Author's Note: I have finally ceased neglecting this story and have written another chapter: a very long chapter. Thank you everyone who had reviewed, and thank you to those who have waited patiently. Hope you enjoy the story, and please inform me of any problems or errors.

What He Said, She Said

"And then what did you do after he did that?"

Staring at Kurama with a natural expression, Botan replied evenly, "I slugged him, of course!"

The boyfriend's mouth dropped wide open while he stared in disbelief at the young woman before him. He blinked several times, making sure he was in his right mind. "You beat up your cousin, just like that?" If Botan told the truth, and Kurama expected nothing but that from her, then appearances truly were deceiving and his girlfriend had a fighter's right arm.

'Of course she's different from other girls,' he laughed inwardly. 'I wouldn't expect anything else from a woman like her.'

"What did you expect me to do? Forgive him without any qualms?" Botan laughed at the idea and its absurdity. Her periwinkle eyes glittered with amusement. "Heh, maybe I would do that now since I'm sixteen, but when I was five, there was no chance in hell Yuu-chan would get off so easily. Besides, Oba-san said it was all right; she thought Yuu-chan deserved a good beating after throwing worms on Keiko-chan and me."

Kurama chuckled while pulling the sky-haired girl towards him. He loved having her near him, her sweet floral smell and alluring warmth intoxicating him. "And you say your cousin and you are closer now?" The young man smiled amusedly, entwining his large hand with Botan's slender one. "You're really a wonder, Botan, you know that?"

"Mm, I've been told that," the Sarayashiki girl giggled, pulling away from her boyfriend. A childish urge surged through her while she ran ahead of Kurama. "Let's race to that tree!" Without another word, she sprinted across the sidewalk, determined to best Kurama at one race. She appeared to have an adequate lead, having a five-second head start; however, in five strides, Botan suddenly froze in her tracks.

Kurama, who had been eagerly chasing her, stopped as soon as Botan did, the young man curious to why his girlfriend had ceased running. When he followed her frightened amethyst orbs, Kurama spotted a tall teenager with a tight, long black ponytail dressed in shadows and darkness. As bizarre as the stranger was, he was frighteningly alluring and had a cold, inescapable aura. Looking into Botan's wide candy eyes, Kurama felt the need for alert. Who was this person to Botan? What was he doing to her?

"Hello, Sweet," the young man greeted icily as he neared the pair, "what a surprise meeting you here so late. Who's your handsome friend here?" Karasu threw a jealous glare at Kurama, the look poisonous and loathsome. Any other person would have cowered and curled; but Kurama was not any other person.

Keeping his facial features in check, Kurama displayed no emotions and ignored the stranger. If the boy thought Kurama would bow and submit with a simple glance, then he was dead wrong. The redhead instead turned his attention towards his stunned girlfriend and placed a kind hand on her arm. "Are you all right?" Kurama murmured with concern. "Should I take you home, Botan?"

"Kurama," Botan whispered quietly, fear evident in her voice, "Please, let's get out of here."

'Please, make him disappear. Make this evil man disappear.'

Nodding, Kurama wrapped a protective arm around Botan's shoulders and started leading her away. Another arm on Botan's arm stopped the couple and snatched the young lady from Kurama's arms. "Where do you think you're going, Sweet? Don't I even get a hello?" Karasu demanded coldly, a dark look in his sinister eyes.

"Get your damn hands off of her," Kurama growled, shooting the stranger a glare of his own. Without hesitation, he wrapped his arms around Botan's waist and took a firm hold on her free arm. If the idiot searched for a fight, Kurama would give it to him; and Minamino would make sure it would be the fool's last.

Karasu only tightened his hand on his prey's arm. "And why should I?"

Wincing, Botan yelped, "Karasu, you're hurting me!"

"Let her go or else," Kurama snapped, his emerald eyes cold and deadly. This Karasu was working on Kurama's last nerve, and Minamino would lash out if the stranger did not back off. Taking a few steps back, Karasu grudgingly surrendered Botan's arm, and the young lady buried herself into Kurama's embrace. "Bother Botan in any way or form again," Kurama threatened over her head, "and I'll be sure to kill you. Make no mistake, hurt her or irritate her in any way, and I'll kill you."

Botan bit back her gasp and held onto Kurama's jacket closer to her. The coldness in his voice and the dangerous look in his emerald eyes frightened Botan, but one fact scared her more. 'He's serious—Kurama is dead serious.'

"Come on, Botan," Kurama ordered, guiding his girlfriend away from the park. He walked quickly and in long strides, forcing Botan to run in order to keep up. Karasu glared at their retreating forms, remembering the redhead's face, the face of his obstacle.

'This isn't the last we've seen each other, boy,' Karasu growled, clenching his fists. 'No one keeps me away from my prize. You'll regret crossing me. Next time, I'll make Botan mine and you—you'll learn your lesson.'

"Botan," Kurama murmured, now sure they were far from Karasu, "Botan, if he ever, EVER bothers you again, tell me, and I'll be sure he NEVER does again."

'I'll wring his neck before he ever get nears her.' Kurama's darker side rose to the front, his emotions wired and aggravated. Someone had tried stealing something of his, something that belonged to him. Kuronue and Karasu shared a similar style of dress; however, Shinomori, mischievous and troublesome, had a gentle, playful demeanor. The person Kurama had just encountered was his friend's polar opposite, evil and cruel to the very core of his black heart. If Karasu received any chance at all, Kurama knew he would use it to steal, or even hurt Botan.

Wrapping her arms around Kurama, Botan cried, "I'm just so glad we got away. I hate him so much, Kurama." Her body trembled with her words, her voice quivering and faltering. "I hate him, and I'm glad that you got us away. I was so scared."

"Who is he? And how does he know you?" Kurama demanded. He held her close to him, wanting to stifle her shivering and fear. What could he do to make her smile again, to once more be the cheerful, innocent girl he had fallen for?

"He's the reason why I moved here from my hometown," Botan sniffled while wiping some tears. "He was my boyfriend during junior high, when he was in high school."

"You DATED him?" Staring down at Botan incredulously, Kurama had half the mind to pull her away and give her shake, unable to believe Botan's words.

"I know," the girl muttered despondently, "you must think less of me now, Kurama. I dated Karasu back then, thinking he was meant for me; but I was wrong, so very wrong. I should have listened to my parents, but I didn't. And in the end, Karasu tried to—he tried to—"

Botan could not finish her sentence, and Kurama held her to quell her sobbing. He ached seeing Botan so broken. "Sh, Botan," Kurama soothed while kissing her forehead, "I won't let him ever haunt you. I'll protect you from now until forever." Inside, Kurama chuckled at his next words. "I promise."

"What a grouch," Jin grumbled as he strolled down the city's sidewalks. He kicked a stray can from his way to release some frustration. "Honestly, all he had to do was ask me. But no, he had to pin me against the wall and threaten my 'insignificant' life. That lad needs some way to relieve his stress or die young from high blood pressure." The events from thirty minutes earlier replayed in Jin's mind.

'Do you understand?'

'Yeah, I got you,' Jin replied shakily, staring down at the glaring Hiei. He wanted to crack a smile but felt that Hiei would crack his face in response. 'I'll give her the message tomorrow.'

'Not tomorrow, idiot, NOW,' Hiei barked, smacking a note and a package into the underclassman's hand.

Reminiscently rubbing his chest from where Hiei had pinned him against the wall, Jin childishly pouted, "I swear, Hiei gets more rough every time I see him. Either Kuronue set him off in a mood earlier or he's got it in for me."

After a few more minutes of walking, Jin made it to an apartment complex specified in the note Hiei had written. A blush graced the young man's face, him thinking where he was. Taking a deep breath and walking about three flights of stares, Jin finally made it Yukina's floor and was about to continue when he heard a familiar voice echo down the hallway. "Kuwabara-san, you didn't have to do this."

'Kuwabara-san?' Jin frowned, recognizing the surname. Kuwabara Kazuma, the supposedly number one delinquent at Sarayashiki High, second only to Urameshi Yusuke. Oi, what luck Jin had, visiting Yukina while she had a big time Sarayashiki guest.

A gruff male's voice then replied, "Well, it was nothing. I just hope you had fun the other night."

Curious thoughts crossed Jin's mind, but he said nothing as he continued listening. He would and could not jump to conclusions: at least not yet. "That night was wonderful, Kuwabara-san," the girl's voice giggled pleasantly. A small satisfied sigh escaped her.

"Yeah, but you left right afterwards, not enough time to get all of your clothes."

Jin resisted the urge to yell out, clamping his hand over his mouth. His face heated up like an oven, the young man biting his lip in remorse. Who was Kuwabara to Yukina? 'They can't be dating—I mean, Yukina-san would have said something about having a boyfriend. Wouldn't she?'

"I'm sorry," Yukina apologized quickly, a hint of embarrassment in her tone. "The night went by so fast and then day came, I didn't think of anything else except for making it home and getting some sleep. Shizuru 'nee-san didn't mind seeing my belongings at your home, did she?"

"Not at all! We do this every other month, so it's natural now," Kuwabara laughed awkwardly.

'What?' Jin felt a blow to the mind. 'They do—they do THAT every other month? What kind of relationship does Yukina-san have with him? That lad's not right for a lass like her!'

"Well, I have to get going, Yukina-senpai," Kuwabara announced somewhat clumsily, laughing obnoxiously. "I have other things to deliver."

'I bet you do,' Jin growled with some contempt.

With a tiny giggle, Yukina sweetly answered, "All right. Thank you very much for your help today. I'll see you at school, Kuwabara-san."

Sensing the conversation had finally finished and the area now safe to enter, Jin turned the corner as Kazuma walked past him. Keeping a nonchalant face, Jin headed towards Yukina's apartment and avoided Kuwabara's eyes. The two young men passed each other without a second glance.

When he heard the Sarayashiki boy enter the elevator, Jin knocked on Yukina's door and patiently waited for an answer. Oddly, he felt pleased when the door cracked opened and familiar ruby orbs peeked out of the crevice. "Jin-san, what are you doing here?" Yukina gasped in surprise as she opened her door. Dressed in a simple shirt and working skirt, Koorime Yukina greeted her newest visitor.

"Sorry for visiting without calling first," Jin apologized quickly while smiling in embarrassment. "Hiei had a message he wanted to give you right away, so there wasn't much time to call you in between. I hope I didn't disturb you or anything."

"No, not at all," the young maiden smiled, opening her door further. "Would you like to come in and have some tea, Jin-san? I just set some on the stove."

With a polite nod, Jin accepted the invitation. "That would be nice, Yukina-san."

Without another word, Yukina welcomed Jin into her home, the young lady rushing to her kitchenette to prepare the refreshments. The Meiou student anxiously stepped into the apartment, wondering what awkward situation he was in now. He felt awkward enough knowing where Yukina lived, but he was now inside of her home. Prickly sensations crawled all over his skin and spine.

"Do you have a preference in tea?" Yukina asked while checking the teapot for boiling water.

"No, I don't have a preference. Anything will do, Yukina-san," Jin replied with the firmest voice he could muster while taking a seat in the living room. His feelings swirled in every direction, his mind in confusion. Why was he here again? What had driving him to visit Yukina in her home?

'Do you want to die?' a cold voice whispered in Jin's ear. The redhead sat upright and scrunched his face in fear. 'Hiei, you're a mean one,' the young man whined silently. 'Damn you, your demands, and your awful mind tricks!'

Smiling at her guest, Yukina brought a tray of small rice crackers and cakes to the coffee table and set them before the young man. She took no notice on his awkward expression while pouring him tea. Taking a seat adjacent from him and handing him a cup, Yukina asked, "So, what was so very urgent that Hiei-san sent you immediately to the Sarayashiki district?"

"This." Ignoring his tea for a moment, Jin placed the wrapped package gently on the coffee table.

"What is it?"

"Ah, your new cell-phone," Jin laughed lightly. "Hiei wanted to be able to call you whenever he could wherever you were."

Yukina's eyes grew wide and pushed the package back towards Jin. "I can't accept this gift," she said frantically. "You must tell Hiei-san that I can't accept anything like this. I couldn't possibly afford something like this!"

"Well, sorry that Hiei is an imposing lout, Yukina-san, but you have no choice but to accept it." Jin pushed back the gift towards Yukina and stared directly at her. "Please, Yukina-san, if not for yourself, please keep this for Hiei and me. If Hiei can't reach you, he'll freak out; and if I bring this back to him unopened, he'll kill me."

Hearing the seriousness in Jin's voice and noting the pleading look in his cerulean eyes, the young lady sighed in defeat and accepted the phone. She blushed while opening the gift, very much impressed by her new sleek mobile device. "But how will I pay for this?"

"Don't worry about that," Jin assured with a toothy grin. "Hiei has it all covered, and no, don't argue. Giving you this phone is not inconveniencing him. In fact, he's probably glad his money is doing something useful."

"But I have to do something to repay him," Yukina murmured while turning on her phone. She looked back forth between the manual and her cell, steadily learning the functions of the device. "There must be something I can do to return Hiei-san's kindness."

An idea popped into the Meiou boy's mind, but he regretted it a second later. Why did he always have to play the middleman? Could God not give him a break? Jealously spurned Jin as he cheerily suggested, "Take Hiei out on a date. I'm sure it'll make his day."

"What a wonderful idea!" Yukina grinned. Jin shrunk in his seat, wishing he could be happy for Yukina and Hiei; however, his selfish desire overpowered his wish. How lucky Hiei was! But what did it matter? Yukina had never been interested in Jin anyway. "Taking an older brother out on a date is all right, isn't it Jin-san?"

"What?"

Yukina pouted slightly. "It wouldn't seem weird to Hiei-san if I asked him on a date, would it? Little sisters normally do that, don't they?"

"Little sister?" Jin arched a brow. His curiosity suddenly piqued, he cautiously questioned, "Are you and Hiei related, Yukina-san?"

"Oh, no," Yukina laughed, waving her hand, "We aren't related, Jin-san. Hiei-san made a promise to Onii-chan to take care of me, so he's acting like a stand-in brother until I find my real one. At least, that's how we see it."

Jin silently cheered, thanking the heavens for giving him a chance with Yukina. But then the image of the gruff Sarayashiki boy he had seen earlier rammed its way into his thoughts. From the sound of the conversation between Kuwabara Kazuma and Yukina, they had been dating for quite some time now and had an advanced relationship. Boy did Jin have rotten luck.

Clicking and high-pitched beeping interrupting his thoughts, Jin returned his attention towards Yukina. He watched the young lady curiously while she pushed away on her cell phone. "What are you doing, Yukina-san?"

Smiling, Yukina replied, "I'm placing Hiei-san's number in here."

"I hope you didn't put his number beneath his name," Jin murmured gravely, finally picking up his teacup and taking a sip. "If you lost it and someone found out you knew Hiei, then you would be in big trouble."

Seeing the wisdom in Jin's words, Yukina fixed her entry and smiled with approval at the fix. She showed it to the Meiou student, displaying her creativity. "Well, if someone does look through my phone, all they'll find is—"

"Onii-chan," Jin laughed, reading the display. He stopped abruptly when he thought about the name. "Hm, if Hiei is your older brother, what would that make me, Yukina-san? I'm not an older brother like Hiei, and I'm not like your boyfriend—"

"My boyfriend?"

Jin raised a curious fiery brow. "That lad who passed by me while I came here, you know him. The two of you were talking to each other earlier at your door. He's your boyfriend, isn't he, Yukina-san?"

"Oh, Kuwabara-san? Ah, he isn't my boyfriend, Jin-san," Yukina blushed, folding her hands into her lap and staring at the ground sheepishly. "He's an underclassman at my school, and his older sister and I are good friends. Kuwabara-san was here earlier dropping off some items I forgot at Shizuru 'nee-san's house when I slept over the other night."

"Slept over?"

"Ah, Shizuru 'nee-san invites me every other month or so to spend the night," the young lady quickly explained. "Please don't misunderstand, Kuwabara-san is a good friend, but nothing more. Shizuru 'nee-san, she thinks I'm a little lonely living here by myself; and so I stay with her for a night and we have a party of sorts."

"Heh, I see." Jin mentally punished his self: half relieved his assumptions were wrong, half embarrassed he had even made assumptions. 'Well, aren't I the world's biggest idiot? Just might as well give up before I say something to ruin any chance I got.'

Yukina again began dialing numbers into her new phone, puzzling Jin. "What are you doing this time, Yukina-san?"

"I'm putting your phone number in here, Jin-san," Yukina giggled. After a minute more of punching numbers and beeps, she showed Jin the new display. "See?"

"Ka-re-shi?" Jin's faced turned red while reading his phone number beneath the name. His finger rising shakily, he pointed at the phone and stammered, "Y-Yukina-san, I t-think you a-accidentally—"

"Well, I can't have your name actually saved on my phone, can I?" the young lady smiled, holding her phone against her. She seemed so please with herself, happy she had found a way to place Jin's number in her phone without his true identity. "What if I lost it and someone went through it? It would be safer this way, wouldn't it, Jin-san?"

"Uh, sure," the blushing young man responded, rising to his feet. Having Yukina using his advice against him felt slightly unnerving, but why should he complain? She had placed him under "kareshi", under—"Um, I have to get going now, Yukina-san. I've stayed too long, and Hiei probably would get mad if he found out that I stayed so long."

Rising with Jin, Yukina grinned cheerily, "Please thank Hiei-san for the gift, Jin-san. I'll call him later about the date. And please, visit me more often. It was fun drinking tea with you."

"I will come by more often, if I can," Jin grinned, scratching the back of his head shyly. He took off the slippers and put on his own shoes near the doorway. "Good night, Yukina-san," he saluted while walking out. "Please remember to lock your door after me."

"I will." Yukina gave Jin a slight bow as he left. "Please take care, Jin-san."

Walking into the cool night, Jin blushed again at the thought of Yukina's cell phone. "I can't believe she did that," he muttered, shaking his head in disbelief. "Kareshi—Boyfriend, she put me under 'boyfriend'." Staring into the dark velvet sky, Jin's eyes twinkled like the stars above. "Maybe I have a better chance than I thought."

"Almost out," Shinobi Jin smiled, nearing the border between the two districts. He stood at the crosswalk, ready to step across the road that divided Meiou and Sarayashiki. Luckily, he had traveled from Yukina's house to the border without incident; and in a matter of seconds, he would be safe from it all. "Once I'm over, I can finally relax and—" He dived behind a wall when he spotted two people coming across the street.

"Kurama, you don't have to do this for me," a young lady told the redhead with a stern expression. "I can walk home on my own, you know. I've done it on my own before going out with you."

"But you weren't deep into Meiou those times. And it would be very rude of me if I didn't. I can't just abandon my fair lady in the middle of ruffian territory," Kurama smoothly replied while kissing her hand affectionately. The young lady giggled while leading her prince into the Sarayashiki district.

'What is Kurama doing with a girl like her?'

Silently, Jin followed the pair until they stopped in front of a house, where the girl said good-bye to Kurama and ran inside. Minamino stood in front of the house until a paper ball flew from the top window, the mystery girl yelling down at him. "Kurama! I told you to go home! I'm safe now, so there's nothing to worry about." When the redhead did not move, the girl threw a larger paper wad at the young man. "Kurama, he is NOT coming to my house, so don't worry. Now you better get going or else YOU are going to get into trouble."

"As the lady says," Kurama bowed, finally turning away from the home. "I'll see you tomorrow then, same place?"

"Yes," the girl blushed, waving good-bye. "Take care, Kurama. Don't get in trouble."

"I won't—remember, I promised." He winked slyly and sprinted away.

Jin silently followed his friend until they were well into Meiou territory, all the while various questions swirling in his mind. 'Why is Kurama with a Sarayashiki girl? Is she the reason why he's been so happy the last few weeks? Is she the reason why he hasn't been around as often?' Once Kurama stepped over the border and traveled deep into Meiou, only then did Jin reveal his presence. "So that's the new girl," he muttered from the shadows.

Kurama froze in his steps and whirled around at the familiar voice. "Jin, what are you doing here?" the redhead demanded quickly.

"Relax, Kurama, I'm alone. The others aren't here," Jin assured quietly. He had no desire to attract attention and wanted a calm, and clear encounter. "And I'm here finishing an errand for Hiei and am now going back home. What about you, Kurama?" the lively lad asked coyly. "Did you escort your new girlfriend back home?"

"You saw?" Sighing and seeing no way around the issue, Kurama shrugged and motioned towards a food stall where the conversation would be more private. He knew he should feel more concerned about Jin knowing the secret, but Kurama felt no uneasiness, no need to conceal the truth. Perhaps Fate desired his friend to know? Once they claimed a remote spot and settled in a booth, Kurama began explaining, "Since you saw and cannot forget without physical damage, yes, I escorted my new girlfriend home. As you've probably figured, she is from Sarayashiki." With another sigh, Kurama chuckled, "Rather ironic you're the first to find out, Jin. Seems like you're always the first to know about my love life."

Kurama's serene smile warmed Jin's heart. He had not seen Kurama smile like that in a very long time, and it was about time he smiled like that again. "I'm glad that you're finally happy, Kurama. And thank you very much for trusting me." Nearing Kurama, the underclassman whispered, "And if you ever need a messenger or delivery boy, I'll be there to do it. If she truly makes you happy, then I'll do anything I can for you two to stay together."

'I want you to finally forget Maya-san. I want your heart to unfreeze and grow again.'

Kurama felt slightly taken back Jin had readily accepted Botan's status; he had half expected disbelief and demands of break-up, not an offer of help. But he had forgotten who he was trusting. With his eyes closed thoughtfully and a collected smile on his lips, Kurama muttered, "Thank you, Jin."

Some nights later after Botan and Kurama's meeting with Karasu and Jin's teatime with Yukina, Hanasaki Botan found herself in a respectable restaurant's lobby, saying good-bye to family friends and little children. She was a spectacle to see, her sky bangs styled to her left and her other long locks twisted and pinned up. Silver jeweled decorations twisted in and out of her hair, matching earrings, necklace, and bracelet gracing her image. Dressed in a midnight blue strapless gown, Botan wore a shimmering matching shawl over her shoulders for modesty. "Make sure you behave next time your mother asks, okay?" Botan giggled while tapping the noses of two young children.

"We will, Onee-san," the children chorused, hugging Botan's legs.

"Next time, will we get to play with you?"

"Will you have a cousin for us with Syuuichi 'nii-san?"

The mother quietly chuckled at Botan's reaction and ushered her children out. Turning to Botan, she bowed, "Thank you for watching them over dinner, Botan-san. And I'm sorry about their youth. You know how children are."

Mastering some of her blushing, Botan bowed also, "Of course. Good night."

"I'm glad you came today, Botan-chan. Without you, I don't think Syuuichi-kun or Shuuichi-chan would have had as much fun, or any of the other children for that matter." Shiori grinned, having finished saying farewell to the other guests. She patted the younger woman affectionately on her arm. "You did well making them behave."

Hatanaka, done with his portion of guests, hooked Shiori's arm on his and warmly smiled at the young lady. "Yes, I'm glad you accepted our invitation today. At the very least, you made Shuuichi-chan sit still throughout dinner. Through his thirteen years, this is the first time he's done that."

"Well, an engagement party isn't something to miss," Botan blushed, bowing to the couple gratefully for their invitation. "And Shuuichi-chan felt rather excited for his father and new mother, so it was easy for him to behave."

"On the contrary, it would be harder for him," Hatanaka corrected with a wry smile. "But I guess calm beauty overcomes youthful energy. I think the only reason Shuuichi-chan stayed is because he didn't want to lose his seat by a lovely young lady."

"Otou-san, what are you telling Botan 'nee-chan?" Shuuichi demanded while loosening his yellow tie around his neck. The brunette thirteen-year old gave his father a suspicious glance and quickly turned to Botan. "Don't believe everything Otou-san tells you, Botan 'nee-chan. He has a bad habit of pulling your leg."

Patting his son endearingly on the head, Hatanaka added, "And Shuuichi-chan gets rather defensive around a girl he likes."

"I do not!" At Shuuichi's outburst, Hatanaka and Shiori began laughing while Botan tried holding back her giggles. She did not want Shuuichi feeling bad, and he felt embarrassed enough by Hatanaka's hinting.

"Is everyone done hogging my girlfriend or must I still wait my turn?" Kurama inquired calmly. A jovial smile gracing his handsome face, he added with a playful pout, "You're supposed to be with me, but I haven't had a single moment with you since the entire dinner started." Wearing a sharp black suit and a white tie, Kurama attractively stood by his girlfriend's side. His long scarlet locks had been tied into a low ponytail, only adding to his crisp, beautiful image. Needless to say, Botan had been the envy of every female in the restaurant that night.

"Actually, it's about time I left," Botan laughed sheepishly, giving a quick bow to Shiori and Hatanaka. "My cousin is expecting me home by twelve, and it's already eleven."

"I'll ride with you." Quickly, Kurama grabbed Botan's coat and his own and said farewell to his mother and soon-to-be father and stepbrother. "I'll be back shortly after twelve, so please don't wait for me."

Shiori waved good-bye to the two lovebirds with a smile. Young love always warmed her heart. "Be safe now, Syuuichi-kun. Make sure Botan-chan gets home safely."

"I will, Okaa-san." Before departing, his kissed his mother's cheek and whisked Botan away. When Kurama and Botan exited the restaurant, the young man immediately called for a cab. Botan gave the driver her directions and silently enjoyed Kurama's presence during the ride. Taking a glance in the rearview mirror, the cab driver smirked at the sight of the adolescents and said nothing. Eventually, the taxi reached its destination, and Kurama and Botan parted.

"Are you sure you don't want to go straight home?" Kurama questioned worriedly, looking around the darkened neighborhood.

"I have to return Ayame 'nee-chan's belongings, Kurama. I can't just take her jewelry and dress, especially after all the hard work she went through to make me look nice," Botan replied while redirecting him towards the waiting taxi. "And I have to get my clothes back too."

"Why don't you ask Ayame-san if you can keep that dress?" the young man wondered, a foxy grin covering his face. "I rather like that on you. Makes you look very sexy."

"Go home!" Botan ordered. Her face red like a tomato, she forcibly shoved Kurama forward.

"All right," Kurama laughed, "But not before this." Quickly bending down, he tenderly kissed Botan. The awaiting driver shook his head bemusedly and silently applauded the lad's way with women; however, he was not the only witness of Kurama's kiss. Across the street, another young woman stared at the couple in shock.

Although she fairly enjoyed kissing Kurama, Botan pushed away her boyfriend and once more commanded, "Go home!"

Giving his girlfriend a chaste kiss, he waved good-bye, "I'll see you tomorrow, Botan."

Once Kurama entered the cab and disappeared down the road, Botan released a sigh and shook her head in wonder. Why in the world had she fallen in love with him? Someone suddenly placed a hand on Botan's shoulder, making her jump in surprise. "So, you're the girl that Syuuichi-kun is going out with now," Maya glared. "You must be the one he met at my party. Sarayashiki, no doubt, since I don't know who you are or how you got to my party, Botan-san."

Botan stared at the stranger in surprise and fear. Since she knew Kurama, the girl obviously attended Meiou High—and had she said "my party"? And she knew Botan was from Sarayashiki High, not to mention her name! 'I'm in big trouble if I think she's who I think she is,' Botan gulped. "Excuse me, but may I help you?"

"Don't even think about playing dumb," Maya spat, removing her hand from Botan's shoulder. "I saw you and Syuuichi-san kiss just now. I know you're his new girlfriend, and there is no way you can get yourself out of the truth. Feh, I can't believe Syuuichi-kun has gotten so low as to date someone from Sarayashiki High School."

Seeing as there was no use denying it and thanking God her friends were not with her, Botan decided to confront the aggressive Meiou girl. "What if I am his new girlfriend? What does Syuuichi business have to do with yours?" Botan inquired curiously, using Kurama's public name.

"My name is Kitajima Maya, and I'm a close friend of Syuuichi-kun's. I'm his ex-girlfriend, in fact." She paused for a moment, as if remembering a desolate memory. "He's going to let go of you as soon as he's bored of you, you know that, right?" Maya informed, her eyes glancing sadly at the ground. "Syuuichi-kun is going to let go of you as soon as you begin to feel serious about him and tell him. He doesn't want to get into a personal relationship; he wants to be free, untied."

"You're lying," Botan replied slowly.

"Why would I lie about Syuuichi-kun?" the other girl snapped.

Botan narrowed her eyes at Maya, fighting back her own urge to scream at the girl. She could not lose her temper and shame Kurama; she was already breaking her promise to him. "Because you still care a lot for Syuuichi, Kitajima-san, and you don't want anyone else being happy with him, even if it makes Syuuichi unhappy. But in truth, you just want to hurt Syuuichi."

Maya stepped back away from Botan, frightened by the accusation. She stomped her foot angrily and protested, "That's not true!"

"Isn't it?" the Sarayashiki girl asked, giving Maya a sad glance through her amethyst orbs. "Kitajima-san, do you even realize why Syuuichi broke up with you?"

"Because we were getting too close," the brunette muttered quietly. "Syuuichi-kun pushed me away because I was getting too close to him."

"No," Botan shook her head, "because you did not understand Syuuichi. You did not understand the pain he was hiding within himself. You only saw Syuuichi as he presented himself. You didn't want to understand the real Syuuichi."

'You didn't want to see the pain, the scars he had on his soul.'

"What, and you're going to tell me that you do?" Maya snapped.

Botan stared at her opposition uneasily. "I don't fully understand Syuuichi, Kitajima-san, and I don't think anyone ever will, but I'm slowly learning more and more about him every day I'm with him. I want to learn more about the other side, the hidden Minamino Syuuichi; and I love the other Syuuichi just as much as I love the one everyone sees everyday."

'I love Kurama as much as I love Syuuichi.'

"You make no sense."

"Well," Botan shrugged, walking past Maya, "I guess this is the reason why Syuuichi left you. Good night, Kitajima-san. I hope we don't meet each other again anytime soon." Botan then ran towards Ayame's house and entered without hesitation.

While she caught her breath, the young lady thought, 'Kurama will find out about this. He told me not to meet Kitajima-san, but I did.' Tears welled up in Botan's amethyst eyes. 'I'm sorry, Kurama. I'm sorry.'

"Minamino-senpai, could you help me with is?" a younger representative asked desperately. She looked as if she would cry soon, her expression very frustrated. "Aho-senpai said I had many mistakes on here, and I've looked at it over five times, but I can't find any more. And I have to turn it in by third period!"

Regarding the seated girl with a coy smile, Kurama took her paperwork and looked at it thoughtfully. "I don't see any mistakes myself, except you forgot to mention when the event would be and which teacher sponsor would be there." He returned the paper to the underclassman and patted her shoulder. "And about Aho-kun, don't pay much attention to him. He's just another representative like you, and he likes giving underclassman a hard time, especially if he thinks they're cute."

Then young girl blushed and gave Kurama a bow from her chair. "Um, thank you for your help, Minamino-senpai."

"You don't have to be so formal with me," Kurama chuckled, patting the little first-year on her head. "You may call me Syuuichi, if you like. After all, we're both on student council, so we might as well become friends."

"Um, a-all right, S-Syuuichi-senpai." Her face reddened further, embarrassed and honored that the famous Minamino Syuuichi actually conversed with her. When the others heard about this, they would be so jealous!

"But you know, Aho-kun has a point," the redhead smiled cheerily, filing and organizing some of his own work. "You are cute. You remind me of a little sister, one who goes to elementary school and wears a bright yellow hat. I wish I had a little sister like you."

"Are you saying I look like a little kid?" the girl suddenly demanded, a pout on her face.

Kurama's eyes went wide, Botan's face suddenly appearing before his eyes. She wore the Sailor Moon costume like the first time he had met her, a long white gown trailing behind her. Her amethyst eyes were glowing with rage while her face was strategically turned away from him. 'Are you saying I look like a little kid?' she had demanded angrily.

"Ah, I'm sorry, Syuuichi-senpai. Please forgive me," the underclassman fretfully bowed, interrupting Kurama's flashback. "I didn't mean to snap like that. I don't know what I was thinking."

"It's all right," Kurama excused with a wave of his hand. He had a playful grin on his lips once more, a kind regard in his verdant eyes. "It was cute. You reminded me of my girlfriend—She said the exact same thing you did when I teased her about how young she looked."

"Your girlfriend, Syuuichi-senpai?" Inside the student cheered and pouted at once, happy the upperclassmen thought she seemed like his girlfriend but disappointed he already was taken.

"Well, I have to return to class now," Kurama sighed, exiting the council room and making his way down the hallway. "Feel free coming to me if you need help again."

"Yes, Syuuichi-senpai!"

While walking back towards his classroom, Kurama sighed from his thoughts. He had not seen Botan for two weeks now, not since his mother's engagement party. But he could do nothing about his longing. He had student council duties, football practice, and he had to prepare for his mother's wedding; Botan had her own representative work and volleyball practice to attend. They were both hardworking students with impressive academic careers. The days had grown so hectic Kurama had not even called Botan to explain his absence. Ayame had fortunately told him why Botan had not sent a message, so maybe she had told his girlfriend about him. "Maybe I should skip a day of practice and kidnap her and explain everything myself," he mused with a foxy smirk.

"You look happy about something, Syuuichi-kun."

Kurama stopped in his steps and turned around to face a familiar brunette second-year. Internally, he winced, recognizing that she looked exactly as she had years ago. "Maya-san? Heh, I almost did not recognize you. It's been a while, hasn't it?"

"Syuuichi-kun, you and I need to talk," Maya muttered, directing towards an empty classroom.

Nudging his head towards the opposite direction, Kurama replied, "But class is about to—"

"Skipping one lesson won't kill you, Syuuichi-kun," the girl muttered darkly. "Besides, knowing you, you already know the lesson." At Maya's tone, Kurama's eyes narrowed in suspicion. Her sudden need to speak to him was out of place, since Maya had not spoken to him since they had broken up. He followed her without another word, curious to what Maya had to say. They entered the empty classroom, an eerie silence greeting them.

"So, what is it you wished to speak about, Maya-san?" Kurama casually questioned while resting against a desk. "It must be important, since you're readily skipping class."

"I met your girlfriend, Botan-san, the other day, Syuuichi-kun," was the blunt reply.

"Oh, you did, did you?" Kurama laughed without faltering.

Maya growled at Kurama's carefree reaction, the girl bothered that he treated her so lightly. "How can you laugh at something like this, Syuuichi-kun? How can you do this? How can you date a Sarayashiki girl? What are you thinking?" Maya cried. "How can you do this to us, our school?"

He continued laughing for a moment, rising from the desk and moving towards the windows, the only source of light for the room. Slowly and steadily, Kurama's laughter died down, but Maya could not see if he still smiled or had another expression on his face. Looking out the windows, Kurama tonelessly replied, "What concern do you have in this matter, Maya-san? Whom I date has nothing to do with you."

Finally, Kurama was taking her seriously! "But it has everything to do with you, and that's reason enough to be concerned, Syuuichi-kun!" Maya grabbed Kurama's arm and demanded his attention. "I don't want you hurt by her, Syuuichi-kun! I don't want her to pull you in and trap you. Please, Syuuichi-kun, break away before it's too late. Free yourself before she betrays you."

'Free myself before she betrays me?' Several images replayed in his mind, reminding him of his past days in junior high. 'Syuuichi-kun!' Maya had called out with a sweet smile. 'Syuuichi-kun, let's have lunch together today.' A memory in the rain inserted itself. 'I-I'm in love with you too, Syuuichi-kun,' Maya blushed, holding Kurama's hand. 'I've been in love with you for the longest time.' Their first kiss—his first kiss—and then their final one filled his thoughts. 'Syuuichi-kun, you've grown cold. What's wrong with you?' Maya demanded. 'You shouldn't think on sad thoughts all the time, Syuuichi-kun. Whenever you do, you're someone else. And what's this I hear you going by Kurama? Don't make another identity, Syuuichi-kun, because you're Syuuichi—you're Minamino Syuuichi, and you can't change that.' He remembered the words he said, the words that severed their relationship. 'Syuuichi-kun, we don't have to do this! If we stay together, we can work through whatever that's bothering you with each other.'

'But nothing was wrong with me,' Kurama thought with contempt. 'The only one who did not understand was you. You rejected me the day you rejected Youko Kurama.' After that thought, he lost his temper and glared at Maya darkly. "The only one who has ever betrayed me is you, Maya-san."

"Syuuichi-kun—"

"How dare you, of all people, come to me and demand such a thing?" Kurama growled, a shaking hand on his head. "You're the only one who tries pulling me in, Maya-san, the only one why tries trapping me." Without hesitation, he threw the girl off his arm and stormed out of the classroom.

"Wait, Syuuichi-kun!" Maya cried, grabbing Kurama's arm again. "I don't want to lose you, Syuuichi-kun. Ever since we broke up, you won't open up to me anymore. You won't speak to me anymore! We're growing apart, and I don't want to lose you, Syuuichi-kun. Please, don't go!"

'I don't want to be alone.'

"You lost me long before we broke up, Maya-san," Kurama murmured coldly, freeing his arm from the girl. 'You lost me the day you closed your heart to my darkness, my pain. I'll never come back to you.'

"No, Syuuichi-kun—"

"Don't call me as if you know me," he muttered with a growl. "I'm afraid I can't see you again like this, Maya-san. It's too uncomfortable for the both of us. Good-bye, Maya-san." With a curt bow and without a second glance, he turned away from her and hastily left her. While Kurama marched down the hallway and out of the building, Maya lifelessly stood still and watched him walk out of her life.

"Wah, Botan-chan, you need a break," a Sarayashiki girl remarked, staring down at Botan's work. She crossed her arms and shook her head disapprovingly. "You do way too much for someone like yourself."

"Heh, it's all right," Botan smiled sheepishly. She stopped writing for a moment to look up at her friend. "I'm almost done, and that's the last one to finish anyway."

Right then, Keiko entered the student council room with two other friends, and they gasped at what they saw. Beside Botan's desk stood three large stacks of completed student council work. "Botan-chan, did you do all of this by yourself?" Keiko demanded frantically while looking through all the finished paperwork. "Botan-chan, why in the world did you do this alone?"

"Daioh-senpai has been really lenient on me lately," she replied shyly. She remembered to use his surname, not wanting her friends to believe the rampant rumors that she dated Koenma. What happened if the rumor spread to Meiou? "So I decided that it's only fair I do my share of work I've been missing lately. It's the least I could do for everyone and Koenma-senpai."

"This is wrong!" Botan's friends exclaimed while pulling the girl to her feet and grabbing her school bag.

"Ah—What are you guys doing?" Botan questioned fearfully, too tired to struggle against her friends.

"We're giving you a break," Keiko responded sternly, following the herd with a determined look in her mahogany eyes. "Botan-chan, as of late, you've been doing so much work, you're about to go into overkill. We're going to remind you how to have fun, even if it kills you!"

'Doesn't that neutralize the point?' Botan silently remarked with a nervous grin.

A sweet voice then exclaimed, "Oh my, what's going on?"

"Oh, hello, Yukina-senpai," one of the girl's holding Botan greeted innocently. "How are you doing this afternoon? Did your club end already?"

"Yes," the second-year girl nodded with a pleasant smile. "Today was just a regular meeting, so we didn't need to meet for very long." She gave the girls and Botan a worried glance and inquired, "Why is Botan-chan being led away? Did she do something bad?"

"We're taking her out and giving her a break," they quickly explained, "even if it kills her." Their voices hinted no guilt or remorse whatsoever.

"I see."

"Come with us, Yukina-chan," Keiko invited with an excited smile. "I'm sure you need a break as well." Yukina nodded thankfully and walked with Keiko while the others continued prodding Botan onward. Before long, six Sarayashiki girls promenaded and giggled along Japan's city streets. Keiko and the other three friends laughed and chattered ahead while Yukina and Botan followed from behind.

Botan still had a downcast expression, her thoughts looming over her encounter with Kitajima. For the last two weeks, Botan had purposely busied herself with various activities to distract her from her broken promise and Kurama's anger. Ayame had done Botan a favor, telling Kurama she could not meet him due to work—work she had made for herself.

"Botan-chan, are you all right?"

Raising her head slightly, Botan turned her attention to Yukina with a gasp. "What? Oh, I'm fine, Yukina-chan! Why is it you ask?"

"You haven't been stressing yourself purposely, have you?" Yukina wondered quietly, not wanting the others to hear. She gave her friend a pointed look with her piercing ruby eyes. "Has something happened between you and your boyfriend?"

"Sort of," Botan mumbled.

The second-year frowned, feeling sad for her friend. She placed a gentle hand on Botan's arm and asked carefully, "Did you get in a fight?"

"No," Botan sighed wearily. "We didn't get into a fight, but I broke a promise, and I'm afraid he's found out about it. He made all these promises to me and has kept them all, and I've only made one and broken it. I'm an awful girlfriend, Yukina-chan."

"Don't worry about it, Botan-chan," Yukina smiled warmly. "I'm sure you had your reasons, and he'll understand them."

Voices then broke into the conversation.

"I've never seen Kurama that angry before," a young man with icy blue hair exclaimed, shaking his head.

A taller young man with a long ebony ponytail sighed, "Well, I have, but this is pretty close to it. Man, that girl really put him in a mood."

"At least they're finally not seeing each other," a redhead remarked with a chipper voice. "That lass finally got the message, and Kurama's never going to trust her again."

"Hn, I just can't believe he actually trusted her," a shorter dark-haired lad scoffed.

"That's Hiei-san," Yukina whispered, turning her attention to the group of boys across the street. Her ruby eyes brightened when she spotted another young man amongst the group.

"Yukina-san, did you say—Wait!" Botan ran across the street towards the Meiou students. "Please wait!"

"Botan-chan! Stop!" Botan's friends were aghast in horror; their bubbled headed friend had really lost it this time! "Don't go to them, Botan-chan! They're Meiou boys!" Keiko and Yukina, unlike Botan's other friends, only held their breath, hoping that Botan recognized her Meiou students well. The two girls were praying to God that Botan was not making a mistake.

'Hiei-san and Jin-san will protect her,' Yukina reminded herself. 'And if they don't, I will. But I know Jin-san and Hiei-san will help her.'

Hiei, Kuronue, Jin, and Touya stopped in their tracks when they spotted a girl dressed in a blue uniform running towards them, although they did not know why. "What do you think she wants?" Touya questioned quietly as the four boys waited for the girl to catch up to them.

"Who knows?" Kuronue shrugged. "With this district's girls, you can't ever be sure." He took a good look at the girl and grinned inwardly when he saw she was cute. But guilt and fear bombarded him, Kuronue remembering his girlfriend Momoko and his best friend Kurama. 'Wait—Kurama? Why did I think of him?'

"What do you want with us, Sarayashiki?" Hiei glared as soon as Botan came in earshot.

Recognizing Hiei from the party and Kurama's introduction, Botan ran unknowingly to Yukina's twin brother. "Please, do you know where I can find Minamino Syuuichi?" Botan had used Kurama's public name just in case other people listened to their conversation.

Kuronue frowned in distaste: another airhead girl after his friend Kurama, a Sarayashiki one for that matter. "Why would you want to find him, girl? He doesn't need more feather-brained girls, especially ones from Sarayashiki, to join his fan club. He already has plenty of fan girls at school."

Botan earnestly shook her head at Kuronue's accusation: at least, she thought he was Kuronue. Tall, about Kurama's height; long black hair in a ponytail; wearing or holding an eerie red pendant: he fit Kurama's description of Kuronue. "No, I'm not like that, I'm not like that all. You have to understand that I have to find Minamino now."

"Who are you?" Touya inquired cautiously.

"I'm someone who's really worried about Kurama," Botan replied earnestly. She looked at Kuronue desperately. "Shinomori-san, I know that you've known Kurama for most of your life, even when Kurama lived with his real parents. You know him better than anyone. Please, tell me where I can find Kurama."

Kuronue stepped back slightly, uncomfortable with the small distance between him and the Sarayashiki girl. "Hey, how do you know my family name? And who said that you could use—"

"Kurama told me," Botan sighed, tired with the boys' lack of help. "Please, will you help me, Shinomori-san?"

"Why should we help you?" Hiei demanded. When Botan looked into his ruby eyes, she once more felt the familiar sensation of being read. Just a moment ago, she had that similar feeling, but who was it from?

"Does Kurama hate me that much that he's completely avoiding me?" Botan asked with a hurt tone.

"Who are you?" Touya, Hiei, and Kuronue asked for the third time.

An image of Kurama bidding a girl farewell from her home flashed through a certain lad's mind. Suddenly realizing who she was, he slapped a hand against his forehead. "Ai, and here I thought she were some other lass. Should've known she was his girl as soon as she said his name." The spirited Meiou student then grabbed Botan's wrist and began to run. While running past the Sarayashiki girls, Jin spotted Yukina among them. He gave her an encouraging wink, which allowed the young lady to relax. She smiled back and wished her two friends luck while praying their business went well.

"Where are you taking me?" Botan inquired while following the Meiou boy as fast as she could. She heard the others yelling at him curiously, but she did not pay attention to them.

"You and I got some things to talk about, lassie, and it's not right to speak of it in front of these blokes."

"What's your name?" Without responding to her question, Jin pulled Botan into a quiet alleyway so that they would not be disturbed. Continuing, she said, "My name is Botan, Hanasaki Botan."

Jin nodded. "Yup, I was right. You're Kurama's lass all right, just like he described you and how I last remember you."

"So, is Kurama very angry with me?" Botan asked quietly. Time, she knew, was limited and Jin had to answer as many of her questions before it ran out.

Jin's jaw dropped in shock. "What the hell makes you think he's mad at you, miss?"

"He hasn't given me a message in some time," Botan whispered, fighting back her tears. She had been holding in her emotions for some time now, but she did not want to unload all of them on the Meiou boy. He did not need that. "I feel like he's avoiding me after what happened with Kitajima-san and me."

"No," Jin answered, awkwardly patting Botan's back. He knew she was about to cry and did not want a crying girl on his hands—he would feel too guilty. "He isn't angry with you about that, Botan-san, yes? He could care less about the incident, really. Actually, he is really glad you talked to the Maya-san. Kurama couldn't stand her."

Botan stared at Jin in surprise and confusion. "But, the others—Weren't they—Weren't you talking about me?"

"You?" Jin fell against the wall and began laughing. "Ha, those guys, talking about you? Heh, they don't even know about you, if that'll make you feel better. Well, at least they didn't until a while back, but that's no big deal."

"Then whom were you talking about?" Botan wondered. "Who made Kurama so angry?"

"Maya-san said some pretty harsh words to Kurama the other day, and he severed their relationship for good," Jin explained gravely. "From what I understand, Maya-san talked about you, and Kurama would have none of it. He's still fuming about it, if you need to know. Been fuming about it for five days now."

"I feel so bad, causing Kurama so much trouble." Botan felt her tears coming. "It's because of me Kitajima-san confronted Kurama. If I had kept my promise and ran away, then this wouldn't be happening."

'If I had kept my promise, Kurama would still be friends with Kitajima-san. He wouldn't be so mad, and his friends wouldn't be worried for him.'

"Oh please," the young man shook his head, "None of this is because of you, Botan-san. Maya-san and Kurama have had a lot of unsettled issues, and they're now just starting to burn them. But for some good news, Kurama wanted me to tell you, if I ever got to see you, that he's sorry he can't meet you for a few weeks. He's been really busy lately, finishing up council work for the year, practicing football, and getting ready for the wedding." An amused grin then grew on the young man's face. "But of course, if you're interested, Kurama is more than willing to play hooky for a day and kidnap you."

"What are you saying?" Botan asked.

"Hey, can't you call me by my name, lassie?" Jin whined with a pout.

Botan giggled, feeling somewhat better. The Meiou boy's smile, not to mention cheerful energy, was contagious. He reminded Botan of Yusuke whenever he was in a good mood. "I'm sorry. It's Shinobi-san, right?"

"Jin will do just fine," he grinned.

"But what did you mean, Jin-san?" Botan asked, complying Jin's request of familiarity.

As Jin was about to explain, the two were covered in shadows. A gang surrounded the alleyway, preventing any escape for Jin and Botan. "Now what do we have here?" one of the gangsters cackled.

"A Sarayashiki girl, with Shinobi, no doubt."

"So the rumors are true. Shinobi has turned traitor."

"Move aside." The thugs split in half, allowing a pale, thin boy through. His features made him looked spoiled, his face pale from lack of sunlight and his hair greasy from numerous hair products.

"Rishou," Jin growled, pushing Botan further behind him. "What is he doing here?"

"Seems like you have a Sarayashiki girl on your hands, Shinobi," Rishou smirked, a devilish look in his eyes. He dramatically brushed back limp dark strands from his ashen face. "If you don't mind, we'll get rid of her so we can have our alone time with you."

"Touch her and I'll be sure to give you a good beating," Jin warned to the Meiou group. He knew very well how they handled people, and none of them would harm Kurama's girl. "None of you rats are laying a hand on her."

Rishou laughed. "It's not the girl we care for; but now that you mention her, maybe we'll have some fun before we're done. She does look rather cute."

"I'm warning you, Rishou," Jin growled fiercely, clenching his fists. "If you touch a hair on her, I won't be the only one to hunt your bloody hide down. I guarantee that quite a few tough fighters, not to mention Minamino, will come after you."

"Interesting that you mention Minamino, since he hasn't shown face in over a week," Rishou yawned. "I highly doubt he has the balls to face us and win."

"He'll wring your neck for that one," Jin growled. Shifting slightly to his left, he lowered his voice so that only Botan could hear, "I'll charge straight through them, and that'll give you an opening to scat."

"But, Jin-san—" She did not have enough time to protest.

"Ready? Steady—" Jin bent his knees, his arms and hands ready for an attack. "GO!" He launched himself at Rishou, pushing through the gangsters all the way to the end of the alley. Botan sprinted after him, but a stray board snagged her foot and tripped her. Before Jin could recover from his blitz, the Meiou boys were on top of Botan. "Botan-san!"

'If I don't save her, then I won't forgive myself.' Jin fought harder as another thought sprung into his mind. 'If I don't save her, Kurama won't forgive me—forget about forgiving, he'll kill me!'

"Botan-san!"

"Jin-san!" Botan jumped to her feet and got into a fighting stance. With a swift high kick and a few punches, she had removed Rishou's gang from her. Although she did not specialize in martial arts, Botan was not Yusuke's cousin and Genkai's friend for nothing. Urameshi blood still coursed through her veins. "How are we going to get out of here?"

"You don't!" Rishou barked, attacking the young lady. Caught off-guard, Botan could not block his assault and hit the wall from the blow.

"AAAYAAAH!"

"What was that?" Yusuke stopped in his steps and looked around the street. He had heard a woman scream, no doubt. What bothered Urameshi the most was he recognized the scream. Crashes and clattering attracted his attention to an alley ahead of him. Yusuke's blood chilled when he spotted his cousin pinned against a wall by her neck. "Botan!" Without hesitation or reserve, Yusuke ran into the brawl and knocked Rishou clear away from his kin.

When their gang leader crashed into the back wall of the alleyway, the thugs halted to see who had defeated Rishou in one blow. Their faces paled when they looked into the deadly eyes of the Sarayashiki fighter. "Now tell which of you guys hurt her?" he growled, his fists curled into tight fists. "The sooner you speak, the better your chances are of not dying with the other fools."

"Yusuke," Botan gasped, coughing and trying to regain her breath. "I'm so glad you're here, Yusuke." Yusuke looked at his bruised and bleeding cousin and grew more furious.

"Don't worry, Botan," Urameshi muttered murderously while cracking his knuckles in preparation. "They'll pay for every touch they got on you. I'll make sure of that."

"Did—Did that girl just say Yusuke?" one of the Meiou boys chattered in fear.

"Does she mean—Does she mean Urameshi Yusuke?" another added, his legs about to collapse beneath him.

"The one and the only, you bastards," the teenager snapped. He slowly walked towards the gang, every step filled with rage and hatred. "Now tell me which son of a bitch messed with my cousin, or else every single one of you is dead." The Meiou boys replied with chattering and shaking, intelligible words unable to escape from their mouths. "I guess you're all dead then!" Yusuke roared, charging into the mass.

Botan tried standing on her feet, but her body ached from the beating she had received earlier. Searching the alley, she found Jin staggering towards her, a worried look in his blacked blue eyes. "Botan-san," he muttered pitifully, "Botan-san, are you all right?"

Before Jin fell face first into the ground, she caught him in her arms and lowed him to his knees. "I'm fine, Jin-san, but you should—"

"Have you had enough yet, you dirt bags?" Yusuke hollered, mercilessly kicking a boy in the face and tossing another into the wall. "Think twice before you beat up a girl, especially if she's my cousin!" In a clean minute, Yusuke had beaten most of Rishou's gang to near death and still had most of his rage to spend. Four boys tried escaping, but they would not be so fortunate.

"Where the hell do you think you're going?" the Sarayashiki fighter asked in a slow, deadly voice, his arms crossed and his eyes cold.

"Please, have mercy!" The boys fell to their knees and began sobbing desperately. They were too young to die!

"You should have thought of mercy when you entered Sarayashiki and beat her up," Yusuke snarled, bringing his fist down for a final blow. Botan and Jin held their breath and turned away, only to hear squeals of terror. They opened their eyes and breathed in relief, Yusuke's fist cracking cement instead of skulls.

"Get out of here," Urameshi growled through his teeth, "Get out of here and NEVER come back."

With sniveling whimpers and snow-white faces, the remaining Meiou boys crawled out of the alley and made their escape. When the rats were out of sight, Yusuke went to his cousin to help her home, only to be shocked by finding a Meiou boy by her side. In a wink, Yusuke grabbed the redhead's collar and nearly clocked him when Botan's plea rang in his ears.

"Wait! Yusuke! Please, don't hurt Jin-san!" she cried, clinging to her cousin's arm. "Please don't hurt him."

Lowering his fist, Yusuke used his free hand to embrace Botan. "Are you okay?"

"Jin!"

Yusuke looked across the street and found three Meiou boys running towards their alley. He flinched when he recognized Jaganshi Hiei and Shinomori Kuronue. In one swift movement, Yusuke released Jin, swept Botan into his arms, and sprinted back home. He could fight two members of the Three, no problem, but not while Botan was present or in that condition. Today, he would retreat.

"Isn't that Urameshi?" Kuronue demanded when they had reached the alley.

"Yeah, and he has that girl from earlier in his arms," Hiei muttered in aggravation. Twice now he had missed his chance fighting Urameshi. He took a look at the battleground and smirked. "Looks like Rishou's group got on his nerves."

"Kuronue, Hiei, help me with Jin!" Touya's voice beckoned. "Jin, Jin, can you hear me?" he asked from his fellow classman while trying to get him on his feet.

"Looks like Urameshi's handiwork all right. They all look half-dead," Kuronue sighed, tossing his friend onto his shoulders. "Come on, we better get him checked in to a hospital right now."

"And what about these guys?" Hiei jabbed a thumb towards the other unconscious Meiou students.

"Call an ambulance for them," Kuronue growled. "They were probably the ones asking for trouble and got Jin into the middle of it. They can stand to suffer for a few more minutes."

"Kurama won't be pleased when he hears about this," Touya remarked while the three boys headed towards the nearest hospital. "He won't be pleased at all."