"K'so!" Miru exclaimed, swatting a valise in frustration. Nadori and Kufei, both tattered from last night's encounter kept their heads down, not willing to meet the blazing gaze of their leader. The servants that usually surrounded Miru have long scampered away as soon as the two came without the hermit. "I can't believe I've been deceived into believing you two actually had a brain!" he scathed. "But Miru, we only..."

"...wanted to help," Miru said, finishing in sarcasm what Kufei intended to say. "Well guess what? Not only did you blow it.You had Sheijuri dead," he exclaimed. "Personally, I'm glad Raizen's son did what I should've done a long time ago. That baka-yarou would've costed me had he lived longer," he sneered. Nadori flinched inwardly at the scalding words aimed at her brother but said nothing nonetheless. Miru's angry voice rang through the walls of the temple, a ripple in its solemn calmness. "We can still get the ferrygirl, Miru-sama. I will personally see to that," Nadori said defiantly, anger over her brother's death blazing in her eyes. Miru walked to where she was seated and smiled. He stood there for a while, regarding Nadori in silent awe.

"Such a beautiful creature you are Nadori," he was saying as he slowly traced the outline of her face, "Beautiful yet foolish," he gripped her chin and turned her face away from him. "Before you decided to take matters in your own hands, the Rei Kai Tantei had no idea whatsoever of who they are facing. Now," he tempered himself from killing both of them for their stupidity. He knew that they weren't really intent on getting the ferrygirl, they just wanted to have a venue to show-off their powers and skills. He knew the extent of their powers, but their underestimation of the enemy made them loose ground on the fight. He threw several things out of his way as he paced in front of the two. Miru was so absorbed in his anger that he didn't notice the new addition in the room. "So I see the great Miru is distressed over his little ferrygirl," he said in slight bemusement.

"This is not a matter to be amused about," he said without facing their fifth member. "Aa. It is. You're the only one who's worried around here," he said eyeing the two failed youkai in slight disgust. He doesn't tolerate losers. especially those who lose out of their own stupidity. He knew why they decided to take the hermit by their own hands. They wanted to play with the tantei, to prove that they were more powerful than they. Miru didn't answer him and turned instead to the window, revelling at the sight of the sun breaking free from the clutches of the mountains. The man looked at Kufei then walked up to him. Kufei stood up and met his icy glare levelly. "I didn't like what you did back there," he said coolly, keeping a smile fixed on his lips. Kufei snorted, "I most definitely did."

His eyes narrowed into a promise, "If you ever as much lay a finger on her again, I will personally see to your death," he smiled, "a slow painful one at that." He turned to Miru, "personally, I think we should've let Youko Kurama's poison kill this horny piece of scum." Kufei looked away, well aware that he wasn't bluffing and that he would've been dead had this man desired of it.

"We have five days," Miru said without turning. "Not to worry, Miru... for as long as the hermit is marked, the warrior is as good as ours," he promised, his eyes still roaming on the ninja. Miru listened for some sort of uncertainty or hesitation in his voice and was pleasantly reassured when all there was to it was cold determination.

The moon showered her mercilessly with its beams. Striking her soft cheeks as a cool rustle of wind forced deviant strands from her ponytail to sweep across her face. She had her eyes closed, a lone figure in the chiaroscurro created by the moon and the night. Revelling on the feel of the warmth emanating from the moon. She smiled, home, she thought. Contentment. Peace. Freedom. She felt heady, almost drugged by the foreign feel of tranquility against her senses. It enveloped her in a most comforting embrace, shrinking her world into her and the moon. But it was pierced by a sound coming from behind her. She didn't know why she chose to relieve herself from nirvana but the sound of short, gentle sobs made her turn. The woman was uttering a name.

Reluctantly, she turned away from the moon and was surprised to see a wide expanse of water behind her. Humming a seductive song. She deftly searched for the one who cries and saw a figure kneeling on the loamy softness of the banks. She was a mass of black hair, whipping madly about against the cool breeze. The woman's shoulders were shaking vigorously while uttering the familiar name... Botan... The name familiar to her as it played on her ear like a nymph's voice singing. The moon was beckoning her to turn back to him but her gaze was kept fixed on the scene before her. The river continued to sing an almost sensual hymn. Beckoning. Tempting. The raven-haired woman got up and slowly walked towards the river. She, on the other hand, watched mutely as the scene unfolds before her. Then she stopped, water lapping on her thighs. She suddenly raised her head, water-brimmed golden eyes conversing with purple. Impatience and concern were written on those eyes before she took another step and was swallowed by the peaceful blanket of water.

She was alone. She quickly shut her eyes, pressing them close and trying to restore the comfort of her dream. She'd prefer to watch that horrid scene play before her eyes than being left alone with the knot in her chest... then a touch against her cheek. Reassuring. I'm here. Reluctantly, she succumbed to the soft pleading of his caress against her eyelids.

The first thing she saw were his eyes. A depthless shade of emerald, gazing down at her. Her reward. The back of his finger ran softly down her damp cheek. "You were crying," Kurama pointed out in a whisper, the concern in his voice not reaching his face. Botan turned away from his touch and towards the dull glow of the moon's beams trespassing its way into the room. She deftly remembered the last time they spoke. "Leave you? I didn't leave you Kurama-kun, I mean, it's not like we're together in the first place... are we?"No. Perhaps she'd expected too much from their friendship when it was all there was to it. No.

Perhaps Koenma was right, she thought remembering the prince's warning when he found out about that last talk he had with Kurama in their house.He's a cunning thief, Botan, first and foremost. Nothing can change that. He will take everything without hesitation and without any intent of giving something back. Another tear trickled down her cheek... be careful of what he might take. "Daijobu, Botan?" the sweet and concerned ningen Minamino Shuuichi asked. Botan faced him, staring at what seemed to her a beautiful facade to conceal his true form. Let him find someone as beautiful as he is, she thought bitterly. her insecurities gnawing at her, at least she would be of value in the eyes of a thief. Before, she had put every inch of her faith on the kitsune that his cold heart have been thawed, his ways changed. Now... he's just as he was from the start. A heartless thief who steals... plunders... "Hai," she managed to answer in a hushed tone. She let her gaze wander around her. "Where am I?" she asked. Kurama saw the fleeting animosity... that naked, foreign coldness in her purple gaze before it was properly clothed. He instantly felt anger well up inside him. Why did Koenma have to bring it all out on her anyway. Kurama knew that the Reikai prince's revelations would cost Botan far more than a mere nip at her emotions. He could almost feel Koenma's words scalding through Botan's heart and piercing through the very core of her being... leaving nothing but an ugly gash in her pure and free spirit. Never to heal... forever imprinted in her soul. "Here. I brought you dinner," he said, carrying a tray to the bed. Botan bit back a retort and fancied a smile, "Arigatou." She made no further question about her whereabouts. She took a sip of the soup he brought her, making no effort to make eye contact with him, much less, start a conversation. She wanted him to leave her alone. The pain Koenma's words brought to her wounded her deeply and she sought comfort... but not from him. Never from him. A deceptive, cold and ruthless thief... who stole my heart, she thought sadly. She could no longer trust him. His hand fell on hers, "Botan... ore... if you need to..." he began. Botan knew what he was getting to. Offering her solace. Comfort. Friendship. She pulled her hand from under his and reached for the glass of water, taking a sip to delay some time. "It's okay, Kurama. I can deal with it," she said hoping not too cold for him to notice. But he did notice. He was momentarily stupefied by the tone, so carefully hidden, but not careful enough for his ears. He hoped that it would just be a tantrum, caused by her two days of sleep. A small voice inside him said, but Botan never throws fits of tantrums. He pushed that thought away and believed what he had earlier hoped for. Kurama smiled, "I'll just go downstairs and get Keiko. She's been here for two nights looking over you," he said already on the door. "Kurama?" Botan called out, like a child afraid of the shadows in her room, "where am I?" she repeated. With his back to her he opened the door and said before going out, "Koenma thought it'd be best if you stay in my house for the time you are to spend in Reikai since I'm much familiar with the hermits, I may have a clue on who is coming after you." He closed the door, not seeing Botan's look of horror.

Keiko was by her bedside, talking animatedly about something she faintly recognizes, her words barely registering in her confused state of thinking. Kurama's house... his lair. Instantly, she was reminded of a rendezvous not too long ago when she met the intriguing kitsune. And look where I ended up, she thought with much bitterness. She jumped slightly when Keiko touched her hand. Warm, brown eyes smiled warmly at her, "gomen-nasai, Botan-chan. I'm just trying to make you feel a bit lighter. I'm sorry if my silly stories tire you out." Realizing she must have offended the girl with her silence, she smiled generously. "No you don't. I'm sorry if I wasn't paying any attention, it's just..." she started wistfully, intending to tell Keiko of her distress over Kurama. "I know. Shuuichi-kun said that you might still feel some weariness over sleeping for two nights. Ano... how does your head feel Botan-chan?" she asked. Keiko's words served to remind her body of the concept of pain and immediately, she was made aware of the throbbing pain at the back of her head that she's been too preoccupied to take into account.

Botan winced in response, "It does hurt a bit... demo... Keiko-chan, why am I here?" Keiko blinked, "you forgot?" she asked instantly worried over the prospect of selective amnesia. "No, no," Botan managed quickly, "I mean... why am I in Kurama's house? He lives alone doesn't he?" Botan applauded herself for coming up with a feasible source of worry. Public censure over a young woman staying in a young man's house. By themselves. Crafty. Keiko smiled, almost relieved, "Botan, Koenma couldn't leave you with me or Shizuru... I mean, we can't look after and protect you as well as... well, Kurama-kun. Besides," Keiko smiled mischievously, "having to stay with Kurama-kun wouldn't exactly be what you'd say as torturous."

Botan frowned, On the contrary, it is the first thing that comes to my mind when I'm reminded of torture. She felt annoyed that Keiko was right but more annoyed that she had a niggling feeling of pleasure over the thought that she is under the protection of Kurama. That she's so close to him sent a pleasantly warm feeling coursing through her. She hated herself for being so vulnerable to his charms, even if she had been introduced to his true, ruthless self. Even if she knows that MInamino Shuuichi is but a mask worn to perfection by Youko Kurama. And his nearness only serves to make her forget the pain that truth and the consequences that accompanies it, bring her. Botan remembered the events two nights ago, "ano... Keiko-chan, gomen-nasai about the ramen house... it shouldn't have happened..." Keiko shook her head, "It's okay, Botan. 'Kasaan was thinking of having the place rennovated anyway. It was just a matter of time," she reassured. Botan noticed the slight bruise on Keiko's cheek, she gingerly touched it, "I'm terribly sorry you all had to take part of this..." she said in deep agony at the knowledge that her friends had to suffer the consequences of her past.Keiko gave her friend a kind smile, "stop feeling sorry for everything! If anything, I should be the one apologizing for letting that monster hurt you," she chided. Keiko got up from her bedside, realizing her presence only brought Botan more reasons to feel distressed, "Well, I guess I'd best be going if I want to have you up and early for your fitting," she said in a cheerful voice. Botan's eyes lit with startled confusion from her state of demise, "fitting?" she asked. Keiko's expression shifted to that of a frown, then to annoyance, "Yuusuke no baka! I should have known better than to expect him..." she took notice of Botan's confused expression. "Ah, gomen ne Botan-chan. You see, I chose you to play my maid of honor and as it turns out... Yuusuke forgot..." Botan's eyes widened, "Nani?! Your maid of honor?" Keiko nodded, "Aa. And tomorrow, you have to get yourself measured for your kimono." Botan played with her fingers, "Ah... ano... Keiko-san, what exactly is a maid of honor?" she asked sheepishly. Keiko sweatdropped, she forgot that Botan has never attended a wedding before.

"Well, the maid of honor is... the bride's closest friend who's to be by her friend's side when she finally takes those vows," she explained, doubtful if the explanation she gave was sufficient. Botan paused, letting the concept sink in before she smiled warmly at the thought, "Arigatou, Keiko-chan for this honor. I'd be more than happy to be by your side at the most important moment in your life," she said sincerely, bowing ever slightly. Keiko gave out a sigh of relief, "for a moment there, I thought you'd beg off. Now," Keiko reached out to tuck her in, "you be a good girl and go back to sleep..." she said soothingly. Botan's eyes, weary as they were, widened in alarm, "no. I don't want to go back to sleep," she said, though every muscle in her body betrayed those words. Keiko's brow furrowed in question. "I... I can't. My mother... my dreams... Keiko-chan, I've seen how she died. I don't want to..." Keiko hushed her, "It was just a dream, Botan. Just a dream," she softly held Botan's shoulders to calm her down. "D-demo..." Botan said in reluctance, already her eyes felt heavy but her fear allowed her to fiercely suppress them from closing shut. "Sssh... It's okay, Botan-chan. I'll stay here, don't worry," Keiko held her friend's hand in reassurance.

A wave of sadness hit her, as she realized how fragile Botan was now, needing someone to protect her to something as childish as a dream. Botan reluctantly allowed herself to be pried from consciousness and drifted to sleep. Keiko watched Botan's face, evidence of the difficult sleep she had for two days were still visible. The sad crease of her mouth looked so foreign from Botan's patented smile that was bright enough to rouse everybody to cheerfulness. Keiko tightened her grip on the deity's hand before pulling it away, making sure she was already asleep before doing so.

She smoothed her hair back from her forehead, and relinquished a soft smile as she remembered with fondness their misadventures together kicking some youkai ass. She instantly missed the deity and reluctantly shed a tear for past memories she knew would never be anything but that: memories. Keiko understood that from then on, everything won't be the same anymore. She gently closed the door, leaving her to the care of the lonely moon.

Yuusuke whistled slightly as he made his way to Kurama's house. He got up quite late than usual, the day was already approaching noon. Nevertheless, he wanted to see Botan for himself. Kurama called him last night and told him he's already awake and was talking to Keiko. He would've gone there immediately after Kurama called had not his mom went into a crying fit saying he was going to leave her soon and that he should spend the most time possible with her before he gets married.

I have to get her to stop watching those damn soaps, he thought. Marriage... Keiko... the thought that it was his last week as a bachelor gave him a queasy feeling. A pleasantly queasy one. Yuusuke knew for himself that he's never been one to be known for his responsibility. He decides for himself... no one else. The thought of starting to live not only for himself, but also for Keiko felt strange and unfamiliar. Before, he found direction in fighting... in winning in each of his battles. Proving that he was worth something more than being some wise-cracking kid who's always on the lookout for trouble. Now that he's proven his worth to himself, it seemed fitting to be finally bound to that one person who stood by him, as the next step.

He remembered how he almost lost her for his quest for his worth. How his selfish reasons broke her heart on having to leave. He knew he could never let anything close to that happen again. That's why two months after his return from Makai, he proposed to Keiko and after a year of engagement, is now very well on their way to taking their vows. Trouble in Reikai and Makai had kept themselves to a minimum. Nothing Hiei and the other tantei couldn't handle. Somehow, the reprieve from his usual bouts with other-worldly beasts and youkai had sobered him... allowing him to catch up on his age and mature.

But mature or not, I can still kick some mean youkai butt, he thought with satisfaction, flexing his arm as he recalled his fight with Sheijuri. He didn't mean to kill the arrogant youkai, he just got too excited. Too bad for Sheijuri he had to witness and attest to his excitement.

A shriek of horror from a nearby alley pierced through Yuusuke's reverie. There was something about the sound that made him feel that it was more of a call for his attention. He rushed immediately to where the sound came from. Even before he saw the body, he knew it was a dead ningen waiting for him at the end of the alley. He knew that calling the police should be the next thing to do but the walls enclosing the small space seemed to have his name all over it, the body's blood calling him. A dismembered body of a young woman lay lifeless, a pool of blood under her head. Yuusuke knelt beside the corpse and turned her body over. A kunai held a piece of paper fastened to the base of the girl's neck. He felt a wave of nausea as he got a premature, vague picture of what the note said. Son of Raizen...kimonos look good on your woman and the deity, ne? Yuusuke dropped the note and sped as fast as his strength would allow him. A mixture of fear and anger hooded his usually warm brown eyes. Yurusenai. A pair of crimson eyes watched a former teammate run in desperation. His jagan glowed ferally behind his bandaged forehead. He got up from where he has been sitting for the last two hours and watched Yuusuke disappear as he turned to a corner. He had lacked interest over the situation the Rei Kai Tantei had gotten themselves into... until that night when he watched his sister being hurled to a wall by the ninja youkai. He itched to have the ninja's blood on his katana, but he remembered Mokuro's frequent advice in their fights together: think before you move. The note seemed to be a fitting cue for his entry into the picture. The katana that lay comfortably against his shoulder went hidden under his cloaked figure. Knowing he wouldn't be needing it to where he was going. Time to visit an old friend.

Arigatou- thank you