Author's Note: Here's another update! Rejoice! It's really hard to find the time to do all the typing with the kind of schedule I have. Night classes are a real pain. Term papers are killing me as well. Sleep is a luxury for me nowadays.

Ok, before I get all reflective, here's the next chapter!

Standard Disclaimer applies here.

"…" – Talking

'…' – Thoughts

"…" – Flashback

Chapter 5 De Profundis (Out of the Depths)

Shuuichi finished what seemed to be his fourth cup of green tea. An hour had already elapsed and the person they sought for was still doing his shift, washing dishes in the kitchen. Botan was now playing with the tips of her pony-tailed hair for the lack of anything else to do. She had been silent for quite sometime now, refraining from speaking with him for if he would reply, people might look weirdly at him.

Keiko was busy talking with someone on the phone. That's probably Yuusuke on the other line. The twinkle in her eyes accompanied by small warm giggles was a clear give away. She waved at Shuuichi when she caught him looking at her. He waved back, plastering on a smile, which dropped as soon as she turned her back on him, still engrossed with the conversation.

Botan noticed this. It made her wonder if he was not happy seeing his friends. She had an urge to question him on the matter, but seeing that it was a private one, she managed to keep her mouth shut. The weary look of his eyes did not escape her scrutiny. It made her guilty, feeling that she was causing Shuuichi too much trouble with her problems, which he definitely had nothing to do with, and he was not even getting anything from it. She did not like burdening others. This time, she did not stop herself from speaking.

"Shuuichi-kun, are you alright? You seem tired," Botan inquired, leaning forward. He shook his head at the girl's question, softly replying so that no one else can hear, "I'm fine, no need to worry." This did not convince her. "Really, I was just thinking about paper work, no need to fuss," he said with an earnest voice, hoping that it would ease her mind.

Giving up, she sighed loudly, "Ok, if you say so…" Then, there was silence again. Botan wanted to engage him in a conversation, seeing that there were less people now eating in the ramen shop. She was about to open her mouth and say something about the weather, as if it were the most interesting topic, when a boisterous voice entered her line of hearing.

"Hey, Keiko, my shift is over. Shin just timed-in a while ago," the tall redhead asked as he leaned by the counter, where Keiko was busy talking on the phone, and continued on his query, "Any messages for me?"

As a response, Keiko lowered the receiver, covering the lower end with her hand. "Oh, Kurama came looking for you, surprisingly. He's at the corner booth right now," she replied motioning at the mentioned area. Before he managed to walk any further, Keiko spoke loud enough for him to hear, "Hey, Kuwabara-kun, don't forget to log out before you leave!" A nod was the only response she got. After that, she resumed what she was doing a while ago, hogging the phone.

Shuuichi looked up as soon as he heard Kuwabara's voice in the background. He heard him engage in a little conversation with Keiko, whom he assumed informed him of his presence. A few minutes later, he saw him turn up the corner, a hand raised up, waving at him. He was inches away when he decided to speak, "Hey, Kurama! What brings you he--." Kuwabara suddenly stood stationary in his place, eyes wide open as if something wonderful was unfolding right before his eyes. Having recovered, he immediately grabbed the nearest chair and rushed to where Shuuichi and his invisible companion sat face to face. He pulled it by their table and sat almost immediately he positioned it and took a quick glance at the empty sit opposite his friend.

"Woah, man! What were you thinking bringing something like that here?" He asked excitement evident in his hushed voice. Botan looked at him, slightly irritated at the implication that she was a 'thing'. Ghost or no ghost, oh how she wanted wring his neck!

Sensing hostility in the air, Kuwabara turned his head towards Botan's general direction. "Oh, gentle spirit! Forgive this humble human from uttering such rude words. I was merely surprised by your presence," he said, bowing his head when he finished.

"I take that you can see Botan-san, too," Shuuichi said facing Kuwabara. He was surprised by his casual communication with Botan. He found it ironic that his friend was more scared of pissing off his sister, Shizuru, than talking with unworldly beings. "As it is, she is a ghost, unable to cross-over," he continued, stating his previous findings.

"So, your name is Botan," he spoke to the empty seat before looking back at the inquisitive eyes of his friend. He shook his head at Shuuichi's question, "No, I'm afraid that I can't see her physical manifestation," he paused for a second, slowing his heart beat, before continuing, "I simply feel her aura."

"What? How can you not see her when you are supposed to be an expert with these things?" Shuuichi asked, slightly upset at the fact that he cannot see her. It wasn't supposed to be like this. Is his inability to perceive her form an indication that he was mistaken when he thought that Kuwabara can actually help them?

"Yes, I admit that I have ample knowledge when it comes to these types of situations, especially when dealing with ghosts and youkais," he paused for a minute, searching for the right words that would save him from an untimely death. Eying his friend, he saw the unmistakable attachment that he subconsciously had with the spirit. And knowing Shuuichi for many years, he had a knack of being protective when it comes to people close to his heart.

Shuuichi started to shift impatiently on his sit as Kuwabara stared blankly at god knows what. Botan was silent; edging closely for the psychic's long awaited reply.

"I cannot see her because she's not actually a ghost," Kuwabara simply said.

"What do you mean she's not a ghost?"

"What do you mean I'm not a ghost?"

With that, Shuuichi and Botan looked at each other, faces expressing shock. Here they were, seeking for answers as to how she would be able to cross over. They were ready for anything. Anything. Except for this single statement saying that Botan is not entirely a ghost.

"If I'm not a ghost, then what am I?" Botan questioned Shuuichi, who was more confused than she. He gave her an assuring look before turning to Kuwabara. "Care to enlighten me?" he said, crossing his arms on his chest. Kuwabara simply nodded.

"As I said earlier, she's not ghost. Ghosts have this cold and dark air surrounding them. That is due to their fixation on accomplishing their unfinished business, which most of them find to be impossible. It will then lead to their depression; it will drive them to desolation and will lose hope of crossing over. They just wander around, hopeless, and thus become antagonistic and cold beings.

"But if you haven't noticed, she's very far from that; your friend Botan has a warm essence."

"Yes, I noticed that, too. But that does not completely answer my question," Shuuichi replied.

"The thing with most people, they think ghosts and souls are the same and alike. What I feel now, or rather, what you see now is her soul. And with soul, I mean her soul in the purest form. The warmth that we both feel is her life-force. I have a feeling that her soul got separated with her physical body."

"So what you're saying is…"

"Yes, she's still alive, her physical body, that is. I have a haunch that she is in a coma right now."

Silence.

Botan, who was intently listening to the conversation, took a long while to digest new information. A second ago, she was a ghost, and now she's a soul. And apparently, she's still alive. Was she supposed to jump for joy with that news? Even though she wanted to, she could not find the strength to do so. How in the world am I supposed to find my body? She glanced at Shuuichi, still shocked at the revelation.

"Souls are supposed to be unseen by humans, even those who have increased spirit awareness," Kuwabara said, hoping that it will wake up Shuuichi from his stupor. This caught his attention and Botan's as well. "What puzzles me, though, is how you are able to see her," he finished, fixing his eyes on Shuuichi.

"I'm not sure, as well," Shuuichi answered. He retold the story of their faithful meeting minus the bathroom incident. When he finished, Kuwabara was already deep in thought, an occurrence that only happens once in a blue moon.

"There are only few recorded incidents like this, and I am not sure how it ended up," he said slowly. "But I do remember reading an article saying that the only way for a human to see a soul is if he possesses the thing in which the person attached its soul to," Kuwabara looked directly at Shuuichi, a silent question held in his brown orbs.

"I don't recall –" he was cut short by a warm sensation on his right pocket. It was where he placed the jewelry before they left. The warmth emanating from it was the same warmth he felt from Botan. Could it be? He immediately grabbed it and placed it on the center of the table. Botan stared at it, and then shifted her gaze up to Shuuichi in question. Kuwabara looked curiously at it and the lifted it up for inspection.

"I think that Botan-san attached her soul in that necklace. I found that this morning by the beach."

"Hmm… That's odd…" Kuwabara muttered.

"What is it?"

"This indeed contained her soul. But, I still am unable to see her," he said before returning it in its former place. "It seems that only you will be able to see her, Kurama."

"What does he mean?" Botan asked Shuuichi.

"What do you mean?" he relayed the similar question.

"It was you who awakened her dormant soul. It seems that your own soul called her out," he said and looked at the jewelry once more.

They all were silent once again, totally baffled by the unfolding of events. None wanted to break the peace that managed to creep in with every single second. Botan came here to find answers to questions regarding her ghostly state, but she never anticipated something like this. She didn't expect that it were possible for a soul to separate from its physical body. Right now, there was no clearer evidence to such inexplicable event than her existence.

"What should I do now?" Shuuichi asked in a serious tone. Botan looked at him, startled at his question, "Shuuichi-kun, you don't need to do anything. I—" he cut her off, repeating his previous question.

"Kurama, you shouldn't be asking me that question, y'know," Kuwabara said, "I think you already know what to do, you just have to have faith that your 'answer' is indeed the right one." He patted Shuuichi's shoulder, a sign of support. He peeked at his wrist watch and immediately stood up as soon as he saw the time. "Look at the time! Hey, Kurama, I better get going or Shizuru will surely kill me if I don't come home by six," he said with that goofy voice of his.

"Botan-san, it was nice meeting you. I hope that I will be able to see you someday soon," Kuwabara bowed to the empty seat before looking once again at Shuuichi, "You better take good care of that piece of jewelry. For all we know, that may be the only thing that connects her soul to this world." And with that said, he took off, raising his right hand to wave and uttering a silent wish that things will work out for both of them.

They reached Shuuichi's home and hour later. It was a slow drive home; both obviously had no intentions of bringing up any topic. It has been like this since they left the ramen shop. Shuuichi was blankly staring on the road, driving, still bothered by Kuwabara's revelations. An angry driver hollered at him when he almost had a head on collision with his car for being inattentive.

When they reached their destination, Shuuichi pulled his house keys from his pocket, and entered his home without a word, leaving the door open. Botan took it as an open invitation to go inside. She saw him rummaging his fridge for something to eat. She left him seconds later, figuring out that he needed some private space to think. The last thing he needed right now is a pesky soul with a memory problem.

Botan was now sitting on the railings on Shuuichi's balcony deep in thought. Her mind was formulating several strategies on how to reunite with her body, but all of them seemed to wind up in a dead end. In fact, she did not even know where to start. It seems like this has been a lost cause from the very beginning.

Her biggest set back is, well, herself. Being in such state made her vulnerable in innumerable ways. Her memory is still foggy, rendering her powerless to what seems to be a dreadful end. Even though she did not want to admit it, she knew deep inside that she cannot do anything by herself.

'What if I fail in finding my body? Will I eventually turn into a ghost and wander this earth… alone?'

Then, something struck her. Was she even sure that she has something to live for if ever she accomplished her goal? There was this huge void inside her that she felt was present even during her lifetime. Did that mean she had a lonely life? How sure was she that if she lived, she won't end up alone? She was confused, literally caught up between life and death.

'If I choose life, will I have something to live for?'

Her mind went busy figuring out an answer to her rhetorical question. She did not even notice a certain someone move beside her, leaning forward by the railings where she sat. He remained silent for a moment, relishing the picturesque view of the moon and taking in the soothing sounds of the crashing waves. Shuuichi gazed at his companion, becoming aware of her troubled countenance.

"Would you mind if I ask what's bothering you?" Shuuichi said in a soft voice, his eyes not leaving her face. Botan was obviously startled with his sudden intrusion and almost fell off the balcony. Good thing, laws of physics don't necessarily apply to her. "I was just thinking…" she said returning his gaze, covering up any emotion that her face might reveal.

"I can see that," he said, prodding her to open up to him. She merely shook her head, amused by his pitiful attempt to persuade her. She fixed her gaze to the skies above, entertaining herself with the sight of the twinkling stars. "The night sky is beautiful, don't you think?" Botan said with mild interest, obviously a diversion tactic.

"I want to help you," Shuuichi said in a low whisper as he looked towards the splendor above. Botan was once again surprised by him, never expecting him to say those words. She shifted her head, to have a better look on his face, searching for any hint of joke. "I beg your pardon?" she asked, thinking that her mind was playing a cruel trick on her.

"I said I want to help you," he said more clearly this time, "I want to help you find your body and bring back your memories." He was now completely facing her, seriousness mirrored in his emerald pools. Honesty carved in every inch of his being.

"I want to help you live."

Six words, one sentence. This seemed to end her useless doubts. She was rendered speechless by his candid words, words that came from the bottom of his heart. There was something in his voice made her want to cry. His words did not come out as a statement, but as a promise she knew he will keep. He was the answer to all her questions. Shuuichi offered her something that she had been longing for a long time – something to live for.

"Thank you," that was all she could say, but the look on her face conveyed thousands of words. Tears were now uncontrollably flowing down her cheeks. He was not bothered this time for he knew she was shedding tears of joy. From the moment he found out of her predicament, his mind was filled by thoughts on how to help her. Again, he did not know why he had a sudden desire to do anything in his power to help her regain her humanity. Somehow, he knew that doing so will make him content, happy even.

Botan wiped her tears with both hands, embarrassed of being too emotional. "You really don't have to do anything, you know. I don't want to burden you any longer—" she said in a small voice, but he gave her a determined look that silenced her.

"Nevertheless, I really thank you fo—"

"I agree, the night sky is really beautiful," he cut her off, gazing towards infinity. Honestly, he did not need her gratitude; her smiling face was enough reward.

"Kurama," it was now Shuuichi's turn to be surprised when Botan uttered that sacred name. She paused for a moment, feeling the name as it escaped her tender lips. "You said that only your close friends called you that," she said as she stared at the darkness beyond, steadying her heart beat caused by her sudden boldness, "I want to be your friend. Is that acceptable, ne, Kurama-kun?" With the mention of his name, she fixed her amethyst eyes at his equally tender ones.

"It would be an honor, Botan," he replied with a slight bow. She rewarded him with one of her best smiles and he felt his cheeks burn at the simple gesture. He smiled at her in return, not one of his fake smiles, but a genuine one.

And with that, they both gazed up, admiring the beauty of one of nature's gifts. Under a starry sky, two souls are bounded by a single promise of life.

RING

RING

RING

click

"Speak," a chilling voice spoke on the other end of the line. He seemed annoyed, and by judging the time, anyone would surely feel the same if they were roused in the middle of the night.

"I have disturbing news, sir," the caller said, afraid that this might set his boss' temper to a higher notch.

"Go on."

"At the process of clean-up, an informant mentioned that a fisherman saw the remains of the subject and was checked-in in some hospital yet to be investigated by our agent," he paused, weighing which words would inflict less damage on him.

"And it turns out, the subject is still alive."

For a moment there, the caller thought his boss had already dozed off by the time he finished his statement. Nothing could be heard from the receiver but the sounds of shallow breathing. This made him nervous.

"Is that so?" he replied in a eerie monotonous voice. The caller was not sure whether to be happy or not. He knew his life depended on what he would say next, and how his boss would accept it.

"I'm truly sorry, sir. It's my fault that she's still alive. I should have made the necessary actions to ensure death would befall on her, but I failed. I will accept any punishment you think is necessary for my negligence," he said in a professional manner. He fouled up; therefore, he must accept any consequence of his actions.

"No need to fret, Sato. I shall not punish you for such failure, even though I really find it disgracing. I shall leave your conscience to torture you," he said, mocking him. "Just answer my question. What do you plan to do with this?"

"I will find her whereabouts and make sure she dies this time," Sato replied.

"Find her. But don't kill her," he paused. Somehow, Sato was sure his boss had a sadistic smile plastered on his face right about now.

"I shall do the killing."

"Yes, boss."

"Destroying another Fukuyama's life by my own hands will definitely be a pleasure," he said in his cold voice, a sardonic chuckle soon followed.

"Good times, good times," he murmured, reminiscing his latest murder two years ago. Without a final word, he put down the receiver on its cradle. After a while, all Sato could hear was the steady beep of the dial tone.

He was spared this time from the wrath of his master. But he will not test his luck any further. He dialed his phone once again, now with a different number. Once he got a reply, he made arrangements for another hunt.

Well, that's it for today! I hope that didn't turn out to be boring. Hmm... Kuwabara's being smart here! Sometimes I pity him for being portrayed as a stupid moronic oaf (now that's what you call redundant!) So I made him look cool. Maybe too cool for my own liking. If you don't like him acting that way, I'm very sorry. I was thinking of Hiei being the psychic, but being his normal self, he would just probably say 'Hn' and glare at Kurama.

Also, I need ideas for the antagonist. I was thinking of an original character, but a character from the series would be good, too. Karasu being the bad guy is way too much common in the Yu Yu Hakusho fandom, especially whenever Kurama is the main character in a fanfiction. What do you think?

By the way, the idea of Botan merely being separated from her physical body is taken from the movie Just Like Heaven.

Once again, I thank my reviewers: Anime Specialist, heranglofdarkness-hisblackgoddess, Kitsune of Darkness, youngblood, MiaHime and sweetcanines. Thank you very much for the support!