Again, it's taken me forever to update, I apologize!
Before you go on, let me plug my newest fic, Foxgloves, it's a dark K/B, go check it out when you're done with Thief!, other than that, enjoy!
Botan opened the door and stepped into the coffee shop, her eyes scanning the room eagerly, stopping on the figure of a tall man with long dark hair sitting at a corner table. He smiled at her and waved slightly.
Botan's face broke into a huge grin and she dashed over, throwing herself at him and wrapping her arms around him in a tight embrace; which the man returned with just as much enthusiasm.
"Oliver!" She squealed happily, "It's been forever!" She released him and plopped into the vacant seat opposite him.
"Indeed, it has. How have you been, Dodger?" He pushed a cup of tea toward her, watching her fondly as she began to doctor it.
"Physically? Well, okay, I guess. For the most part. Mentally? Confused, tired, and somewhat overwhelmed…"
Oliver had called her an hour ago to let her know that he was in town and invite her to meet with him. Botan had dashed over to the rendezvous point as quickly as her legs could carry her and was still panting slightly.
"Problems at the lair?" He asked softly. Unlike his protégé, he wasn't blind to Karasu's intentions for her. Botan waved her hand in an uncaring manner.
"Bah, Karasu being his usual annoying self. Nah, I mean, more like problems at school – and on the job."
"We'll get to your job in a minute, tell me about your problems at school. You were never in any trouble when you worked for me." He watched curiously as Botan blushed.
"Er, it's not like that! I'm not in trouble with teachers or anything!" She paused, toying with a sugar packet. "It has to do with a boy…"
Oliver smirked. Well, he knew this would happen sooner or later. After all, his Artful Dodger was definitely a catch. In fact, if he were a few centuries younger…
"But I don't want to talk about that!" She said, dumping the sugar into her tea with an exasperated sigh. Oliver chuckled.
"Very well. Then about your job?"
Botan frowned and picked up a spoon. She dipped it into her tea and began to stir slowly, lifting her eyes to meet his own violet gaze.
"Well, as you know, I recently went through…" She paused, her eyes glazing over slightly as she searched for the right word. "An ordeal," She continued, her vision clearing, "Last I was in Maikai."
Oliver nodded silently, waiting for her to go on. He had heard her story over the phone of course – in fact it was the reason he had decided to come and see her. He had a bit of light to shed on this subject – and revelations such as these were easier done in person.
Botan stared at him, her lavender gaze suddenly becoming troubled.
"Well, you know… I told you before, I saw… I mean. It was impossible! Youko Kurama can't still be alive?! You told me yourself, he was killed seventeen years ago – that's even written in the official annals! So, what I saw… I couldn't have really seen it right?"
Oliver smiled softly and reached out to pat her trembling hand.
"Not at all. It is, in fact, entirely possible."
Botan eyed him suspiciously.
"Really? So, I'm not crazy?"
He chuckled.
"No, I am quite sure that you are not crazy."
Botan breathed a heavy sigh and sat back in her seat.
"Well. That's a relief." She gazed steadily at him. "So, what did you want to talk about? You certainly got here very quickly."
It was now Oliver's turn to sigh as he shifted uncomfortably in his seat. In truth, he was unsure of how to explain himself.
"Actually, it really has to do with what happened to you in Maikai." He began, his eyes drifting away from hers to stare intently down into the mug of black coffee in his grasp. Botan waited. After a very pregnant pause, she frowned.
"Oliver?" She prodded gently.
"First of all, we as may well end this charade, pleasant though it has been." He looked back up at her, his deep violet eyes intense.
"What do you mean?" Botan asked uncertainly.
Oliver tossed a lock of raven hair over his shoulder.
"I mean, that I am about to tell you things that will change your view of me and everything I've ever told you a great deal."
"Oliver-"
"Kuronue."
Botan paused. "What?"
"My name," He sighed, "Is Kuronue, and I was once the partner of Youko Kurama."
Botan stared, her jaw dropping slightly.
"What?!"
"I never knew your real name, Dodger. But since this conversation is going to reveal all sorts of secrets, I suppose it would be a great time to enlighten me."
She continued to stare at him.
"What?!"
Kuronue's lips twitched upward in a smile.
"Your real name, Dodger. What is it?"
"Botan." She sputtered out at last.
"Botan…" Kuronue seemed to be tasting the name, drawing it out languidly. "Peonies?" He asked, after a minute. "Yes. It suits you."
Botan blinked. "Thank you. Now: What?!"
This time he laughed. "There's no distracting you is there?"
"Not when someone tells me that they used to be the partner of the famed Youko Kurama, the greatest thief of all times who apparently isn't dead!" She huffed.
"Very well, calm down! I'll tell you everything."
"Everything?" She asked, her narrowed eyes threatening.
"Well, everything I know, anyway." He smiled sheepishly.
"Good enough. Get started."
Kuronue took a deep breath, and began:
"Well, this was a few hundred years ago, you understand. At the time Youko and I were the leaders of this group of bandits – or, more realistically, Youko was the leader, and I was more like second in command. Anyway-"
"Wait!" Botan interrupted. Kuronue blinked.
"Yes?"
"That would mean… You were a demon!"
"Well, yes, obviously. I still am, in fact."
"What? You're a demon?!"
Kuronue rolled his eyes.
"Yes, I am."
"But…" Botan looked at him confused. "You don't have a demonic aura!"
"That's because," He winked, "I've learned to suppress it."
"Oh…"
"Anyway, Youko and I were very good friends. Better than very good. We were extremely close."
Botan grinned slyly.
"Reeeaaally?" She asked. Kuronue sniffed.
"Get your mind out of the gutter, we weren't that close. The relationship was purely one of friendship. Now, as I was saying, we were close friends, and one day we decided to go on a heist by ourselves, and leave our gang behind.
The theft went successfully, until we tried to escape."
He paused, a pained look coming over his face.
"I was caught in a punji trap – just barely. My foot was badly injured – which would have been fine because as a chimera I had wings… But the poles closed in overhead and I could not escape. The guards were right behind and though Kurama tried to help me…. I told him to go, to leave me. I didn't want him captured for my stupidity.
Well, as soon as he was clear, the guards caught up. They inflicted a bit of… punishment," He shuddered, his eyes closing involuntarily, "and left me for dead. I wasn't dead - not yet – but I had given up any hope to hanging on to life. I was in a prison that was impossible to escape from. Or so I thought."
"The portal…" Botan breathed. Kuronue shot her a surprised look.
"Yes. The first I'd ever discovered. You really aren't as ditzy as you often appear." He grinned. "But then I knew that when I chose to make you my apprentice.
I was lying there, in agonizing pain, when I saw it. Just out of the corner of my eye, behind a small bush. I dragged myself over to look – insatiably curious even when faced with death – and what I saw… I couldn't believe. Another world. I new it was, because it was like an window in the middle of the forest that opened up to completely different scenery. Well, you know what they look like, you've seen them. Anyway, it was big enough for me to crawl through – which I did. I ended up in a ningenkai field. I managed to crawl away before I passed out, obviously, I didn't want anyone else finding out about the portal. A few young priests found me and, thinking I was some sort of god, treated my injuries and nursed me back to health."
"A god?" Botan asked, lifting an eyebrow sardonically. Kuronue blushed.
"Yes, well… Did I mention that it was a very small village in a remote area about three hundred years ago? They believed I was a god come to test them for their hospitality and kindness toward others. Though, if I really had been a god, come to do all that, I would probably have tried to look more like a human – honestly the wings were a dead give away, how much more conspicuous could a god get?"
"Yes, you mentioned wings? I don't see any wings! And I have to say that it'd be pretty difficult to hide them under that tight shirt."
"I eventually learned to retract my wings into myself when I chose to stay in the mortal realm – my ears too, they were very… erm, pointy."
"Why did you choose to remain in the human world? Why not go back to your best friend and a life you so obviously enjoyed?"
Kuronue sighed.
"Well, again, let me backtrack. You see, Youko and I… And, well, the rest of the bandits, we weren't nice people."
Botan stared at him blankly. "Well… You were thieves."
"Yes, but there's more to it! For instance, you are thief. Yet, I would consider you a good person. Youko and I were not good people. In fact, we were horrible. We stole, yes, but we also killed indiscriminately and spitefully." Again, the pained expression manifested upon his features. "We were superior to everyone – or believed ourselves to be. This attitude I carried with me into Ningenkai. I was cruel to the men who cared for me, and when I found out that they thought I was a god… Well, let's just say that things got even worse for a while. Pompous fool that I was, I didn't even try to set them strait… I just ordered them around and spat insults whenever the chance arose."
Botan sat rigidly in her seat. "So… What changed?" She asked hesitantly. Kuronue's eyes darkened with memory.
"They were so… Patient. They endured the mental torture I inflicted upon them – I remained physically weak for some time – and they never complained or stopped trying to heal me. It made me… Oh, I don't know how to explain… It made see them differently. They were really trying to help me. After I realized this, I felt, for the first time in my life, guilty. They thought I was a god! At last, I told them I was not a god, but a demon. I expected them to be frightened away by this admission but they just continued treating me as if nothing had changed. They were didn't care if I was a demon, human, or god – not really. They were good people. The first I'd ever been exposed too.
Something changed in me after my stay with them. I decided that I didn't want to go back to Maikai, or to Kurama even though he was my best friend and thought I was dead. He wouldn't have accepted the person I had become, emotions are a weakness to him and he would have killed me for that weakness. So I staid in Ningenkai and became a thief here. I went back to Maika occasionally, through portals that I found on earth – and they were abundant – but I didn't enjoy my time there."
"…….."
"…….."
"What? Is that it?" Botan watched him confusion.
"Er, well… I wandered the earth for a few hundred years until I found you and decided to make you my apprentice. The end."
Botan took a deep breath. "Well, I'd be lying if I told you that wasn't an interesting story, but Oli- Kuronue… What does that have to do with my seeing Youko? What makes you think your old partner is still alive?"
"Because I know Youko. If there is one person who would have been able to find a way for their spirit to endure, it would have been him. You saw him and that's all the proof I need."
"Okay… But-"
"What's my point?"
Botan nodded silently.
"Be careful in Maikai. As I said before, I know Youko. I'm sure he has become very interested in you after that encounter and your mysterious disappearance at Raven Tower. He never could resist a challenge – and that is exactly what you present to him. So trust me – be careful. I'm staying in town for a while, just in case. Don't let Karasu know I'm here. Before you go on your next heist, I want you to come and meet me. I can give you a defense against him."
He rose to leave, but was jerked back into his seat when Botan pulled him down by his sleeve.
"Wait! Before you go, and I realize that this is a bit off topic…" She shoved her left hand under his nose, the accursed ring glittering brightly, "Do you know what this is or how to remove it?"
Kuronue stared down at her hand, cross-eyed. He grasped her hand and pulled it away from him to get a better look. He studied it closely, his brow furrowed.
"No, Botan, I'm sorry… All I can tell is that it's a ring. A powerful ring – can you feel all that suppressed energy? But it doesn't look or feel dangerous. I don't know why it won't come off… I'll look into it if you'd like."
"Yes, please." She sighed. Kuronue rose once more.
"Oh, Ku- Kuronue?"
"Hmmm?"
"Does… Does Karasu know about… Well, all that you just told me?"
Kuronue grinned. "No. I told him a bit of a fabrication. The only thing I told him that was true was that I am a demon."
"How… How did you two meet?"
He shrugged. "When I was trying to sell contraband, he became a buyer. Now he's become the commissioner of my apprentice."
Botan sat back in her seat, suddenly tired. "Ah…"
"Goodbye, Botan." Kuronue said gently, before turning away and gliding toward the door.
"Later…" She mumbled. Tossing some money onto the table, she followed her mentor's example and left the coffee shop. She was very tired, but for some reason, before she did anything else, like go home and sleep…
She wanted to talk to Shuichi.
A.N. I'm sorry this took me so long to get out! Ah… The AP test is over and summer vacation is on its way… Unfortunately, I have finals coming up, so I probably won't have time to update for another few weeks! I apologize, but I promise that you will all have plenty from me this summer.
Anyway, I hope this chapter was enjoyable! We finally figured out who Oliver really is, how many of you were surprised? We have a winner of the contest who will be informed through email. Anyway, thanks to the following people who reviewed:
Paleah: I hope this update was soon enough!
Botan and Kurama Lover: Don't worry, conflict between Karasu and Kurama is immanent! I had an excellent spring break, I went to London! I hope you enjoyed this chapter!
Eun-Jung: The perversion of Karasu is great and should be revered! ::Bows down to the great and terrible Karasu:: Which reminds me, when do I get my next chapter of What He Said She Said? Because, Eun, darling, I dying over here!
Cheeto: Ah, the reviews are nice – flattering even! But I do for the love of K/B! Which reminds me, when can I expect a new chapter for No Need For Chibis? I MUST find out about Kurama's night in jail. ::Chuckles::
Cheap Libertad: Ah, my wonderful and yet neglected beta reader… Heh! Yes, you may not complain! Not until I have another chapter of Merry Mentality awaiting me in my emailbox! And erm… Well, there's still a bit of pot to develop, so who knows how many more chapters there will be?!
Amber Myst: No, I'm still here, chugging away! Oh, don't get your hopes up about Karasu… Aw, I love the fluff too!
Dark Chobit: Ah, but Botan doesn't know that her boss is psycho stalker! Hah! Surprises! But yes, thank goodness she has such a wonderful bf to balance the scale. ::Blushes:: Nah, now you make me feel bad! I really don't deserve all the wonderful fans and reviews… This fic isn't that great! But I appreciate them, anyway.
DisturbedVixen: Gah! I've been using my father's computer lately since mine is sick, and the pop up blocker won't let me review your story! So let me know in case you are reading this that I LOVE what you have going on in your fic. Botan turns out to the villain! Sort of… But I can tell she still likes Youko. And hey, he still likes her too! Even though she wants to kill him! Ah, love is in the air! I agree with your assessment, Botan does bring out the strangest emotions in people. She's the only one who can get Kurama to sweat-drop! But you are definitely 'worthy' of my recognition – not that my recognition is worth much, mind you. Anyway, keep up the work!
Chocogurl: Aww, c'mon! Every author has a cliffy every now and again! I had to do it. I'm sorry you hurt yourself, don't do that again! Remember, dance with safety. In fact, do the safety dance! -
JD Fielding: Ah, yeah, I feel guilty about taking so long to update – the world needs more K/B, constantly! And yes, we have a very jealous Karasu on our hands and a very smitten kitsune. But that's perfect! And yes, collaboration! I think that together we could put something brilliant together!! Or, well, at least entertaining. And I'm looking forward to your next update!
angelic Fatima: Hey, I have my hair died red right now! Though, it's a bit darker than Kurama's… Anyway, I'm sorry your sister cut your hair, and I'm glad that you're having a great year, though I doubt my writing did anything to help you through it!
Hakusho009: Er… Heh… Well, those questions will be answered in due time, but the chapters are short because I only write when I have the time to sit and do a full chapter (which isn't often) and then I immediately get it out to you guys. If I had more free time, the chapters would be longer!
Kitsune's Girl 370: Thank you. I have word, but every time I save something as html, the italics don't show up! Oh, well. It's to late in the story to change now, and I think the style has become something of a signature of my works.
Yume Ookami: Hah! You can't catch me! But yes, more screen time for the glorious Oliver – or should I say, Kuronue! Whoo-hoo!
Luci-chan6: Shhhhh! Oh, girl, you're becoming a liability! Great insight, though! I can't wait to see your sight, tell me when it's done!
PackLeaderT: ::Blushes:: Thank you!
Lady Nightshade: Thanks!
Liz Inc: Hinageshi! Her name was Hinageshi. Now, I don't know if I spelled it right… ACT's? ::Shudders:: Don't even bring those up. Or SAT's or AP Tests… ::Becomes Ill:: Excuses me…
ChachiFox: Thank you!
angelchick141: I swear I will get to looking at your fic this weekend! Now that I have access to a computer that works, I can upload it! Yay! And don't worry, with you furiously typing away, there will soon be a story with Kuronue as the main character!
lien-kenkoishii: Thank you! I just love fluff.
kawaii-sakura12: Oh, I can't give away my secrets! You'll have to stay tuned!
miyako14: You don't care if I'm disgustingly busy?! ::Sniff:: You people are going to drive me to stress relief pills, I swear! Well, anyway, here's your new chapter!
inuyashafan98: Yes, poor Botan. Well, actually, I'm not sure I'd mind so much being stalked by Karasu… You know, as long as he wasn't trying to kill me…
kura: Well, it's about a page more than I usually write, but there's a lot more substance! I hope you liked it!
Shiroi Hikari: I like Karasu too… Which must be why I enjoy torturing him so in this fic! Hmmm… I'm as sick as he is…
Mourning Fox: Heh, great use of vocab! Sorry about the cliffy, hope this clears it up a bit!
Aya Sakura Kinamoto: Okay, I won't leave you in the dust! Here's the update. And yes, they are the perfect couple, ne?
Nijiko-chan: Yeah, I was feeling especially creative and used what only free time I had to write! I was in the musical Bye Bye Birdie. It was a lot of fun! Well, I'm off to go write some more Captive and Foxgloves!
Frith: Heh, Hiei definitely is a difficult character, but since I used to write Bulma/Vegeta fics (Shhh! Don't tell!), and Hiei's character is, in many ways, similar to Vegeta, I have a slightly easier time of it. Anyway, I need more of Until The Stars Fade, but I'm going to guess that, like myself, you are going to busy up until summer break. And I will write you back. Soon. You know… Like when summer break comes!
Dragoongirl: He'll find out when the time is right! Not before and not after! Chill, I have it all planned out!
Yoko and Kuronue: Oh, you bet Karasu and Kurama are going to fight!
Corkycomp: Nah, lord knows I need more people to criticize my stuff – you don't know how bothersome it is when people tell you your work is wonderful and perfect and you know it's not! But yes… Karasu is a psycho stalker. Poor, poor Botan… ::Grins wickedly::
Youko Princess: Hmmmm. You know, I'm actually toying with the idea of putting a bit of K/K in here…
Anica106: Well, my AP's are over, as yours are too – isn't that weird how they make us all take them at the same time?! I mean, I understand their reasoning but still. And we can't discuss the multiple-choice questions… Bah. I had AP Lit, what about you? Anyway, now that they are over, I can write again! Until finals.
MoonbeamMarik'skoi4456: Thank you!
Junyortrakr: Well, hopefully things'll get interesting… We'll see!
NoneOfYourBwax: Tests! Ah! No more talk of tests! ::Burst into tears:: I've never taken so many tests in my life!
DeityofRoses: Ah, I read your last chapter and loved it! Unfortunately, pop up blocker won't let me review! And more Matchmaker Youko?! Yay! I look forward to it! Anyway, I'm glad you are enjoying all this, and yes, it's Youko's fault. He's very possessive of Botan and wants to show her off. Aww.
Snowfall: Okay, here's the next chapter!
Kookey: ::Blushes deeply:: Ah, thanks! I love hearing (from competent readers) that I'm keeping the characters in character (Kurama being the acception) and what have you. Don't worry, there will definitely be more of Karasu's lust – I love him! So here's the next chapter and I hope you continue to read this er, 'wonderful' (Snerks) fic!
Les: Oh don't worry, there will be more Youko/Botan interaction!
LoupeyLady: Ah, can't answer those questions! Just stay tuned, and thanks for reading!
kawaii Rikku-chan: Thanks, I'm glad you like it! I'll try to get around to reading yours.
PassionateAngel: It wasn't too evil as far as cliffies go! And yes, I wish they talked like that in the series too!
Apryl: I lost your cell number! Not, of course, that you ever answered it when I did call… - Whoo, summer's almost here and we'll get to see each other! Yay!
Morgannia: a K/B addict?! Oh no! Well, I know how you feel, hope this gave you a fix!
Kagorin: Thanks!
FallenAngel5641: lol, thanks!
Kaze Tsukai: Calm down, here's what happened!
Tiineiji Rin: Don't worry, be patient! It's all coming up soon!
Anyway, darlings, thank you and please review again! Also, if you'd like to read something of a darker romantic nature, check out my new fic, Foxgloves, it's a horror/romance, and as usual, a K/B… Or, more accurately, a Y/B, since in it, Shuichi doesn't exist!
Okay, review time!