After the surprise visit with her father, Botan immediately began getting ready, just as she said she would. She was so excited she could barely wait for the week to her departure to be over!

Botan had of course been to Demon world several times, and while there was a lot of tradition involved in nearly everything, it was a far more relaxed place then Spirit World, something that had always intrigued her greatly. Spirit world seemed to be a never ending maze of etiquette and pomp and Botan always felt so lost when having to deal with any ceremonial duties. Koenma was always better at dealing with those sort of things then she was.

Botan walked down to the Ferry Girl's Dormitory to tell all of her fellow "Grim Reapers" to tell the all her good news. All of the Ferry girls where in the main room having their dinner at this time so it was the best time to catch them in the same place. They all were so incredibly busy!

The main room was the common area for all of them (well, except for Botan who slept in her chamber in the Royal Family's wing). There was a kitchen, and a living room. The main room was painted robin's egg blue and traditional Japanese decor elements meshed with some cute modern designs. Botan's favourite thing were the egg chairs, which looked like eggs on a swively base. Often the girls challenged each other to see who could spin the longest. Botan never won.

She sat down in one of those chairs and waited as patiently as she could for them to all be done with their meal. She had already eaten with her father when they had been discussing her upcoming stay in demon world.

When they had finished their meal they all turned to face her. "What is it Botan?" Ayame asked. Good old Ayame, always straight to the point. She smiled at them happy to share her news.

"I wanted to tell you that by next Friday I will be gone for one whole year." when the others looked at her in shock, she giggled and continued. "I am to be the new peace Ambassador for Demon World!" She smiled brightly at them.

"Is it safe?"

"A whole year?"

All the girls began to talk at once, and Botan could barely discern all their different comments. They all looked so worried and Comical that Botan couldn't help but laugh.

"Don't worry I'll be okay. They can't hurt a peace ambassador!" She continued more sombrely "Unfortunately because I'll be in Demon World exclusively I won't be here to help, and so I need to assign a new Chief Ferry Girl. After think long and hard, I have decided that Ayame will replace me for this next year." The girls all seemed happy with her choice of replacemnet, which pleased Botan Greatly. Ayame would of course be the best choice. She was so organized and efficient. Botan knew she'd whip the all in to shape, literally.

After a long visit with the other girls, and showing Ayame the finer points of being head Ferry Girl, (lots of paperwork!) she went to her room keen to begin packing. Even though she was to stay in spirit world for the next few days, she felt it would be easier to pack now, less stress for later, and it meant she had more control over what she would get to wear while there.

Normally, one of the female ogre maids would do the job of packing, but Botan preferred to do it herself. She had never gone away from Spirit World for more than a few hours, so packing was certainly going to be an adventure.

Looking through her closet she realized how much she was going to stick it out in Demon World. The "dress code" there was all about showing skin for the ladies, and fighting clothing for the men (although many women also wore more loose fitted clothing for fighting as well). Botan's large wardrobe of only traditional kimono was something almost never seen. Perhaps she could purchase outfits there that would be more appropriate, and pack enough to seem like she was going to wear her traditional garments.

She set to work gathering Obis and kimonos filling her travelling trunks all full, leaving no room for anything she purchased there. She wouldn't be able to wear anything from there in spirit world anyway. She left all of her ridiculous court dresses unpacked, as for the next week, she would wear them in a show of solidarity.

When she had finished packing everything she assumed she needed (and a few things she probably would not), she turned in for the evening, knowing full well that tomorrow would be a long one.

It was the last day before Botan was to go. Her whole week had been one whole party and it was actually kind of fun! Feasts, games, and no currying souls had allowed her a full week of unabridged pleasure. The week had been one of the best she had ever had.

It was during this week Botan started to actually think she would miss Spirit World a lot more than she had ever thought she would. Obviously she had thought about how she would miss her own world, but it hit her as she stared in to her vanity mirror that she would miss the world she had grown up in. Botan had since early in the morning been getting ready for the send off party.

She sighed as her hairdresser finished her elaborate hair do. She then went before her full length mirror and raised her arms to allow her dresser to put on her kimono, which she herself would normally do, but with the elaborate kimono she was to wear today made having a dresser necessary. When her dresser finished, she left not bothering looking at herself again.

She walked slowly through the halls taking great care to acknowledge all those she passed, courtier or servant alike. She felt slightly detached from the situation, not quite believing that she was actually leaving.

When she got to the front entry she saw almost anyone who was anyone waiting to wish her well on her journey. She was instantly flanked all around her. Well wishers and social climbers all took to congratulating her. She smiled at each and everyone of them, hugging the Ferry Girls who came up to her. Her father sat to one side and said nothing. He had already told her what to do, but came to show he approved her going, so the tongues of court wouldn't wag too much at her sudden departure. He had asked her himself to go.

Botan looked around and wondered where Koenma was. She and him had been rather disconnected the whole week. Just before she was to climb on to the floating dais (which was super embarrassing! She had wanted to go on her oar, but her father said it was better to show the full power of Spirit World) she heard him, rather then saw him "Wait!".

Botan turned around to see Koenma rushing towards her quickly. She turned towards him completely waiting, like he shouted to. He stopped a little before he would collide in to her. "I thought you might not come" she said to him, as he gasped for air. He didn't exercise very often. He was always chained to his desk, after all.

"I wanted to at least say goodbye to you." Their father got up and left, signalling that the others should leave with him, though most wanted to stay and see what would happen. A romantic tearful goodbye was always fun to watch. Not that they would see that, even if they had stayed. "We won't see each other for a year you know. I'll miss you." Botan smiled at him.

He wasn't so bad, really, and seeing him stand before her, sweaty and out of breath. Quite dishevelled really. She could picture it now, how their life would be. Mutual affection, a child that would most likely be male. It wasn't horrible. Perhaps not a love that could conquer the three worlds but enough like that would make life better than tolerable. She could put her dreams of love aside.

"Koenma, you know … when I come back… I will marry you."

"I know, father told me you would. I'm happy you finally agreed." She smiled at him once more before turning her back to him. She put her right foot on the golden stair of the dais. Then her left. Finally with one last step she climbed on the carriage and knelt down. She turned to face him again. He was already gone.

The ride was long as she and the royal guards made their way to the portal between worlds. She never left the kneeling position in which she sat, nor did she lower her eyes. Instead, she looked resolutely on. If one looked closely at her though would notice the small smile that lit up Botan's whole face. Her journey had finally begun!

A/N: Thank you for reading my story so far! Next chapter: Hiei! From the reviews given it seems that some of you find Botan annoying and think she should love Koenma. I tried to make her seem less annoying (hopefully) but about Koenma. She is not and probably will not fall in love with him. He is her Brother! I did try to show that at this point she now excepts that it will happen, but she does not want it! Thank you, and if you are enjoying the story, or totally hate it, drop me a line! I'd love to know what you think! The stories plot is pretty much set, but I don't mind taking anything in to consideration! Question: is anyone curious about the prophesy? See you next time!