The Lock and Key : Ignorance is Bliss

A/N: Okay, this is in the future and the plot/flashbacks will be backwards. This idea the inspiration I got from Spirited Away (if you haven't seen it... GO RENT IT NOW!) So yeah. I hope you like it. Botan has "amnesia" and when she has a chance encounter with Hiei, she's tossed into an fantastic world that she's never been to before. (Or has she?). Read and Review!

I

"Good morning, Tokyo! This is Saturday Morning Sen, here to wake up with classic hits. The weather will be overcast with a slight chance of rain. That means fog and humidity, folks, watch out!"

With a low groan, a fair-skinned arm reached out towards the clock-radio. It hit it blindly, managing to turn up the volume as Elvis Presley's voice began to belt out "Jailhouse Rock."

It was already hot, the thin sheets clinging to the young woman's body. She rose, her hair sticking to her face. Pink eyes began to squint, turning down the radio when the door opened.

"Wake up, Princess." Shizuru Kuwabara stuck her head through the doorway, a lazy smile on her face. "Kazuma's coming home today."

"Isn't be bringing his fiance with him?"

"Yeah. All I know is that her name is Yukina." Botan rubbed her eyes, sighing as she began to move about the room, picking out an outfit for the day. She began to peel off her pajamas, changing into a summer dress. With a huff, she collapsed back onto the bed. "Come on, get up!"

"As much as you are my best friend, I hate you right now."

"I know, babe, but you've got to get up and go to work." Shizuru pulled the blue-haired woman out of bed, shoving her into the kitchen. Botan swiped a piece of toast off of plate and slipped on her sandals. "Where are you going this time?"

Botan rolled her eyes.

"Ugh. Out in the country to some temple. The owner just died, so they need a caretaker until another potential buyer comes along."

"How long did they say you'd have to stay?"

"Six months. At least."

Shizuru ran her fingers through her hair.

"But you can still come home on the weekends. Come back tonight! Kazuma and Yukina will be here... and I'm going to pick up sake so..."

The motions and gestures that the older woman performed made Botan grin.

"Of course. I wouldn't miss it for the world."

II

"Up to the old Temple?" The flash of disbelief that danced in the taxicab driver's eyes made Botan's stomach twist into knots. "Why?"

"I'm a caretaker."

"Oh..."

The ride was long, hot, and almost unbearable. She was dropped off, and the wheels screeched as the taxi burned down the road. Bota wiped sweat off her brow, groaning as she saw the never-ending stairs. Grabbing her suitcase and backpack, Botan began the long haul.

Three "second winds" later, Botan threw her belongings over the top. She let out a long exhale as she fell to her knees, recovering. Fifteen minutes passed before she picked her head up.

"Oh..." The Temple loomed over her. As Botan got to her feet, a strange wave of deja-vu washed over her. She shivered. "Well, here it goes."

With a big shove, Botan opened the Temple doors, stepping inside.

"Whoa..."

Unlike the outside, inside the Temple was cool. Pink eyes swept over the dust covered interior. Botan's shoulders sagged as she smiled.

"I've got work to do."

III

"Oi! Chuu, throw me a beer!"

Jin soared through the air.

"You keep the air movin' around and you can have all the beer you want."

"No problem."

Chuu downed a beer.

"This job has got to be the biggest joke..."

Jin landed, cracking open a new can, his silky Irish accent full of mirth and mischief.

"That may be so, laddie, but we get paid by both Makai and Rekai."

They crashed empty cans together as Chuu grabbed binoculars.

"Let's see what the oblivious humans are up to."

IV

Botan wiped her forehead. She had changed out of her dress, now clad in a tank-top and shorts. She was outside, hitting rugs in an attempt to rid them of dust.

She took a wooden pole she had found and gripped it tightly. Digging her feet into to the grass, she swung as hard as she could.

WHAM!

"Botan?"

"Keiko! Thank Enma you're alright!"

"What's going on?"

"No time to explain, come with me!"

A man cashed out of the principal's office, his skin blue and his eyes bloodthirsty.

Botan fell to the ground, her body ice cold despite the heat. The picture, memory, or dream that had just so vividly engulfed her rapidly faded. Botan tried to grasp at it, pulling the images back, but it slipped through her mind like sand through slack fingers.

Keiko? I've never met a girl named Keiko. Strange. Shaking off the chills, Botan deducted that it must have been from one of the countless zombie movies that Kazuma adores. It was just my overactive imagination.

A delicious breeze washed over her. Botan dropped the pole, closing her eyes as she held out her arms. The wind teased her, lessening and then flaring up again. Looking around, Botan was suddenly grateful at the immense privacy provided by the endless stairs and the thick forest. In one swift yank, Botan shed her shirt.

V

"Oh, we've got ourselves a blue-haired beauty."

"Give 'em here!" Jin swiped the binoculars out Chuu's clumsy hands, adjusting the focus. He let out a whistle. "Oi, you've got yourself a good one there, Chuu." Jin gave the Aussie the 'nocs. "Watch this."

Chuu trained the scopes on the woman was Jin swept the wind over her. Chuu watched the woman's eyes close, her mouth falling open in pleasure.

"Christ, Jin, don't stop."

His voice was hoarse. Jin kicked up the wind. The woman grinned, her blue hair flowing lazily. Beautiful...

Jin took the binoculars. It was at that time that the woman took off her shirt.

"Sweet Jesus!"

Jin dropped the specs, his face bright red and drool spilling over his lips. Chuu had time to catch a glimpse before his mind shut down.

"Excuse me." The two men's faces paled. They knew that cold voice. "Do you mind informing me about just what you are doing?"

VI

The sun had just begun to set by the time Botan had finished cleaning. Her blue hair was frizzy when she called the taxicab service. Slipping her dress on once again, the young woman left.

VII

"Drinking on the job is prohibited."

Chuu threw a beer can at the fire demon. Hiei sliced it in half nonchalantly.

"Come on, mate! It's a hot summer day. We need to take the edge off!"

Hiei scowled.

"You drink year-round." He knew he wasn't going to get anywhere with those two. Sighing, Hiei changed the subject. "So, what were you two looking at?" Hiei picked up the binoculars, pressing them to his eyes. He didn't even blink when he laid eyes on the now clothed woman. She began to swing at the rug. "Pretty lady." Jin watched Hiei toss the binoculars away carelessly. The fire demon turned away. "Make sure to clean up the cans when your shift is over."

Hiei walked away, fading into the heat of the weary sun. Jin and Chuu gazed at their alcohol. It suddenly didn't seem so appealing. Jin shook his head, sitting down on the ground, making the wind stop.

"What's happened to him? Remember back when we first met him?" Jin's green eyes closed. "He was so dark, mean, and sarcastic. I liked that fellow."

Both demons watched as Mukuro's Second in Command, the wielder of the Dragon of Darkness Flame, and one of the most powerful demons in Makai shuffled away, his eyes distant and his steps heavy.

What happened?

VIII

Botan stared at the stairs. It had been ten minutes and she still hadn't moved. The taxicab was going to be there any minute... but it was so far. In an attempt to lessen her frustration, Botan kicked the nearest rock, sending it flying into the woods.

Crack!

She flinched and screamed as an old bicycle fell out from the vegetation. After her heart slowed, Botan pulled vines off of it, grinning as she spun the wheels. She tilted her head back, blowing a kiss at the clouds.

"Thank you."

Botan mounted the bike, taking off down a path that was parallel to the stairway. Her hair blew back and her dress flew up. Botan let out a gleeful squeal, letting the bike go full speed. Leaves and twigs stuck in her hair, and the foliage opened suddenly into a road.

Botan never had been good with balance, and she fell to the gravel covered pavement. White flashed in her eyes as the bike pedals dug into her soft legs. Dammit. Her arm flung out, pushing herself up.

"Are you alright?"

The voice of a concerned man made its way to Botan's ears.

"Yes, I'm fine." The man lifted the bike off of the yong woman. She grimaced at the blood that began to seep through her nice dress. "This was a new dress. I just got it last week."

The man, Botan just noticed his red hair, helped her up and made himself her human crutch.

"That's the least of your worries." Botan hissed. "Easy, girl. Come on." He led her into a small shop that was filled with herbs, teas, and flowers. The man let her sit on the counter and quickly left. "Relax. I'm just getting the first aid kit."

He reappeared, unwrapping gauze and opening rubbing alcohol.

"Thanks." Her right leg was the only one that was scratched. The man began to dab the wounds lightly. Botan clenched her fists, ignoring the stinging liquid. "You really don't have to do this."

The man smiled, and Botan got goose-bumps. Not because of his incredibly handsome features. No, it was the odd familiarity she felt.

"Actually, when I saw you I thought you had been an old friend of mine." He tied up the gauze. He smiled, though Botan was able to tell he was not happy. "I was mistaken."

Botan shrugged, testing her leg.

"Sorry. I wish I could help you out."

"Don't apologize. I was... being foolish."

He turned around, his back to her.

Botan hurt. Her entire body was in pain as she stared at a green monster snarling at a teenage boy. Her eyes were watery, but not from pain. From fading hope.

"Yusuke! I can't keep the eye... Oh God!"

Her voice cracked as she stared down at a girl's face. An eye in the center of her forehead was beginning to open. The boy, probably Yusuke, turned, his face ashen. He was... paralyzed, the green beast laughing.

Suddenly, just as the little green man was about to slice through the boy with his sword, the red haired man jumped in front of him, blood splattering the floor, a few specks landing on Botan's face.

"No!"

Botan reached out, her heart hammering. The red haired man turned, his brow knit with concern.

"Is something wrong?"

Flustered, the caretaker shook her head, limping to the door.

"S-Sorry... it's just that my cab is here." Botan offered her hand. "Thank you for, uh, fixing me up. You're a lifesaver."

The man smiled, waving off the thanks.

"I'm just trying to be a good Samaritan." He shook her hand briskly. "My name is Kurama."

The caretaker grinned.

"It's nice to meet you, Kurama. It's nice to know that I'll have a friend here." He gave her a slightly questioning look. "I'm... I'm a caretaker and I'm holding down the told Temple until a new owner arrives." She let go of his hand and then remembered that he was still waiting patiently for her name. "Oh, I'm Botan."

She opened th door, turning as Kurama's face fell, his skin white as a sheet. Botan jogged out to the car, the driver waving. She turned, to give one last wave to the store owner, but stopped when her eyes fell on him. He was bent over the register, his face buried in his fists. He was... he was crying. His face was twisted, his nose and eyes red. He looked so much older, and Botan had to turn away.

IX

Hiei kicked off his boots once he set foot in his chamber. He took of his shirt, his hands on his leather belt when he noticed a red light flashing lethargically. His answering machine. Sighing, Hiei pit PLAY.

"Hiei? Hiei, please pick up." Yukina's voice paused, still holding on to the dim hope that her brother would answer. "Hiei... I miss you. Please, I just want to talk—"

A pale finger pressed down on SKIP.

"Hey, Hamster-Legs... I know that you don't like me... but please... for Yukina's sake... just visit. She's gettin' worse—"

SKIP.

"End of new messages."

His belt still hung loosely from his pants. He made his way to his small, moldy kitchen. He put water in a pot, boiling it for tea, when a knock on his door made him turn his head.

"Hiei?" It was Mukuro. "Hiei, I know you're in there, open up!" Hiei turned back to his tea, which was now done, thanks to his demonic heat. "I order you to open this goddamned door!" Hiei ripped open a tea-bag. He dropped it into the pot and poured the piping hot water in. "Hiei... there's going to a be a big party at Enki's Castle tonight." Hiei closed his eyes, smelling the mint flavored tea. "We miss seeing you, Hiei. We really do." Hiei stirred the yellow tea. "Here's the invitation."

She slipped the piece of paper under the door. Pouring his tea, Hiei walked past the door. He sipped his tea, his other hand undoing his belt, dropping it to the floor. He placed his tea on his bedside table, opening his closet.

His fingers ran over leather.

Shucking his pants off, Hiei took the whip into his strong right hand. With a flick of his wrists, the leather strip cut into his naked back. Hiei's toes clenched, and he switched hands. Cra-ack! Blood dripped down his naked back, his legs, and finally, pooled at the floor. Hiei stared straight ahead, never blinking.

Crack!

X

"Hey!" Shizuru grinned at Botan's tired face. "Oh, God, what happened to you?"

Botan shook her head.

"Long story short, I fell off a bike."

The older beautician rolled her eyes.

"You're such a clutz." Botan took off her shoes, shrugging shamelessly. "Come on, we've been waiting. Kazuma was just starting to get worried."

Botan was pulled down the hallway to the kitchen. She could hear Kazuma's loud voice and a soft, feminine chuckle. She became a bit nervous, but she pushed it aside as the mere anxiety of meeting, pleasing, and entertaining new people. The door opened, and Botan was not only flooded with candlelight, but also a strange warmth that was astonishingly not unwelcome to her.

"Hello. Sorry to keep you waiting." She offered her hand, her head still a bit light. "I'm Botan."

Kuwabara pushed her hand away, sweeping her up in a mighty bear hug.

"I've missed you so much!" He kissed her cheek, making the caretaker blush. "It's so good to see you!"

Botan punched him in the stomach, old memories of her childhood resurfacing. He gave her a toothy grin, but Botan looked past him. Her eyes met the hazel irises of Yukina. Kuwabara's voice got softer, and the world seem to turn just a bit slower. Just for those first few seconds. Botan had to consciously stop her eyes from narrowing. This girl... she was the most beautiful woman that Botan had ever laid eyes on. It was simply astonishing.

The spell was broken when Yukina blinked, offering her hand.

"I'm Yukina... Kazuma's fiancé."

Botan shook her hand, trying hard not to turn red.

"It's a pleasure to meet you."

Yukina smiled, her eyes glittering. It must have been the light, because... tears would not have made sense. Right?

"I've... I've..." She exchanged the shortest of gazes with Kuwabara before continuing. "I've heard so much about you from Kazuma... I'm... I'm so glad that I'm finally meeting you in person."

They let go of each others' hands, but it left Botan feeling quite dizzy. Shizuru perked up, offering sake, which everyone gladly took. The night began to become fuzzy, and though the laughter and spirits were high, Botan was looking out the window.

Outside of the kitchen window was another apartment complex. When Botan was a little girl, she loved windows. It seemed that windows were better than television because she could imagine a world outside of a window, which was much better than being inside a box.

She continued to drink as she stared out into the night sky, the stars sinking into her pink eyes. As a child, Botan thought that perhaps, out there in the big world, someone was having a fantastic adventure. Through boring math classes and sad funerals, a window would always be there. She's stare out into the great world, hoping that the adventurer would stop by, offering their hand, ready to take her on a life changing voyage.

But she hadn't dreamed in a long time.

She refilled her sake glass, and her thoughts drifted. She was twenty-three years old, and although Botan knew it was foolish, she slipped back into her childish tendencies.

Somewhere... there is a fantastic world full of colors, people, and creatures. Kazuma was telling her about how he proposed to Yukina, and Botan nodded, not one word passing though her cranium. Yukina chatted with her, and Botan's mouth was on autopilot. A World full of wondrous adventures and people... away from sticky, hot, Tokyo.

The truth was, there wasn't a world out there like that. The only world was this world, and Botan knew she was just going to have to live with it. But as the night progressed and everyone got drunk, she thought, "Wouldn't it be nice?"

Yes. Yes it would.

She hit the floor just as the lights turned off. Her eyes were open, unblinking as her body faded into unconsciousness.

XI

Hiei fell to the floor. His chest heaved out breaths, his eyes still staring straight ahead. He had bitten his tongue so hard that he had the coppery taste of blood in his mouth. His heart beat annoyingly in his ear, like a gnat that didn't know when to quit. His muscles were throbbing, his naked self wanting to shiver from being on the ice cold marble.

"Hiei! Hiei, stop! You're hurting me! PLEASE STOP!"

Red eyes widened with mind-numbing terror. No... NO!

"I-I don't want... P-p-p-p-please... H-Hiei, p-please—"

He squeezed his eyes shut, his face finally succumbing to anguish. Bitter tears fell to the floor.

"HIEI!"

His bleeding spine curled. Hiei rocked back and forth, his eyes clamped shut as he bit his hands to stop from screaming. His throat burned as he mindlessly uttered words that had been on his mind for over five years.

"I'm sorry." Rocking, Hiei continued to bleed on the floor, his voice still whispering into the darkness. "I'm so sorry."

XII

A/N: Oh man, as I write this first chapter, the images of the future of this story are literally mind-blowing. Maybe I'm just being pompous, but I am starting to get excited by this little bit. Oh, and Hiei... well, I know that this may be OOC, but I'd like to think that I was being accurate to emotions. I wrote Hiei to be full of grief and guilt (you will find out why later), and grief makes people act different not just by bawling their eyes out or going stoic, but other ways. I've got more ideas for the next chapter, so please, review. I accept all criticism, and I encourage you to be completely honest! I have feelings, but forget about that when you review! I love you all!

-mia