Once Upon a Razorblade

Disclaimer: I own no part of Yu Yu Hakusho. But steal my plot and you will suffer.

Interlude: Finality is Forever

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Botan stands in the doorway, her somber and quickly tearing eyes intent on watching the redhead as he slowly signs his name on the final written page of the leather-bound book before closing the covers.

"It's finished," she hears him whisper, placing his hands on the cover and tracing the silvery designs with the tips of his fingers. "It's finally finished."

A sigh, long and dredged out from his being, escapes from between his parted lips.

He turns towards the door and Botan presses her back to the wall quickly, covering her mouth as the sobs come like gasps, and the tears run down her face in rivulets.

Kurama, inside, catches the faintest glimpse of cotton candy blue, and tries not to sigh, not to hear the muffled crying.

"It's finished, Koenma."

As if on cue, the prince of the Spirit World sweeps in to the room, ignoring Botan, and to Kurama, plucking the book from the red-head's hands with the utmost reverence.

"Thank you, Kurama. If you would please follow me to my office for the sentencing...?"

The demon hesitates for a moment.

"May I speak with her?"

Koenma sighs, pressing his lips together to form a white line, considering it.

"Fine."

Kurama rises and slowly walks out to Botan.

"Botan. You will see Yuusuke and the others, will you not?"

She nods, tear-drenched hand still over her mouth.

"Tell them to read it. Not the whole thing—not if it's too much to handle. Just the last few pages. It's for all of you."

Botan nods again.

"It's for all of you," he repeats quietly, almost to himself before he turns to Koenma.

And Botan watches as Kurama walks down the hallway, rubbing an absent finger along his wrist as he makes his way to his final judgement.

And she knows she will never see him again.

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Author's Space

Sountrack: PREDILECTION, by Kappei Yamaguchi. God, I'm obsessed with that song.

I'll put everything down here, just because I don't want to end my first multi-chapter fic with author's notes. Here goes.

First things first. I would like to thank each and every reader and reviewer for everything. You have my deepest gratitude and the assurance that I'll miss you all.

Second things second. Sorry this wasn't up sooner. I intended for it to go up a few days after chapter 18, but between computer troubles and my new job (8.30 in the morning to 6 at night… ugh…), I've been pretty swamped. I'm currently recovering from killed feet and slight sunburn (dammit!)…

Third things third. An explanation. To the people who are expecting the next chapter to be about the wake or the sentencing, I apologize. You'll have to judge him for yourselves. About the wake, though. Remember that this fic is a first-person narrative, all from Kurama's perspective. He wouldn't go to his wake. Remember that the only reason why Yuusuke went to his wake was because he was trying to decide whether or not to take Koenma up on the offer to return to life.

However. I'm currently trying (yes, trying) to write a one-shot regarding what happens to everyone else. If you want to know what happens, just keep an eye out for it (though God knows when it'll actually come out).

Fourth things fourth. I may decide to respond to reviews for this and the next chapter by email. It depends. Addresses (email, not home) are helpful in this scenario (hint?).

Thanks, once again, for everything. Please review for this chapter, or at least the next.

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Responses

Kuranga108, purplehairedwonder, Something Spiffy, mouko mizaki, ineXpressible, KyoHana, Demon of Evilness, Jesanae Tekani, IwuvMyKenshyPoo, Aya-chan – You've all given me such wonderful support. I'm so thankful you decided to read Once Upon a Razorblade. Thanks.

blackrose kitsune – Surprises are the highlight of my life. :laugh: Hm. I can't seem to remember writing that. But I guess at that point, it really wasn't just for the heck of it… Don't know. Thanks for all your support, and keep writing A Glass Rose!

SunStar Kitsune – Dagger, huh? That's a pretty good way, too, though quite a few other people have done it. Thanks so much for all your reviews!

Evene – Helena rocks. :nodnod: Oh, that's interesting… Wish I'd known that beforehand. I'm not good at looking stuff up on the Internet, though… Thanks so much for your reviews! They're much appreciated.

Bluespark – :laugh: I wouldn't cry a lot if my brother was present, either. :grin: Evil is my specialty. Thanks so much for your support!

Insane Chipmunk – Sounds like an interesting book. The only thing that I've ever read that's remotely similar to this is Death Be Not Proud, by John Gunther. Who is Tuesdays With Morrie by? I'd like to check it out. Thanks so much for your reviews!

A lilmatchgirl – Ah. Yes. I don't like writing that way, dragging things out and all… Yes! Exactly! I got the idea of the Botan-guilt from watching the Karasu vs. Kurama episode where she was breaking down because she didn't want to have to take him so soon after Genkai… Sad… I dunno. I think Kurama's just that kind of guy. Composure in the face of death… Ice-cold kitsune, indeed! Anyway, thanks so much for your reviews!

The Amazing Tsu-chan – Heh. You're right. Sure, go ahead and print it out. But just out of sheer curiosity, what're you going to do with it? Thanks for reading and reviewing and everything!

mumyou nanashi – Thanks. Yeah, the chapters are rather short, aren't they? Especially these last two. Ouch. Anyway. Thanks so much. I'll be waiting for those mondo comments:laugh:

samuraiduck27 – I KNEW IT! Ah, just kidding. Thanks for all the support and reviews!

Kuramafan-06 – Er, thank you! I—er—love you, too:laugh: Ouch. Someone's been messing with my phone line, too. It rings when I'm still online and stuff… Grr…

love for always,

fluorescent