Disclaimer: I do not own YYH.
KopyKat: -is listening to "All the Things She Said" as she types this chapter- This song partially inspired this part of the fic. I was going to have something happen to Botan, but now I have this music playing in my head as I think about Youko running & searching for her. It's mainly when they sing, "All the things she said, all the things she said, running through my head, running through my head, running through my head." Anywayz, time to end that cliffhanger!
((I usually listen to T.A.T.U. during dramatic moments & M.C. Hammer during fighting. Not that it's important...)) ((NOTE-I thought that I put this up this morning before I went to bed. I went to bed at 6:00 AM. Well, sorry that it's a day late, but here it is!))
Youko runs through the dark alleyways, following her trail of blood and her scent. He glances around, his eyes widened a bit from panic. A memory flashes through his head about the last time a demon had attempted to attack her. He was able to protect her, though she still got a small gash on one of her arms. There was blood that time too and he fussed over it a little. She just laughed and told him to stop worrying and that it would take more than that to hurt her, also calling him a worrywart.
He wasn't normally the type to show fear, unless it came to her. She was the only person that mattered to him, of course, she was the only person he really knew. All the more reason he wanted her around.
Other fond memories with her arise in his mind. It was strange... he remembers people saying that your life flashes through your eyes before you die, but they never said anything about having your life flashing through your eyes before a close friend dies. He also wonders if Botan's life was flashing through her eyes too, though he feared that.
Youko reaches a door, finding that the trail lead to it. He grabs the handle with a clawed hand, turns it, and thrusts it open, making it crash into the wall. He enters and glares around, the scent of Botan's blood heavy in the air. His jaw tightens before a low growl escapes him, his ears flicking back. He was definitely not a happy fox demon now.
He spots a hatch on the floor and hastily makes his way to it. He pulls it open and peers inside to see a staircase. The scent of blood became stronger and he growls, his muscles tightening. The demon quickly descends the staircase, nearly leaping straight to the bottom from anxiousness. Upon reaching the bottom, Youko looks for any sign of the demons or Botan. He spots the demons almost immediately, but where was Botan?
Youko growls, "Where is she? I know you have her in this room somewhere... I can smell her blood."
One of the demons takes a step forward, "Why are you involved with a human anyway?"
The fox demon glares at him harshly, "None of your business. Answer my question: Where is she?"
The demon steps aside and Youko could see Botan's body lying on the floor behind them. What scared him is that she wasn't moving and with her back to him, he couldn't see her face.
The fur on his tail fluffs out a bit as the demon steps back in front of her. Youko glares at him harshly, baring his teeth, "You BASTARDS!!!"
The demon smirks, "You'll have to fight us before you get her. She's your prize. I doubt that you're even strong enough to save the girl-!" He's abruptly shut up by a kick in the face.
Youko blinks, having only seen a black blur strike the demon. His eyes widen slightly when he sees who it is, "Kuronue?"
Kuronue glares at the demon, "Shut your mouth already. You talk too much." He glances over at Youko, "Stop staring and start fighting, or would you rather your little friend die?"
A renewed rage bubbles up inside of the kitsune as he pulls a seed from his hair. He transfers some of his you-ki into the seed and it sprouts, wrapping itself around his arm. Branches grow from it and on each branch was a mouth full of sharp teeth, which dripped acidic saliva. The name of this plant? The Death Tree. He looks over at Kuronue, "I wouldn't move. These mouths go after whatever moves."
Kuronue nods and stays completely silent and still, watching the plant.
The plant's mouths slowly inch towards their prey, drops of saliva dripping from their jaws and steaming upon hitting the floor, making small holes. The demons try to run away, but the plant catches them and eats their flesh as it melts off of them. The plant finishes quickly and withers when Youko cuts off his you-ki supply.
Youko surveys the rather gory scene for a short moment before running over to Botan, immediately falling to his knees, skidding a bit. He turns her to face him and his heart stops, "No... Botan...."
Upon touching her skin, he knew that something was wrong but it was her face that convinced him. Her skin was cold and pale. She was not breathing. Her heart, not beating.... He stares into her eyes, his breath caught in his throat. Her eyes, which had always shone with life and happiness, were now lifeless and dull.
He just stares at her, trembling, "She's dead... she can't be..." He bows his head a little, his eyes wide and his mouth gaped. It seemed that he died with her, or his happiness anyway.
He reaches down and gently takes her hand into his, caressing it. He lightly runs his thumb over the back of her hand tenderly, his eyes filling with tears. The denial of her death had ended and the realization hit him hard. He would be alone from now on... the idea of it seemed so strange and foreign to him now. That's how big of an impact Botan had made on his life. To think about how he would be like if he hadn't met her... it almost made his blood run cold. Her death had left him broken.
Kuronue watches, almost feeling pity. Almost. He sighs, "You're crying over her like she was your mate."
Youko glances back at him before looking back down at her, wincing, "She... she was a very close friend...." He closes his eyes as the tears begin to fall, "I failed her... I promised her that I would protect her when we moved here... but now she lies here... dead... I failed...."
"No, you haven't."
Youko freezes and turns around, seeing what looked like a baby (not a toddler yet) floating in the air. Another woman floated next to him, seated on an oar. His tear-filled eyes widen a bit, "Who are you?"
Kuronue stares at the strange newcomer, also wondering the same thing. It was not everyday that you see a floating baby that can talk.
The baby seems to smile, though it was hard to tell with the pacifier in his mouth, "Howdy, the name's Koenma. I'm from Reikai, or rather the Spirit World. I'm one of the –ahem- most powerful individuals there, second only to my father. I've come for a very special reason. Botan is a very special girl because of her abnormally high sixth sense. In other words, she can see ghosts."
Youko seems stunned, "So that's why... she claimed to see a girl sitting at the bar. The girl was a ghost...!" He looks down, ashamed, "And yet I said that she was probably only seeing things. I owe her an apology, but it's too late now."
Koenma shakes his index finger, "It's not too late. Her soul is still here and she wants to talk to you."
The kitsune's eyes widen when he sees a Botan fade into view in front of him, "Botan..."
Botan kneels down, "Kurama, you haven't failed. You tried your best and my death was unexpected. Besides..." She smiles, "It's not like you could've followed me into the ladies room anyway right?"
This receives a weak smile out of the fox demon, "Guess not... but about the girl-!"
"Don't worry about it. I thought I was going crazy too," she interrupts, still smiling.
Koenma looks at his watch, "Botan, we need to get going. You need to be trained on how to be a ferrygirl."
Youko blinks, "A ferrygirl?"
Koenma nods, "A ferrygirl ferries souls to Reikai where they await the trial that determines which 'way' they go."
Botan also seems shocked at first, but she recovers and smiles brightly, "Wow, quite an important job if I do say so myself!" She looks at Youko, "I'll make sure that I ferry your soul, when it comes time to."
Youko smiles, "I would be honored, if you did."
Koenma frowns, "At this time, I would like to mention something. I am going to erase both of your memories of each other, along with anyone else who has seen you two together. It's for the best I assure you."
Youko and Botan look at him, panicked, "WHAT?!?!"
Koenma sighs, "It's a rule I'm afraid. The inhabitants of Reikai and the demons of Makai are fierce enemies. They are not to interact with each other, especially in your case as friends. That could put unneeded strain on the both of you." He smiles cheerily, "But I'm sure that you two will meet again someday under different circumstances. By that time, things should be safer."
Botan frowns and sighs, "Looks like this is goodbye, at least for awhile..." She smiled, but she felt like crying on the inside.
Youko, knowing Botan all-too-well, knew that her smile was just a mask. He also smiles and nods, his being mask as well, "I suppose so... I just wish things hadn't turned out this way..." His smile falters slightly.
She nods before floating up into the air, floating next to the ferrygirl. She smiles sadly and waves at Youko, who gave a small wave back. She disappears with the ferrygirl.
Koenma looks from where the girls had been before looking at Youko, smiling, "I have a feeling that I'm going to be seeing you again, under different circumstances. Now, to erase everyone's memory. Your memory will be wiped clean as soon as I leave." He waves, "Well, I guess I'll probably be seeing you later. Don't get into TOO much mischief!" He disappears.
Youko struggles to cling to his memories of Botan, but they slip away despite his attempts. He blinks suddenly and glances around, "Where the hell am I?" He looks at Kuronue, "And who are you?" His eyes narrow slightly.
Kuronue smiles, "The name's Kuronue. To tell you the truth, I don't even know why I'm down here either. But, I've heard of your skills as a thief, also as a fighter. I want to know if you want an alliance."
Youko stands up, eyeing him, "An alliance? Why should I ally myself with you?"
Kuronue smirks, "Because my friend, I know all of the best places to plunder. Though, it would take two people to break in and get the valuables out. We would be the most feared thieves in all of Makai and the most famous. Now, what is your answer?"
Youko thinks it over a bit before smirking, having changed without having Botan's influence over him, "Very well then...."
The raven demon holds out his hand, "Partners?"
Youko grips his hand firmly, shaking it, "Partners."
Kuronue smiles, "Let's go then. I'll buy you a drink." He begins walking towards the door.
Youko begins to walk before glancing behind him, furrowing his brows. He oddly felt like he lost something or someone, but he couldn't figure out what. The room had a familiar scent to it, causing an uneasy feeling to sweep over him. He sighs before shaking his head, following Kuronue.
From this day forward, Youko and Kuronue were partners in crime and became legendary thieves, Youko's legend the most famous by far. Botan became one of the most accomplished ferrygirls and one of Koenma's favorites as well. These two became legends in different ways, though each still wonders exactly what was missing. Hopefully Fate shall act kindly towards them so they will meet again, one day... under different circumstances....
END (or is it?)
KopyKat: Wow, I'm actually finished this fic! –dances around- =o= Well, it's been fun. I hope everyone enjoyed this fic because I sure did. Though, I have been working on this one chapter at least 9 hours now. =X.x= Don't know how I did it either...
KopyKat: -is listening to "All the Things She Said" as she types this chapter- This song partially inspired this part of the fic. I was going to have something happen to Botan, but now I have this music playing in my head as I think about Youko running & searching for her. It's mainly when they sing, "All the things she said, all the things she said, running through my head, running through my head, running through my head." Anywayz, time to end that cliffhanger!
((I usually listen to T.A.T.U. during dramatic moments & M.C. Hammer during fighting. Not that it's important...)) ((NOTE-I thought that I put this up this morning before I went to bed. I went to bed at 6:00 AM. Well, sorry that it's a day late, but here it is!))
Youko runs through the dark alleyways, following her trail of blood and her scent. He glances around, his eyes widened a bit from panic. A memory flashes through his head about the last time a demon had attempted to attack her. He was able to protect her, though she still got a small gash on one of her arms. There was blood that time too and he fussed over it a little. She just laughed and told him to stop worrying and that it would take more than that to hurt her, also calling him a worrywart.
He wasn't normally the type to show fear, unless it came to her. She was the only person that mattered to him, of course, she was the only person he really knew. All the more reason he wanted her around.
Other fond memories with her arise in his mind. It was strange... he remembers people saying that your life flashes through your eyes before you die, but they never said anything about having your life flashing through your eyes before a close friend dies. He also wonders if Botan's life was flashing through her eyes too, though he feared that.
Youko reaches a door, finding that the trail lead to it. He grabs the handle with a clawed hand, turns it, and thrusts it open, making it crash into the wall. He enters and glares around, the scent of Botan's blood heavy in the air. His jaw tightens before a low growl escapes him, his ears flicking back. He was definitely not a happy fox demon now.
He spots a hatch on the floor and hastily makes his way to it. He pulls it open and peers inside to see a staircase. The scent of blood became stronger and he growls, his muscles tightening. The demon quickly descends the staircase, nearly leaping straight to the bottom from anxiousness. Upon reaching the bottom, Youko looks for any sign of the demons or Botan. He spots the demons almost immediately, but where was Botan?
Youko growls, "Where is she? I know you have her in this room somewhere... I can smell her blood."
One of the demons takes a step forward, "Why are you involved with a human anyway?"
The fox demon glares at him harshly, "None of your business. Answer my question: Where is she?"
The demon steps aside and Youko could see Botan's body lying on the floor behind them. What scared him is that she wasn't moving and with her back to him, he couldn't see her face.
The fur on his tail fluffs out a bit as the demon steps back in front of her. Youko glares at him harshly, baring his teeth, "You BASTARDS!!!"
The demon smirks, "You'll have to fight us before you get her. She's your prize. I doubt that you're even strong enough to save the girl-!" He's abruptly shut up by a kick in the face.
Youko blinks, having only seen a black blur strike the demon. His eyes widen slightly when he sees who it is, "Kuronue?"
Kuronue glares at the demon, "Shut your mouth already. You talk too much." He glances over at Youko, "Stop staring and start fighting, or would you rather your little friend die?"
A renewed rage bubbles up inside of the kitsune as he pulls a seed from his hair. He transfers some of his you-ki into the seed and it sprouts, wrapping itself around his arm. Branches grow from it and on each branch was a mouth full of sharp teeth, which dripped acidic saliva. The name of this plant? The Death Tree. He looks over at Kuronue, "I wouldn't move. These mouths go after whatever moves."
Kuronue nods and stays completely silent and still, watching the plant.
The plant's mouths slowly inch towards their prey, drops of saliva dripping from their jaws and steaming upon hitting the floor, making small holes. The demons try to run away, but the plant catches them and eats their flesh as it melts off of them. The plant finishes quickly and withers when Youko cuts off his you-ki supply.
Youko surveys the rather gory scene for a short moment before running over to Botan, immediately falling to his knees, skidding a bit. He turns her to face him and his heart stops, "No... Botan...."
Upon touching her skin, he knew that something was wrong but it was her face that convinced him. Her skin was cold and pale. She was not breathing. Her heart, not beating.... He stares into her eyes, his breath caught in his throat. Her eyes, which had always shone with life and happiness, were now lifeless and dull.
He just stares at her, trembling, "She's dead... she can't be..." He bows his head a little, his eyes wide and his mouth gaped. It seemed that he died with her, or his happiness anyway.
He reaches down and gently takes her hand into his, caressing it. He lightly runs his thumb over the back of her hand tenderly, his eyes filling with tears. The denial of her death had ended and the realization hit him hard. He would be alone from now on... the idea of it seemed so strange and foreign to him now. That's how big of an impact Botan had made on his life. To think about how he would be like if he hadn't met her... it almost made his blood run cold. Her death had left him broken.
Kuronue watches, almost feeling pity. Almost. He sighs, "You're crying over her like she was your mate."
Youko glances back at him before looking back down at her, wincing, "She... she was a very close friend...." He closes his eyes as the tears begin to fall, "I failed her... I promised her that I would protect her when we moved here... but now she lies here... dead... I failed...."
"No, you haven't."
Youko freezes and turns around, seeing what looked like a baby (not a toddler yet) floating in the air. Another woman floated next to him, seated on an oar. His tear-filled eyes widen a bit, "Who are you?"
Kuronue stares at the strange newcomer, also wondering the same thing. It was not everyday that you see a floating baby that can talk.
The baby seems to smile, though it was hard to tell with the pacifier in his mouth, "Howdy, the name's Koenma. I'm from Reikai, or rather the Spirit World. I'm one of the –ahem- most powerful individuals there, second only to my father. I've come for a very special reason. Botan is a very special girl because of her abnormally high sixth sense. In other words, she can see ghosts."
Youko seems stunned, "So that's why... she claimed to see a girl sitting at the bar. The girl was a ghost...!" He looks down, ashamed, "And yet I said that she was probably only seeing things. I owe her an apology, but it's too late now."
Koenma shakes his index finger, "It's not too late. Her soul is still here and she wants to talk to you."
The kitsune's eyes widen when he sees a Botan fade into view in front of him, "Botan..."
Botan kneels down, "Kurama, you haven't failed. You tried your best and my death was unexpected. Besides..." She smiles, "It's not like you could've followed me into the ladies room anyway right?"
This receives a weak smile out of the fox demon, "Guess not... but about the girl-!"
"Don't worry about it. I thought I was going crazy too," she interrupts, still smiling.
Koenma looks at his watch, "Botan, we need to get going. You need to be trained on how to be a ferrygirl."
Youko blinks, "A ferrygirl?"
Koenma nods, "A ferrygirl ferries souls to Reikai where they await the trial that determines which 'way' they go."
Botan also seems shocked at first, but she recovers and smiles brightly, "Wow, quite an important job if I do say so myself!" She looks at Youko, "I'll make sure that I ferry your soul, when it comes time to."
Youko smiles, "I would be honored, if you did."
Koenma frowns, "At this time, I would like to mention something. I am going to erase both of your memories of each other, along with anyone else who has seen you two together. It's for the best I assure you."
Youko and Botan look at him, panicked, "WHAT?!?!"
Koenma sighs, "It's a rule I'm afraid. The inhabitants of Reikai and the demons of Makai are fierce enemies. They are not to interact with each other, especially in your case as friends. That could put unneeded strain on the both of you." He smiles cheerily, "But I'm sure that you two will meet again someday under different circumstances. By that time, things should be safer."
Botan frowns and sighs, "Looks like this is goodbye, at least for awhile..." She smiled, but she felt like crying on the inside.
Youko, knowing Botan all-too-well, knew that her smile was just a mask. He also smiles and nods, his being mask as well, "I suppose so... I just wish things hadn't turned out this way..." His smile falters slightly.
She nods before floating up into the air, floating next to the ferrygirl. She smiles sadly and waves at Youko, who gave a small wave back. She disappears with the ferrygirl.
Koenma looks from where the girls had been before looking at Youko, smiling, "I have a feeling that I'm going to be seeing you again, under different circumstances. Now, to erase everyone's memory. Your memory will be wiped clean as soon as I leave." He waves, "Well, I guess I'll probably be seeing you later. Don't get into TOO much mischief!" He disappears.
Youko struggles to cling to his memories of Botan, but they slip away despite his attempts. He blinks suddenly and glances around, "Where the hell am I?" He looks at Kuronue, "And who are you?" His eyes narrow slightly.
Kuronue smiles, "The name's Kuronue. To tell you the truth, I don't even know why I'm down here either. But, I've heard of your skills as a thief, also as a fighter. I want to know if you want an alliance."
Youko stands up, eyeing him, "An alliance? Why should I ally myself with you?"
Kuronue smirks, "Because my friend, I know all of the best places to plunder. Though, it would take two people to break in and get the valuables out. We would be the most feared thieves in all of Makai and the most famous. Now, what is your answer?"
Youko thinks it over a bit before smirking, having changed without having Botan's influence over him, "Very well then...."
The raven demon holds out his hand, "Partners?"
Youko grips his hand firmly, shaking it, "Partners."
Kuronue smiles, "Let's go then. I'll buy you a drink." He begins walking towards the door.
Youko begins to walk before glancing behind him, furrowing his brows. He oddly felt like he lost something or someone, but he couldn't figure out what. The room had a familiar scent to it, causing an uneasy feeling to sweep over him. He sighs before shaking his head, following Kuronue.
From this day forward, Youko and Kuronue were partners in crime and became legendary thieves, Youko's legend the most famous by far. Botan became one of the most accomplished ferrygirls and one of Koenma's favorites as well. These two became legends in different ways, though each still wonders exactly what was missing. Hopefully Fate shall act kindly towards them so they will meet again, one day... under different circumstances....
END (or is it?)
KopyKat: Wow, I'm actually finished this fic! –dances around- =o= Well, it's been fun. I hope everyone enjoyed this fic because I sure did. Though, I have been working on this one chapter at least 9 hours now. =X.x= Don't know how I did it either...