Rose
The room was quiet, absolute silence blanketing the room like a thick sheet of rain. None spoke a word, afraid to shatter the tension hovering above them. The outside wind whispered in the night, rustling among the treetops yet no animals could be heard.
It was unbearable.
Botan had momentarily stopped in her story to reminisce about her life. It was hard to talk about something long ago. If one has purposely forgotten about past memories, the burden of remembering them is a near-crushing weight.
Kurama looked across his view, seeing the young deity, who almost never became sad, was on the verge of tears. Pain spread throughout his body, a guilty wave washing over him.
A crystal tear streamed down her face, dropping to her lap.
And another until it became almost intolerable.
She was in critical pain, and there was nothing none of them could do but understand the situation.
There was nothing he could do.
"So, you were there, Botan-chan, at the Jinchuu no Ryu, ne?" a small yet pained voice inquired. Botan didn't look up, her tears drying upon her pale face as a reminder of anguish.
"Hai, I was there and I watched every battle," she whispered in response. "Higanashi."
Another ferry girl stepped out of the shadows, bowing in respect, her usual glimmering eyes of idolism full of despair. She took a seat with silence; she knew her best friend was in pain.
They were all helpless.
"So, what is this Jinchuu no Ryu?" Yusuke dared to ask.
"It was an infamous battle between the demons, Underworld, and the Spirit World. It was to sort out the issues between each realm," Higanashi stated.
"It was the war I was talking about earlier," Botan added.
"Little is known about it," Genkai added. "Since so many were slaughtered during its fights. You mother, Botan, was the main factor of the Jinchuu Fights. She was idol and I knew everything about her, down to her favorites. In fact, I studied using the resources I knew about her fighting techniques."
"You do not know the horror of battle, the blood shed and the lives lost," Botan paused, turning her gaze to a nearby window, her eyes softening. "I wish I never experienced such a pain."
FLASHBACK
"Mother, why are we training?" a ten year old Botan asked her mother. She had never understood the meaning of fighting, living in peace her entire life. Pure at heart and absolutely pure, the young girl had not yet knew the meaning of war.
"Botan-chan, you have to understand. You must get strong and stronger to protect the innocent."
"Hai, okaa-chan!"
Botan closed her eyes, the uncanny wind slapping against her pale cheeks, billowing against her short, white warrior uniform. Dark clouds circled in the sky, the anticipation of a storm growing larger.
She had been training for seven years for this battle, known as the Jinchuu no Ryu. Sakura said it would be alright.
But she knew better.
No one would survive.
Not in this battle.
But...
Death didn't scare her; she would be with Kyouji and her parents in heaven. No matter what, they would always stay together.
She was properly dressed, in a traditional short white skirt, lined with rainbow patterns, wearing a white shirt with the exact patterns. It was her family's time-honored attire.
At her waist was a special sword, the Harusume, an air loom, and she also carried a quiver of arrows and a special bow from her Father. It was those items that made her feel closer to her family than ever before.
She was trained by the very best, knew all techniques without her mother's locket source.
But was it enough?
Botan would soon find out.
Kyouji, Botan's older brother, stood beside his younger sister, staring at the castle in front of them. Thousands of soldiers stood on each defense line, ready to fight for their beliefs.
They were ready to die.
To face death head on without a singe regret or fear.
Kyouji looked down at Botan; she had to see blood at a young age. He just wished they could live a normal life and die a normal and tranquil death.
What a wonderful dream that would be.
He knew they wouldn't be fighting here; they would be fighting the larger enemy, the mastermind behind the whole war.
Kyouji knew they would fight Lord Menomaru.
"It's time to go. The time is now," he stated to his sister. She looked up and nodded slowly, reluctant and so innocent.
As they teleported to inside the castle, they left the war outside to be fought, as cries signaled the beginning of the end.
It was cold and silent in the castle, its walls echoing cries of the dead and shrills of the wounded from the battle outside. An ominous fog seeped across the castle floor, dim lights the only source of heat.
Botan saw her mother and father up ahead but composed herself.
She knew the plan as well as her techniques, and immediately ran by her mother's side, while Kyouji went to Sora's side.
There were four enemies: Menomaru, Yakumo, Hao, and Jinei.
They would have to battle them all.
It was absolutely inevitable.
The plan was to split up into two groups to fight more efficiently.
Giving her father and her brother a final hug and farewell, they parted. As Botan looked behind her, her family's figures faded in the darkness, a large lurch of sorrow surging in her very blood.
And that was the last she saw them.
Not knowing they would be killed as well by sacrificing their lives for hers.
Botan obediently followed her mother down the long eerie hallway, running. Her legs were tired, the aching pain taking its toll on her save energy. The throbbing was excruciating and life-threatening.
The young girl glanced at her mother for comfort.
Her eyes opened wide.
Sakura blocked out all thought; she couldn't stray off.
She had to win, for her.
For her children's sake.
Botan subconsciously raised an arm over her candy eyes as a blinding bright light could be seen ahead.
But she ran, determined and focused.
And she ran.
Until the light engulfed her in its arms, pulling her in like a magnet.
Hearing her mother's footsteps stop, Botan followed in her tracks, feeling powerful auras in front of her as a guide.
Slowly, she opened her eyes to the lights, adjusting her sight.
Her breath became thin as she narrowed her eyes at her opponents, hatred coursing through her veins as her aura become larger, tainted blood crimson.
Lord Menomaru and his son, Yakumo.
That was good, ne?
I left you on a good cliffhanger and I'll expand on Botan's past and situation soon!
Don't worry. I'll post soon!
Ja!