Author: Nirvana

Pairings: Yusuke/Botan

Rating: PG-13

Keywords: Romance, Angst, Lust, Revelation

Summary: I was abruptly caught up in his eyes, even now, after everything, they looked so hauntingly beautiful. He appeared almost ethereal. Then it happened. I almost forgot that he wasn't himself. I almost forgot that he had ruthlessly killed so many people. (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 8-Noxious

As soon as the dismissal bell for school rang, Keiko and I left immediately. I had had my fill of school for the rest of the week, but she was just beginning. Keiko said she had extra tutorial classes to attend.

"I want to spend time with you." She admitted quietly. "I'll skip my classes if you stay with me, Yusuke."

At this, I smirked. "I'm rubbing off on you more than I should."

Keiko smiled as well. "It was going to happen sooner or later."

We wandered the city for hours and went to all the sites the metropolis could offer us. For my sanity, we went to the arcade. For Keiko's sanity, we went to the museums. I swear, she is the only girl who can successfully persuade me to waste my time in such places. But all in all, we had fun together, just enjoying each other's company. And honestly, I can't really remember the last time we did this without having so much tension between us.

By the time we reached our last stop, a small ice cream shop, the sun was making its daily descent below the horizon. The sky was a swirl of orange, red, pink, and purple, while the stars were gradually making their appearance. From the ice cream shop, we walked the short distance to a nearby park. We seated ourselves on a bench that was overlooking a small lake, surrounded by nothing but trees. Keiko and I didn't speak for a long time, we just relished in the silence, eating our ice cream. It was hot that night and a relief when the wind blew, gathering a cluster of leaves that would eventually resettle themselves on the pavement when the breeze died down.

As we sat watching the stars, Keiko smiled her knowing smile. My first reaction was to frown.

"What?" My patience was long gone. But then again, was I ever the patient type?

She took her time eating the rest of her sugar cone. Once she was finished, she spoke. "You look very happy, you know that?" Keiko commented. She rested her face in the palm of her hand, her elbow against her clothed leg. Her smile was innocent enough, but the look in her eyes gave her away completely.

I scoffed. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Well, let's see," She started off with a sigh. She counted each reason with each of her fingers. "One, you showed up for school, on time. Two, you came to homeroom and gave our class a full attendance for once. Three, when you think no one is looking, you're smiling like an idiot. Four, during our breaks you disappear without a trace. Five, you didn't skip any of your classes today. Shall I go on?"

My frown deepened and Keiko's smile only brightened. I looked away form her. "You're so sure of yourself." I didn't like that she knew me so well. But hey, didn't I have the right to be a little happy over a girl? At the thought of Botan, I smiled inwardly.

"Of course, Yusuke. I pride myself on observation." She fell silent then, opting to keep her eyes on the glittering lake. I knew she wanted to say something, it was so obvious. But she was debating whether to take the risk or not. From the corner of my eye, I saw her head lower, just enough so that her eyes were covered by her bangs. Then, "Do you love her?" It was said so quietly and so close to her chest that I thought I'd imagined it. I looked at her to see her looking at me. The practiced smile was still on her lips, but her eyes were guarded, always alert. What was she trying to tell me?

My feet suddenly became so interesting to look at. "Keiko, I-"

"No need to tell me." She interrupted. My hand was suddenly warm and I realized she was holding it. "But...I always wonder what keeps you from saying it. What kept you from saying it to me for so long." She leaned in, her breath tickling my ear. "Are you that scared of letting someone know how you really feel?" I pulled my hand away from hers, folding my arms across my chest. Again, Keiko sighed. "I know you've always been the stubborn type when it comes to expressing emotions. But once you figure it out for yourself, just let Botan know, okay?"

"Is that why you wanted me to follow you around all day?" I demanded. "So I could be lectured?" I was suddenly angry with Keiko. Who had given her the right to just barge into my love life? Who told her she could tell me what to do? "You're right, I am stubborn. And I'm not going to change just for your satisfaction." I sighed quickly, more annoyed than anything. I stood up abruptly, my eyes narrowing. "I don't have time for this, I'm going home."

Keiko got to her feet, taking quicker steps to match my long strides. "Don't be upset with me." She whispered. I felt the light weight of her hand on my shoulder, I shook it off. "Yusuke," Her voice sounded pained.

I never understood why this always happened. To make everything clear, Keiko and I never broke up on good terms. We didn't talk to each other for days after it happened. Even when we did start talking again, thanks to Kuwabara, all our forced conversations led to heated arguments. And since then, it was always weird between us. Now months later, and with a new girlfriend, every time Keiko sees me, happy because I care for someone else that isn't her, it was like she purposely set out to ruin it and make me feel miserable, guilty. Just like now.

I turned around, facing her. I was so close to her that Keiko tried to step back, but I didn't give her the opportunity. I grabbed her shoulders and pulled her close to me. I looked into her eyes for a moment, and suddenly, everything made sense. I knew what she wanted me to say to her. "I love you," I murmured. But my voice was flat, even bored. "There, I said it. Are you happy now?"

"Yusuke-"

"Don't you get it? I could say it a million times over, but it doesn't mean anything to me." I explained. "I do what I feel. Botan understands that, why can't you?" Ouch. I shouldn't have said that. It was one of those unspoken rules in relationships: Never, ever, compare your current girlfriend to you ex-girlfriend or vice versa.

I let her go and continued walking down the grassy path towards the sidewalk. And Keiko continued to follow me.

"I'm sorry," Her tone was anything but apologetic. I could almost feel her rolling her eyes at me. "I'm not Botan."

I stopped for a second, then started walking again. "No, you're not." And I had known that for so long, ever since the first time I kissed Botan.

"She and I are different." Keiko stated. "I'll never be her." It was like she was saying it more to herself than to me.

"You'll never be her." I repeated, reaffirming. I was physically, but without touching Keiko, pounding it into her head. She knew what I was thinking, what I wanted to say.

We broke up.

"Botan is always happy." Keiko commented. "Or, at least more than I am."

There's nothing left.

"Go home, Keiko." I was trying, and failing miserably, to get rid of her by being cold. I made a shooing motion with my hand. "Please, just go pester someone else for a change."

I'm in love with someone else.

My last words were very quiet. "I've had my fair share of you."

Get over it.

I heard her stop walking and, for a second, I believed she was going to leave. But I should have known better. Keiko gasped very softly, I heard her quick footfalls and then, I felt her heavy school bag connect with the back of my head.

"You jerk!" She exclaimed. Keiko was livid. But I didn't mind it. Personally, I'd rather see her mad than depressed. I had been waiting for this, even pushing her fury to the surface. All the things she wanted to say and do were always hidden. She buried everything and kept up her flawless facade of happiness. That is until now. I wanted her angry with me. I wanted her to take out all of her pent-up frustration on me...because...

It was my fault she was like this in the first place.

Keiko grabbed my shoulder and whirled me around. Her brown eyes were blazing. "'I've had my fair share of you.' What's that supposed to mean!"

I glared right back at her. "Exactly what I said!" I yelled back. "Look at us, Keiko! We're not a couple anymore! Why do I have to listen to you bitch and moan at me all the time! Why do I have to better myself to deserve you! Why couldn't you just accept who I was without trying to change me!"

Her hand hit my cheek. But compared to her other slaps, that one was soft. "I don't understand you, Yusuke! Why do you always have to be such an asshole!" Keiko shoved me hard. "Excuse me for caring about you!" She pushed me again. "Excuse me for trying to help you!" Tears were welling up in her eyes. Her fists started pounding on my chest. "Excuse me for loving!" Keiko suddenly caught herself and looked away from me as the first sob shook her body.

Either way we looked at it, the real reason why we ended our relationship was because of what I did.

I fell out of love with Keiko.

I fell in love with Botan.

Keiko continued to hit me as hard as she could and then she crumpled to her knees. Slowly, I joined her on the grass and wrapped my arms around her. She couldn't stop shaking and she gave in without a struggle. I took one of my hands and began wiping her tear-stained cheeks before running my fingers through her hair. Even after all these months, I realized it now, she was never really ready to let me go. But she did anyway. And as for gratitude, I treated her like she an annoyance. I gripped at her tighter.

I held her until her shoulders stopped trembling, until her sobs fainted. And then I waited for her to speak, say anything. Insult me, even hit me again. Just as long as she got everything out in the open.

"I always asked myself 'why?'" Keiko began. "Why does this hurt so bad? I couldn't understand why you were able to cope so much better than I could." She clutched at my shirt. "I tried, Yusuke, I really did try. But it was a lot easier to just pretend that I was happy. For a while, I was able to convince myself that I was okay with it. Since you were happy, I thought I should be too. Then no one would pay attention to me. No one would feel guilty or sad. No one would think I was being selfish if I was strong. I thought it was the best way."

I rested my head on top of hers. When she said 'no one,' I knew she was referring to me and Botan. "Gomen nasai, Keiko." It was something I should have said months ago.

She glanced up at me for a second, then hugged me tighter. Keiko inhaled deeply before sighing. She smiled sadly. "I'm sorry, too. But," I could already see the tears coming anew. She attempted to stop them but the droplets only seeped through her lashes before running down her cheeks. Keiko covered her eyes before burying her face into my chest. Her voice was muffled. "I promise you, I'm almost there. It's...just going to take me a little while longer, okay?"

Keiko was sobbing again, and still, I held her to me. I never realized I was rocking her back and forth. "Okay,"

-

"Kurama," I smiled brightly, praying that it was convincing. "It was really nice of you to invite me to your mother's home." He glanced at me and I continued talking. "I mean, yesterday, I thought you might have been upset with me. You seemed...a little sad."

His emerald eyes flickered for a second. "Iie, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to give you that impression." His smile was kind. "I just had the sudden urge to see you, spend time with you." He looked away. "I hope you don't mind."

I blushed. "Not at all."

To be truthful, I was a little scared. Over the years, I have come to learn that the most intimidating thing about Kurama is the way he used restraint. No one, I guess except for Hiei-san, could tell what he was thinking and what he was up to. That was what made him so deadly. Like I promised, I met Kurama outside the front gates of the school, before Yusuke realized I was missing. I remember going back to Reikai last night and telling Koenma-sama what had happened.

The most crucial thing is that Kurama doesn't realize you know, he said. I promise to keep watch of you. If something happens, I'll always know.

Kurama and I finally reached his house. We made our way past the living room and into the kitchen. It was strangely quiet. Then it hit me. "Kurama? If you don't mind me asking, where's your mother?"

He glanced at the clock. "I'm afraid she has stepped out. I believe to do some grocery shopping."

"Oh," I nodded. "I just wanted to say hello to her. If I don't see her, will you do it for me?"

Kurama smiled again. "Of course."

I clapped my hands together, feigning excitement. "Well, it's finally Saturday! So...do want to go somewhere? Maybe the arcade, or the movies, or the mall? Oh, Kurama, there's a lovely park nearby where we can go rowing. Or if you don't want to do that, we can just walk around the city until we find something to do. I heard a theme park just opened up downtown..." While I kept on babbling about all kinds of nonsense, I never noticed when he snuck up on me.

I inhaled sharply when I felt Kurama hug me from behind. The smell of roses enveloped me.

"Botan?" He called out gently.

"H-hai?" It was too clear I was nervous.

"Let's stop pretending."

I looked up at him. I probably looked really stupid. For the second time, I blushed. "Pretending? What do you mean?" I turned my attention to my hands, I started playing with my fingers. "Ano...I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about."

Kurama was suddenly in front of me. His eyes were a darker shade of emerald. "You, me, us." When I shook my head, my cheeks probably becoming even redder. He took his hand and pressed his palm against the underside of my face, effectively but gently forcing me to look at him. "Then let me help you remember." He whispered. Without warning, he kissed me.

I knew this was really wrong, I already had a boyfriend. But I knew this was for the good of the case. If it meant that I could help Kurama and stop all the potential new deaths, sacrifices had to be made. Relaxing, but reluctantly, I kissed him back. I was expecting Kurama's kiss to be nice and gentle. It was anything but.

His kiss was demanding, searing. When I timidly returned it, Kurama pressed me closer to him before I felt my back up against a wall. As he plundered my mouth, his tongue moved in slow, thorough strokes against mine. He ravished me until I could hear my heart pounding in my head and tremors running through my body. And when Kurama pulled away, he gently bit down on my lower lip.

I stared into his eyes for a second before I looked away, ashamed. I'm so sorry, Yusuke.

Kurama gently raised my face so I was looking into his eyes again. He was smiling. "I need you," He declared.

I blinked. "Need me for what?" Playing dumb was just too easy for me.

Kurama laughed then. "I'm afraid that there is no use for modesty, Botan."

I attempted to smile, but I couldn't. I wanted to change the subject. "Kurama, why don't we go to the beach? You can...take me to that cave. I really liked it there the last time we went."

He was quiet for a moment, but the grin never left his lips. "Okay, actually, it's been a while since I've been there myself."

This time, I graced him with a genuine smile. "Great...um...do you need anything? Food? Or are we going to stop somewhere to eat?"

"I just need one thing." Kurama responded. I never got the chance to ask what it was before he kissed me again. I wanted so badly to pull away from him, but he couldn't know that I knew what was wrong with him. I kissed Kurama back, trying to imagine Yusuke here instead of him. But suddenly, I didn't feel right. Out of instinct, I attempted to pull away but I felt something icy touch my lips.

I pushed Kurama away from me and stepped away from him, alert. "What did you do to me?" I whispered. My heart was racing.

The smile fell from his face as he gave a look of mock shock. "Why, Botan, I have no idea what you're talking about?" He stepped closer and I stepped back. It was then that I noticed the ember hue in his eyes. "All I said is that I needed you." He replied. "Well, for reproduction."

I remained silent before my eyes darted to the front door. If I could make it...

Without hesitation I started running, but I abruptly stumbled when the room began spinning. Kurama stepped closer to me and embraced me but I pushed him away. "Why are you being this way?" He asked. "You weren't just a few moments ago."

I staggered my way towards the table. All the while, Kurama hovered over me, not even making the effort to hold me down. I leaned against the table, breathing hard. Then I tried to leave the kitchen, my body swaying from side to side. Kurama merely followed me, taking his time, he looked almost amused.

"I gave you a little sedative," He stated finally. "You'll eventually be unconscious, so what is the use of fighting it?"

I looked at him. "What are you going to do to me?" I was leaning against a wall, I was so close to the front door.

But he pressed his form against the front door, diminishing any of my chances of escape. Kurama smiled. "You see, my race barely exists anymore." He ran his fingers through my hair. "I need another person. Humans die too easily, and I am in no mood to bother myself with youkais. So, I picked you. Once the eggs are implanted in you, the Makai worms can finally replenish."

Disgusted, I turned away from him. I stumbled towards the living room and then I was falling fast. Kurama caught me with ease. He frowned slightly.

"I don't want you to hurt yourself, that won't accomplish anything." He whispered in my ear.

I stared at him. "Please, Kurama. You don't know what you're thinking." I willed myself to sit up and wrap my arms around him. "I know you and you would never do this. You don't have the heart to actually want to take another human's life." I hugged him tighter. I was bold enough to really look him in the eyes. His face kept coming in and out of focus. "Let me help, okay?" I smiled. "I promise, I'll take care of everything for you." I touched his cheeks. "Please...don't let this thing take you away from us."

Seconds that felt like an eternity dragged by before Kurama rested his fingertip against my own cheek. Slowly, he traced my face. "It's a pity," He commented. "What I might have to do to you."

I gasped suddenly when I felt the side of Kurama's hand hit the back of my neck. Then everything faded into black.

-

"Oi! Kuwabara!" I called out before slapping him on the shoulder. "Long time, no see!" I spent the last hour trying find him and going to all his usually hangouts. I never imagined I'd find him at our school after school hours. I seated myself next to him, watching him curiously. He was scribbling who knows what down on a piece of paper. "What are you doing?"

"Nothing!" He replied a little too quickly. He snatched the paper away before I could see it. I graced him with a sly smirk.

"Is it a love letter to Yukina?" My smirk widened when I noticed how red his face became. For the past few years, Kuwabara had been relentless in his pursuit for Yukina. But the girl somehow managed to play hard to get without even realizing it. But still, my friend was a fighter to the bitter end.

"Shut-up, Urameshi!" He exclaimed. He stuffed the paper into his pocket. He changed the subject. "What is your problem? I haven't talked to you in almost a month. What have you been doing?"

"I've been busy." I explained sheepishly. "You know, doing investigations and stuff for Koenma."

"What!" He yelled. "And you didn't even let me help you?"

"That's not true, I'm going to let you help me right now." I already had the folders with me, I knew this was going to take a long while to retell. But it had to be done so he would understand. I started from the beginning, back when Koenma had first told me and Botan about the irregular death patterns in Ningenkai. I told Kuwabara about the youkai decoy, Kurama's disappearances, the Makai worms, everything. By the time I was finished, I opened the folder and placed a single picture on the desk. "Here's what the dead bodies usually look like. Shriveled and decapitated."

Kuwabara turned his face away. "Put that away." He demanded.

I ignored him and pulled out another photograph. "If you noticed, the victims are always female." I pulled out more pictures for emphasis. Kuwabara nodded, still looking away and I sighed, rolling my eyes. I finally did as he asked and placed the photos back in the folder. "Do you understand everything that I just told you? Because I'm not explaining anything again." When he nodded I continued. "Koenma's been keeping an eye on Botan. We need to know when Kurama's going to go after her and where he's going to take her."

"Do you know where she is right now?" Kuwabara inquired.

I frowned, suddenly realizing I was worried about her. "She's probably with him." I answered quietly. I quickly changed the subject. "I already have Hiei's and Yukina's help. I also need yours, that's why I'm here." Kuwabara nodded again but said nothing. I spoke up once more. "Botan doesn't know it yet, and I hope to Kami she doesn't find out, but she's kind of being used as a decoy by us and Kurama." I noticed the confused look Kuwabara threw me and I went on to clarify for him. "Botan knows that she's being watched constantly by Koenma, what she doesn't realize is that she's a distraction for us while we get our plan together.

"For Kurama, he's using Botan as a decoy to get our attention. He is fully aware that we will come after him, but not at full force. Hiei warned me about that, Kurama's too clever for it. Also, he won't kill Botan, if that's even possible. But he wants to use her for...reproduction." I shuddered, and at the same time, I was angered by the thought.

"Reproduction?" Kuwabara echoed and I nodded.

"Kurama, I don't know how, will plant the eggs inside Botan's body. Since the larva like warm, dark places, naturally they will grow. Since Botan is neither human nor youkai, Kurama's taking the risk that she won't die even as those larva are growing into worms and feeding off her blood. Eventually, they will exit her body and-"

"Okay!" Kuwabara said. He had paled considerably. "That's enough explanation. What do I need to do?"

I smiled. "Why, Kuwabara, I thought you'd never ask." I slapped his shoulder again. "You, my dear friend, are going to be decoy number two."

"What! No!"

"There's no choice in the matter, you have to. It's too late to go back and make changes in our plan and Hiei refused the position. So, you're the only one left. It's just process of elimination."

I could hear Kuwabara muttering to himself. I could have sworn I heard him talking about a certain fire demon. Then, "Fine,"

"I knew you'd see things my way." I said. He glared at me and I grinned. "What you'll need to do is make him fight you. Draw his attention away from Botan. No heroics, you can't rescue her. But once she's out of the way, we won't have any distractions. But we'll have to be careful, under no circumstances can Kurama be killed." I glanced at Kuwabara, he was still sulking. "Look at it this way," I said. "Yukina is going to be there, right?"

"Right," Kuwabara agreed.

"And you're going to be there too, agreed?"

He nodded, frowning slightly.

"Well, this is your chance to show off all your fighting skills to Yukina. She already thinks you're brave, and by doing this, you'll make an even better impression on her. She will most definitely think higher of you."

Kuwabara looked hopeful. "You think so?"

"I know so."

He blushed and I smirked internally. I knew I had him. Hook, line, and sinker.

"All right,"

"Great!" I looked outside to see the sun setting. Just in time. "We need to go, now."

Kuwabara got his feet, following me out of the classroom. "Where?"

"To Reikai, to see Koenma."

-

As soon as Kuwabara and I reached Koenma's office, he was already frowning. "I haven't been able to contact Botan." He stated. "I believe Kurama has found out that she knows about his little secret."

I was suddenly nervous, by I remained calm. "Do you know where she is?"

Koenma motioned for us to come behind his desk. He pointed to the screen, and a map suddenly appeared with a moving dot. "That's her, she's been moving for the past two hours. I think it's safe to assume that Kurama is taking her here." He pointed further up north.

"Where's that?" Kuwabara asked.

"The beach," Koenma answered. "Possibly, Kurama may have more dead ningen bodies there but we haven't searched that area yet." He turned to me. "Hiei is already following Kurama, I'm guessing Yukina is with him. You need to get there or you won't have the distraction," He glanced at Kuwabara. "That you need."

I nodded in understanding before Kuwabara and I headed out of Koenma's office. He called after us.

"I'll step in if my assistance is needed."

-

I suddenly groaned and shifted before opening my eyes. I met a pair of emerald. "Hello," I jumped a little, wanting to get to my feet and run. But I realized that my wrists and ankles were securely tied with rope, or maybe, it was vines. From my angle on the ground, I was able to look around. We were in that all too familiar cave and faintly, I could hear the crashing of waves against the sand. I inhaled deeply, the smell of salt was heavy in the air. I shifted against the ground and managed to get myself on my back. But I also accomplished digging myself deeper into the bed of sand.

I looked at Kurama, who was still watching me intently. Then I asked quietly, "How did you know that I knew about...?" I trailed off.

He smiled, amused. He pushed himself off the rocky wall and took a seat in the sand, near the mouth of the cave. Just like that night, the moon was full again and it made Kurama's skin glow. With every passing breeze, the wind would play with each strand of his flaming red hair. I was abruptly caught up in his eyes, even now, after everything, they looked so hauntingly beautiful. He appeared almost...ethereal.

I almost forgot that he wasn't himself.

I almost forgot that he had ruthlessly killed so many people.

That is, until he spoke.

"Honestly," Kurama began. "It was when you kissed me back. When...you played with your fingers and when you blushed a lot." He almost looked wistful. "When you're nervous, Botan," He explained. "You talk fast. You look everywhere else except at the person you're conversing with. It was the little things that gave you away. You were so hesitant, which only left me with two options. Either you hated me or you had found out. I went with my second choice." His eyes darkened. "Am I right?"

I looked away from him, my cheeks hot with embarrassment.

Kurama shifted in the sand. "They're coming," His voice held no question. "First Hiei and Yukina, then Yusuke and Kuwabara. They're really close."

I locked gazes with him again. Everything was starting to come together. "After I crossed the bridge," I started, that night was still fresh in my mind. "You were the one who pushed me off the cliff. But why did you hold onto me if you had no intention of falling yourself?"

"I was the one who pushed you." Kurama responded. "But I didn't save you, Shuuichi did that. Initially, I had no intention of using you, so I was going to kill you." He smiled. "Shuuichi simply felt guilty, and if you were going to die, he was going to be valiant and die with you. It was so romantic." Kurama's voice was taunting. "I first came across him in Makai." He pointed to his head. "He put up quite a fight, but like always, I win. He had no chance, it was either control him or kill him."

I let the information sink in, my mind dancing with images of what could have possibly happened to Kurama. All this time, after months and none of us had noticed. My vision gradually became blurry and I turned away from him again, suddenly guilty.

"You can't kill me." I spat out. "Or have you forgotten that I am reaper?"

He frowned at me. "I have not forgotten, but I beg to differ on the matter of being able to kill a ferry girl."

I closed my eyes, in a vain attempt to stop the tears. But I couldn't. Shuuichi was trying to fight this monster, why couldn't I?

I heard Kurama approach me. "You miss him, don't you?" He whispered. I didn't answer. "Just remember, you were never actually talking to Shuuichi. Ever since Yusuke's birthday party, it's been me and no one else. Even in his demonic form."

"Demonic form?" I repeated. "You changed into Youko?"

"I could if I wanted to right now." Kurama replied. He touched my cheek. "But I can be Shuuichi for you, just for a few seconds."

My eyes met his once more. "What do you mean...?" But I trailed off when he tenderly took my face into his hands.

"I could tell you everything he's thinking at this moment." Kurama clarified. "Do you know that he's in love with you?" The way he said it made me feel as if he was mocking me. "Shuuichi...loves the way your hair moves when you walk, and the way your smile lights up your whole face. And the way you blush and look down at your feet when you're embarrassed. He especially loves your eyes, one minute they're pink, then the next, purple." I looked away but Kurama only leaned against me, pressing his lips to my ear. "Shuuichi was one of the very first people to realize there was more to you than what everyone else believed.

"He talks to you differently, more seriously. He was the one who made you feel important. Like a woman, like you were actually alive, am I right? Even the great Koenma can't do that, he treats you more like an errand girl than the Deity of Death. Tell me the truth, Botan. Tell me I'm right." My only response was a pained sob. Kurama was silent for a moment before he exhaled deeply and I was suddenly in his embrace.

He continued on. "Why are you crying for me?" He inquired gently.

My body went rigid, hope swelling in me. "...Shuuichi?"

He didn't respond immediately. "...I'm afraid for you, Botan. You will never have any idea how much I want to save you." I felt his bangs brush against my cheek as he leaned in closer. "Don't cry for me, I don't deserve to have you mourn on my behalf."

My head lowered, a frown curving my lips. "You monster! He is my friend, why wouldn't I!"

Kurama suddenly smiled, then began laughing aloud. I struggled against him before he moved away. "It's fun teasing you. Botan, you almost believed I was him."

I was abruptly confused when I felt the restraints on my wrists and ankles go slack. I sat up and looked at Kurama. It was then that I noticed his skin was shiny with perspiration. Almost as if he had been fighting...or he was sick. "Why did you untie me?"

He shrugged. "Why not? There's no use for you to run anyway."

I don't know if it was just stupidity that got to me or I felt hopeful, but I ran anyway. As soon as I took a couple of steps, I was tackled to the ground. Kurama pushed his weight against me to hold me down as his hand gripped at my neck. But the way he looked at me, there was not a single trace of anger on his features.

"I told you not run." He chided me, his hold became tighter and I struggled for breath.

I tried to move my hands. But then I realized they were wet. Not with water, but with something else.

I looked directly at Kurama. "You're bleeding." I declared.

"Oh, that," He said. "It's not my blood, Botan. You see, while you were unconscious, I was able to feed."

"Then why are you sweating?" I inquired. I tried to ignore the pain in my neck. "You look ill."

"I'll be truthful with you now." He replied. "I haven't been able to feed as frequently as I need to. So, I'm dying." Kurama smiled. "And I plan on taking your friend with me."

Before I could protest, Kurama scooped me up into his arms as he made his way towards the mouth of the cave. "We should be going," He said. "The party has started and rest of the guests have arrived. It would surely be rude to keep them waiting any longer."

-

"Yusuke, why did you bring this fool with you?" Hiei demanded. His voice was quiet but his words were laced with venom.

"Hey, who are you calling a fool!" Kuwabara was already in his face, staring daggers at him.

Hiei smirked. "You," He replied. He raised an eyebrow. "Do you have a problem with that?"

Kuwabara's eyes narrowed. "Yeah, I do have a problem. He's four feet tall, has three eyes, and a stick shoved up his ass!"

I sighed, exhausted. This would have been very entertaining, if it had been at another time and place. I faced both of them. "Children!" I scolded. "Either we get along right now or our plan is screwed. Continue your fight later." I threw a glance at Hiei. "Is Yukina all right?" He merely nodded. "Good, now Kuwabara-"

"Matte," Kuwabara said. He pointed an accusing finger at the fire youkai. "Why did he get to come here with Yukina?"

Hiei's eyebrow twitched and I stared at him wide-eyed. I quickly snapped out of my stupor. "You idiot!" I yelled. "Forget about that, you need to do your part of the plan. Listen Kuwabara, Kurama most likely knows we're here, so we're depending on you."

Hiei scoffed and Kuwabara glared.

"What you need to do is just scout the area, find Botan, and keep Kurama away from her. I say again, do not rescue her. Hiei and I will be behind you later and we'll take care of the rest."

Kuwabara blinked. "That's all I get to do?"

"That's more than you can handle." Hiei responded.

"Why you!" I shoved Kuwabara out into the clearing before he could retort.

I watched him as he stalked off, muttering aloud. I sighed. "I know something's going to go wrong."

"Doesn't it always when that fool is involved?" Hiei asked coolly.

-

My eyes fluttered open and again, I found myself securely tied against a boulder, my mouth gagged. But there was no sign of Kurama. I moved my weight from side to side but there was no way I could loosen my restraints. I knew I was bait for the rest of the Reikai Tantei and I wondered when they would be here. I felt ridiculous. My goal was to help Kurama all by myself and in the process, not need to be rescued by anyone. But it didn't matter, every case we had, I was always saved from near death situations.

My eyes drifted to the crashing tide, and watching that and smelling the salt permeating in the air somehow lulled me. But I suddenly looked up when I heard fast footfalls approaching. I thought it was Kurama, but I was more than surprised and relieved to see Kuwabara. I stared at him. He noticed me immediately and I began to struggle, it was my only way of warning him that this was a deliberate trap.

"Don't worry, Botan." He said. "I'll have you out of here in no time."

I yelled, but it only came out as a muffled groan. I watched as Kuwabara's hand began to glow before a long blade, made solely from his spirit energy, appear in his hand. He sliced the rope away and a feeling of dread came over me as my restrains dropped to my feet. I quickly pulled the cloth out of my mouth, I knew Kurama was coming.

"Kuwa-chan," I whispered. "Run," I knew he could feel Kurama coming. His features told me the whole story. "This is a trap!"

But I never got the chance to say more before I watched what happened next. It was like time itself slowed. Kurama, his rose whip clutched in his hand, ran towards us before leaping into the air at an incredible height. His emerald eyes met mine for just a moment and I felt my heart stop.

There was no time.

Kurama flung his whip back.

There was no time. I couldn't save him.

Easily, quickly, ruthlessly, Kurama struck Kuwabara.

My eyes widened when I heard the sickening sound of bone cracking before his blood hit my clothes in gushes.

The next thing I heard was myself screaming into the night.

Author's Notes: Finally! Chapter eight is over with and hey, I updated somewhat on time. What about that? Honestly, I really had fun writing this chapter. But it was so hard making Kurama a villain. I tried to make him evil but at the same time not out of character. Gosh, I hoped it worked. For the Yusuke/Botan fans, I apologize, there was no action between them in this chapter. But I promise, you'll have it in the next chapter. So, what did you guys think of this one. Good? Bad? Let me know.

Thank you again for the reviews, I always appreciate input on whether I'm going in the right direction. It's been so fun writing this story, but I'm afraid, we're getting to the end. We only have two more chapters until the grand finale. But don't be sad, maybe or maybe not, I may write another Yusuke/Botan ficlet. Or possibly, I could head in another direction. Who knows? But until that time comes, let's enjoy the rest of Nox. Now here is a little preview of what's to come in the next update!

Chapter Nine-Wake Up

-Yukina makes her debut!

-We finally get to see what's going to happen to our beloved romantic soldier, Kurama.

-Yusuke and Botan goodness and fluff.

-And gasp! A character death! I wonder who?

Until, chapter nine, bye y'all!