Botan Investigates

Chapter IV

During one hot day, business in the Yakimura Ramen Restaurant was going slower than usual. It was always like that when the temperature gets too high to enjoy a steaming bowl of ramen. It would however gain momentum during cool afternoons and nights, that's why Yuusuke decided to have their meeting here at noon. That and he didn't want to spend his precious summer vacation fixing whatever he and Kuwabara broke at Genkia's temple.

BANG!

The famous spirit detective was sprawled on the wooden floor, courtesy of his girlfriend's deceivingly delicate fist. "Ouch! What did I do now?"

"Chew. Ever heard of the concept Yuusuke?" lectured Keiko, hands on her hips.

The gang released a collective laughter, excluding the fire demon who merely smirked at the poor lad. "Hahaha! Urameshi got hit by a girl for inhaling his food! Wait till Jin and Chu hears this one!" shouted the victim's so-called best friend.

"Shaddap you overgrown cat lover before I shove this bowl up your a—" BANG!

"Clean your mouth Yuusuke!" Keiko said after smacking Yuusuke for the second time this day. She dearly love her fiancé but sometimes she couldn't help but wonder what made her fall so hard for the boy that was on lying on the ground… again. It wasn't her fault that his brain got all jumbled up, was it? She never really meant to smack him so hard… well maybe sometimes, but he could get so infuriatingly childish—

'…and cute', she thought with a slight blush.

"Cleaning the floor with your face, detective?" The deplorable detective immediately got up and shot a death glare to Hiei, who only widened his smirk. The whole gang's increased guffaw at his expense made him more irritated than he already was. Even other diners where eying him with a mixture of amusement and pity. His fierce look however dissuaded their further interest. "Is this pick on Yuusuke day? Just let me eat my ramen in peace will ya!" he huffed, face becoming flustered like a spoiled child that didn't get to buy a new toy.

The deity who was sitting beside him patted his jet-black hair, "Aww, don't be a party pooper! You're just so fun to make fun of Yuusuke!"

"Thanks a lot Botan", he replied, voice dripping with sarcasm.

Kurama thought it was time to save his friend from further bruises to his bigger-than average-ego. "How about telling us the agenda of this meeting, Yuusuke? I'm sure you miss us but there's more to this gathering, is it not?"

"I was about to, until those wisecracks decided to gang up on me. Anyway, I have proposal for you guys" he said, finishing the last slurp of his beef ramen. Kuwabara who was sitting next to him asked, "It's dangerous, isn't it? We haven't got any action lately, except for the antisocial runt over there". He tilted his head towards Hiei's direction.

"Hn. Idiots cannot handle real danger" countered the fire demon. Kazuma was about to retort but was stopped when Yukina placed her hand on his arm and smiled at him. The redhead then blushed profusely and beamed at her, Hiei's comment flew off his mind like yesterday's gossip.

"Back to what I was saying", said Yuusuke before another argument broke between his friends. "I invite you all to an all expense paid vacation to—"

"The beach?"

"A resort with spa and hot springs?"

"Cruise to the Caribbean?"

"Disneyland!"

Everybody looks at the overly-excited Kuwabara Kazuma, "What!"

Yuusuke had enough of it. He banged his head on the table top, which earned him a glare from his soon-to-be-wife. "No, no, no, NO! We're going to Makai, I still have a crib there you know", he grinned, thinking about his humongous palace that he inherited along with Raizen's territory.

"Big deal" mumbled Hiei, which earned him a venomous look from the detective.

"It is for you Hiei, you live in Muruko's castle but not all of us have the pleasure of living in one you know!" said Botan, who almost spilt her juice on Kurama when she pointed a reprimanding finger at Hiei. "I bet it'll be a great vacation! There are so many beautiful places in Makai, I'm excited!"

"Doesn't she live in a huge palace herself?", whispered Kuwabara to Yuusuke who nodded.

The girls were getting thrilled about the notion of having a vacation together, especially Keiko and Shizuru who had never been to the demon realm. They can just imagine how much fun it would be, shopping, sight-seeing, and hanging out together for the whole summer. It would be like a prolonged slumber party.

Kurama looked thoughtful, "But would it be safe for the girls to go there, Yuusuke? It might be peaceful in Makai now, but we still have enemies there." All four of them might be exceptionally strong and can defend the ladies, but it pays to be extra careful. Their fame could act as a double edge sword: keeping off good-for-nothing-demons and attracting those who wanted to test their strength or be famous themselves for slaying the Reikai Tantei.

"To the girls? Nah! In addition to the guards and spells that I ordered there, they have their own ways of protection. Shizuru can kick anyone's butt, nobody can touch Yukina while Hiei is alive—"

"You forgot about me Urameshi! No stinkin' demon can touch a strand of Yukina's hair while I, Kuwabara Kazuma's here!" Kuwabara exuberantly exclaimed as he stood up and held Yukina's hand, eyes sparkling with undying love.

Hiei's eyes twitched, his right hand was dangerously close to unsheathing his katana. When Kurama foresaw his best friend's action, he held the other's hand and gave him a warning look. Hiei forced to calm his nerves by imagining different ways to torture the Idiot. This short exchange didn't go unnoticed by their personal investigator and matchmaker extraordinaire who was conveniently sitting across them.

"As I was explaining to Kurama before someone rudely butted in," he scowled at Kuwabara. "There's not a soul who can lay a finger on Yukina if Hiei and Kuwabara were there. Botan can whack every demon's head with that stupid oar—"

THWACK!

"Ouch! Whaddya do that for?" yelled Yuusuke while he was nursing yet another bump on his supposedly thick skull.

"My oar's not stupid! And he happened to have a name—Cumulus", explained Botan, hugging said oar lovingly. There was a momentary silence. If someone dropped a pin, it could be heard and produce an echo. Animated sweat drops were visibly beading on her friends' heads.

"Ookaaay. Back to my explanation, as I was so uncouthly interrupted—"

"Big words Yuusuke, those private lessons with Keiko must be paying off huh" Shizuru teased, knowing that Yuusuke's short patience was on the brink of snapping. She forgot her pack of cigarettes and any sort of entertainment was a welcome treat so she wouldn't suffer any withdrawal symptoms.

Yuusuke was beet red, either from embarrassment or anger was hard to tell. "Arrgh! I swear I'll shot gun whoever interrupts me again! Botan can use Cumulus to fly if there's any danger. Plus she had been there countless of times, even more than me. If Genkai decided to come, we all know how well she can defend herself." He finished smugly, as if achieving some goal.

Botan feeling something was left out, raised her hand like a student asking a teacher. "Yes, do you have a question Botan?" asked Yuusuke in a condescending way not unlike how teachers talk.

"You covered Shizuru, Yukina, Genkai, and me, but how about Keiko? I know you'll take care of her but what if you're not there? Unlike us, she can't fight or run away fast enough from rouge demons"

Yuusuke's face was suddenly in a deeper shade of red and was stuttering incoherently. Kurama coughed and Yukina shifted her gaze suddenly. "What the Detective was trying to say is that his mate carries his scent. No demon with half a brain mind would go near the mate of an S-class youkai. In fact, she's much safer there than here with so many idiotic ningens" enlightened Hiei, much to the utter discomfort and embarrassment of Keiko and Yuusuke who were in a fascinating shade of violet.

Botan was continuously tapping her index finger to her chin, "Scent… scent, hm I know I've read about how demons or someone with demonic blood passes his scent to his mate but I can't remember it at the moment!" she said, tilting her head and smiling like a cat. With the exception of Botan, Yuusuke, and Keiko, people in their table released a chorus of laughter, ranging from Kuwabara's raucous guffaw to Kurama's melodic chuckle.

When their genial racket finally died Kurama asked, "It seems you have everything planned out, when are we living then? I've been working too much; this vacation would be a wonderful break." Botan and Keiko, who also have jobs, nodded in agreement to Kurama's statement.

"Seven days from now, I think that's enough time for preparations."

---

Project Fox and Fire

Day 1

I went to Makai and paid a surprise visit to Fire. As usual he was being his old grumpy self, but all was well when I gave him the bait a.k.a. ice cream… I wonder how he knew that I was the one who stole his strawberry ice cream with gummy bears while he was training? It was worth it though—oh back to the topic. I think he got my message when I mentioned about falling in love with someone of the same sex. He even got this surprised look that says: "How did the stupid ferry onna knew who I like? She's not so stupid after all!" But after that, he got back to being indifferent like he didn't hear a word I said. Stubborn youkai!

Anyway at around 11:25 am Ningenkai time, the gang went to Keiko's place to hear Yuusuke's great idea. That's when I saw something priceless (I just wish that I brought a camera, they might like a copy when they got together, right?). When everyone was busy talking and discussing our vacation, Fox held Fire's hand and looked deeply into his eyes! Yes, as fanfic writers would write: "Emerald met crimson and locked." Good thing I was sitting right across them and have a superb eyesight else I wouldn't have noticed their brief show of affection. They just need to get it out more and I'm going to help them do it even if it kills me… even if I don't have a technically have a life to begin with.

They do share a strong bond, and they know it!

p.s.

I have to have a hear- to-heart-talk to Fox ASAP.

When Botan finished writing in her report, she recapped her pen and let the glittery silver ink dry. "There! I think I made a little progress in the first day" she chirped happily. The deity was feeling proud helping her friends. She rarely felt like that, even when they were doing missions. She couldn't fight rogue demons or defend her friends from danger. Doing her job was worse, as dedicated as she was to it, spirits weren't always grateful when they found out that they're dead and you're the one to take them to their judgment.

"Talking to yourself again, Botan?" announced a deep voice from her back.

She turned around, oar held ready to attack. THWACK! "How many times do I have to remind you to knock? A girl needs her privacy you know!" she berated the blue ogre who now sported a telltale bump on the side of his head. Botan learned not to hit George on the top oh his head due to his rather tough, if dull horn. Cirrus, her first oar was shattered by George's horn three centuries ago. "What does Lord Koenma wants now?"

"Oh, the usual", answered the ogre casually. He was about to head out Botan's room when she stopped him. "Hey George, I need something from the equipment department, do you know if Fred's still mad at me?"

"Nah, that brother of mine can't stay angry at you for long."

Botan smiled sheepishly, "Hm, I did promise this time to never loose or break his invention ever again. I think I'll pay him a visit later!"

"Why, do you need something? Is there another mission? I thought everything's smooth back there."

"It is, but I need something for a personal project", she said with a wink. George however, having known Botan for centuries could tell that she was up to something. So doing the only smart think he knew, he quickly said his goodbye and ran, hoping that whatever it was he wouldn't get involved.

Oblivious to what went through the oni's mind, Botan just shrugged. She was on her way to Koenma's office when she formulated a plan on how to make her boss let her take a vacation. It could not only be a relaxing and fun time to be with friends, but Kurama and Hiei could also benefit from it. They will have a lot of time together and she could be there to give the extra push.

When she reached the massive doors of the Prince's office, she produced some white magic to open it without any physical effort. It opened soundlessly. "Hi Lord Koenma, so I take it that Hinageshi lost another soul again and you need me to help her find and deliver it?" she asked while walking towards the table flooding with files and candy wrappers.

"Yes and pronto!" answered the demigod without stopping from his work or looking at the ferry girl.

Botan however had other things in mind. She pushed some papers aside and sat on the table. "Hm, but what will I get off it?"

This time Koenma looked at Botan, "Okay, you can go shopping in the Ningenkai with your girlfriends and use my credit card." He then went back to his work. If only he wasn't busy and eyed Botan for a more than a minute, he would have noticed the mischievous glint in her eyes. She hovered closer to her boss.

"That'll be great! What else?" inquired the spirit guide.

"What do you mean what else! We need to find that lost soul Botan—"

"Or your father, who's here at this exact moment, would know that you lost another soul and give you what, ten, eleven, twelve thousand spankings?" Oh this was getting interesting. She knew that he will be desperate for any help and would probably agree to anything she asked. Koenma shivered at the thought.

The little prince looked so pathetic that she felt a bit guilty for taking advantage of his vulnerability. "What else do you need Botan?" he said, knowing that his best ferry girl would milk his dilemma for all its worth.

"Weeell, I was just thinking, since I've been doing so much extra work for you… you know sending files to Enki, lending my busy hands to your paper works, blah blah blah..." Koenma tuned out of what Botan was saying, it was a long list after all. "…cutting your hair and nails, and reporting Ayame's favorite things." She paused. Koenma started listening when he heard his crush's name. He knew Botan purposely did that so he would pay attention to her next words. 'I think she's spending too much time with the fox, she's getting sly'

After her calculated pause, she continued, "Now you want me to find another missing soul. Don't you think I deserve a little something? Say a short break for your most trusty and hardworking subject, perhaps a whole Ningen summer?" Botan finished, smiling eyes daring the Toddler to refuse her.

Koenma sighed in resignation, closed his brown eyes and sank deeper into his soft velvet chair. "Sure, take your vacation if you must. But find that missing soul now!" He yelled the last sentence just to show that he's still The Boss.

Botan gave a salute then materialized her oar, "Aye, aye Lord Koenma!" Her military gesture was in vain for her she answered in a sing-song voice before gaily hopping on to her oar.

Koenma, smiled at the leaving form of Botan. 'I should get an acting award for this', was his thought. He knew all about the gang's planned trip to in Makai. A certain redheaded kitsune stopped by his office before he called for Botan. Kurama asked (more like a subtle command than a request) him to give the ferry girl a time-off from her duties in Reikai lest he suffer the wrath of the whole gang.

He of course would have agreed even without Kurama's "request" on Botan's behalf or his sneaky employee's tactics. He may seem insensitive and bratty but he knows when someone deserves something. The godling even gave his favorite ferry girl his ningen credit card for shopping. She had been complaining that her ningen clothes were outdated.

"I'm getting too soft" he sighed.

George, who was now standing right beside Koenma poked him. "You've always been soft Sir, cuddly even."

"That's not what I meant you imbecile! What are you standing there for? Get me my dinner and add three extra servings of chocolate mousse this time or you won't have food for the next ten days!" The oni gulped and scurried off to do the tyrannical Toddler's bidding.

---

After their lunch and Yuusuke's announcement, the gang split up. Hiei went back to Makai, Botan to Reikai, Yuusuke and Kuwabara to the arcade, Kurama to the hospital, and the three girls remained at the restaurant.

"Have you seen how Botan was observing the two? I bet she's looking for signs of their relationship", Keiko said while cleaning their table.

Yukina who was helping her friend, nodded. "Yes, I bet my brother didn't even notice it. He was a bit distracted today. I am sure that it was because Botan visited him in Makai, though I don't know what happened there. They even arrived at the temple together."

Both girls were surprised by the news. "Really? That's interesting. I knew they've gotten closer, but I never knew that they're that close." Shizuru replied, chewing a gum so she wouldn't crave for a smoke.

"But they are, else Botan would never be able to know where Brother is in Makai."

"When they arrived, noticed anything unusual?" asked the eager waitress.

Yukina sighed. "No Keiko, except for being mildly distracted, he's as normal as can be. How about Kurama, do you think he will tell Botan his feelings or at least show them?"

"Who knows, he's harder to read than your brother. With Hiei, we have you, but with Kurama, we cannot even guess half of what goes through his mind."

Keiko sat down, finished with her work. "Shizuru's right, we have to read between the lines with him. Though I don't have any idea how… Anyway, this vacation will be to everyone's advantage, the whole gang will be having fun, we can observe what's going on with those three closer, and I'm sure Hiei and Kurama would like to spend more time with Botan. Hm, I wonder what that girl's thinking."

"Probably thinking of how to set those two up!" All three girls giggled, blissfully ignorant of the deity's plans.

---

When Botan found the lost soul with Hinageshi, she called it a day. Visit with Fred, the one who is in charge of the detectives' equipment, was put on hold for tomorrow. She was happy on how well the day turned out to be! Plus she can't believe her luck that she persuaded Koenma to give her a vacation and a free shopping spree!

'Great day indeed!' she optimistically thought.

She then proceeded to change into her pink silk pajamas then lay on her four poster bed. Closing her eyes, she suddenly remembered something—"Scent! That's how demons transfer their scent to their mates! That's why they were blushing so hard. Tee hee! Yuusuke really isn't one to wait! I have to tease him when I see him—and Keiko too!" With that, the deity closed her eyes again to sleep. A sweet smile was plastered on her angelic features.

tbc…

A/N: Sorry for the wait and for the ton of typos on chapter three, I did it in hurry while we were moving our stuff out. Anyway thank you so much for the reviews! You're all so nice. Here are the response for chapters two and three (I didn't have the time to write one for chap 2 in the a/n in 3 so I put them together here):

ShyLilSweety thanks, that's the main plot of the story

PsychoticAnimeStalker thanks,glad that you thought it was funny! Is she off? I'm renting YYH DVD in netflix so I could rember the characters more. I really haven't seen it in a long while, hopefully watching it will make me write them better.

Fuzen thank you! Here's the update. I hope you update your fics too lol, I lurve them

Kusabana21 thank you, don't worry she will realize it… hopefully!

Lil DragonLex thanks! You're right she wouldn't say "hell", now that I think about it. I'm a fan of your fics btw, I can't believe you would review mine!

RitSuYue thank you, I was afraid that he would sound off. I put some effort with Hiei's insults 'cause I've never seen the English or Japanese dubs of YYH.

Heartluv no prob, thank you for all your reviews!

Miss Kyoshi sorry that I didn't get to use your idea, I liked it but I had that part of the story thought ahead. Suggestions in the future are always welcome though. Thanks for all your reviews I appreciate it!

A lilmatchgirl hi, thanks for that constructive criticism of yours and I will continue to write YYH fics! Lol, yea poor trees. Thanks for the review!

ellamr thanks! Botan does have a lot of mistakes in the fic huh? And so does the other characters…

BlueGreenGrey yep, poor Hiei indeed! Thanks!

kuramalover21 here's the update! Thanks, I'm happy that you think it's funny. thank you for the review!

Oh, let's just assume that Yukina and Hiei know what Disneyland is. Thanks for reading!