Brace yourself because this is a sad chapter. There's like three curse words in this one, so if it offends you in anyway, you don't have to read. Oh, and it's a bit horrifying for some I think. You have been warned. Now grab a partner, grab some tissues and read on.

Chapter 7: Birth and Death

Kurama's POV

After Botan's departure, everyone became silent to the point where the night's breeze could be heard, rustling the leaves of the trees. Yusuke and Kuwabara had long stopped their argument. Yusukes' eyebrows were a bit wrinkled and his facial expression had darkened. 'He must be feeling guilty for causing Botan's dismissal?' It is approximately ten in the evening, and Botan hasn't returned. The party had not turned out very well. Now everyone in the room felt sadness and missed Botan's cheerful laughs. Even Hiei appeared to be slightly disturbed by Botan's lack of presence. 'Botan, where are you?'

I glanced over at Hiei, hoping to use his Jagan in order to locate Botan. However, as my eyes met his figure, his eyes snapped open, and instantly, I knew something was amiss. Before Hiei or I could move, an ear piercing scream was heard, startling the birds enough for the whole flock to fly into the night sky. 'No! Botan!' Hiei, Yusuke, Kuwabara and I, immediately raced out the door toward the source of the scream. We came into a clearing not far from Genkai's temple, and saw a shadow of a figure lying unconscious on the grown. I hurried over, and saw a mass of blue hair above a beige dress. 'It can't be?' Although the body's face was buried in the grass and her back, facing upward, I recognized it was Botan. My heart throbbed painfully against my ribs and my breath was caught in my throat. I ran over, and turned her figure over, hoping, wishing that the worse didn't happen. Her face scrunched up, and her chest was still rising and falling. 'You almost gave me a heart attack, Botan.'

"Botan!" Yusuke and Kuwabara shouted in unison. Hiei's eyes shifted left and right, scanning the area to make sure the enemy had left. Everyone scurried over to Botan to see if she was well. I looked closely at the blood stain on her dress and followed the trail upward toward the source of blood loss. Below her left shoulder, the area between her armpit and her collar bone (clavicle) was a coin-sized hole. 'Grrr…who could have done this to her? That person shall pay.'

"Kitsune, we have to get her to Yukina immediately."

"I know Hiei."

I lifted her body up in bridal style, so that her head rests on my left shoulder, relieving the pressure on her wound. I quickly sprinted toward the temple and arrived within a few seconds.

"Botan! What happened, Kurama?" Keiko frantically asked, worry clearly etched on her face.

"Botan-san! Is she all right Kurama-san?"

"Yukina, I need you to heal her. She has lost a great amount of blood, so you must close her wound before she dies of blood loss."

"I understand. Please take her to the room down the hall to the right, and leave her in my care Kurama-san." With her words, I nodded, and headed straight to the room. I laid her on an already set futon, and turned to leave. I turned around and glanced at her one more time. 'Please be all right, Botan.'

"Thank you Yukina." I had said before I moved toward the living room, ready to explain to the girls about Botan's injury.

"Is Botan going to be fine Kurama? What happened to her?" Keiko eyes brows were furrowed and her lips formed a frown as she asked.

"Calm down Keiko. First, I'm not sure who or what caused her injury. When Hiei, Yusuke, Kuwabara and I arrived there, Botan was already wounded and unconscious. Second, Yukina is healing her right this moment, and judging from her wound and Yukina's healing powers, Botan will be fine with plenty of rest." With my reassurance, Keiko had breath a sigh of relief.

"What kind of horrible person would hurt Botan like that?" As Keiko's question escaped her lips, Hiei, Yusuke and Kuwabara returned.

"I see you all are back. What delayed you?"

"Oh, shorty here decided to stay and see if there are any clues to this bastard, who tried to kill Botan."

"Hn, if the detective was smart enough, I wouldn't have to remind him."

"Hiei, did you find any traces?"

"No, this one is smart; I couldn't even detect any traces of body odor. He probably hid both his smell and energy. However, I did recognize that he is not human."

"Is he a demon then?"

"I am unable to clarify. So, is that ferry onna alive kitsune?"

"Yukina is healing her at the moment. I'm sure she will survive, but she will need plenty of rest."

"If I find that bastard that did this to her, I'll pound him six feet under."

"Yeah, Uremeshi's right, no one treats a woman that way."

I could wait to deal with this new enemy later, but right now I'm concerned about Botan's health. It still bothers me though, why did he/she attack Botan? What purpose would Botan's death serve or was that person's intention only to give the Spirit Detectives a warning?

"Kitsune, what do you think the enemy's intentions are?"

"I'm not sure Hiei, I have been thinking…" My sentence was cut off when Yukina walked out toward the living room.

Keiko instantly leapt up in front of Yukina and asked, "Yukina, is she going to be all right? Is she going to die?"

"Don't worry Keiko-san. Although, Botan-san has lost a lot of blood, she will survive. I am only able to partially heal her, therefore I had bandaged up her wound. Now her muscles and tissues need time to repair themselves, so she'll need plenty of rest."

"Oh, Thank the Gods, and thank you Yukina."

"No, I'm glad that I'm able to help Botan-san."

"You should all be tired now," said Shizuru. "I'll look after Botan for tonight and if there are any changes in her condition, I'll tell you. Now go to sleep."

I shared a room with Hiei. I sat with my back against the wall with one knee bent and arm resting on it. Hiei claimed the windowsill with arms crossed across his chest. "What are on your thoughts, kitsune."

"I was just thinking that Botan's injury was a warning to us."

"It may be, but it's too early to judge."

"I agree."

"Hn. You're worried about the onna."

"Yes Hiei."

"You like her."

"I believe so."

"You love her."

"I was uncertain before, but when I almost lost her tonight, I am sure that I have fallen in love with her."

"Hn. You should sleep kitsune."

I closed my eyes, but could not sleep. I was still thinking about Botan's injury, and the enemy's intention, but there aren't any leads to the enemy's intention or his/her identity. My thought kept wondering until I fell into a troublesome sleep.

Botan's POV

I woke up in, and the ceiling was spinning. I had a terrible headache as if there were angry gorillas constantly pounding on my head. I glanced to my right and noticed Shizuru asleep beside me. I tried to get up, but my left shoulder ached and I felt really weak. Suddenly, the incident in the forest crashed on me. I narrowed my eyes and clinched my fists. He came and tried to kill me again as if my death in the past was not good enough. 'Oh, who does he think he is?' It took a lot of effort, but I finally got off the futon. I walked out the door, but felt drained and lightheaded so I leaned on the door frame. I was heading toward the living room, but a voice stopped me.

"You should rest."

"Oh, Kurama, I thought everyone would be asleep."

"I have keen ears."

"Yeah, you are after all a demon."

"Here, let me help you."

"Thanks Kurama. I just wanted to go sit on the couch."

"Are you feeling well now?"

"Yes, I'm okay. Don't worry Kurama."

"I know it is not a very good time to ask, but do you know who attacked you. If you are unwell, you do not need to answer me."

My face dropped a bit, but I still continued to talk, "No, it's okay Kurama, but could I tell you when everyone is here? I don't want to have to repeat the story."

"That's fine with me. Maybe you should rest."

I yarned and said, "Yes, I am tired. I don't think I have the strength to walk back to my room. I'll just sleep here. Do you mind Kurama?" Before, I waited for an answer I've fallen asleep on Kurama's shoulder.

Kurama's POV

I awoke to something poking my right shoulder. My eyes fluttered open to find Hiei, staring at me.

"Kitsune, if you don't want the idiots to question you, then I suggest you don't get too comfortable."

I was wondering what Hiei meant and then it dawned on me. Last night, I had sensed that Botan had woken up and immediately went to assist her. We were talking and she fell asleep on my shoulder. I didn't want to wake her, so I allowed her to sleep. Then I fell asleep. I glanced to the right and as expected was Botan's sleeping figure with her head on my shoulder. I gently lifted her head off my shoulder, and laid her down on the couch.

"Thank you Hiei. You're up early?"

"Demons don't need much sleep, and I have morning trainings."

"The guys should be awake soon. I spoke to Botan last night, and she said she would inform us about the enemy once everyone is present."

"I will go train. Call me when the group is up."

Once Hiei left, the temple became quiet. I gazed at Botan's sleeping form and thought how adorable and peaceful she appeared. No pain. No sorrow. I wished she could always be this way, but she still refuses to share her emotions. Suddenly, her face turned sour with a frown clearly plastered on her face and she shook her head from side to side.

"Why, no, why did you do that? No get away, get away from me."

"Botan? Botan, wake up."

"Nooo!" Botan's eyes snapped open and tears ran down her cheeks.

"K-kurama?" As I heard my name, Botan had wrapped her arms around my neck and sobbed onto my shoulder. I rubbed her back, trying to soothe her.

"It's okay, Botan. I'm here; no one is going to hurt you." She cried for about five minutes and sniffed once, then twice and released me.

"I'm sorry Kurama. I guess I held my tears for too long that it just overflowed."

"No need to apologize, I'm glad you released your bottled up emotions. It's not healthy to keep them locked up." 'And it hurts me to see you in so much pain.'

"I heard a scream and…Botan! Are you all right?"

"Don't worry Keiko, I just had a nightmare. I'm fine now."

"Great to see you up Botan."

"Yeah, you almost died back there."

"Thanks Yusuke, Kuwabara and everyone."

"Well, since everyone's awake, I know you guys have questions and I will answer them. " Her voice was weak and sad, but everyone waited patiently for her to continue. "Wait, where's Hiei?"

"He is training, but I have informed him of your awake. He should be here in a minute." The instant I finished my sentence, Hiei appeared in the corner of the living room.

Botan had sat down with her knees on the floor, resting herself comfortable above her heels. I took a seat next to her and the rest of the group gathered, except Hiei, who stood in the corner with his arms crossed. "Okay, listen carefully," said Botan.

Botan's POV

"The enemy is related to my past, so I'll have to tell you guys about my past first." I became nervous and frightened, but I knew everyone deserves to know after what happened last night. He could be a threat not only to me, but the others, so they are in danger because of my refusal to inform them about my previous life. I began to fell prickles of needles in my left shoulder, and knew that my wound has not completely closed. However, I must get this over with and I know that everyone is very anxious.

"It was April the third, my birthday and my death date…"

------- Flashback -------

It was the morning of April the third. A girl with azure hair wakes up to the sounds of birds chirping and when se looked out the window, Sakura petals were swaying and fluttering in the wind. She smiled and changed into a white, long-sleeved blouse with a red ribbon tied around her collar, and a navy blue skirt that reached her knees. She walked down the stairs prepared to leave for school.

When she reached the kitchen, a woman in a simple light blue, sleeveless dress, reaching her ankles was seen cooking at the stove. She had the most beautiful and sparkling soft pink eyes and golden long hair that reach her waist. A man sat at the kitchen table reading newspaper. He had azure hair and violet eyes. He was wearing a set of black business suit with a maroon undershirt and matching tie.

"Good morning mom and dad," greeted the girl.

"Good morning dear. There's blueberry pancakes today. Just have a seat."

The man had set his paper down, stood up and walked behind the young girl's seat. He placed a necklace around her neck and said, "Happy Birthday Botan."

Botan touched the silver chain lovingly and saw that the pendant was unique. It was a stone that matched her eye color with a silver circle surrounding it, so that every time she moved the stone would bump into the circle and make a jingling sound.

She stood up and gave her father a peck on his cheek and went over to give her mother a hug. "Thank you mom and dad. I love it!"

"Now dear, eat up and go to school, but come home right after. There's another surprise waiting for you."

"Okay, I'm off."

Botan skipped happily home after school, anxious to know what other surprise was waiting for her. When she reached her house in the forest, she burst through the door and yelled, "Oka-san! Oto-san! Tadaima! (Mom, Dad, I'm home: hoped I spelled it right.)"

Botan was not greeted with warm smiles, but she was greeted with a pool of crimson red in the kitchen, and a coppery smell invaded her nose. Her father's body laid facing upward on the ground, his mouth in a wide O shape and his eyes were wide open with shock and fear. His intestines were hanging out from a slit on his stomach. Her mother's body was lying lifeless downward, but her head was turned to the side. Her eyes were dull and empty, staring straight at Botan. A figure kneeled beside her mother's body with what appeared to be a heart in his left hand and a kitchen knife in his right hand. His hands were dripping with fresh warm blood and the heart was still beating in his left hand. He glanced up at Botan with sky blue eyes filled with bloodlust and a slanted grin plastered on his face showed amusement.

"M-mother? F-father? W-w-why? Why did you kill them?" There was no answer. The figure stood up and slowly took a step toward Botan, and she took a step back. "Why did you do this? Mom and Dad always loved you. I respected and admired you. Why did you...why did you betray my trust?" Hot tears were pouring from Botan's eyes and her eyes shone with pain, raw, unbearable pain.

The figure kept on walking, never answering any of her questions. Botan was hurt and scared. Suddenly, she bolted through the door and ran. She ran as fast as her legs can carry her. Tear continuously streaming down her cheeks and blurring her vision, but she knew she had to get away. Then she tripped over her own leg and injured her knee. She couldn't get up. She was physically and emotionally exhausted, so she laid there and cried. She knew she couldn't escape now, might as well join her parents in the other world. The figure's shadow inched closer and closer toward her, but she could not move. He turned her over with is left hand, grabbing her neck and stared right into her eyes. Amusement danced like flames in his eyes as he watched her pain and fear, flickering within her soft pink orbs. He lifted the knife high up in the air, and laughed in a deep, spine-chilling voice, when her eyes widened and dulled. The knife plunged downward instantly stabbing through Botan's heart, but no scream could be heard because his left hand had securely griped her throat blocking her vocal cord. He stood up with a smirk and turned around to leave, not waiting until she takes her last breath. The guy's figure fades into the background as Sakura petal drizzle down, onto the girl's motionless form.

------- End of Flashback -------

" And as I took my last breath, I heard a whisper along the breeze saying, you are not needed anymore."

As I finished my story, I could not stand this pain. My stomach was churning, and my heart was pounding its way out of my chest. I bit my lips hard enough to bruise it, but I still could not stop my tears from flowing down my cheeks. I had gripped the fabric of my dress until my knuckles whitened. I didn't want to retell the story nor did I want to relive this horrible pain. I could feel warm blood on my shoulder, but I didn't care. What pain could be worse than reliving the past you wanted to forget? My wound did not matter, life did not matter, and I just wanted to completely forget my past. Is that too much to ask? I hate being a ferry girl, I hate seeing death everyday, I hate being reminded about my own death and I hate him the most.

"Oh, Botan." Keiko was also stained with tears for she had felt my sadness.

"Botan, I'm sorry." Yusuke's voice was pained and I knew he felt guilty for telling me I wasn't needed at the party. It wasn't his fault, he didn't know.

"Who's that bastard. I swear I'll roast him alive," Yusuke shouted.

"Yeah Botan, who's the guy? He need to be cut up and dumped in the trashcan," Kuwabara screamed.

I didn't have the strength to answer those questions and I couldn't stop my tears from flowing. My wound began to throb, and I felt sick. My visions began to blur and voices sound much like distant echoes in my ears.

"Botan, why won't you answer us?" I had heard Keiko's fuzzy voice.

"Botan…" Was all I heard before it went pitch black.

Sorry, it was way longer than I intended to make it, but I'm sure you've got what you've wanted. I used the same curse word, but I don't like the f word, or the b word that rhymes with witch so my cursing shouldn't be all that bad. But this unknown person's identity will not be revealed until maybe chapter nine or ten. This was 8 pages on word, but I'm sure I answered some questions. Hope I didn't scare or sadden you too much. Please review, it will really get me going and updating sooner! Thanks, I'm out!

MiaHime