~LASTING MEMORIES~
Kurama walked briskly down the long hallways, a smile upon his handsome face.
He just couldn't wait.
The excitement filled every nerve of his body.
It had been two long years and without further due, he could see his favorite cousins again.
But it had to come with a down side.
Yakumo.
A frown replaced his smile; knowing the demon lord, he would probably stir up some more trouble.
Just like last year.
*
"Kurama-kun! Kurama-kun!" a young girl shouted from a distance. A younger Kurama looked up from his work and smiled.
"Yes Arisu?"
"Kurama-kun, look what I found!"
Arisu, a young girl with seafoam green hair and shining blue eyes, opened up her clamped hands.
Her innocence and bliss was contagious, even to Riyouko, a very silent person with only few words to say.
And out flew a magnificent, multi-colored butterfly, free once more. "Isn't that cool, Kurama?" the girl asked hopefully.
"Of course, Arisu-chan." Kurama smiled and picked her up, spinning her around, relishing her radiant laughter.
It was the last time he would see her.
*
Kurama boiled with anger, his hands trembling at the sight of the dead body.
It was his fault.
Immediately, the kitsune turned around, facing Yakumo, who smirked with pleasure.
"Yarou! You killed her! You murderer!" Kurama yelled, Hiei and Yusuke holding him back from attacking.
Still, Yakumo had his calm, turning his back to walk away.
"She was a pathetic creature anyways." Kurama fell to his knees, his face void of emotion.
The beast had killed her.
Yakumo had drowned his little sister, Arisu.
*
At the memory, Kurama stopped straight in his tracks.
He remembered everything, how Yakumo did it with ease, and how she never had a chance.
And for that, he hated him.
Kurama hated with all his heart, the murderer, Yakumo.
Shaking his head, the prince continued on with his walk, looking forward to seeing all his cousins, whether it was for payback or happiness.
And the only thing left of his memories with the echoing of his shoes on the tiles of the floor.
This day would be an unforgettable day for him and the rest of the kingdom.
~*~
Botan stuck her tongue out at her half-sister, and turning away when Hari looked back at her.
'Great' she thought. 'I have to listen to everything the brat tells me to do.'
Botan sighed; she just hoped that the new royalty would accept her, and not Hari.
At least she was in better clothes, Botan reminded herself. And it was true.
Unlike the other maids today, Botan wore a stunning satin blue short dress, one she loved. Also, her hair was neat and flowing down her back, not in a ponytail.
As time passed on, the young girl found herself on the entrance of the palace, with thousands of steps in front of her.
Everyone in the kingdom was there, on the steps and on the ground below her.
Hari, with her head held up like a brat she was, and took one side of the platform, Botan following beside her.
In no time, with the new royalty not being there yet, the prince with his family, including Riyouko, arrived at the scene to await their relatives.
With everyone in place, a carriage pulled up in front of the steps, and the subjects on every step, blew their horns in respect.
Botan found herself holding her breath, wondering what the cousins would be like.
She was about to find out.
~*~
Yusuke smiled to himself; it was good to finally see Hiei again, as well as the dumb baka, Kuwabara.
He only wished Keiko was there to see them.
What he didn't know that Keiko was the special coordinator of the ball, and was going to be there.
But he was going to find out soon enough.
~*~
YUKINA'S POV:
~*~
I was really nervous about this whole marriage idea with Kurama; I highly doubt he found the right girl, knowing him.
Just like Hiei.
Those two would never find a right girl.
When I felt the carriage pull to a halt, I knew that I was about to find out if my calculations were correct.
Being a gentleman, Hiei let me out first, and then Hinagashi, who would be my personal maid for the vacation, as I call it.
I smiled at the palace in front of me; it was just as I remembered it two years ago.
Slowly, I walked down the path to the steps, knowing Hiei and Yakumo were behind me.
Yakumo.
I always thought it was a disgrace that he was our cousin. Good thing Kurama-kun and Hiei-nii-san are always there to watch over him.
He was crazy.
Just like the time he killed Arisu, my other cousin.
Remembering the young girl, tears filled my lavender eyes, but then a felt a prescence next to me.
Turning my head, I saw Hinagashi smiling at me, and with her support, I put on a simple smile and continued to the steps.
*
As I reached the top of the stairs, I immediately recognized Kurama, and ran the rest of the way, hugging him when arriving.
Then I stepped back, greeting the other family members, bowing in respect and smiling in pleasure.
I glanced at brother, who was catching up with Kurama; I smiled again knowing how close they were.
But I frowned with I saw Yakumo near a young maid, who was obviously uncomfortable.
Immediately, Hinagashi and I ran to her side, pushing my cousin away, starting a conversation with her.
"Hi, and who are you?" I asked politely. She put her head down, being uncomfortable once more, puzzling me.
I wonder if I said something wrong but then I saw another girl just like the one in front of me, glaring at the maid in front of me.
Before I could say anything else, Kurama came with Hiei towards us.
The only thing I could think of was the maid.
I hope we would become friends, that was what I truly wished for.
~*~
BOTAN'S POV
~*~
I put on a smile when I first saw Prince Hiei, Princess Yukina, and Lord Yakumo.
They seemed pretty nice, except for Yakumo.
Yukina-hime-sama seemed so nice, with her beautiful mint hair and her kind lavender eyes.
Hiei looked more like the silent type, but he probably had a good heart.
Yakumo. was different. He had his emitting aura that was. well. eerie.
Before I could think any further, Yakumo came up to me, and kissed my hand, giving me compliments.
"Well, fair maiden, what is the honor of this acquaintance?" he said.
My heart skipped a beat the compliment but my stomach did flips; his hand was cold and chilling.
But I dared not the answer, not when Hari was glaring at me, threatening me that if I associated with them, then I would be beaten.
Putting my dry lips together, I looked down, turning my gaze and when I looked up again, I was facing the princess.
She had a sweet complexion, a cheerful maid at her side with fiery hair and glowing eyes.
"Hi, and who are you?" she said softly. Still, I kept my lips together in fear. At her confused face, I hoped she didn't take it as an offensive action.
Before I could reply in apology, Kurama and Hiei walked over. I kept my head low, and backed away, knowing they only wanted to see Hari.
Kurama stepped in front of me and next to Hari, jealousy in my heart. I could almost see the bitch smirk.
"Hari, I would like you to meet my cousins, Hiei and Yukina. They are very close family, soon to be your in-laws."
At the point of marriage, I wanted to cry. How I wished Kurama knew the truth!
Barely hearing the conversation, I knew they were shaking hands and getting to know one another, me being left out.
Then I saw Kurama turn around and have me come forth, standing behind me with his hands on my shoulders.
"Hiei, Yukina, and Hinagashi, I would also like you to meet Botan, who has been a very diligent maid around the castle."
I was so surprised that Kurama hadn't forgotten about me! Slowly, I put on a watery smile, ignoring Hari's hard glare.
Yukina smiled at me, shaking my hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Botan- chan."
I bowed in respect. "No, the pleasure's all mine, hime-sama." She giggled.
"Please, call me Yukina-chan. Hime is too formal." I nodded my head, my smiled becoming more solid.
I then turned to Prince Hiei, bowing lowly. "It's a pleasure to meet you too, Ouji Hiei."
I could clearly see the surprised expression on his face; he was probably surprised at my stupidity.
"Well, Kurama, look's like you've found yourself a worthy and very talented young maid," the prince stated.
At his words, I looked up in joy, seeing his smirked face and Kurama's smile I bowed once more.
"Arigato, Ouji-sama, you are too kind." Again Hiei smirked and I swelled with pride.
Then I remembered Hinagashi, the maid of Yukina and then I turned to her, curtsying.
"With all due respect, Hinagashi-sama, I beg forgiveness for my ignorance," I said. A blush crept upon her face.
She was obviously not treated with that high of respect. But she recovered quickly.
"We are of the same class, Botan-chan, so call me Hinagashi." And she curtsied in return.
I grinned; thank God we all forgot about Hari!
"Mitsukai," Kurama called. I immediately turned my head, facing him with curious eyes.
"Please show Hinagashi around the grounds while the rest of us go our separate ways. Please also tell Keiko that the ball should be set."
I nodded quickly, surprised that Keiko was the party supervisor. How convenient!
Waving and bowing the final time to all of them (even the brat), I took Hinagashi's hand and raced off to my favorite place, the garden.
I couldn't' think of another way that could have gone.
~*~
NORMAL POV: WITH KURAMA AND HIEI
~*~
"So, do you really like Hari?" Hiei asked his cousin.
Kurama looked out the balcony where they both laid on the edge sides. He wondered why everyone asked that question.
And he started to ask himself that too.
"I." Kurama started.
He looked distantly at the two maids playing contently with water, splashing one another, laughing.
"I don't know anymore."
Hiei snorted in pity. His eyes were fixed on the red haired maid, softening at her pleasure.
"So you really don't love anyone, just like two years ago. Nothing has changed, kitsune."
Kurama's mind disagreed, but he didn't know why.
"But that girl." Kurama's gaze turned to his cousin in surprise.
"What do you mean?"
"Isn't it obvious? That girl, Botan. She's different, isn't she?"
Kurama sighed and laid his head back on the wall behind him.
"She's the half sister of Hari, and step-daughter of Sayo, the mother of Hari and her sister, Maya.
Her father's dead but she still believes in hope and love."
Hiei chuckled. "And how do you know so much about her?"
Kurama smiled, closing his eyes. "You could say that we were friends."
The fire demon snorted again, mumbling about useless emotions, something Kurama caught.
"But you love Hinagashi, don't you?" Kurama retorted to Hiei's mumbling.
Hiei looked away, ignoring his cousin. Kurama laughed at Hiei's ignorance; same fire demon.
"I told her." Hiei looked in disbelief at his cousin.
"You told her!? Are you mad you fool?"
Kurama shook his head, still smiling. "But you even said she was different. And she accepted us."
At the last comment, Hiei became shocked, not really knowing someone who accepted the whole demon thing.
He would definitely look at Botan a different way.
"So the girl's smart, polite, talented, and kind. Why didn't you have her as a wife?"
Kurama's heart pained at the question.
He asked himself the same question.
'Why?'
~*~
WITH HINAGASHI AND BOTAN: GARDEN
~*~
Botan danced around the garden as Hinagashi took tentative steps, observing the environment.
Seeing the new maid being cautious, Botan pulled her into a swirl, laughing.
"Lighten up, Hinagashi! Have fun!"
Hinagashi, catching Botan's laughter and happiness joined in the dancing, until she splashed Botan with water from the nearby pond.
Botan, slightly soaked, pouted, containing her laughter and then ran to the other side of the pond, splashing Hinagashi.
She didn't care if the dress was ruined.
She didn't care if she was beaten for disobedience.
She was having fun and that's all that mattered.
*
Botan lay contently on the garden grass, the towering oak tree covering the sun's rays from her face as her friends sat upright beside her.
The billowing winds caressed her face, comforting her agony, whispering among the leaves.
It was so peaceful, Botan thought. All her worries, pains, sorrows, were all gone.
"Botan-chan." Botan opened her eyes, looking curiously at the maid.
"Hai, Hinagashi?"
Higanashi looked distantly up at the sky. "I was wondering. what's it like to be. to be a princess? Loved, adored."
Botan also looked up at the sky, the sun starting to set.
"I don't know. I bet it would be fabulous, having a knight in shining armor to protect you."
The blue-haired maid wanted to cry, her heart screaming.
She was in love.
Her knight in shining armor far from her reach.
"But Hinagashi, you don't need a knight to save you."
Hinagashi looked confused at her friend. "What do you mean?"
Botan met her gaze. "Well. is there someone you love?"
The maid turned away, blushing, Botan laughing. "Yes. but I'm afraid he loves another."
"Don't worry."
Hinagashi looked at Botan, her eyes widening as she saw her friend.
Tears.
"Don't worry."
Crystal tears streamed down Botan's face.
"There will be hope. Trust me."
In her heart, Botan prayed that there was still hope left for her and her prince.
'There will be a way.'
'Won't there be?'
~*~
"Botan?" Kaiko stuck her head in her friend's room, looking around, and her eyes finally seeing her friend.
Botan spun around, a smile upon her lips. "Kaiko-chan!"
The two embraced one another. Hinagashi had left to help Yukina prepare. Kaiko was here to make Botan shine.
After all, everyone attending had to look their best.
"Kaiko, you look stunning!" Botan exclaimed. And it was true.
Unlike her normal outfit, Kaiko was in a simple gown of satin, sleeveless, in the colors gold and silver.
Her short hair was knotless and her feet were in two cute shoes.
Botan winked at her friend. "You'll definitely attract Yusuke-kun today, ne?"
Kaiko blushed. "By the way, how's Kurama and you coming' along?"
Botan looked away. Kaiko immediately felt guilt in her heart. It was such a disaster; those two were meant to be, Kaiko thought.
"Well, never mind then. Let's get started on your dress. I'll make sure you'll be better than that sister of yours!"
Botan smiled at her friend.
Maybe tonight wouldn't be that bad after all.
~*~
Arigato Kami-sama! I completed a chapter! I'm soooooooooo sorry I haven't updated!
Please forgive sessha.
Anyways, special thanks to Steph-chan, who helped edit the story and to everyone who reviewed.
Please check out my other stories and review!
Next chapter is the ball so don't miss it!
Love,
Aya-chan
Kurama walked briskly down the long hallways, a smile upon his handsome face.
He just couldn't wait.
The excitement filled every nerve of his body.
It had been two long years and without further due, he could see his favorite cousins again.
But it had to come with a down side.
Yakumo.
A frown replaced his smile; knowing the demon lord, he would probably stir up some more trouble.
Just like last year.
*
"Kurama-kun! Kurama-kun!" a young girl shouted from a distance. A younger Kurama looked up from his work and smiled.
"Yes Arisu?"
"Kurama-kun, look what I found!"
Arisu, a young girl with seafoam green hair and shining blue eyes, opened up her clamped hands.
Her innocence and bliss was contagious, even to Riyouko, a very silent person with only few words to say.
And out flew a magnificent, multi-colored butterfly, free once more. "Isn't that cool, Kurama?" the girl asked hopefully.
"Of course, Arisu-chan." Kurama smiled and picked her up, spinning her around, relishing her radiant laughter.
It was the last time he would see her.
*
Kurama boiled with anger, his hands trembling at the sight of the dead body.
It was his fault.
Immediately, the kitsune turned around, facing Yakumo, who smirked with pleasure.
"Yarou! You killed her! You murderer!" Kurama yelled, Hiei and Yusuke holding him back from attacking.
Still, Yakumo had his calm, turning his back to walk away.
"She was a pathetic creature anyways." Kurama fell to his knees, his face void of emotion.
The beast had killed her.
Yakumo had drowned his little sister, Arisu.
*
At the memory, Kurama stopped straight in his tracks.
He remembered everything, how Yakumo did it with ease, and how she never had a chance.
And for that, he hated him.
Kurama hated with all his heart, the murderer, Yakumo.
Shaking his head, the prince continued on with his walk, looking forward to seeing all his cousins, whether it was for payback or happiness.
And the only thing left of his memories with the echoing of his shoes on the tiles of the floor.
This day would be an unforgettable day for him and the rest of the kingdom.
~*~
Botan stuck her tongue out at her half-sister, and turning away when Hari looked back at her.
'Great' she thought. 'I have to listen to everything the brat tells me to do.'
Botan sighed; she just hoped that the new royalty would accept her, and not Hari.
At least she was in better clothes, Botan reminded herself. And it was true.
Unlike the other maids today, Botan wore a stunning satin blue short dress, one she loved. Also, her hair was neat and flowing down her back, not in a ponytail.
As time passed on, the young girl found herself on the entrance of the palace, with thousands of steps in front of her.
Everyone in the kingdom was there, on the steps and on the ground below her.
Hari, with her head held up like a brat she was, and took one side of the platform, Botan following beside her.
In no time, with the new royalty not being there yet, the prince with his family, including Riyouko, arrived at the scene to await their relatives.
With everyone in place, a carriage pulled up in front of the steps, and the subjects on every step, blew their horns in respect.
Botan found herself holding her breath, wondering what the cousins would be like.
She was about to find out.
~*~
Yusuke smiled to himself; it was good to finally see Hiei again, as well as the dumb baka, Kuwabara.
He only wished Keiko was there to see them.
What he didn't know that Keiko was the special coordinator of the ball, and was going to be there.
But he was going to find out soon enough.
~*~
YUKINA'S POV:
~*~
I was really nervous about this whole marriage idea with Kurama; I highly doubt he found the right girl, knowing him.
Just like Hiei.
Those two would never find a right girl.
When I felt the carriage pull to a halt, I knew that I was about to find out if my calculations were correct.
Being a gentleman, Hiei let me out first, and then Hinagashi, who would be my personal maid for the vacation, as I call it.
I smiled at the palace in front of me; it was just as I remembered it two years ago.
Slowly, I walked down the path to the steps, knowing Hiei and Yakumo were behind me.
Yakumo.
I always thought it was a disgrace that he was our cousin. Good thing Kurama-kun and Hiei-nii-san are always there to watch over him.
He was crazy.
Just like the time he killed Arisu, my other cousin.
Remembering the young girl, tears filled my lavender eyes, but then a felt a prescence next to me.
Turning my head, I saw Hinagashi smiling at me, and with her support, I put on a simple smile and continued to the steps.
*
As I reached the top of the stairs, I immediately recognized Kurama, and ran the rest of the way, hugging him when arriving.
Then I stepped back, greeting the other family members, bowing in respect and smiling in pleasure.
I glanced at brother, who was catching up with Kurama; I smiled again knowing how close they were.
But I frowned with I saw Yakumo near a young maid, who was obviously uncomfortable.
Immediately, Hinagashi and I ran to her side, pushing my cousin away, starting a conversation with her.
"Hi, and who are you?" I asked politely. She put her head down, being uncomfortable once more, puzzling me.
I wonder if I said something wrong but then I saw another girl just like the one in front of me, glaring at the maid in front of me.
Before I could say anything else, Kurama came with Hiei towards us.
The only thing I could think of was the maid.
I hope we would become friends, that was what I truly wished for.
~*~
BOTAN'S POV
~*~
I put on a smile when I first saw Prince Hiei, Princess Yukina, and Lord Yakumo.
They seemed pretty nice, except for Yakumo.
Yukina-hime-sama seemed so nice, with her beautiful mint hair and her kind lavender eyes.
Hiei looked more like the silent type, but he probably had a good heart.
Yakumo. was different. He had his emitting aura that was. well. eerie.
Before I could think any further, Yakumo came up to me, and kissed my hand, giving me compliments.
"Well, fair maiden, what is the honor of this acquaintance?" he said.
My heart skipped a beat the compliment but my stomach did flips; his hand was cold and chilling.
But I dared not the answer, not when Hari was glaring at me, threatening me that if I associated with them, then I would be beaten.
Putting my dry lips together, I looked down, turning my gaze and when I looked up again, I was facing the princess.
She had a sweet complexion, a cheerful maid at her side with fiery hair and glowing eyes.
"Hi, and who are you?" she said softly. Still, I kept my lips together in fear. At her confused face, I hoped she didn't take it as an offensive action.
Before I could reply in apology, Kurama and Hiei walked over. I kept my head low, and backed away, knowing they only wanted to see Hari.
Kurama stepped in front of me and next to Hari, jealousy in my heart. I could almost see the bitch smirk.
"Hari, I would like you to meet my cousins, Hiei and Yukina. They are very close family, soon to be your in-laws."
At the point of marriage, I wanted to cry. How I wished Kurama knew the truth!
Barely hearing the conversation, I knew they were shaking hands and getting to know one another, me being left out.
Then I saw Kurama turn around and have me come forth, standing behind me with his hands on my shoulders.
"Hiei, Yukina, and Hinagashi, I would also like you to meet Botan, who has been a very diligent maid around the castle."
I was so surprised that Kurama hadn't forgotten about me! Slowly, I put on a watery smile, ignoring Hari's hard glare.
Yukina smiled at me, shaking my hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Botan- chan."
I bowed in respect. "No, the pleasure's all mine, hime-sama." She giggled.
"Please, call me Yukina-chan. Hime is too formal." I nodded my head, my smiled becoming more solid.
I then turned to Prince Hiei, bowing lowly. "It's a pleasure to meet you too, Ouji Hiei."
I could clearly see the surprised expression on his face; he was probably surprised at my stupidity.
"Well, Kurama, look's like you've found yourself a worthy and very talented young maid," the prince stated.
At his words, I looked up in joy, seeing his smirked face and Kurama's smile I bowed once more.
"Arigato, Ouji-sama, you are too kind." Again Hiei smirked and I swelled with pride.
Then I remembered Hinagashi, the maid of Yukina and then I turned to her, curtsying.
"With all due respect, Hinagashi-sama, I beg forgiveness for my ignorance," I said. A blush crept upon her face.
She was obviously not treated with that high of respect. But she recovered quickly.
"We are of the same class, Botan-chan, so call me Hinagashi." And she curtsied in return.
I grinned; thank God we all forgot about Hari!
"Mitsukai," Kurama called. I immediately turned my head, facing him with curious eyes.
"Please show Hinagashi around the grounds while the rest of us go our separate ways. Please also tell Keiko that the ball should be set."
I nodded quickly, surprised that Keiko was the party supervisor. How convenient!
Waving and bowing the final time to all of them (even the brat), I took Hinagashi's hand and raced off to my favorite place, the garden.
I couldn't' think of another way that could have gone.
~*~
NORMAL POV: WITH KURAMA AND HIEI
~*~
"So, do you really like Hari?" Hiei asked his cousin.
Kurama looked out the balcony where they both laid on the edge sides. He wondered why everyone asked that question.
And he started to ask himself that too.
"I." Kurama started.
He looked distantly at the two maids playing contently with water, splashing one another, laughing.
"I don't know anymore."
Hiei snorted in pity. His eyes were fixed on the red haired maid, softening at her pleasure.
"So you really don't love anyone, just like two years ago. Nothing has changed, kitsune."
Kurama's mind disagreed, but he didn't know why.
"But that girl." Kurama's gaze turned to his cousin in surprise.
"What do you mean?"
"Isn't it obvious? That girl, Botan. She's different, isn't she?"
Kurama sighed and laid his head back on the wall behind him.
"She's the half sister of Hari, and step-daughter of Sayo, the mother of Hari and her sister, Maya.
Her father's dead but she still believes in hope and love."
Hiei chuckled. "And how do you know so much about her?"
Kurama smiled, closing his eyes. "You could say that we were friends."
The fire demon snorted again, mumbling about useless emotions, something Kurama caught.
"But you love Hinagashi, don't you?" Kurama retorted to Hiei's mumbling.
Hiei looked away, ignoring his cousin. Kurama laughed at Hiei's ignorance; same fire demon.
"I told her." Hiei looked in disbelief at his cousin.
"You told her!? Are you mad you fool?"
Kurama shook his head, still smiling. "But you even said she was different. And she accepted us."
At the last comment, Hiei became shocked, not really knowing someone who accepted the whole demon thing.
He would definitely look at Botan a different way.
"So the girl's smart, polite, talented, and kind. Why didn't you have her as a wife?"
Kurama's heart pained at the question.
He asked himself the same question.
'Why?'
~*~
WITH HINAGASHI AND BOTAN: GARDEN
~*~
Botan danced around the garden as Hinagashi took tentative steps, observing the environment.
Seeing the new maid being cautious, Botan pulled her into a swirl, laughing.
"Lighten up, Hinagashi! Have fun!"
Hinagashi, catching Botan's laughter and happiness joined in the dancing, until she splashed Botan with water from the nearby pond.
Botan, slightly soaked, pouted, containing her laughter and then ran to the other side of the pond, splashing Hinagashi.
She didn't care if the dress was ruined.
She didn't care if she was beaten for disobedience.
She was having fun and that's all that mattered.
*
Botan lay contently on the garden grass, the towering oak tree covering the sun's rays from her face as her friends sat upright beside her.
The billowing winds caressed her face, comforting her agony, whispering among the leaves.
It was so peaceful, Botan thought. All her worries, pains, sorrows, were all gone.
"Botan-chan." Botan opened her eyes, looking curiously at the maid.
"Hai, Hinagashi?"
Higanashi looked distantly up at the sky. "I was wondering. what's it like to be. to be a princess? Loved, adored."
Botan also looked up at the sky, the sun starting to set.
"I don't know. I bet it would be fabulous, having a knight in shining armor to protect you."
The blue-haired maid wanted to cry, her heart screaming.
She was in love.
Her knight in shining armor far from her reach.
"But Hinagashi, you don't need a knight to save you."
Hinagashi looked confused at her friend. "What do you mean?"
Botan met her gaze. "Well. is there someone you love?"
The maid turned away, blushing, Botan laughing. "Yes. but I'm afraid he loves another."
"Don't worry."
Hinagashi looked at Botan, her eyes widening as she saw her friend.
Tears.
"Don't worry."
Crystal tears streamed down Botan's face.
"There will be hope. Trust me."
In her heart, Botan prayed that there was still hope left for her and her prince.
'There will be a way.'
'Won't there be?'
~*~
"Botan?" Kaiko stuck her head in her friend's room, looking around, and her eyes finally seeing her friend.
Botan spun around, a smile upon her lips. "Kaiko-chan!"
The two embraced one another. Hinagashi had left to help Yukina prepare. Kaiko was here to make Botan shine.
After all, everyone attending had to look their best.
"Kaiko, you look stunning!" Botan exclaimed. And it was true.
Unlike her normal outfit, Kaiko was in a simple gown of satin, sleeveless, in the colors gold and silver.
Her short hair was knotless and her feet were in two cute shoes.
Botan winked at her friend. "You'll definitely attract Yusuke-kun today, ne?"
Kaiko blushed. "By the way, how's Kurama and you coming' along?"
Botan looked away. Kaiko immediately felt guilt in her heart. It was such a disaster; those two were meant to be, Kaiko thought.
"Well, never mind then. Let's get started on your dress. I'll make sure you'll be better than that sister of yours!"
Botan smiled at her friend.
Maybe tonight wouldn't be that bad after all.
~*~
Arigato Kami-sama! I completed a chapter! I'm soooooooooo sorry I haven't updated!
Please forgive sessha.
Anyways, special thanks to Steph-chan, who helped edit the story and to everyone who reviewed.
Please check out my other stories and review!
Next chapter is the ball so don't miss it!
Love,
Aya-chan