FieryIceKitsune: WHOA!!! (looks at all reviews) (sniff) Thanks all!! Don't worry, I have three chapters in the editing process now, so remember to look and see if I added every once in awile. Thanks bunches for the reviews, they were touching (hugs to heart) Oh... By the way, Kurama was mad, well... 'cause I wanted him to be for once. He gets too calm sometimes, ne?
Hiei: Yes, I agree.
FIK: What are you doing here? GET BACK IN THE FIC!!! (stuffs him into computer)
Disclaimer: Well, duh....
Shizuru drove silently, her amber eyes appearing to by concentrating on the road ahead, a unruffled calm hanging around her. In truth, she was stealing glances at the still passengers seated behind her, white hands griping the steering wheel much too firmly. She'd never witnessed something like this; the profound confusion infused into the forever-confident koorime, the coma-like state of the cheery spirit guide… the fury of the composed human embodiment of a kitsune thief turned good. As for Yusuke, that was truly a shock. To see Yusuke, renown as Urameshi, the punk-attitude, roughly courageous half demon, talk sense into a youkai several centuries older and many times less naïve was…. mind-boggling.
'What had been so horrible for Hiei to do something like that?' She wondered, glimpsing back at the fire koorime once again. His face was contorted, not physically, but more as if his inner feelings were fighting against the steel enforced barriers that he had around himself. It was saddening really, to see such a formidable and controlled being such as him, to look so… lost, like a child even.
'What's flowing inside that head of yours Hiei? Was life really so bad that you couldn't bear to stay in it any longer? What compelled you to attempt the near inconceivable?'
Even though these questions lingered on the tip of her tongue, Shizuru held herself back, knowing that anything could set the demon off; being that the stability of his mind and spirit were so close to breaking. Instead, she settled for thinking about a certain red-headed classmate that had been on her mind a lot lately.
Her home was an apartment, on the top floor of a building in the quieter regions of the city; there was a park not a stone's throw away, just across the street. The building itself was older than the ones around it, rather compelling with its weathered structure and the blossoming vines creeping up its walls and onto open porches.
Shizuru felt for the spare key a top of the door, having seen Botan use it when she forgot her key a few weeks back. Finding it, she opened the door, holding it as Hiei walked in behind her, Botan clutched in his arm. Shutting it, she motioned for him to follow her, which he did passively. They treaded down a pale gold hallway, artworks of various landscapes adding to the warmth of the area. Coming to the end doorway, she strode briskly inside, turning the light on.
Everything inside spoke volumes: Botan. The walls were a clean shade of lavender, much like the lilacs and morning glories resting in small pots around the room. A sprawling bed sat against the right wall seven steps away, a window with blue curtains fluttering next to it. The covers were rich and darkly beautiful, cobalt inlaid with multiple black moons and red stars. A mahogany desk sat on the left wall, covered with paint brushes, pens and papers; a folder sitting here and there. Next to it sat a bookshelf, weighed down with multiple series of books, small figures made of glass and precious metals dancing among the volumes. A scapula was set in front of a door leading out to a porch, a small stool waiting to be sat upon sitting before it. More paintings littered the walls, photographs among them as well.
Hiei took all this in with one glance, stepping past Shizuru who had been watching him curiously. He walked over to the bed, and with practiced grace, settled Botan on top of the coverlet, allowing himself a moment to look intently at the sleeping deity.
So fragile… She seemed delicate enough that a winter breeze could up and blow her away. Her skin was creamy and lightly tanned, though her face was still pasty with exhaustion. Azure locks were splayed across the pillows, layers of cool colored tresses framing her elfin features. Long eyelashes curved in thin waves, a small nose set between hidden jewels of amethyst and just above a pair of pink, rose-petal lips. Her body was petite, thin with a dancer's strength and figure, though he knew that this dainty creature was capable of a great power… She had proved this today.
When he finally turned away, his face was shadowed, no exact emotion easily read upon it. Shizuru said nothing, allowing him to pass by into the foyer. For a moment, he stopped, crimson eyes glancing over his shoulders at the bronze haired woman.
"I'll take care of her, Hiei." She said, seeing a short expression of relief flicker in his eyes. He grunted, striding away stiffly down the hall and out of sight.
Shizuru shook her head, wondering at the curious actions of the small youkai. Turning, she went over to the deity, slipping her out of the ruined kimono, replacing it with her normal indigo sleeping garments. Once changed, she got a cloth from the bathroom across the hall, wetting it and grabbing a dry one as she left. She cleaned the dirt and ash from the girl's body, drying it thoroughly afterwards. Now freshly dressed and dirt free, Shizuru slipped Botan under the downy covers, tucking her in to keep her warm with the coming of a cold night. Flicking off the light, she shut the door, walking down to the kitchen that was adjoined to a roomy living area.
Hiei sat in the windowsill, face stony as he stared out at the quickly darkening sky. The only sign that he acknowledged her was a slight shifting of his shoulder before he resumed his silent brooding. A tired sigh escaped Shizuru's lips, wearily swiping at the frustrating bangs that constantly settled in her eyes.
"I've got to go, but she's all set and warm if you are wondering. If you guys need anything, you know where to find me."
She picked up her coat from where she'd left it, grasping the handle of the door. A slight frown crossed her face as she looked across to the stationary outline of the koorime.
"Hey, listen Hiei. Maybe it would be best if you were the one to tell her what happen instead of disappearing like you usually do. It's just that with what's happened, she might be a little… out of it and I don't think that anyone else could explain this to her without confusing her. I'm not a psychologist or anything, but I'm pretty good about what people are feeling after stuff, and I'm quite sure that the best thing for her to see when she wakes up-"
Shizuru opened the door, stepping slightly out into the walkway and just before shutting it she whispered confidently:
"- is you. Good night."
And shut the door softly, leaving a perplexed youkai shocked in his seat. For a moment, he didn't move, astonishment playing in his eyes like lightening across the sky. A short growl crept out from the beast within him, angered that a human would dare to assume that she could tell him what was best. But, somehow, deep in the back of his mind, they made sense. It was then that he realized that she was far more logical than he gave her credit for, much more than the baka brother she was related to.
It was when dawn first broke the silent gloom of Tokyo when Hiei awoke from his slumber. The sky steadily turned a smoky gray, tingeing with dull yellow short seconds later, followed eagerly with the first beams of orange. Auburn flirted with scarlet near the horizon, jades and plums smearing the edges of a tired space mist above them, as yellow's cousin, gold, made his way slowly into the center. Lights fused with darks, sprays of whites and grays playing at the darkest corners until they subdued the murky galactic smears of cobalt, filling the heavens with the crystal blue of night turning to daybreak.
As these play of colors combated in the early morning sky, the lone koorime lazily shifted back into consciousness, his mind cleared of the haunting images of a last minute dream. A shiver ran down his back unnoticed, his thoughts drifting to the dream. How strange; he'd never been so affected by a dream let alone brooded over one. It was a dream about yesterday, the day he had finally submitted to the evil call of failure hanging behind his shoulder, the call that had bothered him since the day that he'd found his sister…
She'd been tortured, mistreated by the likes of those that had brought so much pain and suffering into the world. He'd followed Yusuke and the dimwit, having discovered what Koenma had been hiding from him. Botan had been there, flying on her oar until they reached the complex. From there she'd disappeared, becoming a spirit again in order to enter the mansion unnoticed and be of assistance if needed. He hadn't joined the other two there, which he should of, but instead waited, watching what was happening with the Jagan from the outside. It was when they were fighting Toguro, that bastard man that possessed unlimited strengths, that he had made his move.
Two minutes later, he was in the control room, multiple slain guards lying in his wake. He'd witnessed the 'demise' of the S-class demon/human and to his relief, Yukina was safely standing with the two Tantai, healing Kuwabara actually. Intense rage had flown through him when he saw that… that… baka human touching his sister. If it hadn't been for the appearance of Kurama, he probably would have killed the ningen on the spot. It was then that the situation hit him, like a cannonball rocketing into his gut. His sister was safe… but, he was the reason why she was here, alone and without protection. He'd left her; he'd made her forget the truth; he was the one that abandoned her with the burden of their mother's shame and disregarded the lurking threat in the shadows. If he had been there… she would have never-
A hand touched his arm, soft and silky. He shifted his gaze, landing on the blue haired deity who'd appeared next to him. She had smiled sympathetically, sadness and a gentle understanding in those amethyst pools. A growl threatened to leave his throat, but he forced it down, pulling away as the trio walked up from the arena below…
His ears picked up movement, a steady growth in ki coming from another room. It was time… Botan was awakening.
(Botan's mind)
Darkness blinded her, smothering her with chilly black fingers and mind numbing bleakness. She choked on it, grasping where her throat was in extreme anxiety. Something was blanketing the airway, something like rough and calloused cotton spores. Reaching, she frantically struggled to find some way out of the terror ridden blackness, feeling frightened by the lack of light.
She brushed against something; a curtain... Sunlight!! Praying for salvation from the grip of nightmare's will, she threw all her strength into opening them.
As light pored in, she sighed, inhaling a deep breath in relief. She was alive...
(Normal)
Botan opened her eyes, blinking rapidly in the bright morning light, shivering despite the layers of covers twisted around her. She could still feel the chill from the nightmare lingering in the back of her consciousness, sending frigid waves of fear down her back. Yawning, she stretched, arching her back like a cat after napping in the sunshine. A prickling feeling tingled in her head, causing her to stop abruptly. Noises roared inside her mind, scenes flashing rapidly:
(Botan's mind)
Fire spun all around, burning, smoldering. A figure stood among it, the living coal to the hellish firestorm. She saw herself calling out to it, reaching outwards as it crumpled into a heap. Her own cry had her reeling backwards in disorientation, the piercing echo tearing at her copy's throat. Eyes widening, she witnessed her copy being pulled by an unknown force into the inferno, and then lifted as if hooked by an invisible line. Footsteps behind her warned her of the others approaching...
(Normal)
Rough hands shook her, flinging her back into reality forcefully. A sharp cry escaped her, her lavender pools flying open once more.
Crimson jewels stared down at her, searing her with a soul scouring glare. Botan gazed back, confusion holding her tongue. The figure from her dreams... it had been Hiei, but here he was now, still holding her somewhat ruthlessly by the shoulders. More memories played themselves out in the back of her consciousness, retelling what had gone on hours before.
"...H-Hiei...?"
A slight smirk crossed his lips momentarily before fading away.
"Do I have another name, onna?" He said sarcastically.
In an instant, Botan had flung herself upwards, wrapping her arms tightly around him, her face buried in his chest. Shudders racked her tired frame, hot tears sprinkling onto his black shirt as she sobbed unrestrainedly. Hiei, eyes wide as saucers and slightly red in the face, stared down at the trembling deity, not sure of what to do. Hesitantly, he touched her hair, and then began smoothing the wild tresses in gentle strokes, listening as her sobs became whimpers. After awhile, Botan slowly stopped her outburst of tears, breathing heavily as she relaxed into the chest she was cradled to. It was warm, almost hot, and gave off a heavily rich aroma of cinnamon and nameless spices. She could feel something stroking her head, nearly tender, but somewhat uncertain of their actions.
"Why, Hiei?" She murmured in a tone distraught and choked with tears.
Hiei stopped; he'd been staring out the window, lost in thought, but at her quiver began the process once again. He heard her sigh quietly, as if the feeling of being touched was the most wonderful thing. Her scent drifted upwards: a delicate mix of lilacs and spring winds, but also bearing a stimulating aroma of thunder during a storm.
"Why did you try to... to..." She trailed off, not being able to continue.
"Die?" Hiei finished for her, spitting the word out as if it was poison.
With this, Botan looked up at him, their faces only five inches from each other.
"Tell me, Hiei, what do you see? Do you really think I'd be happy with you dead?" She whispered.
'No.' He thought to himself. Her face was still remarkably pale and had a pinched look to it. Crimson eyes fastened themselves onto Botan's lavender ones, the Jagan glowing claret from behind the bandana.
Sorrow... self accusing... complete guilt... grief on the highest scale. What was this? Why was this girl feeling all this for him, for him trying to die? It made no sense to him, not one bit, and continued to infuriate and engross his already muddled judgments. The longer his Jagan delved into her sentiments and memories, the clearer the answer became, and with this he experienced a different side of the deity. Her sorrow, her uncertainty, her guilt, her self disgust and the overwhelming sense of betrayal; all linked to every one of the memories she showed him; was being human why she felt so powerless? No longer did his inner mind see her as the perky, annoying and bubble headed girl that he knew. Instead, a new image formed, one that showed all her anguish, loathing and grief.
"Hiei?"
The Jagan returned to normal, Hiei's mind clearing as he came back to reality. Botan was staring at him, her cheeks slightly pink as she lightly touched his face. He jerked at the contact, anger fighting in his gut as he forced himself not to strike her. She pulled away, settling her head on his knees like they were a pillow. Confused by her actions, he watched as she yawned, eyes fluttering with sleepiness.
"Nani, onna?"
She looked briefly up at him, eyelids heavy with tiredness, and a small smile crossing her lips.
"Onegai, Hiei, can you stay... until I'm asleep?" She whispered, eyes beseeching him.
Rolling his eyes internally, he shifted slightly, seeing her yawn widely.
"Hn. Whatever, onna."
With another yawn, Botan smiled gently at him, and then closed her eyes. Just before sleep claimed her, she sighed:
"Arigatou, Hiei-sama."
FIK: REVIEW AND THANKS!!!