Anemone: *negative mumbles*
Kurama: Anemone...?
Anemone: *slightly louder negative mumbles*
Kurama: erm...what's wrong...?
Anemone: *still mumbling negatively*
Hiei: obviously she's troubled.
Kurama: *long pause, just looking at Hiei with a 'no duh' look on his face...rolls eyes* Mones...? Come now, what is it?
Anemone: I can't figure out what the hell to write next!
Kurama: huh?
Anemone: usually it takes me an hour to write a chapter, that's why I update so fast...but I can't think of anything!
Kurama: uh-oh...
Hiei: hn...*hand on chin, in deep thought, lip kinda poked outward* I know what to do...*blurs into a run, blurs back...holding a box of chocolate chip ice cream with a big spoon...digs into the ice cream, and forces a huge spoonful into her mouth*
Anemone: *slight hacking, look of confusion and shock with Hiei still holding the spoon in her mouth*
Kurama: Hiei! What are you doing?! *pulls spoon out of her mouth* Mones?!
Anemone: *swallows, looking a little nauseated*
Kurama: why did you do that, Hiei?!
Hiei: wait for it Kitsune...
Kurama:...wait for what...?
Anemone: *suddenly pricks to attention, reeeeeeeeeeeeeeally energetic, starts typing like crazy*
Kurama: gah! What the-?!
Hiei: all she needed was a sugar hype...now the chapter's almost done.
Kurama: but...every other chapter took her an hour...how can she write this fast on a spoonful of ice cream?!
Anemone: *starts to slow down, looking reeeeeeeeally tired...*
Hiei: uh-oh...she needs another boost... *digs another spoonful, shoves it in her mouth, she resumes her god-like speed*
Kurama: heh...0_0' *twitchy eye*...impressive...
Hiei: yes...she's only done this once before for her writing...but she ate a whole bowl-full so it was like ZING...
Kurama: I see...*raises an eyebrow at the still typing Anemone*
Anemone: DONE! *long pause, she collapses to sleep on the keyboard*
Kurama: oh my...
Hiei: yeah she also did that last time...
Kurama: *uploads chapter, picks her up and places her on her bed* I've had to do this a lot lately...
Hiei: she'll wake up demanding you say your line...I just know it...
Kurama: then perhaps I'll say it on my own accord...*turns to readers* Chapter 27, enjoy.
Chapter 27: Hereditary Cleverness
Jiaanti slowly slipped from her son's hug, standing calmly...her fragile little face resembled Suichi's to a stunning fault, but at the same time he looked to masculine to be even relevant to her delicate appearance. Peculiar.
"Uh...hello...Mrs...erm...? Mrs. Kurama's demon mom...?" Kuwabara stated in confusion as to how to properly address the fox. Jiaanti, in spite of her near murder and her slight sobs, managed to chuckle at the boy's behavior. Yukina giggled as her human boyfriend struggled with his words.
"You moron," Hiei's ruby leers rolled in utter annoyance. "Demon's don't have last names as you humans do...the formal greeting is to state their name followed by their general species. To properly refer to Kistune's mother, you'd state 'Jiaanti of the Fox Breed.'"
"Demonic Etiquette, taught to you by, Hiei! Allowing youngsters to grow with the manners and civility that only a Demon could have!" Yusuke smirked sarcastically as he mimicked a PBS narration.
"Yusuke..." Keiko half-growled softly.
"Keiko," he snuffed in return.
"Indeed, Hiei..." Kurama smirked faintly. "That was a bit...'school teacher' of you..."
"Hn..." the flame demon grunted harshly at his companions. "Just so you know, it happens to bother me when filthy ningens attempt their human rituals of manners in the likes of demons...our former habits are much different, as you know, Kitsune..."
"Oh, so in other words...it bugs you when people aren't polite in demonic terms?" Kuwabara sneered smugly.
"Hn..." Hiei's temper was wavering between normal...and dangerous.
"Hahaha...Hiei, I must say...I don't know much about demonic manners, but really, you're never that polite..." Yusuke chuckled.
"How's this for polite!" Hiei snarled, his patience having run dry at the crude remarks pinned against him. The flame demon blurred into nothingness, jerking to stillness behind the Detective...his Katana drawn and poked slightly against Yusuke's neck. Keiko shrieked, diving behind the sitting Kurama...who, in light of what happened, didn't seem to care...nor did Yusuke...or Kuwabara...or Jiaanti...really, only Yukina and Keiko had been startled.
"Point taken, jeesh..." Yusuke rolled his eyes, smiling softly. "So-rry, Flames..."
"Hn," Hiei smirked, stabbing his Katana to it's raven sheath. "Good...now, why is it we ran into Grapko's mate?" his narrow ruby glare scanned towards the lovely Jiaanti standing left of her humanoid son, still set Indian style to the floor, with Keiko still crouched behind him.
"I've come to assist you," Jiaanti's face dimmed of positive nature and melted straight into pure sincerity, casting her eyes downward to the sitting Kurama. "Grapko is insane, and you're going to need all the help you can get, Kurama."
"Yes," he breathed calmly. He slowly drew his tormented emerald gaze upward and locked eyes with the she-fox. His words were formed effortlessly in his mind, but escaped his lips with trouble. "But...tell me, mother...is...is..."
"The girl is fine, Kurama," Jiaanti sighed. "He hasn't killed her..."
"...but he's abused her..." Kurama snarled under his breath, casting his face downwards, a murderous look of hatred about his face. Jiaanti paused, her expression untainted by his behavior, but her voice softened at his loyalty to the girl.
"Yes...he has."
Kurama slowly curled a leg beneath his form, pushing himself to a firm stand. Intimidation locked his face, bangs and shadows veiling his narrowed emerald eyes. With one slight move of his head, the shadow slipping past slightly, the purest hate was sponged into his brilliantly emerald eyes. "Mother...you don't mind if I kill him, do you?"
Jiaanti was slightly taken aback...no one had ever asked for her opinion before. "W...what? Why do you ask for my permission, Kurama?"
"Well," his tone was much lower than the norm, yet was still very Suichi. "...he is, your, mate...would you not be saddened if he were to be killed?"
"No," she smiled softly, pain and exhaust gripping her delicate features. "...he is a beast. A mere wolf. No remorse or honor of any kind. He needed to blackmail you and the Dragon into coming here by kidnaping your weaknesses. That is beyond shameful and desperate, and he doesn't mind murdering women and children for self-gain. He abuses me, and he treats his henchmen and very children with disrespect and appauling hatred. He deserves death for forcing Ryooki to murder others. He deserves death for abusing these poor young women. And he deserves death for his plots against you and Hiei."
"Hn, I like your mother, Kitsune," Hiei smirked kindly. "She holds your monstrous father in such low regards...she pays attention."
"Obviously, Hiei," Kurama, still the look of pure intimidation, countered softly. "Grapko has treated her terribly since before I can remember...in truth, I am surprised she managed to stay alive."
Jiaanti quirked an eyebrow at her son's lack of faith towards her survival skills. "Though this is his home, Kurama, I know the Kyorgin Caves better than Grapko and Ryooki combined. I know where to go to get away when he suffers a lapse of insanity."
"So, you're constantly hiding?" Kuwabara inquired faintly.
"Kazuma!" Yukina gaped a tiny squeak.
Kuwabara whirled cowered in utter confusion. "What did I do, Sweetums?!"
"No, it is the truth...," Jiaanti smiled softly. "...really, what the boy has said pretty much sums up my situation here."
"HA!" he grunted to the others in success. "I said something right!"
"For once..." Hiei muttered smugly.
"Watch it, Midget..." Kuwabara growled threateningly.
"Children!" Yusuke snarled at the dragon and the dimwit. "Please...mommy and daddy are talking right now..."
"Hn..." Hiei grunted a low, devious smirk at the moronic Kuwabara. "Whatever, 'mommy'..."
"Ooh, touche, Hiei..." Yusuke sneered in return.
"ANYWAY..." Kurama, now the picture of sheer annoyance, his nose singeing red, his lips pinched tight, and his eyes pressed shut in an attempt to contain his pure irritation, scowled to his companions. "...please continue, Mother..." his flashing glare then jerked to the boys. "...hopefully without any interruptions..."
"Well," the fox's tone was soft and fragile. "I know that in your current state, Kurama...you've no chance against Grapko."
"But," Yukina's voice, just as delicate as that of Jiaanti's piped from beside Kuwabara. "I healed all his wounds...he's alright..."
"No, Yukina," Kurama smiled a soft, tired smile. "She means...I can't battle Grapko as a human...I must turn demon."
"But, turning demon was killing you!" Kuwabara gaped in shock. "You can't let Yoko take over your body...what makes you so sure he'll give it back once the battle is over?!"
"Baka ningen..." Hiei grunted calmly. "You saw how Kitsune handled fighting with himself...he can take the body back."
"Besides, Kuwabara..." Kurama added faintly. "I won't allow it to completely overpower me...I'll still be overlooking Yoko's actions...and I'll break through to control immediately."
"Yeah, okay...but still...that was kinda scary when you fought yourself..." Yusuke raised an eyebrow. "How do we know you won't get pissed off again before the fight and change into Yoko?"
"My only link to that self is through the ruby Koenma gave me," Kurama countered firmly. "And, if you hadn't noticed, I am not wearing it."
"Gah?! Then where is it?!" Kuwabara blinked in shock and fear.
"Calm down, Dimwit, it's with me," Hiei clicked his tongue to his teeth. "I'm not allowing Kitsune near it until we reach Grapko."
"Kurama..." Jiaanti sighed faintly, attempting to catch the boy's attention.
"Yes, Mother?" Kurama pricked instantly to face her.
"That ruby...though it shall transform you into Yoko, you still lack the power to defeat Grapko." she sighed in utter dismay, casting her weighed sight away from her gaping son.
"But...why not, Mother?"
"Because!" she cursed in sorrow. "He is a wolf...a pure bred...you are a hybrid, Kurama...you lack the Wolf Breed's brawn...but he possesses it!"
"But, Mother...because I am half fox, I've your wits...you're the only one that knows how to escape Grapko's henchmen with stealth and cleverness...with your mind, I can defeat him...I've the necessary abilities and techniques..."
"Kurama..." she sighed heavily. "Why not allow me to distract him, so that you may save the girl?"
"Never!!" Kurama gaped in shock at her suggestion. "Mother, how can you even suggest such a thing?!"
"Her life is more important than mine...my life was lost the day I allowed myself to be dragged into this forsaken mountain...Kurama, I've nothing to live for...but you do!"
"No! I will not hear of it!" he shouted firmly. "You will not pose as bait, Mother, I simply will not stand for the suggestion!"
Silence hazed the group, the Detective, Dragon, Dimwit, and girls stunned at Kurama's headstrongness. Then, Jiaanti slowly heaved in a heavy sigh.
"You've changed, Kurama," Jiaanti breathed softly, a smile of pride and joy about her sorrowful face. "Your ningen mother has melted the iron heart you possessed since birth as my pup...she is the better mother for you, Kurama."
The Kitsune was stunned. Memories of Mrs. Minamino flashed through his subconscious the instant of Jiaanti's mention to her. But...but how could she say such things? Who truly did Kurama love more? His demonic mother or his human mother? Neither...he loved both fiercely, and didn't prefer one to the other. How could Jiaanti assume such a thing?!
"M-Mother...that is not true! I love you both! I do!" Kurama protested Jiaanti's word, but the fox only smiled softer.
"Kurama...there is no doubt in my mind you love me...now that you scolded me for ever suggesting I pose as bait...indeed, my son...she raised you better than I...there was a time you'd be hesitant but allow me to distract him."
"What?! Not even my Yoko half is that cruel! He can't be!"
"I do not blame your Yoko self for being of that nature...you were raised by a fearful, abused mother and an insane, brutal, ruthless wolf. But now, you are an honest, caring man...if you will not abide by my first plan, then I suppose the only alternate is in order."
"What alternate?" Kurama blinked slowly.
"Well...mind you, It will hurt...a lot..."
"What is it, Mother?" he inquired slowly and sternly. Slowly Jiaanti's hand eased into her bushy mane, and, stroking her sprawled palm through, retracted an arrow of white gold. It was tipped in a pure sapphire head and possessed a ruby end.
"...the hell...?" Yusuke breathed in confusion.
"It's one of Ryooki's arrows," Jiaanti's tone lacked emotion. "But it isn't of the norm."
"What do you mean...?" Hiei raised an eyebrow.
"I mean...that this type of arrow is lunged into the flesh and melts into the bloodstream, creating a new manner of toughness in the skin, so it's harder to pierce."
"Mother!" Kurama exclaimed. "Why on Earth would you save this for second to a suggestion of live bait?! Of course I'd rather do this than allow you near that monster!"
"But...it causes massive physical pain..." she pleaded against his positive words.
"I don't care!" He countered harshly. "To save Botan, I would willingly die!" a low snarl contorted his features. "I love her!!"
Silence. Shock overtook the entire group...they had all suspected he liked her...but now...now they knew for sure...they knew he loved her...not liked...loved her. Even Hiei was startled at the Kitsune's confession...he never expected someone so calm and solace would burst in his emotions like that...he had before, mind you...but in anger...not love.
"As you can plainly tell, Mother," he breathed slowly. "I don't care the amount of pain it will give...I just want to save her! Please! Give me the arrow without any more hesitations!"
"But, Kurama..." she attempted a plea.
"What?" he asked half-harshly.
"If this isn't removed from your bloodstream before a certain amount of time, it will kill you!"
%~%~%~%~%~%~%~%~%~%~%~%
a/n: hey there...sorry, not really any action there...but tons o' emotion...Kurama finally confessed his love towards Botan...er...not to her, but to the others so does that count? lol...anywho, the fight with Grapko is inching closer and closer, and it's giving me the willies...how am I supposed to write it?! lol never you mind, readers...I can do that part on my own...and believe you me, it'll be one hell of a doozy...hopefully...please review...latr!
Kurama: Anemone...?
Anemone: *slightly louder negative mumbles*
Kurama: erm...what's wrong...?
Anemone: *still mumbling negatively*
Hiei: obviously she's troubled.
Kurama: *long pause, just looking at Hiei with a 'no duh' look on his face...rolls eyes* Mones...? Come now, what is it?
Anemone: I can't figure out what the hell to write next!
Kurama: huh?
Anemone: usually it takes me an hour to write a chapter, that's why I update so fast...but I can't think of anything!
Kurama: uh-oh...
Hiei: hn...*hand on chin, in deep thought, lip kinda poked outward* I know what to do...*blurs into a run, blurs back...holding a box of chocolate chip ice cream with a big spoon...digs into the ice cream, and forces a huge spoonful into her mouth*
Anemone: *slight hacking, look of confusion and shock with Hiei still holding the spoon in her mouth*
Kurama: Hiei! What are you doing?! *pulls spoon out of her mouth* Mones?!
Anemone: *swallows, looking a little nauseated*
Kurama: why did you do that, Hiei?!
Hiei: wait for it Kitsune...
Kurama:...wait for what...?
Anemone: *suddenly pricks to attention, reeeeeeeeeeeeeeally energetic, starts typing like crazy*
Kurama: gah! What the-?!
Hiei: all she needed was a sugar hype...now the chapter's almost done.
Kurama: but...every other chapter took her an hour...how can she write this fast on a spoonful of ice cream?!
Anemone: *starts to slow down, looking reeeeeeeeally tired...*
Hiei: uh-oh...she needs another boost... *digs another spoonful, shoves it in her mouth, she resumes her god-like speed*
Kurama: heh...0_0' *twitchy eye*...impressive...
Hiei: yes...she's only done this once before for her writing...but she ate a whole bowl-full so it was like ZING...
Kurama: I see...*raises an eyebrow at the still typing Anemone*
Anemone: DONE! *long pause, she collapses to sleep on the keyboard*
Kurama: oh my...
Hiei: yeah she also did that last time...
Kurama: *uploads chapter, picks her up and places her on her bed* I've had to do this a lot lately...
Hiei: she'll wake up demanding you say your line...I just know it...
Kurama: then perhaps I'll say it on my own accord...*turns to readers* Chapter 27, enjoy.
Chapter 27: Hereditary Cleverness
Jiaanti slowly slipped from her son's hug, standing calmly...her fragile little face resembled Suichi's to a stunning fault, but at the same time he looked to masculine to be even relevant to her delicate appearance. Peculiar.
"Uh...hello...Mrs...erm...? Mrs. Kurama's demon mom...?" Kuwabara stated in confusion as to how to properly address the fox. Jiaanti, in spite of her near murder and her slight sobs, managed to chuckle at the boy's behavior. Yukina giggled as her human boyfriend struggled with his words.
"You moron," Hiei's ruby leers rolled in utter annoyance. "Demon's don't have last names as you humans do...the formal greeting is to state their name followed by their general species. To properly refer to Kistune's mother, you'd state 'Jiaanti of the Fox Breed.'"
"Demonic Etiquette, taught to you by, Hiei! Allowing youngsters to grow with the manners and civility that only a Demon could have!" Yusuke smirked sarcastically as he mimicked a PBS narration.
"Yusuke..." Keiko half-growled softly.
"Keiko," he snuffed in return.
"Indeed, Hiei..." Kurama smirked faintly. "That was a bit...'school teacher' of you..."
"Hn..." the flame demon grunted harshly at his companions. "Just so you know, it happens to bother me when filthy ningens attempt their human rituals of manners in the likes of demons...our former habits are much different, as you know, Kitsune..."
"Oh, so in other words...it bugs you when people aren't polite in demonic terms?" Kuwabara sneered smugly.
"Hn..." Hiei's temper was wavering between normal...and dangerous.
"Hahaha...Hiei, I must say...I don't know much about demonic manners, but really, you're never that polite..." Yusuke chuckled.
"How's this for polite!" Hiei snarled, his patience having run dry at the crude remarks pinned against him. The flame demon blurred into nothingness, jerking to stillness behind the Detective...his Katana drawn and poked slightly against Yusuke's neck. Keiko shrieked, diving behind the sitting Kurama...who, in light of what happened, didn't seem to care...nor did Yusuke...or Kuwabara...or Jiaanti...really, only Yukina and Keiko had been startled.
"Point taken, jeesh..." Yusuke rolled his eyes, smiling softly. "So-rry, Flames..."
"Hn," Hiei smirked, stabbing his Katana to it's raven sheath. "Good...now, why is it we ran into Grapko's mate?" his narrow ruby glare scanned towards the lovely Jiaanti standing left of her humanoid son, still set Indian style to the floor, with Keiko still crouched behind him.
"I've come to assist you," Jiaanti's face dimmed of positive nature and melted straight into pure sincerity, casting her eyes downward to the sitting Kurama. "Grapko is insane, and you're going to need all the help you can get, Kurama."
"Yes," he breathed calmly. He slowly drew his tormented emerald gaze upward and locked eyes with the she-fox. His words were formed effortlessly in his mind, but escaped his lips with trouble. "But...tell me, mother...is...is..."
"The girl is fine, Kurama," Jiaanti sighed. "He hasn't killed her..."
"...but he's abused her..." Kurama snarled under his breath, casting his face downwards, a murderous look of hatred about his face. Jiaanti paused, her expression untainted by his behavior, but her voice softened at his loyalty to the girl.
"Yes...he has."
Kurama slowly curled a leg beneath his form, pushing himself to a firm stand. Intimidation locked his face, bangs and shadows veiling his narrowed emerald eyes. With one slight move of his head, the shadow slipping past slightly, the purest hate was sponged into his brilliantly emerald eyes. "Mother...you don't mind if I kill him, do you?"
Jiaanti was slightly taken aback...no one had ever asked for her opinion before. "W...what? Why do you ask for my permission, Kurama?"
"Well," his tone was much lower than the norm, yet was still very Suichi. "...he is, your, mate...would you not be saddened if he were to be killed?"
"No," she smiled softly, pain and exhaust gripping her delicate features. "...he is a beast. A mere wolf. No remorse or honor of any kind. He needed to blackmail you and the Dragon into coming here by kidnaping your weaknesses. That is beyond shameful and desperate, and he doesn't mind murdering women and children for self-gain. He abuses me, and he treats his henchmen and very children with disrespect and appauling hatred. He deserves death for forcing Ryooki to murder others. He deserves death for abusing these poor young women. And he deserves death for his plots against you and Hiei."
"Hn, I like your mother, Kitsune," Hiei smirked kindly. "She holds your monstrous father in such low regards...she pays attention."
"Obviously, Hiei," Kurama, still the look of pure intimidation, countered softly. "Grapko has treated her terribly since before I can remember...in truth, I am surprised she managed to stay alive."
Jiaanti quirked an eyebrow at her son's lack of faith towards her survival skills. "Though this is his home, Kurama, I know the Kyorgin Caves better than Grapko and Ryooki combined. I know where to go to get away when he suffers a lapse of insanity."
"So, you're constantly hiding?" Kuwabara inquired faintly.
"Kazuma!" Yukina gaped a tiny squeak.
Kuwabara whirled cowered in utter confusion. "What did I do, Sweetums?!"
"No, it is the truth...," Jiaanti smiled softly. "...really, what the boy has said pretty much sums up my situation here."
"HA!" he grunted to the others in success. "I said something right!"
"For once..." Hiei muttered smugly.
"Watch it, Midget..." Kuwabara growled threateningly.
"Children!" Yusuke snarled at the dragon and the dimwit. "Please...mommy and daddy are talking right now..."
"Hn..." Hiei grunted a low, devious smirk at the moronic Kuwabara. "Whatever, 'mommy'..."
"Ooh, touche, Hiei..." Yusuke sneered in return.
"ANYWAY..." Kurama, now the picture of sheer annoyance, his nose singeing red, his lips pinched tight, and his eyes pressed shut in an attempt to contain his pure irritation, scowled to his companions. "...please continue, Mother..." his flashing glare then jerked to the boys. "...hopefully without any interruptions..."
"Well," the fox's tone was soft and fragile. "I know that in your current state, Kurama...you've no chance against Grapko."
"But," Yukina's voice, just as delicate as that of Jiaanti's piped from beside Kuwabara. "I healed all his wounds...he's alright..."
"No, Yukina," Kurama smiled a soft, tired smile. "She means...I can't battle Grapko as a human...I must turn demon."
"But, turning demon was killing you!" Kuwabara gaped in shock. "You can't let Yoko take over your body...what makes you so sure he'll give it back once the battle is over?!"
"Baka ningen..." Hiei grunted calmly. "You saw how Kitsune handled fighting with himself...he can take the body back."
"Besides, Kuwabara..." Kurama added faintly. "I won't allow it to completely overpower me...I'll still be overlooking Yoko's actions...and I'll break through to control immediately."
"Yeah, okay...but still...that was kinda scary when you fought yourself..." Yusuke raised an eyebrow. "How do we know you won't get pissed off again before the fight and change into Yoko?"
"My only link to that self is through the ruby Koenma gave me," Kurama countered firmly. "And, if you hadn't noticed, I am not wearing it."
"Gah?! Then where is it?!" Kuwabara blinked in shock and fear.
"Calm down, Dimwit, it's with me," Hiei clicked his tongue to his teeth. "I'm not allowing Kitsune near it until we reach Grapko."
"Kurama..." Jiaanti sighed faintly, attempting to catch the boy's attention.
"Yes, Mother?" Kurama pricked instantly to face her.
"That ruby...though it shall transform you into Yoko, you still lack the power to defeat Grapko." she sighed in utter dismay, casting her weighed sight away from her gaping son.
"But...why not, Mother?"
"Because!" she cursed in sorrow. "He is a wolf...a pure bred...you are a hybrid, Kurama...you lack the Wolf Breed's brawn...but he possesses it!"
"But, Mother...because I am half fox, I've your wits...you're the only one that knows how to escape Grapko's henchmen with stealth and cleverness...with your mind, I can defeat him...I've the necessary abilities and techniques..."
"Kurama..." she sighed heavily. "Why not allow me to distract him, so that you may save the girl?"
"Never!!" Kurama gaped in shock at her suggestion. "Mother, how can you even suggest such a thing?!"
"Her life is more important than mine...my life was lost the day I allowed myself to be dragged into this forsaken mountain...Kurama, I've nothing to live for...but you do!"
"No! I will not hear of it!" he shouted firmly. "You will not pose as bait, Mother, I simply will not stand for the suggestion!"
Silence hazed the group, the Detective, Dragon, Dimwit, and girls stunned at Kurama's headstrongness. Then, Jiaanti slowly heaved in a heavy sigh.
"You've changed, Kurama," Jiaanti breathed softly, a smile of pride and joy about her sorrowful face. "Your ningen mother has melted the iron heart you possessed since birth as my pup...she is the better mother for you, Kurama."
The Kitsune was stunned. Memories of Mrs. Minamino flashed through his subconscious the instant of Jiaanti's mention to her. But...but how could she say such things? Who truly did Kurama love more? His demonic mother or his human mother? Neither...he loved both fiercely, and didn't prefer one to the other. How could Jiaanti assume such a thing?!
"M-Mother...that is not true! I love you both! I do!" Kurama protested Jiaanti's word, but the fox only smiled softer.
"Kurama...there is no doubt in my mind you love me...now that you scolded me for ever suggesting I pose as bait...indeed, my son...she raised you better than I...there was a time you'd be hesitant but allow me to distract him."
"What?! Not even my Yoko half is that cruel! He can't be!"
"I do not blame your Yoko self for being of that nature...you were raised by a fearful, abused mother and an insane, brutal, ruthless wolf. But now, you are an honest, caring man...if you will not abide by my first plan, then I suppose the only alternate is in order."
"What alternate?" Kurama blinked slowly.
"Well...mind you, It will hurt...a lot..."
"What is it, Mother?" he inquired slowly and sternly. Slowly Jiaanti's hand eased into her bushy mane, and, stroking her sprawled palm through, retracted an arrow of white gold. It was tipped in a pure sapphire head and possessed a ruby end.
"...the hell...?" Yusuke breathed in confusion.
"It's one of Ryooki's arrows," Jiaanti's tone lacked emotion. "But it isn't of the norm."
"What do you mean...?" Hiei raised an eyebrow.
"I mean...that this type of arrow is lunged into the flesh and melts into the bloodstream, creating a new manner of toughness in the skin, so it's harder to pierce."
"Mother!" Kurama exclaimed. "Why on Earth would you save this for second to a suggestion of live bait?! Of course I'd rather do this than allow you near that monster!"
"But...it causes massive physical pain..." she pleaded against his positive words.
"I don't care!" He countered harshly. "To save Botan, I would willingly die!" a low snarl contorted his features. "I love her!!"
Silence. Shock overtook the entire group...they had all suspected he liked her...but now...now they knew for sure...they knew he loved her...not liked...loved her. Even Hiei was startled at the Kitsune's confession...he never expected someone so calm and solace would burst in his emotions like that...he had before, mind you...but in anger...not love.
"As you can plainly tell, Mother," he breathed slowly. "I don't care the amount of pain it will give...I just want to save her! Please! Give me the arrow without any more hesitations!"
"But, Kurama..." she attempted a plea.
"What?" he asked half-harshly.
"If this isn't removed from your bloodstream before a certain amount of time, it will kill you!"
%~%~%~%~%~%~%~%~%~%~%~%
a/n: hey there...sorry, not really any action there...but tons o' emotion...Kurama finally confessed his love towards Botan...er...not to her, but to the others so does that count? lol...anywho, the fight with Grapko is inching closer and closer, and it's giving me the willies...how am I supposed to write it?! lol never you mind, readers...I can do that part on my own...and believe you me, it'll be one hell of a doozy...hopefully...please review...latr!