Standard disclaimers apply.
three: catatonic state of mind
Koenma watched as the usually stoic redhead stared at him in blank shock over his carefully chosen, albeit harsh, words. Closing his eyes, he silently counted to ten, while mentally searching for the information that would best help Kurama understand. When he saw that Kurama's expression had not changed, Koenma sighed helplessly, knowing that the redheaded youth was probably blaming himself for Botan's current condition.
"You should visit the palace library one of these days," Koenma said quietly, uncertain whether Kurama was really listening, but hoping that he was. "There are scriptures there you may find interesting since they provide a history of the different realms. In fact," Koenma added with a beaming smile, "there's even a section on Youko Kurama and his successful career!"
Seeing that he was failing to arouse his audience, Koenma's smile faltered. "The scriptures also describe our current caste system and explain why, during the infancy of the Enma lineage, the first King Enma chose to implement such a system.
"Think of your life in terms of poker. That's the name of the game you humans are so fond of playing, am I correct?" At Kurama's slow nod, Koenma smiled. "Very good, then. You're dealt a certain hand at the beginning of the game. Should you disagree with this hand, you may choose to discard it. Correct?" Again, the slow nod. "Well, Kismet," Koenma paused and cast furtive glances around the room, "Kismet, being the selective deity that she is, deals everyone their hand in life."
Kurama nodded his understanding. "Which would mean that the life an individual leads depends entirely on his acceptance or refusal of the hand he's dealt by Kismet."
Koenma beamed and nodded emphatically. "Exactly!" Shaking his head in mock tiredness, Koenma muttered, "And why Yusuke was not able to grasp the same concept, I'll never know."
"But how does this affect Botan?"
"Er, well…as I mentioned earlier, Botan is different from other deities. What I mean to say is, a deity is assigned a position that best correlates with what he or she was in a past life. In Kismet's case, she used to be a gambler."
Kurama nearly face-faulted. "A gambler?"
Koenma grimaced in understanding. "Who was quite proficient with dice, from what I understand. Apparently, one of my ancestors was quite a fan of hers and endorsed her appointment as deity when she died. And seeing as how the old bat refuses to retire, there's really no need to appoint another Deity of Fate as of this moment."
"I see. Who, or shall I say, what was Botan before she died?"
Koenma smiled tightly. "That's actually a good question, but one I'm not quite capable of answering." Upon seeing the swiftly growing ire in Kurama's emerald-colored eyes, Koenma held up his hands in defense. "Don't take it out on me, Kurama! It's just that…well, what I mean to say is…"
Kurama briefly closed his eyes in a desperate attempt for focus, but his once-renowned patience was steadily deteriorating and his eyes rapidly flickered between green and gold, hinting at the redhead's inner turmoil. After only a split-second's time, Kurama exhaled softly before staring at the brown-haired prince, a feral glint in his now gold-colored eyes.
"Koenma, I would suggest you quit stalling and tell me what I'd like to know. Now."
Kurama's tone was harsh, overly so, but if Koenma didn't stop beating around the proverbial bush, he just might relish killing the little brat. After having lived as the infamous Youko Kurama, after having survived the obstacles of being Shuichi Minamino, one would think the prince would know better than to try the patience of an obviously cunning and highly intelligent individual such as himself.
But knowing he couldn't do anything to help Botan without Koenma's help, Kurama sighed. "Koenma, please. Just tell me what I need to know to help Botan, that's all that matters right now."
"It isn't as easy as that, Kurama. You see, the circumstances of Botan's life, death, and subsequent appointment are quite, how shall I put this, delicate, and to release such classified information requires clearance from my father."
Kurama growled in anger, frustrated with the pity he could see in Koenma's eyes. But he couldn't very well just let Botan die, could he? If her essence, or soul, or whatever stupid term the toddler prince had for it, was leaving her, he needed to know. However, his pride wouldn't allow him to beg, and his heart wouldn't allow Botan to continue in her current state, so he resorted to the only means he knew of.
Violence.
