They took the subway to get to Kurama's home faster. Byakuya draws a lot of attention, especially from the girls, who twist their heads to admire him. Kurama laughs at that situation:
-What do you really do, Byakuya? Some cosmetics? hahaha.
-Tsc, I work with jewelry and my appearance is my business card!
-You would certainly sell lots of "jewels" here.
-Oh Kurama, your hair is better than mine!
-Come on, I think your looks great too!
-Not so much!
-Well, you both are beautiful as jewels, all right! -Botan speaks.
-Botan! You should have some tie-breaking criteria!- Byakuya complains.
-Yeah, so, you're prettier than Shuuichi, but Shuuichi as Kurama Youko is prettier than you, hahaha.
-Youko?
-You'll meet him someday.
-Who is this guy? What does he do?
-It's me! I have a yokai form called Youko, in which I switch to in some situations.-Kurama explains.
-Just to look prettier?
-No, to be stronger and to avoid Youko hibernating for too long.
-Is Youko a guy?
-No, it's me, but mutated. I would even say that he is someone else, but in fact, we are one.
-I suspected you were dating a guy. I think I...
-He's not gay, you fool!- Botan punches Byakuya's head.
-Oh, don't do that! It'll ruin my hair!- Byakuya rearranges his ponytail.
-Well, we're getting to the station now, come on!- Kurama stands up.
-Right!
They get off the station and walk to Kurama's house;
-This city changed too much, Kurama. I would never consider living there before ...
-I can't understand why you came here only once, Byakuya.
-When I came here, I had gotten very sick. The air was heavy, people were always afraid of me, although my appearance hadn't been changed since then, and I was caught up by the city's fiscals who had not let me sold my jewelry here, which is why I have been seeling them only at the subway station near my house.
-What a horror story, Byakuya! Well, everything was like that in the past, but now the air is breathable, you can go wherever you want without concern, and sell anything you want on the streets. There are no inspectors to pester you, and there is a culture of peace and stability. Yomi had not planned this, but he only gave freedom for people to make a city they would like.
-Seriously, Kurama? Someday I might live here.
-You can! If you sell your house, you could buy a palace here!
-I don't know. For me, my house has the advantage of being near the mine. And for me it's very important. But I could open a store here.
-It would be great Byakuya! If you do it, you will contribute to increasing Yomitan's wealth, generating jobs and selling your jewelry.
-That's right, I guess I'll do it, but after you finish your training.
-Right.
-Byakuya as a seller? I have a feeling that any female or some male customers will want to buy you instead of the jewels, hahaha! - Botan jokes.
-Argh Botan, I already told you I'm prettier than Byakuya as Youko Kurama!- Kurama complains.
-You win according to Botan preference only, but when submitted to popular vote, I won!!!
-Oh, never mind, we're almost at home.
They arrive at Kurama's house, and he opens the door. Shiori is watching TV and doing the exercises shown there;
-Oh my Shuuichi, you came earlier today!
-Yes, mom, but let's talk about something important. I brought a new friend, besides Botan.
Shiori looks at Byakuya and immediately delights;
-Yikes !!!! How handsome is your friend! What is your name, beauty?
-Hello, I'm Byakuya, I'm glad to meet you- Byakuya blushes.
-I'm glad to meet you too! Feel free!
Kurama and his friends sit on the couch, and Shiori looks at them;
-Well, what are we going to talk about?
-Botan and I are going to work for a few days. Yomi wants us to participate in a diplomatic mission together, now with Byakuya as well.- Kurama speaks
-Oh, Cool! How long will it take, exactly?
-A month I think.
-That will be long! I'll need to lock up your college tuition in the meantime.
-Yes, Mother, do that.
-It was just that? Well, take care of yourself, my son. I know Yomi will do everything to ensure your safety.
-Oh, nothing so difficult, Miss Shiori. Botan and I have a lot of experience in this.- Byakuya says.
-OK, so I wish you good luck. My son, will you not pack your suitcase?
-I will not need it, mom, Yomi gave me a full set of clothes to wear.
-Right. Are you leaving now?
-Yes, we want to get to Yomi as soon as possible to get to the airport on time.
-It's all right.
Kurama gets up and hugs Shiori;
-Sorry to lie to you, Mom, but there's no way out...- Kurama thinks.
-All right? Let's go?- Botan advises Kurama.
-Yes. Mom, take care of yourself. My phone will be always on, and in case of an emergency, you can call Yomi. He'll send one of his subordinates here.
-Okay, son.
-Bye!
Kurama and his friends leave his house, going to the same train station from which they came from. The railway takes to Byakuya's house too, the last stop before going to the spirit world;
-I'm feeling uncomfortable about having to lie to my mother, folks ...
-I know it's hard, Kurama. But she would think we were crazy, she doesn't understand anything we're talking about. Unfortunately, we need to do it- Byakuya comforts him.
-I have no words, Kurama... Enma wants this ...
-Oh, that's fine. I'll pass this test at all costs!
-This is what we hope!
They have taken the train and have gotten to the station close to Byakuya's house within minutes. For Kurama, everything is new, since he rarely visits the countryside;
-What a beautiful place!
-You haven't seen anything yet, Kurama.
They walk down the road to Byakuya's house. The place where he lives is in an alluvial plain of the Yangtze River, about 3 miles far from the downtown. Byakuya bought this large property, which includes an old abandoned coal mine. Byakuya discovered that the mine has several layers of semiprecious and precious stones, and from there draws his sustenance;
-Is your house far yet, Byakuya?- Botan asks.
-Not much, we will get there after the curve.
Byakuya's house stands out as the only structure built in the area. They can see the Yomitan skyline from there because there is only the riparian forest of the Yangtze River obstructing the cityscape;
-What a nice place! Imagine how cool it is at night!- Botan gets excited.
-It's really beautiful to see the city lights here. You will have the opportunity.
-How impressive Byakuya! You do a great job with jewels!
-I always said that I need to justify my products in every detail, even in my look.
In fact, Byakuya exaggerates. His home is flawless, there are rooms that are fully made of polished crystal and with colors chosen to form neutral combinations. If he had sold the house, it would certainly be worth millions;
-Feel free. I'll prepare some tea to drink during our conversation. What is your favorite flavor, Kurama?
-Oh, how kindness from you! If you have peach or strawberry, I'll take any of them.
-Very well, I have strawberry. You may not know but it's Botan's favorite flavor.
-What a coincidence, hahaha!
-Not so much, few persons do not like strawberry!
-It's my mother's fault!
Byakuya smiles and goes into the kitchen, wearing an apron. Kurama and Botan stay alone in the room, which has a certain integration with the external environment through a large door.
Botan leans to Kurama's side, entwining her hand with his. Kurama blushes at this, and knows she's playing with him like she did inside the limousine. He cuddles her face with his hand gently.
Byakuya then returns with the teas, served in beautiful quartz cups;
-What? Do you use jewelry even for your dishes?-Kurama is surprised.
-Well, for me, quartz is a plentiful material, easy to work with, so why buy those porcelain cups?
-Oh, in that way, yes, hahaha!
Byakuya serves both and left a box with the infusions on their side, this one, wood made. Kurama and Botan serves themselves, and Byakuya sits in front of them;
-Well, now we've got everything almost done. Shiori accepted, and Yomi too, so Kurama is free to start training.
-Yeah. He must go to the spirit world with me, I will introduce him to Mr. Enma, and he will do a quick test there, nothing he cannot easily do in human form.
-Oh, yes, I remember! For me it was very easy because I only exist as youkai, for Youko I think it would be ridiculously easy, but Shuuich would have some difficulties to face, although nothing involves strength, just a little study of how the spiritual world works. Possibly, the second test will be the most dangerous, at the time I received an egg that was incubated by my energy and could originate a monster capable of killing me or a harmless animal depending on my behavior.
-Wow, it would be very difficult especially in our original forms. It would be hard for youko!
-I think not. This relationship you have with Botan, as far as I can see, might benefit you, which I think might have happened because fox youkais tend to be more emotionally vulnerable. Youkai energy will always tend to pull you into evil, but it can also be controlled and used for good purposes, as it was with Yomi.
Kurama gets a little silly to see that Byakuya already knew he was trapped by Botan;
-That's it, Kurama. The secret is to be confident and not feel frightened by Enma Daioh, he's a huge guy who talks harsh, but does not expect to see him killing you or doing any harm. Even if you lose, Koenma will interfere in the decision, and I do not know if he would allow Emma kill you ...
-All right, guys, I'll try. Byakuya, based on your previous experience, do you know any reference material?
-Yes, I have it, but it's pretty outdated.
-Do not worry, Kurama. I'll be by your side. I can get everything you need with Koenma.
-Oh well, thank you Botan.
-No problem.
-Right. Oh, another thing: Botan, you told me about working with Yomi a few times, how will that be?
-I do not know if that will be really necessary, Byakuya. Yomi has Kibitoshin, Hoshiyomi and Tsukiyomi very close to him, and they are reliable. In any case, the job is very simple and the specialized part Hoshiyomi understands well. - Kurama said.
-I thought I'd have something more difficult to do, after all, I'm going to replace Botan as well.
-Do not worry. Yomi knows that you have other important tasks to do and that you cannot leave them on halt.
-It's all right. Botan, when will this really start?
-Today, in the evening, we will go to the spiritual world. I will need your help to keep a portal open to us.
-Do not worry, I was ready for that.
Byakuya pulls a pentagonal-shaped crystal out of his pocket:
-Take it, Kurama. You must held it all the time while in the spirit world.
-What a pretty crystal, that purple hue ... is it an amethyst?
-Exactly. It will seal your energy and ensure that you can get in there without having to die or exhaust Botan's energy.
-Oh Byakuya ... your readiness has not changed, has it? But I have a suggestion to improve your artifact.
-Oh yes? What?
-Why have you made such important jewel that is supposed to keep him alive in the least convenient fashion possible? Turn it into a necklace!
-Oh, Botan, I had not thought about it!
-Hahaha I see that you like to correct each other.- Kurama smiles.
-Byakuya has a long-term vision problem. Imagine having to stay with your hand closed all the time!
Byakuya goes to a room nearby, makes a hole in the stone and passes a cord through it, coming back a few moments later;
-Yikes! There is, Kurama. You should switch to Youko, I want to see if it will not be clumsy on you.
-That's right.
Kurama puts the necklace in human form, and it fits perfectly into his neck. When he switch to Youko, it fits good in his chest;
-Perfect as I always do!- Byakuya celebrates.
-With a little help from me, is not it, Mr. Byakuya? -Botan makes fun.
-Well, our merit, hahaha.
*Translation revised on Feb 2, 2020
-What do you really do, Byakuya? Some cosmetics? hahaha.
-Tsc, I work with jewelry and my appearance is my business card!
-You would certainly sell lots of "jewels" here.
-Oh Kurama, your hair is better than mine!
-Come on, I think your looks great too!
-Not so much!
-Well, you both are beautiful as jewels, all right! -Botan speaks.
-Botan! You should have some tie-breaking criteria!- Byakuya complains.
-Yeah, so, you're prettier than Shuuichi, but Shuuichi as Kurama Youko is prettier than you, hahaha.
-Youko?
-You'll meet him someday.
-Who is this guy? What does he do?
-It's me! I have a yokai form called Youko, in which I switch to in some situations.-Kurama explains.
-Just to look prettier?
-No, to be stronger and to avoid Youko hibernating for too long.
-Is Youko a guy?
-No, it's me, but mutated. I would even say that he is someone else, but in fact, we are one.
-I suspected you were dating a guy. I think I...
-He's not gay, you fool!- Botan punches Byakuya's head.
-Oh, don't do that! It'll ruin my hair!- Byakuya rearranges his ponytail.
-Well, we're getting to the station now, come on!- Kurama stands up.
-Right!
They get off the station and walk to Kurama's house;
-This city changed too much, Kurama. I would never consider living there before ...
-I can't understand why you came here only once, Byakuya.
-When I came here, I had gotten very sick. The air was heavy, people were always afraid of me, although my appearance hadn't been changed since then, and I was caught up by the city's fiscals who had not let me sold my jewelry here, which is why I have been seeling them only at the subway station near my house.
-What a horror story, Byakuya! Well, everything was like that in the past, but now the air is breathable, you can go wherever you want without concern, and sell anything you want on the streets. There are no inspectors to pester you, and there is a culture of peace and stability. Yomi had not planned this, but he only gave freedom for people to make a city they would like.
-Seriously, Kurama? Someday I might live here.
-You can! If you sell your house, you could buy a palace here!
-I don't know. For me, my house has the advantage of being near the mine. And for me it's very important. But I could open a store here.
-It would be great Byakuya! If you do it, you will contribute to increasing Yomitan's wealth, generating jobs and selling your jewelry.
-That's right, I guess I'll do it, but after you finish your training.
-Right.
-Byakuya as a seller? I have a feeling that any female or some male customers will want to buy you instead of the jewels, hahaha! - Botan jokes.
-Argh Botan, I already told you I'm prettier than Byakuya as Youko Kurama!- Kurama complains.
-You win according to Botan preference only, but when submitted to popular vote, I won!!!
-Oh, never mind, we're almost at home.
They arrive at Kurama's house, and he opens the door. Shiori is watching TV and doing the exercises shown there;
-Oh my Shuuichi, you came earlier today!
-Yes, mom, but let's talk about something important. I brought a new friend, besides Botan.
Shiori looks at Byakuya and immediately delights;
-Yikes !!!! How handsome is your friend! What is your name, beauty?
-Hello, I'm Byakuya, I'm glad to meet you- Byakuya blushes.
-I'm glad to meet you too! Feel free!
Kurama and his friends sit on the couch, and Shiori looks at them;
-Well, what are we going to talk about?
-Botan and I are going to work for a few days. Yomi wants us to participate in a diplomatic mission together, now with Byakuya as well.- Kurama speaks
-Oh, Cool! How long will it take, exactly?
-A month I think.
-That will be long! I'll need to lock up your college tuition in the meantime.
-Yes, Mother, do that.
-It was just that? Well, take care of yourself, my son. I know Yomi will do everything to ensure your safety.
-Oh, nothing so difficult, Miss Shiori. Botan and I have a lot of experience in this.- Byakuya says.
-OK, so I wish you good luck. My son, will you not pack your suitcase?
-I will not need it, mom, Yomi gave me a full set of clothes to wear.
-Right. Are you leaving now?
-Yes, we want to get to Yomi as soon as possible to get to the airport on time.
-It's all right.
Kurama gets up and hugs Shiori;
-Sorry to lie to you, Mom, but there's no way out...- Kurama thinks.
-All right? Let's go?- Botan advises Kurama.
-Yes. Mom, take care of yourself. My phone will be always on, and in case of an emergency, you can call Yomi. He'll send one of his subordinates here.
-Okay, son.
-Bye!
Kurama and his friends leave his house, going to the same train station from which they came from. The railway takes to Byakuya's house too, the last stop before going to the spirit world;
-I'm feeling uncomfortable about having to lie to my mother, folks ...
-I know it's hard, Kurama. But she would think we were crazy, she doesn't understand anything we're talking about. Unfortunately, we need to do it- Byakuya comforts him.
-I have no words, Kurama... Enma wants this ...
-Oh, that's fine. I'll pass this test at all costs!
-This is what we hope!
They have taken the train and have gotten to the station close to Byakuya's house within minutes. For Kurama, everything is new, since he rarely visits the countryside;
-What a beautiful place!
-You haven't seen anything yet, Kurama.
They walk down the road to Byakuya's house. The place where he lives is in an alluvial plain of the Yangtze River, about 3 miles far from the downtown. Byakuya bought this large property, which includes an old abandoned coal mine. Byakuya discovered that the mine has several layers of semiprecious and precious stones, and from there draws his sustenance;
-Is your house far yet, Byakuya?- Botan asks.
-Not much, we will get there after the curve.
Byakuya's house stands out as the only structure built in the area. They can see the Yomitan skyline from there because there is only the riparian forest of the Yangtze River obstructing the cityscape;
-What a nice place! Imagine how cool it is at night!- Botan gets excited.
-It's really beautiful to see the city lights here. You will have the opportunity.
-How impressive Byakuya! You do a great job with jewels!
-I always said that I need to justify my products in every detail, even in my look.
In fact, Byakuya exaggerates. His home is flawless, there are rooms that are fully made of polished crystal and with colors chosen to form neutral combinations. If he had sold the house, it would certainly be worth millions;
-Feel free. I'll prepare some tea to drink during our conversation. What is your favorite flavor, Kurama?
-Oh, how kindness from you! If you have peach or strawberry, I'll take any of them.
-Very well, I have strawberry. You may not know but it's Botan's favorite flavor.
-What a coincidence, hahaha!
-Not so much, few persons do not like strawberry!
-It's my mother's fault!
Byakuya smiles and goes into the kitchen, wearing an apron. Kurama and Botan stay alone in the room, which has a certain integration with the external environment through a large door.
Botan leans to Kurama's side, entwining her hand with his. Kurama blushes at this, and knows she's playing with him like she did inside the limousine. He cuddles her face with his hand gently.
Byakuya then returns with the teas, served in beautiful quartz cups;
-What? Do you use jewelry even for your dishes?-Kurama is surprised.
-Well, for me, quartz is a plentiful material, easy to work with, so why buy those porcelain cups?
-Oh, in that way, yes, hahaha!
Byakuya serves both and left a box with the infusions on their side, this one, wood made. Kurama and Botan serves themselves, and Byakuya sits in front of them;
-Well, now we've got everything almost done. Shiori accepted, and Yomi too, so Kurama is free to start training.
-Yeah. He must go to the spirit world with me, I will introduce him to Mr. Enma, and he will do a quick test there, nothing he cannot easily do in human form.
-Oh, yes, I remember! For me it was very easy because I only exist as youkai, for Youko I think it would be ridiculously easy, but Shuuich would have some difficulties to face, although nothing involves strength, just a little study of how the spiritual world works. Possibly, the second test will be the most dangerous, at the time I received an egg that was incubated by my energy and could originate a monster capable of killing me or a harmless animal depending on my behavior.
-Wow, it would be very difficult especially in our original forms. It would be hard for youko!
-I think not. This relationship you have with Botan, as far as I can see, might benefit you, which I think might have happened because fox youkais tend to be more emotionally vulnerable. Youkai energy will always tend to pull you into evil, but it can also be controlled and used for good purposes, as it was with Yomi.
Kurama gets a little silly to see that Byakuya already knew he was trapped by Botan;
-That's it, Kurama. The secret is to be confident and not feel frightened by Enma Daioh, he's a huge guy who talks harsh, but does not expect to see him killing you or doing any harm. Even if you lose, Koenma will interfere in the decision, and I do not know if he would allow Emma kill you ...
-All right, guys, I'll try. Byakuya, based on your previous experience, do you know any reference material?
-Yes, I have it, but it's pretty outdated.
-Do not worry, Kurama. I'll be by your side. I can get everything you need with Koenma.
-Oh well, thank you Botan.
-No problem.
-Right. Oh, another thing: Botan, you told me about working with Yomi a few times, how will that be?
-I do not know if that will be really necessary, Byakuya. Yomi has Kibitoshin, Hoshiyomi and Tsukiyomi very close to him, and they are reliable. In any case, the job is very simple and the specialized part Hoshiyomi understands well. - Kurama said.
-I thought I'd have something more difficult to do, after all, I'm going to replace Botan as well.
-Do not worry. Yomi knows that you have other important tasks to do and that you cannot leave them on halt.
-It's all right. Botan, when will this really start?
-Today, in the evening, we will go to the spiritual world. I will need your help to keep a portal open to us.
-Do not worry, I was ready for that.
Byakuya pulls a pentagonal-shaped crystal out of his pocket:
-Take it, Kurama. You must held it all the time while in the spirit world.
-What a pretty crystal, that purple hue ... is it an amethyst?
-Exactly. It will seal your energy and ensure that you can get in there without having to die or exhaust Botan's energy.
-Oh Byakuya ... your readiness has not changed, has it? But I have a suggestion to improve your artifact.
-Oh yes? What?
-Why have you made such important jewel that is supposed to keep him alive in the least convenient fashion possible? Turn it into a necklace!
-Oh, Botan, I had not thought about it!
-Hahaha I see that you like to correct each other.- Kurama smiles.
-Byakuya has a long-term vision problem. Imagine having to stay with your hand closed all the time!
Byakuya goes to a room nearby, makes a hole in the stone and passes a cord through it, coming back a few moments later;
-Yikes! There is, Kurama. You should switch to Youko, I want to see if it will not be clumsy on you.
-That's right.
Kurama puts the necklace in human form, and it fits perfectly into his neck. When he switch to Youko, it fits good in his chest;
-Perfect as I always do!- Byakuya celebrates.
-With a little help from me, is not it, Mr. Byakuya? -Botan makes fun.
-Well, our merit, hahaha.
*Translation revised on Feb 2, 2020
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