Author's Note: Hiya, here's the new chapter for ya. Check my bulletin board in my profile for some major info that I'll know you're going to like :). Also, I've got an unmarked WTF moment in here and I cannot wait to see the reactions I'm going to get. Don't forget to comment. Let me know if I make any booboos because I didnt' do that good of a proof read for personal reasons. R&R
Kurama and his mother slowly separated as the severity of the situation struck home for them. So much has happened, both in the past and the present. Neither of them knew where to begin. Neither knew what to tell. They had been apart for so long.
"My son," Kurama's mother sighed, stepping back to marvel at his form.
"Mother…" Kurama dropped his eyes from hers, afraid to see the questions he knew were spiraling in her eyes. All he could do now was apologize for all he'd done in the past and get his mother and sister somewhere safe. "We need to get out of here, before any of the other Fallen can find us."
"Understood, my son," she breathed, stepping away from him. This exposed her nude body to his gaze and the lacerations and burns that followed along her contours. She should look like a woman in her late twenties, with long flowing pale gold hair and near white skin. But now her skin had darkened with filth and was stained red by the blood she had spilt. Her hair was matted and tangled and the fur of her ears and tails looked mangy with bald and angry patches. Her claws were broken so far along her nail beds that the spongy pink flesh was exposed. There were several marks along her neck, more so than the rest of her body. Several of the marks belonged to teeth, as if an animal had clamped down on the back of her neck to force her submission.
"What have they done to you?" Kurama gasped, unable to believe that even she had been touched by cruel hands.
"Nothing compared to what I'll do to him for what he did to your sister." Golden eyes gleamed red with barely concealed rage. She turned to face the chains that held her captive, turning her own strength against her.
"Ran you mean? He's dead." Kurama informed her, wishing that now he had taken more time with the shikigami. For the crimes committed, Ran deserved to receive the full extent of his torture.
"Really; you've learned a way to kill a shikigami? How?" Pride blossomed within her heart and Kurama's mother glowed with it. To kill one who was already dead was a near impossible task to perform if one was not a soul eater.
"I created a plant that devours souls. It has a luring affect on shikigami and they go right towards it. Ran didn't even fight it." Kurama explained.
"Good. And Jinan? What of him?" Even after all he had done, she could not bring herself to stop feeling for her second oldest child. She knew she must harden her heart, but it didn't change the fact that Jinan was her son.
"He escaped with his mate, Kika." Kurama couldn't help but smile at the glow his mother had, reveling in the pride she held for him. It had been a rare occasion to receive such praise from her, something that he had deprived himself of for so long, longer then even his absence from reikai. It had been a long time since he had ever felt so accomplished in something that he did on a normal basis. It felt so wonderful to feel this way.
"I see. That son of mine will be dealt with in due time. Till then, there is much to discuss."
"Understood." Kurama agreed, pulling his tunic from his torso and handing it over to his mother so she wouldn't be subjected to walking in the nude. In most cases Kurama would have her take her truest form, but since this was Ningenkai such a thing wouldn't fly well. If a human saw a golden nine and a half tailed fox the questions would be the least of their concerns.
"I see a few years amongst humans has done you some good," she smiled. Her eyes eventually settled on Botan, recognition sparking in her gaze. "Botan? Dearest kit, is that you?"
"Hi Aigyou-san," Botan waved nervously.
"Dearest kit, it has been a millennia since I have last seen you." She cooed, side stepping her son so she could wrap Botan into her arms.
"Wait, you two know each other?" Kurama gasped, shocked at how quickly his world shrank.
"Yes. I was charged with training her when she cam into Inari-sama's employ." There was a secretive gleam in her eye, born from knowledge that she knew those around her would kill to have.
Kurama turned to Botan for an explanation. He wasn't angry per-say, but he was a little hurt that Botan would keep such information away from him. How long had they known each other? How long had he and Botan known each other? In all that time surely the relationship between Botan and his mother should have come up.
"I didn't know until a long time after you joined the team and I was given full access to your file. It never came up since." Botan blushed, ducking her head nervously as if in anticipation of Kurama's upset.
"I was angry with you at the time, and Inari-sama did not wish for me to speak your name in her presence, that's why Botan didn't know any better." Aigyou continued in explanation.
"Why wouldn't Inari want Botan to know of me?" Suspicion and bewilderment filled Kurama as memories concerning the deity filled his mind.
"Ask her yourself, but I doubt she'd give you anything since it's part of your punishment." That was all Aigyou would dare say in her son's aid. She could see the gears in Kurama's head turning and she prayed that it would be enough for him to break the curse surrounding him.
"What?" Kurama stared at his mother incredulously, his heart racing a mile a minute. Why would Botan be…Inari…Why would she be part of my punishment? Does she…could she possibly know?
"I'm afraid I can't say much more," Aigyou sighed, her expression truly apologetic. Even still, there was a wiliness to her gaze that came with the knowledge she held.
"Why?" Kurama pressed, needing more information if only to sooth the rapid beating of his heart.
"Because I can't. You're still being punished. Don't worry; everything will work out in the end. You have friends in high places." Aigyou promised.
Kurama couldn't help but feel disappointed. His mother was withholding information from him; something that he had hated ever since he was a kit. It was as if nothing had changed between them. Giving in for the time being, Kurama just chuckled to himself. His mother hadn't changed at all it seemed and deep down he was grateful for it. "We should get out of here." He announced finally. He looked over to Botan watching as she summoned her oar and draped the unconscious boy over its shaft. She mounted it soon after.
Botan flashed Kurama one of her sweet smiles before jerking her head in an upwards direction, silently pointing out another way out that would be easier on all of them. "All aboard," she beamed. The three kitsune were more than happy to oblige, perching themselves as comfortably onto the oar as they could, clinging to each other as Botan shot upwards. Just before she could reach the ceiling of the cave, Botan darted forward into a barely discernable tunnel.
Botan coaxed her oar to weave through the winding tunnel until the light of the moon could be seen, nestled in its bed of velvet. There was a collective sigh of relief to experience the joy of fresh open air after it felt like an eternity of closed off darkness. She didn't stop until the forest was a slowly shrinking blur of varying shades of black. Truth be told, she didn't want to stop. All she wanted was for the memory of the place to be erased from her memory.
The first stop made was to deliver the boy onto the steps of the nearest hospital. He had yet to stir, but that was probably because of the powerful sedative that Kurama had injected into his system. It didn't matter so long as the boy was fine, and Botan hovered overhead until he was ushered away by the paramedics. She then turned and made her way back to the hotel in which she and Kurama currently resided for the time being. She eased herself into the alleyway to the side of the hotel, lowering the oar low enough so that everyone could dismount.
"What are we going to do about the rooming situation? Should I take them back to the apartment?" Botan asked of Kurama, unsure what to do in that moment since neither of them had room for the two vixens to stay in.
"Fear not Dearest kit, I'll manage." Aigyou closed her eyes in concentration before her body began to shift before their very eyes. Her fox ears slowly morphed and shifted into regular human ears and her tails retracted into her spine. Eventually then a glamour fell into place, creating an illusion around herself so that the tunic she wore would look like a pale gold business suit. She lifted her hair and twisted it into a sloppy bun while her face slowly aged until she had the appropriate amount of wrinkles for a woman aged to her fifties. Her vanity kept her from deteriorating her beauty, but she no longer looked like a late twenty year old.
Next to her, Moriko altered her features so that the silver of her hair became red and her eyes darkened to green. Her ears vanished and became humanlike. She could do nothing about her tails due to the injury they had suffered, so she wrapped them around her waist as daintily as she could. The glamour that fell around her was in the form of a long summer dress of silver, that way, should someone catch a glimpse of her true garb they wouldn't put two and two together. She walked over to her brother's side and looped her arms around one of his happily. She lifted her gaze to meet Kurama's and both shared a smile.
"What do you plan on doing mother?" Kurama asked, forcing his demon qualities down so that he was human in shape. It was strange, but doing so was becoming harder and harder to do each time his demon qualities reached the surface. Kurama didn't know which to be more concerned about, the fact that he was taking his truer form so easily, or the fact that changing back was becoming increasingly difficult.
A melodious giggle was Kurama's answer. "You've spent so much time as a yoko, you've forgotten how to be a true kitsune." She continued, scooping over so that she may collect a couple of weeds and grass that grew through the cracks of the concrete. Her eyes glowed and within moments the weeds looked like a large wad of paper money. She slipped it down the front of her shirt, tucked within the cleft of her breasts. "You're illusions are lacking, you should practice more." Her words weren't an insult, merely a fact that she pointed out for Kurama's benefit.
"I'll keep that in mind mother," Kurama agreed. "We should go inside. Botan has a long day ahead of her." Kurama declared when he saw Botan yawn tiredly. She sagged against the nearby wall, fighting with her eyes so that they would stay open. Kurama sighed to himself, feeling responsible in part for the exhaustion that plagued her. Botan had been deprived of her rest for weeks and it was catching up to her. Walking over to her, he used his free arm to pull her onto his back awkwardly.
Working on autopilot, Botan used the wall to kick off of and help Kurama. She clamped her thighs tight around his waist so that he wouldn't have to hold them, though his free hand found its way onto one of them regardless. Botan didn't mind all that much though since she thrived on Kurama's caresses. She looped her arms loosely around Kurama's neck and rested her head against his, happy to be able to relax. She hummed with contentment and nuzzled against Kurama's neck.
"Lead the way," Aigyou requested.
Once inside the grand hotel, Aigyou and Moriko broke away from Kurama and Botan so they could speak with the receptionist. She was quick to get a room for both her and Moriko to share, one that was close to Kurama's room. How she managed it, no one was really sure, but there were no complaints to the knowledge.
Kurama led the way to Botan's room after that, leaving his family at the door when he entered. On the bed closest to the door he could see Mayura sleeping soundly; dressed in very little if the limbs peeking out from beneath her covers were anything to go by. There were various items of hers strewn out over Botan's bed in a blatant disregard. Kurama didn't care though, using his arms to sweep everything onto the floor.
"Ku-chan," Botan murmured, slipping into awareness due to the high pitched clattering.
"We're in your room now," Kurama explained softly as he eased Botan onto the bed. His hands slipped around Botan's torso in search of the zipper to her dress. Slowly, he grasped the small metal tab and tugged it downwards. All the while he nuzzled Botan's cheek affectionately. He could feel how tired she was even without looking and again he felt the flash of guilt. He should have made her stay behind, but his greed for her company had made such a task near impossible for him. My selfishness will be the end of her…
"Kurama, what are you thinking about?" Botan asked, noticing that Kurama had stilled in his actions. He was lost in thought and Botan feared where the thoughts may lead.
"You're tired." Kurama said simply, reengaging in his actions to undress Botan. He pulled the dress from her body and tossed it over to a nearby chair, not caring if it made it there or not. The next to go was Botan's garter belt, but there is where he hesitated. "I'm sorry for the stress I've placed on you."
"Stress?" Botan cocked her head to the side curiously, caressing Kurama's cheek and guiding his eye to hers.
"You have a lot on your plate and I haven't been persistent enough in keeping you from adding to it." Kurama explained. "The soul fragments, your training with me, the pageant, your falling…It's too much and it's catching up to you." Kurama eased himself onto his knees, wedging himself between Botan's legs so he could wrap his arms around Botan's waist. He rested his cheek against Botan's breast, allowing for the rhythmic beating of her heart soothe him. Vaguely he could feel the affects of the reiketsukan berry start to wear off, but he did not let it move him.
"You're under a lot of stress too, more then I could suffer." Botan countered softly. She held Kurama close, running her fingers through his hair in a loving manner. She took several deep breaths so that Kurama's scent could fill her lungs, lulling her into a trance-like state.
"I have dealt with these stresses before, and thus am better equipped to handle them. You are not used to being under such pressures and I worry about the affects it will have on your health." Kurama admitted. He pressed his face against the column of Botan's throat, trailing his lips over her pulse. He continued to place feather light kisses over her neck and jaw.
"You worry too much," Botan mewed. She couldn't help but purr with pleasure as Kurama's kiss became harder and increasingly feverish. Leaning back when a slight pressure was felt on her shoulders, Botan could feel the heat of anticipation pool within her stomach. She blushed when Kurama crawled over her, all the while continuing to kiss Botan's neck.
"You don't worry enough," Kurama breathed, lowering himself onto Botan. He nipped and suckled at her neck, leaving behind a series of marks and bruises. Slowly, Kurama worked his way up along Botan's jaw and cheeks. The taste of Botan's flesh danced along his tongue and Kurama could already feel an addiction forming. Eventually his lips found the corner of Botan's mouth, his tongue darting out to trace along the corners.
"Minamino-kun? What are you doing here?"
As if it isn't obvious, Kurama thought darkly, half tempted to ignore the girl. He would not however since his time was pressed and Botan needed to rest. Kurama gave the corner of Botan's mouth a quick chaste kiss which was as much as he was willing to give in his current state. He feared that if he gave into his wishes to finally taste Botan's lips he would be lost to his lust. What I wouldn't give… Kurama bit his lip in hopes of calming himself if only a fraction.
"Minamino-kun?" Mayura sat up from her comfortable position on her bed so that she may draw Kurama's attention onto herself. Though her expression was one of tiredness, inside she was seething at what was going on before her. Kurama could smell her anger coming off of her in waves without even needing to look beyond the mask she wore. Kurama really didn't care about how Mayura was feeling, his primary concern being that Botan got the sleep she needed.
Kurama shot Mayura a frosty glare over his shoulder before turning back to Botan with a smile on his face. "Goodnight," he sighed before he stood.
"G-goodnight…" Botan released a shaky breath, staring at the ceiling with bitter eyes. This was becoming a reoccurring event it seemed. If the fates are torturing me like this for the prank I was blamed for then so help me, when I get my hands on them…
Kurama lifted himself from the bed almost reluctantly, the sound of Botan's unfulfilled longing singing in his ears and making his body ache to give in to her desires. What am I doing…? Kurama had stilled in his exit, his hand poised over the doorknob. It was as if his body had a mind of its own and it took a force of sheer will power to force his body to continue on its trek. Botan needed to sleep and he needed to deal with his own personal matters. Even so, Kurama looked over his shoulder to see his personal siren crawl into bed in only her undergarments.
Kurama bit his lip as hunger heated his blood and threw his thoughts into disarray. The way her lithe body moved, like a seductress in the night, called to him. Does she have any idea about how she looks…or what she does to me? Kurama needed to leave. He had to leave, so why was he backing away from the door. I need to get out of here… Kurama shook his head in hopes of clearing his thoughts before finally forcing himself to leave the room. His body was rigid and stiff, his movements jerky. He wanted to return to the room, consequences be damned.
"It is too early for you to be like this," Aigyou stated suddenly, the scent of Kurama's need filling her lungs with a wild musk.
"I know," Kurama nodded in agreement. He wrenched his body from Botan's door and forced himself to move forward in the direction of his mother's and sister's shared room. He needed to be as far away form Botan as he could as soon as possible. The reiketsukan berry had worn off and now the heat of his mating time was starting to creep back into his system, filling him with the poison of its insanity.
Without further prompting, the three left the hall to the stairwell. They worked their way up a few flights of stairs until they were two floors above Botan. In some strange twist of fate her room was directly above Atsuko's and his human mother Shiori's. Kurama didn't dare bring light to this fact, far from ready for his two mothers to meet. He didn't think he ever would be ready for their introduction. How would they react to each other? How would they feel?
"You've grown." Aigyou said with a smile, pride evident in her eyes when she took in Kurama's form.
"What do you mean?" Kurama asked, opening the door for the two vixens. He held it open so the two could walk in, scanning the room for threats all the while.
"In the past, nothing would have stopped you from acting on your lust. You've allowed yourself to care for her." Aigyou sighed, seating herself on the bed nearest the door. Her glamour faded and the form she assumed warped back to its original shape. "I'm proud of you." There was a bittersweet melancholy in her voice as she said this, her gaze dropping to the ground as emotions began to dance in her eyes.
Kurama was at a loss for words, hearing his mother's pain but not knowing how to soothe it away. Instead, he turned from her and lowered his gaze in shame and guilt. "I have lived a long life, and in it I have learned so much."
"No, that's not it. I've been monitoring you for a long time and it wasn't until you became human that you've bloomed into the man I see now." Aigyou stood from the bed and walked over to her child, lifting an arm so she could caress his cheek. She could see the guilt and regret in his eyes, but she could also see the light of his spirit shining through the shell of blackness he had created so long ago. "You were always wise and strong, rivaling those more then twice your years. But you were never truly kind. You never gave your love away as freely as you do now. Your years in Reikai and Makai are not responsible for this change. It's the short time you've spent here in Ningenkai."
"Does this upset you mother?"
"No. I am envious that I could not take part in that change. I am saddened that I had to lose you as a son for you to become as you are now. But I am so proud that you've found your happiness in the world." Aigyou admitted, her sad smile growing as her eyes became glassy with tears she had thought she had shed long ago.
"I never stopped being your son, mother." Kurama argued.
"It's alright Kurama. I haven't been your mother in a long time…can you forgive me? I've made so many mistakes by you and I…" A single tear of regret fell from her long lashes. She had mad so many mistakes by her children. She had committed so many wrongs. She did not deserve the children she had. She did not deserve her little Moriko. She did not deserve her dearest kit, Botan. She did not deserve Kurama.
"There's nothing to forgive mother. It is I that should be begging for forgiveness. I abandoned you for the sake of my own dark ambitions." Kurama wished to wipe the pain from his Reikai mother's life, but the past could not be changed. He had done so many wrongs by her; by his family. He did not deserve his sisters unwavering love or his mother's forgiveness. He didn't deserve any of it.
"You were right to leave. Reikai is as twisted and convoluted as Makai, but at least in Makai you had your freedom. To stay would have destroyed you. Besides, look at what you've become."
"I became a monster." Kurama spat, self loathing heavy in his voice.
"It is true you became a monster in Makai, but that pales in comparison to what you could have been turned into had you stayed with me. You should be grateful for your years in Makai; because of it you were able to experience so much beyond the biases of our world. Without Makai and the creature it had turned you into, you would never have arrived here. You would never have known what life was like in Ningenkai. You would never have learned to feel regret, joy, friendship, and love. Makai has brought you to Ningenkai so you could learn to love. You love your family. You love your friends. You love Botan." Aigyou enlightened, the light of joy peeking through her sorrow.
Kurama looked up to his mother in startled amazement. She had read him so easily.
"It's so plain on you that I'm surprised you haven't admitted it to yourself yet." Aigyou chuckled, running her fingers through Kurama's forelocks.
"I fear for her. The fallen…they will take her away from me." Kurama voiced, a chink in his emotional wall spider webbing enough so his fears for the mission could shine through.
"Yes, they will. But you won't let them." Aigyou's statement was a simple fact. Kurama would not allow for Botan to be taken away because she was his treasure; his heart, and he was a greedy thief who protected what was his with a ruthlessness that paled in comparison to all others.
"I'll kill all who try." Kurama vowed darkly.
"Good. See to it that they're all dead." Aigyou agreed, dropping her hand onto his shoulder.
"And Jinan? What shall his fate be?" Kurama feared the reaction he would receive, but it was one thing that he needed to know now.
"…do whatever is necessary. He deserves to be punished for what he has done. Look at what he did to your sister; she will never again be able to sing or speak. He had robbed her of her only joy in life simply because he had the power to do so." Aigyou turned to face Moriko, who had sat herself on the bed farthest from the door, on her face was a tired expression wrought with pain born from her memories. She ducked her head to avoid the worried and angered looks of her mother and brother, wishing to be the farthest thing from their attentions.
"Even if it means killing him?" Kurama did not remove his gaze from Moriko, vengeance filling his heart. I will make him pay for the pain he caused you; both of you.
"…even if it means killing him. The fate of all worlds means more then the fate of my son." Tears of sorrow sprang unbidden into her eyes, but the acceptance to her child's fate shone through. He was already dead and she had already mourned his demise. All that was left was for Jinan to meet the doom that had been dealt him.
"I'm truly sorry mother." Kurama apologized. For all the strength his mother held, nothing would stop the agony born from having to bury another son. He truly wished he could spare his mother that fate, but there was nothing that could be done. Jinan had fallen into demonium and lost all semblance of who he once was.
"Don't be. None of this is your fault. Now come, I would like to meet the woman responsible for the start of your transformation." Aigyou smiled at the panic in Kurama's eyes, knowing that he was not ready for his two mothers to meet. However, she also knew that Kurama would never be ready for their meeting so it would be best to get the introductions over and done with now before Kurama had the time to collect himself and form a flawless plan that would prevent the event from ever occurring. She knew her son well enough to realize that he was probably already plotting, the gears in his head turning as plans of prevention began to form. Better to do this now before he can come up with something.
Botan awoke to the screeching of an alarm no more than an hour later. Try as she might, she could not tune out the sound, nor could she lift her lids to open her eyes. She was stuck as she was; awake but surrounded by a numbing oblivion. All she wanted was a few more moments of blissful sleep. What she needed was several more hours. She would get neither. Mayura, Botan's roommate, had switched the blaring siren of the alarm to a loud and obnoxious radio show. It would be one thing to have music, that Botan could handle so early in the morning and with so little sleep. But all there was was talking. The story wasn't even interesting.
"What time is it," Botan groaned, finally able to get her mouth to move.
"Five. I need to start early or my whole day is shot," she explained as she brushed out her copper blond hair.
"Why?" Botan demanded, rolling over and pulling a pillow over her head. What kind of demon is she? How can someone wake up so early? And why is there so much noise? A hair dryer was added to the din of sound that vibrated through her eardrums. It was too much noise. …Is she…is she using the dryer for her nails? Why?
"Well, there's the gym, breakfast, pageant rehersals; there's so much to do that the only way to get it done is to start early." Mayura chuckled loudly in a condescending fashion. Mayura looked down on Botan with an air of contempt, needing to make her suffer as best as she could even with Shuichi's threat looming overhead.
"Rehersals don't start till nine…" Botan whined pathetically.
"I know, you can go back to sleep if you want." Though she said it, Mayura had no intention of allowing for Botan to have such a luxury.
"Can you lower the music please," Botan pleaded hopefully, peeking from beneath the pillow's edge. Botan got no answer, instead the channel was changed and the volume was raised. There was still no music, and now there were no talk show hosts either. Now Botan was subject to commercials. She's not human… Botan struggled for several more minutes before she gave up on sleep entirely. She kicked her covers off of her body and crawled out of bed. The sound of the shower running met Botan's ears and she couldn't help but growl at the additional sound. If Mayura wasn't going to lower the radio, then she would. Now to find the thing. Botan scanned the room in search of the annoying contraption, but the search proved fruitless in that she could not do anything about it when she did. The radio was in the bathroom with Mayura and the bathroom door was locked.
Botan gave up. She covered her ears in hopes of alleviating the sound, but it was to no avail. Already she could feel the pulsing of a headache start to form as both her exhaustion and the sound assaulted her senses. She whimpered pathetically and started to search for her robe in hopes that maybe one of the others would be awake enough to let her into their room. She found it by the sink, draped over the counter with its collar soaking wet for reasons Botan didn't want to think about. She groaned again, rolling her eyes as she tried to think happy thoughts.
When this is over, I'm going to sleep for a week. Botan thought. She yawned then, tired tears springing to her eyes and blurring her vision. Wiping her eyes, Botan allowed herself the rare opportunity to look at herself in the mirror. With only her undergarments to shield her from the harsh truths of her true form, Botan was shocked to see the smooth expanse of her breasts. She couldn't believe it. She lifted her hand to press against her heart to feel if it were true, thinking that maybe her glamour was just that strong with the increasing of her energy. Facts stood true. Botan's scar had been healed, even if only in part.*
Tears sprang unbidden into her eyes and Botan could barely contain the joy she felt. She pulled the robe onto her body, not caring about the wetness before she ran from her hotel room in search of her healer, Kurama.
Kurama was walking along the halls in silent contemplation, the interaction of both his mothers numbing him to all others. It was so surreal. Never had he expected for his two lives to meet in such a way; but to have his mothers simply except each other was far more then he could have ever imagined. Never would he have predicted the scenario's interactions, and though he was grateful for it he was also a little unnerved.
He would not lie and say that he did not have petty concerns born from blooming relationship between the two. Both his mothers had stories about him that still embarrassed him to this day. But there was also the issue of his behavior. When he was a young kit, he was bold and impulsive. Bitterness, self righteousness, anger, hate, and so many other emotions clashed within him and followed him in a shroud. As he grew he became violent and lashed out regularly to all but his highest of superiors, not caring in the least about how it would affect his family. Very rarely would he show love, and hardly ever to the vixen who birthed him. He was kind only to his sister, and everyone else could rot for all he cared. He was a demon long before he fell and until now he felt no shame for it.
With his human mother however, Kurama was an entirely different child. He was well behaved, calm and collected. He was still cold, and his superiority complex had damaged the spirits of those around him, especially his human mother's. Though he was far from truly loving until the later years, he behaved more affectionately towards Shiori then he ever has his true reigen mother. Part of Kurama suspected it was because, deep down, Kurama wanted that second chance with a maternal figure. Even with his ruthlessness, Kurama regretted many crimes he had committed against his own family so when he was reborn to Shiori it was as if one of the Gods had given him a brief do-over before he had strength enough to leave.
Kurama already knew of his reigen mother's envy; she had said as much without reserve in his presence. With that being said, there was no malice in her heart and that soothed him, but what about his human mother? Shiori and Aigyou were two completely different people at different stages in their lives. Where Kurama's reigen mother accepted what life had thrown her as it was without so much as a flinch due to her great age, Kurama's human mother might not experience things in the same way. So far his human mother had shown a grace and poise in this current adversity that surpassed all his expectations, but for how much longer? How much longer before his human mother reached her limit?
Kurama didn't want to think about the affects that such an event would have, but his mind kept racing towards all probable conclusions. He had other things to worry about, the locations of his friends' soul fragments being at the top of his priority list with his situation with Botan coming at a close second. Or rather that's how it should have been. Lately Botan had a firm hold over all of his attentions, leaving little room for much else in his life. He knew it wasn't her fault, but deep down he truly wished to blame her for his lack of attention. My perfect distraction…Kurama felt himself stir for her, but the reiketsukan berry he had eaten a few hours prior kept him in check even as he wished for the opportunity to act on his needs.
Worries of a different kind bloomed within his heart. He could only rely on the berries for so long. Already he could feel slight sharp pains in his stomach and the mild throbbing along his temples. He could deal with the pain, no problem, but soon his mental state would be affected. He needed another distraction to keep him in check. Back in the old days when Kurama was without a mate or didn't want offspring, he would balance the berries with long expeditions that would keep his body physically active and his mind distracted. The berries were only truly used to keep him sane and thinking, they were never meant to stop the maddening lust altogether.
"Kurama!" Botan's voice called, the hurried steps of her feet reaching his ears and prompting Kurama to turn. Botan launched herself into Kurama's arms, tears of grateful joy streaming down her cheeks. Kurama just stared ahead of himself in shock, his arms slowly looping around Botan's waist even as his mind raced to find the answer to Botan's sudden joy. Death and paradise filled Kurama's lungs and his mind went blank.
"What's this about?" Kurama found himself asking, holding Botan tighter to his chest and taking deep even breaths of it.
"My scar…I…so much of it is gone. Thank you so much!" True gratitude radiated from her form as Botan trembled with unexpressed emotions in Kurama's arms.
"You're welcome." Kurama replied with a lack of better words. What else could he say?
"How did you do it though? Every time someone tried to heal it the scar would just grow somewhere else." Botan asked, craning her neck slightly so she could look into Kurama's eyes.
"I merely cured the areas where that woman's hold was weakest. She is powerful, but I was able to overcome some of the energy that she had within the scar." Kurama explained, pulling Botan closer in a hug. His lips grazed over Botan's neck as he took deep inhalations through his mouth, tasting her scent hungrily. She was so close. It would be so easy.
"Thank you so much," Botan blushed. Shivers trailed down her spine as Kurama's breath ghosted over her skin, heating her neck while leaving the rest of her cold and eager for the same treatment. She got it in the form of feather light kisses that traveled along the column of her throat.
"Why Meibo-san, this is definitely an interesting fashion statement to make," Koudo's voice interrupted, his words pulling Kurama from Botan's neck and prompting the yoko to tighten his hold over Botan.
"Koudo-san," Botan stammered, turning to the best of her capabilities to face the golden man. "Good morning."
"Good morning," Koudo repeated with a bright and jovial smile. The expression did not reach his eyes however, the sapphire met emerald and gold and the two masculine energies of Botan's fox and himself clashed as instantly as their first meeting. "And you are? I'm sorry to say I didn't get your name last night."
"Minamino Shuichi," Kurama replied, his words curt and without kindness. More gold bled into his eyes as they narrowed into a glare. The scent of spring suffered a spike of masculine musk, a heady scent that increased as the seconds ticked by. The smell of the man's increasing arousal started to rival Kurama's, the two scents mingling and mixing as the two males declared their dominance. It grated on Kurama's nerves. How dare this creature, whatever he was, challenge him? Kurama's youki flared, filling the hall and reminding Koudo that he was no weakling like many of the others in attendance. Koudo's energy did the same, pushing against Kurama's immense energy. The two powers struggled for supremacy, pushing against each other as if in an actual match of strength.
Botan gasped, looking up at Kurama in shocked dismay. Silver was bleeding into the red of his hair and his ears were starting to point. The only emerald that remained in Kurama's eyes were in flecks against the gold of his demon self's gaze. His body was slowly starting to expand, becoming taller in subtle increments. She looked behind her to see physical shifts in Koudo as well; pointed ears, elongated canines as a second pair of fangs pointed. Glowing veins of light began to pulse into existence as a dark smile tugged at the corner of Koudo's lips.
"Kurama…" Botan breathed, squirming in Kurama's increasingly possessive hold with the desperate hope that she could pull at least him from the stare down he had engaged Koudo with. She tugged at his forelocks lightly, but he ignored her in favor of flexing his fingers as his claws lengthened into points. Oh no… Botan could see the red creeping into Kurama's eyes and true fear started to grip her heart. Botan looked behind her again to see the affect mirrored in Koudo and the fear slipped into terror. Both were entering frenzies right before her very eyes. Desperate and without any other thoughts coming to mind, she pressed her face into Kurama's neck and bit him, hard.*
This had the desired affect. Most of the aggression left Kurama's form in a rush and the possessive hold around Botan returned to a hug. Though the embrace was still tight, it was meant for her and not a means to show possession to Koudo. Botan lapped at the bite apologetically, soothing the angry red away. She stopped when a comforting hand was placed on the back of her head, pulling her closer.
"I…" Kurama groaned, his voice only heard by Botan. He blinked several times to bring focus back into his gaze. He lowered his head so he could nuzzle Botan affectionately, all the while maintaining a harsh glare on Koudo.
Koudo gave himself a physical shake before straightening himself out. A smile bloomed onto Koudo's face before a mask of false shame and guilt melted into place. "Forgive me Meibo-san, Minamino-san. I must be going. I have…responsibilities to attend to." Koudo had the grace to give Botan a true apologetic glance which she met hesitantly before he left, keeping as far from Kurama as possible. This wasn't the time or the place for such actions. I should be careful with how far I push him. Good luck dearest Botan…
The scent of kyara met Kurama's nose and embarrassment filled him when his mother hurried into the hall. It was clear she had felt the surges of energy and smelt the musk of competing males. He cautiously lifted his head in time to see his mother enter his field of vision. She didn't say a word to him; her concern was focused primarily on Botan.
Botan flinched when unfamiliar hands came into contact with her shoulders. She relaxed however when Kurama didn't react. She turned to see Aigyou smiling down at her, her golden eyes shining brightly as they always have. "Good morning, Aigyou-san." Red painted her cheeks with embarrassment at the predicament she had been found in.
"Hello my dearest kit, what are you doing wandering around so early in the morning? You should be sleeping till noon." Aigyou cooed, working her fingers through Botan's hair in an attempt to make it look less tussled. She pried Kurama's arms from around Botan's shoulders, loosening his hold and allowing for more wiggle room even though Kurama wasn't all that willing to give it.
"My roommate woke me up early," Botan pouted adorably earning smiles of endearment from the two kitsune. The red on her cheeks remained as she tried to play everything off as if nothing had happened. She could tell Kurama was grateful for her lack of reaction, but the shame in his eyes remained. It hurt to see it, and she feared that it was because he knew that he had started to scare her. "She insisted on getting a fresh start for the pageant today…Oh my! I totally forgot about that!" Botan exclaimed, pulling herself from Kurama's hold and giving him the most apologetic expression she could muster. "I have to go and get ready." I…he needs time to cool off…I should give him that… the mask of cheeriness remained strong on her face even though all she wanted was to curl up in a ball and just lay there. But what's the point if I can't have Kurama with me…I should be more careful around him, especially with how he is now.
"You do what you have to." Kurama nodded, watching Botan back farther away from him with a level of forlorn longing. Kurama could see through the mask, could see Botan's need to be held and coddled by him. It broke his heart. He could not comfort her without running the risk of reacting again.
"I'm sorry. I'll give you a call if I catch wind of Yusuke or Kuwabara. Bye." Botan waved and bowed to the two before she ran back towards her room.
"Tell me son, why have you not mated with her yet?" Aigyou questioned once Botan rounded the corner and was out of Kurama's sights. "It is clear you care for her greatly, and the need to be with her is there. What's stopping you?"
Kurama dropped his gaze to the floor, ashamed of his juvenile behavior. He was too old to behave as he had and the heat of embarrassment and anger crept along his skin and made his heart race. He clenched his fists and stared at the ground angrily, his lengthened incisors piercing into his lip as he tried to bite back a foul expletive. Vaguely Kurama registered his blood dripping from his palms and lip onto the hotel's carpet, but he could not bring himself to care. The taste of blood did little to lessen the abuse for Kurama's anger could not be soothed.
"Kurama," Aigyou addressed, prying Kurama's fingers loose before looping her arms around his bicep. Seeing that he would not answer, she proceeded to lead him down the hall in the opposite direction Botan had gone. Kurama needed to think and Botan's lingering scent and the memory of his little altercation with one of the judges was doing him little favors. The ten tailed vixen decided that de-stressing was in order and she knew just the thing that would pull her littlest child from his current spiral of self loathing and rage.
Aigyou led Kurama out of grand hotel and into its majestic and elaborate garden. It was designed for extended leisurely strolls that would sweep the mind of the troubles that plagued the mind. The constant flux in weather and temperature had killed most of the flora, but the serene beauty born from the near haunting stillness served its purpose nonetheless. Far beyond the cultivated tree line the hustle and bustle of the city beyond could barely be distinguished, but the jagged line born from the garden created a startling contrast between the organic and the inorganic. It was as unsettling as it was calming; the city was still there but the wall of trees barred the chaos from corrupting the peace within.
This will do nicely, Aigyou thought, guiding Kurama over the man-made pond and into a cluster of peony trees. They were grown high and the branches tangled together in a thick canopy. Shrubbery clung to the roots and bark, allowing for walls of greens, reds, oranges, and browns to flourish. The spot was designed for seclusion, the wide expanse of space holding only one way in. Three benches were placed along the walls of plants, as far apart as they could possibly be and flush against the branches. This will do very nicely. Aigyou turned to Kurama to gauge his reaction.
Kurama took in the beauty around him with great disinterest. The garden was beautiful, and in most cases it would chase the tumult from his heart, but now was not the case. All he could feel was an emptiness born from an emotional numbness that came from knowing that his wants would never be met. Kurama knew what he needed. He needed Botan. But he could not have her. At the rate things were going, he never would. While his mating time was a major combatant, it was one he could defeat in many ways. Granted, most of the ways would destroy the relationship he and Botan had forged, it was something he was willing to risk if it meant Botan's assured safety.
"Why have you not mated with Botan?" Aigyou questioned of her son, her voice harsh and pulling Kurama from his marquee of thought.
"She is cursed." Kurama answered simply.
"By her sister's mark, I know that. But that doesn't answer my question." Aigyou countered, her words harsh due to her upset at and for her son.
"The scar keeps me from mating with her." Kurama reiterated, as he tried to keep his words even and polite even though he was far from the mental state to be so. He had nearly slipped into a frenzy again. For the second time in less then twenty-four hours… Never before had such a thing happened to him. But why was it happening now? Was it because he wasn't as strong as he once was? Was it because his emotions weren't under his control anymore? Was it the stress? Why? Why does this have to happen now?
"Then have an incomplete mating*-"
"Why? So we can torture ourselves with wanting?" Kurama barked, his emotions fighting for release. "Besides, marking won't change anything. I'll still go into a mating frenzy once the zenith of my time is reached if we don't consummate our union. With all that's going on there'll be no avoiding that. I'm not going to risk it." Kurama was no fool. The creature born from his mating time's insanity would destroy everything in its path to acquire its one goal; Botan. He would kill everyone that served as a threat, be it perceived or not. He would attack everyone in a maddened frenzy until they were dead or worse. There would be no distinguishing friend from foe, so no mercy would be given. But once Botan was his he wouldn't have the piece of mind to be gentle or loving. He would take her. He would break her. He would rape her.
He would be blind to her tears. He would be deaf to her cries. All he would be able to discern would be his need to mate and his intended mate. Everything else would be rendered meaningless. He would not care if Botan was ready or not. He would not care about her scar and the pain it would cause. He would not care about anything but their mating, and with how emotionally attached to Botan as he was, their union would be permanent. Even if by some miracle Botan forgave him, Kurama would not be able to live with his crimes against her and he would have to live with that guilt for as long as Botan lived.* Kurama wanted to be mated to Botan for life, but he needed for Botan to have a choice.
"But you'll risk leaving her unmarked? That will push you into a frenzy even sooner. It's bad enough that you've entered your time early, but a frenzy is another monster altogether." Aigyou argued, unfazed by her son's outburst. She could literally taste the emotions rolling off of him and she was surprised he had kept control for this long.
"Don't you think I know that? I've almost gone into a frenzy twice already and it's only a matter of time before it happens again." Kurama could not allow for that to happen. He would do absolutely anything to keep that from happening again.
"So what do you plan to do? Huh? Twiddle your thumbs and hope that it doesn't happen? You're mating time is already affecting you and your judgment. How much longer before you become a detriment to your mission? How much longer before you lose yourself to your frenzy?" Aigyou interrogate.
"I don't know how much longer I can last," Kurama admitted, true exhaustion breaking through his carefully crafted mask of control. "I know what I have to do, but I…" Kurama dropped to his knees unable to keep the anger he felt in himself locked behind an emotional wall.
"The price of love is often very steep, my son." Aigyou sighed in recognition. A sad smile spread onto her lips. You have truly crafted the perfect punishment Inari-sama. "Few are ever willing to pay it."
"I love Botan so much, but I cannot have her. Is it fair for me to keep pulling her closer, even though we cannot be together?" Kurama disclosed to her, finally able to admit to himself out loud the extent of his growing emotions for Botan. But to what end? Why did loving her have to hurt so much? Why was it that the thought of being with her made his heart ache and the thought of being without her made his soul cry? Why did he have to fall in love with Botan now of all times? Why did he have to fall in love at all?
"No, it's not. But can you really take another for your mate, even while knowing that you love Botan…and that she may love you as well?" Aigyou could see the pain in her son, could feel his misery crawl over her skin. She closed the gap of space between them and pulled his head against her stomach, resting his cheek against her womb.
"What other choice do I have? I can't just leave the mission." Kurama wanted so desperately for his mother to give him something, anything that he could use so he could stay with Botan. He wanted for some idea or thought that he hadn't thought of to spill from her lips. He would give anything for the thin shred of hope that maybe he and Botan would have the chance to become something.
"You'll lose her, is that what you want?" Guilt wrapped around Aigyou's heart in a vice-like grip, it's cold fingers ripping it in two.
"No. But at least she'll survive. She'll get over me and find someone else to love. She'll find someone who deserves her." Surrender to his fate filled him and all the strength left Kurama's body. There's really no hope for us…
"Like that Koudo?" Aigyou knew that bringing up the other male's name was a dangerous gamble, but she needed to be sure exactly how far gone Kurama truly was.
"NO!" Kurama bellowed, jumping from his mother's hold as his anger took hold again. He could feel his body start to shift again and he was horrified to realize the extent of his reaction. Instantly he pulled a reiketsukan seed from his hair and slammed it into the ground. He didn't bother waiting for the plant to reach its full ripeness, snatching the berry closest to it and devouring it in seconds. The nauseating bitterness exploded over his taste buds, numbing his tongue before the worst of the flavor could register. I'm going to destroy the Fallen for this… Kurama thought darkly, holding them personally responsible for the pain he was suffering.
"If this is the only way you can control your emotions then you should start backing away from Botan now." Aigyou declared, saddened by how little control of himself Kurama truly had. The stress of what was going on was destroying him from the inside out and it was only a matter of time before the frenzy that took him wasn't one for mating; it would just be a frenzy.*
"If I do that then that man will…"
"It doesn't matter!" Aigyou interrupted. "Unless he is the enemy, you are to stand aside and allow for him to court her and find someone else for yourself."
"But why does it have to be him?"
"Why can't it be him? Because he can rival you? Because you might not be able to overpower him? Because you might not be able to kill him? I see the plans forming in your subconscious. Should another male come and lay claim to Botan, you'll kill him the moment the option becomes viable and take her for yourself. You may have consciously made the choice to let Botan go, but the rest of you has yet to catch up." Aigyou could see Kurama's plan clear as day, and part of her wished for it to work, but Botan's happiness meant more to both of them then Kurama's mating needs.
"But why him…" Kurama needed to be alone. The emotional emptying brought about by the berries was slow to come. Kurama assumed it was because they hadn't reached full ripeness. Kurama forced his demon form below the surface of himself. His energy fought against him, struggling to remain in the forefront. His true self did not wish to fall into his human guise, but Kurama's will won out. "I need to go…I have to think." Kurama then left his mother and returned to the hotel with the hope that the berry will take affect and he would have a moment of calm so he could figure everything out. But till then, all he could feel was a growing rage.
How dare she bring up that man's name? Kurama thought viciously as he stormed the halls of the hotel angrily. Plots of a long and drawn out death for the judge circled his mind and added to his growing darkness. That Koudo is one of the reasons I'm in this mess! If he would've just left Botan alone I wouldn't have been pushed so close to my frenzy.
"Minamino-kun," a female voice called, drawing Kurama's attention to the hallway behind him. He turned to face the owner of the voice with even darker thoughts forming in his head. It was as if the primordial powers that were, were lending him a hand in his endeavor to push Botan farther away from him. I know what I have to do…for Botan. Kurama had responsibilities, and as with a Band-Aid, it was best to get it over and done with now then wait for later when the risk would be greater.
Mayura sashayed over to him, the flush of exhilaration and a sheen of sweat making her skin glow as the sunlight that filtered through the windows caressed her form. Her breasts heaved as she struggled to even her breath. Her sports bra did not leave little to the imagination, nor did the tight spandex of her capris. Her bare stomach was flat and taught with the gleam of her belly ring drawing Kurama's gaze downwards to her swaying hips.
Botan…With self loathing and resolution in his heart, Kurama grafted a mask of lust and intrigue onto his continence as all other emotions were slowly sealed away. He waited for her to reach his side before he snaked his arm around her bare waist, pulling her flush against his form. If it means protecting her from me, then this has to be done… Kurama told himself, repeating over and over within his cranium like a constant mantra.
"What did I do to deserve this greeting? I thought you were with Botan." Mayura really didn't care for the why and the how. She was merely covering her bases to protect herself should everything prove to be a trick of some kind.
"Things…aren't working out between us." Kurama answered, lifting his eyes from Mayura's in favor of focusing on the wall directly behind her. His brows shot up a fraction when he saw Hiei standing in the shadows there, but his expression returned to normal before Mayura could realize.
What are you doing fox? Hiei demanded telepathically, aghast by the scene playing out before him.
"She didn't give you what you needed, did she? Not like I could." Mayura allowed her hands to wander over his chest, marveling at the hard chiseled lines of his muscles. She worked one of her legs between Shuichi's, moving closer so that her thigh could press against his clothed member. Wow, Shuichi's body is rock hard…I wonder if I can get the rest of him that way.
"Exactly…" Kurama allowed for Mayura to touch his body, ignoring how her touch made his skin crawl with filth. I have no choice. I will hold off mating for as long as I can but… Kurama felt Hiei glean the information from his mind, the course burning fingers of Hiei's jagan making him wince. Kurama could tell by that alone that Hiei was angry with him, but it could not be helped. Kurama would risk anything and everything if it meant protecting his heart.*
When Hiei turned away with his fist clenched, Kurama felt his heart break a little more. Secretly he had hoped that maybe Hiei would present him with another alternative, one that would preserve his relationship with Botan. Looking down at Mayura's head of spun gold and copper; resignation filled his heart and allowed for another surge of anger to fill him. He really was trapped and not for the first time Kurama wished he remained as selfish and uncaring as his past self. Maybe then he would still be able to be with Botan. Maybe then the two of them could be happy together.
"Come, let me take care of you," Mayura offered, grabbing Shuichi's hand and pulling him into her room a few doors down.
Please let her forgive me one day… "On your knees," Kurama commanded darkly once the door was closed, snapping the lock in place as the last traces of his emotions were locked away behind a barrier of ice.
Botan finished her circuit around the ballroom when she finally laid eyes on someone other than one of the contestants, dressed in that evening's formal gown. Like the first, the bodice of this particular dress encased her in a sheath of deep petal pink fabric. The fit accentuated her curves while bringing the viewer's full attention to Botan's ample hips and small waist. High at her left hip was a rhinestone flower and from it the fabric started to bunch and ruffle as it flared out in the mermaid style. The pink of the bodice darkened to deeper shades of pinks and lilacs with floral hints accenting the skirt. The rose motif continued throughout the ensemble.
A thorny vine-like chain of silver looped around Botan's neck loosely before becoming a choker from which a rose shaped pendant hung at the hollow of her throat. Matching earrings dangled from her lobes, one hanging lower then the other due to it's attachment to the hoop that still hung from her ear. On her right index finger she wore the concentration ring while around the opposite wrist was a charm bracelet that had many of the detective items dangling from its chain as shrunken charms. Botan's hair was thrown into a messy bun, the clip Kurama had given her securing some of her bangs in place. Some of her hair fell free in alluring tendrils that accented Botan's neck in curls and waves.
"Kurama, Hiei," Botan waved in greeting, drawing their attention onto herself. She had been the amongst the first to arrive and had started feeling the ballroom out in hopes of finding traces of Yusuke and Kuwabara before any of the darkness of the contestants could block her senses. She was sad to say that her search proved futile, but at least now she would have help. She gathered her volumous skirt into her hands and scuttled over to her demonic team mates.
"Hello Botan," Kurama smiled, his words emotionless and his eyes distant. Regret filled his heart for his actions, but the resolution to protect Botan and see the mission through to the end kept his emotional fortifications strong. Botan was his to protect, and if that meant that Botan would never be his to love then so be it. Kurama loved Botan too much to risk her life on slim possibilities and chances.
Kurama's frigidness struck Botan in a wave and left her cold. The smile on her face faltered and lost its radiance even as it remained plastered onto her face. The emotional distance was palpable, creating a void within Botan's fracturing heart. Koudo was wrong, Botan thought bitterly, her eyes leaving Kurama's form in search of something, anything that would keep her eyes dry and her resolution to do her job strong. We didn't grow closer. We're falling apart. "I…I just finished a sweep of the dressing rooms and the ballroom, but I haven't been able to find any trace of Yusuke or Kuwabara." Botan explained, focusing on a distant corner beyond Kurama's stoic face.
"Keep trying," Kurama nodded gently in understanding. "I'll try my best to do the same with the contestants. I'll let you know if I get any inkling that might help you." Kurama offered, just as pale arms snaked around his waist to wrap around his torso. Kurama didn't even flinch when Mayura slinked around from behind him, tucking herself under his arm with an unsuccessfully concealed expression of dark victory. "We'll talk later."
Botan froze, his words barely registering within her mind as he walked away. What was happening? Botan couldn't understand. What could have possibly happened in the span of a few hours that would push Kurama so far from her reach? Botan dropped her eyes, trying to hide her face from all that would look. Tears swelled within her eyes and fell unbidden, blurring her vision and numbing Botan to all else. Botan could still see Hiei's shoes peeking from the tops of her peripheral vision and shame and embarrassment compiled onto her sorrow. "I…I have to go…" she stammered, turning her face even more so that Hiei wouldn't see the tears even though she knew nothing could hide her pain.
Hiei reached out and clasped Botan's arm before she could leave, something deep inside of him compelling him to do so. "He does love you," Hiei offered solemnly, wishing that there truly was another way to protect Botan. But with the mission looming over their heads Kurama had no other option.
"But not enough," she whimpered, shrugging Hiei's hand from her arm and leaving the ballroom in hopes of finding a secluded place to cry.
"You're wrong…" He loves you more then either of you realize. Hiei couldn't help but silently lament the situation. Neither Botan nor Kurama needed this on top of everything else that was spiraling around them, but nothing could be done. Though Botan was strong and capable in her own right, and the mission would fail without her, alone she would not succeed; she needed Kurama. Unfortunately Kurama's mating time came upon them prematurely and the only safe method for all of them that wasn't actually taking a mate was for him to hole himself away in a drugged stupor. Kurama could not do that because he was the only one strong enough to keep Botan alive to save them all.
Mating was the only proven way to do that and for the time until then Kurama had no choice but to take bedmates until he had chosen. Even that was running a gamble because all Kurama had available to him were weak humans. Even without the emotional attachment to Botan, biologically she was the ideal choice since Yukina was already with child and Mukuro bore his mark.* Kurama had to find a candidate for his mate soon or pray that something happened soon to remove Botan's cursed scar. Deep down, Hiei prayed for the later because Kurama and Botan would not survive the heartache.
The fallen will pay for this Hiei vowed, holding his soul's former captors responsible for the fracturing of his friends and family. They will pay dearly.
*1 – Botan avoids looking at her scar to the best of her capabilities, rarely looking below her neckline when she has to adjust her appearance. She keeps her scar covered up so she doesn't have to look at it, even when she's alone.
*2 – In biting his neck, Botan is conveying to Kurama in the most basest of ways that she's choosing him over Koudo. Basically she's leaving an non-permanent mark on Kurama naming herself as Kurama's should he prove himself to her. Basically it's the same principle as promising herself to him, but it's only a temporary thing. Should Kurama displease her or fail to claim her in the time she's allotted she will leave to find a better mate. That's what she's telling Kurama in his frenzied state, but we all know Botan's not going to leave him…or will she?
*3 – Mating for life means just that. When two beings mate for life then they are permanently bound to one another. If a demon can avoid it, they can and do because not only is the bond felt as intimately as mirrored physical reactions; like heartbeats and pain, but their longevity is changed until the two life spans are matched. The bond is so powerful that if one dies prematurely, the other will just drop dead in that same instant. The only exception to this rule, though rare, is usually when the surviving mate has to care for their young.
*4 – An incomplete mating is when a physical mark is left on the weaker of the pair (mating is not gender specific in that the male is automatically the dominant of the pair; it just usually works out that way since males rarely wish to be with a female stronger then them and females rarely mate with those weaker). This is done in the form of a bite mark that is coated in a naturally occurring enzyme in the demon's saliva. This enzyme is only created when the demons involved are sexually excited.
*fun fact 1 – if the mated pair planes on being completely and totally monogamous (no other mates), then the mark is placed on both in the pair. Mating marks are VERY hard to heal, but it can be done. Temporary mates (those that only stay together for the season) usually forgo the marks altogether for this very reason.
*fun fact 2 – mating also occurs amongst reigens, but they do not have mating marks. Instead they brand each other with their personal seals (which are as unique as a fingerprint) and they refer to each other as husband and wife.
*5 – There are more then one type of frenzy. There are mating frenzies. There are stress frenzies, referred to in Makai and Reikai as fracturing. An example of fracturing is Inuyasha when he goes mad and loses control to his demon blood. Then there are frenzies born from having another force the mind back and having it forced, those are called black trances.
*6 – When Kurama refers to his heart he's referring to Botan. This is VERY important, so remember this term of endearment.
*7 – Hiei and Mukuro are intended to one another as mates and as such they have marked each other.
Author's Note: And here posts the end of a long slew of Kurama centric chapters. The next few will be told from Botan's perspective. Anywho, but in this chapter I wanted to delve farther into the mating frenzy because I wanted for you all to understand exactly why Kurama needs to back away from Botan. He won't last long of course, but I wanted for it you guys to understand what he's going through so you'll only be mad at me and not him :).
I have to make sure you all still think Kurama deserves to be with Botan and all.