Author: Nirvana

Pairings: Yusuke/Botan, slight Kurama/Botan. (sorry Y/B fans!)

Rating: PG-13...later to be rated R

Keywords: Romance, Angst, Lust, Revelation

Summary: We held each other still, even when the moon came. And Yusuke slowly pressed his lips to mine while we were encircled by the brilliant glow of souls in the night. (Botan's POV)

Disclaimer: I do not own Yu Yu Hakusho or any of the characters. They rightfully belong to their respective owners.

Author's Notes: This is my first Yu Yu Hakusho fic, so please be gentle with me. To put it straight, I'm not too much of a Yusuke/Keiko fan. It's not that I hate Keiko, I like her actually but I can only see them on a brother and sister relationship. With a bit of flirtation here and there, of course. Besides that, I like different kinds of couples together, as you can see from the story. Most of the time, the story will be put in Botan's POV, more depth and blah, blah. Italics just means dreaming or past events or thoughts. But enough about my babbling, let's get to it. Hopefully, I will do my best to keep everyone in character and keep you, the readers, interested. This is my one challenge to make a story that keeps people into it. Well, that's enough said. Enjoy.

A special thank you to my beta-reader, Cat-Youkai. You are the best!

Chapter 6-Misgiving

"What did you say your name was again?"

"Misao," She uttered.

I watched her as she gripped at the rope of the swing set, swaying back and forth. Her head was bent low, her eyes shadowed by her bangs and her lips curved into a deep frown. I sighed then, frustrated and exhausted. In all the years I been forced to be a spirit detective, I think this was the first time I had to 'interrogate' someone. And not just anyone, but a little girl. We have no other choice, I could hear Koenma's words ringing in my head, she is the only witness to the latest youkai murder.

I turned my eyes back to her. She leaned backwards, her bangs following, gracing me with another look at her eyes. A very strange shade of blue. She pushed her body forward to get more momentum. Before long, she was swinging high in the air. Her hair, long and wavy and auburn, moving with her. I remember, when I first came across her after searching all day, she explained that she was part American, part Japanese. Her older sister, the one who had been murdered, was Japanese. So technically, they were half sisters.

Now that I thought about it, more of the victims were young women. Beautiful girls who had everything in their lives set. Then one by one each would turn up, their bodies shriveled and decapitated. Completely unrecognizable. Whoever this youkai was, he was finally careless by letting this girl live. Or maybe he had let her survive on purpose. I didn't know, there was so much that did not make sense.

Not too far away, I sat at a wooden bench, waiting patiently. And I was not one of the patient types. But I wasn't dealing with an adult, just a kid. "How old are you?" I asked. "Twelve?"

"Fourteen." She answered shortly. Abruptly, she dug the heels of her feet into the sand, coming to a stop. She glanced up at me. "Do you have any older siblings?"

"No," I responded. I am an only child."

"An only child, you're so lucky." Misao stated. "Life's different for you. You live by a different set of rules." She smiled slightly. "But when your fourteen, you must listen to everyone who's older than you. There are always expectations and high standards to surpass. But you, you can do whatever you want and no one cares."

I snorted, memories of being fourteen flooding my thoughts. "I use to think the same way you do. Doing what people said never really caught my interest. So, I worked with my own set of rules. I'll be truthful, it got me into a lot trouble. But I still use it." I sat up then, finally after two hours of waiting, I was getting somewhere. "Was your sister like that?"

She nodded. "It was different for Jolie. Even though she rebelled all the time, she was very smart. She was one of the top students in her class. Athletic, involved in almost every club, the most popular girl." Misao forced a laugh. "I know it sounds like a stupid high school cliche, but it was true. Guys wanted her. Girls were envious and wanted to be her. But Jolie was so nice that they felt guilty and instead worshiped her. I don't know how she could keep up with her studies then attend every party that took place.

"Okaasan didn't care that she went out late at night. She didn't care that Jolie came back reeking of alcohol. All Okaasan wanted was the academic recognition and Jolie gave it to her." Misao's smile became wistful. "Jolie and I were never close. I mean, there was the age difference, but I think it was something else that always kept us separated. But I remember this one time she actually wanted to spend time with me. She took me to my very first concert.

"For events like that, she'd always wear all this make-up and leather and lace. One of the band members noticed her in the crowd and invited her backstage after the concert. And at parties, she was always the center of attention. Everyone loved her. But what I don't understand is that when she was murdered, everyone knew about it but no one seemed to care. Not even Mother. I don't look anything like Jolie, so, in my mother's eyes, I'm just another brat to take care of until I'm eighteen."

Before I could respond, Misao stood up and approached me. She reached into her pocket and placed a small photograph in my open palm. I studied the picture closely. "That picture was taken two days before Jolie died." Misao informed me.

It was true, neither sister looked anything like the other. Jolie had features I was more use to seeing. Pale skin, black hair...but her eyes. The color of her orbs were lost somewhere between a very dark blue or purple. I returned the photo back to Misao. "How did she die?" I asked.

Misao seated herself next to me, her gaze going towards the setting sun. "It all started when Jolie started seeing this guy. She never told me about the guys she would date, but I always found out one way or another. But this guy was different. To be straightforward, he gave me this weird feeling."

"Did he do anything to make you feel that way?"

"Iie, not like that. I mean, he was quiet. Too quiet but very polite to Jolie. I think she liked him a lot because he treated her like a regular girl. He respected her and that was more than what my sister could ask for. He seemed sincere...at the time. But gradually, they started disappearing together. Leaving for days but never telling a soul. I told Jolie not to get involved with him, I was worried for her. I am only fourteen though. To her, I was trying to make up excuses because I was jealous." Misao rolled her eyes, but a expression close to sadness had settled onto her face. She continued. "One night Jolie had a date with him. And I ended up following her to the beach.

"If I had known what was going to happen, I would have done everything to keep her home. Anyway, I confronted them. Demanded that she break up with him. Back then, every time I'd see him, I would get scared. I remember the way he approached me, always silent and always staring. All he did was touch my back and he left me with this,"

Misao hesitantly pulled down her jacket to reveal three, barely healed slash marks across her back. The longest one started at her shoulder blade and ended at the curve of her waist. I leaned forward, my eyes widening. Before I could get a closer look, she quickly pulled up her jacket and suddenly shuddered. "After that happened, I fell unconscious. When I woke up again, Jolie was next to me." Misao closed her eyes. "I tried to warn her that he was behind her, but I was too late."

I became uncomfortable when I saw the tears streaming down her face. "Do you know how it feels to watch someone you care for so dearly die right in front of your eyes? You want to help them, in any way possible. Even trade places with them, but you can't."

"...Yes," I answered, my hands clenching. My thoughts suddenly went to Genkai. Even though it had been years since she past away, I...missed her. Sometimes, I still think I was the cause of her death.

Misao wiped her tears away, looking regretful that she even cried to begin with. "He sliced her throat with his bare hands and I think Jolie died immediately. I just hope it wasn't too painful. But...there was blood everywhere. I wonder why he didn't kill me too." She bit down on her lip to hold back a sob. Misao eventually sighed, her breathing a little eased. "Urameshi-san?"

"You don't need to be formal. Just call me Yusuke."

Misao stared at me finally. "I watched him for so long...he kept trying to clean his hands in the ocean. Trying to get rid of any proof of what he had done. He looked...torn. Almost as if he never wanted to kill Jolie in the first place. Something drove him to do it."

"What makes you say that?"

"Because he started to cry. His hands were stained with blood, not only from my sister and myself but from the many others he had murdered. No matter how much he tried, he could never get the smell of blood off his hands. All the blood, reminded him of his victims."

Confusion came over me. "Misao," I said her name for the first time. "how can you know that?"

She glanced down at her watch and suddenly stood up. "It's late," She stated, "I need to get home." And without another word, she started to walk away.

In a second, I was up on my feet and blocking her path. "Is there anything else you can tell me? A name? What he looked like?"

Misao brushed past me and continued walking. I turned and was just about to grab her hand when she spoke. "He has green eyes," She commented, her voice soft as she moved farther and farther away from me.

My eyes widened.

At the same time, I could remember Botan. As of late, I see her with him all the time.

"And has hair like bright, red fire."

She looks so happy with him, more than I would let myself believe.

"Like...roses."

More happy than I could ever make her.

"And..." But she never finished her sentence. Yet I already knew.

Kurama.

-

I didn't need to look behind me to know that Koenma was watching. For some reason, he had been doing that a lot. But as much as I tired to deny it, I knew why. For me at least, these past few weeks had been like a roller coaster for my emotions. And as a result, I had ignored everyone around me, especially a certain someone. But I could no longer do that, I had obligations to uphold.

With practiced ease, I extended my hand towards the limp body and gingerly rested my fingers on the cold flesh. A moment of silence passed before I noticed a white, almost ghost-like sphere settle into my awaiting hand. I smiled despite myself. No matter how many times I had done this task, it never ceased to amaze me. For in my hands was the soul of an unfortunately dead boy. Some people believed that a soul was more than just that. It was the feelings, consciousness, the psyche. Literally, just the essence of the deceased individual.

With a sigh, I looked on as the soul left my hands and opted to float around me instead. I glanced at Koenma before we both left the room with the spirit in tow. We had one more stop before we needed to head back to Reikai. I looked around me. Like any hospital I had been to, it was clean, orderly, busy, gloomy, and depressing. I've seen the way people died, of all ages. From the newly, born infants to the withered and old.

"Koenma-sama," I called gently. He looked at me. "I have a question."

"Yes? What is it?" He asked

"Can...can ferry girls die?"

Koenma stared at me for long moment, before he said, "In all the centuries that I have seen over Reikai, I've never had a deity die, Botan. So I cannot properly answer your question."

"Demo...do you think it's the least bit possible?"

"I don't know. A ferry girl is neither human nor youkai, they're somehow caught in the middle. In a sense, they are immortal because they are not alive but not dead."

I fell silent after his response. In minutes, we reached our destination and stepped inside. Instantly, I shivered from the room's temperature and looking around, a sudden wave of nausea came over me. Out of all the places in the hospital, this was probably my least favorite. The morgue. I hurriedly rubbed my hands together then placed them on my arms, trying to create the warmth I was losing quickly. The soul I had obtained earlier still drifted around me, and followed me as I past each metal cabinet marked with a name of a departed.

I pulled out my small, black book and opened certain cabinets while checking off the names. When I had finally reached the end of my list, which consisted of about thirty, I stepped back to look at my work.

"Look at the bodies carefully," Koenma instructed. "Do you see a connection?"

"They're all women." I answered. "Young girls."

I double-checked to make sure I was positive everything was correct. I wondered why I had never noticed this before. Letting the thought go, I slowly let my hands rise above my head. A minute passed, then another, and another. Suddenly, white spheres seeped away from each dead body and came towards me. The souls surrounded me, completely encircling me in a glowing column. A familiar warmth filled my body as I closed her eyes. I could see every single person, pouring everything into me.

Eventually, my eyes fluttered open and a second later, I turned my eyes to Koenma. "Before you leave," He said. "Come with me to the roof. Yusuke is waiting for us there."

I felt my chest tightened, but I nodded and followed him. When we did reach the roof, a rush of warm air hit me and eased my anxiety but just a little. And like Koenma had said, there Yusuke stood. Gazing at the sky and looking uncharacteristically patient. He turned around once he heard our footsteps. His eyes met mind for a second before they turned to Koenma's.

"How did the interrogation go?" Koenma asked.

"Interrogation?" I questioned.

"Hai, we were able to obtain an eye witness account of a murder that occurred a week ago." He quickly explained.

"Not so good." Yusuke answered. A glint came to his eyes before it vanished. "I wasn't able to get any information that could be valuable."

An expression close to disappointment appeared on Koenma's face. "We are not having too much luck with this case." He said to himself. His feet gradually left the ground, he turned to me. "Shall we go?"

I nodded solemnly and held out my hand to produce my oar. I seated myself, the several souls surrounding me. I was about to follow Koenma when I stopped and glanced at Yusuke again. He gazed at me and never looked away. "Koenma-sama, may I have a few minutes?"

He never answered me, but I could imagine the look of curiosity come over his face before he took his leave. I slipped off my oar and slowly approached Yusuke. I wasn't scared, I just felt so suddenly calm. I smiled, attempting to lighten the mood. But I couldn't. "It feels like forever since I've talked to you." I murmured.

He smiled as well, but it was strained. "Yeah," He agreed. Yusuke's smile suddenly became very apologetic and I knew what he was going to say next. "Forgive me." He stepped closer. "I've been so selfish." He laughed and I felt my hands clench. "But isn't that like me? Yusuke, who's always so wishy-washy. Yusuke, who never considers anyone else. Yusuke, who's too stupid to realize the obvious-"

"Yusuke," I interrupted him. But before I could say a word, he beat me to it.

"I was afraid, Botan." He admitted quietly, solemnly. "I wanted the best of both worlds...and I ended up with nothing."

I didn't know why, but I felt my eyes sting. My hands suddenly itched to touch him. "I didn't mean it when I said what happened between us was a mistake. I was just angry." I closed my eyes. "I really wish we hadn't fought." I managed to choke out. I opened my eyes and looked towards the sky, Koenma was still waiting for me in Reikai. I produced my oar and seated myself. I smiled cheerfully at him. "Goodbye-"

But I was cut off when Yusuke grabbed my hands and pulled me off my oar. A wave of deja vu came over me when he held me to him. When his fingers began to run through my hair. And when I felt his chin rest on top of my head. I remembered this. Drenched in rain, our clothes clinging to our bodies, and the steady rumble of thunder. I remembered it all and I was reliving it.

"Botan, I'm-" But I interrupted Yusuke when I held him to me. This, I realized, was all I needed in the whole world.

"Don't say you're sorry. Your eyes," I whispered. "apologize better." At this, Yusuke clutched at me tighter. So tight that I was afraid he would never let go. Or I would wake up to find out this was a wonderful dream, another frequent reverie.

I don't know how long we held each other. But I remember watching the sun disappear around the horizon, and the first stars appear. We held each other still, even when the moon came. And Yusuke slowly pressed his lips to mine while we were encircled by the brilliant glow of souls in the night.

-

I frowned deeply when I reread the note for the nth time. In my hand was a rose that smelt of Kumara every time I inhaled. But at the same time, I'd feel my heart break. Come alone into the woods, the note said, the handwriting small and elegant, where I shall show you all the things no one else could. I placed the paper down, along with rose before I slipped off my bed and entered the grand hall of the Reikai Palace. I didn't want to think about Kurama right now, there would be no point. But I felt guilty, for using him the way I did. Yet I was considering his invitation.

I traveled down the long, dim-lit halls to the main room, to Koenma-sama's office. The youkai murders had died down for the time being, giving me the chance to relax a little bit. I wanted to take another trip to Ningenkai, to see Yusuke. For the next few days, I hadn't been able to get him out of my thoughts, not matter how much I tried. I know people had noticed my giddiness, especially Koenma. But I didn't care anymore. I could declare how I felt to the whole world. But everyone says that it's a bad thing for a deity of death to fall in love. When it happens, she ultimately becomes human.

I finally reached the tall doors of Koenma's office. I was about to step in but to my surprise, Yusuke stood there. I smiled but it quickly faded when I realized what they were talking about.

"I didn't want to say anything." Yusuke said. "Because Botan was there. I see her with him, and I know that they're close. Or he's very fond of her. "

Koenma only nodded. "Are you sure of this, Yusuke?"

"Hai," He responded. "The eye witness I talked with gave me a physical description of what the youkai looked like. And this is the only clue I can go on. Besides, if it is true. He might try and hurt Botan."

"So you think...it's Kurama?"

When I saw Yusuke nod, I stumbled back. "I have no choice but to assume he is the demon we've been looking for. It would be so much easier if I could..."

But the rest of Yusuke's words fell deaf to my ears. It couldn't be right, it had to be wrong. But my mind was racing with questions and possibilities. I blocked it out. There was no way that Kurama could be a murderer. He was kind, compassionate, polite. It could not be true. I placed my hand against my chest and began to breathe deeply. Quietly, I stepped away from the door and sprinted back to my room. I reached for the rose and the note on my nightstand before I produced my oar. I left the Palace and soared into the sky. The only way to find out if this was true or not was through the note.

I left Reikai and entered Ningenkai. I searched everywhere. Any and every forest I could come across but with no luck. Then I searched the streets in my human form, praying that I would see the beacon of flaming red hair and emerald eyes. But I never did find Kurama. Then finally I stumbled upon the very last forest by sunset, exhausted but still hopeful. I kept telling myself that Kurama was not a murderer, but rational thought kept nagging at me. The what ifs and the could haves were weighing on my shoulders.

When I couldn't search anymore, the sun had disappeared and the full moon had taken its place. Eventually, I seated myself on a thick branch and took in the scenery. By now, Koenma-sama probably knew that I was gone. I was supposed to be collecting souls tonight, but I did not want to give up finding Kurama without any answers.

I leaned against the trunk of the tree and closed my eyes as a gentle breeze past me. I tensed when I heard something behind me. "Who's there?!" I called. "Kurama! Is that you?!" I heard it again but this time it was in front of me. A cold, unnatural wind bit at my skin, blowing the hem of my kimono and making me shudder. I tried to make my voice sound intimidating. "Whoever you are, come out!" But it only ended up as a squeak. Perspiration erupted from my forehead when I heard the 'thing' breathe right behind me. Hesitantly, I shifted my body on the tree branch and turned. My gaze met crimson eyes.

I remember screaming so loudly and out of instinct, I began flailing my arms as my only defense. I stumbled back and then I was falling too fast to snap myself out of my stupor. I closed my eyes and opened my mouth to let out a high-pitched shriek when I felt strong arms wrap around me, just when I was a few feet from hitting the ground. Whoever this person was, I clutched at them so tightly, whimpering softly into their shoulder. I heard them sigh, and strangely, it sounded too familiar. My suspicions were confirmed when I heard them speak.

"Are you going to let go of me or not?"

Slowly, I looked up and met red eyes. The beautiful but terrifying eyes of-

"Hiei..." I murmured, almost awed. We stared at each for a moment and it was then I realized he was cradling me in his arms. But quickly, the support from him left me and I hit the ground with a hard thud. I let out a whine before I carefully rubbed my sore hip. "You know, that was not necessary. You could have at least been more gentle." He said nothing, but continued to stare at me and I became edgy again. Then it struck me. "What are you doing in Ningenkai?"

"That," Hiei said. "is none of your concern." I frowned deeply. "But," he continued. "I hope you received the message."

"Message?" I echoed.

"Come alone into the woods, where I shall show you all things that no one else could." Hiei answered, his voice very soft.

I flushed deeply as the revelation hit me. "Hiei? You wrote the message?" I started to play with my hands. "That was very sweet of you, but-" I cut myself off once I caught the look he was sending my way. His gaze held such malicious that I stepped away from him. His eyes narrowed ever so slightly, he looked like he was offended by my words. Needless to say, he did scare me sometimes.

"I did not write that..." Hiei trailed off, never finishing his sentence. He frowned. "Kurama did."

"Okay," I nodded. "but then why are you here?"

"I'm getting to that." He replied. "He asked me to deliver it to you. He knew that you would arrive, sooner or later. And he wanted me to 'greet' you."

"I see, so, where is Kurama?" My heart began to beat faster when Hiei approached me. But what really caught me off guard was when he wrapped an arm around my waist. I laughed nervously. "What-what are you doing?"

But my question was never answered. Instead, in one fluid motion, Hiei jumped into the air before landing gracefully on a branch. He gripped at me tighter as we moved swiftly from branch to branch. His arm was nearly crushing me and he must have noticed this because he loosened his grip. For reassurance, I clutched at his shoulder when my fear of heights came over me. We traveled in silence for a long time and every so often I would glance up. I wanted to catch a glimpse of the moon. However, the leaves were too thick to even see the sky. For some reason. the deeper we moved through the forest, the more we were shadowed in darkness.

Eventually, Hiei spoke, low and distant. "Do you hear that?"

I listened carefully. "No, what is it?"

"Never mind, we shall be there shortly. Then you can see for yourself."

It felt like an eternity had passed before Hiei stopped on another tree branch and removed his arm from my waist. I glanced around. We had finally reached a clearing, where the trees ended, and the ocean began. He must have been talking about the sound of the waves, I concluded. But I could only see the bank, beyond that was nothing but a very thick fog. I leaned forward, but made sure to grasp at the trunk of the tree. I squinted hard, yet I was still unable to see. Defeated, I leaned back and noticed that Hiei was watching me.

"There's no use trying." He stated. "You won't be able to see anything beyond this point."

"Is there something out there?"

He nodded stiffly. "Travel out there, that's where you will find Kurama."

I shot him a confused look. "Wait a minute. He wants me to go out there? By myself? Without you?" When Hiei nodded again, I shuddered. "Why?"

"Because it is impossible for me to go beyond here. For I am a demon. No other youkai besides Kurama can make it to what lies ahead. This rule also applies to ningens as well. But you," He looked at me. "are neither human nor demon. Neither dead or alive. Just a shell."

I frowned again, annoyed by his description of me. But what could I say, it was the truth. But still, I felt so lost. "So, what's out there?"

"I don't know." Hiei responded, he sounded impatient. "Kurama was the one who did this."

My eyes widened. "You mean the fog? And what's out there?" When he nodded once more, I ran my fingers through my hair, the quiet way of showing my frustration.

"Watch," He instructed simply. Then seconds later I momentarily saw him move quickly past me and into the fog. A minute passed before he came back out. He did this a second time with the same results. "You see, no matter how fast I may go or how far I travel, I will always end up back where I started."

With a sigh, I held out my hand and a second later, my oar appeared. I grasped it tightly before I mounted. I was still unsure, but it seemed that I had no other choice but to go. Kurama was expecting me. I glanced back at Hiei. I was trying to stall. "What if I get lost?"

"That will not happen. If you are not human or demon, you will find your way." He responded, his expression indifferent. I nodded and was about fly away when he spoke again. "Botan," I nearly fell off my oar. In all the time I had known Hiei, I had never ever heard him say my name. But in a way, it sounded normal. As if he said it all the time. "be careful." He warned.

I blinked stupidly. "What do you mean?" I questioned. "Is there something that I should know?"

Hiei looked towards the fog. "When it comes to protection, Kurama is worst than I am."

I suddenly became more confused. I followed his gaze towards the fog. "Hiei, you're talking in riddles. What do you...?" But I trailed off when I glanced behind me. He was gone. He left me all alone. But, I thought with a slight smile, that was always Hiei.

I sighed again and turned my attention towards the fog before I started flying. The thick cloud enveloped me and for a long time, there was silence. The farther I went, the less frightened I became. Yet for a brief moment, I wished Yusuke was with me. But I also wondered why Kurama would create something like this. Was he...trying to hide something?

Maybe Yusuke was right, my mind was singing, maybe Kurama is a murderer.

I shivered at the thought and refused to think about the matter anymore. This is why I was here. To find out what the real truth was. I was more than confident that I would find it with him. Because, I thought, Kurama is very trustworthy. He would never want to hurt another human being. But I remember watching him fight before. If there was a need, Kurama was not afraid to kill. I was snapped out of my musings when the fog gradually started to clear. I felt my lips curve into a smile when I saw the faint outlining of an enormous house.

"So," I said aloud. "this is where you live. Kurama."

I quickly reached the house and stopped in midair just to get a bird's eye view. The place was beautiful and vast. With gardens and water fountains. Huge bay windows and a patio that was bigger than my bedroom in the Reikai Palace. I noticed a vine covered gate, similar to the one at Kurama's mother's home but much bigger, near the entrance of the mansion. And from the gate was a steep pebble path that led to the oak doors of the house. But it seemed that the only way to get to the gate was to go through the garden. I was almost there, in a short time I would see Kurama.

I shifted my weight to the front of my oar and I steadily fell before I jumped off and landed on the ground. As soon as I did, my oar disappeared from my fingertips. With renewed certainty I started into the garden and took my time to admire each flower I came across. But it was strange. Even though all the flowers were extremely beautiful, I had never seen or heard of them before. The supposed name for each plant was unfamiliar.

I walked down path after path and realized I had no idea where I was going. I seated myself on the ground, my feet aching. I felt like I was going around in circles. I glanced upwards, at the mansion that suddenly seemed so far away. How was I ever going to get to that house? I closed my eyes for a second. All I needed was a bit of rest and then I could start again. I stayed there for a while and listened to nothing but silence. Eventually, I did get up. I dusted my kimono of any patches of dirt and was about to start walking again when my eyes spotted another flower.

I had seen numerous flowers now but this one was very different. Curiosity getting the best of me, I stepped towards it and glanced down to read the small tag, It read 'Peony,' and my eyebrows furrowed in confusion. The flower could not be a peony. Usually the kind that I saw were a reddish-white. But this one was an pale green swirled with lilac. I stepped closer, almost hypnotized by its beauty. And just when my fingers were about to brush against the petals, the flower suddenly shifted and stood upright. Before I could step back, before I could even make a sound, something pierced my neck that smothered the scream I wanted to release.

I felt warm liquid stream down my neck before it hit my kimono. I glanced down and realized it was my blood. With shaky hands, I touched my neck and felt the long, thin spikes. I gripped at them before I roughly pulled them out, a loud, painful whimper leaving my lips. My eyes went to the flower. Its now brown and shriveled petals had fallen to the ground, the stem bent and weighed with death.

I stumbled back, my vision quickly blurring over and my knees abruptly too weak to hold me up. I heard a loud crash as I hit something but I was too preoccupied to care. I tripped again and clutched at something, I couldn't breathe anymore and I could feel my wound still bleeding. I grasped tighter as I shivered. It was too cold, it hurt to breathe, and I could barely see anything.

"Botan," His voice startled me. And I realized then that the thing I was holding onto was him. I was hoping to see emerald eyes and crimson bangs. But when I saw icy, piercing ember eyes and felt his long silver hair brush against me cheek, I pushed him away from me and ended up crumbling to the ground.

"Youko...Kurama?" I gasped. I squinted hard and finally got my vision to focus on him. And just like I had thought, there stood Kurama but in his demon form, gazing at me. I coughed suddenly, the taste of blood filling my mouth. "What's happening to me?" I managed to ask.

He didn't answer my question immediately. But instead glanced at the now dead flower, his peony. Then he stared down at me. "You have been poisoned by a very dangerous toxin." He answered shortly. He walked over to the flower and picked up one of the brown petals. "And," He continued. "it will kill you in a few minutes." My eyes widened in terror but I said nothing as he approached me. "But I am not certain, since you happen to be the deity of death, a ferry girl. However if the toxin does not kill you, it will make you severely sick."

Leaning on my arms, I did my best to crawl away form him. But my vision blurred over once more and I started to cough again. With difficulty, I finally stood up and leaned my body against a tall fence concealed by large vines. Doubt started to consume me. What if Yusuke was right? What if it was true? I glanced at him and watched him as he watched me. If it wasn't true then he would help me, I thought. As if reading my mind, he spoke.

"I can help you." He stated, his knees bent slightly to meet my eye level. Even though I was screaming on the inside for help, I still felt doubtful. Something was just out of place. And I felt my heart nearly stop when Kurama revealed in his hands a small blade. Within a second, he had covered the space between us and was gripping at my wrists.

I screamed as loud as I could, but I knew no one would hear me. I struggled against him. And just when I had given up hope of getting free, he let go of my hand and I reached back before striking him across the face. Kurama seemed in the least bit winded by my slap. "You are only making this more difficult for yourself, Botan." He held up the blade. "I can help you by ending the pain more quickly."

I closed my eyes and suddenly realized I was crying. And without my knowing, all my thoughts had drifted to Yusuke. I wondered what he was doing at that moment. And I wondered if he realized I was gone. I remember uttering his name very softly and seeing Kurama stop, the blade only a few inches away from me. I opened my eyes and stared at him for so long.

I watched as he ran the tip of the blade along his palm. And I watched as the first drops of blood appear. Kurama pressed his palm against his lips before he lifted me from the ground without much effort. I didn't fight back, I no longer could. I didn't have the strength I needed. But I felt so calm when he kissed me and I closed my eyes again when I could taste his blood.

Then the darkness enveloped and claimed me.

Author's Notes: Yeah! I finally finished chapter six! I am so happy that it's finally done. During my Thanksgiving vacation, I finally sat down with this story and typed and typed. Now, I feel refreshed and have a new appreciation of how much I love writing this story for you, the readers. Thank you to all who have stayed by me, I know I must have kept you waiting for so long and I apologize for that. Secondly, the ending of the chapter. I'm sure some of you are sitting at your computer screen going 'eh?' Well, that little scene between Kurama and Botan has nothing to do with romance, let me reassure you. But if I say anymore, than I'll ruin the beginning of chapter seven.

Third, I remember saying to all those go crazy, die-hard, head over heels in love Yusuke/Botan fans, I had treat for you. Yes! The long awaited lime scene! *Blush* Yes, I have been talking about this since the very first chapter of Nox. But for those readers who are a little bit squirmy on this topic, don't worry. Like I said before, it will be very mild. Nothing no one can't handle and also enjoy. And as a way of saying I'm sorry for the delay, here's a sneak preview of the next chapter. *drum roll please!*

Chapter 7: Heat

I whirled around, briefly seeing his victorious grin. In a flash, I was inside the closet, his eyes boring into mine. The utmost satisfaction appeared on his face as his lips curved into a smirk. The trademark smile that made my knees weak and my cheeks warm. I inhaled deeply, trying to take in as much of the hot air as possible.

"I found you, Botan." He breathed. His hand reached out and tucked the damp strands of my hair behind my ear. He frowned slightly. "But it's no fun when you're not even a little discrete about it."

"Yusuke," I started, distracted by his hand. "You'll make us late for class again." I held back a sigh as his fingers brushed against my neck.

He shrugged his shoulders nonchantly. His smirk coming back as he watched me. "So what," Yusuke responded. "They won't miss us." He stepped closer to me, and a cold shiver ran down my spine when I could feel his warm breath caresses my lips.

My body was quivering, not from fear but from anticipation. It had become a routine now. Almost like a game me and Yusuke loved to play. During our breaks, I would roam the school grounds, trying my best to hide from him. He always found me, and a knowing glint would come to his eyes each time he did. He would lead me away from the constant gossipers, and prying eyes to places in the school even I didn't know about. Then Yusuke would drown me in himself. Surround me until I could see and feel nothing but him...

Okay, I'm going to leave off right there and let your imagination wonder on it for a while. Hopefully, I won't keep you guys waiting with chapter seven. You don't know how much I want to write it so you guys can finally read it. Anyway, thank you to readers and reviewers, sorry about the delay! Oh and make sure to check in the rated R the next time you want to see if I updated! Suggestions, comments, and questions. its all yours! Until next time, I'll see ya'll later.