Dear Readers,
Sorry about the late updating. School just ended a week ago and so I FINALLY put this chapter up. Please forgive me! :: begs next to Kurama- kun::
Anyways, it's up and I hope you love it. Have a great summer! Special shout to those who e-mailed me and encouraged me to update!
Lots of love,
Aya-chan
Lasting Memories
"OWWWWWW! "Botan yelped in pain. "Can't you be a little gentler? It hurts!" she constantly whined. A short hour had elapsed since Keiko had started on Botan's dress and time had passed by the two girls in a flash.
Keiko simply laughed at her friend's childish actions but always enjoyed having a friend like her around whose heart remained as pure as a heart from a young girl. "Stop moving and don't pout like that! It's pathetic!" the brunette commented.
At the comment, the blue-haired maid purposely pouted and looked away, crossing her arms on her chest. However, she burst into laughter, her friend soon joining in.
Keiko took out a brush from a nearby drawer and started combing her friend's long silky, cerulean hair, humming quietly. Botan, fidgeting with her fingers, waited as patiently as she could but found it was useless.
"So..." she started. Keiko continued to brush but was fully aware of the conversation.
"'So' what?"
"What do you think going to happen at the ball?"
"I can't guarantee anything, Botan-chan," Keiko sadly remarked. "But What I think is that love will bloom."
"Between who?" Botan's heart swelled with renewed hope. But her answer was a single mysterious smile, confusing the young maid.
"You'll see..."
Botan tipped her head in confusion. Although she loved Keiko very much, sometimes she hated how her friend would speak in suspenseful riddles and mysteries. "What?"
Keiko just waved her hand in the air, dismissing Botan's response, also signaling that that subject was closed. "Anyways... I'm done! Now, look in the mirror and tell me how you like it."
The older girl stepped back lightly and held the comb in her hand, smiling at her friend with pride. Botan tentatively turned to the glossy mirror in front of her.
And as she saw her reflection, she gasped in disbelief.
She was an angel.
A perfect angel was more exact.
Since it wasn't a large celebration, yet, her outfit wasn't elaborate but it was enough to reveal to all her true beauty. Clinging her slender figure with no straps was a silk sea-foam green dress made by Keiko herself with a matching sash around her waist. It flowed down below her knees, her shoulders and legs exposed to the night's breeze, the same necklace Kurama had given to her hung upon her bare neck. Dainty high-heeled shoes and simple earrings did wonders for Botan's appearance. To top everything off, her usually tied-up, cerulean hair cascaded freely down her back like a waterfall to match her sparkling lavender eyes.
Angel?
No.
Goddess was the better term.
Keiko smiled contently as she saw crystal tears of happiness form in her best friend's eyes. Yes; this was the only thing she could do in return for Botan since she was the cause of her meeting Yusuke.
Botan hugged her best friend with unspeakable appreciation. She was sure that no one could ruin her night, not even Hari. Everyone was required to attend, even maids and peasants and anyone could dance with anyone.
Even the prince and a young palace maid.
Glancing at a nearby clock, Keiko gasped in horror, realizing the time and how much had passed since they had started preparing. How could she be so tardy?
"Botan-chan! We're already late for the ball; if you're going to make it and not get yelled at by the stupid step-sister of yours, we've better move it!"
"Oh no! Let's go Keiko!" Grabbing Keiko's hand, the blue-haired girl raced out the door as fast as she could.
"And Keiko-chan?"
"Hai, Botan?"
"Thank you. For everything."
"Bored, my dear cousin?" a mocking voice taunted.
Kurama immediately glared at Yakumo, his eyes painted with golden hatred as he tried very much to sit patiently on his throne. Hari, who had just happened to go into the garden to flirt with other kingdom men (player!), had "abandoned" him, something Kurama really didn't mind, surprisingly enough. Where she was, he didn't care.
What he did mind was his hated cousin, ridiculing him every second possible. And also that he had tried to flirt with Botan. How dare that cretin try and make a move on her?! Who did he think he was?! At the thought, Kurama immediately flushed.
What was he thinking?! Botan was only a friend, someone that he felt comfortable with...
Right?
Ever since he had the ball and met the young maiden, which he wasn't sure about Hari, his entire life of emotions and feelings were questioned, and his actions had to be perfectly thought out. His entire personality was being changed.
By a single young girl.
Was he even ready for marriage? Was Hari even the right one to marry? Thoughts of uneasiness swirled through the young prince's mind; usually, he was calm or either letting his demon temper let loose but confusion was something he wasn't accustomed to.
And all of this was caused by a single young maid.
No, Kurama thought. She wasn't just a maid or a young girl. There was always something special about her that made her different from everyone else he had met. She had a loving heart, full of kindness and willingness. Without even knowing it, she would spread her cheeriness to others around her.
Well, to those who were worthy enough. (Like Hari)
Kurama glanced at his two other cousins, Hiei and Yukina. Yukina, being to most gentle and kind-hearted of the siblings had danced all night with her favorite suitor, Kuwabara, a top general of her kingdom who wasn't the most handsome but certainly the most honorable subject.
Seeing Hiei made the young prince laugh out loud; being asked by his love, Hinagashi, to dance, he was now awkwardly and stiffly trying to move to the music, probably wanting to impress the young lady without making a wrong move. The bored prince was relieved that he wasn't the only one with love problems.
As he thought, he suddenly realized that Botan wasn't present. Kurama knew she loved parties and dancing, and it was required that everyone in the kingdom was to attend. Where was she?
'It's not that I harbor deep feelings for her...I mean... we're just friends and I'm just worried about her. That's all,' he had to remind himself.
Suddenly, the large oak doors on top of the spiraling staircases swung open, revealing two beautiful young ladies. However, the young prince only gazed at one.
Kurama's eyes stared wide open at the late guests as his inner-self bursted with unknown joy, his heart felt lighter than it had for days.
It was Botan.
The baby-blue haired young maid smiled radiantly as her twinkling eyes scanned the ballroom, ignoring how the entire kingdom was staring silently at her and Keiko. If you dropped a pin on the "noisiest" corner of the ballroom, everyone there could hear it. It wasn't until her best friend nudged her in the arm till she realized what was going on.
Trying desperately to brush off some nervous vibes, Botan put on her best party façade and met others' gazes with confident candy eyes. Giving Keiko a reassuring glance, the young maiden took graceful steps down one ivory spiraling staircase as Keiko soon followed her procedure on the other staircase.
To the naked eye, any mortal would conclude and be impressed with her cool and calm composure, how stunningly wonderful she was with a small and shy smile upon her cherry lips, but if you could read her mind or knew her for her entire life like Keiko, you would know that at that very moment, Botan was absolutely uneasy. No, nervous was a better word to describe the situation. Her body would have been frozen stiff if she didn't know that Kurama was probably watching... with Hari to her distaste. If she made a bad impression, she would be humiliated and beaten severely.
Step by step, with her heels clicking just enough so that its echo would be heard through the entire room, Botan made her way to the ballroom floor. When she finally reached her destination and although the music started to play once again (slowly may I inform you), she was still the center of attention, all the guests whispering about who she was and how godly she looked. A few lords and peasants stopped by her for a greeting and she would politely curtsey and say a few words before they passed on by again.
The young maiden couldn't help but be relieved that no one around her knew that she was a maid. How could they notice? She was a deity and the only person in the room (not outside like stupid Hari) was Botan herself. They accepted her and for that, she was glad. Even if this would last only for one night, Botan was overjoyed to know that she could at least have a single evening of bliss.
However, there was only one true though occupying Botan's mind and that was to dance with Kurama, even if it meant that it would be their last dance together. She hoped he would dance with her. Realizing that she could never be with him because of the consequences, the young maid was washed with endless sorrow. If only miracles could be granted when wished.
Brushing the contemplation away, Botan's eyes searched the ballroom for her red-haired love but with all the guests dancing without a care, she could not spot him. Giving up her search, the blue-haired beauty observed Keiko's handiwork on the room and awed the decorations with child-like eyes. Keiko was always talented with artwork and creativity, even when they were little tykes.
Chandeliers with dangling crystal reflected the illuminating, heavenly lights that gave luminosity to the room. Golden curtains hung from the top of sparkling windows, red satin tassels found on the edges of Arabian silk rugs. The ballroom was the spotlight of the party, its foundation lined with tile, the musicians playing their sweet melodies on the side. Botan could not believe she would ever be in a ball ever again. Not after what had happened to her in the last weeks.
"What is a young and attractive young splendor such as yourself be just watching the scenery when it is accustomed to dance at a ball?" a lustful and bone-chilling voice asked her, breaking her thoughts and observations.
Immediately spinning around, Botan found herself face to face with her love's evil cousin (it was well rumored that he was EVIL!), Lord Yakumo. Ever since they had met, she never did like him but forced herself to be polite, knowing his social status and did not want to cause any trouble with him.
'No. Not liking him is an understatement. I HATE him!' Botan corrected herself. Putting on a fake and forced smile, she curtsied stiffly and quickly and widened her eyes as he suddenly took her hand and placed a long kiss on it and continued to hold it. She jerked it back on reflex.
"I was just admiring my friend's work on the ballroom, Yakumo-sama," she answered carefully. He simply grinned, something Botan wish he hadn't done.
"Since you aren't dancing, would you like to dance with me?" he inquired in more of a demanding way. Truly, she didn't want to accept the offer. Who would? It was...just that something about him and his aura was very eerie and foreboding. Her mother had always told her that if something felt wrong, trust your heart and don't let yourself get trapped in its web of terror. At the moment, Botan wished someone would save her from him. She was about to accept against her will when a husky and regal voice interrupted their conversation.
"Excuse me, but I believe Botan will be my date for tonight." Botan slowly turned around and a joyful smile was placed upon her lips as she saw her savior.
It was Kurama, grinning charmingly in his striking, elegant royal clothes (of course there's a cape – he looks KAWAII in one!), his hand outstretched for her as an invitation to dance. Without hesitation, she put her dainty hand, smiling like a twinkling star, in his and he whisked her away to the ballroom, leaving Yakumo behind to enter a night of endless bliss.
'Maybe...just maybe...there's a chance after all,' Botan thought expectantly.
Seeing her best friend saved from the eerie lord Yakumo, Keiko sighed in relief and walked happily to a balcony and distantly watched the winking stars in the endless dark blue sky shining down at her. The brunette could barely hear the music, She was so overjoyed to enjoy a day of relaxation where she could give Botan some happiness even if it only lasted for this single night.
But all of a sudden, the chocolate-haired girl's smile changed into a small frown. Leaning on the balcony edge on her folded arms, she once again sighed, this time, heavily in lost hope. In the back of her mind, she...had just wished that she would see Yusuke and just maybe...
Keiko violently shook her head to clear her mind. She couldn't be clouded with ridiculous thoughts of love. She couldn't be distracted like that! Botan would always have a chance with love and destiny. Love and destiny were always Botan's special department in life. She knew that from the bottom of her heart but herself...
She was a different story, a complete complicated and hopeless story. To her, from experience, men were awful and useless, breaking hearts when they pleased and not caring of women's emotions. Why would Yusuke be any different from other men?
Besides, it wasn't like she had harbored feelings for the man anyways! He was a pervert, jerk, insensitive about his surroundings, loved to fight and tease, always got into trouble, careless and cocky, never followed rules, and... and...
He was the only one who could actually make her smile, make her feel wanted... and loved.
Whenever she thought about him or said his name, her heart would flip and flutter and it would suddenly feel like she had sprouted wings and could immediately fly away. It was different from the feelings she had before with other men. This was ... so ... incredibly blissful... this feeling felt so comfortable.
It was always a dream of hers, to be a princess where her prince would save her from a world of poverty and loneliness. A knight in shining armor to whisk her away. Being an only child, the young girl was an orphan, taking care of her little brother as best as she could; her parents had left the world years ago.
"Oh Yusuke, where are you?" Keiko whispered to the dead wind, closing her eyes in silence.
"Waiting for me?" a cocky voice with a slight rebellious flare answered back. Opening her surprised eyes in a flash, the young girl whirled around, her cheeks flaming pink in embarrassment as she stared into his mischievous black orbs. But staring at him was also a mistake (because he simply smirked when he found her gazing at him) and realizing what she was doing, the young maiden spun around so that her back faced the warrior.
'How could you actually think about him, girl! And now, Yusuke's heard you!' Keiko mentally scolded herself.
"Don't be silly! I would never be waiting for someone like you!" Keiko retorted but with her back turned to him, he could never see her slight smile upon her lips.
"Then, would you still like to dance?" he suddenly inquired compassionately, his usually punk routine changed to his polite, gentle side. A slight blush appeared on his cheeks and he became a bit shy. Keiko tore her gaze from the stars to look at his sincere and cute expression. Glancing at his offered hand, she clutched one hand at her beating heart. Then, without another wasted second, she took the offer, smiling wonderfully at him.
Maybe, just maybe, there was hope for her after all.
"I'd love to," she replied softly.
Yukina giggled, her laugh like soft chimes as she watched Kuwabara try to dance. He was doing his very best, giving all his effort but his clumsiness couldn't allow him to get close to the dance floor.
None the less, she loved him anyways, but her shy personality stopped her from ever telling him. Of course, he confessed his love toward her everyday and every minute he met with her. Personally, she had no problem with that. For once in her life, she enjoyed the attention, the flattery, and the silly compliments.
Patiently waiting for her dance partner to regain himself, Yukina saw the blue-haired maiden being whisked away by her favorite cousin, Kurama. Botan was her name, was it? It was a cute name, the princess thought to herself.
Deep in her heart, the mint-haired princess wanted to just talk with the maid. She seemed quite nice and she didn't think Hiei would have a problem with her (Hiei was very testy with who she got close to). But that evil witch Hari would keep a close eye on the poor maid! Yukina restrained herself from releasing her ice powers; they reacted to evil or negative energy.
Glancing toward her brother, Yukina laughed once again. Her carrot top date looked at her curiously but managed a chuckle, even though he was clueless. Grabbing Kuwabara's wrist, the young princess gracefully led him somewhere else.
"Let's go, Kuzuma!" Yukina told him. Tonight would be her night to no longer be shy. Tonight, she would finally have fun.
"You should try to relax, Hiei-sama," Hinagashi suggested to the equally short prince before her. The caped warrior, her date, grunted as he reflected ashamedly on his dancing steps. Seeing how embarrassed the fire demon was, the red-haired maid chuckled but when Hiei glared at her, she tried to hide her smile, only to burst into giggles once more.
"What are you laughing at, woman?!" the koorime demanded, his cheeks flaming in humiliation.
'How could he be this stupid in front of her?' Hiei thought to himself. Mentally, he cursed all music and dance.
"Gomen nasai, Hiei-sama," Hinagashi apologized to her dance partner, bowing in respect and started to frown at how she was so... unsupportive. Immediately, the black-eyed warrior stopped her in mid-bow and tipped her up and she blushed as he managed a tiny yet sympathetic smile.
"I think dates call each other their first names and do not care about status," he stated in a whisper, the graceful music making it so that only they could hear one another. "And I think we are 'dates', Hinagashi." The maid's heart swelled at how Hiei had said her name, how he considered them a temporary "couple". Never had he addressed her with her own name and how he said was as if it rolled of his tongue.
Hiei wanted to curse when his "speech" made Hinagashi fall silent. What did he do wrong this time? He blew it, and he knew it! Before he could swear, a hand wrapped itself around his own, its warmth strangely reassuring and comforting. Looking at the hand, Hiei found the owner was none other than the bubbly girl before him, the very same girl he loved.
"Why don't we skip dancing and have fun in the gardens?" the girl suggested, smiling at him tenderly. "Botan showed them to me and it's quite nice! I promise!" Hiei found his heart melting at her begging tone and her hopeful eyes.
"Hn..." he found himself saying. Gleefully, Hinagashi gently held his limp hand, even though he didn't return the grip of her hand. Racing out of the hall, she led him to the palace gardens, a radiant and happy grin on her lips.
Hiei couldn't help but finally, clench his hand on hers. It felt so right ... holding hands with her.
Darling Chii: I'm glad you liked the story so far! I hope you like this ball chapter!
kuramazlilsis: I finally updated! I hope you enjoyed it.
Raman: Ra, do you always hafta be so mean. Jeez, give it a break!
John Cena's Basketball Star: AWwwww! Thanks for the praise!
saraspeiss: I'm trying as best as I can to finish the story. Please be patient. And about all your questions: I guess you'll hafta find out!
Sky demonic angel: I'm glad that you love it!
DaemonAvatar: Ilyas, you always loved killed my evil characters. Don't worry, Hari will get her punishment.
goila-chan-1500: Appreciating the enthusiasm! I promise I will write more and more!
QT102: I hope you're not dead by now! I've updated. ::Hold up her chapter:: See! Thanks for the support!
deity of death1: I can't believe this! Your review just gives me all the strength I need to write my entire story. Thanks for loving my stories and appreciating all the hard work I put into it!
PrincessArwen: (Takes a bow and blushes) I love the encore!
Anichan: Don't cry! I hope this chapter satisfies a bit of your curiosity.
Did you like it? Hope you did; review please.
I think you all know what's going to happen next chapter.
COUPLES LOVE – K/B ROMANCE!!!!!!!!
Stay tuned!
PS – Because of all the wonderful reviews all of my fans have given me, I've decided to pay them back by recognizing their names and commenting on their reviews such as above. Anyone's name that is mentioned above, THANKS!
Lots of love,
Aya-chan