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AN: This is a small tribute to Valentine’s Day, although, it is not as half as romantic as a Valentine’s Day chapter should be. Oh well.

Thank you, everyone, for your reviews. This chapter is dedicated to you for your encouragement and support.

Happy Reading!

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Yu Yu Hakusho: One Cat’s Dream

Chapter II: Catty Trouble

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Early morning rays filter through closed blinds, small streaks of light leaking into Kurama’s darkened bedroom. A small furry mass rested on the young man’s messed bed, the slumbering creature ignoring the sun’s calling. Disregarding birds’s chirping and other customary noises of the city morning, the cat swished its tail rhythmically and continued sleeping. At least, until the cat realized where she was.

‘Ah! How did I get here?’ Botan screamed in her thoughts as she jumped onto all four paws in shock. Her fur bristled at the familiar sight of Kurama’s bedroom. ‘I thought I was sleeping in the living room. Someone must have moved me last night-’ Thinking for a moment, the spirit-turned-feline recalled last night’s events. She had fallen asleep in the living room, as Botan had planned; however, sometime during the night, when it became unbearably cold, Kurama had taken the cat into his room. And Botan had remained with the redhead for the night’s duration, enjoying Kurama’s soothing body heat and his tender caresses.

‘Well,’ Botan blushed, ‘I can’t help it if Kurama-kun’s room is more comfortable.’ She took a needed stretch and circled around a few times to calm her nerves. ‘And it’s not my fault that Kurama-kun has a soft spot for animals. Honestly, I don’t know why I’m embarrassed as I am. I have nothing to be ashamed of.’

Turning her furry fawn head left and right, Botan jumped off of Kurama’s warm bed and rushed towards the open door. Unfortunately for the ferry girl, a cat’s eye-view was very much different than a human’s; thus, Kurama’s home suddenly became a whole new world to Botan. Normally, she could reach Kurama’s room to the kitchen in a second flat, but now she could not even make it down the hallway. More to the Botan’s unluckiness, she had stepped into the wrong world of Kurama’s home: the bathroom.

“Oh, hello, Momo-neko,” Syuuichi smiled, tying back his long red hair, “you’re awake now. Did you come in here to take a wash as well?” Chuckling slightly, Syuuichi plaited his scarlet locks and turned on the warm water in the bath.

Botan’s body completely froze, the cat’s mind unable to function. Standing before her was a half-naked Syuuichi. The young wet man only wore a towel around his waist and held another in his hands; and very soon, Syuuichi would be stepping into the bathtub to soak for a while. Never in her existence had Botan expected to see Syuuichi during a moment like this. Why had she gone to the bathroom right before the handsome redhead was to bathe?

“What’s wrong, Momo-neko?” Syuuichi questioned, bending on one knee. He beckoned the stiff cat towards him, a kind smile on his face. “Don’t be afraid. The water is fine. Come here, Momo-neko. You and I can take a bath together. Hm? How does that sound?”

‘WHAT?’ Backing away from her friend, Botan bristled at Syuuichi’s ridiculous proposal. A strange ripple then passed through the cat’s body. Botan did the only thing she knew to do and that was to runaway.

“If I didn’t know any better,” Kurama laughed, watching the escaping feline, “I would say she’s embarrassed. What a silly cat.”

‘Oh, God, what was he talking about? Me, take a bath with Kurama-kun?’ If a cat’s could change colors, Botan would have been blood red. She was utterly flustered. ‘I can’t believe he even suggested something like that! The nerve of him!’

Running back into Kurama’s room, Botan jumped onto the bed and buried herself into the bed sheets. Not even the cold coverings could cool down the cat. Botan sighed as the frenzied emotion from before took control of her and then released its hold seconds afterwards. A bubbly sensation surrounded her. “What was that about?”

Botan’s eyes grew wide at the sound of her voice.

“I can talk?”

Jumping off of Kurama’s bed (the second time that day), Botan quickly glanced at herself in Kurama’s dresser mirror. The ferry girl did not hold back her smile when she gazed upon a human-like face. In fact, she laughed with joy and danced shamelessly around the room; that is, until she realized she wore no clothes. “Wah!”

Young Shuuichi called into Kurama’s room. “Momo-neko?”

POOF!

“Ah,” Shuuichi smiled when he spotted the new family pet sitting on Kurama’s bed, “there you are. ‘nii-san must have taken you in during the night.” The young lad gently lifted the cat from her sitting spot and cuddled her in his arms. Shuuichi then made his way downstairs to the living room. “He’s always taking the pretty things for himself. Take Botan ‘nee-san for example: ‘nii-san says Botan ‘nee-san is his, but he doesn’t do anything about telling her how he feels.”

The bubbling sensation was returning to Botan.

“Honestly,” the junior high student continued ranting, “if you like a girl so much, you should tell her how you feel and ask her out. For ‘nii-san’s case, he should have proposed to her with how much he cares for her. And what makes matters worse is that ‘nii-san has known Botan ‘nee-san for years.” Shuuichi shook his brunette head and sighed hopelessly. “At the rate he’s going, someone will ask Botan ‘nee-san before ‘nii-san even gets the courage. Then ‘nii-san will never marry Botan ‘nee-san, Okaa-san won’t get to see ‘nii-san’s grandchildren, and I’ll never hear ‘Ojii-san’ from their kids-Ow!”

Botan had clawed Shuuichi while trying to escape from his grasp. The bubbling sensation she had experienced in Kurama’s room had returned; and Botan had a foreboding feeling if she did not seclude herself something bad would happen. Fortunately for the cat, she speedily ran upstairs into Shiori’s room and hid in the mother’s closet. Botan thanked heaven when she heard Shuuichi sigh, “Man, rejected by another girl-a cat no less!” and stomp away to another part of the house.

“That was a little too close for comfort,” Botan breathed while wiping sweat from her sky-blue brow. “I feel bad for scratching Shuuichi-chan like that, but-But if I had stayed a second more in his arms-” The young woman shivered at the mortifying scene that would have taken place: Shuuichi would have his first flashing (additionally a free look at every part of the female anatomy), Botan would have screamed in embarrassment and horror, Kurama would have ran down from his bath, and-and everything would have just gone downhill from there.

“Well,” the ferry girl groaned as she hugged her knees against her nude body, “at least I know now that if I get that bubbly feeling it means I’m going to transform. But why did I transform that time?”

As Botan thought about her transformations, someone entered Shiori’s room. “You said she ran into here, Shuuichi-kun? Are you sure you're all right?” Botan whimpered helplessly when she recognized the voice.

“Yeah, I'm fine, don't worry,” Shuuichi’s younger voice joined in, “and she ran into Okaa-san’s room after scratching me, but I don’t know where she’s hiding. I’ll help you look for her, ‘nii-san, after I get a bandage.”

“All right,” Kurama’s voice answered, “I’ll just start looking.” Botan compressed herself into the closet’s corner, praying to God that Kurama would not look in the closet. What a compromising situation it would be if Kurama found a naked Botan in his mother’s wardrobe. Of course, with Botan’s luck, the closet was the first place Kurama moved towards. The young lady shut her eyes tight and prayed for a miracle.

“Where are you, Momo-neko?”

The sliding door opened.

‘Oh, please, don’t let Kurama-kun see me like this!’

Pushing aside some of his mother’s clothes, Kurama held back a laugh when he saw a fawn fur-ball shaking in the closet’s back-right corner. “Momo-neko, what are you doing in here? What a silly thing.” Reaching down, Kurama gently picked up the frightened cat and cradled her in his arms. “Are you scared of Shuuichi-kun, Momo-neko? Are you scared that he’s mad at you?”

Opening one amethyst eye, Botan slightly relaxed when she saw an enormous Syuuichi smiling warmly at her. ‘Whew,’ the cat sighed, ‘that was way too close. I don’t know how I transformed back into a cat, but thank God I did.’ Her fawn ear’s drooped while her tail dangled lifelessly. The poor creature was tuckered out; and it was only 9 a.m.

Botan cried inside. ‘I hate my life!’

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“You summoned us, Koenma-sama?” Kurama bowed respectfully as he entered the sovereign’s otherworldly office. Of course, Kurama was the only one to display such manners.

“Yes, I did,” an adult prince addressed the fox, giving a grave glance at Kurama and the other Detectives: even Hiei was present. Koenma’s older appearance, although not a surprise to everyone, alarmed Yusuke and the others with the sheer fact Koenma only transformed during critical situations. Something, the young men concluded, was afoot. “I have some very bad news to tell you all-Botan has gone missing.”

“What?” The Spirit Detectives all involuntarily made an expression and gaped in surprise. Botan was missing? “What did you say, Koenma-sama?”

Sighing and collapsing into his chair, Koenma repeated solemnly, “Botan has been missing for the last few days. Actually, to be precise, she’s been missing since your winter party at Genkai’s temple, and no one in the Spirit World has any leads to where she might possibly be. We’re in a frenzy right now trying to locate her.”

“If she’s been missing for so long, why didn’t you mention anything to us before?” Yusuke demanded angrily, his fist shaking. The young man was absolutely furious, but he was not the only one. “You should have told us that Botan was missing the moment you realized it!”

“Technically, I did because I realized she was missing only an hour ago. The reason why I didn’t sooner think she was missing was because Botan was in need of a vacation,” Koenma answered, his own temper growing frustrated. He mentally took deep breaths, reminding himself who the superior being was. “I just naturally assumed she was taking her leave by staying with you in the Human World.”

“Then what is your first indication that Botan-kun is actually missing, Koenma-sama?” Kurama inquired worriedly. He sported his trademark poker face, but the Detectives could sense his anxiousness. “Perhaps we are all overreacting and Botan-kun is staying with another friend.”

“I got a hint when George reported, as I said, an hour ago Botan had not checked-in for three days. Botan sometimes procrastinates, but she usually calls and tells me where she is and what she’s up to; and she always has a communicator on her,” the prince answered with a grave face. “And the only human friends Botan has are you; I’m quite sure you haven’t seen her for days.”

Understanding Koenma’s point, Kurama inquired with more calm, “Is there a reasonable explanation behind her disappearance?”

With a curt nod, Koenma answered with solemn eyes, “I believe it is a kidnapping.”

Yusuke and Kazuma started laughing, the two humans doubling over from Koenma’s words. Although Botan’s disappearance was serious, the two young lads were somehow amused. Koenma and Kurama glared at them for their insensitivity while Hiei looked on carelessly. “No offense to Botan or anything,” Kazuma muttered through his laughter, “but why would anyone want to kidnap her?”

“You obviously don’t realize it, but Botan is valuable in various areas,” Koenma frowned, his mahogany brows furrowing. “If Botan’s kidnappers have any inside intelligence, they would know that Botan is actually a priceless bargaining tool. For example, Botan is one of few spirits that know Spirit World’s entire government structure.”

“Feh,” Hiei murmured in amusement, “that wench actually has some potential worth.”

“Hiei.” Kurama gave the fire demon a warning glare, a glare the apparition was all to ready to return. However, after a while, Hiei turned away from Kurama and gave no more smirks or remarks relating to Botan.

Yusuke, ignoring Kurama and Hiei’s form of communication, gave Koenma a bizarre stare. “How does Botan know all that? Why does she know that?”

“That’s for another day,” Koenma answered quickly, brushing Yusuke’s question aside, “Another reason why Botan is very valuable, her position in the Spirit World is very important and well respected. Thousands of spiritual beings would throw riots if they ever discover Botan is missing.”

“Is being a ferry girl really that important?” Kazuma asked, scratching his head with curiosity.

“Botan is not only a ferry girl, but she is Spirit World’s Head Ferry Girl. Anyway, like I said earlier, Kuwabara, that’s another story.”

“Then how should we go about searching for Botan-kun?” Kurama questioned, crossing his arms and staring at Koenma expectantly. “Do you have any leads we can use, Koenma-sama?”

“You aren’t going to look for Botan, Kurama. Kuwabara and Hiei will search for Botan,” Koenma answered sternly. He turned to the psychic and telepath. “From what we’ve discovered, Botan was last seen in the Human World in Yusuke and Kuwabara’s city, so your best lead will search in that area.” Directing his attention towards the other Detectives, Koenma continued, “Yusuke, Kurama, I need the two of you to arrest a demon.”

Kurama and Yusuke gave one another confused glances and then stared at Koenma in surprise. “What?”

With a weary sigh, the spiritual sovereign explained, “Last night, a demon thief stole four pieces from my mother’s heavily guarded jewelry set. Least to say, my father is very unhappy. I need the two of you to find and recover my mother’s jewelry.”

“Why don’t you have Hiei and Kuwabara do this?” Yusuke demanded furiously. “I frankly don’t give a damn about your mother and her jewels, Koenma-I want to find Botan.”

“I must agree with Yusuke, Koenma-sama,” Kurama argued alongside Yusuke (although more tactfully), “I apologize for my defiance, but I feel Botan-kun’s safety prioritizes over the safety of your mother’s jewels.”

Koenma rubbed his temples while sinking into his chair. “And I would agree with you as well if thousands of lives weren’t at stake.”

“What do you mean?”

With another tired sigh, Koenma explained, “My mother’s jewelry isn’t just some petty human set made out of gold or silver, Yusuke. The pieces the thief stole have extraordinary powers that only a Queen of the Spirit World could bear.”

“And such powers are?”

“The thief stole a silver bracelet, an ivory brooch, a jade necklace, and a golden ring.” Koenma’s large screen descended from the ceiling and divided into four screens. In each screen, a different accessory was displayed. In the top left corner was a length of silver twisted and designed like elegant vines with dainty emeralds; on the top right screen was a gleaming ivory lotus; below that displayed was a solid band of rich gold; and beside the ring were enchanting jade beads alternating in size and inscription. “The bracelet allows the wearer to enter and watch another’s dreams; the brooch forces its bearer to tell nothing but the truth; the necklace will allow someone to read another’s thoughts; and the ring grants its master one wish, any wish the holder desires.”

After some silence and examination, Kurama commented, “You fear what the demon shall do to the Human World, or any World for the matter, with his new prizes, Koenma-sama.”

“Yes, and additionally, I’m scared what my father will do if the jewelry isn’t recovered soon,” Koenma pouted with a sniffle. “Father is EXTREMELY fond of Mother, and he gets really angry when Mother gets upset; Mother loves her jewelry.”

“I see.”

Seeing Yusuke and Kurama’s annoyed expressions, Koenma encouraged, “With what the jewelry can do, it’s top priority that the two of you find the thief. Millions of lives are at stake because of this thief, whereas only one life is endanger with Botan’s case.” Yusuke growled, but Koenma continued, “Botan is important, Yusuke, I know, and I want her back safe as much as any of you. That’s why as soon as you’re done with your assignment, you two can join Hiei and Kuwabara and search for Botan.”

Yusuke wanted to argue, but Kurama stopped him with a shake of his head. The redhead human then led away the Spirit Detective to complete their mission. They had no time to lose.

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Seeing a blocked off, darkened hallway in the palace, Kurama and Yusuke entered the area, knowing perfectly well where they were. Cushions on top of elegant stands collected dust and remained untouched while the two Detectives walked past them. “Why did you stop me, Kurama?” Yusuke demanded while kicking at a dust bunny. “I nearly had the brat that time.”

“We don’t have the time to argue with Koenma-sama if we want to find Botan-kun quickly,” Kurama responded while investigating the scene of the crime. His emerald eyes critically analyzed the empty room. Something caught his sharp thieving senses. “Koenma-sama has good reason assigning you and me to this case, Yusuke. Although I hate to admit this, Botan-kun’s safety comes second when placed against humanity’s fate.”

“But why did he pick us to do this instead of Hiei and Kuwabara? With Hiei’s jagan and Kuwabara’s sixth sense, wouldn’t it be easier for them to find the spiritual jewelry?” young Urameshi asked while searching for clues himself. Needless to say, he found nothing in the empty chamber.

“They would be good choices in locating lost items, but Hiei and Kuwabara-kun don’t have the patience to work as a team and contain the capacity to capture a thief,” Kurama smirked slightly. He felt partially guilty saying such things about his comrades, but the truth was the truth: there was no denying it. “Even if they were to find the thief, they more likely couldn’t catch him or locate the stolen pieces.”

“Then how are we-Ah, I see.” Yusuke nodded in understanding, a smug grin on the young man’s face. “Koenma wants you on this because of Youko Kurama.”

“I do have a reputation to keep, Yusuke,” Kurama smiled slyly. “Even if it stays alive by assisting Spirit World and tracking down other thieves.”

“Then why me?” Yusuke questioned curiously, stuffing his hands into his pockets. “I’m pretty useless compared to your brains, Kurama. I don’t see why I made a better choice than Hiei. At least he himself has been a thief for a while.”

“Your strength and reputation: you’re the famous Urameshi Yusuke, the Human World Spirit Detective that has reached S-Class status,” the redhead murmured with concentration. “If the demon thief is as intelligent as he seems, he will be wise to fear you if you’re on this case, Yusuke.”

“I’m not much different than you or Hiei.”

With a small chuckle, Kurama swept away some dust from the ground while staring at it intently. He could feel himself getting closer. “We’re not the ones who killed Toguro and Sensui and fought against S-Class demons in the Demon World Tournament and live to tell about it, Yusuke. We are also not descendants of Raizen.”

Shrugging sheepishly (embarrassed by his achievements), Yusuke grumbled, “Ah, well, let’s just get this over with.”

And on cue, Kurama replied, “I think I already have a lead.”

“Already?” Walking towards where Kurama squatted, Yusuke squatted beside his friend. Staring at the ground, the ebony-haired Detective spotted nothing remotely similar to a clue. He stared at his partner expectantly. “What have you got, Kurama?”

Lifting up pinching fingers to Yusuke’s face, the young man crossed his eyes and stared at light-colored hair. “What we have here is cat demon thief,” Kurama growled, sniffing the air, “a very smart cat demon. He must have been planning this for years, searching for the perfect opportunity to snatch the Queen’s jewels. His movements were precise and to the point; every step, leap, twitch was nothing more than necessary.”

“How do you know all of this?”

“His scent: it’s not sprawled all over the room like most scents would be. His scent is centered and linear. We need to descend to the Human World,” Kurama replied, rising to his feet. He walked towards the exit with definite purpose. “We’ll find the demon there.”

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