Why are there so many fic ideas in my head! ((sigh)) But this one is important; I want to teach you all through example. So please enjoy and take some new thought away from this fanfiction.

Disclaimer: I don’t own Yu Yu Hakusho, Rachel Joy Scott’s essay, “My Ethics, My Code of Life.”, or the song “All Are Welcome”.

-.-.-.-

Ethics vary with environment, circumstances, and culture.

In my own life ethics play a major role.

Whether it was because of the way I was raised, the experiences I’ve had, or just my outlook on the world and the way things should be.

My biggest aspects of ethics include being honest, compassionate, and looking for the best and beauty in everyone…

-.-.-.-

Everything happens for a reason- and everything has a chain reaction- whether small or lengthy enough to span miles. She grew up healthy and happy, with loyal and caring friends and family. She had wonderful grades; she had admirers, and was present in the lives of many. People would say to her, “There’s such a warm light in your eyes.”

The flame of kindness, of forgiveness, of purity… She was flattered but she didn’t find herself special. She was just a girl who loved doing the right thing, a girl who never thought before performing an act of compassion, a girl… who died.

“Boyle, Katelyn, has taught us so many things despite the shortness of her life,” She sat silently in the front pew of her church, staring at the pastor. She’d always helped him after school by collecting food for the poor; she’d known him her entire life, but she’d never seen him like this, as if he were about to cry, “I have never met someone with such a gentle soul. Though I wish she had lived a long blessed life I cannot help but say her death is fitting,” he paused and she could’ve sworn she saw him blink away tears, “Giving her life for another, truly following the way of God.”

Katelyn sighed looking down at her folded hands. They gave her too much credit. She hadn’t even thought about what would happen when she ran out into the street; all she knew was that she had to protect that little girl. She was a neighbor’s daughter, she didn’t even know her name, yet she didn’t have a second thought about it.

Run that scenario by her one thousand times and nothing would’ve changed. At least, that’s what she had said. As for who she is…

Katelyn lifted her topaz eyes and glanced over to her right. A young woman sat there, her bright blue hair tied up into a high pony tail. Her pink-lavender gaze focused on the closed coffin resting by the alter. Katelyn could tell she was thinking deeply considering never once had she seen her wearing the expression she had on. She’d been like that the entire ceremony, never moving, listening intently.

“Botan-san?”

She turned hearing her companion’s voice, “Yes?”

“Are you all right?” She asked unable to stop her concern.

She gave her a smile but she could tell it wasn’t completely true, “Of course, don’t worry about me, Katelyn-chan.”

Another hour drifted by until everyone inclined their heads in silent prayer. Katelyn stood, torn between sadness and relief. She was so grateful for the people before her but she regretted hurting them. She almost forgot she was dead, stepping up to the microphone. Every Sunday she’d sing the hymns, why should today be any different? She closed her eyes, knowing exactly what to do,

“Let us build a house where love can dwell

and all can safely live,

a place where saints and children tell

how hearts learn to forgive.”

Botan pulled a tissue from the folds of her yukata and tried to wipe away her quickly forming tears. Her job was never easy. Usually she could handle it but this past week had almost broken her heart. Katelyn was so open, so warm; it made her angry that she had to die. She deserved to live! She of all people should live. The fact that she was the only one who could hear her sweet voice singing made it even more tragic.

“Built of hopes and dreams and visions

Rock of faith and vault of grace

Here the love of Christ shall end divisions

All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in this place…”

After the funeral Katelyn stood outside in the flower filled grotto. Botan stood beside her and she knew what she was waiting to hear. She took in a deep breath missing the ability to feel and take notice of things with her senses. Being a ghost she didn’t have those privileges, “You can take me to wherever I have to go,” she faced her spirit guide, “I’m sorry for making you wait.”

Botan summoned an oar and motioned for her to sit next to her on it. She did as her shinigami requested and the next moment she was hovering a few feet above the ground, “It’s difficult saying goodbye,” Botan said in a soft understanding tone, “But I promise I’m taking you to a better place.”

Katelyn tried not to think of her family and friends and hoped they could forgive her. This was for the best, right? She tore her eyes from the church fixing them on the cloudless skies, “I believe you.”

-.-.-.-

…I have been told repeatedly that I trust people too easily,

but I find that when I put my faith and trust in people when others would not dare to,

they almost never betray me…

-.-.-.-

Botan stood in front of Koenma’s desk, alone since she’d left Katelyn out in the hall, wanting to discuss something she felt far worth while, “Earlier this week you sent me to retrieve a soul,” she began, “and I agreed.” The young ruler nodded his head knowing well of what she referred to.

The ferry girl filtered through her head for the right words, “I brought her back with me, and I’m sure you’ve looked at her files.”

“I have,” he met her bright eyes with his coffee colored ones, “A truly extraordinary case.”

“Exactly,” Botan, feeling he grasped her concept, cut to the chase, “I want her to be my apprentice.”

Okay, considering the look on his face, he didn’t get what she was saying, “What?”

“Let me explain,” she pulled a book from the inside of her robes, flipping open to a page. She set it down in front of him, “Katelyn has all the requirements for my job and if she helps me she can come down to earth and meet the others. It will assist her in gathering the courage to cross over.”

Koenma raised an eyebrow, “Why do I have the feeling you just want her as your apprentice so you can give her a body to live again?”

Botan sweatdropped, “Uh, what makes you say that?” She knew she was caught but the Spirit World heir gave her a break, “Fine, you can take her.”

“Yes!” Overjoyed to have Katelyn’s fate in her own hands she couldn’t wait to tell her the news. She was going to make sure she had the life she deserved. True she didn’t have all the details planned but she did have a positive outlook, “Katelyn-chan, guess what?” She pushed opened the doors beaming only to find herself talking to an empty hall, “Katelyn-chan?”

Meanwhile, half way across the gateway to the other words, Katelyn stood with a new friend in the records department. “You don’t know how glad I am we ran into each other,” he said passing up another book for her to place on a top shelf. She smiled, taking another step up the latter, “I’m happy I’m able to help, Jeorge-san.”

She’d at first been very surprised to find a blue, leopard skin clothed ogre running blindly down the hallway in her direction. He’d tripped, dropping all the books he had stacked in his arms. Being who she is she was compelled to help and next thing she knew she was taking half the load and making his work easier. After finishing the job Jeorge bowed down, “Thank you so much.”

“You’re more than welcome,” she bowed politely in return.

“Katelyn-chan!”

She stood hearing the far off sound of someone calling her name. She then remembered Botan and suddenly felt guilty, “I’m sorry, I have to go,” she gave him a small wave and a smile, “Have a nice day. I hope your mother feels better.” She ran off before he had the chance to respond. She was one of the only people to actually listen to his family related rambling. In fact the only other he could recall bringing up his family was Kurama.

-.-.-.-

… I would only hope that people would put that same faith in me…

-.-.-.-

“Botan-san, here I am!” She rounded a corner hoping Botan wouldn’t be upset with her. To her relief she wasn’t, in fact she laughed, “I didn’t know what I would’ve told my boss if I lost you on the first day.”

Since this was her eighth day by the guide’s side she was confused, “First day?”

“Yep,” she smiled, “You’re now officially my apprentice.”

She was still lost, “Apprentice?”

Botan waved her hands in the air, “Oh, it isn’t important,” she then grabbed her project’s arm, “What is important is that I have to get you a home.”

Now Katelyn was beyond perplexed, “I’m homeless?”

“Of course not,” she pulled her until she started following on her own, “I’m hoping Genkai will let you live with her, but if worst comes to worst, you just stay in the Shinigami quarters.”

Mental overload! “Who’s Genkai, and what are Shinigami?”

She nearly forgot Katelyn didn’t know these things, “You’ll meet Genkai in a little while. Shinigami are messengers of death, like me, “grim reapers” if you will.”

“Oh…” That’s when it sunk in, “I’m a grim reaper!”

She giggled, “Don’t be silly, you’re simply an apprentice.”

She calmed down, “Okay… wait…,” she thought about it helplessly, “Never mind.”

Botan took her to her room where she was to wait until she got a hold of someone whose name Katelyn didn’t quite catch. She mentioned something about getting her a body made and then ran off leaving her to watch television and stare out the windows.

-.-.-.-

… Trust and honesty is an investment you put in people;

if you build enough trust in them and show yourself to be honest,

they will do the same in you…

-.-.-.-

The next day she bowed down in front of a small elderly woman. Her fading pink hair was loose and met her shoulders. Her deep brown eyes were tiny and Katelyn could tell they looked right through her- both metaphorically and literally considering her ghost-like body was pretty transparent, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Genkai obaa-sama.”

The fact that she addressed her with so much respect must’ve got her on Genkai’s good side because her eyes softened, “It’s nice to meet you too, Katelyn.”

Botan smiled, “Genkai, if you don’t mind, could you watch her for a little. I have business I need to attend to.” She was already pulling her oar out of hyperspace not waiting for a response, “I’ll be back later.”

Seconds later she was left alone with the legendary psychic. She seemed to be examining her and that made Katelyn a little nervous. Finally she appeared satisfied, “Why don’t we go inside? You can tell me about yourself.” The blue eyed girl tailed behind her into the labyrinth temple resisting the huge urge to explore. She had to tell herself that would be rude and that she had to remain focused. At last she reached her destination and Genkai beckoned for her to sit, or at least try to.

She took a seat on a small couch opposite where Genkai sat. Another long silence stretched on until she began to talk, “I tend to judge the character of those in my presence, so forgive me if you find any questions of mine offensive.”

“I don’t mind,” Katelyn tilted her head to the side with a slight smile, “Ask anything, I have nothing to hide.”

Once again her words had a positive effect on the older woman’s attitude, “Good,” she un-crossed her arms, meeting her gaze, “How did you die?”

That was defiantly not a question she expected but she answered truthfully nonetheless, “My neighbor’s daughter was playing in the street when some guy came flying down our road in his car. I was rearranging the lawn ornaments at the time. I heard the engine roaring and…I turned…” She felt weird saying this, even recalling it. It was as if a stranger had done it, not her, “My heart was racing and I ran as fast as I could. I grabbed the little girl and pushed her onto the sidewalk,” she squinted hoping it would help, “I mean, I think that’s what I did, I don’t actually remember seeing her there but that’s what everyone on the block said.”

Genkai nodded her head in understanding, “Very noble.”

She blushed lightly, always embarrassed by praise, “It wasn’t really.”

She raised an eyebrow, “You gave your life for someone you hardly knew and say it’s no big deal?” A bit of amusement sounded in her voice, “I’m sure there has to be a line to modesty.”

Katelyn clenched her fists in her lap feeling nervous again, “Sorry.”

“I don’t know what you’re apologizing for,” she said, but pardoned the statement anyway. “Were you always like this? Or are you intimidated by your elders?”

Katelyn knew she must’ve been asking about her soft nature. She wasn’t the first to question her behavior so she didn’t have to ask what “like this” meant. She already knew and she already had an answer, “I wasn’t always like this,” she laced her fingers together, “Not to say I was a bad person, I was just… typical. If I had a bad day I would take it out on others, if someone tripped in the hall I walked around them, maybe ask occasionally if they were okay… do you know what I mean?”

“Yes.” The fact that she was taking interest made her feel less timid, “Then what changed?”

-.-.-.-

… I value honesty so much, and it is an expectation I have of myself…

-.-.-.-

“I met Rachel.” The response was so simple that she wasn’t surprised to hear,

“Rachel?”

Katelyn felt saddened and inspired by the memory, “Yes, maybe I should rephrase that, I learned about Rachel.” She searched her brain for words to describe what had happened that day, “There was an assembly at school called “Rachel’s Challenge”. She was one of the students killed during the worst school shootings in U.S. history. It was ironic because she was so kind. She wanted to change the world and in death she did. A few months before she died, Rachel wrote an essay. It was called “My Ethics, My Code of Life.” I was so moved by her words and her story that I made her ethics my own.”

Genkai then faintly recalled the girl she was talking about. There had been a small article in the newspaper about her. Since it was American news it wasn’t too big in Japan but there was a slight impact. “The fact that you were able to reform yourself to be like this young woman tells me you were never too far from being like her in the first place.”

-.-.-.-.-

… I will put honesty before the risk of humiliation, before selfishness, and before anything less worthy of the Gospel truth…

-.-.-.-.-

“Maybe…” She shrugged her shoulders. She thought it funny in a twisted sense that people were unable to see the extent of their reach in the lives of others. She smiled raising her hand to examine it. She could clearly see the couch beneath her and the table through her pale skin, “Now I’m even more like my role model.”

Genkai shook her head a little, “‘Dead’ usually isn’t something humans aspire to be.”

She heard her words faintly, her eyes going to the door. Katelyn didn’t know why she felt she needed to stare there, but she was drawn by something foreign. She hardly heard her own voice, speaking in almost a whisper, “It’s true then, you never know how far a little kindness can go…”

-.-.-.-

… Even in being honest and trust worthy, I do not come off cold and heartless…

-.-.-.-

To her mild astonishment a young man walked in through the door she was so fixed on. Long crimson hair spilled down, cascading around his shoulders and further yet. He was tall, perhaps around six feet, with a slim but unmistakably well-built frame. She could tell simply by the way his stood, with his back straight though not appearing ridged, he was far from those “typical” people she’d mentioned earlier.

“Genkai, I’m sorry for dropping by unexpectedly but Botan asked me to meet her here.” She could see his eyes shift from the old woman and to her. Katelyn lost her calm once more feeling pressured to do something, or say something, that would make a positive impression. It wasn’t easy, she’d just recently been taken out of her town where everyone knew and loved her, and she was worried she wouldn’t be able to gain the approval of the new people she was meeting.

It was silly, and she was sure others would find such a concept stupid but she could help herself. She wanted people to like her; she wanted to give them a reason to be kind…

The red haired youth walked over, his fascinatingly green gaze never leaving her face. He did not show any emotion, standing in front of her, “I don’t believe we’ve met.” He offered a small smile, “My name is Kurama.”

She jumped up and bowed. Lifting her head she returned the smile, “I’m Katelyn, pleased to meet you.” Her mannerisms didn’t have the same effect that they did on Genkai but he did return the statement politely.

“It’s nice to meet you too, Katelyn-san.”

He made a move to sit down but a voice cut through the quiet air stopping him, “Kurama!” It was Botan, “Are you here?”

Genkai placed her forehead in her hands wondering why the River Styx guide couldn’t come and look for herself. Yelling gave her a headache. Kurama pardoned his absence and left the room leaving Katelyn wondering. Was he kind because he wanted to be or merely for the sake of it? Eck! There I go again! She scolded her mental judgment of him, First encounters mean nothing!

-.-.-.-

Ten minutes later, and still without an explanation, Kurama walked beside Botan through the halls of the other worldly gates. “Remind me again why I’m here.” He knew the girl probably didn’t realize that she’d yet to tell him the information. It was even more obvious by her response,

“How strange of you to forget something,” he sweatdropped as she went on, “I need you to carry a body for me.”

Despite how bizarre and disturbing that sounded the fox remained silent knowing his questions would be answered soon. Within seconds they entered what resembled a science lab. Instead of ogres another type of demon/spirit flittered around, mixing concoctions, and discussing relatively complicated issues. Again he didn’t ask, though he had a feeling this is where those so called “miracles” were made. Cures for diseases didn’t simply appear, they had to be made, and were then distributed to the selective praying.

Botan stopped and pulled out a key as they reached another door. “Just a jiffy,” she turned the lock and a metallic click was heard, “Ta da!” They entered a much smaller enclosed room and there, lying on an examining table in the center, was a young woman. When he drew closer Kurama recognized her face to be the one of the ghost at Genkai’s temple.

A faint trace of confusion must’ve crossed his features and Botan, being Botan, took it in the wrong way, “It would’ve been too much of a hassle to dress her in a kimono and this was all I had,” yes, she was referring to the long, silken, slip like dress the still creature was wearing. She had gotten it to go under a western style outfit she somehow lost.

“I was actually curious as to why the body and soul are separated.” He said having enough understanding of her to know she wasn’t going to say on her own.

“Oh,” she took a breath, “It’s a long story. I’ll tell you on the way back.” She clapped her hands together, “Chop-chop, times a wastin’.”

The kitsune took the hint and didn’t think twice about lifting the body from the table and into his arms. She was cold against his heated form and surprisingly light. He would’ve considered the frail female in his hold a corpse if not for the faint beating of a heart.

“Last week I was sent to collect her,” Botan started to tell her story while they made their way back to the portal. Kurama didn’t interrupt simply listening. So it was as I thought… He’d heard part of Katelyn’s conversation with Genkai standing out in the hallway and she’d struck him as the type to stay by her word. He had to admit he looked forward to getting to know her a little better for now she was undeniably “part of the team”.

-.-.-.-

… Compassion and honesty go hand in hand, if enough of each is put into every situation…

-.-.-.-

Within the next few hours Katelyn had been introduced to four more people who coincidently came to visit on the day she arrived. She thought it may have been fate but didn’t dwell on the idea long. There was far too much going on to have some silent contemplation. However she did manage to get away for a little while. She snuck outside to find the heavens hue deepening from blue to purple with tinges of black streaked across its surface. She had missed most of the sunset and all of the warm colors left were dark reds scratched in-between the surrounding tree top’s branches.

Botan still hadn’t returned and Katelyn wondered where she was, worrying if something had happened. Yet her concern was cut short by a strange feeling. She suddenly felt incredibly tired, like all the energy had been drained from her soul. The lure of sleep was overwhelming and she started to collapse closing her eyes.

There was a fleeting moment of confusion, and a pull to her form, and everything returned to normal. Well, as normal as a dead girl can be, right? Nope. She felt… warm. How strange, she hadn’t felt warm since she died…

Wait a minute…

Was someone carrying her? It sure felt like it, arms wrapped securely around her shoulders and legs, holding her tightly against their firm flat chest. His shirt brushed lightly against her cheek and in her half disoriented state she began rambling stupidly in her mind about what a nice material it was made of. In fact it was so nice she wanted to cuddle into it and its inviting warmth. Because though the half of her against him was heated the rest of her was dreadfully cold.

Kurama stopped walking and stared down at the being in his arms, “Botan, she’s moving.”

“Of course she is,” the ferry girl smiled, “Once we get within a mile of the soul it enters its custom made body.”

Hearing their voices Katelyn opened her eyes. “Huh…?”

“Good morning!” Botan chirped earning a confused look from Katelyn’s face. She sweatdropped, “I, uh, mean, good night? Evening?” She pulled a watch from the inside of her sleeve and stared at the time, “Happy 8:30.”

Katelyn couldn’t stop the laughter from leaving her lips, Botan really tried too hard. Once she calmed down her guide started to talk, “Kurama, could you lend Katelyn some clothes? I’ll go ask Yukina if she can make some dinner for us.”

Before any more could be said she rushed off into the temple leaving the two alone. That’s also when Katelyn realized what she was dressed in. She was mortified! This was totally inappropriate! Luckily Kurama didn’t seem to notice her attire, or if he did, he wasn’t offended.

“Would you prefer a blouse or T-shirt?”

She snapped out of her panicked thoughts noticing he was asking her a question, “Whatever you have to spare, I’m so sorry for being a bother.”

He shook his head, “Don’t be ridiculous, you’re not a bother at all,” he still hadn’t placed her down and was carrying her through the halls of what she had deemed “the maze”. He slid open one of the shouji doors with his foot, “This is my room.”

She looked around out of curiosity. The walls were plain, his bed was neatly made, there were a few books resting on a desk by a computer, and there were two dressers- one tall and thin and the other short and long. Kurama lowered her to the wooden floor boards, “Can you stand?”

“Yes,” her bare feet touched the ground, “Thank you.”

He seemed reluctant to let her go and she assumed it was because he was concerned. She hadn’t really “stood” in a while. Thankfully her balance skills hadn’t been forgotten during her bodiless state. As she checked her abilities, like jumping, stretching, and walking Kurama sat on the floor pulling things from his draws, What do girls wear?

After a few minutes he retrieved a fighting wardrobe from the depths of the dresser, “Is this all right?” He asked showing her a short green tunic with a red phoenix pattern adorning its side. Katelyn stopped trying to touch her toes and stood alert, “If it’s all right with you.”

He tossed her the clothing and she caught the outfit somewhat clumsily. She didn’t know what to do when he turned to putting away the other miscellaneous wardrobes. Was there somewhere she should go? As if hearing her thoughts Kurama spoke,

“Get dressed, I promise I won’t look.”

She hesitated for a bit, unsure if she should believe him. She glanced around the room, there was only one mirror and he had his back to it just like he was turned away from her. Deciding he seemed like a good enough guy she quickly pulled on the white pants, took off the slip, tugged on the long sleeved shirt, and attempted to put on the tunic. After a few helpless minutes she snagged her hair in a button, “Kurama…”

Her voice was pleading and he turned without first making sure she was decent. Fortunately she was mostly clad with the exception of the green tug on. He fought down a laugh at seeing her caught up in the outfit, “Do you need help?”

“Yes, please.”

He stood from his spot and went over biting his lower lip to stop himself from chuckling. That would be rude and Katelyn was probably already stressed out. Within seconds he untangled her hair and pulled the top down. He buttoned the collar and tied the sash around her waist. It was a tad baggy considering he was a few inches taller and she was thinner but she’d live.

Katelyn bowed in gratitude, “Thank you very much.”

“You’re welcome.”

When she lifted her head she found him smiling and she was more then glad to smile back. She pondered what she’d done to gain that smile from him but didn’t ask. Yet once again he amazed her, responding to un-voiced questions. And what he said struck a cord in her soul.

“I admire those who trust and are trust worthy…”

The familiarity of his words took the entire night to wear off. But one thing was sure, life this time around was certainly going to be more interesting.

-.-.-.-

In case you didn’t guess, what Kurama said right above was the last line of a paragraph in Rachel’s essay. Each chapter will have pieces of her work until I use the entire essay.

On another note, you’ll notice Botan keeps pulling random things from her yukata. I think that’s pretty funny since she does that over the course of the series (remember the bug spray during Maze Castle and the book she whips out when Yusuke first dies?).

Tell me if you like this fanfiction! Should I update it or remove it? Let me know!

Thank you bunches for reading!

Much love,

SilverYouko300