Author's Notes: Which do you prefer: The Makai Tournament or the Dark Tournament?
To all the shout outs I've missed, I'm going to congratulate you in order (even if I did so already ):
Chibi Oro for guessing the Deku Baba in Chapter 6: Botan's Tragic End. You've got a fanart for guessing right ;-p, look it up on DeviantArt.
Thundercat2 for guessing Sesshoumaru and Rin in Chapter 7: Bravery Through Trauma pt 2
A lilmatchgirl for guessing a major key point in my fic
Lollirot363 for guessing Serena/Usagi/Princess Serenity in Chapter 11: Kurama's Family
To Jao Jao, you have my complete and total permission to make fanart inspired by my fic. In fact I would be honored. Lemme know when you finish any so I can announce it here . I'll find you on DA and put you on my alerts too ;-p.
And to my dear Kaori, since you requested it I shall throw in some Mayura freaking out just for you. Thanks for reviewing babe! ;-p.
I'll work on creating fanart based off of the cameo appearances, but they'll come as time passes. Which is slowly but surely. Love ya guys. Strangely enough, no guesses on many of the other cameos though. One is Mayura, who is a manga character (there's you're hint), another is the pixies that serve as Botan's aids and scythe, then there is one of the contestants who defended Botan when the other girls were insulting her. No guesses on my unmarked WTF moment either. I'm waiting loves…unless this game has gotten boring…
"What the hell?"
Kurama blinked his eyes open and scowled at the sudden intrusion. He pulled Botan's nearly nude body closer to himself, ignoring the pain brought by touching her scar. Lifting the covers to hide Botan more fully, Kurama lifted himself to lean on his arm. His eyes were dark and cold, his hold possessive. Though his demonic features have been forced down beneath the surface, his eyes maintained their dark malice.
It was a little known fact that Kurama wasn't the nicest of individuals when rudely awoken. In all honesty he was exceedingly vicious and hostile, bordering on rude and volatile. With the past few days he had had and the night's events leaving him completely drained, all he wanted was a good night's sleep. For every night he had been denied Botan's presence, he had been unable to accomplish that wish. Now that he had her in his bed and the stresses of his heart and mind were put at rest, another obstacle has come to rob him of his precious rest. He didn't appreciate the occurrence in the slightest.
"I thought you said you two were over!" Mayura hissed, slamming the door shut behind herself.
"I also said that you were a one time thing," Kurama countered. He ducked his head to nuzzle Botan's hair before sitting up completely. "But, as you see, she and I have made up." Botan turned to cuddle into Kurama's chest, twisting the blanket around herself to create a barrier between their bare skin. Even in sleep you care so much for my well being. Kurama smiled, pulling Botan even closer to his form. Her silent and unconscious comfort soothed him in part and kept him from reacting violently to the night's intrusion. Unfortunately Botan's slumbering company did little to curb his sharp tongue. She wasn't awake so he felt no obligation to be kind in the least.
"I refuse to believe that! As you said, she isn't meeting your needs."
"I realized I love Botan more then that matters."
"Don't make me laugh!" Mayura spat viciously. "I've seen that monster you keep hidden."
"You seemed to enjoy it." Kurama smirked darkly in interruption. Mayura's words ringing true to his heart even though his expression remained unchanged. It was true, he was a monster. But what he said was also true. He may not know what the future held, but he was tired of fearing it. Kurama was tired of being scared. He was tired of throwing everything away for the sake of a future that may never come. He was tired of sacrificing himself for the sake of others. He was just tired. All he wanted was for this one chance to be selfish. Botan was allowing him that chance. Kurama was going to be selfish. He'll worry about the future when it comes, till then, he would be selfish. He would be with his Botan.
"You really think that princess would be able to handle you." Mayura pointed.
"Yes." The words escaped his mouth before he could even process the thought. He did have his doubts about Botan handling him since S&M wasn't the worst of his kinks. However, at the same time, that was a hurdle he didn't have to jump yet. He wasn't going to spend all his life planning ten or twenty steps ahead. He would leave that for battle. His life wasn't a battle. Botan wasn't part of a battle. Not like this. Besides, she has a kink all her own that I can't wait to bring out… Kurama smirked at the thought.
"I doubt that. She can't handle you like I can. She can't satisfy you. I can." The memory of the fervor Shuichii exhibited the previous afternoon still heated her skin with its memory and made her body ache for more. He was vicious. He was passionate. He was vigorous. He was merciless. He was magnificent. He was a demon and he was a god in his ruthlessness.
"You couldn't handle me, that's why I held back." Kurama snorted, finding Mayura's words to be absolutely hysterical. As if some human, without innocence to taste or a pure heart to possess, could cure his dark lust? As if some pathetic human, without the strength of heart or body, could meet his hunger? "My pleasure in you didn't even soothe my physical ache, let alone my emotional one." She was by far one of the worst one night stands I've ever had the displeasure of dealing with. But then, Kurama suspected that even the most skilled of lovers would leave him dissatisfied. So long as they weren't Botan.
"Didn't sooth…" Mayura's words trailed off as anger gave way to incredulous shock for a mere moment. They went at it for hours and he wasn't satisfied with her? That made no sense. Never had a man left her bed unsatisfied. Never! Anger flooded back into her as carried into her by a wave. "Surely you're lying."
"I'm afraid not." Kurama admitted honestly.
"Are you sure?" Mayura's tone dropped and her voice became deep and husky. The fabric of her ball gown ghosted over the ground before the skirt dropped to pool over the carpet, revealing a pair of racy lace briefs. Mayura stepped out of the opulent fabric and sashayed over to the bed Shuichi shared with the ever oblivious Botan. She braced her palms over the mattress and leaned forward so he could see her ample cleavage as well as the marks he had made over her skin.
Even through the make up, Kurama could see the scratches born from his claws and teeth and his stomach lurched as his mind wandered to happier grounds. If it was only Botan whose flesh wore those marks… Kurama's blood began to boil at the thought, his mind creating a perfect image of what she would look like. She would be absolutely delectable. Kurama bit his lip to keep his body from reacting, but the lust was far too evident in his eyes.
"You seem to like the view. Maybe we should have another go? If you're still unsatisfied-"
A firm hand gripped Mayura's throat, cutting off her sentence suddenly. Nails, sharp as razors and pointed like daggers, dug into the sensitive skin there and drew blood. Mayura could feel the substance drip down her skin and she gasped in fear. The hand tightened around her neck and Mayura struggled for breath, clawing at the slender wrist attached to the hand that choked her. Even as tears clouded her sight, Mayura followed the hand's arm until her gaze met glowing amethysts.
"I did not give you permission to touch. Now, go away." Botan growled, her voice deep and menacing and her pupils narrowed into catlike slits. She gave Mayura a shove, dropping the girl to the ground to cough and wheeze untended.
Mayura backed away from the demonic Botan with fear in her eyes, clutching her neck and coating her fingers with her own blood. She watched in horror as Botan licked the droplets from her own fingertips before a yawn exposed two sets of pointed canines. Botan's tongue curled and she blinked several times. The glow in her eyes dimmed to their normal luminescent before Botan sat up to rub her eyes tiredly. She yawned again and pouted almost grumpily at the bed, bending her knees and dropping her hands between them to rest on the bed. She was unashamed of her nudity it seemed as she looked around.
"Ku-chan…" she murmured, "what's going on?"
Kurama laughed heartily, completely turned on by Botan's subconscious actions. "Nothing, my love, you're just so delicious sometimes." Kurama crooked his finger under Botan's chin so he could direct her face upwards, exposing her neck so he could nibble at the sensitive skin there. He could feel the charges of dark energy attack him, but he couldn't bring himself to care since it was nowhere near as severe as when he tried to kiss Botan or touch her intimately.
"Only sometimes?" Botan managed to mew, growing hot with each scrape of Kurama's teeth and tongue while Mayura watched. "Kurama, stop. We're being watched." Botan moaned in complaint as her face grew red.
"What can I say, I like being watched." Kurama gave Botan's neck one final lick before relenting to Botan's verbal wishes even though he knew she enjoyed the attentions. Looks like my little kitten will be just fine as far as that demon* is concerned. Kurama grinned. He helped Botan to lie back down and drew the covers over her to hide her partial nudity, more to conceal her scar then for the sake of human modesty. She was fortunate Mayura didn't notice it, but Kurama didn't want to press their luck.
"You're so bad Kurama." Botan chuckled tiredly. "It's nice to see the real you once in a while." With that final sigh, Botan's eyes blinked closed and started to doze.
"Only for you," Kurama murmured into Botan's ear.
"Better be. You're mine and I don't feel like sharing just yet." Botan breathed, not completely aware of her own words as she drifted back into the realm of sleep.
"I'm yours and only yours." Kurama promised, his eyes locked on Mayura's cowering form and his face twisting into an expression of absolute malice and joy. His Botan was far more demon then she realized and he couldn't wait to taste her. "Once Yuri is gone, and the scar fades again, be ready for me to claim you as mine." Kurama vowed, his words so silent that only Botan could hear his oath. Even if she isn't dead, if I chase that woman far enough away her power over you will dwindle and then you're scar will no longer be an obstacle. When that happens, you're lips, your body, your spirit; your everything will be mine. Kurama would mark Botan as his and in return he would gladly where hers. The wound on his neck wasn't permanent, but in time the one replacing it will be.*
"Hopefully that'll be soon. I'm horny and tired of waiting…" Now Kurama knew Botan was asleep. Judging by Botan's response, it wouldn't be long before she was dead to the world. Lucky her. Kurama was unfortunately going to be spending another night getting only half the rest he needed and wanted. He would be sleeping with one eye open now that Mayura had entered the room and he knew he was going to be bitter for it. This is all your fault for spoiling me. I can't sleep without you, but I can't sleep with that woman in the room. Kurama gave Botan a pout, cursing her half heartedly for making him love her and compelling him to be overly protective. You're lucky I love you, my beloved Botan; my heart.
"Are you sure you felt them here?" Kurama asked, picking the lock of one of the hotel's side ballrooms.
"I'm sure." Botan nodded, gathering her skirts and walking over to Kurama's other side to peek. She kept her eyes focused on their task, darting between each end of the hall in search of anyone that would catch them. They had slipped away from the banquet a few hours after it started when Botan felt the presence of both Yusuke and Kuwabara. It was faint, but it was reason enough to leave and investigate. Of course, Kurama had another reason for wanting to leave.
Botan was quickly becoming a fan favorite and everywhere the two turned, someone was asking Botan to dance. Needless to say, Kurama didn't like that in the least. He had been rather moody and cold the entire evening, even with the good day before hand. He was actually grateful for the chance to leave since Botan wasn't allowed the liberty to be rude and tell her courters to get lost. She was far to kind even without the added pressures of the pageant and for that reason the males that asked for her company didn't take the hint.
It didn't help that Botan looked exceptionally innocent in her current gown either. With the simple pink ballroom gown framing her features, accented with red. She looked like a little valentine. The sweetheart bodice accentuated her shapely hips and gave her ample breasts enough lift to draw the eye only to have them denied the visual feast by fabric. Around her waist, stopping just below the swell of her bust, was a white obi like cincher that was more for show then actual use. Around it in another layer was a red sash that tide in the front, closer to her left side.* The ends of the sash swayed with each step Botan took, stopping short of her thighs.
"We're in." Kurama announced second later, opening the door wide enough to make room for Botan and himself. Once both were in, he closed and locked the door again. There was nothing out of the ordinary at first glance. Chairs were stacked high against the walls and tables circled a small wooden dance floor. The carpet surrounding it was plain and simple, as to not distract from the surrounding décor. Beyond however were, in the opposite wall from where they stood, were three discrete doors that led to something beyond.
Taking the lead, Botan gathered her skirts and made her way to the door on the farthest right that was barely discernable through the shadows. She avoided the wooden dance floor so the sound of her heels wouldn't draw attention, not knowing if the hotel staff or otherwise had sensitive hearing or not. The effort was moot however when Botan realized that the only person with sensitive hearing in that half of the hotel for three floors was Kurama.
"So…I noticed Mayura was keeping her distance." Botan spoke up, peeking at Kurama from the corner of her eye. She noticed a devious smirk tug at the corner of his mouth, so faint that she would have missed it if she didn't know him so well. She turned to face him, walking awkwardly considering her dress.
"You made sure of that last night." Kurama chuckled, memories of the terrified Mayura flashing to the forefront of his mind. Botan's delicate hand glowed in the moonlight with her fluxing energy as it gripped the long column of Mayura's neck. Her nails were painted red with little droplets of blood. The skin beneath her tightening fingers turned ashen as blood flow became restricted. It was absolutely beautiful.
"I did?" Botan stilled to cock her head to the side curiously, not remembering seeing Mayura at all the previous night. "Are you sure I did something?"
"Quite sure," Kurama nodded. Unable to fight it any longer, he started to chuckle uncontrollably, half tempted to tell Botan exactly what she had done. He was sure Botan would be mortified if she knew. The words were already forming, the sight of Botan's curious look tugging at his lips and tongue. He bit them back however, deciding that he would just throw it into his metaphorical bag of ammo to use when teasing her. Now was not the time for teasing since Botan wasn't all that silent in those situations. I wonder what else she can't be silent about.
"…If you say so…" Botan knew Kurama was laughing at her and was starting to dread when the truth of the matter would come up. Kurama loved teasing his friends. The closer he was to them, the more he teased. He was a fox after all. Teasing, pranks, tricks, all of them were rather common for his species. It was common for all foxes. I'm doomed.
Dropping his expression suddenly, Kurama turned sharply to look behind him. His hand inched towards his scalp while the other stretched out behind him in silent warning to his Botan. His eyes narrowed and he took several deep breaths. Kurama exhaled sharply as if to rid his nose of scents before repeating the process of taking deep breaths to fill his lungs with new smells. Slowly, Kurama's breath became normal and he eased out of his defensive stance. He was still on alert, but he couldn't peg exactly what it was that triggered his senses. Nothing was there, but Kurama was at an age where he knew that instinct was always right.
"Is something wrong?" Botan whispered, approaching Kurama until his still extended arm pressed against her stomach. She placed a hand on Kurama's shoulder and allowed for her own senses to radiate beyond herself. She felt and saw nothing, but Kurama was unnerved by something and that alone set her off.
"It's nothing," Kurama replied after a time. Even so, Kurama didn't want to dally. He didn't feel any presence, nor did he feel any malice, but he hadn't sensed Yuri watching them not too long ago either. It would be best to err on the side of caution. Grabbing Botan's hand, Kurama led the way to the door they were heading towards to begin with. He didn't stop till the door was unlocked, opened, and locked behind them. Only with the door between them and whatever it was that triggered his senses for the briefest of moments did he relax.
"Are you sure it was nothing. Don't hide anything from me," Botan pleaded, pulling her arm free of her Kurama's hold.
"I'm sure it was nothing, I just felt as if we were being watched." Kurama explained to placate her. "I was being paranoid."
"Okay, but I don't like it when you're paranoid. Bad things tend to happen." Botan sighed, gripping Kurama's hand and taking the lead again. With her eyes, she could see that the small and empty room they had entered was in fact a hallway. She couldn't tell what energy cast the illusion of the room, but she dispelled it easily enough. The owner of the glamour was either very weak, not even trying, or there's more tricks then just the one. Upon further inspection, a second layer of illusions was made clear for Botan's sight. This time it was in the form of many doors when only three, one on either side and at the very end, were real.
Closing her eyes, Botan followed the faint traces of Yusuke's and Kuwabara's spirit energy. This led her to the side door to her right. Turning to Kurama, Botan canted her head in the door's direction. There was a demonic seal over the door, one she did not have the skill to break open without alerting the caster to her whereabouts.
This is too easy Kurama thought. This is either a trap, or a dud. Bracing himself for the former and hoping against the later, Kurama broke the seal in a matter of seconds with a charge of his youki. This revealed to both him and Botan a small room that had little to behold other then boxes and crates. However, at the room's center was a stack of boxes that formed a makeshift pedestal. At the top was a small opened chest, encrusted with gold and jewels alike with seals gleaming off of the smooth glassy surfaces. The box was empty, the velvet lined interior carrying indents of what was once there. A dud. Kurama scowled, barking a foul expletive for which there was no translation.
"At least we know what was able to hide them," Botan offered Kurama as their disappointment filled the atmosphere around them. She laced her fingers with Kurama's and gave his hand a comforting squeeze. She had expected as much when she didn't hear the tell tale bickering of her dear tantei members, but she did hope.
The sound of footsteps echoing down the hall reached their ears, prompting them to both dive behind a high stack of crates. Kurama pulled Botan between his legs with her head tucked under his chin as if to hide her behind his larger frame. His back rested against the wood of a large box and slowly he allowed for his demonic features to merge with his human ones. While his youki remained locked beneath his skin, Kurama's ears stretched atop his head to form his fox ears and his eyes became predominantly gold. His body expanded slightly, his clothes tightening around his limbs almost uncomfortably.
Thinking fast, Botan reached around Kurama's waist and sliced a large hole into the back of Kurama's pants so his tails could snake through without making much sound. She ran her fingers through his fur once they had finished growing in, fixing the strands so they wouldn't be caught in the fabric of his slacks any longer. Kurama moaned at the touch, making Botan flinch into stillness. She looked up at Kurama in time to see the molten gold in his eyes darken slightly as he squirmed to move his tails from Botan's reach. She flashed him an apologetic smile. She had forgotten how sensitive tails were to touch, especially Kurama's tails. It was no secret that the tail of a mammal demon was a powerful erogenous* zone, and for Kurama it was so powerful against him that it has been known to throw him into maddening lust. Good thing I didn't squeeze… Botan thought.
The sound of the door opening reached their ears and stilled their movements completely. Kurama forced himself to focus on the task at hand and leaned to the side so he could peek around the box. His ears twitched atop his head, turning to face the one entering the room as if they owned it. He could feel Botan doing the same, her torso pressing against his chest so she could look around his arm. He squirmed a bit again, fighting back the heat from his belly with the hopes that his lust would subside since it was only a brush of his tail. He doubted Botan even realized that she scratched the base of his first tail, something that he enjoyed a little too much.
"I don't see why you had to give him that soul fragment," A woman's voice hissed.
Botan's eyes widened upon inspecting the woman. The owner of the voice was the kindly dark skinned judge, a foreigner by the name of Latoya Michaels. Her voice was however slightly distorted and her once smooth mocha skin looked ashen. The suit that she wore, a blue pant suite that flattered her voluptuous body and long legs no long fit right. It hung from her body loosely as if she had lost a considerable amount of mass that was near impossible in the few hours between then and the time they had last seen her two hours ago. Michaels's aura, which was once bright and sunny like the summer day, was now twisted and gray. Bubbles of purity seeped from holes her essence made, signs that her soul was breaking apart from some wound that Botan could not see. Bracing her knee against the ground, Botan rose up enough to reach one of Kurama's ears. It turned to face her and Botan cupped her mouth so that no sound would escape.
"Something has possessed Michaels-san." Botan breathed into his ear, her words so silent that her voice could barely be distinguished from the rushing of the a/c vent above them.
Kurama nodded in understanding, fighting the shiver that trailed down his spine. He reached up to the back of Botan's neck and traced his fingertip over her skin, writing his message to her since her hearing wasn't as acute as his. "She's dead and whoever killed her is wearing her skin." Botan's flinch told Kurama that she understood him. He felt sorry for the judge, but there was nothing that could be done to save her or her soul. Guiding Botan back down, Kurama turned her away from the sight. "Whoever it is, is keeping the skin so they won't be sensed all that easily. The only reason I can tell is due to my exposure to you."
Botan nodded and focused her eyes onto the corner, focusing on the voice with the hope that she could pick out the real voice under Michaels's real one.
"Yes, the human's soul fragment has also been transferred." The woman growled, rolling her eyes. "I don't see why I have to do this. It's Kika's job."
Kurama strained to hear the other side of the conversation, but all he could tell was that the person on the other end of the phone line was male. Unfortunately the man on the other line was whispering, muffling the words even more. Kurama mentally cursed the individual's forethought.
"I don't care if she's pregnant with that filthy animal's brood. Tell her to abort the whelps and get back to work. I did not agree to this kind of menial work…." Kurama flinched at the woman's words. He had expected as much but at the same time was at a lost for what to do. If Kika was with child then what was to happen when he killed Jinan? Would he have to kill her as well? And what of the offspring? Kurama prayed he would not have to make such decisions. Killing defenseless infants never sat well with him.
"Everything is already set into motion….But Mokushi…Don't you dare take that tone with me!" The woman spat. "I am not like you're other puppets. You wouldn't be what you are if it weren't for me….Ha! You're strength pales in comparison to my immortality. Remember this Mokushi, you are nothing without me and I can easily take the power you've stolen away with a flick of my wrist…..There is a reason I'm allowing you to dominate me. Don't forget that." The woman snapped the phone shut and grabbed the box that once held Kuwabara's and Yusuke's soul fragments. Turning sharply on her heal, the woman left after delivering a kick to a nearby stack of boxes.
Kurama clamped a hand over Botan's mouth just as the stack tumbled next to them. He then waited a good long while before he let go. The clacking of heels had faded in the distance but Kurama made no move to leave just yet. There was a good chance that the woman might not have left completely just yet so Kurama wanted to be cautious.
"So what now?" Botan whispered.
"I don't know." Kurama admitted, organizing the information gained so he could make sense of it all. "It looks like the Fallen have a leader, which makes some sense."
"This Mokushi fellow," Botan followed. "Do you have any idea who that could be?"
"I really haven't the slightest. His is a name I'm not familiar with." Kurama knew of many people Ningenkai, Makai, and Reikai, but even so Mokushi was beyond his realm of memory. It could mean that he was either from a different realm entirely or that he was never someone worth notice until now. It was too soon to be sure, but Kurama would give it more thought before he shared his findings. Standing and forcing his demonic features back below the surface, Kurama helped Botan to her feet.
Whether the act was intentional or not, Kurama used a little too much force which had Botan colliding into his chest. The energy of Botan's cursed mark charged and danced over Kurama's form, singing his dress jacket until the fabric frayed and broke. Kurama ignored it however in favor of enjoying Botan's adorable blush. However, after too long of the energy burning at his skin and increasing in strength, Kurama backed away and sighed. He really hoped that when Yuri was chased away the scar would revert back to normal. He had come up with the hypothesis some time the previous night. When he realized that the scar only behaved as it did when Yuri got too close to Botan and her emotional state had weakened her energy,* the conclusion came to him quite rapidly. Please let me be right.
Botan smiled up at Kurama nervously, saddened that she could not be as close to him as she wished, but happy just the same. His actions, even though they brought him pain and her worry, showed that he did indeed want her. "We should go now." Botan said hesitantly, taking a step back to put more distance between them. She reached out to grip Kurama's hand, marveling at how much smaller hers was in comparison to his even though he was currently human in form. His fingers laced with hers and her smile brightened,
"As I said last night, as soon as Yuri's gone, we'll be together."
"And I'll get my kiss?"
"You'll get whatever you want." Kurama smiled.
"Without teasing?" Botan pressed, her eyes filling with impish light.
"Yes, without teasing." Kurama laughed in consent. It was his teasing nature that kept them from ever kissing to begin with, so he would be sure to find other methods to torment her without robbing them both of their desires. "But, till then." Kurama ducked his head to nuzzle Botan's cheek, his lips grazing against her mouth before a particularly nasty charge of energy ripped through the front of Botan's gown.
Kurama backed away before the charge could inflict too much damage, only to have his eyes land on the exposed skin of Botan's chest. Though he enjoyed the view, it would not do at all for Botan to walk around with her breasts threatening to spill from the once sweetheart of her dress's top. Shrugging his ruined jacket from his shoulders, Kurama wrapped it around Botan's shoulders lovingly.
"Sorry," Botan apologized shyly, slipping her arms through the sleeves and holding the black dress jacket shut.
"It's all right." Kurama shrugged. He knew where he could touch along Botan's body already, but every now and again he would push against the boundaries with the hope that Botan's energy had spiked enough to push the energy of her sister back again. Unfortunately, the two energies were too well matched for Botan's to overcome it and Yuri's energy was keeping his at bay. At least the charge didn't hurt as much as when he tried to kiss her last night.
Taking the lead, Kurama guided Botan back towards the elevators. From there, the two went to Kurama's room so he could change into his remaining suit since the other two had been destroyed. It was a regrettable fact, but Kurama didn't much care for the fashion statement all that much. He had other choices of formal wear for the following evenings, but they weren't as preferred. From there, the two made there way to Botan's room where she had a jacket that matched the dress enough to be thrown over the rip without taking away from her overall look.
Once they landed on the floor, Botan gathered her skirts and took the lead down the hall to her room. At the door however she waited, as if stilled by some unknown force. There was no outside force acting on her being, just a bad feeling that suddenly filled her.
"You gonna go in?" Kurama inquired, placing his hand on her shoulder in order to slide down along Botan's side before resting at her hip. He ducked down to nuzzle Botan's cheek and neck affectionately when he sensed her unease. She turned and the sound of her giggle soothed him enough and he lost himself to the sound for one brief moment.
"Kurama," Botan chuckled, exposing her neck to allow more access. All the while, her hand worked on autopilot to open her door. The two nearly stumbled over themselves without the wood of the door to support them, making them laugh at themselves merrily.
"Sorry. I can't help myself." Kurama admitted, following Botan with his face still pressed against her neck.
"You're so bad," Botan purred in reprimand, reaching out to the wall to turn on the lights. Turning, Botan froze and stared at the room in shock.
All around the room, the tattered remains of all her cloths were strewn about. Her clothes, her dresses, her accessories, everything was ruined beyond repair. They had been slashed and cut. Seams had been ripped and fabrics had been torn.
"Botan, wait in the hall." Kurama commanded darkly, guiding her by the arm out the door and closing it between them.
Botan watched Kurama until the door closed, frozen in place by what she had seen. Anger and sorrow swelled up in her heart, making it race as sweat coated her palms. How could someone do that to her things? Why would someone that? Who would…Why would… Botan's mind raced to find a reason, but all she could think about was how it wasn't fair. Backing against the hall's wall behind her, Botan slid down it until she was seated. Her eyes were downcast, angry, and hurt. Why did these things always happen to her?
Kurama exited the room several moments later, his expression blank but his aura flaring with his anger. Over his arm he carried a cropped white jacket which he handed down to Botan for her to put on. He then swooped down and lifted Botan into the cradle of his arms so he could carry her down the hall. Botan didn't ask where they were going, not caring in the least and wanting the comfort of his company. Clutching at the fabric of Kurama's shirt, Botan tucked her head under his chin and closed her eyes as if to sleep. Truth was, she didn't want to deal with the world in that moment. She'd spent so much time, wasted it if she wanted to be honest, on this pageant only to have all her work ripped from under her feet. She was not happy.
"We'll report this to the judges and then go and see about dinner." Kurama offered, his voice velvety smooth and without true emotion. He was absolutely livid. How dare someone do this to his Botan? After all the crap the pageant put them through, this was their reward. He wanted blood for it. Kurama turned down the hall and summoned the elevator, so lost in thought that he almost missed a familiar aura. It belonged to someone he really didn't want to see in that moment, but he would deal with it given the circumstances. Stepping back and pulling Botan closer to his chest possessively, Kurama glared at the elevator doors and waited.
Botan blinked up at her Kurama and sighed. He never did well with jealousy. Running her fingers through his forelocks and fixing his bangs, Botan gave Kurama her attentions to keep him calm and from going off the deep end like before. So, when the elevator doors opened, Kurama was preoccupied with Botan's affections and wouldn't be allowed the opportunity to redirect his anger.
"Meibo-san?" Koudo gasped, not all that surprised to see her there but putting up a front just the same. "What are you doing up here when you are being missed downstairs?" he asked her. He was sure to keep a perpetual distance between Kurama and himself, not wishing to deal with a frenzy at that moment, even in part. Even without that threat looming over their heads, Koudo knew his presence was unwanted.
Instead of allowing Botan the chance to answer with her return of pleasantries, Kurama cut into the conversation with the news of what had happened. "Botan's things had been vandalized by some of the other contestants."
"Come again?" Darkness filled the golden man's gaze. Again, he wasn't all that surprised to hear Kurama's words but was angered just the same. His sweet little peony did not deserve this slight or any other that would be sent her way.
"Botan's dresses have been destroyed to force her disqualification. You can go see for yourself." Kurama repeated. He knew the rules of the contest. He had memorized them upon learning of Botan's and Maya's involvement in the pageant. Since Botan would have no means to continue participation for the rest of the contest, even though she wasn't at fault, her disqualification was definite.
"And you have proof of the criminals involved?" Koudo already knew the answer. He was merely asking out of a courtesy.
"I do." Kurama's youki flared to prove his point, reminding the judge that he was indeed a demon.
"I see. I'll see to it that those responsible are punished to the best of my capabilities." Koudo offered, bowing at the waist before sidestepping the two with the intention to do just as he said. He couldn't do much though since there was not proof that could be admissible for the normal human staff he worked with. He knew something like this would happen and knew that Botan would never reached the end of the contest, but he had hoped. The future in constant flux and changed the moment one looked at it. But for him, that was not the case. He knew how this was going to end. He knew how everything was going to end.
Kurama and Botan watched the judge vanish down the hall before recalling the elevator and taking it down to the lobby. Instead of going to the grand ballroom however, he took Botan to the in-hotel restaurant. He didn't' want to have to deal with any of the other pageant contestants, fearing that his anger wouldn't be completely detained.
The end of the contest came, and with it, the crown. Kurama was still livid with what had happened a few days ago but it seemed Botan had gotten over it easily enough. They were currently sitting in the audience, wrapped in each other's arms and awaiting the announcement for the winner. Neither really cared who won so long as the winner wasn't one of the many that destroyed Botan's chances. Fortunately that was the case.
Dressed in a shimmering white ball gown, Maya stood at the forefront with tears of absolute joy in her eyes. The crown of victory adorned her brown curls and a bouquet of lush roses were cradled in her arms. She waved at the audience and reveled in their applause. She had won. Finally, it was her that was the winner. However, even with her win, a sorrow clung to her gaze. She didn't beat Botan. She had been denied the chance.
When Maya found out that Botan had been disqualified, she was absolutely furious. She didn't care that Botan had suffered an injustice, for Maya believed that such a thing would be deserved. But in truth, Maya no longer cared about the contest. Her goal was to beat Botan fair and square on her own too feet. That was her goal; her deepest wish. Now, even though she wore the crown, she would never know if she was second best to Botan or not. As far as Maya was concerned, she was second best until given the chance to prove herself. Maya had been denied. Even though she was queen, Botan would forever be a Goddess by comparison. Maya needed the chance to prove herself, and others, otherwise. Maya deserved the chance to compete with Botan and see if maybe, just maybe, Maya could reach the level of divinity others bestowed onto Botan.
I guess I'll never know now…Pushing her sorrow back behind a mask of joy, Maya continued to wave. She would accept this little victory for what it was. She wasn't able to beat Botan, but she was able to beat many others. It was better to be second place then third or below. Maya could accept that. Finding the heads of blue and red in the crowd, Maya allowed herself the opportunity for her mask to slip just a fraction. Locking her eyes with Botan, her hate and contempt seeped through. I will prove myself to be better then you Botan. I am better then you. I'll knock you off your pedestal and take your place. Just you wait.
Botan flinched at the intensity of the emotions in Maya's look, clinging tighter to Kurama's side and returning it with a defensive glare of her own. She could feel Maya's hatred and was angered for it. What have I ever done to you? Botan thought, marveling at the power of jealousy. I cannot believe that this is all because of her jealous...
"Just ignore her." Kurama whispered into Botan's ear, caressing her cheek and guiding her cheek to rest on his shoulder.
"I can't help it though. She really hates me because…" Botan let the sentence drop, unwilling to continue. It wasn't her place to share the extent of Maya's love for him.
"…because I chose you." Kurama finished with a smile. He cocked his head to the side and locked eyes with his beloved. He knew how Maya felt about him. He had known for a long while. Kurama didn't care though. He had been loved and lusted after by many so it was nothing new. What was new was the fact that he loved and he wasn't going to give it up because some female can't handle the fact she wasn't chosen. "She's gonna have to get over that. I chose you and nothing's going to change that."
Botan blushed at Kurama's admission, her heart racing a mile a minute. When Kurama caressed her cheek again, Botan melted into his touch. Closing her eyes expectantly, Kurama leaned down to press his lips to her forehead. Just as he did so however, he pulled away and barked a foul expletive.
The ground began to shake and rumble as youki flared violently. From the stage, Koudo and the once kindly judge Latoya Michaels stood unwavering as the energy pulsed from their forms. The contestants screamed as the increasingly powerful flares of energy pushed them away, its darkness burning their skin and eating away at their psyche.
Koudo took this time to rip off his jacket and shirt, exposing his bare upper body to the eyes of all and revealing glowing tattoos that pulsed in time with his energy. Around his neck hung Yusuke's soul fragment, bound in a black leather chord. The gem shone with Yusuke's fading strength, his spirit energy and youki spiraling around the gem and seeping into Koudo's body. From his back, familiar gossamer wings burst forth. He gave them a flap and lifted from the ground, calling his energy to his hand and cleaving the stage in two. The force of the blow knocked the contestants farther back and out of the way. He turned then, flying ever higher and preparing another blow for the frenzied audience.
Kurama stared at the fae in a bewildered state, not knowing how to feel at being validated over Koudo's allegiances. Hate gave way however as memories of all the times Koudo had royally angered him filled his mind and with it came a silent prayer of thanks to the fates that orchestrated the day's events. "This must be my lucky day." Kurama hissed, his demonic features bleeding to the forefront until nothing of his human form remained. He leapt from his seat and flicked his rose whip out with a dark eagerness.
Botan watched the fight in shock, unwilling to believe that Koudo, who was so sweet and helpful to her, would betray them in such a way. Unfortunately, Botan was unable to dwell on that subject when the other energy shifted and became familiar. Botan paled and dropped back into her seat, her eyes being drawn towards the other judge that remained standing. The woman's eyes had glued themselves onto Botan and said girl couldn't fight the chill that traveled down her back. Once she was sure she had Botan's undivided attention, the judge reached up to her own face and dug her nails in before ripping the skin loose as if pealing of a mask.
Hair of ebony cascaded down the woman's back in a cascade of night, framing a face of absolute white. The business suit she wore and the skin underneath, dark but ashen, stretched and broke in some places but otherwise remained intact. Around her, her energy seeped into the ground like shadows that danced in the flickering light. Blobs of darkness bubbled from the ground, forming masses of black as they crawled from the ground.
Botan stared in horror as the face of her sister stared back at her. She knew that Yuri was there, Botan had said as much the night before, but to see her so plainly was completely different from just having the knowledge. Seeing Yuri made everything more real.
"Botan?" a voice called as a hand clamped over her bicep. Botan turned to see Shizuru try to pull her from her seat and follow the crowd out. Maya was thrown haphazardly over her shoulder in a fireman's hold, knocked unconscious during the Fallen's initial attack.
Botan shrugged the hold off when she returned to the present. "Take the others and find the safest way out." Botan commanded, standing up again and balancing herself on the backs of hers and Kurama's seats. Botan put herself in full view of her sister, drawing Yuri's attention with the hopes that Yuri would be distracted from the others in attendance. Even as the fear gripped her heart, Botan stood resolute in her task. "Aigyou-san, please get everyone out of here." Botan called of the ten-tailed vixen.
"Be careful dearest kit," she replied, taking her truest form with complete disregard for the humans around her and increasing in size. Each step she took shook the earth on which she walked and her tails knocked over chairs and shadow demons alike with ease. She towered high over the heads of the humans, the tallest reaching her elbow. Her eyes glowed like gemstones with their intelligence and even though she lacked the ability to speak, her intentions were evident through her holy aura. Lowering herself down onto her stomach, she called her son's companions onto her back. It was a tight fit, but her monstrous size allowed for all but Mukuro and Hiei to ride her. Opening her mouth wide, energy condensed into an orb of light only to be released by the giant vixen. The wall crumbled and disintegrated upon impact as well as all behind it, allowing for her own escape.
"Hang on!" Aigyou commanded telepathically before she ran from the hotel. She took flight moments after leaving the building, spiriting those on her back away to safety.
Botan watched them leave before turning back to face the fight going on behind her. Hiei and Mukuro had joined into the fray, burning away the black masses as they both engaged Yuri in combat. Yuri ripped the rest of the skin from her body and avoided the flames of the two demons with ease. Bubbles of purity dripped from her lips before she opened her mouth wide so the soul she had devoured could escape. It formed a wall of sorts that suffered the brunt of the attacks both Hiei and Mukuro had delivered.
Hiei pulled back as soon as he realized what the spiritual barrier was, but Mukuro didn't care as much for the fate of the human soul. She shattered it with her energy, cleaving her way to Yuri in what she hoped would be a fatal attack. Yuri skipped back, dodging the blow before reaching out to encase Mukuro's mechanical eye in her fist. Yuri applied a crushing force, but before any real damage could be done the blade of a katana forced her away.
Chains and hooks materialized from thin air of varying size and thickness, forming a web that Hiei and Mukuro narrowly avoided being captured in. Hiei landed on one of the thicker chains, balanced precariously on the swinging links, while Mukuro gripped another with her mechanical arm. She hung there for a moment, looking over to her intended in silent thanks before she sought out a different approach to combat against the fair maiden below.
"Be careful Mukuro, that woman is up to something." Hiei warned telepathically. Flames of energy ate away at the cloth that hid his Jagan eye from view. Once it was free, Hiei's energy quadrupled in strength and malice, but even so he was nothing in comparison to what he once was. His strength had not completely returned to him so now he was forced to rely on his Jagan eye completely if he wished to survive. Seams appeared over his body as several eyes opened along his arms and torso, his skin darkening to a deep and poisonous green.
"Consider it duly noted." Mukuro nodded, swinging from the chain and onto another in time to avoid being struck down by Koudo's falling body.
Kurama lashed his whip out again in the hopes of decapitating Koudo, thus ending the fight once and for all. The web of chains however got in his way, since Koudo could navigate through them thanks to his abilities of flight whereas Kurama was more hindered. A hook snaked its way behind the yoko and Kurama was forced to change directory. More chains and hooks appeared from nothing, slithering around in their pursuit of Kurama. The shadow creatures utilized them, running over the links to attack the fighters in mass.
Performing a rose whiplash, Kurama cleared many of the chains and shadow creatures alike only to have them reform from their broken remains, some of which merged together to form larger and more powerful foes. Kurama cursed and pulled another rose bud from his hair so it could encase his free arm with the binding fist of the immortal vine. Alternating between slicing through the smaller demons with his sword and lashing out his whip to loop around the chains to swing from, Kurama slowly made his way through the tangled mess in hopes of reaching Koudo. A large group of darkness awaited his arrival, clumping together to form a small dimensional gate for which large swarms of lesser demons could emerge. The lack of room to maneuver shrank with the increase of large bodies into the room, making it near impossible for Kurama to move. Kurama was forced to drop to a lower chain.
Petals and thorns fell from Kurama's hair, only to be duplicated by the yoko's energy. This formed a dangerous bubble around him that shredded many of the incoming demons' hides into lifeless bloody masses. It wasn't enough. More swarmed Kurama, forcing him to move again until he was back to back with Hiei who was in a similar situation as he. Next to join them was Mukuro, who had lost her mechanic hand in order to deliver a massive burst of energy that obliterated the chains and demons alike.
The demon gate remained, as did Yuri and Koudo.
More chains snaked into view, writhing around as the hooks at their ends rushed to impale the three demons. One succeeded, paving the way for many more. In his hurry to shove Mukuro out of harms way, Hiei's arm had been caught. Metal tore through the muscle in his arm as it ripped him into the air and away from his two comrades. He bit back a scream of pain as he used his free arm to fight back the others with his katana, but he was still so weak from having his spirit drained. His speed, his strength, everything was impaired and he could only brace himself for the inevitable. Nothing came before Hiei was dropped to the ground. Before he could land, a chain wrapped around his torso and he was yanked back before even more chains could impale him. Looking behind him, he found Botan with her chain and sickle in hand.
"You okay?" she asked, disintegrating the hook in his arm with her spirit energy before healing the wound shut.
Hiei merely grunted his thanks as he unwrapped the chain from his chest. He stood his ground next to her, regaining his footing and flexing his newly healed arm to check Botan's quick handiwork. She wasn't able to do much given the circumstances, but the patch job was more than appreciated.
When Botan saw that Hiei was fine, she swung her sickle in a wide arc to cleave a demon that had gotten too close in two. She then threw the blade and grasped the chain just as it left her hand, giving it a powerful swing to deal with a few more of the demons that charged in Hiei's direction. Strangely, or not so strangely given their summoner, Botan wasn't a target, which allowed her more liberties in comparison to the others. These liberties she was more then happy to exploit.
"Stay behind me, okay." Botan told Hiei, glancing behind herself to see if he understood her. "The demons and hooks won't attack me as long as you and the others are here and I don't do anything to make Yuri made." Botan explained when she saw Hiei open his mouth as if to complain. He nodded in understanding, still clearly not liking the idea but consenting just the same. With this Botan started to run forward, cleaving through the demons that tried to skirt around her to attack Hiei. Those she missed, which were few, met their end at Hiei's sword. When they reached Kurama's and Mukuro's sides they were able to join in against the hoards of demons.
"We need to close the portal," Kurama declared, dodging a giant ogre's hand that came down with the hopes of crushing him before cleaving the creature in two. He gave the remains a kick to push them away, creating a domino affect that left many of the lesser demons behind it pinned. "The demons are only getting stronger."
"In order to do that we need to do something about the lure since this type of portal can't be closed while it's in use." Botan explained. "They're only coming because they sense Yusuke's soul fragment." Silently calling her spirit aids; bubbles of energy formed out of thin air to encase Botan's kusarigama and turn it into her scythe. Though they did not take form, she could feel the comforting warmth of her pixies radiate through her. She grabbed the shaft of her weapon and swung it overhead until a ring of energy was formed. The sound made of the blade slicing through the air was like a siren's song to the lesser demons as they altered their trajectory to charge the weapon itself only to be mercilessly butchered by the energy disk the scythe created.
Mukuro seized the opportunity presented and ran towards the black portal from which the demons swarmed. She then sent a large blast of energy into it to cut off the flow of demons entering. That was when Botan stopped spinning her scythe and cleaved it downwards, releasing the energy to cut the portal in two. She dropped to the ground after that as a severe dizzy spell took hold of her. Her blurred vision was darkened as the bodies of Kurama, Hiei, and Mukuro circled her protectively.
"Are you okay?" Kurama asked, kneeling so he could check on Botan. She had expelled a lot of energy in that last attack and he could tell that it would only be a moment longer before she gave into her exhaustion and fainted. He pulled her into his arms and offered his wrist when he saw that Mukuro and Hiei had them covered for the time being.
"Get your filthy hands off of her!" Yuri bellowed, when she saw Kurama's arms around her beloved Botan. It was then that she saw the wound on Kurama's neck as well. The implications of what the bite mark meant, as well as how easily the demon offered up his wrist was too much for Yuri to bear. Raw malicious energy surged from Yuri's body. It melted the demons that remained and blew her opponents back into the far crumbling wall. When Kurama curled his body around Botan in an act of protection, an act that only she was allowed to commit, she was sent careening over the deep end.
Yuri's body began to pulse as what little color she had drained into a sickly gray. Her hands and feet grew in size as her limbs stretched to impossible lengths while her torso remained unchanged. Her fingers gained an extra joint as they became black with corruption. Talons of read stretched from her nail beds, dripping with her own blood at their sudden extension. Her face, which was once beautiful, split at her mouth as her jaw unhinged to allow room for long and sharp teeth that dripped with venom and saliva. Her tongue lolled forward, growing sharp as a barb broke through its tip. Her eyes became red as a second pair blinked into existence over the first while her forehead expanded to accommodate them. Bones shot from her back, each growing extrusions until they took the shape of grotesque wings. A bloody film stretched between the gaps and the faint echo of souls long since devoured could bee seen in them, their torment permanently etched into their faint screaming faces. Even more bone broke through her skin along her spine, forming a tail that curled like a scorpions with a vicious stinger at the end.
She leaned forward until she was on all fours, her tongue lashing out and reaching across the long room to wrap around Botan's ankle. She pulled violently, leaping onto the ceiling and digging her claws in to hold herself suspended. "Mine! All mine!" Yuri chanted, as she attempted to rip Botan from Kurama's hold.
"Let me go!" Botan demanded, clinging to Kurama's form and kicking against the tongue with her free leg.
"Never!" Yuri hissed. "You're mine! I won't let anyone else have you!"
"That's not your choice!" Kurama barked, lashing his whip out to cut the tongue loose. Acid bleed from the wound and rained down on them, forcing Kurama to shield Botan's body from harm with his own. He ignored the pain of the acid burning into his back as he tried to force his mind to concentrate on the task at hand. He was distracted however for a brief moment when Botan cried out in pain. Her ankle had been burnt by the substance just as a barrier was formed to protect her and the others from anymore harm. Kurama cursed himself for not being able to create the barrier sooner, but he was not allowed the luxury to punish himself for his crime.
Koudo, with the aid of Yusuke's soul fragment was taking aim with his index finger pointed like a gun. His energy built up at his finger's tip, the light of it growing in size and intensity as both Yusuke's reiki and youki were pulled from the crystal to blend with Koudo's.
Seeing this, Yuri was the first to react. She was no longer thinking about her mission. She was no longer thinking about her fight with the others. All she was thinking about was Botan. All Yuri could think about was Botan and what would happen if Koudo's spirit gun landed. Striking at the fae with her tail, Yuri dispersed the energy Koudo had gathered and forced him back.
"What are you doing?" Koudo demanded, his voice plain and hollow, as if he didn't care either way.
"You are not to harm what is mine!" Yuri exclaimed, attacking again with the hopes of running him through.
Koudo bit back a swear and reformed his spirit gun, only this time taking aim at the demonic Yuri herself. Taking the last of Yusuke's energy from the crystal he released it in a powerful bullet. Simultaneously with his shot, Yuri spat acid at Koudo's chest. It dripped from his body harmlessly, but the chord around his neck broke and Yusuke's crystal was dropped to the world below. Oops. Koudo thought half heartedly just as his bullet connected with Yuri's body. She was blown into little pieces by the attack that rained down with her acidic blood.
The tantei present watched in horror and confusion as everything transpired before their very eyes, chunks of Yuri's body sliding off of Kurama's barrier to pool onto the floor. Before the group could get their hopes up, the pieces of Yuri began to squirm and roll over the ground until they reached a focal point at the center of the room. The chunks merged together as flesh and bone started to form. Once Yuri's head and torso had reformed in its human shape, Koudo gripped her hair and dragged her over the floor. Parts of Yuri's body followed behind her, like magnets fighting to collide together but the movement kept them from joining.
"What a pain." Koudo sighed before taking flight and leaving the building before Yuri could realize what was going on. Turning around to face the tired tantei, he blew Botan a kiss. A shot of energy was born from the action, one that grew in size and fazed into the walls and ground of the hotel. The building began to shake as the stress of the battle became too much. Fissures spider webbed over the ceiling and columns snapped, no longer able to hold the multi storied building aloft.
Calling her oar to her hands, Botan pulled Kurama, Hiei, and Mukuro onto it and carried them out just as the entire left side of the building collapsed onto itself. She didn't stop her flight until she was too high in the air for humans to see, praying that none of what happened would be linked to either her or Kurama. Only then did Botan allow herself to panic over the sight of her sister. Wrapping her arms around herself, Botan started to wheeze and hyperventilate.
Kurama pulled her into his embrace and cooed over her, keeping his eyes down below to make sure that no one would spot them. He then looked behind him to see Hiei and Mukuro grasping the shaft of Botan's oar for dear life. It's not that they were afraid of heights or anything, but since Botan was entering a fit of hysterics neither of them trusted the flimsy thin oar to hold them aloft. Kurama would have found it funny if the situation wasn't so dire. Botan had been hurt and the sight of Yuri had upset her. At least Botan held on until she was gone. Tucking Botan's head under his chin, Kurama continued to sooth Botan.
"What now? Yusuke's soul fragment is in that mess." Hiei voiced, relaxing slightly when the oar remained unwavering.
"We're going to have to go get it. We'll wait till night falls." And until Botan calms down.
Careful of where she stepped, Botan gathered what remained of her belongings so she and the others could leave the crumbling hotel. In most cases she would have left material objects because they would have no substantial meaning to her, but amongst her things were the detective items that would be very difficult to replace. It would also be very bad if they fell into the wrong hands. She could hear Kurama pacing outside the door and couldn't help but smile at his concern. She had talked him and the others into waiting outside since she was the lightest after Hiei, who was busy fussing over Mukuro's "loss of limb."
Botan froze when the building gave another shake, looking up and around herself to clarify her safety. In doing so, something bright caught her eye. Resting on her pillow, nestled comfortably over perfectly folded and pressed linens, was a gem of absolute purity. It rivaled diamonds in beauty and iridescence. Absolute warmth and purity wrapped around the gem, encasing it with light and love that could only belong to the purest of all she knew.
Dropping her things, Botan rushed over to gem. Taking it into her hands, Kuwabara's warmth filled her and she could hear his tired hello echoing in her head. Botan was so overwhelmed with emotions that she almost missed the piece of parchment that had been folded neatly underneath Kuwabara's soul fragment. In that moment, all joy that Botan felt vanished and she stared at the paper, frozen in place.
A wave of comforting energy surrounded Botan, giving her the strength to reach out and lift the note into her hands. She held it as far from herself as she could, unfolding the page on handed so she could read the flawlessly written message.
'To my beloved Bo-chan,
May this gift be worth more then any artificial crown. For, you are the true winner of beauty amongst the filthy humans that ruined your victory. You deserved the crown and I only wish I was able to give you the head of the falsely chosen Queen as you deserve.
I love you most of all,
Yuri
*1 – If you didn't get the context clue, Kurama is referring to his own lust. He calls it a demon in its own right because it spawns many of his kinks which include:
Agonophilia - Pseudo-rape, pretend struggle or wrestling play as a form of foreplay
Agoraphilia - Sex in public places (and might get caught)
Altocalciphilia - High heels (a relatively new fetish)
Amaurophilia - Partner who is unable to see them during sex, blind/blindfolded sex partner
Anophelorastia - Defiling or ravaging a partner
Asphyxiophilia – likes to strangle and be strangled. (Needless to say, he REALLY enjoyed the show when Botan choked Mayura)
Dendrophilia – gets off by being around trees. (He is the outdoors type after all)
Exhibitionism – being watched while performing sexual acts
Narrotophilia – dirty talk/obscene language when performing sexual acts
Odaxelagnia - Biting/being bitten
Sadism - Dominating/mistreating/humiliating one's partner (emphasis on the dominating)
Tantalolagnia – Teasing
Trichophilia – hair. He likes hair pulling for himself and his partner. Also likes what my friends and I call head sex: when those with long nails run their fingers through his hair and massage his scalp
Triolism - Three-party sex (doesn't care what gender his partners are and I can't find the name for the kink involving more then three)
BDSM – Dominant and Submissive which includes:
Bondage – tying people up, blind folds, the good stuff
Counting Games – having the sub count the amount of spankings/whippings/floggings/any other form of flagellations inflicted and asking for more
Flagellation – The general act of one person striking another, usually in an erotic context. Includes spanking, paddling, flogging and whipping.
S&M – sadomasochism
*2 – Just thought you ought to know that in wanting Botan to mark him as he would; with a mating mark, he wants to be bound to her. In the most basic of senses he wants to be owned by her as much as he wants to own her. Like I said, mating marks (usually a bite) bind demons to each other. The one wearing the mark is "owned" by the one who gave it. If both are marked then they are exclusively bound to one another. So in short, neither Botan or Kurama are allowed to take other mates. Also, they can't take any other bedmates without they other's consent. So if Kurama wanted to have sex with someone that wasn't Botan he would have to get her permission. The same applies in reverse. Thing is, Kurama's possessive and Botan's greedy. Outside of threesomes and moresomes, they will not allow each other to take other bedmates (though they'll never ask just the same).
*3 – This is the third and final dress chosen to show up in my fic, submitted to me in my Gaia account by darksideofme. Hope you like the description hun.
*4 – For those who don't know, here's a vocab word. Erogenous zones are places on the body where it is extremely pleasurable to have stroked sexually. You all know of the main ones, i.e the sex organs, but there are countless more along the body.
*5 – Botan's fluxuating energy (which is currently a combination of her reiki, Kurama's youki, her own youki, Yuri's malice, and another) is closely bound to Botan's emotions and confidence. Just like with the wounds on her ankles, the more worse Botan feels the weaker she is which allows for the other energies in her (i.e, Yuri's) to wreak havoc in her system. When Kurama inadvertently delivered the blow to her confidence when he slept with Mayura (not Maya), Botan's confidence and sank to through the floor allowing for Yuri, who had arrived an hour or so before hand, to take hold and reinforce her mark.
Fun fact – even though Kurama is able to push back his emotions in order to pursue the most logical course of action, Botan is not. Her emotions, have a crippling affect over her physically even though she mentally has a pretty decent grip on them. This is also around the time that Kurama learns that a happy Botan is a powerful Botan. So he knows to keep her happy regardless of cost.
Author's Note: I know the fight was rather anti-climactic, but that was done for a reason. Yuri and Koudo were too powerful for them and the others were considerably weak due to circumstances born from the previous chapters. Plus, I wanted to show where the loyalties of the Fallen's members laid, what better way then during a fight. Sorry for the length in explanations. Just thought I'd get a some of Kurama's kinks out there (choices were made with consideration to Kurama's personality and species). I wonder if you guys can think of anymore kinks for him to have…wanna make a game of it? I dunno if there'll be prizes for any fun guesses, but who knows. Hope you liked the chapter…I did…well. I liked most parts of it. Though I think I could do better with the transitions at a later date. Well, when I go back to fix any booboos I'll go in and fix it…maybe. Well, review please!
On to the next chapter!
Love ya' guys.
Ciao!