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AN: "Through the Looking Glass" has been my fastest updated story in all history of my stories. I am even prouder that it has received rather excellent reviews. Now I hope that constructive criticism is awarded to this installment as well. Enjoy, everyone!

This chapter is dedicated to the first four reviewers: Callispi-sensei, JD-sama, Roses-sensei, and Kudachi-san.

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Through the Looking Glass

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Chapter 8: Gateway Mirror

"Hey, Kurama, we need to--"

A hand quickly clamped over Yusuke's mouth as the delinquent and Keiko reentered the estate. Keiko, the one who silenced Yusuke, tugged her boyfriend to the side where they would not be seen or heard. They quietly scampered towards their private chambers. "Sh, Yusuke! We shouldn't interrupt them!" the girl whispered.

"You're right," Yusuke nodded, remembering what they saw when they returned. Kurama and Botan had been kissing, holding each other fondly in each other's arms. It was quite a sight: a glowing white spirit holding an equally fair princess in a fairytale garden. Urameshi was not sure how long they had been like that, but he was quite sure Kurama would be upset if someone intruded. 'With how long he's been hiding his feelings, someone would have hell to pay if he got interrupted,' Yusuke thought with a slight cringe.

"Come on," Keiko murmured, tugging young Urameshi directionally. "We'll wait for those two in Botan-hime's chambers. Besides, I'll need to arrange these flowers we got for her."

Back in the garden, after another tender moment, the fox apparition pulled the princess away and stared into her surprised amethyst eyes. Kurama felt rather pleased with the kiss, now wanting another from Princess Botan. But he had to hear the maiden's change of mind. "Do you believe my feelings for you now, Botan?" Kurama whispered.

"I--" A blush crept across Botan's face, the young princess further separating herself from the demon. She walked a little ways from Kurama, a thought nagging the back of Botan's mind. Her notions were scolding her.

'How could you kiss him? You were only to fall in love with him. If you move any further with your emotions, everything will have been in vain. You must not say your understanding. Not yet.'

Seeing the princess' dazed expression, Kurama began worrying; actually, he started worrying when she had left his side. Did Botan yet not believe him about his feelings? "Botan-hime?"

"Kurama-san, I said I loved you, yes," Botan muttered, looking into Kurama's ardent golden eyes. "But I cannot believe your love for me; I cannot accept your confession." When she saw sorrow fill Kurama's expression, Botan felt her heart twist and ache, but she knew she could not relent. 'I cannot accept his love until the right time comes.'

"Why can't you accept my love, Botan-hime?" Kurama dully questioned, returning the formal tone. He looked like a rejected dog, his white ears and tail drooping.

Botan wanted to run back into Kurama's arms and chase away his sadness. She wanted to be embraced by the radiant demon again and feel safe and fearless; but she could not. She could not without ruining everything. Instead, the princess said, "I cannot accept your love, Kurama-san, because it is not right for me to do so. It is not in my place to accept you love."

Without warning, a portal suddenly opened behind Botan, a shriveled hand reaching out from it. "Ah, there she is!"

"Botan-hime!" Kurama would have immediately grabbed her out of harms way; however, another force held the apparition from rescuing the princess. In his panic, all the fox demon could do was yell out, "Botan-hime!"

In an instant, the princess disappeared, as did Kurama's happiness and level thinking. His warm golden eyes instantly became cold and deadly. A ferocious growl echoed throughout the Hanagami estate; the entire palace trembled and cowered in fear.

"Kurama, what's going on?" Yusuke demanded as he ran into the garden. Keiko was not far behind him. "We could hear you all the way on the other side of the palace! What happened?"

"They kidnapped her!" Kurama growled as he ran off in search.

"Wait a second, Kurama!" Yusuke ordered, grabbing the fox's arm and halting him. "What's going on? And who kidnapped who?"

"The demons," Kurama hissed through his teeth, "the ones from our time, the ones who brought us here: they just kidnapped Botan-hime, and they're going to kill her if we quickly do not find her. Now!"

Suddenly, in the background, the soldiers began to yell, "Open the main gates! Taka-sama and his army have arrived! Open the main gates!"

"Where is Botan-hime?" Lord Taka demanded hurriedly as soon as he stepped onto the manor grounds. The sight of the new young man startled Kurama, Yusuke, and Keiko, but they quickly overcame their surprise. There was nothing dangerous about the new guest.

A bewildered Lord Hanagami started, "Taka-sama, she is in the garden with--"

"She's been kidnapped by the fugitive demons," Kurama growled in cold fury, stomping towards the new guest. He jerked his arm forcibly from Yusuke's binding grip. "And we must quickly rescue her before it is too late."

"You're here as well, Kurama?"

The demon looked down and met glaring crimson pools. "Hiei, I was wondering if you arrived with Taka-sama."

"Yukina and the idiot are here as well," Hiei added, pointing behind him.

"I heard that, Hiei!" Kazuma huffed angrily. Although the young man liked nothing more than pound the fire demon into the ground, Kazuma did not argue further, sensing the situation contained no room for joking or teasing threats.

"Keiko-san? You're here as well?" Yukina inquired as she ran towards the human girl. The finely dressed girls embraced each other in relief, glad to finally see a familiar female. "At least you're safe."

"What do you mean by that, Yukina-chan?" Keiko wondered, pulling away suddenly.

"Shizuru-san has been taken captive," Yukina hastily explained. Saying Shizuru's fate was hard for Yukina, as the maiden looked to the human woman as an older sister. "The demons have robbed her of her memories and are using her."

"She's the leading general for the Demon Army," Kazuma bluntly said, his heart aching at the thought. Although the young man knew his sister had not betrayed them, Kazuma could not help but feel somewhat abandoned and ashamed of Shizuru's recent actions.

"A general? She's a general for those guys? But how did that happen?" Yusuke and Keiko stared at each other in surprise.

"No doubt they brainwashed her during our time here. Shizuru-san has a descent amount of Spirit Energy, so they're using her," Kurama snapped, very eager to speed off. There was no time for idle chatter. He had to rescue Princess Botan, at all costs!

"We must rescue Botan-hime!" Lord Hanagami shouted, voicing Kurama's exact thoughts.

"But we have no idea where she's been taken," Yusuke reasoned, letting out a sigh. He raked his hand through his hair. "And with the kind of power those demons have, they can be anywhere at anytime."

"No," Hiei answered, tapping his forehead. "I entered their thoughts the last time we encountered. And if those bastards want their damn wish, they need to remain in this time period."

Everyone then turned his or her attention to the fire demon. "Why is that?"

"There's something those demons can only get here," Hiei answered, crossing his arms. His blood-red eyes darkened at the thoughts he had intercepted from the kidnappers. "They're not going to leave this time until they've gotten what they want."

When Hiei did not elaborate further, Yusuke questioned, "And that is?"

"That girl."

"Botan-hime." Taka slapped his head at the obvious answer. Why had he not realized it sooner? 'I already knew why the wanted her. Idiot of a man.'

"What are you saying, Hiei?" Kazuma asked, still confused about the situation. "They could've kidnapped Botan in the present and saved themselves all this trouble."

"No," Hiei disagreed, "You don't get it; it's not the same."

Kurama did not need any further explanations nor did he want to hear anymore. Without another thought, the fox sped alone away and out of the Hanagami estate. The Spirit Detectives, Lord Taka, and Lord Hanagami pursued Kurama as soon as they realized he was missing. For miles Kurama raced through the forests and the fields, Hiei not far behind him. The others with Lord Taka and Lord Hanagami's forces followed the two demons by horseback.

"You should have stayed at your estate, Hanagami-sama," Taka advised, riding beside his old mentor. "It would have been safer for yourself and your clan. You should know I plan bringing Botan-hime back alive and well."

"I know," the gruff but kind warlord replied, "I know your intentions very well, Taka-sama, but I have a feeling that Fate has other plans. The real question is why are you here, Taka-sama? I told you when the ordeal began you did not have to assist us. You were free from any pact between our clans."

Taking a quick glance at Yukina from behind (Yukina and Keiko had badgered the boys to bring them along), Taka responded with a small smile, "Botan-hime is a good friend of mine, Hangami-sama, and she is also a good friend of Yukina-sama's. I cannot allow these demons to do as they will, especially at the cost of Botan-hime's life. That would be the greatest dishonor."

"We have already traveled far," Hanagami noticed, changing the subject. He did not want to dwell too long about his daughter and her cruel fate. "I am surprised the Demon Army has not met us yet. They are quite wary of our every move; we should have engaged them already."

The younger clan leader nodded in agreement, "Yes, we should have a few marks back. So we must be on guard because they shall likely attack us now if ever." And like how the two clan-leaders had expected, at the edge of the wood the Demon Army met them in greeting. The combined forces of the Hanagami and Kinomoto clan came to a halt and stared down at their demonic foes.

"Well, fancy meeting you here," the Head General chuckled amusedly, sending chills down everyone's spine. Although he had already seen Shizuru before, Kazuma felt sickened and scared at the sight of his warped sister. The other Spirit Detectives looked past Shizuru and only saw her menacing aura.

"Get out of the way," Kurama growled fiercely, his silver tail lashing impatiently. His golden eyes were piercing and extremely deadly; there was no sign of Kurama's kinder, human nature. "I am not in a merciful mood, and you're someone I would like to avoid killing."

"Like the masters predicted, you have come to rescue Botan-hime, have you not?" Shizuru smirked, casually tossing back her long hair. She disregarded Kurama's threat and laughed coldly at the Spirit Detectives. "Well, under my masters' commands, anyone that comes for her shall not pass this point alive." Shizuru unsheathed her sword by her side and pointed towards the opposing forces.

Obeying the silent order, the army of demons charged ruthlessly towards the humans. Lord Taka and Lord Hanagami gave their soldiers orders to engage their foe, and the Spirit Detectives and numerous samurai advanced on the demons fearlessly. Without hesitation, Kurama summoned his Rose Whip, slashed through any opposition, and disappeared into the masses of demon attackers.

The fox had only one goal in mind, and he would not be held back.

'Botan.'

Keiko and Yukina, seeing the battle nearing, commanded their horses to retreat to the back of Taka and Hanagami's forces. Yukimura made it safely, however, Yukina's animal reared up in fear and threw off its rider. When Keiko finally noticed Yukina's absence, it was too late. Evil apparitions were already charging towards the ice maiden. "Yukina-chan!"

Unable to move, Yukina closed her eyes in fear.

CLANG!

Feeling no pain, the young lady tentatively opened her eyes and gasped. Lord Taka stood before her, his sword drawn and holding back the demons' attacks. With swift movements and a surprising amount of Spirit Energy, the young lord cut away at the apparitions and pulled Yukina away to safety. All the ice maiden could do was follow as quickly as her feet would allow.

'Run!'

'Come on, follow me!'

'No! Leave her alone!'

'I'm sorry I couldn't set you free.'

Yukina, her crimson eyes watering, stared at the young man that stirred her past memories. Why did he do this to her? Why did he make her remember moments she wished to forget? 'Am I not supposed to forget those horrible days?'

When the pair finally reached the rear forces (minimum fighting took place here), Taka and Yukina came to halt. Panting heavily, Taka gazed at Yukina with sparkling cerulean eyes and smiled gratefully. He had saved Yukina's life, and Taka thanked the gods that nothing had happened to his maiden.

'My maiden?!'

Blushing and not wanting Yukina to notice, Taka quickly grabbed Yukina's hand once more and pulled her to a safer location. "Yukina-sama, I need you to retreat towards the flank of the forces," Taka whispered quietly, never turning his back to face her. "Take another horse and retreat with Keiko-san."

'I'm going to set you free. I promise!'

'I'll keep you safe!'

"But--"

'I can't stand what they do to you. You don't deserve any of this!'

'Run away!'

"You'll be much safer there, Yukina-sama."

Yukina suddenly pulled her hand out of Taka's and yelled stubbornly, "No! I'm not going to leave your side!"

Taka froze in mid-step, turned, and stared at Yukina in surprise. The young lady, her head bowed, was trembling as if she were sobbing. Taka had no idea what to do. They were in danger on the battlefield, but Taka could see Yukina needed to say something. 'She can tell me when she's safe.'

Taking her hand again, Taka said firmly, "Yukina-sama, you are very brave and kind, but I cannot allow you to remain on the battlefield. It is unsafe, and Hiei-sama and Kazuma-sama would be very displeased if you were hurt."

Snatching her hand out of Taka's own, Yukina yelled, "And it's all right if you're in danger, Taka-sama? Is it all right if you're killed?" She glared at the warrior in front of her, crystal tears threatening to paint her rosy cheeks. "I don't want you to risk your life, Taka-sama! I don't want you to die because you're protecting someone else!"

'I don't want you to die like he did!'

Taka was at loss of words. He did not know how to answer Yukina's cries.

Towards the center of the battlefield, flesh and blood battled flesh and blood as Shizuru unfalteringly attacked Kazuma. Defending himself with his Spirit Sword, Kazuma debated with himself and his sister about his right to attack. "This isn't you, 'nee-san!" the young man argued, clashing swords with his sister once more. "Why would you want to help these bad guys? You hate people like them. You hate people like this! You aren't like this at all!"

"How do you know what I'm supposed to be like?!" Shizuru snapped, taking another slash at her "brother". Swinging her right arm and sword, she shattered one of Kazuma's swords and aimed for some blood. "How do you know who I am?!" Kazuma fortunately saw through his sister's plan, raised his second sword for defense and knocked away the general's blade. The young man quickly replaced his lost Spirit Sword and pushed Shizuru a safe distance away. Regrettably, he placed a wound on her left arm and middle torso in the process.

"I'm your little brother, so of course I know who you are!" Kazuma shouted, preparing himself for another of Shizuru's attack. He wanted to bandage her wounds but knew better than to near her. "I'm your flesh and blood, 'nee-san. I've lived with you all my life. Of course I know what you're like!"

Ignoring the sight of her blood or the throbbing pain, Shizuru bitter laughed at the Spirit Detective's words. The young woman shed pieces of her heavy armor, her darkened spiritual aura flickering about her. Removing her helmet, honey-colored strands dangled in the wind, fearsome tentacles surrounding a merciless face. "Feh, you think you know me? Ha, you have no idea who I am. Did you know my pain?"

"What?"

Shizuru's empty brown eyes bored into Kazuma's soul; he felt himself paralyzed by her heart's void. He wished only now that he did not have a sixth sense. "Did you know how sad I was, 'brother'? How sad I am?"

"I--" Waves of guilt crashed down on the younger Kuwabara. The thought his sister being in pain had just occurred to him; that was the tragic thing. Why had he not realized his sister suffered? Why did he not realize Shizuru was not only his loving caretaker but also a fellow human being with a tender heart? 'I'm sorry, 'nee-san. I'm sorry I didn't know your hurt so much.'

"You'll never know who I really am!" Shizuru yelled, speedily charging towards Kazuma. With her sword in hand and Spirit Energy building within the blade, Shizuru was a powerful force ready to kill. Her set face declared her readiness to slay her enemy, her brother.

Kazuma, frozen in fear from Shizuru's evil aura, had no time to react.

"Watch out, idiot!" Hiei quickly pushed Kazuma to the side while the demon blocked Shizuru's powerful attack. Using his own Demon Energy, Hiei created a barrier around himself and the human lad, blocking the aftermath of Shizuru's powers and sending the woman flying back. The Demon Amy general would have eaten dirt if she had not flipped gracefully in the air and landed on her feet. Hiei growled and cursed Shizuru's aerobic abilities. "If you can't focus while fighting her," Hiei snapped, glaring at Kazuma, "then let someone else fight her."

"Like you, little one?" the brainwashed human laughed from a distance. She removed stray strands from her face while smiling sickeningly. "Do you think you can defeat me?"

"Perhaps," the fire demon retorted, "if you're worthy of my time."

"Then come at me if you dare!" Shizuru mocked, getting into a fighting stance. Hiei accepted her challenge, disappeared one second, reappeared another, and began slashing at her; however, Shizuru easily matched his attacks.

'Damn her sixth sense!' Hiei cursed, seeking a weakness in the human's defense. He tried and tried breaking through her seemingly impenetrable guard, but Shizuru saw through all of his attacks. Shizuru seemed to be reading Hiei's mind.

"Damn it!"

Kazuma watched the battle a little ways off, praying for his sister's life. He knew perfectly well Hiei was holding back from killing her; at least Hiei was trying. But if Shizuru could not be defeated with swordplay, the fire demon would resort to his Black Dragon. Suddenly, Kazuma's mind was bombarded with alien thoughts.

'What do you want from me?' Shizuru, strapped down to a chair, was trapped in an empty black room. The only light was shining above her head like a spot light. Taking glance at his older sister, Kazuma noticed scratches and bruises along Shizuru's face. The young man growled, furious someone had harmed his sister. The scene shifted slightly but Shizuru and the demons' positions were no different.

'I'd never join monsters like you,' the young woman spat, disgusted by the demons' offer. She was still bound against the chair, but some of her injuries had healed. 'Why the hell would I want to take another's life?'

The demons cackled amusedly and annoyed Kazuma to his last nerves. 'Because we have something you want.'

Shizuru felt her heart skip a beat and her mouth grow numb as another figure entered the light. 'Sakyou?!'

Suddenly, a group of apparitions attacked Sakyou relentlessly, causing Shizuru to gasp in horror. She tried freeing herself, desperately wanting to help Sakyou, but she could not escape. There was only one thing she could do. 'Please stop hurting him!' Shizuru screamed, fighting against her bonds. Her reddened face was soaked with tears. 'If I do what you say, will you keep him alive? If agree to do what you want, will you stop hurting him?'

The leading demons smirked. 'Agreed.'

The scene shifted once more, and Kazuma found his sister lying atop a futon within a darkened bedroom. She was obviously in a manor, similar to Lord Taka's estate, however the atmosphere was considerably darker and void of any warm emotions. Along the walls and room, hellish figurines, weapons, and armor decorated the room, adding further to the foreboding milieu. Kazuma returned his attention to Shizuru when he noticed her stir.

'Where am I?' the young woman groaned, waking from her uneasy slumber. 'Who am I?'

'Shizuru-sama, you are awake,' Sakyou smiled, brushing some stray strands of hair from his superior's face. 'I am glad. You have been in a feverish sleep for three days now. I was beginning to fear for your life.'

'My name is Shizuru?'

'You're Shizuru-sama, the Head General of the Demon Army,' Sakyou informed, bowing his head slightly in respect. 'The healers said your memory would be somewhat foggy as the poison from the assassins were powerful. But I am here, Shizuru-sama, to make sure you regain your memories and strength.'

'That bastard,' Kazuma snapped. 'What a lying bastard.'

'And who are you?'

'My name is Sakyou, and I am your second-in-command.'

Resting her head on her subordinate's lap, Shizuru questioned sleepily, 'I am so lost. Sakyou, what should I do? What should I do to regain my lost memories? Why can't I remember you or anything about my past life?'

'Shizuru-sama.' A tear slid down the young man's cheek and sprinkled across Shizuru's face. She gasped at the wet feeling and stared into Sakyou's sad eyes.

'Why are you crying for me, Sakyou? Do you know something about me that makes you cry?'

'Shizuru-sama, do no worry about your past,' Sakyou comforted, fighting back his own tears, 'for that you cannot change. Just worry about your future and the future of your army; that is all you need to be concerned about. And please remember I will always be by your side.'

When Kazuma returned from his visions, the battle between Shizuru and Hiei was at its ends. Kuwabara gaped in horror. Hiei was about to make a final, fatal blow, but someone else got in the way. A sickening slice filled the air as crimson blood painted the grassy ground.

"S-Shizuru-sama," Sakyou gasped, breathing heavily. "Are--Are you all r-right, S-Shizuru-sama?"

Shizuru shook her head, her eyes wide with shock and terror. She was living a nightmare now. "No--oh gods--Sakyou!" Without a moment's hesitation, Shizuru caught Sakyou in her arms and gently laid him on the ground. At the sight of his gruesome wound, the young woman quickly tore some cloth and tried stalling the bleeding; her acts were in vain.

"I-I am s-sorry, Shizuru-sama," Sakyou apologized, his breaths growing ever more shallow. His armor clattered with his rattling breaths. Shizuru fought back her tears, knowing they would only blur her vision. She needed to save Sakyou. "I am--I am so sorry, Shizuru-sama, that I could--could not protect you."

"Sh," Shizuru hushed, trying to smile. "Sakyou, save your strength. You need to heal yourself."

The soldier ignored his commander's words and continued with his own. He knew perfectly well his time was short. "I-I wanted to protect you, S-Shizuru-sama, from those demons--I wanted to stop them when they took your memories, but I--I could not--"

"I don't care about that," Shizuru yelled, tears now flowing freely down her face. "Who cares about memories right now? We need to get you healed."

"So I tried instead to always be at your side and serve you," Sakyou finished.

Shaking her head, Shizuru made an effort to wipe away her tears, but it was useless to do so. They just would not stop. "You've done so much more for me, Sakyou, you've done so much more."

Smiling feebly at his master, Sakyou whispered, "I wish--I wish you happiness, Shizuru-sama."

When Shizuru realized Sakyou was fading, she began weeping. "Why do I have to lose you again?" Shizuru buried her face into Sakyou's shoulder. "Wasn't it enough to say good-bye once? Why do I have to say it again? I shouldn't have to say it again! It's not fair!"

"Shizuru-sama."

"I don't want to say good-bye!" Shizuru shouted. "It's not fair after I've been looking for someone for so long that I would have to say good-bye to him twice. It's not fair that I have to watch you die again!"

"Shizuru-sama," Sakyou smiled quietly, "I know that you will find the one for you." And with those hopeful words, Sakyou died with one prayer in his heart. 'Shizuru-sama, be happy and live.'

There was a moment of silence for the fallen soldier. Hiei and Kazuma were wary, not sure if Shizuru had awakened her past memories or had pushed away her true identity forever. Uneasy and intense, the two Spirit Detectives waited for an outcome.

A whisper broke the silence. "Ototo-chan--"

"Yeah?" Kazuma answered tentatively when he heard his name.

Saying a farewell prayer to Sakyou, Shizuru rose to her feet, turned, and smiled sheepishly at her little brother. Her honey eyes still had tears in them, but Shizuru's expression was one of sad joy. "I know you're disappointed in me, and I'm not too proud about what I've done either. I'm sorry."

"It's okay, 'nee-san," Kazuma smiled, supporting his sister on his shoulders. He started leading her towards their other friends, Hiei watching the two siblings from afar. "We all need our moments."

"Like we need ours," someone cackled. Everyone turned around and was surprised with a sight of Yukina and Keiko being held hostage. Two cold knives were pressed against the girls' throats, making everyone extremely cautious. What made matters worse was Botan lied unconscious behind the apparitions.

Yusuke came up from behind Kazuma, Hiei, and Shizuru, his Spirit Gun all ready for fire. The scowl on his face was murderous, the emotions in his eyes even more intense and frightening. "Let them go, bastard, and you might not have such a painful death," Yusuke murmured tonelessly, aiming his Spirit Gun right at the portal demon.

Taka appeared on the scene, out of breath and sword drawn. "Yukina-sama!" He then glared at the other time-portal demon. "Let her go!"

Seeing they had everyone's attention, the leading demon snapped, "Only if all of you leave this area will then these two girls will be set free." Keiko and Yukina quickly glanced at each other and attacked their holders simultaneously. With Keiko's self-defense moves (courtesy of Yusuke) and Yukina's demonic abilities, their captors were easily subdued. When the demons were knocked out, the two maidens grabbed Princess Botan and rushed towards the safety of the Spirit Detectives.

"Kill that girl!" one of the portal demons screamed. Keiko and Yukina pulled a disoriented Botan as quickly as they could now seeing their lives depended on it. A stray demonic soldier, hearing the order, chased after the three ladies. Pulling out its sword, the apparition took aim as it prepared to skewer someone through.

"Botan-hime! Watch out!" Kurama yelled, just jumping into the scene; however, he was too late. The young princess gasped for air as the cold steely sword sliced through her side. Consumed by shock, Princess Botan collapsed to the ground. She felt death arriving quickly.

"Botan-hime!" the Lord Taka cried out as he ran to his dear friend's side. He cradled the maiden in his arms, blood staining his armor and clothing. "Botan-hime, please, oh please, do not die. Do not die, Botan-hime."

Without thinking of the consequences or the repercussions, the furiously Spirit Detectives speedily cut down all of the demons, including the two fugitive demons from their own time. There was no mercy in Kurama's heartless eyes has his demonic plants painfully devoured Botan's attackers. No one flinched as apparitions and followers of the Demon Army screamed and shrieked in agony. However, after the slaughter to appease their rage, the Spirit Detective hastily realized their mistake. They had destroyed their way back home, but that was the last thing on everyone's mind.

"Will she be all right, Yusuke? Will Botan-hime be all right?" Keiko questioned worriedly while she watched Kurama and Taka grieve over Botan-hime's mortal wound.

"I don't know," Yusuke muttered quietly. "That attack hit a lot of her vital organs, and she's losing too much blood. It doesn't look good for her, Keiko." Heartbroken seeing a dying friend, Keiko embraced Yusuke, hiding her tears from the world. Yusuke held her against him, rubbing her back and muttering words of comfort in his loved one's ear.

Kazuma held Shizuru, the young woman even more broken from before: first her beloved and now a good friend. The little brother deeply admired his sister, proud that Shizuru could take so much pain and continue onward. Taking a glance at his own sister, Hiei wished he could hold Yukina and comfort her; however, what would she think?

"Hiei-san," Yukina cried, sobbing into the fire demon's shoulder. Needless to say, Hiei was rather surprised. "Hiei-san, will Botan-hime be all right? She's going to be all right, isn't she, Hiei-san?"

Placing a hand on Yukina's shoulder and the other on her head, Hiei did not reply. He wanted to encourage Yukina and comfort her, but Hiei had promised himself to never lie to Yukina aside for his identity. So all Hiei could do was hold his sister in his arms and pray her heart would mend.

"Kurama-san," Botan whispered with a death-like voice, reaching out for the young man. "Kurama-san, you must let go of me."

"Sh, Botan-hime, you have to rest. You need all of your energy," Kurama replied, holding Botan's hand. He grew worried when he felt her hand growing colder. "Lie still and I'll cure you."

"Please, do not stop the blood," Botan murmured. She tried sitting up, but Kurama and Taka stopped her. She looked at them with pleading amethyst eyes. "I need this wound."

Taka and Kurama both recognized the princess' expression, but only Taka relented. The young lord understood his friend's higher calling; however, it was painfully obvious Kurama did not. "Need it? You're going to die if we don't do something about it quickly!" Kurama argued as he started using his powers.

Botan knocked Kurama's arm away with as much strength as she could spare. One could see her fiery determination in her eyes. "No! You must not heal me--I-I must make a wish!"

"A wish?" Taka whispered, his fears answered. He could feel his nightmares rising. "What kind of wish, Botan-hime?"

"One that shall battle time and allow Kurama and his friends back to their era."

"I understand, Botan-hime." Momentarily leaving Botan's side, Taka approached Yukina with a sad smile in his cerulean eyes. He gave the lady a graceful bow. "Yukina-sama, I want to thank you for everything you have done for me."

Hiei released Yukina from his arms and allowed the lady to step forward. Trying to hold back her tears for Botan, Yukina murmured, "But I've done nothing for you."

"You were my friend," Taka grinned, taking Yukina's hand and kissing it, "and you are the woman I truly cherish the most. I am glad that I fell in love with you."

"Taka-sama--"

"Botan-hime is going to make a wish to send you back," the young man cut off. Staring deeply into alluring crimson eyes, Taka felt his heart swelling with tender emtions. "Very soon you shall be back to your era, where you can search for you brother once more. I really do hope you find him, Yukina-sama. I will pray every day for your happiness."

Yukina embraced Taka. After recovering from the surprise, Taka smiled tenderly and held Yukina as well. "Yukina-sama, I hope that I meet you again someday, perhaps in another life," Taka kneeled, kissing Yukina's hand.

Smiling, Yukina cried, "We do meet again, Taka-sama. And I just want to thank you for everything you've done for me. If anything, you kept my hope for human kind alive." Kissing the young lord on the lips, Yukina picked up her tear gems and placed them securely in Taka's hands.

Not only was Taka surprised by Yukina's actions, but Hiei and everyone else that watched as well. No one had seen Yukina ever make such a bold move, and it took Hiei all of his self-control not to pounce on Taka. After he recovered enough common sense, Taka looked at the jewels in his hands and asked, "What are--"

"Gifts, for being a wonderful friend," Yukina answered sweetly. "For being a wonderful man." The young lord and ice maiden stared at each other; and they found themselves kissing once more.

In the distance, Botan painted her blood into sacred markings upon the ground and into the air, each symbol glowing crimson in its place. The princess' lavender eyes were blank and cold, as if she were already dead; however, everyone knew that was not the cause. Whispered speech escaped Botan, words unknown to the living. As soon as listless, arcane words passed Botan's lips, a vortex opened behind the Detectives and their party. The princess fell to her knees in a lifeless heap, Lord Taka barely catching her; but it was too late.

She was dead.

Yusuke quickly pulled Keiko, Shizuru, and Yukina through their way home, following the girls right after giving a respectful nod to everyone of the past. Kazuma followed suit while Hiei grabbed Kurama's arm and urged his friend homeward. With apparent reluctance, Kurama followed his friends home but not without remorse for Princess Botan's death. "Good bye, Botan-hime."

"I shall see you again," Botan whispered silently as she passed onward to the next World.

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