Author's Note (9.18.2012): This story hasn't been updated in years and probably won't ever be again; but at the very least, I can clean it up so that it's not a total embarrassment. Anyway, I hope that you enjoy this light-hearted piece. Reviews and opinions are always appreciated.

Yu Yu Hakusho: One Cat's Dream
Chapter I: Dream Come True

Botan, sitting comfortably on her wooden oar, smiled as she watched puffs and clusters of snow gently blanket Human World. The ferry girl felt rather cheery for the humans and their day of winter celebration. She watched through the flurry many humans walking through the city with their companions and various gifts.

"They're all so happy," Botan muttered. "And not one of them is lonely." A frown then found itself upon Botan's chipper face, and shadows of unhappy thoughts darkened the young woman's heart.

"And you?" a male's voice asked behind Botan. "Are you lonely, Botan-kun?"

The ferry girl turned her oar around and faced a smiling Kurama.

"Kurama-kun!" Botan gasped, quite astonished by her unexpected guest. She had to tightly grab her oar handle or fall down into the frigid city. Her heart thumped in alarm. "Oh, you surprised me! What are you doing here? How did you get so high up?"

Chuckling, the red-haired young man answered, "Well, when I spotted you up here, I scaled the building. In fact, I'm standing on the railing right now. Although, I must admit, Botan-kun, I'm quite sure flying would have been much easier. If only I could pull off such a feat."

Gasping fearfully, Botan frantically looked downwards. "Don't worry," Kurama laughed with warm assurance, knowing his friend's present concern. "No one below can see me standing here, so they won't think someone is trying to commit suicide or the sort. No attention will be drawn to us as long as this snow storm continues."

Nodding and sighing, the ferry girl easily accepted Kurama's explanations. About then, Botan noticed numerous wrapped packages in Kurama's arms. "Are you on your way home from somewhere?"

"Actually," the Detective grinned foxily, "I was on my way to see Genkai'baa-san and the others. We're actually getting together and exchanging gifts for the holidays. I had hoped to meet you at the temple because we never see you much anymore."

"Sorry, Kurama-kun," the flower maiden blushed sheepishly. "I wish I was better with keeping in touch with everyone. I've been busy nowadays with other things than ferrying souls to the Spirit World."

Kurama shook his head with a kind smile. "It's all right, Botan-kun. I'm quite aware of your busy schedule and don't mind. I'm just lucky I found you here tonight."

After those words, Kurama amiably tossed Botan the plush toy in his arms. With little effort, the sky-locked girl caught the animal, only to gasp at the gift. Botan's eyes lit up at the sight of a furry cat with a gorgeous bow.

"I thought that you might want a cat as adorable as you, so you wouldn't be lonely," Kurama grinned at Botan's grateful expression. "Although, I think you're cuter than the cat could ever be."

A blush rapidly spread across Botan's face.

"Would you like to celebrate with m-everyone else at Genkai'baa-san's, Botan-kun?" Kurama warmly invited, hiding his slip of tongue rather well. "I'm quite sure everyone would be quite pleased to see you, especially tonight."

"I would like that," Botan sighed, gazing at her new gift with sad eyes.

"But?" Kurama added, catching the girl's wistful tone.

"But I have to finish my duties, and afterwards I have to do some other errands for Koenma-sama," Botan replied regretfully. "In fact, I'm due for a scolding back in Spirit World. I don't think there'll be enough time to visit the others."

"Oh."

Seeing Kurama's downcast expression, Botan couldn't help but feel somewhat guilty. She didn't want Kurama sad, but she had numerous responsibilities to attend: the cruel fate for Prince Koenma's employees. Botan couldn't just throw away all reason and celebrate with her friends. Or couldn't she?

Taking another glance at the redhead, the young woman made her final decision.

"On the other hand, Kurama-kun, I think I'll come with you to see Genkai'baa-san and the others," Botan announced bravely, a small smile lighting her face. "Spirit World isn't too busy, and I'm sure Koenma-sama can wait. What are a few minutes and some scowls to a centuries-year old spirit?"

"Are you sure you won't get in trouble with Koenma-sama?" Kurama didn't even try to hide his grin at Botan's decision. In fact, he had only asked his question out of courtesy.

"Let's go!" was Botan's ecstatic response as she transformed into human clothing. Jumping from atop her oar, the solid spirit girl landed lightly in the Detective's arms.

Surprised by Botan's sudden actions, Kurama was not prepared for her light but additional weight. His delicate balance on top of the railing was now thrown off; and that in turn pushed the pair backwards and tumbling towards the concrete ground.

Without a second thought, the Spirit Detective held the ferry girl against him, flipped around in midair, and landed gracefully on the snow-covered ground. A white puff of air escaped Kurama's mouth as he tamed his wild heartbeat. In sudden fear, Botan had wrapped her arms around Kurama's neck and hugged him fiercely. And although they were now safely on the ground, Botan made no effort to separate herself from Kurama: not that he minded.

"Are you all right?" Kurama whispered in concern, a little out of breath.

Nodding, Botan murmured quietly, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to do that." She felt so ashamed putting the two of them in danger. She felt even worse that Kurama was not the least bit angry at her.

"What should you be sorry about, Botan-kun?" Kurama wondered in confusion.

"Making you fall."

Chuckling, Kurama amusedly shook his head while standing on his feet. As the two stood, Kurama's arms still loosely circled around Botan's back while hers hung around his neck. The couple stared at each other for a long moment; however, when Kurama grinned at Botan expectantly, the ferry girl blushed and dropped her arms apologetically.

"I'm glad you made me fall," Kurama admitted quietly. There was a mysterious glint in his emerald eyes. "In fact, I wouldn't have anyone else make me fall like you did."

"Ah—" Botan didn't know what to say. Instead, she gasped when she saw Kurama's gifts littered all over the ground. Hastily getting on her knees, Botan rescued the beautifully wrapped gifts from the wet snow. When she returned them to Kurama, Botan suddenly felt empty handed. Was she forgetting something?

"Don't forget your gift," a tender voice reminded, a soft mass being planted in Botan's arms. When the ferry girl looked down, black beady eyes and a fawn furry face stared back.

"Thank you, Kurama-kun," Botan blushed, hugging her present fiercely. She swore to never again lose the feline. "Shall we go to Genkai'baa-san's now?" Hooking her arm around Kurama's, Botan giggled while she walked down the snow sidewalks. Staring at her fondly, Kurama obediently followed the girl's lead.

"Kurama-kun is so wonderful," Botan sighed admiringly, hugging her new plushie against her. She loved the soft feeling of the peach-colored fur against her skin, almost as if the cat were alive. But that wasn't what Botan loved most about her gift. The stuffed animal smelled like roses, like Kurama. The scent was both sweet and romantic, feminine yet masculine.

It was Kurama's scent.

Botan walked down the city sidewalks alone, just leaving her friends' winter party. Although she had been having fun, Botan had excused herself early knowing she was needed back in Spirit World. But she wished Kurama had been able to escort her back. "But he can't do everything," Botan pouted pragmatically. "Kurama-kun has his own things to do, no matter how perfect he seems to be."

"Quite a ladies' man, isn't he?"

Stopping in her snowy tracks, Botan looked down at her feet only to see an orange tabby looking up expectantly. "Huh?"

"This 'Kurama-kun' of yours," the cat repeated, shaking off some snow from its head, "he knows how to please women, doesn't he?"

"I guess so," Botan answered tentatively. Although a talking animal did not bother her (as spirits conversed with animals constantly, especially with foxes, cats, raccoons, and the like), it disturbed Botan that an animal particularly wanted a conversation with her. It was even curiouser that the cat knew she would understand it. "Who are you?"

Mischief glittered across the feline's arcane azure eyes. With one glance, Botan felt herself hypnotized by the wondrous, deep blue hue. She stared into the deepest depths of the ocean and the highest space in the sky. "I am someone who's going to make all your dreams come true."

Suddenly, Botan's vision went black.

"Do you think she'll live, Okaa-san?" someone whispered.

"I don't know. She was nearly frozen when we found her," another person murmured quietly. "We'll just have to wait and see."

These two voices echoed through Botan's hazy mind. Huh? Whose voices are these?

"She's allowed to stay here, right Okaa-san?" the first person questioned.

"Of course, as long as she wants."

I know these voices.

Fluttering her eyes open, Botan sleepily gazed about her surroundings. Her vision at first was foggy but eventually cleared. Carefully looking around, Botan recognized the furniture and the room, but she couldn't quite place from where. Something warm and soft was wrapped around her, but that was the least of Botan's worries.

Where am I?

"Okaa-san, she's waking up." A large shadow cast over Botan's drowsy form, alarming her.

Oh, no! Botan screamed mentally. I got captured by giants!

When the young woman gazed upwards, she gasped at the sight before her. Shuuichi-chan!

"Okaa-san," the junior high boy called, looking down at a wide-eyed Botan. "Okaa-san, I think she's scared of us. Look at how she's shaking."

You're only three times larger than you're supposed to be! Botan thought indignantly.

Shiori moved beside her son and smiled kindly. Reaching out one of her scarred hands, the mother petted Botan gently. "Don't worry, Shuuichi-chan. She just needs to get to know us. After that, everything will be fine."

But I already know you, Botan argued, standing up on all four paws.

All four paws?

No, Botan cried. Observing her new fawn coat, twittering ears, swinging tail, and sensitive whiskers, the former ferry girl came to a startling conclusion. She cursed her poor fortune. I'm a cat!

"Meow!"

"Okaa-san, I'm home," a familiar voice echoed through the living room. At the sound, Botan eagerly jumped off her bed and ran towards the noise. The older Syuuichi was very surprised when a feline curled against his leg.

"Not fair," Shuuichi pouted. He crossed his arms indignantly. "Even female animals are more attracted to Nii-san."

"And who do we have here?" Syuuichi grinned as he tenderly lifted the cat in his arms. "Okaa-san, since when do we have a cat?"

Kurama-kun, don't you recognize me? Botan begged. Can't you see it's me, Botan?

She gazed at the Detective with big, kitty eyes any sane person would gush over. However, Syuuichi was immune to such charms. But he did remark, "What beautiful eyes she has," while gently scratching the cat behind her ears.

No! Botan argued. Don't do that! S-Stop it, Ku-Kurama-kun! You—You have to... All train of thought crashed when the feline realized how relaxing her situation was. Her mind forgot her anger as it melted away with Syuuichi's wonderful petting. Involuntarily she began to purr in pleasure. This feels good.

"Her eyes remind you of Botan-san, don't they?" Shiori smiled as she stood beside her oldest son. "At least, that's what I thought when I first saw them. Both of them have such pretty eyes."

"Yes," Syuuichi nodded in agreement. He took another careful look at the feline. "How ironic. I just gave Botan-kun a toy just like this the other day. It looked exactly like this, only it didn't have pretty eyes like this cat."

"So should we name her Botan?" Shuuichi questioned. "Since she has the same eyes as Botan'nee-san?"

"No," Shiori answered, shaking her head, "that would be rude, Shuuichi-chan."

"Well," Syuuichi pondered thoughtfully, "how about Momo then?"

"Peach?" Botan, now awoken from the hypnotic petting, sighed hopelessly. I know you people can do better than that.

"All right, Momo it is."

Never mind.