Author's Note: Here's the second chapter in the double up :). Hope you like it. I lengthened it a great deal so that there was more of the date as a sort of present. The next chapter will be the other half of the gift. Hope you like it! I'll try to finish posting to the other fanfics as fast as possible so I can post the next chapter here soon. So, RnR.
P.S: Last call for voting! Once the next chapter is up, there will be no more votes.
Getting Hiei and Kuwabara to agree to working together proved easier than Kurama had originally thought. Getting everyone else behind the concept was even easier. Atsuko and Keiko, who had found out from Shiori, made no complaint. Without a tangible lead to go on, there was really nothing for either Botan or Kurama to do but wait for Yusuke's soul crystals to settle. The map trick was coming up moot, and Yusuke's spirit was blind to where he was or what was going on around him. A new plan of action was formed. Hiei and Kuwabara were going to each take a fragment of Yusuke's soul crystal and use them as a form of dousing tool. It was risky to walk round with something so precious, as if to shout from the rooftops "We're Right Here!" Waiting idle had a worse potential outcome however, so it was a risk worth taking but not to be taken lightly by Hiei and Kuwabara.
No one worried however, having faith in the one fact that Yusuke was born under a lucky star. That luck would lead the team to his whereabouts. All that was needed was a little looking and for that luck to rub off on the others. Holding Yusuke's soul crystals might even allow for that to happen. Luck was very much a part of Yusuke's being and amassed to his strength. By that logic, his luck would be shared as much as his powers as both a demon, and the self-proclaimed 'World's Best Spirit Detective.'
With all this in mind, Kurama and Botan received nothing but blessings for their date since they've been working almost a full month tirelessly*. It was stressed that they were only allowed one day off by Atsuko, whom seemed to be under the impression that Kurama was similar to Yusuke in the regard of being a slacker. Slightly insulted, Kurama accepted the unspoken threat that came with his permission to go out and have only the one day where he could focus on one of the most important people in his life: Botan. Today, he was no longer going to split his attentions between her and everything else. He wasn't being forced to sneak around and lie to everyone involved to keep moral high. With permission, Kurama was free to give Botan the best first date he possibly could -even if it was so short of notice.
As it was, Kurama had contented himself to know that time was on his side. Luck was indeed rubbing off on him. Tanabata*- which was as much a time of romance as Valentine's Day, was still painting the world in colors and the energy of love and affection. As if Destiny herself had written out the plot of his life, Kurama was granted this one little gift to give to grant his dearest Botan. The notion of romance may be a concept vaguely understood by the demon, but he could and would give it to Botan. She deserved this day, and Kurama wanted so desperately to give it to her with so much more. If only she would grace him with her light so that Kurama could give Botan as much of that romance as possible.
Leaning against one of the motorcycles locked away in the garage, Kurama secured his brown leather jacket in place while he waited for Botan to join him. She had told him she'd only be a moment, but that was ten minutes ago. He didn't want to think that she was gonna stand him up on their first date, but the memory of Botan sitting nervously in front of the mirror during their first mission played out in his head continuously as if on some sick loop. He could go and check on her to be sure, but he didn't want for Botan to feel rushed. When rushed, Botan grew nervous and tripped up, often times literally. Better to let her go at her own pace, even if it was a slow one this time around. Still, a rare anxiousness that Kurama hadn't felt for thousands of years filled him with irrational doubts. It was possible.
"Sorry for making you wait," Botan called as she opened the door to the two story garage. Her long sky blue locks had been pulled up into a side ponytail and woven into a long braid. The ends of it brushed against Botan's shoulder, tickling the skin not covered by the thin straps of her pink knee length summer dress. The clip that Kurama had given her fastened he bangs in place on that side of her face, leaving only the forelocks by her ear to be free. Her one earing was exposed, being paired off with a small golden beckoning cat that dangled from the other ear.
All the air that Kurama held in his lungs rushed passed his lips, taking with it the pre date jitters that plagued the yoko. "It's alright," Kurama assured her, pausing only long enough to check her out. A smile bloomed on his face when Botan closed the gap between them and engaged him in a hug. "Did you get everything you needed?" He asked her with his arms looped around her shoulders easily. He couldn't stop himself from pressing his nose against Botan's in an Eskimo kiss before giving her sweet mouth a quick peck. Kurama was pleasantly surprised to find the taste of strawberries accenting Botan's unique flavor, licking his lips to rid himself of the gloss that had transferred onto his own mouth.
Botan simply nodded happily, beaming up at her boyfriend with a smile that could rival the sun in brilliance. A date. An actual date. Botan couldn't believe that she was finally going to experience what human girls and women so often took for granted. The falling shikigami couldn't contain her excitement. The simple thought of it had her walking on sunshine and dancing with the clouds. Never before had Botan reached such heights of happiness, and it was all for one simple thing: She was going on a date with Kurama, her boyfriend. The word boyfriend threw Botan into another merry tizzy, leaving her smiling giddily.
Kurama smiled back as helped Botan pull her white jean jacket over her shoulders. Her happiness was infectious, mixing with his own to make his lips peel back into a loving grin. Sneaking another kiss, he mounting the motorcycle he'd chosen for the day. He waited for Botan to mount the bike behind him before starting the engine. He could feel her happiness give way to a small level of nervousness at the thought of riding passenger on a motorcycle. He figured it was because she was so used to being the one in control. Botan's oar and the bike felt the same to her when in motion, and even though the bike was safer and easier to steer- from what he could tell, her nerves would probably be frazzled. He doubted Botan would be able to ride behind another ferry girl because of a similar lack of control. As such, Kurama understood completely where her discomfort lay. However, since he knew where they were going and she didn't, it would be best for him to drive. Then there was the payback for all the daredevil stunts he pulled with him and the others as passengers. Kurama placed a calming hand over Botan's just the same, giving the laced fingers across his chest a gentle squeeze before pulling on his helmet. "Ready to go?"
Botan fidgeted behind Kurama for a moment, not used to being the passenger when it came to riding such forms of transportation. Both her feet were planted firmly on the pegs specially designed for passengers, the gaps between her heels giving her the extra security so she wouldn't fall off. Already, she could feel her foot moving as if to shift invisible gears to get the bike moving, but Botan made no mention of her discomfort. If anything, Botan was too happy about going on a date for the first time to complain. Even without that happiness to cloud her usual control issues, Botan trusted Kurama. He wouldn't let anything bad happen to her. Botan rested her head against the dip between Kurama's shoulder blades, finding a place of comfort even though she couldn't actually feel him through her helmet. The comfort drawn was still there for her to take even then. Finally, Botan was ready to answer Kurama's question and finish her surrender to his driving. It came in the form of a nod, followed by her tightening her hold around Kurama's waist and peaking over occasionally to look over his shoulder and see what was in front of her.
That was all Kurama needed before roaring the engine and kicking off. Botan was surrendering control to him; not in an act of subservience, but in an act of absolute trust. Trusting someone so completely was hard for anyone, especially for Botan. She'd lived her whole life trusting no one and relying solely on herself. It was a long road, but one that she was making her way through. Kurama was honored to be amongst the few that Botan trusted; sending a silent thanks to Yusuke who kick started it all. I owe him a great debt for allowing me this chance with Botan. Once the opened garage was cleared, Kurama turned sharply and peeled out into the moving traffic towards downtown, Tokyo.
Finding parking was a chore all on its own, taking a ten minute chunk out of their time. However, Kurama was asshole enough to snatch the first available parking spot before anyone else had a chance to realize someone had pulled out. Once parked, Kurama gave Botan's hands a caress to let her know that they could dismount then. He could still feel some of her nervousness pulsing beneath her flesh, but Botan had calmed down and relaxed enough to enjoy the scenery that sped by in a blur around them. When nothing of interest presented itself, Botan even surrendered herself to a mini catnap and had snuggled into his back.
Botan perked up at the gesture, blinking her eyes open to reveal an open air parking lot. She then grabbed the sides of her helmet and pushed it off of her head so she could shake her braided ponytail free. The sounds that greeted her came in the form of people chatting and the upbeat music of a band playing nearby. All around her colorful banners and streamers hung from the sides of buildings and hung from beams and poles. Vendors lined the sides of the road with foods, trinkets, and fair games. The hum of the summer celebrations filled the air with warm emotions so powerful that they could lift the shadows of sorrow and worry. It was as heart lifting as it was invigorating, and Botan soaked in every bit of it with open arms and a sunny smile. How could she forget? It was Tanabata, the Star Festival, one of her favorite festivals of the year.
"Botan," Kurama smiled, calling for her attention so they could continue on their way. It was a pleasure to see her so absorbed in the little festival, and as such Kurama didn't want to rush her. However, he doubted that the view from the festival's parking area was all that great, and as such wanted to take her where she would truly be able to enjoy the spectacle of the human version of the Reigen holiday*. "We should hurry if you don't want to miss out on anything."
Botan didn't need to be told twice, rushing over to Kurama's side and linking her arm with his easily. Her wide amethyst eyes took in everything around her, overjoyed by all the beautiful colors. Already her mind danced with all the things she wanted to do, having never been able to participate in the celebrations surrounding the wedding of Orihime-sama and Hikoboshi-sama*. She was there for the wedding, true. Botan went as Inari's date and had enjoyed the romantic evening between the two star struck lovers. Botan wasn't able to stay long due to work, so this marked the first time. Botan turned to face Kurama to voice her thanks, but found herself silenced by Kurama's mouth descending over her own.
He couldn't help himself. Her cheeks were flushed with exuberance, and her eyes were so bright with the simple joy of being there. Botan was so beautiful. The kiss was sweet and chaste, not like the usual kisses Kurama liked to give his dearest. There was not the place to surrender to his passions. Still, Kurama couldn't fight the sudden craving for strawberries on Botan's lips any longer. Kurama was gentle, maintaining a level of decorum even as he slipped his arm from Botan's grasp so that he could embrace her fully.
Sighing into the kiss, Botan raised her own arms to wrap around Kurama's shoulders. He'd grown taller it seemed. Botan had to stand on the tips of her toes just to reach him, even in her heels. That was the last thought that ran through Botan's mind as she lost herself in Kurama's embrace. She didn't know how he did it, or why it was so easy for him to simply make everything else vanish outside of his kiss. All she knew was that it felt so good. Botan's vision darkened to black as her lashes fluttered closed. All she wanted in that moment was to feel; the hard curves of his body, the heat of his touch, the barely contained need and hunger in his kiss. Botan loved and wanted all of it and more.
Kissing Botan was an addiction. From the feel of her lips to the drug-like taste of her petal soft skin, there wasn't a thing about Botan that didn't have him hooked. Kurama's addiction was so multifaceted that even though one craving was satisfied, another reared its head to scream loudly for Kurama to act on his need. Now, even though Botan's taste still coated his lips, Kurama needed to feel her lips against his own again. No amount of strong will or concentration could stop Kurama from stealing another kiss to satisfy the newest of desires. He knew he must stop, and a mantra with all the why's of it started siting off in his head in a marquee. Kurama nibbled at Botan's lower lip, suckling at it to get more of the intoxicating flavor and feel before pulling back enough to rub his nose against Botan's. He couldn't help but smile all the more. She was going to be the end of him; he knew it.
It took a moment longer for Botan to come back down to reality. Her eyelids were heavy and her mind sluggish, but with some effort she managed to look back up at Kurama. "Pretty soon you'll be wearing more of my lip gloss than me," Botan chuckled. The pad of her thumb reached up to rub against Kurama's lips in an attempt to rid them of the shimmering pink that had attached itself to him.
Licking his lips, Kurama dragged his tongue over Botan's finger before giving him one of her wolfish – or rather foxy- grins. "That a promise?" An echo of how curious such a simple fact was echoed in his mind since he never liked the artificial taste of anything be it candies or lip gloss. Now, on Botan, he couldn't get enough. Kurama would be more than happy to wear Botan's lip gloss if it meant she was bestowing upon him the absolute rapture of her kiss. The gloss tasted divine on her mouth, so Kurama couldn't bring himself to think of anything sweeter.
"Pervert." Botan gave Kurama's nose a feather soft flick in faux reprimand. When it was Kurama, she didn't mind in the least since he was always so smooth. Even his perverted side came out deliciously suave with a husky baritone. It made shivers trail down Botan's spine and her toes curl. Minding was the last thing Botan was doing on the matter of Kurama's less than innocent intentions: as if Kurama could be anything else but less than innocent regardless. There were warnings against men like him. Botan loved every bit of it.
"What can I say," Kurama began before kissing the tip of Botan's nose. "You bring out that part of me" among other things.
"Not on purpose. It's not my fault your demon side comes out when I'm around." Though she tried to sound snooty, Botan couldn't reach a level of remotely convincing. Her kiss swollen lips were stretched into a smirk that just wouldn't leave no matter how hard Botan tried to purse them into a pout.
"I dunno? You do like to tease me. Part of me thinks you enjoy it." An even greater part of Kurama believed that Botan got off on the sensually devious part of his persona. There should be warnings about women like Botan: too innocent for their own good but so steeped in hungry sensuality that it became part of their very nature.
Botan would be a liar if she said that she didn't enjoy the side of Kurama that wasn't in any way doctored to fit within the human world or standard. The farther from his mask he was, the happier Botan became. It was so much so that Botan could even say she preferred it when he was in his demon form, either by shape or personality. Not because she in any way felt the human container was in any way inferior, but because when Kurama was a yoko, he was happy. Botan loved the Kurama that was happy and comfortable within his own skin. She loved the way that he would simply sit and stare at the night sky, his ears twitching atop his head and listening to all the sounds of the night. Botan loved the way he would wag his tails whenever true excitement took him or perverse thoughts invaded his otherwise crafty and intelligent mind. "I love you." More and more each day with every bit of his true self that Kurama showed her. "But the demon coming out is all you." Botan just made it an effort to make Kurama feel comfortable enough around her to be himself. No Lies. No inhibitions. No human mask or past as a legendary bandit. It was just him, the yoko Kurama who was as much an old soul as he was a man. Botan loved him.
To hear Botan say that he loved him made Kurama's heart beat even more than her easy acceptance of one of his truest personality traits. "That is very true." Another kiss was stolen, followed by another. Soon, Kurama was consumed by the need to simply find a dark corner and enjoy Botan's willingly given light. The mere fact that behaving in such a manner would be a step backwards from what he had planned stilled Kurama enough to back away with a smile without actually letting her go. There would be time for that later. Now, there was a festival full of color and life for Botan to enjoy. It would be wrong of him to bring Botan there only to deprive her of it.
"Of course it is. I'll have you know I'm the closest to an expert on you," bragged the blushing Botan. She tried to make light of how easy telling Kurama her feelings was, holding a hand to her chest while the other held up her index finger. That finger wagged in one of her know it all fashions in front of Kurama's face, acting as a distraction from how she tried to manually calm her rapidly beating heart. She doubted having her hand held over her breast served as a buffer enough to keep Kurama from noticing due to their close proximity, but she tried. Botan could feel it pounding away within her chest, speeding until it could match a human's in speed before racing beyond it.
"Oh really?" Kurama laughed, knowing that as far as literature compounded on him went, Botan was a walking library. He was quite flattered to have garnered enough attention for Botan to be curious enough to scour the archives of Reikai. He only wished that he had yielded to his own curiosity far sooner in regards to his Botan. If he had, Kurama figured he would probably have already mated with Botan seeing as she was proving to be his perfect match. That, and by now he would have used the resources of his team to hunt down and butcher Yuri. The past was the past, but the fantasies that played within his mind were so vivid that Kurama's expression turned dreamy. He almost missed the purring sounds that rumbled from Botan's glorious neck.
"Meow, of course. You don't get to be the cute, sassy, and smart assistant of the spirit detective without memorizing every bit of documented information on all his colleagues." Botan's hands curled into paws as she was prone to do, beckoning Kurama cheekily. This jostling movement pressed her chest against Kurama's fully in a tantalizing manner, but Botan didn't truly realize the weapon she'd used until after the fact. Blinking at the sudden heat that radiated from Kurama's form, Botan's cat-like expression turned from cheeky sweet, to saucy hunger.
"Is that so? And how long before I can say I'm an expert on you?" Kurama was a quick study. He wished to know everything about his dearest. He wanted to know the mundane, like her favorite foods and hobbies. He craved to know her past beyond the misery painted in red. Kurama needed to know every little nuance and tic until he knew Botan as intimately inside and out as she knew herself.
"Dunno. How attentative do you plan on being?" His desire to know about her had Botan's heart all atwitter. There was still a lot about her that Kurama had yet to learn, but he cared. No one ever cared like he did. The flush on her cheeks deepened and her lashes bat at him becomingly. Kurama was so sweet.
"As you should know well enough, I'm very attentative." All Botan had to do was let him burrow his way even deeper into her life, just as he'd allowed for her. Like the master thief he was, Kurama desired to know everything about his greatest treasure before he stole it away completely from the darkness and misery of the world and the grasping hands of those who wished to take her away from him. One more kiss…
"So I've had the pleasure of learning." Botan allowed for one more kiss before taking Kurama's hand and tugging him towards the road where many of the streamers formed curtains of sorts. Any more kisses, and Botan would be the one dragging Kurama off to the nearest alley. They were on a date right now, and in the public eye. Wisely, she ignored the older of the pedestrians gawking disapprovingly at the public displays of affection between Kurama and herself. Humans were rather prudish, and the typically conservative older age group was even more so. As if Botan ever really cared. All she cared about was seeing the festivals from the eyes of a mortal with her dearest Kurama. Neither of them could do that in the shadows of a nearby alley.
Kurama's long legs ate the distance required to keep up with Botan's excited pace, feeling young again. Kurama couldn't remember the last legitimate date he'd been on where he was so interested in his companion. Kurama remembered the feeling of joyous butterflies even less. It felt like this was the first date he'd ever been on with anyone, not just Botan. For as strange as that was, Kurama enjoyed the feeling and allowed for Botan's infectious excitement to fill him as he was tugged to the first of many vendors hawking matsuri* themed goods and trinkets.
Botan was like a kid in a candy store, and Kurama loved every moment of it. He loved how every piece of shimmering jewelry or bauble caught her eye, and how she would coo over some charms that were cuter than the last. After every special find, she would then look to Kurama with that smile that meant more to him than the world or any shimmering stone.
Hours went unfelt for the two as they laughed, played, and just enjoyed each other's company. The two hit up the festival games and made a contest to see who could win the most. Kurama was obviously in the lead, but Botan was giving him a run for his money and wasn't that far behind him on their point system. Prizes multiplied to a point where they were simply giving away toys to whatever child they passed until all Botan had left was a giant stuffed teddy bear and a bag full of gold fish. The goldfish catching was Botan's best sport since it wasn't any harder than catching runaway souls. Games that required precision and patience were strictly Kurama. Botan's strength and impatience made such games more than a little difficult. Still, the two played the games many times like a couple of competitive kids.
It was great.
From fun and games to pulsing music, the two would soon find themselves surrounded by a crowd of screaming teens and young adults, dancing in place to the music of some up and coming local pop band. Most of the songs sung were covers of popular singers like Koda Kumi, f[x], and SNDN, but there were some original songs thrown into the mix that made it all the more fun. Botan was enjoying herself especially, singing along to all the songs she knew. Pop wasn't Kurama's genre, far from it. But, for Botan, he tolerated the peppy happy sounds. He wouldn't suffer long, since the two of them stumbled upon the band mid set.
Botan already knew where Kurama's taste in music lay, so she didn't plan on staying for the rest of the little concert. Her candy eyes darted from the stage to her real goal and the line that grew from it. It wouldn't be too much longer, so all she had to do was bide her time. As she danced and hopped to the beat, she inched closer at an agonizingly slow pace. Now was not yet the time to spring. One by one the line shrank, yet Botan still waited with predatory patience. The line became a couple shorter, and flashes of light escaped the box that a gaggling group of girls managed to squeeze into. So close. Botan was so close.
Kurama knew she was inching towards something. Botan was surprisingly sneaky, so much so that Kurama was beyond impressed. It wasn't until he did his scan of the crowd that he realized that they were almost to the other side of the crowd and still creeping towards something. Whatever it was, Botan wanted it. Her eyes had that dangerous glint in them that could only be described as the look a lion got when eyeing a gazelle. Kurama could feel her muscles coiling in preparation to pounce through their contact. Her body slid down against his chest a fraction of an inch and there was a slight hunch in her back. Heels or no, Botan was about ready to dash, and Kurama could do nothing but brace himself. Her grip on his hand became iron tight and before Kurama could finish a blink he was catapulted into a sudden charge.
"Slow down!" Kurama laughed, running to keep his arm from being yanked from its socket. He could see what it was now, the thing that had her attention. It was a simple photo booth. They were a dime a dozen with little potential for danger, as such it escaped his notice. It did not escape Botan however, who was dragging him towards it with the excitement of a four year old and the strength of a charging locomotive.
"Come on! Before someone else gets to it!" Hard tugs and running turned into a full sprint as Botan practically dove into the booth before another couple had the chance to get there first. Kurama didn't even have the chance to flash an apologetic smile. The curtain closed behind him before the expression could be fully formed and his body was crashing hard into Botan's side.
The two of them laughed at the rare moment of clumsiness on Kurama's part before realizing their closeness. Complaints could be heard from the couple beyond the black curtain outside, but the words blend into the sound of the pulsing beat. Even without the sound, neither would have really cared. For the first time in the lives of Kurama and Botan, they were having unchained and uninhibited fun and the foul cries of a couple too slow to beat them into the booth weren't going to bring them down. Still smiling, the couple continued to ignore the whining teens outside.
"Smile," Kurama chuckled. The necessary yen fell from his fingers to roll into the slot. His arms then found their way back to Botan, pulling her into a hug. Both turned in time to grin at the camera, holding their fingers up in the universal sign for peace. The flash of light left dark spots dancing in front of his eyes since he made the very human mistake of looking into the light. He blinked his eyes rapidly, turning from the counting screen to see that Botan was doing the same. He couldn't help himself. Kurama didn't even think about the next photo, ignoring the timer completely in favor of placing his lips on the swell of Botan's cheek. She was so adorable.
Botan giggled, blinking just as the camera flashed but not caring either way. Botan turned enough to press her lips against Kurama's in a chaste kiss before scooting back to right herself. When Kurama remained hovered over her, Botan's smile faded. Her lower lip became caught in her teeth and her eyes darkened from candy pink to the dusky purple of sunset. The cat-like slits of her pupils dilated and her breath deepened. What was one more kiss? Licking her lips, Botan arched her back and craned her neck in a form of consent. A humming purr filled her body, but barely a sound escaped passed her lips. One more kiss definitely wouldn't hurt. They had time.
Kurama caressed Botan's cheek before claiming her mouth in another kiss. Neither saw the flash. Instead, they enjoyed the moment alone to indulge their less than innocent desires. Tongues slipped into eagerly accepting mouths, writhing against one another as their lips sealed together in a desperate bid to devour each other. Kurama's hand slipped from Botan's face to wrap around her waist, pulling her closer until her breasts crushed into his chest. Botan still pushed herself into Kurama and wrapped her arms tightly around his neck. Both her legs moved to rest on either side of Kurama's hips to pull him closer. That was all the incentive Kurama needed before pinning Botan hard against the flimsy wall behind her.
"Are you guys done yet!" one half of the couple whined obnoxiously. "You're pictures are already printed so let other people have a turn."
"We're coming out now," Botan called back, trying to catch her breath and detangle herself from Kurama's form. He wasn't making things easy, since Kurama seemed rather keen on continuing where they left off. His mouth was latched onto the pulse of her neck. Botan managed to coo out some form of command to get Kurama off of her, but it felt too good to let up just yet. Her long pointed nails scraped along Kurama's scalp and she moaned at the feel of Kurama's hot hand creeping up her thigh.
"You're lucky I don't have much room in here," Kurama managed to moan into Botan's ear. If he had more room, then Kurama would have forgone the photos completely. His attentions would have focused solely on taking a few minutes to give Botan unbridled pleasure while feeding his own growing hunger. It was a step backwards, but a tiny one that Kurama was willing to risk. He'd been good all day so felt he deserved the reward.
"You're so bad." Botan laughed at Kurama and his obvious desire to simply stay in the little booth. The two of them had gotten so used to being physically affectionate that going a few hours without was absolute torture. Botan was a blooming sexual sadist, so she was somehow able to manage. Watching Kurama squirm with mounting lust was a power trip all in its own, and though she suffered for the lack of privacy and laws against public indecency, Botan could enjoy that much. To further tease him, Botan remained as she was while Kurama pulled back from her body, taking her time in righting her appearance. Her hiked up dress was the last to be fixed, and in the back of her mind Botan pondered when Kurama managed to do that.
Listening to the pot call the kettle black had Kurama licking his lips. Plans formed in his mind as all the ways he could get back at his little minx listed themselves in order of entertainment value. Botan loved teasing him. Kurama enjoyed that because the release from being so wound up was mind numbing. Still, "punishment" was always necessary. Kurama couldn't have Botan thinking she had complete and absolute control of him….yet. It was bad enough he was wrapped around her little finger. To have that translate to control spelled out his doom and the death of all respect he'd garnered after thousands of years. That death never looked so tempting, which was the worst part of it all. "Only for you."
Finally, Kurama felt as if the two of them were composed enough to see the light of day again. Shadows were more fun, but there was a date to get back to now that he'd gotten his fix. Ignoring the glaring eyes of the couple that waited, Kurama swiped the two sets of photos from their slot. His other hand remained linked with Botan's so he could play the dutiful gentleman he was raised to be. It was increasingly apparent that deep inside he wasn't one, but for Botan he'd gladly play the charade without feeling the mental strain of effort.
The concert was still going, having only just reached the encore. Botan paid it no mind. Instead, she was content to walk at Kurama's side until a secluded bench was found. Botan knew that sitting down was solely for the purpose of reviewing their photos. Neither she or Kurama would be tired after only a few hours of walking. Still, it was nice to just take a moment to breath and watch the people go by. People watching has always been a favorite past time of hers. Botan could be happy simply spending hours on that bench so she could watch the lives of so many walk right past her. It made her feel small and insignificant; not at all like what a grim reaper should be. It was humbling. The feeling of budding superiority that took root in all Reigen would be squashed effectively to give Botan a chance to breathe and feel normal.
It was nice. She wasn't falling. She wasn't anything. Botan was just a girl among many. Only difference between now and then was that she was spending this wonderful moment of peace with the man she loved. If only such moments like this would last indefinitely. What would it be like to live a normal life? She and Kurama could spend days like this in happiness. They could be a normal couple. When the day ended, another would start up to bring peace into their lives and simply let them play and fool around as others their age would. But tomorrow, the moment of normal ended.
"What are you thinking about?" Kurama asked, holding Botan close to his side.
"Nothing. Just wishing that days like today would last forever. Tomorrow…" would be the end of it. Tomorrow brought more trials and tribulations to which both them had to give their all to face. No more bouts of romance till all was done. Tomorrow...
"-is tomorrow." Kurama put the strip of pictures down onto Botan's lap before taking one of her hands in his. "I wish we could lead normal lives too, but since we can't that just makes times like these all the more special." Kurama knew he would try his hardest to make sure that Botan could always enjoy days where she could be a normal person who went out on dates and did what everyone else did. He would try, but deep in his heart he knew that those days would be few and far in between. Even though he was officially retired, Kurama was still playing detective and protector of Japan with Yusuke and the others. Even though she was falling, Kurama knew that there would be things getting in Botan's way as well. If not work as the grim reaper, it was still as Koenma's go-to and errand girl. Such was their lives. Work dominated it, so the two of them had no choice but to enjoy what they could. If it was making out or making love in every spare moment, or stealing days where they can go out and leave work behind, it would all have to come in stride, second to work and the lives they lived. "We still have the night and the time between missions. I'm nothing if not greedy and persistent. We'll find a way to have more days to simply be."
"I just wish we had more now." So much that it hurt. It wasn't fair. Why should they have to wait when everyone else didn't? Botan knew she was being greedy, but now that she had it, she couldn't bring herself to let go even if it was for a day.
"We will. Retiring is just taking much longer to sink into effect." Kurama bit back the edge of sarcasm, knowing more than anyone else that the forced retirement was nothing but a lie. Though he wished it, he was still going to be playing detective for many years to come. It was confusing, but Kurama had contented himself to know that there would be no black and white answers to the events that made up his life.
Botan could smell Kurama's lie as if she had walked by a perfume store. Kurama would never be retired. None of them would be. "You know it's not going to. Face it. Even if I don't become a mindless monster, we're stuck. At least now I'll be able to do more than give you cases that you're technically not supposed to be getting."
Kurama laughed at that, choosing to ignore the darkness in his heart at the prospect of losing Botan's mind to the demon she was falling into. "That is true. Sometimes I think Koenma and the rest of the spirit world forget that we're off the clock. If anything, the peace between Makai, Reikai, and Ningenkai has given me more work than before." Their current crisis was a prime example of that. There would be no rest for the wicked.
"That is true. At least all the work before this wasn't major, and the ones with clients that aren't Koenma pay you," Botan offered hopefully. Beyond the occasional demon rioter causing trouble, most of the cases that showed up at Yusuke's ramen stand were solved in a day*. The case average that Botan brought about could be placed easily at one every two weeks. The fact that there shouldn't have been cases at all still hung in the air, but both were too comfortable to repeatedly point out the flaw in the forced retirement that sent Yusuke, Hiei, and Kurama back to Makai.
"True. It also gave all of us the chance to see you more than what your rare days off allowed." Even before Kurama allowed himself to feel more for Botan than affectionate friendship, that had always been a happy boon. Botan was, and always has been, the sweetest thing in all of Kurama's life. He couldn't complain for that.
Botan blushed before nodding in agreement. It was true. As the sole liaison between Yusuke's newly erected detective agency and Spirit World, Botan got to visit as often as she wished regardless of whether or not she was needed. It meant she would never have to leave her dear friends behind ever. That alone was the thing that inspired an unending loyalty to Koenma. When other ferry girls were limited, he gave Botan the go ahead to be with the people she loved most in the infinite worlds. Such kindness could never be paid back, at least, not in Botan's eyes. "That is true. Still, it would be nice to not have to work on the sly. You should either be retired and not working, or officially be working and get compensated for your time."
"You sound like Shizuru." Kurama chuckled.
"She's right though. Karma doesn't pay for medical expenses or excuse you from all those absences." Even Botan knew that much. How many times did she have to send her team home with more than bumps and bruises? How many times have they had to suffer in their human lives because no one knew what went on in the shadows?
"True." It was better than being bored for twenty long years or however long he could stomach being idle in the human world. Kurama loved his mother more than life itself, but Ningenkai offered very little in the form of mental stimulation or entertainment. That was his pay from all the missions and cases, while his debt to Yusuke maintained his loyalty. "Beats a millennia in purgatory though."
"I guess you're right." Botan sighed, leaning against Kurama's chest. Finally, Botan took up the photos on her lap and grinned down at them. It truly was the perfect representation of their relationship. The both of them looked so happy, grinning broadly at the camera as if there wasn't a care in the world. Kurama did that to her. She didn't even know how he did it. Kurama could be so confusing and complicated, and yet with a simple word or touch everything was alright. Even more than that, he was happy too. His eyes, which were always so cold and calculating with their age, looked so bright. He was a young kit again simply enjoying what life had to offer. The picture confirmed what Botan felt deep inside her heart all along. They were truly happy. The other photos displayed something else in their happiness; their love. It was real. There was lust, so much of it that it painted both of them so completely that almost nothing else could be seen. Yet, when they kissed, the true light of love shone through. Emotions weren't confused and the need for physical affections couldn't drown it out. Even though all that could really be seen in the fourth photo was Kurama's back, it was all still so very real. Botan extracted her wallet from her purse so she could put the photos inside for safe keeping, but a hand over hers stopped her. Turning to Kurama, Botan cocked her head to the side to ask him what was up.
"I think I have a better place for at least one of them," Kurama told her easily before pulling two matching lockets his pocket. He let the two chains dangle from his fingers so Botan could get a better look at the pendants. His smile grew exponentially as realization dawned on Botan's face. Pride soon followed as the feeling of accomplishment took hold. He did a good thing, and Kurama was proud of himself for paying attention to his beloved. Botan deserved to be spoiled, so it was his job to find out all the ways how. "I was planning on giving this to you tonight with dinner, but I think now is the right time."
They were the lockets that Botan had found earlier during the day. She didn't even know what it was about them that drew her to that particular set. Like all sold at the booth, the golden pendants were paired off as if by Cupid himself. They were as unique as they were uniform. In the center of one of the lockets was a lock that kept the double doors of the pendant from opening wide to reveal the image locked away inside. The seam of the doors were framed by deep engravings of thorny vines and roses, but the lock itself was ringed by smooth polished gold. Its pair was like all other lockets, matching the first with engravings. However, from where the point of the heart aimed downwards, a key for which there was no comparison formed. Only the one key could open the lock of its pair.
Tears welled up in Botan's eyes when it sank deep within her heart that Kurama had gotten such a symbolic token. Romance movies, books, and legends all played out in her mind, singing with the truth in how there was no obect as strongly associated with love than the locket. For so long she'd wanted one. Botan had spent nights dreaming of the day when someone who loved her would bless her with such a gift. It wasn't even the trinket itself so much as what it meant to both give and receive if. She didn't even know that Kurama was really paying attention when she found it. Botan couldn't contain herself any longer and threw her arms around Kurama's neck in a powerful hug, cheering loudly. "Kurama, you shouldn't have!" When he found the time to get it for her without so much as leaving a clue, Botan didn't know. Botan couldn't even bring herself to care about how he did it. She was just so happy that nothing else mattered beyond how sweet Kurama could be.
Kurama returned the hug with equal enthusiasm. He held Botan to his chest easily, burrowing his face into her hair and breathing in deep. Her scent both thrilled and calmed him, leaving Kurama in a strange but comfortable limbo of feeling. He knew what it meant to give Botan such a gift. When he saw her eyeing it earlier that day, it all clicked into place. Kurama could say how much he loved her, but in that moment Kurama knew how he could show it. He played dumb for all of the day, slipping away easily before Botan could have the chance to notice at the first available chance. He was going to give her his heart in as literal a meaning as he could. More than that, he was giving her the key to it. "I love you." His words were a ghost of a whisper, carried on the wind that rustled the streamers around them to hide them from prying eyes.
"Oh Kurama, look!" Botan exclaimed, pointing to a cloth covered booth that proclaimed fortune telling by Madam Ani. Her excitement had returned full force, and yet nothing could distract from the way she would caress the locket that hung from her neck.
"Would you like to go in, Botan?" Kurama inquired, happy to just hold Botan and watch as the simple act of giving Botan such an important gift still held her. If ever asked, Kurama would always say that he did the right thing by Botan. She deserved to have such tangible proof that she was indeed loved.
"Could we? I want look around." Botan knew the fortune teller was probably a fake, but it looked like so much fun and her curiosity demanded that she go inside to see what the fortune teller was like and what else she sold. For all either of them knew, the person would be able to see into the future and offer them clues. Even better, Botan wondered what the psychic would say about them. Would they predict a long life of love? Would they say that they were a perfect match? The thought of finding legitimate answers about any of her questions was complete ludicrous, but Botan was far too happy to care.
Kurama used his free arm to part the curtain that separated the interior from the outside world. Instantly, the scent of opium incense filled his lungs to make him sneeze. It wasn't overly strong, but it was enough to give Kurama's nose a bit of a shock. He truly wasn't expecting it. Neither was Botan, who lost her smile and peered up into his eyes to make sure he was alright. Kurama smiled to assure her, silently telling her that it was nothing he couldn't handle. His senses were getting stronger, which did garner some worry from the fox, but not enough for him to spend too much thought on the subject. Still, to be on the safe side since Kurama knew that sneezing would not be the end of it; he hooked the curtain around one of the poles supporting the tent. It ruined the low light atmosphere, but his lungs and nose took precedence over the aesthetic of the merchant's booth. No one else was present to witness the change in light since the only other occupants left in a flurry of giggles.
The area was large, surprisingly so given how small it looked from outside. All along the cloth walls were display cases full of jewelry, and semiprecious stones. Everything present had a new age feel to them while still pertaining to the theme of the constellations Altair and Vega*, or the story of Orihime and Hikoboshi. The craftsmanship was remarkable, even to Kurama's trained eye. Silver, gold, bronze, and copper gleamed from their glass containers beckoningly, as if to sing a siren's song for Kurama's barely controlled kleptomania. Tigers eyes, jade, quartz, and amethysts winked up at him from their display pillows, trying to slip a silvery noose around his neck to further do him in. Kurama's hand twitched, but remained firmly gripped by Botan as if to keep him well leashed.
"Welcome," a husky woman's voice greeted from behind the farthest cloth wall from the entrance. A caramel hand reached between two stretches of fabric to push them open, revealing a room where a low table with a crystal ball sat. Glimpses of other tools of reading the future could also be caught before the sheets fell back into place. Long platinum hair billowed behind the exotic beauty, weaving into a low hanging braid that bumped against the back of her knees. Her blue eyes were heavily coaled into cat eyes, accented by gold face paint that acted as her eye shadow. Henna tattoos crawled up her arms from the palms of her hands, reaching upwards to blend into tattoos that covered the flesh of her arms in sleeves. Farther back they reached to decorate her back in some unseen piece of art. Her black halter top and floor length skirt were of the finest silk, but well warn with frayed ends and golden embroidery. A high slit exposed one of the woman's toned legs and the top she wore stopped short under her bust to expose her flat, washboard abs.
Faery. Kurama was now glad to have the scent of incense filling his lungs. The scent of faeries always had him tail spinning into a lustful frenzy. He had no real interest in faeries in that moment, but that wouldn't stop the want from forming. In his mind's eye, Kurama was already picturing blue and silver tangling together as shredded clothes served as the bedding for the three soon to be lovers. Kurama sneezed again to rid himself of the fae's scent, reminding himself that threesomes were a long way away in his relationship with Botan. Chasing the image away proved difficult as both scents merged together, painting more erotic images in his mind to pique Kurama's lust. Kurama was left with no choice but to shove his face into the crook of Botan's neck so he could drown out all other aromas with her natural perfume of paradise.
Botan flashed Kurama a nervous look. She knew that the scent of faeries had interesting effects on non-humans, but it was strange to see Kurama behave in such a way. It was probably because he remembered how he behaved with Kimiko at the club. She was glad he was fighting a repeat, but she was a little annoyed just the same. What's more, she didn't know how to proceed given the circumstances surrounding the case they left on hold for the day. Not all faeries were evil, and more faeries than demons could be found during that time of year. It was nowhere near as bad as spring time, but summer celebrations brought them out in droves. Botan should have expected to find at least one, but then there was the matter in regards to Koudo and Kimiko. They were faeries, and as such Botan wasn't so sure about the loyalties of this one. "Um…Hi." Faeries were really more trouble than they were worth. If not causing trouble in life, they were causing her trouble with her relationships. Half-heartedly, and with only a little of her annoyance, Botan gave Kurama a smack.
"What're you so nervous about sweetheart? I don't bite," the fae grinned, flashing unglamoured teeth that had been filed to points. "You came to have your future revealed, did you not?"
Kurama understood Botan's annoyance, so he gave her neck a quick peck to let her know he would behave himself. The image of Botan in the faery's current outfit still had Kurama's libido mounting, but it was a safe image compared to the others, thus allowing Kurama to stand to his full height and control his features. "Yes," Kurama then offered. The mask that settled over his face was impeccable in its pleasantness, but his body language revealed a readiness to strike should there be an attack on Botan or himself. All traces of lust were carefully hidden away, showing only in the way the hand that held Botan's waist kneaded at her hip. "We were enjoying the festivities and thought to look inside."
"I see, this way then. You first." A long tan arm reached back to part the curtains that separated the private room from the shop and the world surrounding. The other arm was held up as well, palm upwards as if to pose. It was an act of assurance for the canine among them, exposing her wrists in a nonthreatening manner since her neck was hidden away under a layer of silk. She made no sudden movements as the couple flashed debating looks back and forth, keeping her smiling lips sealed together so that her teeth remained hidden as another act of nonthreatening assurance. Neither was keen on the idea of separating even for a moment, but curiosity seemed to be winning out in the end, more so hers rather than his. It took only one more smile from the blue haired beauty's lips to get the fox moving, and that was all the fae needed to relax her stance a margin more.
The red haired youth walked passed her, his gait predatory and ready to spring back at the slightest movement. He was a typical demon male: showing skittish hesitancy in the face of leaving one's intended mate alone was subconscious and went unnoticed by him. Age would do nothing to quell such an instinctual habit. As such, only when he relaxed enough upon inspecting the room did the fae woman leave her post and allow the curtain to drop.
The small room's floor was layered haphazardly with rugs and furs, making the ground soft as it absorbed the weight of pedestrian footfalls. In each corner was a representation of the four basic elements, each linked to the direction they faced. For the north, and hidden away in that corner, were bonsai trees, all displayed on different levels on shelves and tables until the corner of the tent was completely hidden away in a blanket of green. To the south, several torches and candles were strategically placed in front of a metal barrier designed to protect the fabric from burning should the enchantment on them fail. To the east, there was an opening into the tent, allowing for a calming wind to blow passed the manmade barrier and dance with the many wind chimes overhead. Finally, in the western corner was a portable water fountain. Water trickled down a stone fixture as if to simulate a waterfall before pooling at the base in a pond in the ground. The end result was a ring of power and the melody of soothing sound. At the very center of the cloth made room hung a holey sphere from which the smoke of incense wafted. Opium, nag champa, kyara, and many other scents blurred together to further mask the underlying scent of sage and faery.
The low wooden table beneath it was the true focal point of the room. Over it was a satin sheet of burgundy. Its edges spilled over the round surface to pool over the ground, partially hiding a plethora of cushions that were as worn and used as the carpeted floor beneath them. On top of it, a misty sphere of quartz rested on a velvet pillow. At first glance, it was nothing more than a sphere. But to the trained eye the flow of energy stored within it warped the image as if to make hazy clouds dance beneath the glassy surface.
"Well sit down," the faery ordered, sauntering passed the observing couple to claim a cushion as her seat.
Kurama took a parting glance backwards in search of Botan's silhouette before obeying, surrendering to his deeply rooted curiosity. Kurama sat on the cushion nearest the entrance with one leg bent upwards to prop his arm. His side grazed against the table due to his refusal to turn his back on the door, needing to maintain a level of closeness with his beloved even though they were temporarily separated. It was as much an act of protection as it was the need to simply see her shape. I've got it bad… As always Kurama's muscles bunched in preparation to spring into action at the slightest provocation.
Males the fae rolled her eyes. "So, shall we begin?"
Kurama nodded with his curiosity piqued. A real faery fortune teller was extremely rare, so to actually have one in front of him willing to give his fortune was an opportunity Kurama knew he should not miss out on. On the other hand he was also interested in the oddity of having a foreign faery in front of him that wasn't running away in fear of being eaten.* Since a lot of the threat to their kind was born from the scent that followed faeries, Kurama could only assume it was because of the heavy use of incense clouding her aroma. Cocking his head, Kurama pondered the strangeness of it all without giving any real glimpse into the inner workings of his mind.
"Will you hold out your dominant hand? Palm up," the fae requested in a tone that was deceptively bored. Her long clawed fingers danced over the edge of the table, clicking as they struck both the table's surface and each other. Their sharp tips scuttled closer to the center of the table in a show of genuine interest and a lack of patience. The fae was excited, that much was made clear by the showcase of emotion in her hands. She was as intrigued by them as they were of her, and couldn't wait to get started so she could learn of the other as well. When his right palm was placed in front of her, the fae gave no warning as she let one of her sharpened nails stab into his index finger to draw up a bead of blood. Once the blood gathered enough, the fae lifted the nail carrying the drops of blood to her mouth.
Kurama made a sound of displeasure towards the fae, glaring while he pulled his abused finger to his mouth to lick it clean. Kurama knew that it wouldn't be the case, but he made sure that no poisons had transferred into his finger. Non-human females had a tendency to wear poisoned nail polish as a fashion statement. He'd learned the hard way very many years ago that the poison was an irritation that was not worth the trouble.
The faery didn't pay him any mind, her blood coated finger still in her mouth. Her dancing blue eyes glanced towards the crystal ball to give it a silent command, telling it to move closer. The sphere obeyed. Cushion and all, it dragged itself closer to the edge of the table where the faery waited. "You are an interesting one, that much I can tell with just a taste. So, what shall I divine for you?" The faery closed her eyes as she spoke, pulling a deck of plain looking tarot cards. Without sight, she shuffled through the cards before laying them out in a seven card pattern around the sphere in front of her. When her eyes opened, they were a deep bronze that glowed with both knowledge and a level of madness. "Ah! Never mind. I already know. You have two questions circling your mind."
The way she jumped from asking a question to simply deciding what it was was jarring at best. He barely had time to formulate the questions to choose from in his mind. Should he have asked about the whereabouts of Yusuke, or should he give in to his heart and ask about his future with Botan like some silly human. He wouldn't be choosing it seemed. Kurama knew to be insulted or perturbed, however, a twinge of memories long since forgotten sounded in Kurama's mind, easing the tension from his body. The faery wasn't a threat. The ring of familiarity told Kurama that much, but why and from where he knew the woman he couldn't recall. What he did see was the eccentric light in the woman's eyes and the way she seemed to give herself completely to whatever energy was slithering from the crystal ball. It was all so familiar.
"First question: not important. The answer's boring, unromantic, and completely pointless since your quest is done. Good work on a job well done." The faery gave an emotionless whoop, caring very little for the leader of the world's saviors. Yusuke was of no consequence to her and the matters of Makai as a whole held no interest. "As for the second question," the woman continued. Her maniacal smile returned to her lips and a swooning sigh escaped her lips. This was what interested her: Hearts and the threads of fate that wove them all together in the tapestry of life. More than that, the secrets of love made for excellent entertainment. The deeper and truer the love, the more she enjoyed tugging at the strings of the tapestry to see where the threads went. "You two are quite the interesting couple. A match made in heaven with a long standing history it seems." The time was blurry and hidden in shadow, but the love had years to form. To the faery who has looked in on many loves, that time taken was longer than most and required a strenuous set of events so that it could domino into birth….or rebirth…the fae wasn't certain. The lines and threads in the tapestry were burnt as if someone took a lit cigarette and erased the exact number. Was it the protection of Reikai keeping their lives secret from her divining eyes?
"You two have known each other for several years and yet….your bond runs deeper than that." The faery managed to divine from the orb in front of her. The first card of many lifted from the surface of the table, revealing blank white that faded into dancing images. The cards would translate what she could not. The king of swords glared down at Kurama as if to either strike him down, or call him to arms. "The both of you are locked in a battle for the divine; however one of you has really pissed someone off." Bronze turned blue again and the faery leveled her eyes onto Kurama's scowling visage.
Kurama knew exactly who this Madam Ani was referring to: Inari. Kurama didn't remember when his grudge match started, or all the reasons why. The memories were hidden away in a blanket of white hot rage that was so consuming that Kurama went to great lengths to inflict as much pain as he could on the deity. He cursed her name. He defaced her temples. He sullied her priests and priestesses. He butchered her followers. It was never enough to rid himself of the pain Inari's very name filled Kurama with. Try as he might, the pain and anger would never leave him. Even after a thousand years that fury still gripped his broken heart. Kurama would never even try to forgive the god until the wrongs committed, even though long forgotten, could be made right.
"I'm going to assume that's you Foxy." At the eye roll, the woman chuckled before continuing. "They're still mad, but their grudge is weakening." Not enough to lift the shroud or repair the burns found in the tapestry of their joint past, but enough to lessen the painful burn of divine and justifiable rage. "Hm. You must be doing something right." A God's anger very rarely let up in the lifetime of that anger's target. Regardless of how long lived that person is, that anger surrounded them in a curse of misery, taking away the one thing they love most in the most brutal of ways. Many legends speak of the wrath of Gods, all of which ended in tragedy and ruin. If this fox had managed to figure out a way to lessen that pain and anger, it must be purely by accident. If not, then there was someone pleading his case. Luck must definitely smile down on the fallen kitsune, the legendary Yoko by the name of Kurama. The thief had friends in high places.
Turning from the male, Madam Ani rested her multicolored eyes towards the blocked off entrance to the room beyond. Even with so much blocking her vision, she could still see beyond to the falling shikigami. In a world of her own, the girl had no idea what would come about in the future should the wrong step be made. The bronze of her eyes turned a deep and sad blue before paling to a more serene shade. When another card lifted, the fiery tower in ruin was revealed, dripping with so much blood that there was nothing but red. From the broken and shattered window, a babe was thrown by a shadowy specter in sacrifice to the flames and rivers of blood below. "As for her, she still has a long way to fall and it is going to be wrought with more pain than you realize. The pain of her past is embodied in a bloody figure who has been taking great pleasure in carving her way into the tapestry of her life. Her love for Botan, though as real as the love you harbor, has yet to unwind itself from the twisted and vicious coil that represents it now. Do not get in her way. She will work herself out. Only then will Botan's torment become her weapon against the pain of the future. Blood started her fall, and blood will soften the landing." Sometimes the future wasn't always bright. Botan still had to fall deeper into the red until all went black. She was going to suffer so much that her heart was going to shatter into a thousand pieces. Her love was going to hurt her more than anything else before it dragged her from the ashes of her burning pain and pulled her into the light.
Another card lifted to reveal the turning wheel of karma. The red blood of death was mid turn, dripping off to the side as the light of life and happiness strove to complete the circle of life. "Botan's landing will be more painful to others than herself, and that in turn will cause her pain. Fear not though, my dear, happy endings come to those who wait. You two love each other. That much is clear, and the love you two share is true and deep. You two have been in love for so very long. Where that love started, I can't say. Fury and a broken heart blind even my sight to the true depths of your hearts. But that love will save you both. That love will save everyone if you know how to use it. Keep loving each other. Trust each other. Simply be with each other. Your love will protect her from the world gone black, and with it help will find you. There are many helping you, people who love the both of you very much even though that love had taken their lives. A golden fox who painted himself silver and a jealous crow who surrendered his hate to ensure the happiness of the man he loved. They are but a few, and the love you share will help them find you." From behind the card of the wheel, two more cards moved to frame it, each painting an image both literal and symbolic. The cawing crow held a ruby pendant from its screeching beak, clutching his talons into the hollow eye sockets of a magician's skull. Five spears of bamboo stabbed deep into the recesses of the magician's shredded clothes, embedding deep between the gaps of his exposed ribs.
The other card had a golden fox staring back over his shoulder, a mask with a human face hanging from his neck. In his mouth was a sword of silver and divine light, chasing back the heat of searing red flames. At his paws rested another sword, and a third stabbed deep into the creature's side. A crying girl was tucked away in the creature's other side, skeletal and broken with the shadow of death looming over her shoulder. Behind her and hidden deep within the shadows, another fox stood guard. Beaten and bloodied with a sword held poised in his mouth, the silver fox fought back the flames. He was unseen by the girl even as the golden fox watched with all knowing eyes. Above them all, a fifth sword loomed to end them all. The five of swords was as ominous as the burning tower of red.
The sixth card then pulled up before floating over to Kurama's hand. Three dancing maidens danced together, but their eyes were set only on him. In their joint hands, chalices were held, dripping with unseen poisons. Their want was as bare as their unclothed bodies, calling for Kurama to join them within the painting of dark lust and wanton fantasies. As if to turn them down, Kurama dropped the card to let it fly over to the other revealed cards. His hand, which Kurama felt to be defiled by the oily energy of the mystery maidens, rubbed against his pant leg as if to clean it. Kurama could only imagine what the card meant, though his assumptions were not far from the truth as the faery began speaking gain.
"Unfortunately, there are three who wish to destroy that love before help can find you. Don't let them win, or death will be the ultimate price and the heart will die. You already know who they are. Do not let your trust and ego blind you to the traps laid by women in want. As it has been said about you before Kurama, men may hurt you, but it will be a woman that destroys you. Do not let that woman be one of the three. The heart that dies is yours to keep, and if you fail it won't be only your grave. If your heart dies, so does everyone else." Madam Ani foretold, glaring at Kurama with the hopes that the true depth of the warning sank in before allowing her expression to brighten. She had faith that he would do right. The fox may be emotionally stupid, but logically he was a genius. If he messed up, he would be able to figure out a way to fix it so long as his heart and mind were as one. "No pressure."
Maya's name and face came unbidden into Kurama's mind. There was no question in his mind that she'd try to pull something in order to sever the bond between Botan and himself. All that lived and breathed did crazy things when they were in love. Human, demon, or otherwise didn't mean anything when love was involved. Maya was in love with the mask Kurama wore, and that love would compel her to do even the unthinkable. The other two however served as a mystery. No other clue presented itself to Kurama. Going over all that was said, Kurama couldn't find anything at all useful. The final card resting on the table called out to him teasingly, promising either a clue to the current question in his mind, or offering him another question to solve alongside it. "And the rest?"
"What do you think?" the fae asked, calling up the last card and flipping it to reveal the thing that Kurama wanted most in the world.
*1 –The day within the fic is the 7th of July, so from the start of the fic (June 15th), 22 days exactly have past; so almost a month from start to this point. If you want the exact time line, let me know and I'll give you the days and stuff
*2 – Tanabata (七夕?, meaning "Evening of the seventh") is a Japanese star festival, originating from the Chinese Qixi Festival.[1] It celebrates the meeting of the deities Orihime and Hikoboshi (represented by the stars Vega and Altair respectively). According to legend, the Milky Way separates these lovers, and they are allowed to meet only once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month of the lunisolar calendar. The date of Tanabata varies by region of the country, but the first festivities begin on July 7 of the Gregorian calendar. The celebration is held at various days between July and August. The star viewing festival takes place all over Japan, and in Tokyo it takes place from July 1 – 7th.
*3 – Orihime (織姫 Weaving Princess?), daughter of the Tentei (天帝 Sky King, or the universe itself?), wove beautiful clothes by the bank of the Amanogawa (天の川 Milky Way, lit. "heavenly river"?). Her father loved the cloth that she wove and so she worked very hard every day to weave it. However, Orihime was sad that because of her hard work she could never meet and fall in love with anyone. Concerned about his daughter, Tentei arranged for her to meet Hikoboshi (彦星 Cow Herder Star?) (also referred to as Kengyuu (牽牛?)) who lived and worked on the other side of the Amanogawa. When the two met, they fell instantly in love with each other and married shortly thereafter. However, once married, Orihime no longer would weave cloth for Tentei and Hikoboshi allowed his cows to stray all over Heaven. In anger, Tentei separated the two lovers across the Amanogawa and forbade them to meet. Orihime became despondent at the loss of her husband and asked her father to let them meet again. Tentei was moved by his daughter's tears and allowed the two to meet on the 7th day of the 7th month if she worked hard and finished her weaving. The first time they tried to meet, however, they found that they could not cross the river because there was no bridge. Orihime cried so much that a flock of magpies came and promised to make a bridge with their wings so that she could cross the river. It is said that if it rains on Tanabata, the magpies cannot come and the two lovers must wait until another year to meet.
*4 – Matsuri - Japanese festival
*5 – All events of Eizo Hakusho (the ovas that follow the anime's conclusion) have already occurred before the start of my fanfic as well as most of those found in the manga minus the obvious (go watch so you know what's the obvious). All the little cases following Yusuke's return (which is one and a half years earlier than from the anime, but we're going to ignore that) are also canon. Basically, everything up till chapter 174 is canon in the fic….minus Yukina moving in with Kuwabara and his family. Remember, this fanfic is only supplemented by the manga for the sake of additional back story. So, review. Only things taken from the manga are:
1, Botan doesn't just become corporeal, she actually has to enter a physical body made for her as a container/puppet.
2, Yusuke's case involving the fake ghost at an all girl's school (he dresses in drag for that, t'was funny).
3, The arrival of the cult trio in national media (Koto, Juri, and Ruka)
4, Frequent requests arriving at Yusuke's Ramen Stand for said cult trio's autographs, personal meetings, articles of clothing, and the like.
*6 – The stars Altair and Vega are the stars that the legend of Orihime and Hikoboshi revolve around.
*7 – Asian faeries are like the celestial maidens that keep popping up in the folklore. They're fair skinned, demure, and look human due to their being purists by nature. The faery fortune teller is dark skinned with less than human attributes like her longish limbs and shark like teeth. As such, it can be deduced that she's from the western world. All faeries do have certain personality traits in common however. One of which is the fear of demons and most other non-humans since faeries are a delicacy to eat or worth a great sum of money when captured and sold. In the face of non-humans they either kill on sight or run far far away as fast as their limbs can carry them.
Author's note: I was originally going to do the fortune telling scene with Kurama and Botan together, but then I decided not to since I didn't want for the date to be ruined completely by the not so happy telling of the future. Kurama can lock away his emotions. Botan can't, at least not enough to keep herself from wanting to crawl into a corner and cry. Something about that scene's intro still bugs me. Grrrrr! Anywho, here's the second chapter as promised. I think what I'm gonna do is in each cycle of posting, one set will get a double up. Since this was the first posted in my log list of fanfics, it was the first to get the double post. Next cycle, it's gonna be my A:TLA fanfic Dragons. Don't hold me to it though since life likes kicking my can. Anywho, hope you liked the chapter. Reviews are always welcome :).