Author's Note (10.05.2009): Okay, honestly, I don't know exactly how the Japanese high school system works other than a few basics. So…if you're well-versed in this subject, please suspend your knowledge for the duration of this story and go along with this reality that I've made. And if you want to contribute your knowledge, I would most appreciate it. Feel free to provide it in review form.
Also, if anyone would be interested in creating an image of Botan with black hair, please be my guest! I have some sample images that I might upload somewhere someday…but until then, if you want to do any fanart or have any fanart for this story (or any of my stories), please free to share.
I hope you enjoy this new chapter!
Secrets Secrets Are No Fun II
Secret III: Identity
Kurama sighed while he began arranging his belongings in his new room. If he continued at his current pace, he was sure that he would have everything organized before dinner. Of course, life had a way with throwing unexpected and unwanted surprises to ruin even the best made plans. Well, the unexpected and truly unwanted at this point in time came in the form of an irritating fox spirit: Kon.
As soon as the red fox spirit settled himself comfortably on the floor, Kurama demanded from him, "Would you care to explain why Botan-kun doesn't remember anything?"
Anything except for my name, that is, Kurama thought angrily.
Indeed, his name was about the only thing Botan remembered when she woke up; and she couldn't even have recalled that without Kurama helping her. Anything else, who he was to her, who she was, the life she lived, the job she held, etc, everything was lost to her. She had no memory of ever being a Spirit World ferry girl; she didn't know Yusuke or Kuwabara; she didn't know why she was mostly naked beneath the bed sheet and staring into the golden eyes of a white fox spirit. What she could piece together at that moment was that the fox was Kurama, and Kurama normally was a redhead human boy. The redhead human boy could be trusted to take care of her.
"Eh?" Lifting his golden eyes, Kon said with a shrug, "It happens. It shouldn't have been completely surprising. I mean think about it." He made motions with his clawed hands as he spoke, activating his illusionary magic. The sparkles made a little figure of Botan, the Botan that Kurama knew best but dressed as a Heavenly Maiden. "You've just separated a lot of power from a heavenly maiden—you've taken away her source of power that she was born with, something she's always had despite her appearance." As Kon said this, the Botan figurine changed from heavenly maiden to normal high school girl, her hair turning black and her spiritual aura drastically diminishing. "Of course she's going to suffer some sort of consequence."
Kurama groaned while putting a hand over his face in annoyance. "I wish you had warned me about this sooner. Do you know how troublesome it was for her to suddenly get amnesia?" When Kon simply shook his head, Kurama explained with some frustration, "Even though Botan-kun's appearance has altered, my family has taken no notice of it—to them, she looks the same. They still recognize her and know her well enough to notice that she doesn't recall them or act the same as before. It was hard fabricating a believable story for my parents and brother about why Botan-kun suddenly lost her memories and needs to stay with me."
Fiddling his fingers, the red fox boy asked tentatively, "What did you tell them?"
Minamino shook his head, unable to believe what he would tell Kon next. "I told them that Botan-kun was being abused at home by her father and she had called me for help. When I got to her house and found her, she had already lost her memories and barely recognized who I was. Obviously I took her away from there and invited her to stay with me for a while to keep her safe. With some help from her mother, Botan-kun has even transferred high schools to escape from her father completely."
There was a moment of silence.
"They bought that?"
Annoyed with Kon's utterly shocked expression, Kurama continued, "When I added the fact that I would work to help the girl with her expenses, my parents knew how serious I was about everything. Luckily for us, they're very kind and welcomed Botan-kun immediately. They've told her that she can stay as long as she wanted or needed." Kurama then waved around the room. "As you can see, I've had to move into the same room as my brother so that Botan-kun may have her own bedroom. As a consequence, you won't be able to openly come to visit me like you've doing as of late."
We'll probably have to meet outside in the back garden from now on—and in the dead of night too. Hopefully everyone will be asleep by then.
"Have you found work?"
"I went to a café today and got hired as a part-time waiter. I'm lucky to have found a job near home with good pay and flexible hours. It shouldn't be too hard to keep up the ruse."
Impressive, the red fox thought. He's already done so much for her; and now he's even sacrificing his human time and demon dignity to help her. I wonder exactly how far Youko Kurama is willing to go for Botan-pi? "Kurama-san, I need you keep Botan-pi safe and hidden for as long as you possibly can. If you can, keep her from remembering anything about her robes."
"What?" The redhead human frowned at the mention of maintaining Botan's amnesia. "Why?"
"To keep Botan-pi hidden, you have to keep her from remembering too much about her past. Her robes are activated and attracted to her when she regains each returning memory about her life as a Heavenly Maiden. For every step further she takes from being human, her robes will react to her returning as a spirit." Kon chuckled. "Kekeke, if you could manage to sleep with her and give her three kids, then she'll never have to leave you."
"What?!"
"Sssshhh!" the fox spirit hushed while clamping a hand over Kurama's mouth. "Not so loud!"
Swatting Kon's hand away, the teen muttered, "It's your fault, saying outrageous things."
"Outrageous? I don't see what the big deal is. I mean it's happened before!"
"Before?"
"Come on, you know what I'm talking about right?" Kon received only a blank stare, causing him to scratch the back of his head as he tried to recall specific details. "You know the story about the woodcutter and the heavenly maiden? Yeah…I think that's who it was…right? Yeah, the woodcutter! Him and the lady from heaven, that story: I'm sure you know it. What is it you humans call it?"
He couldn't possibly mean—"You mean the legend of the woodcutter and deer?"
"Kekeke, I forgot about the deer…but yeah, the one where the woodcutter steals the maidens clothes and marries her? See, I knew you knew it."
"What does that have to do with what we're talking about?"
Kon huffed in return, "Ke, you should know! How do you think that woodcutter was able to keep the heavenly maiden in Human World for so long? It's about all making babies, Kurama-san! Babies!" The red fox spirit shrugged and sighed hopelessly. "Honestly, just pin her down and get the deed done. It's not rape if she starts having a good time, ne?"
His face as red as his hair, the youth exclaimed, "I would NEVER do that to Botan-kun!" At this point, he didn't care if the rest of his family did hear him. He really couldn't believe Kon's nerve, trying to convince Kurama to bed, never mind possibly to rape, Botan.
Kon sighed at Kurama's vehement refusal for procreation. Really, what's the big deal? In the end, we all know you want to do it. What difference does it make if you do it now or later? "Well, then you better hope that Bara-sama doesn't find the two of you in the mean time." With that said he stood up and opened to the window to leave.
"Where are you going?"
"Hey," the red fox stuck his tongue out at Kurama, "I have a job, you know." Before he left through the window, Kon froze and turned back towards the human. "Instead of worrying about the memories she lost, you should just make new ones with Botan-pi. And who knows, this might be better in the long run since she might remain human indefinitely." He saluted Kurama and then disappeared into the night.
Kurama said nothing while the truth of Kon's words rang in his ears.
Shiori escorted the three teenagers to the front door, fussing like any other mother would over her children. Especially with one child she felt the most concern. "Ne, are you sure you'll be all right?"
"She has me and 'nii-chan," Shuuichi grinned. "Of course she'll be all right, 'kaa-san!"
The mother turned to the girl worriedly. "If you aren't feeling well at all, don't be afraid to come home, Botan-chan. Even if it's your first day at school, don't push yourself, understand?"
She smiled slightly, touched by Shiori's concern. "I'll be careful, Shiori-san."
But of course, the mother couldn't help but to worry still. Botan's sudden appearance in their home and her amnesia worried Shiori, and she wondered exactly what her son wasn't telling her. Granted, it wasn't Shiori's business to know Botan's personal and familial affairs; but she cared for the girl like a daughter and only wanted what was best. If she and her husband knew everything, then they could do everything in their power to protect Botan from her father if he discovered her whereabouts.
But Syuuichi-kun said that there's nothing to worry about, the mother sighed. Of course, that did not comfort her much either. Exactly what did he do when he rescued Botan-chan from her father? I've never seen Syuuichi-kun angry before, but that's what I'm afraid of. I'm rather sure he's the unforgiving type…and with how much he cares about Botan-chan, I'm sure he did something rash.
Taking a hold of Botan's hand, the woman turned to her two sons and said, "Syuuichi-kun, Shuu-chan, take good care of Botan-chan at school. And Syuuichi-kun, I know you're busy as a third-year, but would you—"
"I'll take care of everything, I promise," the redhead assured warmly while giving his mother a kiss on the cheek. He pulled Botan away from his mother's side and gently led the girl away. "Now we have to get going or else we'll be late."
Shiori stood at the door and watched the three teens walk away, her worry only somewhat relieved by her eldest's words. He must really be in love with her, that son of mine. I wonder what's going to happen to them in the future.
"I've never seen 'kaa-san so worried," Shuuichi laughed while putting his arms behind his head. "Honestly, you wouldn't think we were senior high students the way she was coddling us."
His older brother chuckled quietly while adding, "Well, it is only the beginning for you, having started only last month—and you've only just graduated from junior high. Of course Okaa-san is going to be worried about you."
Shuuichi pulled at the collared red uniform as he sighed. "Oh, come on. I can take care of myself, 'nii-chan."
The elder didn't reply and instead turned towards the girl walking in between the two brothers. She looks very cute, Kurama thought somewhat happily. It's very different from what I usually see her wearing when she's in Human World. Of course, half of that would be due to the fact that Botan had never worn the Meiou girl's uniform. Well, red wouldn't suit her with her light-blue hair, Kurama reasoned. So Sarayashiki's junior high uniform was a better fit for her.
But her with black hair, she wore her new uniform well. With her hair tied into two half pig-tails on the sides, Botan looked like any other human girl—well, any other cute human girl. Kurama had failed to anticipate Botan's natural heavenly-maiden beauty overcoming her human state. Even if she seemed human, that did not make her human. On the inside, she still had descended from "angels of Heaven." So of course, she would stand out.
Just hopefully she won't stand out too much, Kurama sighed.
A small fidget caught the corner of his eye.
When he looked down, he noticed Botan fiddling with her new school bag. It must be heavy, carrying all of her new school supplies at once like this. How thoughtless of me. "Let me carry your bag for you, Botan-kun," Syuuichi offered while holding out his free left hand.
"I-it's a-all right," she stammered in embarrassment, hugging her bag against her. "I can carry it by myself, Syuuichi-san." When she edged away from him slightly, he frowned.
Is she afraid of me? Is it because of my demon form? No, but that doesn't make sense, he reasoned with himself. When Botan had woken up in Kurama's room, she had seen him in his Youko form. She had not been frightened in the least; instead, she had stared at him in curiosity, wondering who he was to her. In the end, he had managed to put her to sleep and convinced her that it was only a dream. She doesn't realize that I really am a demon. Good thing too…it'll help keep her memories about Spirit World at bay. But then why is she distant from me? Is it just because she doesn't know me? I didn't think that Botan was this shy.
Botan looked through her dark lashes and saw Syuuichi's evident disappointment. Had she hurt his feelings? But what can I do? He's already been so kind to me—to suddenly offer to carry my heavy bag, wouldn't that be too much to ask of him? She sighed hopelessly. Ever since she had lost her memories due to her trauma with her family, she had only been a burden to Syuuichi. From what she had been told by Shiori, Syuuichi had raced across town to rescue her; and without hesitation he had taken her into his home. He had picked up a job to pay for her extra expenses, and he had even paid for her enrollment into his high school.
And I can't even do a simple thing like remember our relationship or our memories together as friends, the black-haired girl pouted. Even though he insists that I call him "Syuuichi," I can't even do that without adding –san. I'm amazed that Syuuichi-san doesn't hate me.
"Botan-kun."
She jumped at the hand on her shoulder.
"Ah, sorry," Syuuichi apologized while quickly removing his hand. "I won't do that again."
"No," she shook her head. "Sorry, you just surprised me. What is it?"
Botan thought she would melt beneath Syuuichi's handsome smile. "Ne, don't worry about anything. It'll be all right." Slowly he held her arm as if to assure her while trying not to scare her or break her. "Don't worry so much or try to do things by yourself. We just have to take one day at a time, right?"
How does he know what I'm thinking? Happy and oddly relieved, Botan nodded. "Un."
When the three of them reached the high school, Shuuichi went to his class while Kurama led Botan towards the main office. He spoke to the secretary for her and arranged everything that was necessary. Before Botan knew it, her redhead guardian told her to follow the secretary to her new class. He would meet her after school by the front.
"But if you have any trouble, you can come look for me in class 3-A during breaks," he smiled while pointing at his name tag on his uniform. "And even if you don't have trouble, feel free to visit me. If you want, I'll visit you during lunch."
"Ah, please don't trouble yourself," she murmured with a blush.
"It's no trouble at all, Botan-kun." Again, he smiled warmly at her to assure her. "So I'll see you during lunch at your classroom, okay?"
She nodded dumbly and watched his handsome back as he left the office.
"Ne, Minamino-san is really nice, isn't he?" the secretary smiled at Botan while she led the new student out of the office. "I've never seen him so interested in a girl at school before. You must be really close."
"Y-yes," Botan stammered while nodding her head.
"How long have you known Minamino-san?"
Botan tried recalling what Syuuichi had told her. "We've known each other for a few years now. We met through a common friend, actually."
"Ah, really? That must be nice." The secretary stopped suddenly in front of a door with the sign 1-C on it. "Ah, here we are. Now wait here while I go speak with the teacher." She disappeared for a minute, coming back out with the classroom teacher the next. "Hoshino-san, this is Tamazaki-sensei. She'll be your temporary homeroom teacher until we find a permanent staff to take over."
"Hello," Botan bowed politely to the teacher.
"Ne, Hoshino-chan is very cute," Tamazaki smiled. "You'll be sure to quickly make friends in the class." The middle-aged woman waved at the secretary goodbye while she told Botan to wait outside until she called her in. "Ne, everyone, quiet down now! I have a surprise for you," Botan could hear the teacher call out to the students. "Ne, ne, you can come in now."
Nervously Botan slid the door open and walked into the classroom. She tried to ignore the gasps and whispers that echoed throughout the room as she took her place in front of everyone beside the teacher. "Everyone, please welcome Hoshino Botan-chan," Tamazaki introduced with a smile. "She has just recently moved to this district. Please make her feel welcome to Meiou and help her adjust to her new home."
"I'm Hoshino Botan," the girl bowed to her new classmates. "I hope to get along with everyone. Please regard me kindly." She kept her gaze downwards, feeling the boys' attentive stares on her. Embarrassed, she wondered why so many of them watched her so intently. Was there something on her face? Was there something wrong with her uniform?
Looking around the classroom, Tamazaki pointed towards the back. "Ah, there's an empty seat beside Kotori-chan. Why don't you sit there?" With a quick nod, Botan shyly walked towards her new seat and quietly greeted her new neighbors while the teacher resumed homeroom.
Shuuichi smiled as the new girl sat in a desk three seats away diagonally behind him. He would be beating his brother now; Botan was in his class. Field trips, festivals, any school activities: they did them by class, so Shuuichi and Botan would be doing everything together. Unlike in the past, when his older brother had only been close friends with Botan, Shuuichi had equal footing in Botan's heart at this point. And now with this new edge, Shuuichi would defeat his older brother and he would be the one to win this most wanted girl.
For a long time, I thought that I would never get a chance to date her, the boy daydreamed through class. But now that she doesn't remember anything about 'nii-chan, even if she did like him then, she won't remember. It's my chance now to get her to like me before she remembers. And if she regains her memories later, if she likes me then, she might change her mind anyway and stay with me!
That was how the time passed, Shuuichi fantasizing about how Botan would run towards him, embrace him, and confess with her undying love that she would choose him over any man on the planet. Very soon (to Shuuichi) math, Japanese history, and English ended, and every student stood and bowed to the teacher as she left.
"Hey, let's each lunch together, Botan—" When Shuuichi turned around, no one was there. "Eh?"
"Ah, Hoshino-san already left," Yamanaka Kotori said while pointing towards the door.
"Eh? Left? For where?" Shuuichi demanded indignantly. The other boys in his class listened attentively in hopes to learn the answer as well.
"Um…" Another girl, Asawa Naoko, tapped her chin thoughtfully as she recalled, "She grabbed her bento and said that she was meeting an upperclassman, someone in 3-A."
Kotori raised a brow while thinking out loud, "Isn't the famous Minamino-senpai in class 3-A?"
A boy (uninterested in Botan) who had been idly listening to the conversation turned to Shuuichi and asked nonchalantly, "Isn't he your brother, Hatanaka-kun?"
"Eh?" all of the eavesdropping girls exclaimed together. They scrambled together to ask Shuuichi more about his heart-throb step-brother, but the boy had already escaped the classroom in search of Botan.
The girl in question wandered through the long hallways in search of class 3-A.
Maybe I should have waited for Syuuichi-san. She sighed hopelessly. But would he really come? I mean he said he would, but isn't that troubling him? He doesn't like big crowds, right? Shuuichi-kun told me at home that Syuuichi-san was very popular at school, especially amongst the girls. And the first-years aren't an exception. It would have troubled him to come see me, right?
"Eh, Botan-san? Oi, Botan-san, over here!"
That's not Syuuichi-san or Shuuichi-kun's voice...So who's calling me? She looked up in surprise, wondering who else in the school could know her. At the end of the hall way, she saw a black-haired boy with glasses waving at her in a friendly manner. "Ne, it really is Botan-san!" he chuckled in relief.
Botan did not know how to react or respond when the black-haired youth approached her. "Botan-san, I didn't know you were here today. What brings you here to Meiou High again?" he smiled when he stood in front of her. "Actually, I'm glad that you're here so I can personally thank you for last time. Ha, back there I almost didn't recognize you with that dark hair. It really suits you, I think. Perhaps Minamino-kun agrees? You didn't change it for him, did you?"
Who is he to me? Did I know him in the past? Botan frowned at the logical truth. But how could that be? I went to a junior high school across town, and Syuuichi-san is the only friend I had from Meiou High. Looking at the boy's name tag, Botan only became further confused. Yuu Kaito-san—he's a third-year, and in Syuuichi-san's class. How would I know another third-year from Meiou? Is he Syuuichi-san's friend?
"Yuu-san, I'm sorry, but I—"
"Eh? Ne, ne, there's no need to call me so formally, Botan-san. Even though we're at school, it's all right. We are friends after all." Kaito grinned bashfully. "I mean without you, I wouldn't have such a wonderful girlfriend. Only a friend would do what you did for me, right? Oh yeah, Yui-chan and I are doing really great and we—"
Before Kaito could finish his conversation, Botan turned around and ran away as fast as she could.
Kaito stood there, blinking in confusion. "Eh? Botan-san?"
Who was he? Why did he talk to me like he knew me? She kept running in one direction, not caring where she would end up. I'm so confused right now. Why? Why is this happening to me? Why can't I remember anything?
Just as the girl rounded the corner, she ran into someone.
Before she could fall back, two strong hands caught her shoulders and kept her standing. "Ah, Botan-kun, you came here?"
She looked up and fought back her tears. In her relief at seeing a familiar face—the only familiar face to her—she wrapped her arms around Kurama's middle and held him close. As she buried her face against him, Kurama placed a hand on top of her head and asked in concern, "Did something happen, Botan-kun?"
She's shaking…
Shaking her head, she murmured against his uniform, "Nothing. It's nothing, Syuuichi-san."
I can't bother him much more than I already am, she thought while pulling away from him. If I want to get better, then I need to do things for myself. I can't just keep on depending on Syuuichi-san like this.
Kurama didn't want to press her for details and have her completely withdraw from him, so he dropped the subject. Instead, he lifted his bento and suggested with a smile, "Ah, let's go eat lunch outside together. Today is really nice."
"Un." Botan followed Syuuichi outside into the common courtyard and sat beside him on a bench beneath the budding cherry-blossom tree. I wonder if we did this in the past, Botan thought. She looked at Syuuichi from the side of her eyes as she opened her lunchbox. Would we spend a lot of time alone together like a couple? Or were we just really good friends?
"Ne, so tell me. What do you think about your new class? Are your classmates nice?"
Did he always take care of me like this? "I haven't really had the chance to get to know everyone yet, so I don't really know," the jet-haired girl said with a small smile. "But Shuuichi-kun is in the same class, so I think I'll be all right. Maybe he'll help me make friends faster."
"Shuuichi?" Kurama frowned at the news. "Yes, I remember now," he faked a smile as he recalled that piece of knowledge about his younger brother. "He's in class 1-C as well. Well, isn't that lucky, Botan-kun? You already have someone you're familiar with in the same class." This time, when he smiled, it was warm and most sincere. "You won't feel lonely or frightened during class time."
Cutely (in Kurama's opinion), Botan tucked a lock of hair behind her year while she quietly answered, "Yes."
For a moment they quietly ate their lunches, enjoying the warming sun and the fresh spring air. They watched a group of boys play soccer a little ways off, their boisterous voices carrying over towards them. When he finished most of his lunch, the redhead third-year said, "But if you have any questions about anything, even homework, don't hesitate to ask me. Since I've already taken the classes you'll have to take, I'm rather confident in my ability. I don't mind helping you at all."
Botan laughed. "But you won't help Shuuichi-kun? Is that it, Syuuichi-san?" She giggled behind her hands, unable to contain it. "Ha ha, ne, what kind of older brother is that?"
While she laughed, Kurama silently watched her and marveled at the sound. How long had it been? How long had it been since he had heard Botan laugh so freely? When he finally noticed the silence, he looked up into her questioning amethyst eyes. Why were you staring at me? her eyes asked. "Ah, you finally laughed," he confessed quietly.
She immediately turned away, her cheeks a blooming rosy pink.
"I'm glad to see, Botan-kun, that you've begun to relax a little more: especially around me." Indeed, he wanted her to only open up to him. "Don't strain yourself too much trying to remember your past. There are some memories that are best left forgotten."
But I don't want to forget anything involving you, she thought. It's important that I remember everything about you, Syuuichi-san…my rescuer. "Ne, but it's all thanks to Syuuichi-san. If it weren't for you, I don't know what would have happened to me."
"Don't think about it," he blushed. Really, he couldn't believe how everyone readily believed his outrageous lie about Botan's circumstances. Didn't things like that only happen in dramas and manga? Not that he was complaining; it was very fortunate that no one dug too deep into the lie and investigated its legitimacy. But he could not help but to feel guilty when Botan brought it up, expressing her gratefulness for "saving" her.
"I don't really need any thanks from you, Botan-kun." And that was the truth; he did not want anything from her, aside from her love that is. Well, that's what I have to work on, don't I? But it's somewhat difficult when she's putting so much distance between us, especially when she's calling me—An idea hit the green-eyed fox. "But, if I'm allowed to ask, I would like it if Botan-kun would be more familiar with me."
Blinking at him curiously, the girl replied, "But there can't be two Syuuichi-kun's."
"Then at least let me be your upperclassman."
There was silence as Botan thoughtfully contemplated what Minamino was asking her. "Syuuichi-senpai?"
"See. That's better, isn't it?"
She nodded and said nothing more while eating her bento.
When they finished with their lunches, Kurama escorted Botan back to her classroom (at which several girls squealed jealousy and boys huffed enviously). He reminded Botan to wait for him at the gate so that they could go home together; just in case if he was late, he apologized to her in advance. That said he waved her and her furiously envious classmates good-bye. While Kurama walked back to his class, he encountered his younger brother returning to his own class.
"Oi, 'nii-chan, have you seen Botan-chan around?"
"I just took her back to class." Seeing his brother's face drop at the reply, Kurama felt a little guilty being the cause of his unhappiness. However, he needed younger Shuuichi to know from the beginning that Botan was off-limits to him. As a spirit, you couldn't be with her. And even now, as a human, she doesn't belong with you. I'm sorry, Shuuichi-kun. Forgive me for adding salt to your wounds. "We just finished having lunch together."
"Oh." Of course his older brother knew how to get to him! He's bragging, isn't he? Fine! Two people can play the game! "Well, then you must have found out how we share the same class," the youth smiled smugly.
"Yes, she did mention that."
On the inside, Shuuichi shouted in frustration and Syuuichi's indifferent expression. I know that 'nii-chan is smart, so he has to know what it means for Botan-chan and me to be in the same class. Isn't he worried at all? Far too impatient to play a proper mind game, the young man confessed heatedly, "I have feelings for her, 'nii-chan." He gave his older step-brother a pointed glare. "And despite what you think, I'm not losing to you." Not even waiting for Syuuichi's answer, the younger boy marched into his classroom and took a seat.
The bell would be ringing soon.
And exactly how does he want me to react? Kurama sighed as he walked back towards his classroom. Every few people or so he would mindlessly wave and ignore the faint squeals of happiness while strolled past girls his age. It's not like I didn't know. Botan said so herself before she lost her memories. I've known all along that he's liked her. Does he want me to be upset or annoyed? He doesn't even realize the competition that he's up against for Botan. Emerald eyes glowered at the thought of competition. Yes, how could I so carelessly forget Kaou-sama? It's only a matter of time before the prince comes to retrieve his stolen bride.
His jealously festering, Kurama's eyes took on a golden sheen. Yes, the ever perfect Kaou-sama of the Eastern Heavens—I'm sure that he has something planned for Botan. There's no way that he wouldn't know what's happened to Botan with Kon going back and forth as often as he does. Did he know that Botan would lose her memories, her memories about me?
Before he could answer his own question, a voice called for him down the hallway. "Minamino-kun, what's going on?"
He raised a questioning brow as Yuu Kaito approached him and motioned him to walk alongside him. "Pardon me?"
"I just saw Botan-san earlier," Kaito explained mildly. "But she ran away without saying a word. It seemed like she didn't recognize me or something. What's going on, Minamino-kun?" His voice quieted considerably when he added, "Is something up with Spirit World?"
Of course he would notice something, Kurama frowned. With how much time he and Botan spent together some months ago in addition to his psychic abilities, it's inevitable. But what should I tell him? I don't want him meddling in my affairs…but having him around might be useful. "There's a reason for it, Yuu-san, but I would rather not explain it right now."
"It's fine, it's fine," the dark-haired teen waved off. After his experience with Kurama's wrath more than month ago, Kaito no longer pushed or stressed the redhead if he could help it. Being in Kurama's vice-grip once was more than enough. "I know that something big is going on, and I'm fine with you not wanting me too deeply involved. But I am worried about Botan-san's strange behavior. So if you ever need any help, Minamino-kun, I would be more than happy to help. I do owe you and her after all." He slid open the door while the two of them walked into their class.
"Thank you, Yuu-san. I'll be sure to keep that in mind."
While Koenma, in his toddler form, rested on top of his desk in exhaustion, Yusuke and Kazuma stared at him in surprise and curiosity. "So what you're saying is that someone kidnapped Botan from Spirit World some nights ago and no one knows where she is. Botan's gone missing from Spirit World, and her sister is scouring all over Human World to find her…And, although not put down officially, there's strong suspicion that Kurama is the one responsible behind all of this." Yusuke threw his head back in a laugh. "Ha ha, it has to be Kurama if you can't find any evidence to convict him!"
Crossing his arms, Kazuma shook his head in disappointment, "What I can't believe is that Kurama stole her clothes. Really, it's always the quiet ones."
With an extra thought, Yusuke snickered cheekily, "I knew he always had it in him!"
Ignoring his morally depraved friend, Kazuma inquired, "So, has her sister found her yet?"
"No, not yet," Koenma sighed while lifting his head from the desk. "And by the looks of it, she won't be finding Botan any time soon. When Kurama (we know it HAD to have been him) stole Botan's heavenly robes, he turned her completely human. Her energy signature is the same as any average human girl—something that Bara will have a hard time filtering through and pinpointing in Human World. But it wouldn't matter even if she does find Botan. She needs to find Botan's robes or else Botan can't return to Spirit World."
"Huh," Kazuma remarked, "Just like the woodcutter legend."
"And what about the prince?" Yusuke asked with a serious expression. It had erased all traces of the playfulness from before. "What is this Kaou-sama doing about his fiancée being stolen away and going missing?"
"I have no idea, honestly," the small prince shrugged. "You would think that he would be furious about the whole thing and threatening to destroy all of humanity. However, George found some interesting evidence suggesting that Kon helped Kurama break in Spirit World the night of Botan's kidnapping." When Yusuke and Kazuma's faces showed how they did not understand the connection, Koenma explained with some annoyance, "Kon can't do anything without Aniue knowing. And if Aniue disapproves, then something would have already been done—but he hasn't lifted a finger. So obviously, he isn't worried about Botan's safety or whereabouts. Plus, I know that lately Kon has been making frequent trips to Human World. Other than all that, I have no clue to Aniue's movements or his plans. And obviously, he has something planned."
Taking in all that they just learned, Yusuke carefully asked, "So what do you want us to do?"
"I want you guys to find Bara in Human World and figure out what exactly she's up to."
"And what about the prince?"
"Leave Aniue alone," Koenma waved off. "If there's anything that should be clear, it's Aniue's love for Botan. He would never do anything to make her unhappy, so I'm not concerned about what's up to. Bara, on the other hand, will do whatever it takes to get what she wants."
Kazuma hesitantly asked, "And Kurama?"
Koenma sighed. "I don't know. I'm leaving him alone for now and seeing where he's going with this. If you guys see him, tell him that I won't interfere with him or his plans as long as he takes care of Botan. But if Aniue or the Emperor sends orders, I won't be able to do anything to protect him."
"Understood."
I wonder if Botan will visit me at work tomorrow, Kurama grinned while walking back towards class. He had just finished eating lunch outside with her again, it having become their ritual since they first started it over a week ago.
With that said, ten days had gone by without trouble of the spiritual sort, allowing Kurama to exhale in relief. He had figured that if Spirit World had not destroyed humanity or his home after so long in pursuit of Botan, then he was safe from major catastrophes. Now he could better focus his time and energy on Botan and hopefully rebuild their romantic relationship they had lost with her memories.
And one way would be to spend as much time with her as possible. Dates would be good too. But of course, how could he go on dates if he didn't have any money? Having been fairly independent since his younger days, Kurama refused to ask his mother or step-father for any spending money; and he had already made a deal that any money that Botan would need or want to spend would be earned for him. Fortunately, Kurama's waiting job at the café wasn't too demanding while paying quite well. And being a quiet, peaceful dessert shop, Botan visited frequently to study as he worked; sometimes he would even treat her with a mocha or a snack when he had a little break. When Kurama finished his shift, they would walk home together to a cranky Shuuichi.
Thinking of his younger brother, the fox smirked, And whose fault is it that he's a part of a sports club? Botan can't wait at school by herself until he's finished with soccer practice—and it's just as bad if she's home alone while the others are out. I'm only lucky that she wants to be with me at the café.
But had their relationship improved any?
"She trusts me better," he decided. "She comes to me for help, she'll let me carry her bag sometimes, and she starts conversations with me. She always comes to lunch, and she laughs when she's with me. I think I've made some progress." Minamino Syuuichi felt fairly confident that with some more time he would have re-won Botan's heart.
"I'll just have to be careful about her remembering things too quickly…or remembering the wrong things." With Kon's visit two nights ago, Kurama learned that Botan's robes had not resonated at all. So far Botan had no successful attempts at regaining her memories, and if the foxes kept at the game exactly as it were, she would not remember her past life as a Heavenly Maiden until it was too late for anyone to do anything.
"Minamino-kun."
Kurama stopped and looked towards where he had heard his name. Down the hall Kaito waved at him and walked up to him. "Minamino-kun, can we talk privately?"
Nodding, the redhead led the way towards an empty classroom.
When he felt sure they were alone and would not be interrupted, Kaito began politely, "I'm sorry, Minamino-kun. I know you told me to remain uninvolved in your matters, but something has happened."
"Like what?"
Kaito put a hand against his forehead as if he were suffering a headache. "I don't know if it's actually relevant, but I thought I should tell you. Last night, while I was exercising my psychic abilities, something with immense Spirit Energy completely destroyed my territory. Every border and rule I had established within my area collapsed beneath the aura, and I felt it move towards the school. I haven't sensed it at all today, but I figured that you should know about it. It most likely concerns Botan-san's present situation."
Spirit Energy powerful enough to destroy every barrier and rule that Yuu-san has made… Kurama frowned at this information. There were very few people he knew that had the power to do that, and some of those people were the very ones Kurama wanted to avoid at all costs. Indeed, this most likely does have something to do with Botan. So they've finally begun to move and have entered Human World. Now I'll have to figure out what they're after. "Thank you, Yuu-san. This is actually most helpful."
"Eh, don't think anything about it," Kaito grinned. "Just don't make too much trouble, Minamino-kun."
"I'll try," he answered with a sly smile while walking out of the empty classroom. The two third-years walked together back to their homeroom and rejoined their classmates and their quests for their desks. When all of the students returned to their seats, their teacher walked into the classroom with an enormous smile. "Everyone, we're very lucky today to have received a transfer student early this year," she announced happily. "Now, everyone, be kind to her since she hasn't been in Japan for a very long time. She learned Japanese at home, so she's fluent; but she will be a bit unfamiliar with the culture. So please guide her as best as you can."
The students muttered amongst themselves.
"A transfer student?"
"Already?"
"I wonder what she's like."
"I hope she's pretty."
"Do you think she'll join our club?"
"Come in," the teacher called out. The door briskly slid open and the new student walked in. Kurama had to exercise all of his self-control to keep from shouting out. He held his poker face in-check while his classmates gasped collectively. Luckily, Kaito controlled his reactions to keep from making a sound; but his fact relayed the shock he felt. The other students simply stared and murmured excited about their new classmate.
"Please introduce your self to everyone," the teacher instructed.
Bowing politely, the sky-haired girl smiled dazzlingly, "My name is Tennyo Bara. Please regard me kindly."
Meanwhile, in Shuuichi and Botan's class, the assistant principal was introducing a new teacher to the class. "All right, all of you listen carefully. Tamazaki-sensei is getting married to an American this weekend and will be moving to America after the wedding. She was acting as your temporary homeroom teacher since Yamamoto-sensei had to quite earlier due to an accident. Well, luckily for all of us, we have a new teacher for you."
The stern young man standing behind the older assistant principal stepped forward without as much as a smile. With his set, stoic expression locked in place, the new teacher looked around and said, "My name is Koutaishi Kaou. I will be your new homeroom teacher and your English class instructor." The fair-haired man looked on the students with an emotionless expression. When he met gazes with Botan, her heart jumped at his intense amethyst stare. "Please regard me kindly."