S.P.: I thank for the reviews. So I might as well make this a full blown
fic.
Disclaimer: Look in Chapter 1.
Chapter 2: Memories and A Challenge
So, here I am. . . .
In my beloved's mind.
Though it seems so foggy and quiet and dim in here . . . I guess for all the heartbreak she went through and obviously she was asleep and of course, having this dream.
I looked around intently; taking out my katana for all I knew of what would assault me in the darkness. I heard a tiny popping noise and almost fell over again, for Botan was right behind me.
"What the hell are you doing here?" I asked while picking myself off the floor-even though it doesn't seem like a floor, it seemed we were floating in the air-as I dusted myself off, putting my katana back in my sheath.
"Sorry, Hiei, but I have to keep watch of you and of course, try to help you find Mirae in her own mind in case you're in danger!" Botan exclaimed.
"What do you mean 'danger'? This is my beloved's mind we're talking about!"
"I know that, but . . . We could be watching her private thoughts and flashbacks . . . And since she is still scarred from her tragic past, something could assault us here from her past . . ."
". . . . . ."
Botan sighed with exasperation and I could've sworn I've heard her mutter, "I don't know how anyone puts up with you . . .", as I took out my katana again and started to walk.
"Wait up! I'm coming with you, too!" The noisy ferry girl yelled out as she floated beside me on her oar.
I completely disregarded her as we began to journey through the mind, possibly dream . . .
* * *
Great, now we're in a dark room . . . Too dark.
Although it seems a bit dim, for there are these floating orbs, shining brightly in the darkness. Just when I was to grasp it in my hands . . .
*SMACK!*
The blabbermouth ferry girl of Reikai smacked me square in the head with that oar of hers. Frankly, I was about to kill her, bloody murder style, by all means. As soon as I was about to kill her. . . I stopped, turned around to face her and said this grumpily yet loudly, "WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT FOR!?"
"Well, I had to do that! Don't touch these orbs!" Botan said curtly while grasping her oar, probably in case she would smack me again for touching those spheres of light.
"Why the hell not!"
"Because. . . Those orbs are her memories . . . Scenes of flashbacks which still remain in her mind from so long ago."
"And your point . . . .?"
"Do not touch them, OK? She'll be scarred from these memories all over again!"
I gave her a look of annoyance for she was being bossy and loud, if I may add.
"Hiei . . . If you care for her, then don't peer in her memories." Botan said softly.
"But I want to."
"Why? Why??? Answer me, Hiei! You should have at least one shred of humanity in you!!! Consider her feelings!"
"I must know . . ."
"Know what!"
"Of what she's been through. . . I've always made her feel sorry and I never considered her feelings of her past or anything . . . I just want to know what she's been through so that I don't have to hurt her anymore emotionally. Do you understand?" I said this quietly, one actual black tear flowing down my cheek.
There was a silence between me and Botan. All of a sudden, I was pulled into an embrace by the Grim Reaper herself. She was sobbing quietly on my shoulder.
"Hiei . . . I know it's hard . . . Fine, we'll look inside these orbs." Botan said while she pulled away from the embrace, wiping a few tears.
I nodded in response and in thanks as we approached one of the orbs a few feet to the left. I touched it and all around us seem to swirl within the shadows. . . .
* *Flashback: Some time ago* *
Hm? It looks like Makai!
Well, the forest of Makai, anyway.
"HA!!!!!!!!" I heard a shrill cry crack the silence as I also clashing weapons parrying against each other.
"C'mon, let's go!" Botan said as she was flying on her oar, while I ran with my incredible speed, desperation once more clinging to my mind.
As the two of us were overlooking from a clump of bushes, my eyes widen. There was Mirae. Well, not Mirae, but her youko side, Reign, before she became Mirae, her human reincarnation. She looked young for a youko; I can't even determine the age! Yep, she's the all the mysterious blue she was born with just like when she transforms into the Angel of Life. Hard believe she is the twin of Youko Kurama because they don't even look alike!
She looked cute for a youko; she almost looks like her human reincarnation except the fox ears and tail, of course. She was wielding her RoseBlade since it looks like her swordplay doesn't even have a single weakness in it. No flaws every time she assaults her opponent. She must've practice a lot to be a true swordsman. She blocked the whip again with her blade, hoping not to get injured.
"Kurama quit it already!" Reign said angrily as the two of them clashed their weapons against each other again, her mysterious blue eyes reflecting frustration.
"I'm sorry, sis, but this is how we fight." Kurama said as he took his RoseWhip off her blade, jumping back to his original position.
"I see you two improved." A cool voice said over the two foxes.
They both looked up and a youko was standing over them, his gold eyes glittering mysteriously while his long silver hair slightly swayed in the breeze. I looked at the back of him and some beads of sweat dripped down at the side of my head, telling me who this was. He was wearing some kind of white robe; a crimson red rose can be seen at the top of his silvery head.
"Father! Nice to see you. . . ." Reign muttered uncertainly.
"Hello Father." Kurama said politely. Hn, typical fox.
"Kurama, it's time to go." Their father said coldly, his gold eyes glaring uncaringly down at Reign.
"Hm, what do you mean? Shouldn't we go back home? I mean Mother would be worried about all of us." Kurama said, suspicion filling in those gold eyes.
"Your mother is sick. And I have gone off to tell you that and of course, to tell you something else."
"But Mother said that we should go back home!" Reign retorted, hatred showing.
"Silly girl, this doesn't concern you." Their father snapped at Reign as he turned to Kurama. "I have to teach you to become a bandit. It is time for you to grow up."
"What if Mother asks where you are! She'll be worried!"
"Tell her I'm on a killing/stealing spree."
"Again? She'll be disappointed."
"Actually, only Kurama and I are going. You're not."
"WHAT! WHY NOT!" Reign protested, looking very offended.
"Because I have my own reasons. Let's go." The cold youko said.
"But Father! Reign deserves this kind of opportunity as much as I do!" Kurama demanded. "Let her come!"
"I won't have a weak youko such as her. Come along now."
"What do you mean weak! She's gotten stronger, even surpassing I!"
"Kurama, you know that female youkos such as her", he said before shooting a glance to Reign, "Cannot fight."
"Are you kidding me! She's gotten better with that RoseBlade of hers!"
"Let's go. I am not letting your sister come with us. You", he said, referring to Reign, "Stay away from your brother and I and don't even think of following us. Kurama, let's go."
"I REFUSE TO! I'LL PROTECT SIS ALL MY LIFE IF I HAVE TO!" Kurama said with fury.
The grown youko frowned at the smartass fox for a few moments. He, then, summoned his RoseWhip in his hands. Shaking it threateningly, he said in a dead whisper, "Kurama, if you don't obey me this instant, I won't hesitate to murder you. Do you understand?"
Botan and I stayed glued to our spots, shocked that the youko was threatening his own son and hated his own daughter. We were actually seeing this memory . . .
Kurama shot a glare, staring with determination and anger in his eyes, looking straight at his father. His defiant stare dropped within the long moments they stared at each other, sparks forming. He looked the ground, sending a glance to Reign which might've meant, "I'm sorry. I'm forced to leave. I don't want to get killed. . . ."
Turning the RoseWhip back into the crimson rose it was, he walked down the path silently. Kurama looked at the back of his father who was still walking down the trail. With one last glance, which looked like sorrow, at Reign, he walked the path, following after his father, leaving Reign alone.
[So this is what her youko childhood was like . . . But what about her mother?] I thought.
"This flashback is still continuing . . . We'll find out what happened to her mother . . ." Botan muttered, like she had read my mind, as she got up and left, floating on her oar while I followed her.
* * *
An abandoned shack . . .
What happened here?
Both of us followed Reign inside the shack. It's not that Reign could see us anyway. This all just a memory of hers.
When we went inside, we were shocked. As for me, I had only two words to describe the scenery of the cabin.
Oh shit.
I thought the father said that their mother was sick. But it didn't seem that way. There was lots of bloodshed and I mean, lots, for the smell of it was so strong, it was like poison. . .
Everything was wrecked. Everything in this shack was destroyed. There was no evidence of what or who might've done such a thing. Reign just crashed through the door and her eyes were wide in shock.
"MOTHER!" She cried out as she rushed to a bed, all crimson, which held a bloody corpse.
Botan clasped her hands over her mouth as we both look over Reign's head. That was her mother, all right. She looked exactly like Reign and I mean as look-alikes. Just like Kurama-Youko Kurama-and his father. I shudder to think . . .
Who could've done such a cold thing? The father said their mother was sick.........
But it seems that their mother wasn't alive for I couldn't sense any life-force. . . . Her mysterious blue eyes stared up blankly at Reign's own as Reign looked down at her, looking quite shocked as she started to shake her mother's carcass abruptly.
"DON'T DIE ON ME! DO NOT DIE ON ME, GODDAMN IT! FIRST, FATHER, THEN, KURAMA! I DON'T NEED YOU, MOTHER, TO LEAVE ME, TOO, ABANDONING ME!!!" Reign cried out loudly as she kept shaking the bloody corpse over and over, wanting her mother to wake.
Botan cried out a whimper as she saw Reign wanting her mother to wake when the cold reality was that she was gone forever. And Botan was actually crying of what she had witnessed of the former criminal's, Reign's, childhood. . . . As for me, I just had sorrow going through my mind now, for I knew this childhood of hers all along. . . . Because I took her in.
It was the first time that what I saw in shock was that Reign was crying, without Mirae, her human reincarnation! Reign was shaking as she slammed her fist down on the bed, quiet sobs erupting from her.
"Guess there's nothing I can do now. . . ." Reign muttered, tears still flowing down her face, as she picked up her RoseBlade and went outside. . . .
And then, all around Botan and I, darkness loomed over us once more.
* *End of Flashback* *
We were back in the room with the orbs of light. I turned around and saw Botan crying again.
"I never knew. . . I never knew her youko childhood was like that. . . And probably that was why she turned into the famous bandit, 'Reign, the Conqueror'. . . . Just to close that gap in her life. . . And that was why she was misunderstood. . . What with her cold ways and all. . . ." Botan said quietly, more tears streaming down her cheeks.
I gripped my katana tightly, being deep in thought and all. Sometimes, I always thought my life was thrown away, what with being half Koorime and all . . . But Reign's . . . That was awful, of what I witnessed. But it didn't make me guilty enough of hurting Mirae/Reign emotionally. It made me far worse than guilty, if ever possible.
"I'm going to check out the memories, OK?" I asked.
Botan nodded silently as I grabbed one of the orbs and disappeared.
* *Flashback:???* *
Sobs. . . . Quiet sobs. . . .
In a forest. . . . And it is night in this forest. . . . Probably, this was after Reign ran out of her shack, with shock and sorrow colliding within her, to see her mother dead, while her father abandoned her, bringing Kurama with him.
"M-mom . . . How could you leave me . . . Brother Kurama, I forgive you . . . But father. . . YOU BASTARD! How dare you abandon me . . ." Reign said furiously, her voice shaking, as her tears keep streaming down her face.
I suddenly heard footsteps behind me as I turned around and gasped. I've forgotten . . . The reason why I gasped is because . . . The person who I am looking at is . . . ME!
Gee, I look shorter than before, since I was a kid at the time. I still had that black cloak I am wearing now . . . Along with the black boots, but different clothing this time. I was wearing some kind of the dark blue shirt along with black pants. My little self suddenly approached to little Reign, who was still crying in a furious manner.
"What the . . .? What's a little youko like you doing wandering alone in the Makai grounds?" My younger asked uncertainly as she got up, making contact with me.
"And what's a half fire, half Koorime demon doing here?" Reign shot back.
"How did you know . . .?"
"I know of you; Forbidden Child."
"Why does everyone keep calling me that!? I know that I have no family with the exception of my twin sister and that I almost brought this so called 'danger' to my homeland . . ."
"Ha, seems as if we're in the same web."
"And you mean that by . . .?"
"I don't have any family now . . . I used to, but a few days ago, certain events came up . . ."
" . . . . Was that why you were crying earlier? You're a strange one, kitsune. I have never known a demon that can show human emotions even though I suspect that you never have been to Ningenkai your whole life . . ."
"Yes, I know I'm strange, which was why the events I'm about to explain to you had occurred. My twin brother was forced to leave me along with my father who abandoned me . . . He always said I was never his child, for that I was showing feelings which were only capable to humans unlike he, my whole family, and the whole demon race in general . . . And Father also said Mother was sick, so I was planning to tend her. . . But instead, look what I have found! Her bloody corpse in our home! SHE WAS MASSACRED!" The young youko cried out as she fell to quiet sobs again.
My younger counterpart looked at her with sorrow stabbing in his, or rather my, heart, but he shook it away. Instead, he got young Reign up her feet, looking at her with my crimson red eyes.
"I'm sorry that has happened to you . . . You have to learn to be strong." My young self said sternly, crimson eyes burning into her glowing blue.
"I know that I have to be strong . . . But I can't, you know!"
"Stop talking foolishness! You will be strong for yourself, for me!" And unexpectedly, since I have forgotten of this, he clenched his hand on her wrist tightly, faces only a few inches apart, crimson burning into the glowing blue again, which was wide in surprise.
"F-fine, I will." Reign said, her voice shaky, as I let go of her wrist hesitantly and guiltily for I think I scared her.
"I'm sorry I scared you . . . I just can't stand when most demons are willing to give up as weak as they are."
"It's alright . . ." Reign said softly as she fell to her knees on the ground.
"Kitsune! What's wrong?" My young voice said quietly, trying not to show concern, but can be seen in my eyes.
"I haven't eaten. I'm too weak . . ." She cried as I lowered myself for her to climb on my back. Knowingly, she climbed on my back; legs wrapped around my waist while she put both around my neck as I got up and started to run.
"What is your name?" Reign asked curiously as I continued to run, somehow feeling nervous even though I was a demon, when she buried her face into my neck or at least nuzzling it affectionately.
"Hiei." I said shortly as we were near my place.
"Hiei . . . Beautiful name." She said softly and I felt heat rising to my cheeks a little bit.
"And yours may be . . .?" I asked in curiosity.
"Reign." She simply answered as she nuzzled my neck again, falling asleep.
As I ran, I looked at her; she looked peaceful . . . Like an angel. Wait! I mentally slapped myself as I almost approached my place. [What are you saying??? You're a demon who can't feel! The demon who can't love because his family forsaken him! The Forbidden One on his own land!!!] I mentally yelled in my head as I set Reign down on a bed gently, putting the covers over her. Something I did unexpected in this childhood memory of hers and mine . . . I kissed her cheek, wiping the tears that were falling down her face as she slept and departed out of the bedroom.
* *End of flashback* *
So I'm back in the room with orbs, along with the deity. I felt moved for seeing that memory and then, guilt and numbness washed over me again like a wave. I turned to Botan if she would give me any instructions.
"Well? What are we supposed to do now?" I asked.
"Might as well keep searching for Mirae in here. I can hear sobbing in the distance. Oh, poor Rae . . ." Botan said as she climbed on her oar and sped off and I could've sworn that she was crying again as I ran after her with my lightning speed.
As the two of us continue to race in the dream, or so it looked like, we found a door. . . How absurd.
"Do you think we should go in there? It could be dangerous." Botan said as she approached the door cautiously.
"Yes, it may be dangerous. We might as well face it." I said gruffly, taking the katana out of my hilt as I approached the door as well.
Suddenly, the door opened and darkness took over.
Disclaimer: Look in Chapter 1.
Chapter 2: Memories and A Challenge
So, here I am. . . .
In my beloved's mind.
Though it seems so foggy and quiet and dim in here . . . I guess for all the heartbreak she went through and obviously she was asleep and of course, having this dream.
I looked around intently; taking out my katana for all I knew of what would assault me in the darkness. I heard a tiny popping noise and almost fell over again, for Botan was right behind me.
"What the hell are you doing here?" I asked while picking myself off the floor-even though it doesn't seem like a floor, it seemed we were floating in the air-as I dusted myself off, putting my katana back in my sheath.
"Sorry, Hiei, but I have to keep watch of you and of course, try to help you find Mirae in her own mind in case you're in danger!" Botan exclaimed.
"What do you mean 'danger'? This is my beloved's mind we're talking about!"
"I know that, but . . . We could be watching her private thoughts and flashbacks . . . And since she is still scarred from her tragic past, something could assault us here from her past . . ."
". . . . . ."
Botan sighed with exasperation and I could've sworn I've heard her mutter, "I don't know how anyone puts up with you . . .", as I took out my katana again and started to walk.
"Wait up! I'm coming with you, too!" The noisy ferry girl yelled out as she floated beside me on her oar.
I completely disregarded her as we began to journey through the mind, possibly dream . . .
* * *
Great, now we're in a dark room . . . Too dark.
Although it seems a bit dim, for there are these floating orbs, shining brightly in the darkness. Just when I was to grasp it in my hands . . .
*SMACK!*
The blabbermouth ferry girl of Reikai smacked me square in the head with that oar of hers. Frankly, I was about to kill her, bloody murder style, by all means. As soon as I was about to kill her. . . I stopped, turned around to face her and said this grumpily yet loudly, "WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT FOR!?"
"Well, I had to do that! Don't touch these orbs!" Botan said curtly while grasping her oar, probably in case she would smack me again for touching those spheres of light.
"Why the hell not!"
"Because. . . Those orbs are her memories . . . Scenes of flashbacks which still remain in her mind from so long ago."
"And your point . . . .?"
"Do not touch them, OK? She'll be scarred from these memories all over again!"
I gave her a look of annoyance for she was being bossy and loud, if I may add.
"Hiei . . . If you care for her, then don't peer in her memories." Botan said softly.
"But I want to."
"Why? Why??? Answer me, Hiei! You should have at least one shred of humanity in you!!! Consider her feelings!"
"I must know . . ."
"Know what!"
"Of what she's been through. . . I've always made her feel sorry and I never considered her feelings of her past or anything . . . I just want to know what she's been through so that I don't have to hurt her anymore emotionally. Do you understand?" I said this quietly, one actual black tear flowing down my cheek.
There was a silence between me and Botan. All of a sudden, I was pulled into an embrace by the Grim Reaper herself. She was sobbing quietly on my shoulder.
"Hiei . . . I know it's hard . . . Fine, we'll look inside these orbs." Botan said while she pulled away from the embrace, wiping a few tears.
I nodded in response and in thanks as we approached one of the orbs a few feet to the left. I touched it and all around us seem to swirl within the shadows. . . .
* *Flashback: Some time ago* *
Hm? It looks like Makai!
Well, the forest of Makai, anyway.
"HA!!!!!!!!" I heard a shrill cry crack the silence as I also clashing weapons parrying against each other.
"C'mon, let's go!" Botan said as she was flying on her oar, while I ran with my incredible speed, desperation once more clinging to my mind.
As the two of us were overlooking from a clump of bushes, my eyes widen. There was Mirae. Well, not Mirae, but her youko side, Reign, before she became Mirae, her human reincarnation. She looked young for a youko; I can't even determine the age! Yep, she's the all the mysterious blue she was born with just like when she transforms into the Angel of Life. Hard believe she is the twin of Youko Kurama because they don't even look alike!
She looked cute for a youko; she almost looks like her human reincarnation except the fox ears and tail, of course. She was wielding her RoseBlade since it looks like her swordplay doesn't even have a single weakness in it. No flaws every time she assaults her opponent. She must've practice a lot to be a true swordsman. She blocked the whip again with her blade, hoping not to get injured.
"Kurama quit it already!" Reign said angrily as the two of them clashed their weapons against each other again, her mysterious blue eyes reflecting frustration.
"I'm sorry, sis, but this is how we fight." Kurama said as he took his RoseWhip off her blade, jumping back to his original position.
"I see you two improved." A cool voice said over the two foxes.
They both looked up and a youko was standing over them, his gold eyes glittering mysteriously while his long silver hair slightly swayed in the breeze. I looked at the back of him and some beads of sweat dripped down at the side of my head, telling me who this was. He was wearing some kind of white robe; a crimson red rose can be seen at the top of his silvery head.
"Father! Nice to see you. . . ." Reign muttered uncertainly.
"Hello Father." Kurama said politely. Hn, typical fox.
"Kurama, it's time to go." Their father said coldly, his gold eyes glaring uncaringly down at Reign.
"Hm, what do you mean? Shouldn't we go back home? I mean Mother would be worried about all of us." Kurama said, suspicion filling in those gold eyes.
"Your mother is sick. And I have gone off to tell you that and of course, to tell you something else."
"But Mother said that we should go back home!" Reign retorted, hatred showing.
"Silly girl, this doesn't concern you." Their father snapped at Reign as he turned to Kurama. "I have to teach you to become a bandit. It is time for you to grow up."
"What if Mother asks where you are! She'll be worried!"
"Tell her I'm on a killing/stealing spree."
"Again? She'll be disappointed."
"Actually, only Kurama and I are going. You're not."
"WHAT! WHY NOT!" Reign protested, looking very offended.
"Because I have my own reasons. Let's go." The cold youko said.
"But Father! Reign deserves this kind of opportunity as much as I do!" Kurama demanded. "Let her come!"
"I won't have a weak youko such as her. Come along now."
"What do you mean weak! She's gotten stronger, even surpassing I!"
"Kurama, you know that female youkos such as her", he said before shooting a glance to Reign, "Cannot fight."
"Are you kidding me! She's gotten better with that RoseBlade of hers!"
"Let's go. I am not letting your sister come with us. You", he said, referring to Reign, "Stay away from your brother and I and don't even think of following us. Kurama, let's go."
"I REFUSE TO! I'LL PROTECT SIS ALL MY LIFE IF I HAVE TO!" Kurama said with fury.
The grown youko frowned at the smartass fox for a few moments. He, then, summoned his RoseWhip in his hands. Shaking it threateningly, he said in a dead whisper, "Kurama, if you don't obey me this instant, I won't hesitate to murder you. Do you understand?"
Botan and I stayed glued to our spots, shocked that the youko was threatening his own son and hated his own daughter. We were actually seeing this memory . . .
Kurama shot a glare, staring with determination and anger in his eyes, looking straight at his father. His defiant stare dropped within the long moments they stared at each other, sparks forming. He looked the ground, sending a glance to Reign which might've meant, "I'm sorry. I'm forced to leave. I don't want to get killed. . . ."
Turning the RoseWhip back into the crimson rose it was, he walked down the path silently. Kurama looked at the back of his father who was still walking down the trail. With one last glance, which looked like sorrow, at Reign, he walked the path, following after his father, leaving Reign alone.
[So this is what her youko childhood was like . . . But what about her mother?] I thought.
"This flashback is still continuing . . . We'll find out what happened to her mother . . ." Botan muttered, like she had read my mind, as she got up and left, floating on her oar while I followed her.
* * *
An abandoned shack . . .
What happened here?
Both of us followed Reign inside the shack. It's not that Reign could see us anyway. This all just a memory of hers.
When we went inside, we were shocked. As for me, I had only two words to describe the scenery of the cabin.
Oh shit.
I thought the father said that their mother was sick. But it didn't seem that way. There was lots of bloodshed and I mean, lots, for the smell of it was so strong, it was like poison. . .
Everything was wrecked. Everything in this shack was destroyed. There was no evidence of what or who might've done such a thing. Reign just crashed through the door and her eyes were wide in shock.
"MOTHER!" She cried out as she rushed to a bed, all crimson, which held a bloody corpse.
Botan clasped her hands over her mouth as we both look over Reign's head. That was her mother, all right. She looked exactly like Reign and I mean as look-alikes. Just like Kurama-Youko Kurama-and his father. I shudder to think . . .
Who could've done such a cold thing? The father said their mother was sick.........
But it seems that their mother wasn't alive for I couldn't sense any life-force. . . . Her mysterious blue eyes stared up blankly at Reign's own as Reign looked down at her, looking quite shocked as she started to shake her mother's carcass abruptly.
"DON'T DIE ON ME! DO NOT DIE ON ME, GODDAMN IT! FIRST, FATHER, THEN, KURAMA! I DON'T NEED YOU, MOTHER, TO LEAVE ME, TOO, ABANDONING ME!!!" Reign cried out loudly as she kept shaking the bloody corpse over and over, wanting her mother to wake.
Botan cried out a whimper as she saw Reign wanting her mother to wake when the cold reality was that she was gone forever. And Botan was actually crying of what she had witnessed of the former criminal's, Reign's, childhood. . . . As for me, I just had sorrow going through my mind now, for I knew this childhood of hers all along. . . . Because I took her in.
It was the first time that what I saw in shock was that Reign was crying, without Mirae, her human reincarnation! Reign was shaking as she slammed her fist down on the bed, quiet sobs erupting from her.
"Guess there's nothing I can do now. . . ." Reign muttered, tears still flowing down her face, as she picked up her RoseBlade and went outside. . . .
And then, all around Botan and I, darkness loomed over us once more.
* *End of Flashback* *
We were back in the room with the orbs of light. I turned around and saw Botan crying again.
"I never knew. . . I never knew her youko childhood was like that. . . And probably that was why she turned into the famous bandit, 'Reign, the Conqueror'. . . . Just to close that gap in her life. . . And that was why she was misunderstood. . . What with her cold ways and all. . . ." Botan said quietly, more tears streaming down her cheeks.
I gripped my katana tightly, being deep in thought and all. Sometimes, I always thought my life was thrown away, what with being half Koorime and all . . . But Reign's . . . That was awful, of what I witnessed. But it didn't make me guilty enough of hurting Mirae/Reign emotionally. It made me far worse than guilty, if ever possible.
"I'm going to check out the memories, OK?" I asked.
Botan nodded silently as I grabbed one of the orbs and disappeared.
* *Flashback:???* *
Sobs. . . . Quiet sobs. . . .
In a forest. . . . And it is night in this forest. . . . Probably, this was after Reign ran out of her shack, with shock and sorrow colliding within her, to see her mother dead, while her father abandoned her, bringing Kurama with him.
"M-mom . . . How could you leave me . . . Brother Kurama, I forgive you . . . But father. . . YOU BASTARD! How dare you abandon me . . ." Reign said furiously, her voice shaking, as her tears keep streaming down her face.
I suddenly heard footsteps behind me as I turned around and gasped. I've forgotten . . . The reason why I gasped is because . . . The person who I am looking at is . . . ME!
Gee, I look shorter than before, since I was a kid at the time. I still had that black cloak I am wearing now . . . Along with the black boots, but different clothing this time. I was wearing some kind of the dark blue shirt along with black pants. My little self suddenly approached to little Reign, who was still crying in a furious manner.
"What the . . .? What's a little youko like you doing wandering alone in the Makai grounds?" My younger asked uncertainly as she got up, making contact with me.
"And what's a half fire, half Koorime demon doing here?" Reign shot back.
"How did you know . . .?"
"I know of you; Forbidden Child."
"Why does everyone keep calling me that!? I know that I have no family with the exception of my twin sister and that I almost brought this so called 'danger' to my homeland . . ."
"Ha, seems as if we're in the same web."
"And you mean that by . . .?"
"I don't have any family now . . . I used to, but a few days ago, certain events came up . . ."
" . . . . Was that why you were crying earlier? You're a strange one, kitsune. I have never known a demon that can show human emotions even though I suspect that you never have been to Ningenkai your whole life . . ."
"Yes, I know I'm strange, which was why the events I'm about to explain to you had occurred. My twin brother was forced to leave me along with my father who abandoned me . . . He always said I was never his child, for that I was showing feelings which were only capable to humans unlike he, my whole family, and the whole demon race in general . . . And Father also said Mother was sick, so I was planning to tend her. . . But instead, look what I have found! Her bloody corpse in our home! SHE WAS MASSACRED!" The young youko cried out as she fell to quiet sobs again.
My younger counterpart looked at her with sorrow stabbing in his, or rather my, heart, but he shook it away. Instead, he got young Reign up her feet, looking at her with my crimson red eyes.
"I'm sorry that has happened to you . . . You have to learn to be strong." My young self said sternly, crimson eyes burning into her glowing blue.
"I know that I have to be strong . . . But I can't, you know!"
"Stop talking foolishness! You will be strong for yourself, for me!" And unexpectedly, since I have forgotten of this, he clenched his hand on her wrist tightly, faces only a few inches apart, crimson burning into the glowing blue again, which was wide in surprise.
"F-fine, I will." Reign said, her voice shaky, as I let go of her wrist hesitantly and guiltily for I think I scared her.
"I'm sorry I scared you . . . I just can't stand when most demons are willing to give up as weak as they are."
"It's alright . . ." Reign said softly as she fell to her knees on the ground.
"Kitsune! What's wrong?" My young voice said quietly, trying not to show concern, but can be seen in my eyes.
"I haven't eaten. I'm too weak . . ." She cried as I lowered myself for her to climb on my back. Knowingly, she climbed on my back; legs wrapped around my waist while she put both around my neck as I got up and started to run.
"What is your name?" Reign asked curiously as I continued to run, somehow feeling nervous even though I was a demon, when she buried her face into my neck or at least nuzzling it affectionately.
"Hiei." I said shortly as we were near my place.
"Hiei . . . Beautiful name." She said softly and I felt heat rising to my cheeks a little bit.
"And yours may be . . .?" I asked in curiosity.
"Reign." She simply answered as she nuzzled my neck again, falling asleep.
As I ran, I looked at her; she looked peaceful . . . Like an angel. Wait! I mentally slapped myself as I almost approached my place. [What are you saying??? You're a demon who can't feel! The demon who can't love because his family forsaken him! The Forbidden One on his own land!!!] I mentally yelled in my head as I set Reign down on a bed gently, putting the covers over her. Something I did unexpected in this childhood memory of hers and mine . . . I kissed her cheek, wiping the tears that were falling down her face as she slept and departed out of the bedroom.
* *End of flashback* *
So I'm back in the room with orbs, along with the deity. I felt moved for seeing that memory and then, guilt and numbness washed over me again like a wave. I turned to Botan if she would give me any instructions.
"Well? What are we supposed to do now?" I asked.
"Might as well keep searching for Mirae in here. I can hear sobbing in the distance. Oh, poor Rae . . ." Botan said as she climbed on her oar and sped off and I could've sworn that she was crying again as I ran after her with my lightning speed.
As the two of us continue to race in the dream, or so it looked like, we found a door. . . How absurd.
"Do you think we should go in there? It could be dangerous." Botan said as she approached the door cautiously.
"Yes, it may be dangerous. We might as well face it." I said gruffly, taking the katana out of my hilt as I approached the door as well.
Suddenly, the door opened and darkness took over.
