___Where We Left Off____
I could hear Botan take in a deep breath as she opened one of the doors with the help of the blue demon. The hall was lighted up with a glow. We all then stepped forward and entered the room.
___Beginning of Chapter 19___
~*~*~*~*~*~*
Botan's POV
~*~*~*~*~*~*
We all stepped into the room, me in the front as we approached Koenma's desk. I need to relax a bit, Koenma does not want me to worry, so I better not look tense. I looked at the two young men and smiled at them reassuringly.
Koenma was sitting on his chair working on his stamping skills I presume. Way to occupied to notice we were there. He was in his teenage form, probably to seem more as a prince then a toddler. I cleared my throat to show we existed.
"Koenma sir, here they are." My voice was a little shaky. I guess my appearance could catch someone off guard but my voice just proved how nervous I really was.
"Botan good job. You accomplished your first mission, and your last." I nodded my head slowly showing a yes and a smile. Koenma got up from his chair and stuck his hands in his pockets on both sides of his outfit, his big cape flowing behind him as he approached the three of us.
His voice sounded so much more mature. I wanted to laugh at his act he was displaying. Being serious at the matter at hand he ignored my puffy cheeks that were going to burst out in laughter. He even still had that pacifier in his mouth that made him look strange.
I guess I am feeling better; I have to have faith in my friends, so why act gloomy? Yes I have to keep convincing myself this is just like a regular high school test like what we have in Genkai's class. Simple and easy and we will be able to pass with flying colors. Wait I never did pass any of her tests. Bad example.
"Botan what's wrong." Koenma had spoken directly towards me. "Nothing sir. When will the process start?"
Koenma slid his hand to his chin in thought. He blinked a bit and then looked at both Hiei and Kurama. "We can start when they are ready."
Ready? They have been ready. Look at their relaxed postures. Kurama looked annoyed and so did Hiei. "Lets begin now." Kurama had said. His voice gave me the shivers. He is changing. His voice was a bit deeper and stern. It wasn't his warm and assuring voice, but a cold and irritable one.
Koenma with his new impressive act gave a sly smile. "Sure, but this may hurt are you up for it?" Was he trying to get on their nerves? "Koenma, can we just begin without lectures please?" I had spoken up, while tugging at the sleeve of his shirt pleadingly. His expression softened while Kurama's grew more annoyed.
"This is the prince of the spirit world? Hn fool." Hiei had said as he leaned on the wall arms crossed in front of his chest. "Now now boys." I said as I put my hands together making a loud clap to get their attention. "Koenma lets begin." I gave him a wink. I have to keep the tension in the room down somehow.
Koenma crossed his arms in front of his chest now. The room became an uncomfortable silence. The sound of Koenma sucking on his pacifier was the only sound heard. "Alright if you insist, then follow me." Hiei straightened up and Kurama yawned.
We followed Koenma to where ever he was bringing us. After going through some more gigantic halls we were lead to a small room. "Ladies first." Koenma said, and I just rolled my eyes. I could see he was trying to keep me happy. Kurama stepped in next after me then Hiei then lastly Koenma.
Indeed the room was very small, and brightly colored too. "Ah my eyes." Hiei said sarcastically. I coughed to hold back a little giggle. I have to act serious about this. There was a little comfortable looking couch at the left corner of the room.
Koenma pointed to it. "Go on and sit while I explain things." He told us. All three of us sat on the couch. Koenma who was still standing up waved his hands around as he explained on about the Mind eraser yet another product of spirit world.
The so-called Mind eraser was creepy looking, something that you would see when you went to the dentist. There was a patient bed just like the kind at a pediatrician center or a dentist room, where you lay uncomfortably on the cold bed waiting for the dentist or doctor to enter the room. Above the bed was a machine like object. It was moveable and looked like a helmet.
Koenma continued to explain how you would use it. Moving the machine closer to the person on the bed then bringing down the helmet like object on the head of the person.
Seeing this contraption was not helping me rid my nervousness. Kurama yawned again and Hiei sat uninterested at the explanation.
"So any questions?" Koenma asked.
I raised my hand like if I were in class and Kurama chuckled at my action. Koenma rolled his eyes and said "Alright Botan what is it?"
"Well how does it work?" I asked anxiously.
"You see after putting the helmet cap over the head of the person having their mind erased they will quickly feel pain or if lucky fall asleep and into a dream. Their dreams will be about the ones they care about and what they care about in life. Their minds will be erased of all demon resources and their demon capabilities will be taken from them. Their dreams about what they care about most in life will be the only thing they will remember, but they must have a good enough will to remember it. Did I lose you yet?"
My foot was tapping and my hand was rubbing my temple. "Huh?"
Koenma sighed loudly. " The....."
Kurama who got up off the couch then tried explaining to me next after interrupting Koenma. "Helmet goes on head, person loses memory, and only good thoughts will remain if the person is lucky."
"Oh." I smiled goofily and took my seat back on the couch. "Indeed." Koenma said.
"Botan I want you to leave the room now." I stood back up again. "But why Koenma sir?"
His eyebrow went up in a questioning way. "I thought you didn't want to see your friends in pain. It's not going to be a pretty site." I gulped. This is what I was so nervous about from the start.
I took a seat on the couch and looked at Kurama sadly and concerned. Kurama must have noticed how concerned I looked. "Don't worry Botan. I promise I will not forget you. I will be the same Kurama you have grown to know. I just won't have my demon side that's all."
Kurama looked at Hiei for help. "Yeah." Hiei said looking more bored then nervous.
"See Hiei thinks so to." I was starting to cry now. Letting my tears slid down freely without shame. I sniffled a bit and tried to speak hoping my voice would not sound shaky.
"Kurama promise me."
I grabbed his hand and gave it a little squeeze. "Please promise me you will come back as the same old Kurama I have grown to like." He had a frown on his face and he stared at me.
I released his hand and looked at my feet. He was not answering and I felt like I was going to die from the ache in my heart that was going to split through the middle from a crack.
His hand went to my face and wiped my tears away. "Don't cry Botan..... I promise." I pushed my cheek against his hand that was cleaning my tears away in response to his answer and nuzzled against it.
"Don't worry. Go on and wait at your house. Hiei and I will visit you around 8 o' clock tonight. We will remember everything. All right."
I took in a big breath taking in his sweet smell of roses for the last time before leaving. Then went over to Koenma.
"Good bye Koenma. I guess this will be the last time I will ever see you huh? I hate good byes." He smiled warmly at me. He stuck out his hand and I grabbed it out of instinct. We shook hands and I turned my face to keep from crying again. He released my hand and I started to walk over to say bye to Hiei, until Koenma's voice stopped me.
"Wait Botan."
I half turned my body and looked at him with a forced smile.
"Yes Koenma?"
"I told you not to worry remember. Actually this can be sort of a mission for you. Make sure you stay loyal to your friends, live a good life, and when your time comes to go to heaven I will have an opening spot for you as head ferry girl if you like."
"I appreciate it Koenma. Thank you. I will try and past this last mission. Good Bye."
I turned back around and started to walk to the couch that Hiei was still sitting at. I sat beside him and gave him a small smile. He looked at me still serious, but yet looking bored at the same time.
"So that you know Hiei, I hope you come back as well. I want you to come back the way you are now. You're a good person still, no matter how grumpy and mean you can act sometimes, even though you won't admit it."
I was about to sit up and leave not expecting him to say a good bye or anything, but instead he stopped me. He gave me a friendly hug. I gave the hug back and he patted my back.
"Hn See you soon." I smiled, that's something Hiei never does.
"Well I better get going Koenma. When will my powers fade from me?"
"You will be human again and no longer have any ferry powers after touching the surface of the earth."
I sighed and thought to myself. {To bad it's not the same with friends that are turning into demons.}
I nodded for the last time and materialized my oar in my hand. Giving the peace sign I jumped up and sat on the oar. Then got in a more comfortable position.
"Bye!" I shouted to them getting higher in the air to get to the high window on the wall. I was shy before when I was standing near Kurama but I guess I can do it now. I blew Kurama a kiss and shouted "I love you to much to not worry. You better keep that promise." I laughed cutely and saw his shocked face. He waved and whispered something I could not quite hear, but reading his lips my heart did flips and the crack was filled back up and my heart was put back together all brand new.
He whispered 'I love you too'
I flew through the open window to make it back to that wonderful place called home.
~*~*~*
I was close to home now, but I don't want to go back. I want to so much go back to spirit world, grab Kurama out of there and tell him I would love him human or not and escape with him to some place to be alone for eternity.
Daydreams are silly sometimes. To bad they don't come true. Just all wishful thinking.
While on my oar I was daydreaming of my daring rescue for Kurama. We run out of there with many demons chasing us shouting to us that Kurama has to go through the machine. We laugh at the demon and escape on my oar. With me on his lap snuggling closer to him as we fly to somewhere nice to go to. We fly off to a little forest where we hear a waterfall near. Hand in hand we race there. Then sit on the cliff staring at each other. Then the kiss comes and the forest animals cheer. How beautiful it is there.
How romantic, but silly. Never will that happen. I snapped out of the daydream and back to reality. Reality hurts sometimes and it would be nice to live in a fantasy dream.
I started to laugh out loud at my silly dreams. Oh silly me. I sighed and stopped laughing and then frowned. I hope they are ok. I might as well enjoy my remaining time on this oar.
I flew everywhere in my hometown. I even went out of the city for a while to see other sites. When I got back to my town I thought about Keiko and everyone at school? "I will pay them a visit!"
I flew over to my High school and entered through the roof and through some walls until I finally saw Keiko. It was Lunchtime and everyone was enjoying his or her meal. Keiko was sitting with Yukina, Kuwabara, and Yusuke.
I went closer to listen to what they were saying.
"Keiko I passed that test so we better go on that date soon. Maybe this weekend?" Yusuke said ending in a question way. Keiko blushed. It was all too cute. I always thought they made the perfect couple even from the beginning. I clapped my hands with joy as I watch the performance Kuwabara was doing for dear Yukina. So silly Kuwabara can act.
They ate their meals and then went outside. I followed of course.
Keiko sat against a tree and Yusuke stood up leaning lazily against it near Keiko. "Hey Keiko." He said not taking his eyes off the sky. "Yes Yusuke." She said then looked at him with a smile on her face.
"Thanks for all the help, you know with helping me learn things, and um..... Being a good friend."
"Sure Yusuke it was no problem. It was actually kind of fun." He took a seat beside her and smiled then took her hand. "Keiko do you think we can become more then friends....er.. give a try you know, like be..."
"Like being Girlfriend and boyfriend?" She interrupted. "Yeah that." He smiled goofily at her. I giggled as I watched to see what her answer would be I leaned in closer with my oar, then a little closer.
Keiko was blushing and Yusuke was still holding her hand hoping for a good answer. I got even closer.
"Well I-I.." That's when I lost my balance on my oar and fell onto the ground landing on my butt in front of them. Like what Koenma had told me when I touched the Earths surface I was due to transform back to human. There goes my fun.
I was glowing then in seconds the glow faded slowly. I could feel Yusuke's and Keiko's eyes on me. After turning back to human I smiled. "Uh hi... Don't look at me like that silly heads." I started to laugh nervously. Then Yusuke spoke out.
"Hey Botan you should defiantly teach me that glowie trick one day. You should become a magician because the way you pop out of nowhere like that. Wait were you trying to listen to us?"
{Yeah glowie trick. Such a silly person that Yusuke.} I thought then looked at Keiko ignoring Yusuke's question.
"Hey Keiko delete a message on your answering machine from me later."
"Huh what are you talking about Botan?" She asked me getting up from the ground still a little red from the unexpected event. I guess they actually thought it was a glowing trick or something or they would still have questioned it.
"Well I was not in school for half the day because I was sick and I left a message on your machine so you would not worry, but now I am here." I twirled around showing that I am not was perfectly healthy.
She jumped up and hugged me. "That's good to hear. Oh and Yusuke about that offer, we can try that on our date this weekend ok." She winked at him and he literally jumped up joyfully.
I guess I have to go to school and finish the day now. "Keiko I'm going to go to the office and confirm with them that I am in today." She nodded and her and Yusuke left without me back to the lunch.
Before I left I saw the boys playing basketball. It felt different watching them though. Kurama and Hiei were not there.
Jin passed the ball to Touya and he scored it in. I cheered loudly and they came over to me. "Hi Botan." They said in a singsong voice.
"Hello. Hey sorry about that night Touya." Jin started laughing,
I'm guessing Touya must have told him about that night. "Hey don't worry about it, I kind of have my eye on someone else now." I smiled that was good to hear. "How about you Jin, how is life treating you?"
He pushed back a strand of red hair from his eyes and whistled. "Ye cousin, Sachiko and I have been doing the dating thing a bit."
I giggled. "Let me guess you could not get rid of her." He smiled.
"True, but she is a nice lass. I like her." {That's good.} I thought to myself.
"Well got to go now bye Botan." They said as they ran back to the basketball court. Now I have to get to that office.
~*~*~*~*
"LATE AGAIN!" The moody principle yelled as she signed the slip that allowed me to go to my classes for the rest of the day.
"I am truly sorry it won't happen again." The principle only pointed a finger towards the door and shouted out. I left and stuck my tongue at the door after leaving. She is such a meanie.
Now to go to boring class, and go back to the way life was, but that's a good thing. Now the only thing missing is Hiei and my dear Kurama and life would be perfect.
I wonder how those guys doing? I sighed and went to my locker.
~*~*~*~*~*
Author's POV
Back in spirit world
~*~*~*~*~*
Hiei had gone first and was through with it. If he lost his memory no one knows. He was sleeping on the couch. The machine can get a person exhausted, almost like those medicines you take and they make you drowsy.
Kurama went and sat on the bed next. Ready for his turn, Koenma pulled the helmet over Kurama's head and went over to the switch.
"Are you ready Yoko Kurama?" Koenma asked.
"Don't call me Yoko Kurama and yes I am ready." Kurama got into a comfortable position and closed his eyes. Koenma flicked the switch that kind of looked like a light switch and the machine was turned on.
Making loud noises and was now shining; the machine started its duty. A sudden bout of pain ripped through Kurama. Like the edges of a fork coming closer to the balloon and he felt like he was going to burst. His nerve endings were screaming. It ripped though his mind his every thought. Erasing as it works. How was he to dream with something like this causing him so much pain?
He had heard Hiei scream when he was going through with this ordeal. This was a challenge and one that Kurama was going to beat. He made a promise and will be true to his word. All his thoughts were being torn out of him almost like wasted water that leaked out of a broken sink.
His thoughts and memories were being shredded and taken away from him. Torn to pieces of paper. He tried to clear his mind for an empty spot to place all the memories he wanted to store and to keep. To keep them from the reaches of the machine. He heard the loud sounds coming from the machine
Botan! He mouthed the angelic name but it never got past his lips. No sound. He'd feared he would lose his voice next if this kept going this way. Nothing but inevitable, consuming darkness. It was involuntary, the will to breathe. He closed his eyes. Hoping to relax himself further.
He was in a black oblivion. He could scarcely breathe. He wanted Botan there with him at that time. Hold her hand and then he would be able to relax. He needed her there. He needed her.
Shutting his eyes tighter. Relaxing he was able to start a daydream through the unbelievable pain. The daydream filling with all but his thoughts he wanted to keep badly. Trying to fill his daydream as much as he could.
How did Hiei do this? He thought. How much longer will I be able to take this? The machine sounds was getting lower. The volume sounding more gentle and softer like it was fading. Koenma flicked the switch to the off side, but Kurama could not see that. The pain was still there and his eyes were still shut. With a last scream of pain he shouted out Botan's name and fell into an uncomfortable slumber.
Koenma asked for help from two demons to pick up Kurama and place him on a couch. They did so and left. Koenma closed the lights and shut the door and only hoped that the machine had worked to take out the demon in them, but hoped that it did not take the memories of their human side.
Koenma went to his office sat down in his chair. No longer feeling strong enough to keep his teenage form he popped back to his toddler form. He took two documents out with Kurama and Hiei's name and picture on it. He stamped them, approving that the case was over and put them back in the filing cabinet near him.
~*~*~*~*
Back to Botan and her POV
~*~*~*~*
School was dumb and boring I have so much work to do and make up for the times I was absent, and I have to go home with the thought that I might never see Kurama and Hiei again.
Hopefully everything worked out. I looked up at the sky and sighed, and then feeling a hand on my shoulder I quickly turned around. It was my cousin, Sachiko.
"Hey Botan guess what?" she jumped happily up and down. Her hair flowing up and back down with her jumping motion.
"Jin asked you to marry him." I said sarcastically.
"No silly he asked me to go on another date with him." I laughed at her over excited act. "That's good, so when is the date?" She stopped jumping and stared at me with a cute expression.
"Uh... its right now. Oh my god I'm late. I got to go. Bye Botan." She ran down the street towards Jin's house.
I giggled then saw Keiko and Yusuke coming hand in hand towards me, also Kuwabara and Yukina behind them with Kuwabara showing his muscles off and Yukina giggling innocently.
"Botan we are all going to get pizza. How about you come with us." Keiko said then started laughing at a joke Yusuke had whispered in her ear.
"Keiko I would, but I have so much to do." I did not tell her, but I also have Kurama to wait for.
"Come on Botan please." Yukina said all to innocently.
"Well.. Ok. I'm starving anyways, I never ate lunch." They all sweat dropped at hearing my stomach growl. "I guess my stomach agrees too." I said blushing a bit from embarrassment. They laughed. I smiled and was glad I picked to stay here on earth instead of being a ferry girl. I would miss them too much.
"Lets go already. I will race you there Urameshi." Kuwabara shouted and flicked Yusuke's nose. "Fine. I bet 5 dollars if I win."
Kuwabara agreed and they raced off. Yukina, Keiko, and I were left walking then running to catch up. When we got there Yusuke and Kuwabara were arguing.
"I beat you fear and square Urameshi now give me the $5.00."
"No way. I only agreed that if I won I could get the 5 dollars NOT if you won so Ha." Kuwabara got even angrier and grabbed Yusukes head in a headlock and gave him an Indian head burn.
"Ouch you big idiot get off me." We laughed and after much arguing, a thumb wrestling contest between Kuwabara and Yusuke, which Yusuke had cheated to win again, and after trying to stop Kuwabara from running across the street to pet a cat that looked like it had rabies' we finally went in to get pizza.
The pizza was good, but it would have been even more enjoyable if Yusuke didn't decide to act like a gay guy and pick on a familiar guy I knew. I think his name is Jay. Jay had thought Yusuke was really gay and tried touching him on the butt, which Yusuke reacted by shoving the guy on the floor.
"Oh you like it rough huh?" Jay shouted playfully and got up and started chasing Yusuke. We laughed and it reminded me of how Jay chased Touya and also how he tried to flirt with Kurama when Kurama was following me on my date.
"Hello Jay do you remember me?" I asked him. He stopped chasing Yusuke and came over to the table.
"Yes you were with that handsome Boy." I nodded yes. "So why are you working here I thought you worked at that restaurant."
He sat down and crossed his legs. "I did, but got fired for trying to fit a meatball in a guys mouth. I could not resist. He was complaining that the meatball was too big so I tried to see if it really was and stuck it in his mouth." I laughed at that.
"Well bye Jay and sorry Yusuke is taken by someone." He bowed his head in defeat but when he looked back up some boys from a different high school came in through the door. He ran quickly to them to get their orders.
"I saved you Yusuke. You owe me." I said jokingly.
We left and it was already 6:00 p.m. I should be getting home now. We said our goodbyes and I ran home quickly.
When in my house I put the TV on and waited for them. I have faith that they will come.
~*~*~*~*
Hours passed and I wanted to cry. They would have come and consulted me already. Maybe the machine takes along time. It was midnight and the clock binged 12 times.
I was crying now. Soaking my shirt. I got up and went to my kitchen and poured a drink for myself. Feeling shaky some spilled onto the floor. I put the container on the counter and just collapsed not caring about the mess. I was crying so much.
"Kurama." I shouted loudly. Life is so curl. Reality does hurt. I got back up and cleaned the mess, trying to keep my flowing tears under control. I went back to the living room and sat down on my couch with my drink in my hand.
Maybe they are home sleeping. It's really late. Or they just don't remember me.
More tears flowed down. I placed my drink on the table stand near me and then laid down on the couch, and cried myself to sleep.
~*~*~*~*
"Ssssh be quite. She will wake up."
"Don't we want her to wake up?"
Two familiar voices. Was it a dream? I opened my heavy eyelids but failed to keep them open. I yawned softly and tried to open them again.
"See now you woke her up." I got up with a start and my eyes opened easily now. "Robbers" I whispered out loud.
"Robbers?" The voice questioned. Robbers? No way that's Kurama's voice. I wanted to jump for joy.
"K-Kurama?" I whispered. Hoping with so much that the voice would answer back with a Yes. I could not see anything the house was really dark. I could only see two figures moving about. One smaller than the other.
"No." A voice answered. I wanted to faint at hearing the answer. So these were robbers.
"I'm Hiei, Kurama is right beside me." I jumped up. Hiei! Kurama! It's them. I ran to flick on the lights but failed and tripped over a slipper on my floor.
"Ouch." I shouted on impact with the ground. The lights were turned on and Kurama was laughing softly. I was on the ground my butt high in the air and my face planted on the ground. "Help me up well ya." I shouted at Hiei who was amused at my clumsy way. He was standing near me and gave me a hand for assistance.
Right away after getting up I hugged Hiei. "You remember me." I choked out. I was so happy. "Don't I get a hug?" Kurama said teasingly.
I giggled. "Of course and much more." I jumped on him and squeezed him tightly. Then gently put my lips on his for a soft kiss. Wrapping my hands around his neck and his hand quickly moving around my waist.
His tongue slid on my lips asking for entrance. I allowed it to enter. Soon the soft kiss became a more passionate and lovingly one. My first kiss with Kurama on the lips how beautiful. I thought during the kiss. We pulled away after a while, gasping for air and inhaling as much as we could.
"You kiss good." He said then I felt myself blushing.
"Thanks so do you." Hiei coughed and we both stared at him.
"Don't you want to know what happened?" He said. I shook my head yes and we sat on my couch. Instead of Hiei explaining Kurama did.
"You see Hiei and I were in my apartment and when we awoke we were very sore. Our bodies hurt. I was upstairs and Hiei down stairs. It was late and we saw a note on the door. I read it and it said to come over to your house."
I slightly tipped my head to the side. "But what about the machine and why are you two late?"
"Machine? Hiei and I got into a fight with some guys at school."
I got confused all of the sudden. They were at school picking fights with people. They couldn't have. They were in spirit world and like they said they woke up late. I would have seen them at school if they were at school.
"Kurama I don't understand."
He wrapped an arm around me.
"Botan, we got into a fight because some guy was trying to hurt you. I said I love you and via versa. We brought you home and went to my house and fell asleep. Then when we woke up and we were sore because of the fight and there was a note."
They don't remember what happened today. They don't remember the machine or spirit world do they? Koenma must have filled their minds with different stories or something. Whatever. I have them back and that's all that matters.
"I understand now Kurama. Thanks for helping me with those mean boys from school." I said playing along and hugged him. "I guess I should help you out more often if I get hugs and kisses for it."
I laughed "Silly head." Then picked up a pillow and threw it at him.
~*~*~*~*
We talked and had our fun. It was around 4:00 in the morning now. Hiei had to leave to get home and Kurama stayed with me. We were in my room sitting on the edge of my bed talking for the longest time.
"See Botan I kept my promise." I gasped I thought he didn't remember anything. "But Kurama how did you know-"
"I will see you tomorrow bye Botan." He interpreted me and then kissed me on the lips for the hundredth time that night, which I must say, was wonderful. He tucked me into bed without explaining about the promise.
"I love you Kurama." I whispered. "I love you too Botan." He gave me another passionate kiss and left."
I was trying to stay up and figure out how he remembered the promise but feeling sleepy I slumped back down on the bed and fell asleep dreaming the daydream I had earlier when I left Spirit world.
~*~*~*~*
Kurama stood outside her window for a brief moment. "I love you so much Botan, good night my love until tomorrow morning." He was gone with a blink of an eye.
~*~*~*~*
End of chapter
~*~*~*~*
See long chapter huh?
I hope it was good.
The last chapter will be updated soon and it is an Epilogue of what happened in the next few years that passed. It will tell what eventually happened to the main characters. I just don't know what to do. I will come up with something.
Bye now
Review please. Thanks so much everyone. I really enjoyed the reviews.
I could hear Botan take in a deep breath as she opened one of the doors with the help of the blue demon. The hall was lighted up with a glow. We all then stepped forward and entered the room.
___Beginning of Chapter 19___
~*~*~*~*~*~*
Botan's POV
~*~*~*~*~*~*
We all stepped into the room, me in the front as we approached Koenma's desk. I need to relax a bit, Koenma does not want me to worry, so I better not look tense. I looked at the two young men and smiled at them reassuringly.
Koenma was sitting on his chair working on his stamping skills I presume. Way to occupied to notice we were there. He was in his teenage form, probably to seem more as a prince then a toddler. I cleared my throat to show we existed.
"Koenma sir, here they are." My voice was a little shaky. I guess my appearance could catch someone off guard but my voice just proved how nervous I really was.
"Botan good job. You accomplished your first mission, and your last." I nodded my head slowly showing a yes and a smile. Koenma got up from his chair and stuck his hands in his pockets on both sides of his outfit, his big cape flowing behind him as he approached the three of us.
His voice sounded so much more mature. I wanted to laugh at his act he was displaying. Being serious at the matter at hand he ignored my puffy cheeks that were going to burst out in laughter. He even still had that pacifier in his mouth that made him look strange.
I guess I am feeling better; I have to have faith in my friends, so why act gloomy? Yes I have to keep convincing myself this is just like a regular high school test like what we have in Genkai's class. Simple and easy and we will be able to pass with flying colors. Wait I never did pass any of her tests. Bad example.
"Botan what's wrong." Koenma had spoken directly towards me. "Nothing sir. When will the process start?"
Koenma slid his hand to his chin in thought. He blinked a bit and then looked at both Hiei and Kurama. "We can start when they are ready."
Ready? They have been ready. Look at their relaxed postures. Kurama looked annoyed and so did Hiei. "Lets begin now." Kurama had said. His voice gave me the shivers. He is changing. His voice was a bit deeper and stern. It wasn't his warm and assuring voice, but a cold and irritable one.
Koenma with his new impressive act gave a sly smile. "Sure, but this may hurt are you up for it?" Was he trying to get on their nerves? "Koenma, can we just begin without lectures please?" I had spoken up, while tugging at the sleeve of his shirt pleadingly. His expression softened while Kurama's grew more annoyed.
"This is the prince of the spirit world? Hn fool." Hiei had said as he leaned on the wall arms crossed in front of his chest. "Now now boys." I said as I put my hands together making a loud clap to get their attention. "Koenma lets begin." I gave him a wink. I have to keep the tension in the room down somehow.
Koenma crossed his arms in front of his chest now. The room became an uncomfortable silence. The sound of Koenma sucking on his pacifier was the only sound heard. "Alright if you insist, then follow me." Hiei straightened up and Kurama yawned.
We followed Koenma to where ever he was bringing us. After going through some more gigantic halls we were lead to a small room. "Ladies first." Koenma said, and I just rolled my eyes. I could see he was trying to keep me happy. Kurama stepped in next after me then Hiei then lastly Koenma.
Indeed the room was very small, and brightly colored too. "Ah my eyes." Hiei said sarcastically. I coughed to hold back a little giggle. I have to act serious about this. There was a little comfortable looking couch at the left corner of the room.
Koenma pointed to it. "Go on and sit while I explain things." He told us. All three of us sat on the couch. Koenma who was still standing up waved his hands around as he explained on about the Mind eraser yet another product of spirit world.
The so-called Mind eraser was creepy looking, something that you would see when you went to the dentist. There was a patient bed just like the kind at a pediatrician center or a dentist room, where you lay uncomfortably on the cold bed waiting for the dentist or doctor to enter the room. Above the bed was a machine like object. It was moveable and looked like a helmet.
Koenma continued to explain how you would use it. Moving the machine closer to the person on the bed then bringing down the helmet like object on the head of the person.
Seeing this contraption was not helping me rid my nervousness. Kurama yawned again and Hiei sat uninterested at the explanation.
"So any questions?" Koenma asked.
I raised my hand like if I were in class and Kurama chuckled at my action. Koenma rolled his eyes and said "Alright Botan what is it?"
"Well how does it work?" I asked anxiously.
"You see after putting the helmet cap over the head of the person having their mind erased they will quickly feel pain or if lucky fall asleep and into a dream. Their dreams will be about the ones they care about and what they care about in life. Their minds will be erased of all demon resources and their demon capabilities will be taken from them. Their dreams about what they care about most in life will be the only thing they will remember, but they must have a good enough will to remember it. Did I lose you yet?"
My foot was tapping and my hand was rubbing my temple. "Huh?"
Koenma sighed loudly. " The....."
Kurama who got up off the couch then tried explaining to me next after interrupting Koenma. "Helmet goes on head, person loses memory, and only good thoughts will remain if the person is lucky."
"Oh." I smiled goofily and took my seat back on the couch. "Indeed." Koenma said.
"Botan I want you to leave the room now." I stood back up again. "But why Koenma sir?"
His eyebrow went up in a questioning way. "I thought you didn't want to see your friends in pain. It's not going to be a pretty site." I gulped. This is what I was so nervous about from the start.
I took a seat on the couch and looked at Kurama sadly and concerned. Kurama must have noticed how concerned I looked. "Don't worry Botan. I promise I will not forget you. I will be the same Kurama you have grown to know. I just won't have my demon side that's all."
Kurama looked at Hiei for help. "Yeah." Hiei said looking more bored then nervous.
"See Hiei thinks so to." I was starting to cry now. Letting my tears slid down freely without shame. I sniffled a bit and tried to speak hoping my voice would not sound shaky.
"Kurama promise me."
I grabbed his hand and gave it a little squeeze. "Please promise me you will come back as the same old Kurama I have grown to like." He had a frown on his face and he stared at me.
I released his hand and looked at my feet. He was not answering and I felt like I was going to die from the ache in my heart that was going to split through the middle from a crack.
His hand went to my face and wiped my tears away. "Don't cry Botan..... I promise." I pushed my cheek against his hand that was cleaning my tears away in response to his answer and nuzzled against it.
"Don't worry. Go on and wait at your house. Hiei and I will visit you around 8 o' clock tonight. We will remember everything. All right."
I took in a big breath taking in his sweet smell of roses for the last time before leaving. Then went over to Koenma.
"Good bye Koenma. I guess this will be the last time I will ever see you huh? I hate good byes." He smiled warmly at me. He stuck out his hand and I grabbed it out of instinct. We shook hands and I turned my face to keep from crying again. He released my hand and I started to walk over to say bye to Hiei, until Koenma's voice stopped me.
"Wait Botan."
I half turned my body and looked at him with a forced smile.
"Yes Koenma?"
"I told you not to worry remember. Actually this can be sort of a mission for you. Make sure you stay loyal to your friends, live a good life, and when your time comes to go to heaven I will have an opening spot for you as head ferry girl if you like."
"I appreciate it Koenma. Thank you. I will try and past this last mission. Good Bye."
I turned back around and started to walk to the couch that Hiei was still sitting at. I sat beside him and gave him a small smile. He looked at me still serious, but yet looking bored at the same time.
"So that you know Hiei, I hope you come back as well. I want you to come back the way you are now. You're a good person still, no matter how grumpy and mean you can act sometimes, even though you won't admit it."
I was about to sit up and leave not expecting him to say a good bye or anything, but instead he stopped me. He gave me a friendly hug. I gave the hug back and he patted my back.
"Hn See you soon." I smiled, that's something Hiei never does.
"Well I better get going Koenma. When will my powers fade from me?"
"You will be human again and no longer have any ferry powers after touching the surface of the earth."
I sighed and thought to myself. {To bad it's not the same with friends that are turning into demons.}
I nodded for the last time and materialized my oar in my hand. Giving the peace sign I jumped up and sat on the oar. Then got in a more comfortable position.
"Bye!" I shouted to them getting higher in the air to get to the high window on the wall. I was shy before when I was standing near Kurama but I guess I can do it now. I blew Kurama a kiss and shouted "I love you to much to not worry. You better keep that promise." I laughed cutely and saw his shocked face. He waved and whispered something I could not quite hear, but reading his lips my heart did flips and the crack was filled back up and my heart was put back together all brand new.
He whispered 'I love you too'
I flew through the open window to make it back to that wonderful place called home.
~*~*~*
I was close to home now, but I don't want to go back. I want to so much go back to spirit world, grab Kurama out of there and tell him I would love him human or not and escape with him to some place to be alone for eternity.
Daydreams are silly sometimes. To bad they don't come true. Just all wishful thinking.
While on my oar I was daydreaming of my daring rescue for Kurama. We run out of there with many demons chasing us shouting to us that Kurama has to go through the machine. We laugh at the demon and escape on my oar. With me on his lap snuggling closer to him as we fly to somewhere nice to go to. We fly off to a little forest where we hear a waterfall near. Hand in hand we race there. Then sit on the cliff staring at each other. Then the kiss comes and the forest animals cheer. How beautiful it is there.
How romantic, but silly. Never will that happen. I snapped out of the daydream and back to reality. Reality hurts sometimes and it would be nice to live in a fantasy dream.
I started to laugh out loud at my silly dreams. Oh silly me. I sighed and stopped laughing and then frowned. I hope they are ok. I might as well enjoy my remaining time on this oar.
I flew everywhere in my hometown. I even went out of the city for a while to see other sites. When I got back to my town I thought about Keiko and everyone at school? "I will pay them a visit!"
I flew over to my High school and entered through the roof and through some walls until I finally saw Keiko. It was Lunchtime and everyone was enjoying his or her meal. Keiko was sitting with Yukina, Kuwabara, and Yusuke.
I went closer to listen to what they were saying.
"Keiko I passed that test so we better go on that date soon. Maybe this weekend?" Yusuke said ending in a question way. Keiko blushed. It was all too cute. I always thought they made the perfect couple even from the beginning. I clapped my hands with joy as I watch the performance Kuwabara was doing for dear Yukina. So silly Kuwabara can act.
They ate their meals and then went outside. I followed of course.
Keiko sat against a tree and Yusuke stood up leaning lazily against it near Keiko. "Hey Keiko." He said not taking his eyes off the sky. "Yes Yusuke." She said then looked at him with a smile on her face.
"Thanks for all the help, you know with helping me learn things, and um..... Being a good friend."
"Sure Yusuke it was no problem. It was actually kind of fun." He took a seat beside her and smiled then took her hand. "Keiko do you think we can become more then friends....er.. give a try you know, like be..."
"Like being Girlfriend and boyfriend?" She interrupted. "Yeah that." He smiled goofily at her. I giggled as I watched to see what her answer would be I leaned in closer with my oar, then a little closer.
Keiko was blushing and Yusuke was still holding her hand hoping for a good answer. I got even closer.
"Well I-I.." That's when I lost my balance on my oar and fell onto the ground landing on my butt in front of them. Like what Koenma had told me when I touched the Earths surface I was due to transform back to human. There goes my fun.
I was glowing then in seconds the glow faded slowly. I could feel Yusuke's and Keiko's eyes on me. After turning back to human I smiled. "Uh hi... Don't look at me like that silly heads." I started to laugh nervously. Then Yusuke spoke out.
"Hey Botan you should defiantly teach me that glowie trick one day. You should become a magician because the way you pop out of nowhere like that. Wait were you trying to listen to us?"
{Yeah glowie trick. Such a silly person that Yusuke.} I thought then looked at Keiko ignoring Yusuke's question.
"Hey Keiko delete a message on your answering machine from me later."
"Huh what are you talking about Botan?" She asked me getting up from the ground still a little red from the unexpected event. I guess they actually thought it was a glowing trick or something or they would still have questioned it.
"Well I was not in school for half the day because I was sick and I left a message on your machine so you would not worry, but now I am here." I twirled around showing that I am not was perfectly healthy.
She jumped up and hugged me. "That's good to hear. Oh and Yusuke about that offer, we can try that on our date this weekend ok." She winked at him and he literally jumped up joyfully.
I guess I have to go to school and finish the day now. "Keiko I'm going to go to the office and confirm with them that I am in today." She nodded and her and Yusuke left without me back to the lunch.
Before I left I saw the boys playing basketball. It felt different watching them though. Kurama and Hiei were not there.
Jin passed the ball to Touya and he scored it in. I cheered loudly and they came over to me. "Hi Botan." They said in a singsong voice.
"Hello. Hey sorry about that night Touya." Jin started laughing,
I'm guessing Touya must have told him about that night. "Hey don't worry about it, I kind of have my eye on someone else now." I smiled that was good to hear. "How about you Jin, how is life treating you?"
He pushed back a strand of red hair from his eyes and whistled. "Ye cousin, Sachiko and I have been doing the dating thing a bit."
I giggled. "Let me guess you could not get rid of her." He smiled.
"True, but she is a nice lass. I like her." {That's good.} I thought to myself.
"Well got to go now bye Botan." They said as they ran back to the basketball court. Now I have to get to that office.
~*~*~*~*
"LATE AGAIN!" The moody principle yelled as she signed the slip that allowed me to go to my classes for the rest of the day.
"I am truly sorry it won't happen again." The principle only pointed a finger towards the door and shouted out. I left and stuck my tongue at the door after leaving. She is such a meanie.
Now to go to boring class, and go back to the way life was, but that's a good thing. Now the only thing missing is Hiei and my dear Kurama and life would be perfect.
I wonder how those guys doing? I sighed and went to my locker.
~*~*~*~*~*
Author's POV
Back in spirit world
~*~*~*~*~*
Hiei had gone first and was through with it. If he lost his memory no one knows. He was sleeping on the couch. The machine can get a person exhausted, almost like those medicines you take and they make you drowsy.
Kurama went and sat on the bed next. Ready for his turn, Koenma pulled the helmet over Kurama's head and went over to the switch.
"Are you ready Yoko Kurama?" Koenma asked.
"Don't call me Yoko Kurama and yes I am ready." Kurama got into a comfortable position and closed his eyes. Koenma flicked the switch that kind of looked like a light switch and the machine was turned on.
Making loud noises and was now shining; the machine started its duty. A sudden bout of pain ripped through Kurama. Like the edges of a fork coming closer to the balloon and he felt like he was going to burst. His nerve endings were screaming. It ripped though his mind his every thought. Erasing as it works. How was he to dream with something like this causing him so much pain?
He had heard Hiei scream when he was going through with this ordeal. This was a challenge and one that Kurama was going to beat. He made a promise and will be true to his word. All his thoughts were being torn out of him almost like wasted water that leaked out of a broken sink.
His thoughts and memories were being shredded and taken away from him. Torn to pieces of paper. He tried to clear his mind for an empty spot to place all the memories he wanted to store and to keep. To keep them from the reaches of the machine. He heard the loud sounds coming from the machine
Botan! He mouthed the angelic name but it never got past his lips. No sound. He'd feared he would lose his voice next if this kept going this way. Nothing but inevitable, consuming darkness. It was involuntary, the will to breathe. He closed his eyes. Hoping to relax himself further.
He was in a black oblivion. He could scarcely breathe. He wanted Botan there with him at that time. Hold her hand and then he would be able to relax. He needed her there. He needed her.
Shutting his eyes tighter. Relaxing he was able to start a daydream through the unbelievable pain. The daydream filling with all but his thoughts he wanted to keep badly. Trying to fill his daydream as much as he could.
How did Hiei do this? He thought. How much longer will I be able to take this? The machine sounds was getting lower. The volume sounding more gentle and softer like it was fading. Koenma flicked the switch to the off side, but Kurama could not see that. The pain was still there and his eyes were still shut. With a last scream of pain he shouted out Botan's name and fell into an uncomfortable slumber.
Koenma asked for help from two demons to pick up Kurama and place him on a couch. They did so and left. Koenma closed the lights and shut the door and only hoped that the machine had worked to take out the demon in them, but hoped that it did not take the memories of their human side.
Koenma went to his office sat down in his chair. No longer feeling strong enough to keep his teenage form he popped back to his toddler form. He took two documents out with Kurama and Hiei's name and picture on it. He stamped them, approving that the case was over and put them back in the filing cabinet near him.
~*~*~*~*
Back to Botan and her POV
~*~*~*~*
School was dumb and boring I have so much work to do and make up for the times I was absent, and I have to go home with the thought that I might never see Kurama and Hiei again.
Hopefully everything worked out. I looked up at the sky and sighed, and then feeling a hand on my shoulder I quickly turned around. It was my cousin, Sachiko.
"Hey Botan guess what?" she jumped happily up and down. Her hair flowing up and back down with her jumping motion.
"Jin asked you to marry him." I said sarcastically.
"No silly he asked me to go on another date with him." I laughed at her over excited act. "That's good, so when is the date?" She stopped jumping and stared at me with a cute expression.
"Uh... its right now. Oh my god I'm late. I got to go. Bye Botan." She ran down the street towards Jin's house.
I giggled then saw Keiko and Yusuke coming hand in hand towards me, also Kuwabara and Yukina behind them with Kuwabara showing his muscles off and Yukina giggling innocently.
"Botan we are all going to get pizza. How about you come with us." Keiko said then started laughing at a joke Yusuke had whispered in her ear.
"Keiko I would, but I have so much to do." I did not tell her, but I also have Kurama to wait for.
"Come on Botan please." Yukina said all to innocently.
"Well.. Ok. I'm starving anyways, I never ate lunch." They all sweat dropped at hearing my stomach growl. "I guess my stomach agrees too." I said blushing a bit from embarrassment. They laughed. I smiled and was glad I picked to stay here on earth instead of being a ferry girl. I would miss them too much.
"Lets go already. I will race you there Urameshi." Kuwabara shouted and flicked Yusuke's nose. "Fine. I bet 5 dollars if I win."
Kuwabara agreed and they raced off. Yukina, Keiko, and I were left walking then running to catch up. When we got there Yusuke and Kuwabara were arguing.
"I beat you fear and square Urameshi now give me the $5.00."
"No way. I only agreed that if I won I could get the 5 dollars NOT if you won so Ha." Kuwabara got even angrier and grabbed Yusukes head in a headlock and gave him an Indian head burn.
"Ouch you big idiot get off me." We laughed and after much arguing, a thumb wrestling contest between Kuwabara and Yusuke, which Yusuke had cheated to win again, and after trying to stop Kuwabara from running across the street to pet a cat that looked like it had rabies' we finally went in to get pizza.
The pizza was good, but it would have been even more enjoyable if Yusuke didn't decide to act like a gay guy and pick on a familiar guy I knew. I think his name is Jay. Jay had thought Yusuke was really gay and tried touching him on the butt, which Yusuke reacted by shoving the guy on the floor.
"Oh you like it rough huh?" Jay shouted playfully and got up and started chasing Yusuke. We laughed and it reminded me of how Jay chased Touya and also how he tried to flirt with Kurama when Kurama was following me on my date.
"Hello Jay do you remember me?" I asked him. He stopped chasing Yusuke and came over to the table.
"Yes you were with that handsome Boy." I nodded yes. "So why are you working here I thought you worked at that restaurant."
He sat down and crossed his legs. "I did, but got fired for trying to fit a meatball in a guys mouth. I could not resist. He was complaining that the meatball was too big so I tried to see if it really was and stuck it in his mouth." I laughed at that.
"Well bye Jay and sorry Yusuke is taken by someone." He bowed his head in defeat but when he looked back up some boys from a different high school came in through the door. He ran quickly to them to get their orders.
"I saved you Yusuke. You owe me." I said jokingly.
We left and it was already 6:00 p.m. I should be getting home now. We said our goodbyes and I ran home quickly.
When in my house I put the TV on and waited for them. I have faith that they will come.
~*~*~*~*
Hours passed and I wanted to cry. They would have come and consulted me already. Maybe the machine takes along time. It was midnight and the clock binged 12 times.
I was crying now. Soaking my shirt. I got up and went to my kitchen and poured a drink for myself. Feeling shaky some spilled onto the floor. I put the container on the counter and just collapsed not caring about the mess. I was crying so much.
"Kurama." I shouted loudly. Life is so curl. Reality does hurt. I got back up and cleaned the mess, trying to keep my flowing tears under control. I went back to the living room and sat down on my couch with my drink in my hand.
Maybe they are home sleeping. It's really late. Or they just don't remember me.
More tears flowed down. I placed my drink on the table stand near me and then laid down on the couch, and cried myself to sleep.
~*~*~*~*
"Ssssh be quite. She will wake up."
"Don't we want her to wake up?"
Two familiar voices. Was it a dream? I opened my heavy eyelids but failed to keep them open. I yawned softly and tried to open them again.
"See now you woke her up." I got up with a start and my eyes opened easily now. "Robbers" I whispered out loud.
"Robbers?" The voice questioned. Robbers? No way that's Kurama's voice. I wanted to jump for joy.
"K-Kurama?" I whispered. Hoping with so much that the voice would answer back with a Yes. I could not see anything the house was really dark. I could only see two figures moving about. One smaller than the other.
"No." A voice answered. I wanted to faint at hearing the answer. So these were robbers.
"I'm Hiei, Kurama is right beside me." I jumped up. Hiei! Kurama! It's them. I ran to flick on the lights but failed and tripped over a slipper on my floor.
"Ouch." I shouted on impact with the ground. The lights were turned on and Kurama was laughing softly. I was on the ground my butt high in the air and my face planted on the ground. "Help me up well ya." I shouted at Hiei who was amused at my clumsy way. He was standing near me and gave me a hand for assistance.
Right away after getting up I hugged Hiei. "You remember me." I choked out. I was so happy. "Don't I get a hug?" Kurama said teasingly.
I giggled. "Of course and much more." I jumped on him and squeezed him tightly. Then gently put my lips on his for a soft kiss. Wrapping my hands around his neck and his hand quickly moving around my waist.
His tongue slid on my lips asking for entrance. I allowed it to enter. Soon the soft kiss became a more passionate and lovingly one. My first kiss with Kurama on the lips how beautiful. I thought during the kiss. We pulled away after a while, gasping for air and inhaling as much as we could.
"You kiss good." He said then I felt myself blushing.
"Thanks so do you." Hiei coughed and we both stared at him.
"Don't you want to know what happened?" He said. I shook my head yes and we sat on my couch. Instead of Hiei explaining Kurama did.
"You see Hiei and I were in my apartment and when we awoke we were very sore. Our bodies hurt. I was upstairs and Hiei down stairs. It was late and we saw a note on the door. I read it and it said to come over to your house."
I slightly tipped my head to the side. "But what about the machine and why are you two late?"
"Machine? Hiei and I got into a fight with some guys at school."
I got confused all of the sudden. They were at school picking fights with people. They couldn't have. They were in spirit world and like they said they woke up late. I would have seen them at school if they were at school.
"Kurama I don't understand."
He wrapped an arm around me.
"Botan, we got into a fight because some guy was trying to hurt you. I said I love you and via versa. We brought you home and went to my house and fell asleep. Then when we woke up and we were sore because of the fight and there was a note."
They don't remember what happened today. They don't remember the machine or spirit world do they? Koenma must have filled their minds with different stories or something. Whatever. I have them back and that's all that matters.
"I understand now Kurama. Thanks for helping me with those mean boys from school." I said playing along and hugged him. "I guess I should help you out more often if I get hugs and kisses for it."
I laughed "Silly head." Then picked up a pillow and threw it at him.
~*~*~*~*
We talked and had our fun. It was around 4:00 in the morning now. Hiei had to leave to get home and Kurama stayed with me. We were in my room sitting on the edge of my bed talking for the longest time.
"See Botan I kept my promise." I gasped I thought he didn't remember anything. "But Kurama how did you know-"
"I will see you tomorrow bye Botan." He interpreted me and then kissed me on the lips for the hundredth time that night, which I must say, was wonderful. He tucked me into bed without explaining about the promise.
"I love you Kurama." I whispered. "I love you too Botan." He gave me another passionate kiss and left."
I was trying to stay up and figure out how he remembered the promise but feeling sleepy I slumped back down on the bed and fell asleep dreaming the daydream I had earlier when I left Spirit world.
~*~*~*~*
Kurama stood outside her window for a brief moment. "I love you so much Botan, good night my love until tomorrow morning." He was gone with a blink of an eye.
~*~*~*~*
End of chapter
~*~*~*~*
See long chapter huh?
I hope it was good.
The last chapter will be updated soon and it is an Epilogue of what happened in the next few years that passed. It will tell what eventually happened to the main characters. I just don't know what to do. I will come up with something.
Bye now
Review please. Thanks so much everyone. I really enjoyed the reviews.