I do not own Yu Yu Hakusho!

"Speech"

'Thoughts'


Chapter 2:

Kurama's POV

I stroll through the park on my way home, absorbing the tranquil nature. The field of bright green, feather light grass appears to sway as a passing spring breeze caresses its tip. Countless apple green leaves flutter lustily as if dancing with the wind. Sakura petals gently sprinkle down, decorating the blanket of green, which produces a lovely and serene environment. Scents of fresh mint, moist soil, sweet dew, and jasmine tickle my nose. 'Wait! I don't recall sighting any jasmine around this area.' My nose gingerly perks up, and I slowly inhale the surrounding air. I recognize the trace of jasmine with a faint hint of melon. My facial expression softens as I draw in more air in order to locate the owner of the floral scent. I whirl around to my right, and proceed toward a mighty Sakura tree near the crystal blue lake with a tender smile, gracing my lips.

Botan's POV

I sit lazily underneath the Sakura tree with my back leaning against its trunk. My legs extend straight out with my left crossed over my right, and my hands fold neatly on my lap. My eyes glaze over, starring blankly at the infinite space, as I lost sight of the world. 'It's Monday, March 30th.' I breathe out a sigh, as I refocus back on reality. I meekly extend my right arm, keeping my elbow slightly bent. Fingers mildly curl, exposing the peach color skin of my palm, waiting for a Sakura petal to float downward and land in my waiting hand. 'Sakura…my dream, those unforgettable eyes, the oozing red substance…' I return into a daze state; thoughts of my dream recurring like a flipbook, scrolling in my mind. I was so deep in thought that I became oblivious of my surrounding. Unexpectedly, I detect a shade of red out of the corner of my eye, which strike me with horror. My face drains of color, turning a ghostly white as my eyes widen. I jump out of my sitting position, breathing heavily. 'Blood.' My eyes are glued to the ground as I clasp my left hand over my heart 'No, it can't be happening,' my mind screams, sweat starting to coat my forehead.

"Sorry Botan, I did not intend to startle you." I heard a voice say.

I slowly raise my head and shift my gaze from the ground toward the voice. My eyes clash with concerned emerald orbs. "Oh, hey, Kurama. It's only you." 'The dream is really making me edgy. I need to relax.'

"Botan, do you feel unwell? You look very pale."

"No, I…I'm fine, Kurama. I was just um…thinking about something, and you just popped out of nowhere, so I just reacted. Yeah, it was just a normal reaction, nothing to worry about."

"Oh, I understand," he replied in a low tone. I could tell that he didn't buy my answer. He is after all, the smartest among the Spirit Detectives. I shove my thoughts away and decide to change to subject.

"Why are you here, Kurama?"

His features seem to settle, and I could tell that he had let my reaction go for the moment. He looked at me and answered in a neutral tone. "I had taken my usual route home from school, when I caught sight of the Sakura blossoms scattered on the field. I did not want to simply walk home and waste the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery," he stated; however there was a glint in his eyes that told me there was more than he had said, but I ignored it when he asked,"what brings you here, Botan?"

"Oh, well, I have a full week of vacation so I thought I'd come here and relax. The view here is extremely beautiful."

"I believe we share similar thoughts then?"

"Yep! Kurama, look! The sun is setting. I just love the sunset." My eyes sparkle with delight as I shift my view toward the bright orange sphere. I really do love the sun. Shades of red, orange and yellow blend together nicely, resembling a mural, embellishing the horizon. "Come on, Kurama. Let's sit and enjoy the view." With that said, I tug on Kurama's right sleeve and pulls him into a sitting position underneath the Sakura tree. I have forgotten my dream for the moment. Once again, I lean against the trunk with my legs extend outward, right crossing over left, and hands relaxing above my laps. Kurama sits to my left, leaning against the tree trunk with his left leg out stretched, right leg bent upward with his right hand lazily resting above his right knee. I could still feel my rapid heartbeat and rising body temperature, probably from that fright earlier. 'Why am I blushing then? It's probably just a result of the sun's heat.' I push my thoughts aside and watch the sunset.

Kurama's POV

I watch the sunset with Botan, sitting to my right, yet I could not help but wonder why Botan had reacted so vigorously before. She claimed it was a normal reaction, but her eyes reflected pure horror as if she had witnessed a massacre bathed in human blood. I could not help but worry for her well being.

"Kurama, isn't the sunset beautiful?" I heard her whisper.

"It certainly is, Botan." I stole a quick glance at Botan. The uneasy feeling I had before was washed away as I notice her creamy skin, glowing underneath the rays of the sun. Her eyes glitter with awe and a wide smile, playing on her pink lips, causing a smile to crawl onto my own lips. I feel really comfortable in her presence, but I have not felt that way toward any of my fan girls. I wonder why, but answers did not come, so I let is pass as my eyes again wander toward her. Her eyes appear to be lost in space, when I heard her utter, "Kurama, do you know what the sun represents?"

"I believe that the sun represents time, constantly informing us of the happenings around us. Whether it is seasonal or climatic changes. The sun also continuously reminds us of our existence by its lingering presence," I answer her with what knowledge I have concerning the sun. I am curious as to why she had asked such a question. "Why do you ask, Botan?"

"I just think that the sun has opposing meaning to it, but most people only look at the sun from one point of view."

"How so?" Her answer seems to have a hidden meaning, but I could not place it.

"The sun rises and sets, assuring the occurrence of day and night. It will always break through and brighten up the day, whether in rain or snow, winter or summer, clear or cloudy. It acts as a source of energy for all living organisms. It permits for seasonal changes within a region. It sets to allow all the organisms rest, while it rises to ensure a new day, and a new beginning." "Are these assumptions true, Kurama?"

"I trust it is." I had agreed, but there was a different tone in her voice hinting that there was more. She had also used the word, assumptions, meaning she somewhat disagrees with what she had previously stated. My curiosity keeps growing, so I question, "are you implying that this impression about the sun is incorrect, Botan?"

She flares up at my question. "Of course it's wrong. People only see what's on the surface, and no one has ever took time to understand the sun." Botan twists her upper body toward me, a pout spewing from her lips. Both her hands held in fists, less than a foot away from her chest. Her eyebrows wrinkled up, displaying a disapproving look. I am quite amused at her reaction, but I know I should display a neutral expression.

"Would you care to explain your claim then?"

Botan's shoulders slump, her arms lay limply by her sides as she resumes her previous sitting position. "Well, what you and everyone else see is the superficial aspect of the sun. Yes, it's a sphere of fire, bright and reliable; however, that is not all that it is. I solely believe that it shines to remind us of its presence. It does set, but it will always rise for fear of vanishing from the face of the earth. It desires other's attention in order to feel important, in order to feel needed. It craves for a place in people's minds and hearts, and that is why it constantly returns and radiates from the sky."

'Interesting, I have not thought about the sun in that aspect.' I am uncertain as to why, but I felt drawn by her words, so I questioned her further, "you have a very perspective view regarding the sun, but what cause you to have such insight, Botan?"

Botan's hand subconsciously rises to caress her pendant, which is hanging from the thin, silver chain around her neck. Her head is partly bowed, so that her eyes are starring hazily on the ground. She whispers, "Well, if you think about it, my view of the sun is basically how I judge people around me. Everyone has two faces whether he or she chooses to show it or not. For example, Hiei is an infamous, cold-blooded killer in Makai, yet he has a warm, protective heart when it comes to Yukina. I guess like people, the sun has its strength and weakness, good and bad. Don't you think so, Kurama?"

"Truthfully, I have never thought much of the sun besides that its existence is essential, but your reasoning is well argued. You have enlightened my view; however, you sound different today…you don't usually speak in such a serious manner." The last part slipped out before I could catch myself.

At my statement, Botan became nervous. "Ahehehe…don't be silly, Kurama. I'm still the same old, clumsy Botan that everyone loves. Oh, look at the time. You should get home before your mother worries, Kurama." I cursed myself for causing the tension and giving Botan a reason to leave.

"Would you like me to walk you home, Botan?'

"Don't bother, my apartment is in the opposite direction, and I could just fly on my oar." I felt a prick at my heart when she refused my offer. 'Do I bring such discomfort to her that she would reject my presence without second thought?'

I respect her choice, but I would not leave before her. "Alright, but at least let me see you off."

"Okay'" she said. She summons her oar and settles herself above it. She seems hesitant for a moment, and then she leaps off of her oar. Botan runs toward me, and I open my mouth to ask, "What is the…" I wasn't able to finish my question, as she embraces me, and whispers a Thanks and Goodbye. Before, I could respond; she had adjusted herself on her oar, and flew toward the sky. I watch her retreating form with a longing smile. 'What have you done to me, Botan?' I slowly turn around and walk in the opposite direction. Botans' words echoed in my mind, and numerous questions begin to fabricate, yet one thought appears to dominate. 'Everybody has two faces…maybe she contains two faces also…maybe…'

Okay, I had a hard time with this chapter. One, I could not grasp Kurama's character very well and wasn't sure how he should speak. Two, I wasn't sure how I wanted it organized. I tried to play narrator, but that was too difficult so I decided on characters POV. I hope I didn't mess up Kurama's character and if I did please tell me. After this chapter, I will try to update regularly. Hopefully no later than a month for each chapter. I have school and studies so I can't help it and expect later updates when exams come. I hope you all liked it, and please REVIEW with a cherry on top and extra fudge! It might not seem much now, but it will get better, plus it's only the beginning. Thanks for those who read and especially those who reviewed.

MiaHime