Standard disclaimer applies here.

Chapter 9 Closer

Someone was calling her… again.

At first, she did not mind it, thinking that it was merely a random dream. But when this dream of hers became a more frequent visitor by night, Botan became concerned. This is because in nights like these, she could not distinguish reality from fantasy.

'Botan'

The blue-haired girl looked around her misty surroundings, searching for the owner of the strangely familiar voice. In truth, she did not feel fear. Botan stood up from her crouching position; her feet set to follow the sound. A few steps further, the mist seemed to clear, only to reveal a lean figure of a man, his back facing her.

She was shocked, to say the least. Only now was she able to actually see the owner of the voice constantly calling her. Upon seeing the white shirt and pair of jeans the dark-blue haired man sported, a vision entered her mind, remembering the incident when she touched the jewel which supposedly belonged to her.

"Who are you?" Botan asked unconsciously.

The man in front of her seemed to be unmoved by her question. He walked forward to god knows where. The girl panicked, feeling a familiar pain wrench her heart at the sight of him being devoured by darkness. She willed her feet to move, but it seemed rooted on the spot.

"Wait!" she shouted desperately. It seemed to work, seeing that he halted from his ascent. Slowly, he turned around, finally facing her. As soon as he did it, a blinding light entered the scene. Botan close her eyes to shield it from the tremendous intensity.

'Botan' once again, he spoke her name, longing obvious in his voice. His solemn voice was suddenly replaced by a gut-wrenching scream. Botan forced her eyes open despite the pain it were subject to. The light diminished slowly, switching to an eerie crimson color.

Botan blinked her eyes a few times, adjusting it to her surroundings. Her lavender irises settled on the man, who was now lying on the floor. She walked towards him, seeing that her feet were now released by the invisible force that bound her a while ago. Botan stopped on her tracks, eyes widening as she saw the white shirt the man wore was now tainted red.

'Blood,' she thought. Her slender fingers made its way to her lips as she let out a loud gasp. Botan took a step backward, still disturbed by the scene in front of her. Then, a sound of gunshot resounded in the background. With a flash, she felt pain on her left shoulder.

She fell backwards from the impact. Before she knew it, Botan plunged into the fluid waves of cold water, numbing her senses. She saw her own blood mix with the water, her life leaking out of her veins.

She was about to close her eyes, accepting her fate, when she heard another voice. Unlike the previous one, it held a certain coldness that reached her bones.

'You can never escape me.'

Botan bolted up from her sitting position on the comfortable couch of Kurama's home. After a few minutes, she was able to catch her breath, but the troubling image was still dancing on the back of her mind.

It looked so real; that's what scares her. She was afraid that she might not be able to wake up, forever sinking in the cold depths of the water. Botan wrapped her arms around her, shivering from the mental image.

She was still caught up in her own little world of 'what ifs' when Kurama entered the living room, a cup of coffee on his right hand and the daily paper fastened between his arms and body.

"Botan, I see you're awake," he said, noting her surprised features.

"Yes," she put up a smile, hoping it would conceal her troubled features. Kurama frowned at this; a moment ago, she had this scared look on her face, which was very unusual for Botan. He walked towards Botan, sitting beside her, moving a little to give him space.

"You're up early," she commented. Kurama chuckled and Botan gave him a confused look, "Or maybe you just woke up later than usual." She noted her surroundings, seeing that daylight had made its way. She looked back at him, Kurama wearing an 'I-told-you-so' expression.

"You had a pleasant sleep?" he asked, going back to his original concern. Botan stiffened at his question, not knowing if she should tell the truth or not. After a few seconds of thought, she stood up, stretching her limbs, "Yep, sure did! I can't even remember when I had such good sleep."

Kurama frowned, knowing Botan hid something from him, no matter how big or small it was, worried him. But knowing better, he had to respect her decisions. Kurama did not want to push her to do something against her will. He was willing to wait for her to come into her own terms. He will be there, ready to listen, when she decides to tell him whatever those secrets were.

"That's good," he said, standing up as well and walked outside towards the patio. Botan followed him, observing the corporate attire he wore.

"Going somewhere?" she asked as they settled down. Kurama sipped his coffee before he nodded, spreading the news paper on the table. "I'm off to work today," he said, reading an article that caught his interest.

"That's good, you've been skipping work lately," she said, setting an elbow on the table and placed her chin on her lone hand. "I bet your office mates really miss you, especially the females," she said in a teasing voice.

"Don't forget an angry boss," he added. Personally, he had nothing against his boss, especially since he is his step father. He is a good man, that is why he consented his beloved mother's marriage with Hatanaka Kazuya. But when it comes to business, he can really be demanding, expecting so much from the brilliant and perfect Shuuichi Minamino. Kurama did not really mind, after all, how can he refuse such challenge?

They talked for another while about random stuff, Botan making sure that their conversation would not drift to her state that morning. When the clock stroke eight, Kurama took this as a sign to prepare himself to leave for the office. As much as he enjoyed his daily morning conversation with Botan, which also included teasing, his rational side told him he had to go, lest he face the wrath of Stieg Enterprise's president.

Now in his room, he gathered all relevant documents regarding today's meeting with Zenith, Inc.'s top executives. Placing it inside his briefcase, Kurama walked towards the full length mirror near his closet, examining his attire – black slacks, white long sleeves, red tie, and a black coat. He pulled a drawer nearby and took a simple green band to tie his hair with in a low pony tail. He looked sharp, very sharp indeed.

Satisfied with his appearance, he exited the room and made his way to the kitchen. He grabbed his keys by the bar. He saw Botan waiting for him by the door. "Don't forget to leave my necklace, you wouldn't want me distracting you from your work," she reminded Kurama as soon as he reached her.

"Yes, we wouldn't want that, do we?" he said, kidding her once again. Botan pouted at this but he simply chuckled at her childish act. "Don't worry, it's in a safe place somewhere in my room," he said, pausing for a while before continuing, "Well, I better go now. See you later!" He waved at her and walked out of the house before closing the door slowly.

Kurama strolled towards his parked car. Before he got in, he heard Botan's voice call out to him, "Kurama-kun!" He turned his head towards the direction of her voice and saw her by the terrace, "You didn't even give me the chance to say take care!" Kurama stood there dumbstruck; all he could do was to stare at her trying to keep his emotions at bay. Botan took this as a sign to continue, "Well, take care!" she said, tucking a stray light blue lock behind her ear.

Kurama smiled at her, touched by her concern. "Don't worry, I will," he said as he slipped into the car, placing his briefcase on the passenger's seat. He started the engine and drove slowly to the front of his house. "Take care of the house while I'm gone," he said.

"Yosh! I'll do my best!" she said enthusiastically, with her fist raised in the air. He smiled once again, "I'll be going now."

"Ano, Kurama-kun," she said before he could leave, "Don't forget to eat your lunch and come home early." Kurama could feel his ears heating up; he didn't know if Botan realized that she was acting very much like a wife, his wife to be exact. But knowing her naiveté, he had a feeling that he was the only one who was thinking that. Although, he really can't deny the fact that entertaining the idea indeed felt nice.

"Yes, ma'am!" he said with a salute. With that, Botan gave him a smile. Seeing that she had no other reminder to give, he drove off to the main road.

'I really could get used to this'

As soon as he walked into the spacious and elegant lobby of Stieg Enterprise's main lobby, all eyes turned towards his direction. All present employees seemed to find their work unimportant as they greeted their young boss, taking this an opportunity to rub shoulders with him.

Not wanting to be rude, Kurama did his best not to miss anyone's greeting. But it turned awkward when some of their female employees would resort to other things just to get his attention, from the exaggerated batting of the eyelash, the over-used dropping of scented hankies, the famous tripping-in-front-of-him-and-ruin-newly-printed-documents style, the 'show a little more cleavage' approach, and other strategies he had no interest of knowing. Talk about harassment!

Really, he thought as women grew older, they mature. But it seems that nothing has changed since kindergarten. They just got a little creative.

Kurama walked towards the elevator, he pushed the 'up' button and waited for the double doors to open. When it did, he slowly walked inside the elevator. But his agony did not end there.

Without warning, a mob of women rushed into the elevator as well, trying their best to occupy even the smallest of spaces. They did not show any sign of resignation until a beeping sound that signified 'overload' alerted their ears.

Those who made the cut-off uttered a collective shriek of victory, which terribly hurt Kurama's ears, while the other half let out a load groan of disappointment. Kurama let out a loud sigh which seemed to be unnoticed. At least the battle was half over.

Trapped between numbers of over-excited women, he struggled to reach for the 24th floor button. When the lift reached the 3rd floor, a third of the females gave him a dreamy look before exiting. But this did nothing to soothe his nerves, because another set of giggly females entered the already cramped elevator. He released another loud sight.

'This is going to be one long ride,' he thought with his head shaking.

Twenty one more floors to go.

"Is Hatanaka-san in?" Kurama asked the middle-aged secretary who was scribbling something on her organizer. He was a professional, and therefore did not call the president 'father' whenever they are involved in business. Looking up to him, she gave a kind smile before replying, "Ah, Minamino-san! Good morning! Yes, he's inside. Actually, he's been expecting you."

He gave her a slight nod before slowly walking towards the president's main office. "I suggest you visit the water closet before going in there, young man," she said in a knowing voice. Kurama turned his head and saw her pointing at the current state of his attire.

His tie was loose; his long-sleeves had wrinkles here and there, strands of his glorious red hair were free from its binding, and his expensive shoes needed a good polish. "Got caught up in the morning rush?"

"You have no idea," Kurama said, walking out, taking the secretary's advice.

Now inside the men's lavatory, Kurama did everything he could to improve his appearance. Mornings like these are really troublesome. Thinking back, his decision to work at home was definitely a good one, at least he won't have to deal with crazed women on a daily basis.

"Hm, it seems like your fans keep getting better and better," a deep voice entered his line of thought, signaling the presence of another person.

"It looks like it," he replied looking at the image of the new comer on the mirror, "It seems that my absence gave them time to improve on their tactics and caught me off-guard."

"Still vain, I see?" he said, standing beside Kurama.

"Not vain, Hiei, just realistic," he replied in a teasing voice.

"Whatever, kitsune," he answered back, now leaning towards the sink, washing his hands. Similar to Kurama, he wore a black long sleeved shirt folded up to his elbows as well as a pair of black slacks. He was never the type to wear neckties, he found it a nuisance. He, too, worked at Stieg Enterprises as a marketing manager.

"So, how's your cat?" he asked. It seemed like he won't let Kurama off the hook this time.

"She's fine," Kurama replied, "Truly a good companion." He was very much aware that Hiei knew he was lying, but he cannot back down now, even if it meant Hiei putting him under the 'idiot' category. He waited for a nasty remark but he never heard it. Sometimes, he really cannot decipher his best friend's thoughts.

"I heard from Yukina that you paid the idiot a visit," Hiei said, changing the topic.

"By idiot, you mean Kuwabara?" Kurama asked his rhetorical question.

"Who else?"

"Yes, I did visit him. I needed to consult him about some matters on his field of expertise."

"About ghosts and spirits. I never knew you two share a common interest. Really, I find that pathetic," Hiei stated, voice holding no apparent emotion.

"I read this interesting book about the matter and I merely wanted to ask him about his opinion," Kurama said in an equally calm voice, not wanting to explain further. He wanted to protect Botan and her secret, even if it means lying to his friend.

"Hn, lying is unbecoming of you, kitsune," he said as he walked toward the exit, "Yet I understand it is necessary."

"Thank you," Kurama said.

"One last advice," he stopped, hands clutching the door handle, "Next time, use the stairs."

After the quick briefing from his superiors headed by his step-father, Kurama proceeded to his next agenda – meeting at Zenith, Inc. He had heard many good things about this emerging IT Company. Being one of the leading think tanks in the industry, Steig Enterprises would find it advantageous on both sides if it were able to create good ties with Zenith.

And that good future currently lies on the hands of one Shuuichi Minamino. His presentation today with the high ranking officers of Zenith will definitely be a make or break move for his own company. The pressure is on! He should be nervous, but surprisingly, he wasn't. It was challenging assignments like this that makes him do his job exceptionally.

Now walking along the unfamiliar hallways of Zenith, Inc.'s main building, his mind went through different strategies to win this deal. As he approached the double doors of the board room, he took a deep breath and put his game face on.

"Good morning, gentlemen," he said to the strange faces that greeted him as soon as he entered the room. He introduced himself to the officers of different ranks and made sure he gave them a good impression, not only of himself, but also of the company he was representing.

As soon as brief introductions were made, he approached the platform and prepared for his presentation. Kurama has a perfect control on words and charisma that impressed everyone inside that enclosed room. He never ceases to amaze his audience as he answered different questions thrown at him, may it be hard and technical.

After hours of discussion, finally it was over. From his assessment, it seems that his presentation went smoothly as he got approving looks from Zenith's officers. They congratulated him for a job well done. The only thing left to do now is to sign some papers to make things official.

"That was a good presentation, Minamino-san. Truly, I was impressed," a voice behind him uttered words of congratulations. Kurama turned his head towards the speaker and he was greeted with the sight of a man in his early 30's donned with a pair of grey slacks and a dark blue long sleeved shirt inside the matching gray coat. The young man had dark brown hair and piercing blue eyes.

"Thank you, Sanada-san," he said with a slight bow. He remembered his name from the introduction a while ago. It would be bad if he forgot the names of those who are involved in this important business deal. And how could he not recognize this man? His can be seen on the business section of every newspaper almost everyday. "It really is an honor to hear those words, especially from you."

He nodded in reply. This man definitely has no problems in receiving compliments and flattery. "I would like to have a word with you, to settle some things. Care to talk about it in my office?" Sanada asked

"It would be a pleasure," Kurama said, following the older man's lead. When they reached the young executive's spacious office, Sanada offered Kurama a seat, which the latter accepted. They talked about other details regarding the project proposal Kurama made previously. They also settled the dates regarding the contract signing and the conditions under the contract.

They discussed nothing but business, and Kurama would like to keep it that way. There was something in Sanada's eyes that tells him to keep his distance. He did not understand this feeling, but decided to trust his instinct for it has never failed him in the past.

Their discussion lasted about half an hour. With everything settled, Kurama found no need to further rob the business prodigy of his precious time. "I think everything has already been resolved, if you don't mind, I will take my leave. I don't want to bother you any further," Kurama said in a business-like manner as he stood from the comfortable chair. Sanada stood as well.

"It was good doing business with you, Sanada-san," Kurama said extending his hand. "It was a pleasure, Minamino-san," he replied, taking his business partner's hand for a brief shake, "I will see you on the contract signing date. Give my regards to your father."

"Of course," Kurama said, his head bowing for respect. Finally, he turned around and walked towards the exit. He stopped in his tracks as something hung on the wall caught his eye. It was a painting. Sudden realization hit him. The image on the painting was similar to the vision he had of Botan that one afternoon after having lunch with Maya on the museum. He was unable to hold himself back after that.

"Botan," he whispered softly, but loud enough for Sanada to hear.

Sanada, who was then sitting on his chair, looked up in surprise as soon as he heard the word 'Botan' escape the other man's mouth.

'Interesting,' he thought. He stood up and walked towards the stunned Kurama.

"You said something?" Sanada said as soon as he reached Kurama. His eyes were sharp, examining every move the young man made. Maybe, just maybe, Minamino can lead him to his sought after prey.

"H-huh?" Kurama said in apparent disorientation.

"You said something. I think it was 'Botan'," Sanada replied, putting words into Kurama's mouth. With this, Kurama put his stoic face back on. His voice gave him bad vibes, and somehow, he felt it was connected to Botan's security.

"Yes, I did say 'Botan'," he paused for a moment, careful of the words he would be saying next, "Peony. I just noticed that even though there are cherry blossom trees on the background of the painting, those petals are pink peony petals, not cherry blossom petals."

Sanada did not expect his reply, to say the least. "Once again, you impress me. Those indeed are peony petals, a fact known only to the artist and of course, me," he said as his eyes shifted to look at the painting that seemed to taunt him, for the person who he was searching for was merely standing there.

"I see," Kurama simply said.

Silence.

"And would you believe the title of this artwork is, coincidentally, 'Botan'?" he said, his eyes not moving. Kurama's eyes widened from the sudden revelation. He did not know what to think of this new information, but there was something that tells him not to react to Sanada's disclosure.

"May I ask who the artist is?"

"I am sorry, but I have to respect his wishes to remain anonymous," he said, now facing Kurama, "My dear friend is now dead, after all."

"I see," the young man said, troubled by the lack of emotion he presented given the fact that his friend was dead. Never in his entire life did he meet anyone with that disposition. He decided then and there that he did not like this man standing in front of him.

"I believe you were on your way out?" Sanada said, he was now retreating back to his desk.

"Indeed," Kurama said. Taking one last glance on the blue-haired lady on the painting, he stepped out of the horrid room that was Sanada's.

'Ding!'

The sound signaled that the elevator he was on was now on the ground floor. Kurama's mind was still hooked on what just occurred a while ago. Right about now, he should be rejoicing and celebrating for he able to make a successful deal with Zenith, Inc., but something is more important than that.

'Sanada,' he thought as he walked out of the lift. The things he said earlier really bothered him. It seems that he knew something about Botan, not the painting, but his Botan. Seeing that Sanada would not say anything directly, Kurama did his best to extract information from him by studying his body language. But it seems that he was already five steps in front of him.

Looking back, the woman on the canvas had a striking resemblance with Botan. It made him wonder, does it have any connection with her? Her past? Why did the anonymous artist paint her image? But what he dreaded the most, does Sanada have any connection with Botan?

His thoughts were shattered with the sound of his ringing cellular phone vibrating in his pocket. Kurama took it out and looked at the screen, seeing that his father was the one who is calling him.

'Probably to ask what happened to the presentation,' he thought as he pushed the answer button.

"Yes, father?" Kurama answered. For the second time that day, he stopped on his tracks, stunned. The news his step-father delivered was definitely not a good one. As soon as their conversation was over, he clumsily set his phone back in his pocket and dashed out of the building, not minding the hollers he got from the employees whom he bumped in the process.

Right now, nothing was important.

The only thing that mattered now is that he reaches Tokyo Hospital as soon as possible.

The drive from Zenith Building to Tokyo Hospital had been nothing but a blur to him. The words his step-father said over the line still rang in his head.

'It's your mother!'

By that time, he had stopped breathing.

'She fainted back at home. We're here at Tokyo Hospital.'

With that, his world seemed to shrink.

Parking his car near the hospital's entrance, he dashed towards the information desk, almost tripping at the process. He slammed his palms on the counter, startling the nurse behind it. "I need to know the room where Shiori Minamino is," he demanded.

"And may I ask what is your relation to the patient?" she asked, still a little shaken from the incident a while ago. "I'm her son," Kurama said, trying to calm himself seeing that the nurss's reaction to his outburst.

The nurse immediately turned to the computer nearby, keying in the name. Her brow furrowed for a moment, "I'm sorry, sir, but there is no Shiori Minamino in our records."

Kurama shook his head, almost making him dizzy. How could he be so stupid? "I'm sorry, I gave the wrong name. Shiori Hatanaka," he said. The nurse gave a little nod before turning back to the computer. "Ah, here it is! She's in Room 617," she said. But by the time the nurse looked back at the young man, he was already gone.

He started running by the time he saw his mother's name on the screen together with the information he needed. He didn't wait for the nurse to tell him where his mother was since he saw at the screen that she was staying at the 6th floor.

Kurama ignored the pain his legs were in at the moment. He had been running for quite some time now and his muscles started to tense in exertion. Finally, he reached the 6th floor. His eyes scanned the rooms he passed, and at last, his eyes settled on his target.

He burst into the room, only to be greeted by the surprised looks of both his step-father and step-brother. Lying on the hospital bed was his mother, still unconscious. Kurama approached her and noticed how pale she looked. He knelt by the bed, his knuckles brushing her cheeks.

"What happened?" Kurama asked his family.

"I-I just got back from school and I f-found her lying o-on the floor," it was his step-brother, Suichi, who answered. Obviously, he was still upset by what he saw. He must have felt guilty.

"I-I'm sorry, onii-chan. I wasn't able to t-take care of o-oka-san," he continued, eyes almost close to tears. Kurama saw this and approached his brother, "Don't worry, it's not your fault. You did very good protecting our mother." He ruffled the young man's hair, comforting him.

"It's just that --," Suichi was not able to continue his sentence as his tears flowed uncontrollably out of his eyes. To save face, he covered his eyes with his arm, his fist clenched tight. Kurama smiled despite his young brother's display of emotions.

"Right now, we still don't know what happened to your mother," Hatanaka said, weariness apparent in his eyes. He looked fatigued, and his usual kind face was replaced by worry. "The doctors are still running some tests. They said they won't release it until tomorrow."

Kurama nodded in response. Right now, all he could do was worry. But he cannot let his family know. He was always the dependable one. Always the source of others' strength. He cannot let them get a glimpse of his true feelings; he knew both his step-father and step-brother would not be able to go past this crisis if he did.

"I'll get something to drink," he said before turning towards the door. "Orange soda?" he asked his young brother, an encouraging look on his face.

"H-hai." Suichi said, now wiping the tears that stained his cheeks. The previously troubled face that the young Hatanaka wore was now replaced a smiling one. Their father gave a relieved sigh, thanking Kurama for consoling both his son and him, as well. With that, Kurama left the room, giving the sleeping Shiori one last glance.

He walked along the hallway in search for a vending machine. Unable to contain his feelings, his thoughts drifted to his mother's condition. Kurama's mind were saying endless prayers, hoping that it would reach the gods in heaven and make everything all right. Finally, he saw a vending machine by the corner and slowly moved towards it.

He groped inside his pocket in search of some loose change, but found none. He groaned this. It seems that cold drinks are not an option.

"Having problems, my friend?" an amiable voice entered the scene. Kurama turned to the voice, seeing a taller man with brown hair and hazel orbs.

"No, not at all," he gave him a kind smile. "I was about to get some drinks but it dawned to me that I don't have loose change with me. I'll just have to exchange my bills for some coins at the cashier."

Before he could say no, the man in front of him began fishing some coins from his pocket. "Here," he handed Kurama the loose change. Kurama began to shake his head together with the waving of his hands. But the other man seemed persistent as well. He took one of Kurama's hands and dumped them in it.

"The cashier is on the first floor. It would be easier this way," he said with a kind smile, "Besides, I won't take no for an answer."

Kurama let out a defeated sigh, but was still very grateful for the other man's kindness. "Thank you, um --," he realized that he had been in the company of the man for about ten minutes, and he didn't even know his name!

"Koenma," he paused for a while, extending his hand for a shake, "Koenma Daioh."

Kurama took his hand and gave a firm shake. "Shuuichi Minamino," he introduced himself.

"Any relatives here?" Koenma asked. In truth, the reason why he had been kind to the other man was because he saw him race wildly along the corridors a while ago, seeing his heart about to break any second. Now, he was standing face to face with the same man, still trying his best to keep his emotions for himself.

"Yes. My mother was admitted this afternoon. We still are not sure as to her true condition," Kurama replied, anxiety apparent in his voice. "What about you?" he asked, changing the topic.

Koenma was a bit taken aback by the question, but nevertheless, he replied, "My sister is in coma right now. She encountered an accident and my wife and I are here, taking care of her."

As soon as Kurama heard about the condition of Koenma's sister, he felt sorry for him, "That's too bad. I wish for the improvement of her condition."

"Thank you," Koenma said.

After a few moments of conversation, Koenma finally decided to take his leave, "Well, I should be going now. My wife probably is wondering where I am right now. Nice meeting you, Minamino-kun."

"Same here, Daioh-kun. Do introduce me to your wife some time, she seems like a wonderful woman," Kurama said, calling out to Koenma who was now walking at the hallways.

"She is. I'll be sure to introduce you to her one of these days," Koenma called out to him.

"And then I can visit your sister," Kurama said. Koenma merely gave him a vague nod. With that, he left.

Koenma was now on the first floor. He was to report the terrible racket the air conditioning system in their room was producing. As he neared the information counter, his eyes widened at what he saw. Three suspicious men in black coats and dark shades were somewhat harassing the poor nurse stationed on the counter.

He picked a spot near the counter and hid himself from the view by standing behind a huge pillar. At last, he was able to hear the conversation.

"For the last time, woman, I want to know if there is a Fukuyama Botan staying here in your hospital!" the gruff voice of the threatened the young nurse.

"I-I can't tell you that, sir. Since you a-are not a relative, I-I can't give you t-that kind of i-information! T-that's against our policies," she cowered.

From hearing this, Koenma stiffened. 'He's already making his move,' Koenma thought, feeling sweat trickle down his chin. He was grateful that there was such policy, but if ever they were to get past that security policy, he and his wife were already prepared. It was a good thing they decided to enter her under a different name.

After another few seconds of what seemed like hell for the young nurse, an elderly and strict woman appeared on the scene. "What's happening here?" she asked.

"Head nurse!" the small woman exclaimed. She explained the situation with the three men.

"I'm sorry, sirs, but we cannot release such information to those who are not relatives of the patient. This is a standard operating procedure, not only here in our hospital, but in all hospitals as well. I suggest you take your leave before I call security," the old nurse said, not even flinching as she said those brave words.

Grumbling, the three men left the building, casting the head nurse death glares. As soon as they left, the old woman scolded the other nurse as well for not being brave enough to defend her self.

Koenma left his spot, the issue on the noisy air conditioner already gone in his mind.

Right now, he needed to make a phone call.

The Tokyo Police station was anything but peaceful. Shouts can be heard here and there, papers were flying everywhere, offenders and criminals were brought in on a regular basis. There is action in every corner of the building. And there was definitely no room for any rest. Life in here is really dynamic. That is why Yusuke Urameshi loved this place.

But this day was truly unusual for Yusuke. No pending cases, no paper work, and worst of all, no criminals! Its like a criminal holiday or something. He was really bored now. Man, he would do anything for a single crime to happen, hell, even it were just a pick-pocketing scam!

Slumping his shoulders, Yusuke fell back on his chair and rotated it until he became dizzy. He them started to doodle on one blank paper he found lying there. Man, the silence was really killing him.

As if answering his prayers, his phone rang. Eagerly, he reached for it, almost falling out of the chair in the process. He finally got hold of the receiver and placed it by his ears expecting to hear the words 'Inspector Urameshi, we have a job for you'.

But it wasn't the case.

"Yusuke," the weary voice on the other line said, "We have a problem."

"I think he already knows."

With that last sentence, his eyes widened while his grip on the phone tightened.

This is definitely a very unusual day.

Whoo! That was long. Sorry for the very long interlude. I finally got to finish this chapter since final exams are over (whoopee!).

Kurama was mobbed by women! Ha, you really can never separate fan girls in any fiction involving Kurama…

So close, yet so far…

Steig is the German word for 'Rose'. Really, I had a hard time thinking of the name for their company.

Replies to Reviews:

foxykurama0555 – Thank you for reviewing! I'm sorry if Chapter 7 was a little blurry, to tell you the truth, I, too, had a hard time writing that. But if I have the time, I'll try to make some edits. And as for your questions, I assure you that this will have a happy ending! I can't give you details other than that. Just look out for the next chapters:)

MiaHime – Hey there! Thanks again for the review. I really do love reading your lively comments! Don't worry about your imagination; it really is helping me create scenes for other chapters. And thank you as well for the advice and your words of wisdom! Here's a new chapter, enjoy:)

lady orheal – Thank you very much for the compliments! Now, you really have me blushing. This story is based on the movie, Just Like Heaven, but not the entire story though, just the fact that Botan's soul is separated from her human body, her having memory problems, Kurama helping her with her predicament and some other minor things, like Botan merging with Kurama's body. It's a personal favorite of mine as well. Don't worry, I have no plans of abandoning this story. Maybe just some delayed updates… :)

antic psychedelic – I am very grateful for the support you have given this story! I also thank you for your very kind words. I am glad that this fiction is able to rouse your interest! I would like to apologize for the missing articles for the previous chapter, the truth is I wasn't able to proof read it due to a tight schedule. But don't worry, I'll correct those mistakes as soon as I have the time. :)

Kitsune of Darkness – I am glad that you liked the last chapter! I really had fun writing that. Thank you again for your kind words, it truly does help me improve my writing. I hope this one will suit your liking as well. :)

sweetcanines – Thank you for leaving a review! Even though you were not able to review Chapter 7, I know that you have continuous support in this story. And for that, I truly am thankful. I like that scene, too! I got it from the movie (Just Like Heaven) as well, but I used it in a different scene. Here's another chapter for you, hope you like it. :)

MercurialMinx – I truly am honored to receive your first review with your new account! One of the best K/B stories, you say? Now those truly are big words! Thank you so much! Rest assured that I will not let this story go to waste. In fact, I already have the whole story stuck in my head. All I need is time and a little urging from reviewers for me to update. Hehe, I can be very lazy at times. :)

xy human – Here you go, a new chapter! Don't die on me now! I am so sorry to have kept you waiting for a very long time. Thank you for the review! Don't forget to review this chapter. :)

Please read and review! I would really love to know your thoughts and opinions.