Note: Waaah! Sorry for not updating for months! Got a chaotic sked here. Whew! Well anyway… here is chapter 5, hope you'd enjoy it!

Chapter 5: Kurama's trick

It had been months since they were given instructions in their mission and before ending up their reikai tantei business. But for Kurama, it would be history. Koenma had called for him; he received a patrol sked and was flabbergasted to know some youkai-killing orders. He decided not to come back to this kind of life, but where is he now? Waiting for Botan to come and see him and discuss with her this task. He had options; to do or not to do. But he was good enough to accept this and work for the people's sake over again.

He was at Megura park near Tokyo X station, seated on the pavilion while reading the papers he received from Koenma. He glanced at the streets. No people. The rain was pouring heavily. And it's already getting dark.

Youkais…Youkais again… Hm... I came into this, so I have to get over it, too.

"Ei Kurama-kun! Hello! I'm here!" Botan sat beside Kurama who was a bit amazed to see her, probably because she arrived at the place real fast. Botan closed the umbrella and placed it on the bench.

"Where's Hiei? I thought he's with you. I even saw him in my special beeper!" She exclaimed, while swinging her feet, then rattled on.

"Don't tell me he's hurdling from tree to tree again?!"

Kurama looked slowly at Botan with narrowed eyes. Botan looked away immediately… Eeeeee creepy…

"Ah… eh…eh…. Kurama!... I…" She stopped then gazed at Kurama.

Recognizing Kurama's wordless expression on his face, Botan started to worry.

"Hey Kurama, what's wrong? Where's that Hiei anyway? What's that very urgent matter needed to be talked about?" She incessantly asked. Kurama looked at her with that gauzy look.

"Okay, nothing's wrong. Hiei ran away. And I have to do an investigation regarding this." Kurama handed her the papers. Botan gazed at Kurama. She had never seen Kurama like this before. He looked so upset. Something's wrong, Botan got the papers then read it. There are data and pictures about two of the most recent youkais that should be tracked. It says there:

Youkai # 1: Nameless

The youkai was dressed in an all loose white suit and had long black hair covering the whole face. Much more like Sadako Yamamura, the legendary girl who comes out of a well and later on comes out of the television where you watched the unlabeled VHS tape, wet and all that. It has no face and still looks for one. It disguises as a beautiful girl, a handsome boy or anyone in the community. It can copy someone's face. Could be a typical someone in the neighborhood or an outstanding student in school.

Abilities are creating a warp in the shortest period of time and having much illusory but enticing face. Gender is still unknown. Excellent in every hour of the day but frail during the 1st week of cyclic and tidal months of the spiritual calendar.

Youkai # 2 Akazukin

The youkai was dressed in hooded clothing, red to be specific.

Gender is female. Half youkai half human. She came from the cult of rebel youkai witches. Abilities are making water out of fire and vice versa. Her most famous weakness is being fragile and gullible. Not that daunting but could do strong enchantment.

Botan raised her eyebrow. She gave back the papers to Kurama. "The second one's not a big deal, what do you think?

"I can't tell." Kurama replied emotionless.

Botan put her hands on her lap and faced Kurama. "What's your problem, Kurama-kun?"

Kurama looked down. "I don't know what my problem is…" then gazed at Botan enough to see her at the corner of his eye.

The beautiful deity of death couldn't stand this anymore. 1, 2, 3…

She inhaled as much air as necessary, rasped, stood up and… talked.

"Ya know I really don't know what you're thinking about or what your problem is or whatever… yeah! Whatever it is you have to tell it to me whether it has something to do with life, love or this task, remember I am your FRIEND! And because this is our task, it wouldn't work out if we're not gonna work out, too! But if this is your problem well this really is your problem, if you don't want to do this with me, FINE! Then I'll do this ALL BY MYSELF! I know I'm not that strong, well if you're not interested it's ALL RIGHT! I'm sorry but I have to tell you this, you're becoming irritating! You're not like that Kurama-kun!!" Shucks… I've said all of that?... Whew…!

The blue-haired deity did not expect Kurama's next move. The handsome redhead stood up as well and hugged her tight. So tight she couldn't move.

Botan felt the heat up on her cheeks.

"Sorry 'bout that…Botan-chan… Sorry…" Kurama spoke up warmly. He put his hands over Botan's shoulders and pushed her lightly so he could see her face. Botan was totally blushing.

"Wha…. Ah…" The deity couldn't find the right words to say. So Kurama grabbed the opportunity to talk.

"I was just thinking if we're going to make it… I mean… This is a serious task. And you know that I don't want to get back in this life… I don't know if I still have the guts to make this successful…"

Botan felt guilty. Really guilty. She looked away, well, still blushing. "I'm sorry, too… I acted like a child…" She stared at Kurama shyly.

Kurama patted Botan's head. "I understand." He shot her his most intimate smile. Botan couldn't help but blush.

"Let's talk about our tactics regarding the task while eating dinner." Kurama uttered while staring at Botan.

The deity was a bit stunned. "Dinner??"

"YES… I guess you still feel in the wrong… and since you've said some hurting things, how about… having dinner with me…?" Kurama asked with crossed arms.

"Is that all?! Sure!!" Botan replied happily.

"Promise?" Kurama confirmed.

"Yes, promise!"

SILENCE….

The deity realized something…She frowned then raised her left eyebrow. "Hmmm… Kurama, don't tell me… you…"

Kurama smiled naughtily. "You knew I wouldn't lie, huh? Okay, I planned to be so problematic. I know you'd be angry at me if I wouldn't show any interest… so… yeah… then… I hugged you, said sorry, you said sorry, too, then I asked you for dinner…Isn't it a great idea?" The genius redhead laughed.

Botan blushed AGAIN at the instant. "KURAMAAAAAA!"

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