Tears of Amethyst
Disclaimer: Don't own YYH.
AN: I remember someone mentioning fluff, correct? Well, I'll see what I can do for you! ;-)
XxXxX
Botan stood back-to-back with Youko, fighting off the on-coming demons to the best of her ability. She felt more powerful than she ever had before.
Why did the effects.. turn out like this? It feels so different.
"You okay back there?" She asked, feeling the kitsune tense behind her. He didn't answer but she felt cool air on her back, where he had been pressing only moments before. She knew she couldn't turn to look for him unless she did some quick thinking. She threw up a weak shield and turned to survey everything. Kuwabara and Yuusuke were positioned around Akuro and all of them were attacking and defending. Hiei was nothing but a black blur, slaughtering countless as the crimson blood flashed on his deadly blade. Youko. She searched around to see a flash of silver dart in front of her. She focused her energy and searched him out. She saw him focusing his energy on the plants and trees around them while attacking with his whip."Botan?" She met his amber gaze and smirked, throwing down her shield and whirling around to face her enemies.
XxXxX
"Is that all of them?" Yuusuke asked, hitting the remaining demon over the head, a bored expression on his face. "I had more fun in street fights."
"That is all there is." Hiei used one swift slash in the air to clean off his sword.
"Hey!" Kuwabara glared at the koorime as his face and shirt got splattered with blood. He tore off a piece of his sleeve and cleaned his face up.
"We should leave at the first light." Youko stated, his amber eyes searching the dark skies.
"Fine. But I think we should put more wood on the fire." Akuro stated, her eyes on the dying flames.
"Then that shall be your job." Hiei muttered, not caring whether or not they had a fire or not. But not even his dark eyes could penetrate this darkness so he knew there would be problems if they didn't have a fire. Less than an hour later, everyone was asleep except for Botan. She stared into the fire, her angelic features enhanced by the orange-red glow. She was deep in thought. Then she looked at the kitsune next to her, his features looking peaceful in his slumber.
"Youko..." She whispered to herself, turning away.
"Something wrong?" She could feel his breath against her neck as he sat down next to her. He gazed at her in concern and confusion.
"No." A small smile appeared on her face. He reached out and traced his fingers along the black stripes on her face. She drew in a breath and froze. He then touched the star on her forehead.
"Are these permanent?" She shrugged."I don't know for certain." She whispered. "They may fade eventually." He then ran a clawed finger along one of the intricate lines on her wings.
"What are they for?"
"They represent the darkness that entered my body when I opened the gate." He frowned. "It has done nothing to my purity or my thoughts." She gazed at him, frowning. "Just my powers."
"You have gained more." She nodded solemnly.
"Though the pain was great, it was well worth it. It got us through to this side."
"Without you, we wouldn't have made it past that gate." Blushing, she opened her mouth to say something but he shook his head. "No being modest. It is true." He took her chin in his hand and gazed at her through amber orbs. "You deserve more than praise."
"Youko-" He leaned down and softly brushed his lips against hers. Her eyes widened in surprise. She was new to this feeling but she wanted more. She responded before he broke it.
"I've never... Dammit, no female ever..." He didn't know how to say it. He had been kissed many times and had been with a few females. But none of them compared to her. He had never longed to hold anyone like this.
"What is this feeling?" She asked him softly.
"Mmm..." Yuusuke groaned in his sleep, wincing as sweat rolled down his face. Botan and Youko looked over at the ningen boy. Botan quickly looked at the fire, hoping that she could stutter out an excuse.
"Botan-"
"I-I'm a little tired, Youko. I think we should go to sleep." He nodded and stared at her for a moment before laying down where he was. Botan moved over so that he had enough room and so that she wasn't too close. She stayed up and a dark shield rose in the air, covering them, protecting them.
XxXxX
"Botan?" Youko felt terror course through his veins. She was staring ahead blankly, a deathly calm look on her face. Her eyes... they were too emotionless, too blank.
I hope she didn't do what I think she did.
He looked around to see a light gray shield around them. It had reduced in color and was fading in power. Suddenly, he felt a light weight in his arms. She had fallen into him, closing her eyes. Her calm, rythmic breathing signaled that she was asleep.
"We should move on now, kitsune." Hiei stated, staring at the sky. Looked like rain. They all needed a good refreshing natural shower. But they had to get to their target on time. If they didn't, the three worlds would really fade into nothingness.
"All right." He picked her light body up bridal style and looked at the three ningens. Yuusuke was yawning and stretching, Kuwabara was nodding off, and Akuro was rubbing her eyes.
"We're game." Yuusuke mumbled in a lazy, tired voice. "The more we have to do, the faster we'll wake up."
"Unless I throw you in a river." The ningen boy next to the Spirit Detective nodded dumbly.
"Unless you throw us in a riv-" Kuwabara froze in his repeated sentence then scowled and stood up. "Hey!"
"Took you long enough to comprehend."
"His brain is fuzzy in the morning. Like a station on TV you just don't get and all you see is fuzz." Three blank stares. "You mean you never watched TV!?" Akuro coughed.
"What is this... TV?" She asked curiously.
"Never mind." Yuusuke just shook his head. They started off, hoisting their packs onto their shoulders and starting on the long trek. There was no path and the going would be rough for a while. Youko eventually had Yuusuke help him to put Botan on his back with her arms hanging limply over his shoulders. Kuwabara carried the kitsune's pack and Yuusuke had taken Botan's. Conversation was scarce and no one complained. The area was completely devoid of most color. The foliage was such a dark green that it almost looked black when the sun shone on it. Botan stirred little and Youko didn't mind having her there. Hiei was still in the lead, his Jagan glowing ever so slightly. He kept glancing down at the communicator. Yuusuke took a lot of time gazing around. The forest they were currently walking through was dense and no one could walk side-by-side. The trees were giants and seemed to tower over them in an angry, superior way. The aura that surrounded the place was creepy and made most jumpy. He stopped and Kuwabara ran into him but the Spirit Detective didn't notice. Hiei and Youko stopped as well. Botan lifted her head and her eyes narrowed. "You sense that?"
"It is a dark energy." Botan whispered. "We are coming close to crossing a barrier."
"Barrier?" Akuro asked, blinking. "My knowledge of this place will help little since you know it. But the legends my people have told..."
"I can imagine." The demon stated. "But this barrier will alert others if any pass through. I have regained most of my powers so I can counter it and we can infiltrate it. But you will have to go before me because I have to hold it, all right?" They all nodded. "These humans are taking odd cautions.""They're smart. Using techniques that not even our young Spirit Detective can possibly learn." Yuusuke frowned.
"What is-""It was not meant to insult your pride. It was a fact. The truth is that Genkai, that old woman that is teaching you, does not even know of this." Hiei's eyes flashed red. "What don't we know about them?"
"They must have old masters of the techniques." Botan said, frowning. "A certain usage of Spirit Energy can call late masters back from Reikai."
"What!?" Kuwabara cried, completely freaking out.
"They cannot stay and defend these ningens." Botan muttered coldly. "They can only tell the demons these ningens have lined up how to use those ancient techniques."
"Obviously it isn't good that they know them." Akuro put a finger to her chin. "I could imagine that they have army camps just swarming with ready soldiers."
"We can only wait and see." Botan stated, her amethyst eyes gazing ahead.
XxXxX
Youko growled low in his throat. They had to stop once more. Just before the border of the barrier. They couldn't risk another stop inside of it so they had to stop outside of it. Botan sat alone by herself as the others surrounded the fire, where they were cooking something to eat. She didn't know what to do. Memories flashed through her mind. Ones of Youko. Was she willing to risk everything just to be with him? She wanted to do it so desperately.
And that is not the only thing... Once my powers are completely free and I break these chains, will I always have control? I am limited now. Less than before... But how will I be able to break them?
She lifted her hands and gazed at the space between them, seeing a long, thin electrical energy thread. How irritating. She sighed and leaned back against the tree, drifting off for about five minutes before she began shaking and her eyes snapped open.
Always alone... Never seen... Never to see anything but the darkness before her... Amethyst gems produce crystal drops of water... Constant darkness... Soft delicate silk brushing along the wet stone... Fate sealed her... Legend passes every day... Years pass and still the very darkness of the air has not shattered... Never to be released... Always alone...
Why was that coming back to her? Was it some kind of message telling her that no matter what, she would never be free? She let out a low growl, though she was still trembling.
Fate, you've toyed with me too much.
Have I, Botan, dear?
She gasped sharply and her eyes widened. It wasn't possible. There was no way she was telepathically talking to Fate.
You have made all of us look like children. Your beauty, your powers, and even your damn wisdom! Even if your powers are limited... I will not let some low-life demon be stronger than I am.
She realized that the voice was echoing inside of her, throughout her. It wasn't a telepathic link. It was what Fate had said to her before.
You will be alone for the rest of your life. For all eternity!
Stupid! Jealousy never gets one what they want! I'm back now, aren't I? Only because of Youko... Because he released me from that cave, I have been able to finally have peace and companionship.
She drew her knees up to her chest.
It is no use, really. I cannot resist his charms even if I tried. It would break my heart. Fate, what have you planned for him? Has he not already broken your hold?
Yes, she knew about his swerve on the hill. Fate never held the strings. She knew that Fate was seething with anger at the kitsune, though it wasn't his fault at all. She had meant for him to die. Just like his companion.
Cruelty is overrated.
Her thoughts may have been bitter but it was the truth. There was too much cruelty in the world. She could see that by the job they had to do. Killing felt so wrong, though to creatures like Hiei and Youko it came naturally. Yuusuke and Kuwabara only did it for the sake of their mission and Akuro had lived in this land for far too long not to kill.
It isn't right. Fate is merely toying with us. All of us. All but me. Now, with these new powers, I may be able to break this hold. I hope so. I have a balanced amount of light and dark power in my body.
She sighed and looked up at the sky. Someone sat down next to her and she stiffened.
"I can smell the different emotions you're emitting. Something's wrong. What is it?"
Damn you for being a fox! Damn your senses to hell!
Her mind screamed at him but she simply shook her head mutely as if to say 'nothing.' He frowned. She looked expressionless but he could smell it. It wasn't the truth.
"Botan.." He put an arm around her waist and pulled her into his lap. She sucked in a breath and froze, her hands resting on his chest.
"Y-Youko?" His amber eyes were bright with concern and curiosity.
"I didn't release you, become your friend, and..." He stopped. "Will you please just tell me?" She stared up at him, her mouth slightly open. "Please."
"It has to do with the cave." She admitted. "The legend."
"You." He brought one hand up and caressed her cheek.
"I am never going to be free." She whispered. "I am still very limited, Youko. I cannot do anything as of yet to free myself. I don't have the power."
"What do you mean?" He didn't fully understand her words. He had freed her from the cave... She lifted her hands and looked down, powering up until the bands and the energy thread showed. "What is..."
"They hold most of my powers. They're called Spirit Chains. Instead of doing what Spirit Cuffs do, these do the opposite. These conceal and trap my full powers away." She growled. "She is playing with us. She thinks she will have her way."
"We are against..."
"Fate."
"There is no way in..."
"It's true." She closed her eyes. He lifted his hands and took her face in his hands.
"We'll get through this. I promise that you will be free someday." She looked up at him in bewilderment as he leaned down. "Someday..." He kissed her lightly. She let her arms slip around his neck and then broke it.
"I do not understand why you are willing to free me."
"Because you deserve to be free. I heard your legend before and there were stories all over. But none of them said that you harmed anyone or did something wrong. They were jealous of you and I can see why." His thumb caressed her cheek as he smiled. "You are everything they never could be. Good and evil, beautiful and ugly, light and dark. They could never compare to you." She blinked.
"I am... all of those things?"
"Well, I do not consider you ugly, evil, or dark. But with your powers, I wouldn't be surprised."
"So, you see me as good, beautiful, and light."
"Yes." He laughed and let his hands fall from her face to around her waist and he buried his face in the crook of her neck. Her scent was so intoxicating. Every time he smelled her, it got better. She let out a small laugh when she felt his breath tickle her skin. "And you smell wonderful." She blushed but laughed harder and rested her cheek on his head.
"You like flattery?" He lifted his head and licked her neck.
"Yes." This earned him a giggle. "Mmm... and you are ticklish?"
"Uhm..." She wanted to slap him when he started to tickle her but she was laughing too hard.
I think I've found exactly what I've been missing...
Her amethyst eyes met his amber orbs and they shared another kiss. By this time, of course, he was sitting on top of her. She felt him nibble on her lip and then slip his tongue through. Her heart was hammering in her chest. She found herself liking this feeling. It was certainly addictive. He loved her taste just as much as her scent. He broke away from her suddenly and his ear twitched.
"Footsteps." He whispered, standing up. He was tense.
"Whose?"
"They are not human." His amber eyes darkened and he looked back at her. Bending down, he grabbed her arm and pulled her up, shoving her behind him. A protective growl escaped his lips when the outlines of their foes made themselves perfectly clear.
"Is the little fox protective of his onna?" The one in front of the small band of six was a kitsune. His hair was a golden blonde and his eyes a light silver. His grinned and his fangs glinted. "Oh ho! Look at this! The rumors were true!"
"It's Youko Kurama!" One of them stepped forward, her pink lips curved into a smirk. "I thought I recognized that scent!" Youko's arms fell limply to his sides and he stared at them, disbelief in his eyes.
"Hisaki? Katsumi?" Botan's hand gripped his arm and she stared at them.
"You remember us." The girl put her hands on her hips. Her short black hair brushed against her cheeks and her lilac eyes shined brightly. "We followed the rumors."
"How did you get past the gate?"
"Gate? We've been stuck here for over ten years!" Hisaki stated, his clawed fingers tapping the hilt of his katana. "Yoshimitsu was getting his tail in a bunch when he imagined that you might have thought we abandoned you." The said kitsune flushed then scowled.
"Anyway, you gonna introduce us to that maiden behind you?" Youko nodded and turned to look at Botan, his eyes lit up with happiness. A small frown came to his face when he saw her frown. He nearly panicked.
She doesn't... she doesn't understand?
Botan's amethyst eyes were clouded and she gazed up at him as though she was watching him disappear. He bit his lip.
"Uh... Botan, this is Hisaki and that one is Katsumi but we all her Kat. The others... except for Yoshimitsu, I've never seen before. They used to be a part of my group before we got separated. Guys, this is Botan. She was sealed in a cave that I hit when I slid down a hill, running from villagers."
"What happened to Kuronue?" Youko's eyes darkened once more.
"He died." Botan closed her eyes, remembering the pain she had felt radiating from him that day. She felt her knees go weak and pain burst in her mind.
"Ohhh..." She groaned and swayed, her eyes closed tightly.
This... This feeling. I remember this feeling!
Botan stood against the wall of the cave. Her eyes glowed blue and her hair spread out around her, billowing from her power.
"You let me out of here right now!" Anger laced her voice and she threw all of her power at the wall. It shook and shivered from the blast but didn't give. Pain erupted from her chest and spread throughout her entire body.
She cried out, feeling her chest burn with each breath she took.
"Botan!" She felt his hands grip her arms and hold her up. "Hisaki, get me some water."
"On it!" Youko felt rage consume his mind. Who was doing this?
Whoever it is, they will pay.
Hisaki returned with the water and Youko put it to her lips. Her breathing was heavy and quick, her mind tinged with pain, her chest contracting.
"Here! Let me try." The male kitsune removed Youko's hands from her and lifted her in his own arms. Then he sat down and cradled her to him. His silver eyes glazed over and he drew in a sharp breath. "What the hell-" He closed his mouth and eyes and concentrated full on her. Everyone watched as Botan shuddered and stilled in Hisaki's arms. She clutched the fabric of his outfit tightly and sweat beaded on her forehead.
"N-No..." She whispered, opening her eyes. A faint blue glow emitted from them. She looked at Hisaki and gasped in horror at the pallor of his skin. He let out a low groan before he opened his silver eyes and stared down at her."Man, what the hell have you been through?" The color came back to his skin and he let out a sigh. His arms wrapped around her tightly and it stilled her trembling. Youko was too relieved to see her back to normal to care about the contact.
"What happened?" He asked, causing her eyes to drift to him.
"I remembered your pain when he died. Then I remembered my pain when she trapped me inside that cave." Hisaki lifted himself with her still in his arms."She?" He raised a brow at her and she shook her head. Quick footsteps reached their ears and they looked up as the ningens and Hiei ran to them.
"What the hell is going on!?" Yuusuke shouted, his eyes on Hisaki, who was still holding Botan.
"Yuusuke, calm down. These are old friends of mine."
"Oh..." Akuro walked forward, peering at them curiously.
"You look familiar." She whispered.
"Ah, little one!" Yoshimitsu stated, causing her to turn around. "I remember you! Oi, you've grown! I saved you from that fire when you were only this high." He bent down so his hand was level with his knee. She gave a startled cry and ran forward, hugging him.
"Yoishi-kun!" He sweat-dropped.
"It's Yoshimitsu. You never could get my name right." He pushed her away. "Hm, small world, indeed." Hisaki put Botan down and sighed.
"We have news..."
"Good or bad?"
"A little of both, I'm afraid." Kat said, her lilac eyes on Hiei. Then she looked gravely at Youko. "We've lost most of the group from before and that's just the beginning. Joining us now are three of the kitsunes who are traitors the Raid Lord."
"Raid Lord?" Kuwabara asked, frowning.
"Yes, he is the leader of all the destruction. I believe he is the one you are looking for." Hisaki stated, leaning against a tree with his arms crossed.
"Raid Lord." Botan stated, her amethyst eyes going to the white glow of the shield. "He is a wolf demon, is he not?"
"Yes." One of the traitors stated. "You know of him?" She nodded slightly.
"My dreams lately... He is doing this to avenge the death of his clan."
"He lost them three years ago."
"That's when this shit started." The third one scowled. "He took us in with him by force. Two years we've been serving that insane bastard."
"Why didn't the real trouble start until now?" Yuusuke asked.
"He needed to build up his forces. He needed all of the men he could get. He swept this land clean of all of the loyalty." Hisaki's silver eyes glinted. "We've only recently been trying to attack his forces."
"I am going to get us inside the barrier tomorrow. We have very little time left before Ningenkai falls and Reikai is purged and destroyed." Botan felt all eyes on her. "Tomorrow. When the sun is in position, we will attack his forces with all we've got. Are you in?"
"Noon it is, then. We have some business to take care of. See you on the battlefield." Kat winked and walked off.
"We're traitors, too. And we can't wait to see the looks on our 'team's' faces." Yoshimitsu grinned and they all left, fading back into the mist beginning to form in the forest. The others turned back and went back to camp. All except for Botan and Youko. She felt his arm wrap around her waist and pull her back into his chest.
"We'll handle this together. With their help." She smiled at the warm tone in his voice.
"Nothing was... going on between you and Katsumi?"
"No." He grinned and leaned down, kissing her neck from behind. "Never. She is my cousin. And Hisaki is my brother." She stiffened.
"They were... your family?"
"We were in different groups at one time. But then we joined forces when things looked bad. I lost them ten years ago."
"I-I'm sorry... I didn't know..." He chuckled.
"That's fine. Don't worry about it." He then sighed. "Let's get going. We've got to rest before the war we're going to win."
"Of course." She whispered, a cool, refreshing breeze caressing her skin.
We shall win this war and then everything will be fine... right?
XxXxX
Well, here is a long chappy for you! Sorry it took so long.
::groan:: I'm sick now and it's noon. Been feeling incredibly horrible these past few days. Hope you like. Please review.
Until the next chapter, my friends.