Together (rewrite)
Chapter 8
Kurama was a wreck. He had stayed up all night waiting for Botan to contact him but she never did, he called her every few minutes but got no answer. He waited until morning and decided to make some calls and see if she came back to Ningenkai and stayed somewhere else, he called Keiko, Shizuru even Master Genkai, but Botan was nowhere to be found. He decided to head to Rekai to check there. 'Maybe Lord Koenma called her back and she couldn't contact me' he thought as he made his way to the nearest portal. When he got to the palace he went straight to Koenma's office. He burst through the doors and said "Where is she Koenma?"
The toddler lord looked confused for a moment and then said "Who?"
"Botan, of course." Kurama said through gritted teeth.
Koenma continued to look confused and said "I don't know where she is Kurama; I thought she was with you or the other detectives."
Kurama's shoulders slumped and he braced himself against a wall to steady himself. Koenma put down his stamp and got up and walked over to the red head. He looked at the former spirit fox with pity in his eyes. He went to the door and poked his head out and called for an ogre. George soon appeared and Koenma whispered to him to quickly call for the other three spirit detectives. Koenma shut the door and walked back over to Kurama and summoned a chair for him to sit in and rest. Soon the doors were opening again and in walked Yusuke, Kuwabara and Hiei.
The three saw the state Kurama was in and walked over to make sure he was alright. Kurama looked at his friends and acknowledged their presence. Koenma quietly asked Kurama to explain what was going on, Kurama began to explain to them his encounter with the strange apparition; the other three detectives listened intently until he was finished.
"Obviously this person knows about you Kurama" said Hiei. Before he could say another word Yusuke spoke up and said "So you're telling us that you've been detecting a strange energy and had an encounter with a strange apparition and you never told us?"
Kurama glared at him and replied "Well. . .I" he trailed off embarrassed that he had not told his friends the entire story. Hiei saw his friend's anxiety and said "Detective instead of sitting around arguing about what action Kurama should have taken don't you think we should figure out where the onna is?"
Kurama looked at his friend and nodded as if he was thanking him for interrupting Yusuke's tirade. The detectives fell silent and thought but no one had any clue where to start looking for Botan. They had no clues as to who might have taken her or where they might be holding her.
The five of them sat in silence trying to think of a plan to find Botan. Everyone looked towards Kurama, he normally was the one they could all count on to think of a plan, but right now he was too distraught to do anything. No one really knew what to do, they knew they should try and comfort Kurama but they were unsure of how to do so. Kuwabara opened his mouth and said something stupid as usual; Kurama looked toward the teenager and nodded but did not reply. Yusuke got up out of the chair he had been sitting in and was about to open his mouth to say something when he was interrupted by an alarm. George the ogre quickly ran into Koenma's office and said "Lord Koenma sir, there's been a development. It seems there have been quite a number of demons causing havoc in Ningenkai."
Koenma raised his eyebrows and looked towards the detectives and said "You know what to do."
Yusuke, Kuwabara and Hiei stood up and began to exit Koenma's office, they turned and realized Kurama was not following. Kuwabara opened his mouth to say something but was silenced by Hiei "let him be." The three of them quickly made their way back to Living World to capture the demon. Once they were back in Ningenkai Hiei used his Jagan eye to locate the demon. The three detectives found him soon enough, he was hanging out in a lowly part of town. They decided the best plan of action would be to capture him and return the apparition to Koenma so they may question him without gaining too much attention from the Ningens.
Yusuke and Kuwabara got ready for a fight while Hiei snuck up behind the apparition and quickly knocked him unconscious. When the apparition fell to the ground Hiei turned to the two teens and said "Let's go." Yusuke and Kuwabara looked a little disappointed that they didn't get to fight, but that soon dissipated. They gathered up the apparition and made their way back to Rekai where they could question him without fear of being interrupted by a Ningen.
Once they were back in Rekai they took the apparition directly to Koenma's office and when they opened the door they saw Kurama still sitting where they had left him. He looked towards them when the door opened and a look of surprise crossed his face when he saw the apparition being led into the room. Hiei began to question the apparition, Kurama was silent. Even after Hiei got inventive with his questioning the apparition still did not talk. Suddenly Kurama cried out in frustration and his eyes started to turn gold, but he stayed in his human form. He pulled a seed from his hair and before the others could stop him he transformed it into his death plant.
The apparition's eyes filled with fear but he still stayed silent. It wasn't until he felt the sting from the plants venom that he decided it would be better for him in he told them what they wanted to know. It took a while but they finally got all the information from him, information about how he had breached the barrier and who had taken Botan.
When Kurama was sure the apparition had told them all he knew, he ordered his plants to devour the prisoner without a second thought. The plants greedily obeyed their master. Yusuke and Kuwabara stood shocked at Kurama's actions but Hiei just remained silent, he could see Kurama was struggling and fighting not to lose control. When the deed was done Kurama transformed the plant back into a seed and returned it to his hair.
He turned to the others and said "Let's go" and with that he left and headed to Makai to reclaim the woman he thought of as his.
Yusuke and Kuwabara kept their distance from Kurama, the look in his eyes was deadly and in all honesty it scared them, they had never seen Kurama so cold. Hiei just sent sideways glances at Kurama every few seconds. He knew just how cold and ruthless Kurama was in his former life but had never seen his human form like this.
"Fox" Hiei said telepathically.
"What?" Kurama answered callously.
"We will get her back" he replied. Kurama looked at his friend and nodded.
Yusuke slowly made his way over to his friend and said "Kurama", the red head slowly turned to look at the Spirit Detective. Yusuke laid a hand on his friends shoulder reassuringly and Kurama acknowledged his action and spoke for the first time since leaving Spirit World.
"Yusuke I have to get her back" he said his eyes full of fear.
"Yusuke replied "You will Kurama and we will help."
The four of them started walking in the direction the apparition told them they would find the ferry girl. Hiei uncovered his Jagan eye in order to search the area for signs of their enemy. He saw nothing. They continued on their journey towards a forgotten corner of Makai.
The sky began to darken the closer they got and soon lightening began to flash. In the distance they could see the outline of a sprawling castle sitting on a hill. As they got closer Hiei threw off his cloak, while Yusuke turned into his Mazuko form; Kuwabara called for his Spirit Sword and Kurama transformed into Yoko. Before they reached the hill the four stopped in a clearing to discuss how they planned to rescue Botan.
Yusuke and Kuwabara offered to stay outside the castle and take care of anyone that might get in their way while Hiei and Kurama would enter the dark castle and find out if Botan was indeed being held there. Once they were all clear on their roles the four looked at each other on last time and then went off in different directions.
Kurama and Hiei started scaling the hill to reach the ruins. The climb itself was easy enough however getting past the traps set was a little more difficult. Every so often the two apparitions would encounter an obstacle in the form of demons.
The first few demons they encountered were child's play for the two S class demons, one swing of Kurama's rose whip and one slash of Hiei's katana was enough to vanquish them. The next few obstacles required a little more stealth but in the end Kurama and Hiei were victorious.
Meanwhile Yusuke and Kuwabara were having the time of their lives, well at least Yusuke was. He was enjoying beating the crap out of any demon he encountered. Kuwabara on the other hand was a little less enthusiastic. Although he enjoyed a good fight he couldn't help but feel bad that he couldn't do more to help Kurama and Botan. He was becoming distracted with worry and Yusuke had to help him out with a few blasts from his shotgun.
"Kuwabara pay attention" screamed Yusuke as the dust began to settle after his latest blast.
"Thanks Urameshi" Kuwabara replied, his thoughts turned back to Kurama. He felt bad; he knew what it was like to have the love of your life taken away. Although in Kuwabara's case it was a little different considering Yukina still had no clue Kuwabara loved her.
Yusuke and Kuwabara continued their assault on the lower class demons and soon their numbers were dwindling. The two boys soon were able to start trying to catch up to Kurama and Hiei.
Meanwhile Kurama and Hiei had finally made their way past the hoard of demons and were standing before a huge set of doors.
"It's too easy" Kurama said.
"Agreed" replied Hiei.
'Let's find an alternate way in. I have a feeling this may be a trap" Kurama said as he began to search for another way inside.
Hiei nodded and once again used his Jagan, after a few minutes Hiei opened his eyes and called to his friend. Kurama turned and nodded. Soon the two were quietly making their way around to a particularly dark part of the ruins. They made their way down the hallway Kurama using his lamp weeds to light their way.
Every few paces they would encounter a low level demon, but they were no match for Kurama in his Yoko form. Hiei just stood to the side and let his friend get out all his frustration and anger on the unsuspecting and weak demons that got in his way. Soon the hallway was littered with demon corpses.
Kurama took one look behind him and smirked "Pitiful" he said and turned to continue his search for his beloved.
Hiei said noting he just followed his friend every once in a while glancing at him. Kurama's face never changed, he still had a look on his face that would strike fear into the heart of anyone who might encounter him. Soon the two were stepping into a large circular room.
Suddenly the room lit up and a strange laugh could be heard echoing off the walls. The laughter soon abated but no one appeared. Soon a deep voice could be heard "Welcome" was all it said.
Kurama and Hiei exchanged glances and waited. A great cloud of mist started to flood the room and Kurama and Hiei put their guards up. Through the mist a pair of red eyes could be seen. Pretty soon the room was filled with pairs of red eyes. Kurama growled and said "Show yourself you coward."
The voice laughed again and soon the eyes faded away and the room began to darken. Suddenly an image began to appear before the two demons. The image was fuzzy at first but soon began to become clearer. Kurama gazed at the image and clenched his fists so tight his nails began to cut through his skin. He growled again and dropped to his knees. Before his was an image of Botan, bound and chained. Her skin was pale and her clothes were caked in dirt. Kurama could see that she had been crying and that made him even more furious.
The image suddenly faded and a man soon stepped into the room. It was the same man Kurama had seen at the club with Botan. The man didn't say a word as he walked towards the spirit detectives; he kept his eyes on Kurama, neither spoke until the man stopped in front of the fox. Hiei made a move for his sword but Kurama put a hand out to stop him. Kurama turned towards his friend and the look on his face said it all. Hiei nodded and stepped back, he slowly made his way out of the room in search of Yusuke and Kuwabara.
Meanwhile….
Yusuke and Kuwabara had finally made their way to the top of the hill and soon were standing in front of the same doors Kurama and Hiei had stood in front of just moments earlier. Not being as smart as Kurama and Hiei the two teens charged inside and fell right into a trap. Before they knew it they were hanging upside down with vicious dog like creatures nipping at them fingers.
"Uh Urameshi" said Kuwabara.
"What?" Yusuke said impatiently.
"How are we gonna get out of this?" Kuwabara asked.
"Give me a minute I'm thinking" screamed Yusuke.
'That'll take forever' Kuwabara thought.
Before long they both started feeling ill at being hung upside down for so long and Yusuke was losing his patience. Yusuke screamed again and shot a huge blast from his finger. Soon the two found themselves on the floor. They stood up rubbing their sore spots and made their way down the dark hall, Kuwabara's sword lighting the way.
"Where are you hiding her?" Kurama said between clenched teeth.
The man laughed again and replied "Whoever do you mean?"
"You know exactly who I'm talking about, where is Botan?" he growled.
"What could you possibly want with my woman, fox?" the man replied.
"Your woman, what makes you think she would ever be with someone like you?" Kurama stated.
"She has always been mine Spirit Fox, you see I have been watching her for a long time, she was always meant to be mine, until you came along and stole her from me" he said as he summoned his weapon.
Kurama took a rose from his hair and transformed it into his rose whip, and the man brandished a weapon of his own. The two circles each other, each waiting for the other to make the first move. Kurama decided to attach first and lashed out with his whip. The man blocked Kurama's lash with his blade. Kurama continued to lash out with his whip and the enemy continued to block his lashes. Kurama decided to pull back his whip and the man put away his blade, they stared at one another for some time sizing each other up each looking for the others weakness.
The fire demon soon found Yusuke and Kuwabara. They were in a hallway surrounded by a group of demons, in a flash Hiei was upon them and soon the demons fell to the ground dead. The two teens looked at the short demon and Yusuke said "Hiei, thanks man."
"Hnnn" was Hiei's reply.
"Where's fox boy?" Yusuke asked.
"Let's go, we have to find the onna" Hiei said as he sheathed his sword before turning and walking away. The two boys stared at him for a second and then went running to catch up.
Botan opened her eyes and blinked, she felt sick to her stomach. She moved to push her bangs from her face but her hand never reached. She looked up and found that her hands were chained to a wall. She began to panic, but then thought panicking wouldn't help her escape and took a few deep breaths to calm her rapidly beating heart.
'How am I going to get out of this?' she thought. She hung her head and began to think of a possible escape.
The two fighters continued to size each other up. Kurama decided to try a sneak attend and he swung his whip once more at the figure and was satisfied when the whip made contact and he could smell fresh blood. The figure looked down at the gash on his arm and smirked "Was that supposed to hurt?"
Kurama pulled his whip back and bared his teeth. He breathed deeply and ran forward to once again attach the dark man. This time instead of using his whip he transformed the plant into a sword. The two blades clashed and sparks flew.
"So this is all you have Spirit Fox?" the dark one said.
Kurama chose not to answer his opponent, they continued their fight and their blades continued to flash as they each tried to wound one another. The strange man landed a blow to Kurama's arm and Kurama pulled back and took a look at the wound. The strange man lashed out once more but Kurama blocked his attack and landed a strong blow to his opponent's chest. The man glared at Kurama and Kurama began to laugh and said "You underestimate me."
The dark figure sneered and moved to raise his blade once more but was surprised to find that his arm was paralyzed. He looked at Kurama his features contorted in anger and cried "What have you done to me?"
Kurama just looked at him and replied "Why I've paralyzed you with one of my plants."
"How?" the figure asked.
Kurama smirked and looked at the gash on the man's arm. Kurama looked at the stranger and said"the wound on your chest was just for fun." The figure looked to where Kurama's gaze was and he understood. Kurama stood in front of his enemy and spoke again "The wound I left on your chest was just for fun. I rather enjoy seeing my enemies wounded."
The man whispered "You have not won, fox."
"I do believe I have, you see I always get what I want and what I want is Botan."
"I will have her, she will be mine! And I will get you for this fox" the figure screamed as his others limbs were immobilized. Kurama began to walk away and turned back once more to look at the figure a wicked grin on his face "Never" was all he said as he once again reached for his whip and struck down the man who had stolen his beloved.
Hiei, Yusuke and Kuwabara had come across a dark staircase. Hiei and Yusuke stepped forward and Kuwabara stopped them and stuttered "Um don't you think we should wait for Kurama?"
"No, the fox can take care of himself' Hiei said as he began his descent.
Kurama breathed a sigh of relief when the lights left the eyes of his enemy. It was over; he turned his whip back into a rose and returned the rose to his hair. He quickly began to search for his beloved. He made his way into a hallway and soon encountered a winding staircase, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath and began to descend.
Botan began to panic again she heard footsteps descending the stairs and cowered in the corner. She closed her eyes and waited for her kidnapper to show himself. She felt him bend down in front of her and place his fingers on her chin and tilt her head upwards. She kept her eyes closed until a familiar voice said her name.
She opened her eyes and was met with a pair of golden ones. She let out a yelp of surprise and quickly turned away not realizing who was sitting in front of her.
"Don't be scared Botan, it's me" the voice said and with that Kurama transformed back into his human form.
"Kurama" she cried as she tried to wrap her arms around him, but her arms didn't move then she remembered she was chained to a wall.
"Botan are you alright?" Kurama asked and he placed a hand on her cheek.
"Yes" she replied as she watched him pick the locks and free her arms. Once her arms were free she threw herself at Kurama and he fell over with her on top of him. They gazed at each other and she flushed and moved so he could sit up.
"Thank you for coming to save me" she whispered.
"Oh Botan you don't need to thank me I came because I love you and I didn't want to see you hurt" he replied.
She jerked her head to look at him and said "Oh Kurama, I love you too" and with that he pulled her close and kissed her like he had never kissed her before. She leaned into him and wrapped herself around him. They never heard the others enter the room; they just stayed in each other's arms until Yusuke said "Get a load of this, should we leave you two alone?"
Kurama looked at him and growled and Botan buried her head in his shoulder.
"Maybe we should go" Kurama said as he stood up and helped Botan stand. She tried to walk but her legs wouldn't cooperate and she felt herself begin to fall but Kurama caught her and scooped her up in his arms and carried her back to Spirit World.
Once they arrived in Spirit World Botan was rushed to the infirmary, Kurama desired nothing more than to stay by her side but he could not, he was required to report to Koenma. Once the detectives were done filling in the toddler lord about what had transpired in Makai Kurama slowly made his way to the infirmary to visit Botan, he was surprise to see that she was not there.
He stopped a nurse and inquired about what had happened to her and the nurse told him they had sent her back to her room. He thanked her and started towards Botan's room but was stopped by Lord Koenma along the way.
"Kurama, I don't think it is a good idea for her to see you right now" Koenma said.
"And why not?" Kurama asked.
"She has been through much in these past few days; maybe you should let her rest." Koenma replied.
"Perhaps you are right" Kurama said and with that made his way back to Ningenkai.
"So who was he?" Botan asked Koenma as she stared at her captor's image on the screen.
"Well as far as I can tell he was a nobody. Just someone who had seen you on one of your quests to Makai to guide a spirit and became obsessed with you" Koenma replied.
"Oh" Botan said as she turned to walk out of Koenma's office. Before she could leave she heard him say "Don't worry Botan he can't hurt you anymore, and I will make sure he is punished severely for his actions."
"Thank you Koenma" she said as she headed for her room.