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Chapter 13: Hiding

Botan's POV

Everywhere I looked, I saw white, hazy smoke…maybe a fog. I walked forward, shouting, "Is anyone there? Guys?" I wandered aimlessly…looking…searching. I knew I was trembling, cold and scared. I slowly walked forward, eyes darting from side to side. I saw something blue up ahead. I ran up to the figure on the ground, "Kuwabara, I'm glad you're here." I moved my hand to touch him, but his body turned into ashes and was carried away by the wind. I began to panic, "What's going on?" I stood up and started jogging and shouting, "Guys, where are you?" There, up ahead I saw Yusuke with his silly grin. I reached out, "Yusuke, you better not…" my hands went through his body, and he disappeared. My heart started racing, sweat streaming down my face. I started running, and then I saw Hiei leaning against a tree with his back toward me, looking like he's asleep. "Hiei?" I touched his back and felt something warm and sticky. I looked at my hand only to see blood, and when I looked up again, Hiei was gone, leaving a pool of crimson behind. I could hear my heart thundering inside my chest, my breaths rapid and irregular. I started sprinting, trying to escape this nightmare…I hope, prayed that this isn't real. I saw a redhead walking away from me, so I shouted, "Kurama!" He stopped and turned around, but there was a shadow behind him. Something, no someone was behind him. I tried to get his attention, "Kurama!" The shadow moved closer, and closer. "Kurama! Behind you!" I yelled, but it was deaf to his ears when something pierced through his heart. "No!" I forced my legs to run faster. "Please no!" The shadow removed the object from Kurama's chest, and his body collapsed…revealing Kuraki.

"Nooooo!" I sat up screaming, but when my eyes roamed around, I didn't see anybody. I wasn't in a forest, rather I'm in a room with walls all around, but I still couldn't erase those images. They were so real. The next thing I knew, Hiei was beside me, on impulse I grabbed his arm, and asked, "Is everyone ok?" I held my breath, and knew tears were brimming around my eyes. Hiei never spoke, only gave a slight nod. 'Thank god.' I breathed out, unable to hold my tears any longer and I cried onto Hiei's arm, ignoring the fact that Hiei never threatened or threw me across the room for touching him.

Kurama's POV

As soon as I heard Botan's scream, I immediately headed toward her room. The door was already opened, and when I took a look inside, I saw Botan crying onto Hiei's arm, yet he doesn't seem to mind. 'This is indeed strange.' As I heard the whole household's footsteps approaching, Hiei removed himself from Botan's grasped and retreated to the dark corner. As the entire group appeared, Yukina was the first to move across the room toward Botan. She gathered Botan's hands in her own and asked, "Botan, is everything okay?"

Botan looked up with relief shining in her eyes and nodded, "Everyone…thank goodness everyone is okay." Botan leaned her forehead against Yukina's shoulder and sniffled. Keiko made her way across the room, sat beside Botan and started rubbing her back, "Shh…everything is fine now, Botan."

Botan lifted her head, wiped her tears away, and smiled at the group, "I'm fine now."

Yusuke strode forward firmly, and faced her, "Botan, don't you ever do that again! You knew it was a trap, but you went anyways."

Botan tilted her face downward, shadowing her eyes with her bangs, "I'm sorry I made everyone worry."

Yusuke grabbed both sides of Botan's shoulders, "We're a team Botan, and you know we've got your back."

Botan raised her head and met Yusuke's determined eyes, "I'm sorry, I just…"

"Botan, promise me you will never put yourself in danger again."

"Yusuke I…"

"Damnit, just promise me Botan."

"Yusuke, I…I promise." Satisfied with the answer, Yusuke relaxed his grasp and took a few steps back.

I moved forward and knelt in front of Botan to match her eyelevel, "Botan, could you recall what happened?"

"I visited Yukina, saw Shu-chan injured, got a message, went to see Kuraki, and he tried to kill me, but you guys came in time to save me."

"Are you sure nothing else happened?"

"Nope, I fainted after you guys saved me. What's wrong Kurama?"

I spoke with my usual calm and collected voice, "We did manage to stop Kuraki from killing you, but we were all defeated and knocked unconscious. When we came to, Kuraki was nowhere in sight and our bodies showed no sign of injury." I met her gaze with stern eyes, "Are you positive that you didn't see anything or anyone aside from us?"

Botan hesitated for a second and then nodded.

I stood up and stepped back, "I believe Botan's in need of rest. We should take our leave." I exited the room and everyone followed.

Kitsune, she's lying.

Perhaps

She still has doubts.

She will consult us when the time comes.

Hn Hiei disconnected his telepathic link.

'Botan…'

Botan's POV

When everyone had left the room, I stood up and gazed out the window. I hate myself for lying. I knew I couldn't trust myself to tell Kurama another lie when he looked at me with those unyielding eyes, so I nodded instead. I hate lying to everyone…I hate lying to him, but I don't want to be a burden. I know the guys will want to train, and I don't want to make this a big deal until I'm sure.

I glanced at the clock and noticed that it was almost time for school. I left my room and headed for the living room, "Whoa, why is everyone still here? Don't you have school?"

"Forget school, we're keeping an eye on you. We're not going anywhere." Yusuke replied.

"Yeah, Botan, a man isn't a man if he can't even protect his friends." Kuwabara exclaimed.

"Keiko, you'll convince Yusuke to go to school ne?"

"Botan, they just want you to be safe."

"I can't believe you guys. Kurama not you too, you're a perfect student and would never skip school, right?"

"I believe I can make an exception."

I glanced over at Shizuru pleadingly. She looked at me and sighed, "Sorry kid."

"Arrggg…I don't need you guys babysitting me, I can take care of myself." I took a deep breath to calm down, "Fine, if you guys won't get on with your life, I will. I'm going on ferry duty, healed or not." I summoned my oar for emphasis.

"Damnit Botan, we're just making sure you're safe," shouted a very angry Yusuke.

"Botan, they are just worried about you." Yukina spoke up, worried about where this is going.

I withdrew my oar and sighed, "You guys don't have to worry about me. I'll be staying at the temple with Genkai and Yukina, and I bet Hiei won't be going anywhere either. I don't want my problem to trouble anyone; you all have a life." I turned my gaze toward Yusuke, reassuring him, "Yusuke I promised you I wouldn't put myself in danger again, don't you trust me?"

Yusuke's face was still dark, but he stood up, "Fine, have it your way," and he walked off.

"Hey Urameshi!" Kuwabara ran after him.

Keiko gave me a worried look, but also went after Yusuke.

Shizuru blew out a puff of smoke, "see you around kid," and left with her cigarette in hand.

I looked over at Kurama's expressionless face, "I'll be fine Kurama, if you don't leave now, you'll be late for school. I know Kuraki better than you; he always saves the best for last. He won't kill me until I'm completely broken, mentally and physically."

"The last incident proves otherwise." His voice was deep and firm.

I mentally sighed, walked up and sat across from him. "The only reason he tried to kill me last time was because my eyes drove him crazy; my eyes reminded him so much of okaa-san."

"Even if you are correct, I can not take any chances on your life." His eyes remain stern, never blinking.

"Kurama, I know you care about me, but I don't want my problem to change anyone's lives. Even if you refuse to leave me alone today, what about tomorrow and the next day? What about when I have ferry duty? You can't follow me everywhere; you have a family, a life. You don't trust me?" I asked feeling slightly hurt. "Or is it that you don't trust Hiei's ability?" I didn't mean to sound doubtful, but it's too late to take it back.

"I have never doubted Hiei's capabilities, but he is a boundless demon."

"You know as well as I do that Hiei won't leave Genkai's temple unprotected." It almost sounded offensive, feeling quilty for ever saying such words.

I gazed firmly at Kurama, matching his unwavering stare, neither spoke for about a minute. Then Kurama stood up, "Very well Botan, I respect your decision and privacy," and he left; I think I saw pain in his eyes, but the moment I noticed it, it was gone. 'I'm sorry Kurama for being selfish, and for hurting you. I hope you can trust me for just a bit longer.'

I stood up and turned around, "Yukina, is Shu-chan better now?"

"He's resting in my room. Would you like to see him Botan?"

I gave Yukina a small smile and shook my head, "No, just let him rest. He's gone through a lot. Where is Genkai? I haven't seen her all morning."

"Genkai-san is usually in the forest at this time. Do you need to see her?"

"Yes, to ask her a favor"

"Would you like me to go with you Botan?"

"No, it's ok Yukina. I'll be ok by myself. You should look after Shu-chan; he'll be hungry when he wakes up."

"Okay, just walk straight out the back door, Genkai-san should be training inside the forest." Yukina gave me a friendly smile and left.

'She's so kind, innocent, and trusting. Who wouldn't love her?'

I left through the back door and walked for quite a distance before I stopped. "You don't have to follow me Hiei. You should be protecting Yukina. Yesterday before you saved me, Kuraki said he, and I quote, 'might accidentally drive a blade through her chest.' Plus, no demon is dumb enough to trespass a territory that you're protecting." I heard leaves rustling and smiled. 'Hiei's so protective when it comes to Yukina; I envy her.'

Twenty minutes of walking later

"Genkai"

"What's on your mind child?"

"Can you…"

Hiei's POV

Upward thrust and a side slash. 'That onna is infuriating.' Run forward with five consecutive slashes. 'I shouldn't be bothered by her. Concentrate.' Stab, jump, and slash. 'What about that Kuraki character? He's not human nor demon, can't be tracked with the jagan, managed to match my speed, and defeat the kitsune and me.' Dash, slash, slash, stab and disappear. 'We are at a disadvantage without proper information. His type, power, and weapon are all unknown.' Leap from tree to tree with a downward strike. 'I've never been so humiliated in my entire life. Kuraki will suffer.' Rapid slashes and stabs

"Training hard Hiei?"

"What do you want onna?"

"Nothing, I just got done talking to Genkai." The onna walked to a tree some distance from my training spot and sat.

"Your affairs are not my concern. Leave!"

"Geez…what's your problem?"

"The moving trees behind you"

"The moving…What!" The onna jumped up and away from her spot and looked at the tree. She turned around and glared at me, "That wasn't nice Hiei."

"I wonder how you figured that out."

I predicted she would either lecture me or ignore me and leave, but I halted my training when the sound of her laughter reached my ears.

"Hahaha…you'll never change, ne Hiei?"

"If you find my presence unbearable then why don't you leave?"

"No, it's actually nice. You're very honest in your own way, and anyone who knows you will figure that out sometime. You're just afraid to be attached because losing someone you care about is more painful than death."

I narrowed my eyes at her, "What makes you think you know me?"

"You're right I don't know you, no one can truly know another person, right?" There was a sad tone to her voice. 'She's probably remembering her past.' "But I think what I see in you is not wrong either."

"Hn, you're too soft."

Suddenly, a smile spread on her face. "Huhmm…I wonder how you figured that out."

'Arrgg…that baka onna' I heard her laugh again. 'Arrgg…I must have growled louder than I intended to.'

"Hiei, you're too fun. No wonder Kurama loves to tease you."

I kept glaring at her.

"Alright, alright, I'm leaving. Just continue your training like I was never here." She gave me one last smile and headed for the temple.

That girl is irritating. How does she always manage to bother me? I've been staying in Human world for too long.

Botan's POV

As I walked into the temple I heard, "Ruff, ruff!" Then a familiar puppy leapt up into my arms.

"Shu-chan, you're all better!" I lifted him up near my face to inspect only to have him lick my nose. "Hahaha…you're just too cute!"

"Ruff!" He wagged his tail excitedly and looked about ready to play tag or fetch.

"Sorry Shu-chan, why don't you ask Yukina to play with you?" I let him down, and followed him as he ran toward the living room.

He ran into Yukina's arms and rubbed his face against her cheek, making her giggle.

"Aww...Shu-chan loves you very much Yukina."

"I love him too, he is very warm and friendly."

"Yep, and I'm glad you like him. He'll take good care of you."

"Thank you Botan" She gave me her sweetest smile.

I returned it was a bright smile, "no problem!"

Then my compact rang and I opened it, "Ah, Koenma-sama"

"BOTAN, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? IT'S CRAZY UP HERE, RETURN IMMEDIATELY!" The screen fuzzed up and blacked out.

I sweat dropped, and gave Yukina a nervous grin, "I better go to ferry duty now or I won't hear the end of it."

Yukina gave me a worried look, "Will you be okay, Botan?"

"Hey, thanks to you I'm full of energy now. Don't worry ok"

"Okay," she whispered.

I gave her a small hug and broke off, "Hey cheer up, and feed Hiei for me okay? He's in the forest training." I winked and pointed out the door.

She smiled gently and nodded.

Later

Once I finished my ferry duty, I headed back down to Ningenkai. As I flew through the sky, I noticed a Sakura tree still in bloom, and instead of the normal light pink color, this one is magenta. 'Odd, isn't Sakura season over?' I was curious so flew toward it, and it was the biggest Sakura tree I've ever seen. It must be hundreds of years old. 'Does Sakura even live that long?' I rounded the tree and found a perfect landing spot. I glanced around, and saw that the coast was clear, so I landed, and took human form, sitting on a huge branch of the tree. I looked up to stare at the lively Sakura blossoms, I moved near the trunk and placed my hand there for better support, but my fingers brushed against a few scars on the aged wood. I shifted my gaze to look at what's underneath my hand. My eyes widen in surprise, but then the feeling of déjà vu hit me, and I smiled sadly at what was carved onto the tree.

Kurama's POV

I heard the chime of a bell, which meant classes are done for the day. I had intended to walk home and notify mother about my stay at Genkai, when my hears took interest in student's conversation.

"Hey Shin, did you see that girl on the late Sakura tree?"

"You mean that one tree that always blooms last?"

"Yeah, there was a girl on it. She had the most unusual hair color; it was the color of the sky."

"She probably dyed her hair or something."

"I don't know, but she was cute. I tried to talk to her, but she wouldn't say anything. I think she looked a little sad too."

"Is she really that cute?"

"Yeah, she's super cute, actually, she's beautiful."

"I don't believe you."

"Come with me then, she's probably still there."

I followed them to the Sakura field, but hide in the shadows, and listened.

"See," The guy pointed to the figure atop the tree. "Isn't she beautiful?"

"What are you talking about, she's hot! Hey! What's your name?"

She did not answer or move from her position.

"Shin, give it up, she won't answer you. I already tried."

"Feh, she's pretty, but she act's like she's all that."

"You saw her, now let's just go. I have to get home before my parents lecture me again."

'They shouldn't judge her character without first getting to know her.' When they left I stepped out and approached the tree, "Botan?"

She remained still.

I scanned the area, making sure no one was in sight, and leapt up to land beside Botan. I lightly touched her shoulder, "Botan?"

"Oh…hello Kurama, why are you here?"

"This is where I study."

"Your school is here? I didn't know. I saw this Sakura tree still in bloom so I landed."

"Are you feeling unwell Botan? You seem distracted."

"Oh, no, I'm fine. I was just thinking about this." I followed her gaze and immediately recognized the symbol.

"Botan did he…" I was interrupted when she placed three fingers before my lips.

She shook her head, "Kurama do you know what this symbol means?"

I slowly shook my head, and kept silent, urging her to continue.

"It was a promise…a promise between brother and sister. The circle is the older brother's promise to always protect his little sister, the fragile peony in the center."

I felt the urge to comfort her, but I don't know what I should do. What if she leaves again like the last incident; I have yet to replace the broken window. Then I felt a weight on my shoulder, and barely audible sniffles; I naturally responded by wrapping my arm around her shoulder.

"This is the last time…the last time I will cry because of my past…because of him."

I remained soundless, and allowed Botan to release all the pain and sorrow she had kept hidden these past centuries. 'Botan, I will always be your shoulder to cry on…always.'

Yeah, I have to stop the crying sometime right? It's getting too depressing for me too, so now I'm going to start on the fun stuff. When I started this fic I never thought I would make it so long; I guess I put too much detail into it. Just keep reading cuz the fun will begin soon enough. And boy I'm so stupid, what kind of comment is 'the trees that are moving behind you' I couldn't think of anything witty. Review people, I didn't get as much review as I would expect; it boosts my energy so I could write more, so please review!

MiaHime