Author's Note (03.04.2009): So after many months (or maybe just a few?) of inactivity, I have returned with a promised sequel to the somewhat popular "Secrets Secrets Are No Fun." Some of you will recognize this as the "epilogue" of the first story—others will simply see it as the start of something new. I've removed the epilogue from the first story and have edited it and posted it here.
This story is obviously connected to the first "SSANF," but you don't have to read it to understand this story—well, the past will be referenced, but not too heavily so it should be safe. Anyway, I hope everyone enjoys the beginning of this new project!

Secrets Secrets Are No Fun II
Secret I: Sister

"Man, it's been a while since we've had a direct summons to Spirit World," Kazuma remarked in awe while he followed Botan through the palace. He glanced at the passing ogres with armfuls of papers and manila files. "Since there hasn't been any funny spiritual business lately, I almost thought that the Three Worlds had finally balanced themselves out."

"You wish," Yusuke snickered as he walked beside his spiritual assistant. "Until the day that prince decommissions us, we're going to be dealing with C-class demons and everything lower whenever they start causing trouble. Not to mention, we'll probably have to chase down a few wandering souls here and there." He put an arm around Botan's shoulder and grinned happily, "Ah, but you'll help us and stay with us until the end, won't you, Botan?"

"Un," she giggled, fondly leaning her head against his while they continued walking. "I'll stay with you guys until the very end."

Right then, Kazuma's back stiffened and shivered. "Hey, why is it really cold so suddenly?"

"You probably just picked up on something strong while we walked past a room. Remember, Koenma-sama has some powerful stuff put away here. Man, you're really super sensitive, Kuwabara," Yusuke snickered playfully, patting his friend hardily on the back. He did not bother to suggest that the waves of energy being felt were in fact Demon Energy. And who else could release that amount of Demon Energy in Spirit World right now?

Yusuke dared not turning his head, lest he should give the game away. It's not every day I get to irk that guy's chain. Who knew he even had one to yank, especially over something like this? Oh, Urameshi didn't have to think twice over what it was that he was upset about.

"Ne, Botan," the devious Spirit Detective chuckled, "Do you remember the last time we talked? You were dating someone then. Are you still going out with that guy? You haven't said much about him recently." He tightened his hold on Botan, loving how the demonic aura spiked a level higher as soon as he did. "Come on, we're really close—close enough that you can share with me, right?" Yusuke urged further as his hand mischievously moved from Botan's shoulder to her waist. "Did you two get into a fight or something?"

Seeing how Kazuma would turn into mindless putty any minute now from the overflow of Demon Energy and killing intent, the ferry girl playfully removed Yusuke's arm from her person and steadily replied, "Ah, we broke up a month ago. It turned out that he was really in love with another girl; that and he thought that I was in love with someone else." Ironically, he said that "someone" was you, Yusuke… But we won't remind him about that, will we? As soon as her fingers left Yusuke's touch, the Demon Energy subsided and the orange-haired human could finally relax.

"Really?" the dark-haired Detective blinked. That explains a lot—no wonder he's acting so possessive right now, he thought of the jealous one behind him. She's "single," which means she's up for grabs. Hm, but I wonder—"Who did that guy think you're in love with?"

Immediately Botan stopped in her tracks then and clapped her hands in surprise. "Ah, I just realized—I forgot to finish some paperwork for Koenma-sama back in my room. I'll be right back." Without waiting for anyone's to say something, the ferry girl started towards the direction that they had just come from and turned into the hallway on her left.

Whew, she thought in relief while she slowed her pace to a walk. By the time I join them again, they'll be sure to forget that conversation. Hopefully, Kurama will—

Before she could finish her thoughts, the subject of them grabbed her wrist in a run, pushed her into an empty room, and pinned her against the wall. Botan felt her heart skip a few beats from surprise and nervous anticipation. With tumultuous molten emerald-gold eyes, the redhead cornered the ferry girl while both of his arms pinned the wall on either side of her face. She knew as well as he that she could not escape him in this stage and remained at his mercurial mercy. Botan only thanked her luck that no one would see them in this compromising situation.

"Do you enjoy torturing me?" Kurama demanded with deep growl. Although still human, the ferry girl sensed that he could transition to Youko seamlessly if he so desired.

"Only as much as you love to frighten me," she replied as sweetly as she could muster. With a little more serious expression, she asked, "What's wrong, Kurama-kun? What are you so upset about?"

When he lessened the distance between their bodies, Botan placed her hands against Kurama's chest and maintained whatever separation she could enforce. Frustrated by her resistance, he lowered his face near hers and leaned in for a kiss. As their lips touched, Kurama felt her reluctance and only became further agitated. He growled as he pulled back and glared down at her. "A moon cycle has swept past us, Botan, yet I still don't have an answer about your affections for me." His hands on the wall clenched into fists. "You aren't keeping more secrets from me, are you? I wonder if you're sincere about your feelings."

Jerking her head upwards and staring into emerald eyes with shock, the ferry girl gaped at what she just heard. "My sincerity? You're wondering if I'm sincere—I can't believe this." She huffed. "I've liked you for a very long time, Kurama-kun. My feelings for you won't change as suddenly as you think. I'm not holding back anything in that regard, Kurama-kun."

"Indeed. You seemed rather satisfied in Yusuke's embrace—far more at ease than you're in mine."

She would have slapped him but convinced herself of its foolishness. Feral and dangerous, Kurama had very little restraints against her at this point: raising a hand against him would spell her end. Taking a deep breath, she started firmly, "We've gone over this already, Kurama-kun. Yusuke and I, we're just friends. You know that we aren't like that, so you don't have to worry about anything happening between us."

He turned his head away from her, telling her what she feared: he did not believe her. Why? Why won't you believe me that I only want to be with you? I don't want to lose you, Kurama. Please… Tears rimmed the edge of her eyes as she pleaded with him. "Please, trust me, I really do like you." She leaned her head against his chest and whispered, "I want to be with you, Kurama-kun."

Her tears scented the air, and the scarlet-locked man felt guilt jabbing itself snuggly in the middle of his heart. In his moment of jealousy, he had lost control, bared his weakness, and behaved badly towards Botan. His demon instincts had taken over, and he had nearly driven away the one so very important to him. As smart as I'm supposed to be, I've been a real idiot.

Trying to save some face, gentle fingers wiped away her forming tears. He kissed away the remnants from her eyes and murmured apologetically in her ear, "Can you at least call me by name when we're alone?"

Botan giggled quietly, gladly accepting his "apology" for his earlier behavior. She nodded her response while adding, "I'm sorry Kurama, that I haven't be clear about my feelings for you. I want to have a proper relationship with you, really I do. But right now…" She sighed as a hundred different thoughts crossed her mind, reminding her about the reality of her situation. "I want to be in a relationship with you, but that's impossible for me right now."

"What do you mean by tha—"

Her communicator beeped.

"Botan, where in the Three Worlds are you!" a voice demanded before she even had the compact completely opened. "If you don't show up in my office in the next five minutes, consider yourself royally screwed!" Koenma signed off before Botan had a chance to argue or retort.

Kurama narrowed his eyes at the prince's terminology, his jealousy flaring again.

Seeing the dangerous glint in the Detective's eyes, Botan closed the compact, slipped from beneath his arms and grabbed his hand. She pulled him out of the room and led him towards the office. "Ah, let's just go—it sounds like I'm really in trouble now," she said with an anxious laugh, hoping to divert his wrath.

Because of the tone in Botan's voice, Kurama dropped his jealousy and simply followed her. What did she mean by "it's impossible right now"? What is it that she isn't telling me? The young man sighed hopelessly and shook his head. So there are still secrets between us. I guess I'll learn in good time or until she trusts me with that information.

They left the room and quickly, not to mention separately, rejoined Kazuma and Yusuke. Botan reported the urgency to quickly report to Koenma, so their group hastened their pace. However, when they heard great amounts of noise coming from the office at a fifteen-meter distance, the four of them were not so sure they wanted to quickly meet the prince.

Cautiously they pulled open the large doors and entered the grand office.

The sight—and scent—that they encountered stunned them where they stood. Glaring nose-to-nose with the Spirit World prince, a beautiful woman stood. She had rippling waves of sky hair, the locks splashing her shoulders and back like water; her facial features, although stern and furious, displayed great beauty and grace—and seemed familiar. From her the Spirit Detectives could smell the most fragrant and sweet scent of roses. Dressed in silks of every kind in the most vibrant gold, rubies, yellows, oranges, and reds, the woman possessed great amounts of Spirit Energy and held no restraints to inform everyone.

"Koenma!" the celestial maiden yelled while pointing an accusing finger. "You knew that we were looking for her for the last five centuries—you know that she was supposed to—"

"I did not!" the prince in his adult form shouted back. "If I had known, I would have told Oba-sama right away."

"Liar!"

The two heavenly beings continued to squabble, oblivious to the presence of their new guests. Only when one of them found their voice did Koenma and the woman notice. "Eh, who is she?" Kazuma asked no one in particular.

"Oh, I see that they've arrived!" The Heavenly Maiden turned her attention to the three Spirit Detectives; a sting surged through them as they felt her anger through her glare. "Which one of you is the reason? Only a human could be reason behind such irresponsibility," she glared coldly at them.

She had hardened amethyst eyes.

Wondering why she seemed familiar, Yusuke glared at her and gruffly asked, "Hey, Prince, who is this woman?"

Before Koenma could respond, the furious woman spotted a sky-haired ferry girl trying to ever-so-quietly sneak her way towards Koenma.

"There you are!"

"Eek!" Botan quickly bolted behind her employer and used him and his desk as effective shields and dividers from the guest. The Detectives felt surprised when they saw how their friend shivered and cowered behind Koenma.

"Botan, stop this foolish nonsense and come here," the woman demanded while pointing beside her and stamping her dainty foot. "We don't have the time to play around anymore. You're over six hundred years old! Be responsible, please!"

"You be responsible, Onee-sama!" the ferry girl yelled back from behind her live shield. "You're older than me—why don't you—"

"Stupid brat, you know I can't!" the woman fumed, her robes and silks waving and swirling with her already agitated mood. She looked like a phoenix about to burst into flames but only remained cool because of the flow of water that was her hair. "And it doesn't matter if I am older than you. You're the Chosen One! It's been decided ever since you bloomed, so now fulfill your duties!"

During the lady's distraction, Botan managed to reach Kurama and ducked behind him for protection. When the Heavenly Maiden neared him to reach Botan, he glared fiercely at her, daring her to take another step with the foolish notion of emerging uninjured. Instantly she took a step back.

Yusuke quietly whistled his admiration for Kurama. Man, I am so glad that I never had to fight him—for any reason.

When he felt sure that the stranger would not continue pursuing Botan, Kurama calmly asked, "Koenma-sama, what's going on?" A protective arm wrapped around the ferry girl's shoulder. "Who is this person, and what is she to Botan?"

Unsure if tensions had increased or decreased, Koenma prayed that in the end he would come out with all of his limbs intact. "Ah, allow me to introduce you to the Second Lady of the Heavenly Glade, my fourth cousin and Botan's elder sister: Bara." He gave his Detectives a pained, awkward smile. "She's a Heavenly Maiden sent from the Emperor's Palace to retrieve her sister."

"That's right!" she fussed and fumed while waving a finger in Kurama's direction. "And I'm not going to let some measly human boy stop me. I'm taking Botan back!"

"Ne, Bara, hold on a second," the brunette prince reasoned gently. "Why don't we wait for Aniue to—"

"Wait, you're cousins with Koenma-sama?" Kazuma interrupted, the young man staring at Botan with wide eyes.

"Ah, fourth cousins?" she smiled sheepishly from Kurama's protection. A blush painted her cheeks as she explained quietly, "I'm the Emperor of Heaven's great-niece; so, it's natural for Koenma and me to be related, ne? But that's not really important…"

"Enough running away, Botan!" The Heavenly Maiden wrapped up the ferry girl and imprisoned her within her crimson-gold silks. Despite Botan's fervent and desperate protests, the older woman ignored her and dismissed anything she had to say. "No more excuses—do you know how long we've waited already? We're going back home right now to finish your wedding!"

Kurama, Yusuke, and Kazuma felt their jaws drop to the ground.

"Wedding?!"