roses. 'Koenma,' Shiori thought happily as she gestured for the guests to sit. Various guests took their seats in various spots around the chapel waiting and whispering about the wedding.
Shiori walked up to him making Koenma brush the thoughts of her out of his mind. He smiled up at Kurama's human mother. The human's eyes shined with kindness asking him if he was all right as he sat alone. Koenma nodded as she turned away smiling.
"What is it Keiko?" asked Kizna as Keiko's face began to turn pink.
"How do you know when your in love?" she asked shyly turning a darker shade of pink.
"You don't know really," replied Kizna smiling. "It's just a something in your heart that tells you that whenever your with that one person it's right. And when it's true love, you can feel his arms around you even if he's not with you. And if you lose your way, you just close your eyes, and he has found you instantly. Sometimes the bond of true love is so strong that you'll dream of him every night when he's not with you."
"Is that what happens with you and Kurama?" asked Botan receiving a blushing nod from the bride.
Outside unbeknownst to them, Kurama and Hiei silently listened, but dare not look in. Kurama smiled as he silently agreed with his soon to be bride and wife.
"Do you dream of someone?" Kizna asked both of them as their faces began to turn red. "You do don't you?"
They nodded. Kizna smiled.
"Who do you dream of?" she asked curiously. "Let me guess, Yusuke for Keiko, and....."
"Koenma," finished Botan shyly as she blushed getting shocked stares.
"What happens tell us," commanded Keiko glad the attention was taken off her.
"Well...." she began as she remembered her lost dreams.
~Dream~
She walked alone on the shining streets of Paris headed toward the bridge. The bright lights of the boutiques shined light the stars that hung in the sky above the misty city. She wore a cream colored, knee length trench coat with a white scarf. Sticking out from the bottom, she wore cream colored slacks with matching knee high boots. She walked with her hands deep in her pockets. The rain had stopped and had left a silver shine all over the streets of Paris. The lights turned misty as their reflections fell into the dark river. She looked over the railing of the bridge as she got there and stared at the Eiffel Tower in the distance a monumental sight for lovers around the world. She sighed. She turned to the shops behind her and just stared as though she were waiting for someone to come to her. Waiting for him. 'I see why they call this place the City of Lights,' she thought as she looked at all the shining boutiques. She walked to the center of the bridge and looked down into the dark river. She saw the black outline of shadow as she stared sadly at the water. She heard the soft taps of shoes on the wood of the bridge, but ignored them. A black shadow stood next to her in the water, but she ignored it. She snapped from her daze as she saw a light pink rose being thrown into the water destroying hers and the stranger's reflections. She turned to the person beside her shocked and smiled as she realized who it was.
He stood across from her dressed in a black knee length trench coat with a deep red scarf along with black slacks and black dress shoes. In his hand, he held a large bouquet of pink roses with the other deep in his pocket.
"I didn't think you'd come," she said happily. "You were always so busy with the paperwork."
"I figured this would be important," he replied as he held out the roses to her.
"Thank you," she said softly as she took the roses from his hand blushing.
He smiled as he walked closer to her. He reached up a black gloved hand and caressed her cheek gently. She moved her head to match his movements and lay small kisses on his palm. He slowly pulled her near him as his hands slid down to her small waist. He lifted her chin making her eyes match his gaze. He removed the pacifier from his mouth keeping a firm yet gentle hold on her waist.
"Ko..." she began only to be cut off by a searing kiss.
Koenma dropped the pacifier in his pocket and wrapped both his arms tightly around her waist. The roses Botan held in her hand fell to the ground with a soft rustle as she desperately held onto him. They closed their eyes ignoring the world around them under the watchful Paris lights and towers along with the myriad stars above them. Thick clouds began to obscure the stars' view, and out from the clouds, soft snow flakes began to fall.
~End Dream~
"How romantic," sighed Keiko dreamily as Botan finished her story.
"Thank you," Botan replied blushing.
"I quite agree," said Kizna softly.
Kurama and Hiei silently listened from the door with small grins upon their faces. Behind them, they heard soft scuffles of someone coming down the hall. It was a young man in a delivery suit carrying a bouquet of white roses.
"Is this the bridal suit?" the young man asked receiving a nod. "I have the bride's bouquet."
"I'll sign for them," said Kurama as he took the clipboard from the young man.
He signed the paper with his experienced human calligraphy and handed the clipboard back to the young man.
"Thank you," said the young man.
"You're welcome," replied Kurama smiling friendly. "Come on Hiei. We better go before they find out we were here."
"Hm," the fire demon replied.
The girls looked up as they heard a knocking from their ajar door. Botan opened it and found the young delivery man.
"I've got the bride's bouquet," he said as he held up a bouquet of white roses.
"I'll sign," said Keiko as she walked to the door.
"No need Miss," he replied as he looked onto the clipboard to read the signature. "A Minamo Suuichi took care of it."
"He was here?" asked Keiko in confusion receiving a nod.
"He seemed to be standing outside listening to you guys with some short kid," he answered as he handed her the roses.
"Well, thank you," Botan called to the man as she closed the door. "He was here?"
"Apparently so," said Keiko as she noticed the soft look on Kizna's face. "Are you all right?"
"So that's why," Kizna said to herself.
"Why what?" asked Keiko confused.
"That's why my nervousness is gone," Kizna replied softly as Botan and Keiko smiled.