Another day that may only be a dream, A KuramaXOC
By:~Pinkbun17~
Written & Edited: 9/27/23
Disclaimer: I don't own YYH. A simple and sad fact. If I did, I'd make more Kuwabara and Botan merch!
YusukexKeiko, KuwabaraxYukina pairings supported! ^^
Keep this in mind readers!
Story Format as always:
****READERS PLEASE READ MEH!****
Youko's Thoughts: ^"Grow a garden of truth, where lies have no place to take root."
Kurama speaking to Youko in his head/his own thoughts: *Well aren't you rooted in hypocrisy, fox.*
Inner thoughts of other characters: 'Yikes, you guys sure do bicker a lot, like siblings.'
Hiei's Inner thoughts/speech when he is talking to someone in their head: ~This is a waste of not only my time but yours as well. Is it that difficult to spew your truth? ~
Anything said in Sinhalese: "It ain't easy talking about the hard stuff, I hate dealing with emotional bs!"
⊱ ━━━━.⋅ εïз ⋅.━━━━ ⊰
Chapter 40: Shorely Unexpected: Thyme For Truths & A Lie Part II
Day 5: 10 minutes later, 4:23 pm
Kurama's POV:
The smell of various foods wafts from nearby beachside food stalls, tempting passersby with the aroma of delicious coastal cuisine and snacks.
Deciding it a good distraction I quickly grab some potato tornadoes on a stick. Handing the snack to her, I smile and she utters a thank you.
We settle down on a cozy blanket our eyes fixed on the rhythmic motion of the waves. Aisha's demeanor reveals an unspoken burden, evident in her thoughtful gaze.
She perks up, her attention diverted by the sight of people frolicking near the chilly ocean water. A spark of excitement glimmers in her eyes as she suggests, "Should we go hunt for some seashells?"
Without hesitation, we kick off our shoes once more, feeling the coolness of the water as it wraps around our feet. Aisha shivers momentarily from the cold, her body visibly reacting, but determination drives her forward.
She lowers herself to the ground, her eyes scanning the sandy floor, eagerly searching for hidden treasures.
As Aisha takes another step forward, the water envelops her legs, reaching below her knees. Suddenly, a startled shriek escapes her lips as she feels a slippery tangle wrap around her ankle. It's a bundle of seaweed that catches her off guard.
To her surprise, she tries to vigorously shake off the unwelcome marine hitchhiker, unleashing a string of frustrated curses against the mischievous sea plant. Meanwhile, I can't help but burst into laughter, finding the situation amusing.
Amidst her annoyance, Aisha directs her frustration toward me, exclaiming, "It's not funny! It's freaking slimy!"
I walk closer to her, intending to lend a hand. But as she continues to shake her leg in an attempt to free herself, her balance wavers, and I instinctively reach out to grab her, pulling her closer.
The unexpected closeness causes our gazes to lock, and for a brief moment, time seems to stand still. My eyes unconsciously wander down to her lips, and a warm blush spreads across Aisha's cheeks as she quickly turns away, feeling a surge of embarrassment.
I attempt to diffuse the tension. "Sorry about that," I say with a small smile. "I just didn't want you to fall."
Aisha nods, and I hear her heart racing in her chest. In that fleeting moment, a peculiar sensation reverberates like a gentle electric current through my entire body. It's a brief, indescribable feeling that leaves me both intrigued and bewildered.
I glance at Aisha, her expression mirroring a similar sense of wonderment. It's as if we both felt that inexplicable connection. However, the intensity of the moment dissipates as quickly as it appears, leaving us standing there, unsure of how to proceed.
"Did you feel something too?" Her unsure voice is almost lost amidst the soothing symphony of the ocean, but I strain my ears to catch her question.
"Like a strike of lightning that runs through your entire body? I ask, adding, "I've felt this beforehand, and always with you, Aisha."
I go on to tell her that every time we've made physical contact, whether it's a simple touch or an accidental brush, this sensation has washed over me.
"Though, the last few days or so, it seems the occurrences have weakened."
^It took the pair of you long enough to address this. Inform her about the dreams and visions you've been seeing.^ Youko chimes in.
"What do you think is causing it?" She questions, intrigued.
Leaving the chilly water, we start strolling along the shoreline, feeling the gentle warmth of the sand beneath our bare feet. As we walk side by side, I turn to her and respond,
"I may have a theory. Have you been seeing visions from the past, or dreams of it? Perhaps the story is from someone else's perspective?"
"That's oddly specific, but yeah, a few times actually…How did you…?" Her voice trails off, her eyes searching for an explanation in my gaze.
"I've been going through the same experience, starting from the day we crossed paths," I confess.
Continuing, I reveal that my discussions with Youko and Koenma, combined with my observations, lead me to believe that the visions we've been sharing are intertwined with the soul shard residing within her.
"Wait, but why would you have a connection to her in the first place? Youko from the past doesn't strike me as the type to form connections. He seems more like a 'burn all my bridges' kind of dude," Aisha questions, confusion settling on her face.
"You're not entirely wrong in your assumption, but it's important to remember that I have lived for thousands of years," I reply, emphasizing the vast amount of time I have experienced.
She casts her gaze downward for a moment before sheepishly meeting my eyes.
"Right, my bad Kurama," Aisha admits, her voice tinged with a hint of regret.
"No need to apologize, Aisha. It's understandable to have questions and make assumptions based on what you know," I assure her with a gentle smile.
"In fact, I'm curious to hear about the other things you've seen in your dreams. It could provide us with valuable insights into this mysterious connection between us." I tilt my head slightly, awaiting her response.
As Aisha begins to describe the fragments of her dreams, her voice carries a mix of intrigue and uncertainty. She vividly recalls scenes and images that seem to echo a Demon World of long ago. She also adds a moment where she encountered a young Youko.
"I don't remember her name, but she healed Youko and told me she'd always be with me," Aisha gestures to her chest. "I felt warmth coming from here."
As Aisha shares this poignant detail from her dream, a sense of reverence and awe fills the air. The weight of her words resonates deeply within me, as I grasp the significance of the mysterious woman who appeared in her visions.
"It feels like ages have passed since I was a young fox. The owner of your soul-shard, the hybrid demon had exchanged a little bit of her life energy with me." I reflect, my voice carrying a tinge of nostalgia.
"Over the course of my long existence, many events unfolded, and it appears that I had the opportunity to repay her kindness by healing her in return years later..."
Pausing briefly, I gather my thoughts before continuing, "The residual energy from those exchanges seems to be responding to our connection now."
"That's crazy to me…I always thought you didn't care about anyone else when you were a thief..? At least, not until you were saved by your human mother's love…"
Aisha's words strike a chord within me, evoking memories of my past as the notorious thief Youko Kurama. I pause momentarily, my gaze distant as I gather my thoughts.
"There's some truth to what you're saying, Aisha," I admit, a hint of contemplation coloring my voice. "In my days as a thief, I was driven by survival and self-interest. I believed that caring for others only made one vulnerable, a weakness to be exploited."
"But everything changed when I encountered the boundless love of my human mother," I continue, a softness entering my tone. "Her unwavering affection and sacrifice opened my eyes to a different kind of strength, one that comes from genuine connections and empathy."
"Seems like you've had that compassion somewhere inside you all along. Man, what kind of trauma did you go through beforehand, fox boy?" Aisha remarks, her expression slightly pained.
"The path I walked before finding my true self was filled with darkness and pain," I begin.
"I faced many hardships and made choices that I'm not proud of. But it was through those experiences that I learned the value of compassion and the importance of redemption. It's a journey that continues to shape me even now."
"Damn, I can't even begin to imagine what you've been through," Aisha says, her voice filled with empathy. "But I'm grateful that you've found your way to kindness and compassion. I look up to you in that regard and hope to be half the person you are."
I'm taken off guard by Aisha's heartfelt words and I'm momentarily at a loss for words.
"Thank you, Aisha. I'm flattered you think of me in that manner but don't underestimate the impact you have on others and the growth you're capable of."
"I think you're overestimating me, I mean you've only known me for like 5 days…"
"I understand your perspective, and I realize that our time together has been relatively short," I respond.
"But it's not always the duration of time that determines the depth of connection," I continue. "In these past few days, I've had the privilege of witnessing your genuine kindness, and your unwavering spirit. From what I've seen, you possess a unique strength that shines through. So, believe me when I say that I trust in your capacity to make a positive difference." I assure her with a gentle smile.
"That's a lot to live up to, and I'm not sure if I can do all that, Kurama."
"It's natural to feel uncertain and overwhelmed by such expectations. Remember, growth and progress come with patience and experience. You don't have to do it all at once either. Just take things one step at a time, and not only will you have my support, but also the support of the rest of the "Yu Yu" crew."
She takes in a deep sigh, considering my words, and her gaze drifts to the sandy shore. Something catches her eye and she bends down picking up a small, delicate white seashell.
Holding it in the palm of her hand, she examines its intricate patterns and smooth surface. A small smile tugs at the corners of her lips as she murmurs, "I think I owe you an apology."
Turning her gaze towards me she says she's sorry for slapping me yesterday.
With a soft, almost hesitant voice, she musters the courage to speak.
"I do admit, I realize now that I've unfairly directed my anger at you, and I'm a shithead for doing that," she utters quietly, her words laced with sincerity.
As I meet her mocha eyes, they reflect a mixture of sadness and vulnerability, resembling the pleading eyes of a sorrowful puppy.
At that moment, a surge of emotions wells up within me, compelling me to respond.
"I... I'm the one who owes you an apology," I admit, my voice brimming with genuine remorse.
"I am deeply sorry for my discourteous behavior. It was completely wrong of me to touch you without your consent."
^Need I remind you, she gave in pretty quickly?^ Youko taunts, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
*That matters not, fox,* I scold firmly, locking eyes with him in our shared mental space. *We must acknowledge our mistake in disregarding her boundaries.*
He scoffs, a flicker of annoyance crossing his features, but chooses not to respond further.
"I fear that my actions have caused you to feel unsafe in my presence, Aisha," I confess, a surge of anger wells up within me, directed solely at myself.
*How could I have allowed my emotions to cause distress to someone I'm supposed to keep safe?*
I pause, taking another deep breath.
"You deserve unwavering respect and consideration. It's my responsibility to ensure your well-being…and I have failed there. Please know that I'm committed to making amends and regaining your trust."
Her countenance is marked by bewilderment and conflict. The furrowed brow and cautious gaze downwards vividly portray the depth of her inner turmoil.
A few minutes drift by, and she finds herself absently tracing her fingers along the granules of sand, lost in contemplation.
With each gentle stroke of her fingertips against the grains- a question mark seems to form in the sand, mirroring the uncertainties that weigh upon her.
Inhaling deeply, she takes a gulp of the crisp ocean air, savoring its salty tang. With the breath of the sea filling her lungs, she softly utters her thoughts, her words carried away by the gentle breeze.
"You haven't failed me, Kurama. In fact, you've already saved my worthless ass several times. As for everything else…" Inhaling deeply, she pauses.
"I've mentioned this to you before," she begins, her voice slightly trembling, "Experiences like this aren't a new concept to me, and quite frankly… I'm scared of most men…but with you Kurama, it's different."
She steals a quick glance at my face, her eyes reflecting a blend of hesitation and longing before her gaze returns to the rhythmic dance of the ocean waves.
"Why is that the case with me, Aisha? I do not think my actions are excusable considering the circumstances." I pose the question with a mix of curiosity and self-reflection.
With a nervous anticipation etched on her blushing face, she inhales deeply, drawing in the briny ocean air again.
Her fingers graze the fabric of her bright cotton pink shirt, a subtle tremor reveals the underlying nervousness gripping her.
"I-I think you already know the answer to that, Kurama." Her voice quivers as she stammers, unable to hide the vulnerability in her words.
She hesitates for a brief moment before mustering the courage to ask, "But I need to know... w-why did you kiss me?"
The weight of her question lingers in the air, begging for clarity and understanding. Her gaze shifts, flickering between our eyes, revealing her inner turmoil.
A slight pang of unease pricks at my chest as I contemplate diving into the vast depths of my emotional turmoil.
Taking a deep breath, I release a sigh, allowing the tension to dissipate as I collect my thoughts and come to a decision – it's time to reveal the complete truth about my condition.
"Do you recall how I went through that soul transference accident last month?
"Yeah, and that Youko is like an alternate version of your past self, right?"
"Well, there's more to it than the fox being a pestering brat." With a resigned sigh, I mentally brace myself to confess this shameful side effect.
^Your imprudent comment is not appreciated. You know full well this isn't a mere complication from that experiment. ^
*Regardless of how YOU feel, we are indebted to her for the truth. You bear responsibility for my ongoing struggle to restrain my emotions.*
^You may deem your desires and emotions as burdensome, but you cannot deny that they are an integral part of who we are, little Shuichi,^ Youko sneers.
I fixate my mental gaze upon him, a seething anger simmering beneath the surface. Yet, begrudgingly, I cannot dismiss the bitter veracity of his words. He spews the venom of truth at me.
Exhaling heavily, I admit, "You will be the first person to know this of me, and I hope you will not view me in a different light, but for your safety, you must know."
I proceed further explaining how my accident has been gnawing at my sanity, and battling against Youko has proven to be quite draining.
"Yeah, you did say it makes you feel bipolar in a sense," Aisha confirms.
"Well, I have noticed other repercussions. It seems that the splitting of my soul has had an impact on my brain chemistry and hormonal levels…thus I have been experiencing a heightened level of…yearning and impulsiveness."
^The only true impulsiveness you've committed is spewing such lies. Are you suffering from cognitive impairment?^ Youko repermines me in a hostile voice.
*My feelings towards her are those of a shallow nature, and I refuse to bring her further suffering fox.*
Aisha raises an eyebrow, confusion set on her face. "So are you like going through a second puberty? What do you mean exactly?"
I sigh softly, a rueful smile tugging at the corners of my lips, and admit, "No, it's not quite like that. My previous actions do not line up with how I feel inside."
"Does this mean you don't feel anything towards me?"
Aisha's voice is firm yet beneath the surface, it quivers with the weight of unspoken emotions. She attempts to mask her vulnerability with a brave facade, but her eyes betray the depth of her feelings, glistening with unspoken longing and pain.*
*She is but a child, regardless of my sentiments. I can't assert any greater claim. She's worth far more than my fleeting emotions, and it's my foremost duty to shield her from further harm and complete this mission.*
*The last thing I need is to indulge in such a distraction*
^Do prey tell are you doing? I fail to understand your thought process. Are you not aware that your so-called fleeting emotions are not of such a superficial nature? My, just how delusional are you allowing yourself to be, little Shuichi?^ The fox scoffs, bitterness clinging to his words.
I gaze softly at Aisha, my eyes surely reflecting a mixture of emotions.
"I apologize again for my actions," I say with a gentle sigh, "My desire blinded me, and I did not realize how it would affect you."
Her gaze locks with mine, mirroring a blend of sadness, and a subtle touch of acceptance.
"So, it's a no, at least for now, Aisha," I pause, letting my words sink in.
"You're becoming a dear friend to me and we need to stay on track with this mission."
The second I utter my words, Youko's voice thunders in my mind, spewing further accusations and insults. His words are biting, and his frustration is palpable.
My gaze remains fixed upon her face and despite the smile gracing her lips, her eyes unveil the truth. They convey the unmistakable pain of a shattered heart.
*I understand you don't agree, but it's in her best interests that we distance ourselves. We need to keep our wits about-*
^It's too late for that, you foolish boy. I cannot believe you'd stoop as low as betraying not only yourself but to openly wound her. You've made such a cruel unnecessary choice. For the sake of what? A falsehood of protection?^
As much as Youko desires to correct me, he knows full well he cannot do so at the present time.
The presence of humans lingering nearby forces him to restrain himself. He knows he can't rectify my lies, and that realization left him in a state of intense rage.
^Damn it, Shuichi! Let me tell her the truth!^
*Even if you do, what makes you think she'll believe you? After all, we both have broken her trust in us.*
Youko continues berating me, adding,
^I see your manipulative nature has not been eased. Do you find satisfaction in such ruthless actions? What has become of learning benevolence from the humans?^
Ignoring the simmering anger of the fox, I extend a word of caution to her.
"I must warn you, Aisha," My tone is somber.
"As you know Youko is still a part of me, and he can be unpredictable. Please be careful around me, especially when he's close to the surface. I cannot guarantee he won't try to cause you trouble again."
The sharp stabs of anguish that reverberate within my chest serve as a constant reminder of my recent conduct.
I have deliberately sabotaged my feelings towards her resulting in not only my own suffering but also causing her harm.
"Oh...okay. I understand. Thank you for being honest with me."
On the surface, her countenance bears a look of disappointment, but her mouth is trapped in a tiny trembling smile.
Gazing into her brown eyes, a profound sense of loneliness emanates, like a vast, desolate landscape void of company.
Once again, the throbbing ache in my chest intensifies, causing my stomach to plummet in the process.
Realizing I can read her well, she adjusts herself.
"It's all good, Kurama! Don't worry about it. I-I'm going to look for some more seashells further down the beach. I'll be back in a few!"
She presses a faint grin onto her face, but it fails to reach her eyes. With haste, she sprints away, her footsteps resounding heavily against the sand, leaving behind a palpable sense of unease.
A heavy sigh escapes my lips as I turn my gaze back to the animated sea.
*This is for the best…*
Youko scoffs. ^Yes foolish one, sprinkle in a bit of truth and continue feeding the lies nutrients. Are you prepared for the repercussions that will follow?^
To be continued...
My notes:
Hello all! I've been dealing with a bit of writer's block and job searching, so this chapter has been well overdue! Spooky season is upon us and I'm excited! I hope all is well with everyone and you enjoy the festivities upon us!
Rock Out & Peace On!
~PiNkBuN17