FORBIDDEN LOVE
By: Miiru Kamishiru
aquamirror@edsamail.com.ph

CHAPTER EPILOGUE          

A week later...

Botan stayed in Kurama's house for a week while wanting to acquire for a new employment. Yes, she does miss being a ferry girl, very much actually. Giving new missions to Yusuke and the rest of Reikai tantei, supporting them. She realized how precious those moments are. Moreover she knows life must go on.

Botan woke up uneasily from her bed one fine dayspring.

"Ohayo, Botan-chan!" Kurama greeted cheerfully.

"Hmm...morning," Botan greeted sleepily.

"This seemed nice," Shiori read in a newspaper's banner headline. She was sitting quietly on the dining room.

"What's so nice kaasan?"

"Well look at this newspaper, Musuko..."

"Blue moon to rise this evening," he read. "That's wonderful! It comes once in a century."

"Yes indeed," Shiori nodded. "Don't you think so, Botan-chan..."

"Later...will be blue moon? No...impossible..." Botan loose her consciousness upon hearing those words.

Luckily, Kurama caught her body. "Got you!"


~~~~~~


A knock came upon Koenma's door.

"Come in,"

"Ah...Ohayo Koenma-sama!" George Saotome greeted lively despite he knew how his master felt. "Today is your wedding day! You must be happy."

Koenma who is sitting on a chair moaned. "Quit talking George-kun! I was extremely happy yesterday because I have a might that I slept in my bed alone without her. That girl is really a pain in my neck..."

"But you must get used with her," George spoken upset. "She will be your spouse any minute now. And think how beautiful she is..."

Koenma gave an icy look. "But do you recollect the Anokoku Bujusukai and the girl Ruka from the Mashoutoukai Team? She's a knockout beauty right? Well she caught my attention, didn't she? But lucky for me I realized that she was evil or I was killed a long time ago..."

"That makes sense..." George pondered. "Anyway, here are your garments for later's celebration. Ja Na!" he handed him this clothes and ran out from his room.

Koenma's heart sank to the deepest part of his stomach as he gazed at his wedding clothes. It was complete, made by precious red and 24k gold threads with a sword made by the purest silver and bronze. It was made especially to a royalty like him. He knew this time have come. A time to separate from his chastity and his happy days is being alone. Time goes by quickly. It is just like he was born yesterday. With frustration, he threw the garments on his bed.

"If I could only...I could only see her again. Feel the fervent heat of her body and touch her sweet fold of flesh. If only she was here to keep me company...even for the last time...I held her...my beloved little blossom...if blue moon comes once in a century...why did it come now?"


~~~~~~


"Botan!" the whole Minamino family tried everything to gain her awareness. Fanning her, splashing her water on her face and doing all sorts of crazy things.

'What are we going to do now, Kaasan?"

"I don't know," she replied anxiously, fanning Botan. "We did each trick to wake her up but it's hopeless! Maybe get a doctor?"

"Fine!" Kurama agreed, carrying a doctor. "But I'll just place her upstairs in the guestroom."

"Fine! I'll call the doctor!"

"Hmm...I heard the phrase 'blue moon' before she collapsed," Kurama thought strongly. "Does it have to do with her? I better find out..."

Kurama rushed to the telephone and dialed.


~~~~~~


So there I was all dressed in this...this...'finery'! Seeing my own self on the mirror, I feel different. He seemed so...fancy he looks like a Yuletide decoration, yes he does. Who am I kidding? This is I. Nobody else but I. Who am I kidding? Nobody and myself else but I.

I decided to walk at the garden outside Reikai palace. Wow! It was a knock out in attractiveness and fragrance. Flowers are really an eye-candy for each being's eyes. Maybe that's why Kurama-san's hobby is gardening, I can't debate on him how beautiful this are.

Cherry blossoms swirled my face good-naturedly, indicating that it is spring. Irises, red poppies, orchids and all sorts of flower then bloom nicely. Peach tree will start to have Peach flowers too. This is near celestial home. Strangely, why am I so stupid, admiring this flowers at this time. Passing through all of them I saw this lovely flower on the middle of the garden. It was all dawn-tinted and made up entirely of petals. It was quite simple, really. In contrast it caught all my attention.

"Koenma-sama! Thank goodness I have found you. Hey, nice costume!"

I turned back. It was just Ayame.

"Hello! Do I really look like I am wearing a costume?"

She giggled. 'You are full of embroideries, gold, silver and all sort of stuff even that sword. Maybe, I guess so.

"Am I that bad looking?"

"Not really. Oh, it is great you have reached this place," she grinned lightly. "This is the garden of all ferry girls."

I can't believe my ears. "Really?"

She nodded and pointed to an iris flower. "That is me..."

"How did that happen?"

"We put our spirits there and bloom like them. Hard to explain but those are really us."

"I see," I answered then I pointed to the flower that caught my attention. "Say, who is the owner of that flower..."

Ayame's eyes grew immense. "Impossible..."

"What's impossible?"

"That flower," she pointed in terror. "That flower is a peony...Botan-chan's flower! Why do it still exist? She is already a ningen!"

I was both stunned and delighted, hearing Ayame's terrified words. "Maybe just because you put your spirit in your flower. Botan is still alive, isn't she?"

"I guess you're right Koenma-sama! But I am still partly scared. This never happens before...Remember Yuri? She was ousted in this job because of her assaults. Look, none of her flowers, Lily survived. But like Botan-chan, she was just made into a ningen. How did it happen? How?"

"I don't know..." I answered and I guess I'll never know.

"Oh by the way," she cut in. "Your father needed you in his office badly..."

"Come on!"


~~~~~~


"Moshi Moshi!" Kurama greeted on the telephone.

"Hello too!" a girl answered.

"Is this Keiko-chan?"

"No," she disagreed. "This is Atsuko, Yusuke's mom!"

"Gomen, Urameshi-san!" Kurama politely apologized. "Is Yusuke-kun there?"

"Hai," she said. "Please hold on a moment. Who is this..."

"Please say Kurama,"

Kurama patiently waits.

"Moshi Moshi!" a male voice answered this time.

"Oi Yusuke-kun!"

"Kurama?"

"This is me, right." he chuckled. "Do you have any news about Reikai this days?"

"Um..." Yusuke then paused. "You're a friend right, Kurama? Please promise not to tell this to anybody?"

"I promise," he pledged. "Cross my heart!"

"Okay," Yusuke cleared his throat. "I saw Koenma and Botan, kissing in a corner of this city!"

"Since when?" Kurama asked seriously.

"About a week ago, why?"

"Please Yusuke-kun," Kurama begged. "I want you to check what's happening in Reikai with Kuwabara-kun."

"Why?"

"Just do it," Kurama commanded.

"Is that all?"

Kurama paused for a while and think. "Ah! Please wear tuxedos...in case of very special celebration there now...Ja Na!" and he hung up the phone.

"Tuxedos?" Yusuke looked nonplussed. "In this ordinary day?"


~~~~~~


"Why did you call me?" Koenma asked his father bravely. "Haven't you have enough of me? You are about to wed me in a Princess whom my heart refuses to love."

"What kind of a son are you?!" Enma Daioh asked. "After the years I strive to keep you alive and make you a man you are now!"

"Why didn't you kill me?" Koenma answered back. "So I can rejoin mother!"

"HOW DARE YOU ANSWER BACK TO YOUR OWN FATHER! GO OUT OF THIS ROOM IMMEDIATELY!"

"I was waiting you'll say that," Koenma mumbled quietly as he stepped out of the room.

I know I shouldn't say that to him. I still love Him even though he has a big debt to me. After all, he is my father. I am not happy too saying those words. I feel like a bratty kid. It is terrible, but my mouth coupled with my emotions can't pull it back. I feel defenseless. What is wrong with me now? I am sorry...father...

~~~~~~


"Are you sure Yusuke-kun?" Kuwabara asked angrily as they walk through the streets wearing tuxedos. "That Kurama-san ask us to wear this formal suits in this ordinary day?"

"He said so!" Yusuke argued, fixing his red tie. "Now just be quiet!"

"How are we suppose to go to Reikai?" Kuwabara inquired. "Find Botan?"

Yusuke smirked. "Koenma gave me this device a month ago..." he raised his hand.

"Where?" Kuwabara blinked. "I can't see anything..."

"You seen nothing yet!" An old broom appeared at Yusuke's hand.

"Whoa! Yusuke! I know that you have the blood of Raizen but a witch!"

"Shut up!" Yusuke frowned. "This will lead us to Reikai. Koenma-sama gave me this some months ago, so I can go to Reikai without any help from some ferry girls. Actually, this is the first time I'll use this."

Yusuke rode on it.

"How about me?" Kuwabara holds the edge of the broom.

"Just hold on tight," he suggested. "Just like you are doing on Botan's oar! Here we go!"

The broom flew high over the towering buildings and majestic mountains. To the fluffy rolling white clouds and to the infinite skies they journey to Reikai.

"Yippee!" Yusuke exclaimed. "I can see the whole Tokyo here...this is amazing!"

"This is sickening!" Kuwabara complained his face was all green.

"Reikai, here we come!"


~~~~~~


On her little bed, Botan shut her eyes and her whole body was frozen. Sweat drops filled her whole physique even though she didn't move. Her emotions are killing her. She knows that. But she is really defenseless.

Her friend Kurama sat by her side praying for her recovery. Time does goes by easily. Just like yesterday they are enemies now here he is on her side.

She blooms and grows
Like an attractive flower
But now she slowly wilt
Oh please let her recover


~~~~~~


"Whoa Yusuke-kun look at this!" Kuwabara exclaimed.

The whole Reikai was never this beautiful. The fragrance of flowers filled the air. Abundant banquets of cuisine were busily prepared in the kitchen while the Reikai ferry girls and Onis went crazy decorating and spreading the 'news'.

"There is a celebration after all!" Yusuke laughed.

"Yusuke-kun! Kuwabara-kun!" a voice called.

They turned back and saw George.

"George-kun! How are you?"

"Fine!" he flashed them a V-sign on his fingers. "Say, how did you knew that Koenma will be wed today? Maybe Ayame told you..."

"WHAT?!" Yusuke and Kuwabara shockingly exclaimed. "KOENMA is getting married?"

"Are you sure?" Kuwabara pinched George's bluish thick face. "Somebody will marry Koenma?"

Yusuke joined in. "Who is the unlucky girl? Botan-chan?"

"Yes Koenma-sama will be married today," he firmly said, pushing Kuwabara away from him. "But its not Botan nor the other ferry girls...it's Princess Marina...Kaioh no musume..."

"WHAT?! I just saw him with Botan *kissing* the other day!" Yusuke blurted out.

"Really?" Kuwabara asked excitedly.

"Aye! That's true. They are so lovey-dovey together!"

"Why didn't you said it days ago?" Kuwabara protested, pointing his finger to his nose.

George sadly shook his head. "Botan-chan in now a Ningen. I thought you saw her once."

"Nope!"

"Hey I can't get your points!" Kuwabara protested angrily, pouting.

"It's okay buddy. It's okay..."

"The wedding will start at 8 o' clock this evening..." George announced. "When the blue moon rise...oops! I better do something important! Ja Na!"


~~~~~~


"It's two-thirty already," Kurama glanced at his timepiece. "But she's not yet gaining her consciousness..."

"What's wrong with her doctor," Shiori worriedly asked the doctor. "Is it serious..."

"Nope," the doctor stood up then he fixed his things. "She was just having a serious hallucinating today...did you say something bad today?"

"Er...none!" Shiori answered. "How about you...Shuiichi?"

Kurama was in his deep thoughts. He did not notice his mother.

"Shuiichi?" she repeated.

"Wh---what?"

"Never mind," Shiori rolled her eyes.

The doctor stood up carrying his paraphernalia.

"Are you leaving now doctor?" Shiori interrogated.

"Hai," he instantly nodded as he reached for the door. "It is better for her to be left alone in her room. She would feel more...relaxed..."

"Domo arigatou gozaimasu Yuuki-san!" Shiori flexed.

The doctor shot her a grin then he slammed the door.

"Shuiichi! Please come down now," Shiori requested to his son upstairs. "The doctor said we must leave Botan alone..."

"But," he murmured but he obeyed. "I don't think this is a good idea..." he shut his eyes sadly as he sealed the entrance to Botan's room.


~~~~~~


"Where's Koenma-sama anyway?" Yusuke wondered as he looked around the crowd.

"Yeah," Kuwabara second the motion as he combined with Yusuke in searching. "Where is he?"

"Ah, Urameshi-san and Kazuma-san! Welcome!" a cheerful voiced speak suddenly and vehemently.

They turned to their back and saw the redhead girl, Hinageshi.

"Hello!" the two boys chorused.

"Glad that you came here to witness Koenma joining in wedlock," she brighten up. "You see, a Reikai prince can only marry in a blue moon...pretty rare, huh?

"Yes. But where is he?"

"Well there!" she pointed to a gallant man.

Yusuke and Kuwabara's jaw dropped dead flat on the ground when they look unabashedly on a gentleman gently clothed by silvery and other precious metals, not to mention the rubies that gave a fine touch. It seemed they have never met.

"Hinageshi, are you sure that is Koenma?"

"Yes. Why?"

"Unbelievable! Koenma-sama!"

Koenma stared at them. "Let's just talk to my room..."

Minutes later...

"So," Yusuke sighed. "That's what happened..."

"How unfortunate," Kuwabara added.

Koenma instantaneously clapped his hands on his ears. "Please stop! I don't want to hear anything anymore! You're making me sicker than ever!" tears run down from his eyes.

Yusuke and Kuwabara didn't do anything but to stare at each other and feel sorry for Koenma. No words went through their lips. They might not show it, but deep inside they feel more than sympathetic towards him.

Several knocks were heard on the door then.

"Come in!"

A short white-headed girl entered. "Lord Koenma it's half-pass seven," she politely expressed. "At eight o' clock you'll be wed right? Please come down now."

"Who are you?" Yusuke questioned. "I have never saw you before."

"Oh it's impossible to know all the Reikai ferry girls!" she chuckled. "We are far to many. My name is Hinagiku, the daisy deity of death."

"Ah."

"Very well," Koenma stood up. "Let's go now..."

Yusuke and Kuwabara followed despite they both have torn in their hearts.


~~~~~~


Meanwhile in Minamino residence, a young maiden after a deep slumber finally opened her dawn-tinted eyes. She was still in fatigued but she managed to stand up.

"Koenma-sama will be married today," she feeble mumbled to herself as she stared at her reflection. She paced to the window and saw how splendid the cloudless night is and how the blue moon rose out from the thick grayish clouds.

As I lady I shall never know the word love
But to have cherished moments with somebody
Similar to a blessing from skies above
But I am wrong...

I believe love was perfect
To glance and to comfortably gesture
But now as I stared at this reflection
I was wrong...

To love somebody...
Is to sacrifice thy self...
Sadly, now I am a nobody...
For I didn't keep it...

She unexpectedly glanced down and noticed the pocketknife.


~~~~~~

So, here I am walking to this endless aisle of this house of worship. I marched to slowly, doubtless the slowest walk in my entire life considering that the time will just then cease. Yes, Reikai is not this magnificent as this night. Sweet aromas of various kinds of flowers are on the atmosphere, festive foods can be seen and tasted anywhere and people from various places are here...Reikai was never been full while the blue moon rose up awe inspiring on the thick clouds. But for me actually, this is my worst nightmare.

I was about to reach the communion table here she is standing shyly. Maybe because of apprehension and but she didn't mind marrying me. As a matter of fact, I never saw her this gorgeous. On her head was the crown of the eternal power of Reikai. That was before my mother's, I wonder who gave that to her. And oh, who can unnoticed her sensational elegant cerulean wedding dress, I know every girl will hope to wear that kind of dress one day...

Moreover there she is, grabbing my arm again...to the altar this time


~~~~~~
"Kurama-chan's pocketknife." She exclaimed silently. "I wonder why...he left this...this is dangerous...according to him..."

She turned to her window and saw the blue moon brightly shone on heavens. With tears on her eyes she turned back to the pocketknife. Over and over again she both stared them not knowing what to do...


~~~~~~


"So Marina-hime do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?" the priest seriously asked.

Marine glanced back to me sheepishly and blushes. I powerfully gulped.


~~~~~~


Botan finally opened the pocketknife as its pointed blade glisten.


~~~~~~


"Yes," Marina at last said.

"How about you Koenma-sama do you accept Marina-hime as your lawfully wedded wife..."

Koenma was so shock he couldn't answer.


~~~~~~


"It seems sharp right," Botan declared. "I wonder where I can use it..."


~~~~~~


"For the second time Koenma-sama do you accept her?"

Still there's no answer from Koenma.

The whole audiences including Enma-sama was getting really impatient.


~~~~~~


"If this is use for cutting plants," Botan stared at it. "Can this help me?"

She steadied the blade over her unstoppably beating pulse.


~~~~~~


"For the third time Koenma-sama will you take her---"

"NO!" Koenma flaring responded. He quickly snatched his shimmering sword out of its sheath and pointed it directly to the throat of Princess Marina who is now trembling with fear.


~~~~~~


For all the hardship that love gave me
I decided to end it all
For the last time I view the flowers, trees
Lovely night and this cruel world roll
Farewell...


"Sayonara, Koenma-sama. Kimi o Aishiteru...eien Ni," she lastly said.

She steadied the sharp edged metal over her rope of life trembling. Sweat drops beads over her forehead as the sharp edged metal and her rope of life deeply kissed. As her eternal vital fluid of life spewed down to the floor our everlasting flower breathe no more...

A stroke of fear crawled to the spine of Kurama. "BOTAN!"

~~~~~~


"No!" Princess Marina wept as she forsaken his bouquet of sapphire-like roses. "Please don't extinguish me!"

Koenma caught the sadness Princess Marina has on her appearance. She was so pale with consternation and almost in state of being unconscious.

"Princess...Marina..." teardrops ran down from his cheeks. "I won't..." he quickly turned back his sword and strike it without warning straight on his heart.

"Koenma-sama!" the entire crowd chorused.

The prince of Reikai then faced his end in the process of descending defenselessly on the vinyl floorings.

Yusuke and Kuwabara ran as fast as they could to Koenma.

"Koenma-sama!" Yusuke cried as he settled his friend on his thighs. "Koenma-sama!"

"So this is the feeling to be sentenced to death..." he smiled, choking.

"What are you saying?" Kuwabara asked. "You can live longer than that..."

"Koenma-sama," Marina joined in as she bends down too. "I---"

Koenma reached her placing his finger on his lips. "You did nothing wrong...I did..."

"Koenma-sama!" she filled his face with tears. "Forgive me..."

"Droplets of water," Koenma uttered. "The ocean will be calm when I die, right?"

"I..."

"Promise me that..."

Marina just nodded.

"Yusuke protect the whole Ningenkai, huh?"

"Yes."

"And please say sorry to father for causing him troubles..."

"Yes..."

"I think this is done now too bad you're not all complete...sayonara..." his hand just move for the last time then he breathe no more...

"KOENMA-SAMA!"

The whole world became serene as he said his last words. The water did move calmly together with all things made by nature felt the real meaning of love. All of the four worlds, Makai, Ningenkai, Reikai and Meikai felt they are all near the paradise.

However to the last moment of his life, our noble prince of the spiritual world still has the broad smile drawn to his face. Maybe on his rest he'll rejoin again his one and only love...Botan...Maybe this world is not meant for them. Somewhere we know they will meet...someday...



~Owari~


Author's Notes:
Whew! I never thought I could finish this! Actually I never wanted them to die. I just can't think of a better ending. Persephone is Enma/Hades' wife check your encyclopedias. Now if Koenma-sama was Enma's child she is suppose to be his mother. Marina-hime was a lot like me. I probably just express my feelings and self on her. Oh before I forgot, those phrase poems are all made by me.

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