Eh-heh. ::Laughs sheepishly:: It seems I've been neglecting my authorly duties, ne? Sorry, sorry, sorry! I've been pretty busy with college and uh… Well, heck, I've just been lazy in general! But her I am to give you the Foxgloves fix you've all been dying for! On with the Epilogue!
Epilogue: Inescapable
It had been three weeks since the incident in Makai. Three weeks since she had seen the sunlight or felt the breeze in her hair. Three weeks she'd been confined to her room – Yusuke always standing watch at her door, a solemn frown on his face and a fierce scowl for anyone who so much as looked at him wrong. Three weeks of healing, of nightmares, of a constant fear that a silver kitsune was waiting for her around each corner. Some nights she heard him chuckling from shadows in her room, but every time she'd cried out Yusuke had been there to turn on the light and hold her trembling form until she drifted uneasily off to sleep and he again resumed his constant vigilance outside.
Yusuke. Botan smiled softly. He'd been there constantly since the whole happenings with… the thief. She shivered, remembering pale lips against her collarbone, graceful clawed hands running through her hair. Quickly she replaced the mental image with another, warm chocolate eyes taking the place of fiery gold. Yusuke, leader of the tantei, the boy who she assisted… He hadn't left Rekai since he'd carried her to her room. She suspected he slept outside of her door – that would have been the only explanation for his quick appearances when she called out in the night. But those long weeks were over now. Thanks to Ayame's healing powers and Botans inherent cheerful nature, the physical and mental anguish never could have lasted long anyway – but this was a particularly quick bounce-back. Even for Botan. And it was all due to her sudden affection for the black haired spirit detective.
She knew it was silly, she was probably having a hero complex or something – wasn't it every girl's first instinct to throw themselves into the arms of the man who rescued them?
She remembered the look in his eyes when he'd found her naked, kneeling in a pool of blood on Youko's bed, staring down at the body of the silver kitsune. He'd been beautiful even in death; those intense eyes closed forever, long dark lashes casting a delicate shadow onto his pale cheeks. She hadn't been able to tear her eyes away from the horrible sight – his pristine white robes stained with his own blood as he lay before her almost submissively.
Yusuke had come tearing into the room, his eyes frantic and his reikai energy off the charts. He stopped when he saw the fallen youkai – so still – and Botan, clutching the katana like a lifeline. He hadn't been able to take it from her and it had been him who had draped his arms around her, looking stricken as he observed her broken form. When she'd finally been able to tear her eyes away from youkai it was to see Yusuke's frustrated face as Genkai pushed him away to inspect Botan's wounds. He'd been angry and upset. Angry for her, upset at what had been done to her. He cared, she'd seen that. He cared deeply; his eyes had told her so when he'd held her after they left the cave. And today she'd tell him his affection and concern hadn't been wasted, that she'd fought her way out of the haze to embrace him.
She was ready to leave her room.
Botan stared out at the water, feeling restless as she watched lily-pads float tranquilly past. A light breeze made the leaves on the tall trees surrounding the pond shift slightly. Botan shivered and pulled her jacket tighter to her. A shadow passed over the water and Botan looked up, searching the sky for clouds. The sun shown merrily down on her, alone in an expanse of blue… She sighed, and her eyes drifted lazily back down to her reflection in the water – and that of a silver haired kitsune smirking behind her.
Botan gasped, gripping the rail of the small bridge before whirling frantically around to see… Warm brown eyes watching her in concern.
"Yusuke." She breathed softly, her tense frame slowly relaxing.
"Are you okay?" He asked, stepping forward, his hands jammed into his uniform pockets. "You look like you've just seen a ghost."
Botan grinned ironically and leaned back against the railing. "I'm fine," she told him, bringing her hand up to her forehead. "Just… fine."
"Really?" He asked quietly, hesitantly moving closer.
"Yes." She assured him with a small smile. His stance relaxed slightly.
"Good." He breathed before shooting her an irritated glance. "You're not supposed to leave your room for another week. And you're definitely not allowed to leave Reikai. Do you know how panicked I was when I saw you'd left your room?!"
Botan giggled, sounding like her old self for a moment as she gave a mischievous smile. "I know!" She said jovially, "But I was feeling cooped up! Come on Yusuke, can you blame me?"
The dark haired boy remained scowling for a moment before he finally broke into a grin. "No," he relented, glancing around the park, "I can't." He brought his eyes back to rest on her. "So, any news?"
Botan shook her head, thinking back on what Ayame had told her earlier that morning and frowning. "They can't find Youko's soul anywhere. It's as if he's just…" She closed her eyes, bringing her hands together, "disappeared."
"He hasn't disappeared." Yusuke said sharply, his eyes hardening. "He'll show up."
Botan smiled at the conviction in his voice. "By the way," she began quietly, "I've wanted to thank you."
Yusuke blushed, averting his gaze and staring at the floor. "You don't have to thank me," he muttered, "I did what any friend would do."
"Still," Botan continued, amethyst eyes shining, "if you hadn't shown up when you did…" She reached out, gently laying her hand on his arm.
Yusuke stared intensely at her for a moment, before yanking one hand out of his pocket and pulling her to him in a one-armed embrace.
"Don't be stupid!" He said harshly, holding her tightly. "I was too late! If I had shown up earlier you wouldn't have been… you wouldn't have had too…"
Botan lay her head on his shoulder. "It's okay."
"God Damnit! No it isn't!" He hissed. "I should been there to protect you!"
"It's alright!" She assured him. "I'm with you now, and I'm safe."
Silence passed between them for a moment. All was still.
"Actually, that's not exactly true." He whispered. "I'd say you're the least safe with me."
Botan stiffened slightly. "What?" She lifted her head from his shoulder and blinked at him. Something had changed in his tone, and his eyes were closed, a relaxed smile on his lips.
"Yusuke?" She asked hesitantly. The dark haired boy's eyes opened slowly, but instead of the warm, chocolate color she was used too, they were a shocking gold.
"Fooled you!" He laughed, his voice becoming richer, deeper.
"Youko!" Botan gasped, instantly trying to push away, "How --?!"
"Isn't it obvious?" He asked, his grip tightening. "I possessed this ningen when he came to 'rescue' you." He leaned in, resting his forehead against hers. "I was quite upset when you killed me." He told her, pausing to savor the look of terror that had passed over her features.
"But it's difficult to stay angry with you." He purred, "Especially since you've provided me with the body of Koenma's spirit detective – the perfect disguise!"
"Yusuke!" Botan said, panicked, "What did you do…?!"
"Oh, don't worry, he's still here," snickered Youko, "I've just completely subjugated his will – not as easy a task as it sounds, I assure you. He was very resistant, in fact, he harbors some strong emotions toward you and a deep concern for your well being that made taking him over quite difficult."
"Youko –" Botan choked, trying to jerk away only to be yanked violently back toward the possessed boy.
"I've raided this boys mind, you're my assistant, my constant companion! This is perfect, isn't it?" He laughed. "All I've wanted for the last six months is you, and now I have you all to myself!"
"I'm also Yusuke's connection to Reikai!" Botan glared, her voice shaking. "As soon as I see Koenma I'll tell –"
"You'll keep your pretty mouth shut!" Youko interrupted. "You tell him and I'll expel this spirit detective's soul." He snapped.
Botan paled. "You wouldn't…."
The kitsune grinned, "Wouldn't I?" He asked. "I think you of all people should know, Botan, I don't make idle threats."
Yusuke/Youko pulled his remaining hand from the pocket of the green uniform, holding his palm out to show a seed, which quickly grew into a deep pink rose.
"For you." He said generously, "I bred it specifically."
Botan eyed the flower warily, refusing to touch it. Youko chuckled, tucking the rose behind her ear.
"I still retain my command of plants, and this body has an unbelievable amount of untapped power – enough for me to change back into my original form whenever it suits me." He grinned, shifting Yusuke's body into Youko's natural form, a tall, silver fox demon.
Seeing Youko in his natural flesh caused Botan at last to feel the full impact of the situation. Tears pricked her eyes as she pushed helplessly at the youkai.
"You like me this way, don't you, Botan?" He asked quietly, amused by the frantic girl in his arms. "I watched you admire my body after I died – is that what it took to make you want me?" He reached up and gently wiped her tears away, his canines exposed in a predatory grin.
"No…" Botan whimpered. "No, I hate you! You took… everything!"
Kurama narrowed his eyes, frowning for the first time since he'd revealed himself. "You hate me?"
Botan sobbed angrily against his chest, her heart wrenching. He'd taken everything from her! Casca, her innocence, Yusuke… And she couldn't get any of it back. She couldn't tell Koenma or the thief would erase Yusuke's soul. She glared angrily at the silver youkai.
Youko's confident smile reappeared. "You may hate me now, but you'll learn to love me. After all, we have the rest of this ningen's life, don't we? You can't escape me now." He drew his arms tighter around her, tenderly nipping her neck, Botan felt her strength leave her as he pressed his lips against hers in a brutal kiss. He drew away and she collapsed, defeated, allowing Youko to hold her close. Silver hair fell softly around her face as her vision was blurred once again by tears. The thief's mouth brushed hotly over her ear – distantly she could smell roses.
"You can't escape me now."
AN: Okay, now just in case any of you are going, "huh?" remember last chapter when this happened?
Yusuke turned to follow Genkai and Botan out of the well concealed cave. Something cold hit him square in the chest – he sagged against the wall for a moment, gagging. The feeling passed and stood up dizzily.
Okay, that's when Youko possessed Yusuke. Hope that clears any confusion up!
I, uh, know some of you were unhappy with the way the last chapter ended – I'm glad I make you squirm! Hopefully, though, those angry at me will now have a chance to rejoice – SEE?! I kept it a Youko/Botan fic while still managing to sneak in some Yusuke/Botan – a coupling that doesn't get done often enough, I tell ya.
Anyway, I'm considering writing a oneshot followup to this fic – would anyone be interested in reading it? Let me know!
As usual, thanks to the people who reviewed the last chapter:
Lady Nightshade: Thank you so much, and I hope you didn't mind the slight Yusuke/Botan.
Kawaii Thief Kitsune: Don't worry, that wasn't the real ending! This is!
Angel Blossom 247: I had to cut the lemon scene, I don't want to be kicked off of ! Besides, I gave you all a link to where you could read the lemon!
Furi Iki: ::Is overwhelmed by Ronnie's enthusiasm:: Wow, I'm glad you liked it! I write for people like you, who appreciate it! Anyway, you weren't supposed to like Youko, you silly! He was evil. ::Sigh:: …. Yeah, but he was hot, wasn't he? I was so tempted to just have Botan give in! Anyway, tell me how you liked the epilogue, and if you'd like to see a oneshot followup!
Reikachan14: Hah! No one saw it coming! Bwah-hah-hah! But I'm glad you liked, it. Really. It was slightly dark, wasn't it? Eh… Well, what can I say? It's a darkfic! Um. ::Looks nervous:: Well, I guess I should update Thief! now, huh? Okay, I'll get to that next.
Les: No, don't hurt me! Here is the epilogue!
Animefreak03: Well… This isn't exactly a happy epilogue, but look! Youko and Botan end up together! Yay?
Miyako14Yes, he did deserve to die, didn't he? I thought so too!
DisturbedVixen: Okay, okay! Calm yourself, here's the epilogue! It only took me three months… ::Laughs sheepishly:: But I'm glad you liked the last chapter! And please, update your fics!
Darache: Yeah… It was a bit rushed. One day I'll re-write it and make it better. But in the meantime, here's the epilogue!
Mourning Fox: Oh dear, I corrupted you! I'm so sorry! ::Points:: Blame DisturbedVixen and RavenSin, though, they made me do it!
Sazuka Chan: I'm sorry it disturbed you so much.
Rkfan246: I'm sorry to disappoint you – but this is a darkfic after all! If I ever write the oneshot followup, there will be some more… Uh, I guess you could consider them 'romantic'… moments between the fox and our deity. But I am glad I was able to surprise you!
Samurai Demon-God Sekikage: I'm terribly sorry you didn't like it.
DeityofRoses: ::Grins:: Glad I was able to surprise you! What's this? You're not going to kill Kurama off as well, are you?!
AnneMarieh: I know, it shocked me too! How could Botan do such a thing?! But I'm glad you liked it.
Psychopath143: more horrific it might have been – but also one of the coolest things I've ever written!
GoddessofKoorime: No, this is it! And I couldn't have Shuichi in the sequel because we're already in that timeline. Shuichi Minamino was never born.
CWolf2: Ah! I love seeing you review my stuff because I think you rock when it comes to K/B lemons! You're my fave author on ! I'm so flattered you like my stuff. ::Blushes::
Tesina Gela Gardner: Here's an update for you!
Trans: I'm so glad you liked it! Thank you!
Lady of Roses: You know I really didn't think about it… Yeah! Botan stopped as soon as the katana pierced Youko's heart! That's what happened. (Thanks for the cover!)
Sweet Snow and Hiei Lover: Hah! I love your penname!
Ame no Kodomo: Well, I'm glad you enjoyed it despite the scariness! And of course I cut the lemon – I don't want to be booted from ! Anyway, update Stealing Emotions or I'm going to hunt you down!
Ivy Raine: Pinnapple! Yummy!
Sarah: Well, I shall have to email you directly about this update! Yes indeed! And Yes. Youko deffinately deserved to die. ::Nods::
NoneOfYourBwax:: Well, thank you for not killing me… I guess.
Kitsune Kit: Thank you!
Yume Ookami: What are you, psychic?! How'd you know he'd come back! I didn't tell you did I? ::Laughs:: You'd like that, wouldn't you? More dark fics…
Apryl: Thank you for proofreading half of this chapter! How'd you like it? And what are you trying to say, that I can't write a short fic?!
Banshee01: I'm glad you liked it – even if it was a little dark.
Chocogurl: Go Botan! You kill that evil Youko! Girl power! ::Laughs:: Glad you liked it, Choco.
Cheeto: ::Laughs:: You silly. But see, I pulled off the epilogue! Go me! Wa-hahahah! By the way… UPDATE YOUR FIC! That is all.
Luci-chan6: No, no, NOW it's over. It needed an epilogue!
Khitoutsu Hikutsa: Youko's to "hott" to die? But he raped Botan! He deserved to die, he was an evil bastard!
Mistaken Otaku: Thank you – I'm glad you felt that Botan was right in killing Youko.
Prettynutter: It wasn't the end. This is the end.
SubJacket: ::Stumbles after being hit with a crowbar:: Ouch! Yes, thank you. That's what I get for using such crappy prose!
oO: Yeah…
horse-crazy-gurl: I love YoukoxBotan, too! Why aren't there more of them?!
Camille: If I write a sequel, Hiei will be in it, I promise.
Kami-no-kitsune: Oh, come on! He totally deserved to die! And it's not like he staid dead or anything…
Akkitora: I'm glad you liked it! Thank you!
Yaoi-Bunny: Thank you! ::Bows::
Purplerose: Genius? Me?! ::Nervous laughter:: Thank you, but um, I don't think so. I'm glad you liked the fic, though! And I'm flattered that I am one of your favorite writers.
::Wipes sweat off her brow:: Phew, that answers all the reviews for the last chapter! Now, don't forget to review this one! Thanks guys!