Chapter Six: Remember you, remember me

"They say the devil takes on many forms," The sweet, delicate voice of the head ferry woman of the Rekai spread through the room of eager young girls, keeping their attention on her. "This is true. As the devil is just a figment of the imagination. If a spirit asks you if they are going to see the devil, what should you say?" She had been stuck in the training department for the last year now. Thanks to her wild-child daughter Kei.

The only girl who raised her hand was a ferry girl whom had already finished her training a month before. "Kiri; you're not in this class, you can't give them the answer." Lavender eyes flickered over to the red haired girl with her hand in the air. "Ah Botan-sensei, aren't we supposed to tell the spirit that the devil does not exist?" Botan shifted her gaze to a small brown haired girl in the front row, "Yes. Very good Farley."

"Every spirit is to know before they step foot in Rekai that there is only god. Only Koenma." Every girl in the room jotted the information down on their little notepads. "Alright, class is dismissed for now. I will see you all bright and early tomorrow morning." The girls all stood up, exiting the large conference room, leaving Botan and Kiri alone in the room. "Koenma told me to come get you." Kiri said stiffly, she had lost most of her respect for Botan when Koenma had given the head ferry girl back memories of her mate and she had still refused to tell her daughter of her father. Kiri just didn't understand why Kei couldn't know.

"Alright, alright. I'm on my way." Botan closed her folder on the table and tucked it safely under her arm. "Kiri," She said softly as she walked past the young red haired girl, "You don't know this about Hiei, but he is a wanted man. Kei cannot know him." Then she left. Knowing full well that Kiri would now run to Kei and tell her everything. It was amazing in itself that Kiri had not already told her twelve-year-old daughter everything.

Botan stepped into Koenma's office quietly, "What did you want brother? Did Kei do something?" The prince of hell looked up at his sister with a sorrowful look. "No. But I'm afraid I need you to run out and fetch me a soul. This kid's died unexpectedly. I want to see him right away Botan." She nodded to her brother and summoned her oar, "Alright. Just…tell George to tail Kei and Kiri." Koenma nodded, he'd had George on stand-by for this for a while now. He had known just as well as Botan that Kiri would tell Kei who her father was and where they might find him.

-

Botan flew through the air, admiring its warmth as she headed for the busy street that her assignment was waiting on. She got there and saw a fourteen year old boy chasing the paramedics that were carting his body away on a stretcher, yelling about how he was right behind them. She glanced at a small book as she pulled it out of her pocket and quickly read the short file. His name was Urameshi Yusuke. Fourteen, and as ill natured as any demon (by Enma's standards.) Yet according to the file, he had died saving a small child that would have survived being hit by the car. Poor kid. She floated down the teenage boy, who was now floating in one spot, apparently trying to figure out what was going on. "Oh man, I got hit by that car. I must be dead." He murmured to himself as she approached him silently.

She tucked her book away and crossed her arms. "Bingo!" She cried out suddenly, scaring the poor dead boy half way to a second death. "I must say I'm surprised. Most people don't figure it out so quickly Yusuke." She glanced at the glaring boy, giving him a wide smile. "Who are you?" He asked cautiously, eyeing her like she was insane. "My name is Botan and I'm your guide to the river Styx. I don't normally do spirit runs any more, but Koenma-sama is specifically interested in your case." She pulled the book back out of her pocket and tapped it smartly.

"Who wants to see me?" "Koenma. God." Yusuke rolled his eyes at the brightly clad woman and scoffed. "Why in hell would god want to see my sorry ass? I'm going straight to hell anyway." Botan watched the boy's actions with great amusement. "No you're not. Truth is, we haven't got a place for you yet, Yusuke." She opened her book and flipped it open to his profile; "You weren't scheduled to die today." Yusuke ran his hand through his greased hair and shot a glare at her, "So what, I was supposed to let the kid die?"

Biting her lip Botan shook her head, "Now this is quite funny really. Don't get too mad. That boy wouldn't have died. The ball was going to save his life." She watched his face twist in anger, "So what then, I threw my life away for no damn reason?" He shouted, making her sigh. "Exactly. And thanks to your unexpected actions; really no one with your rep would do such a thing, we have no place for you. Therefore Koenma probably has an offer." She grabbed his arm and summoned a portal with her communicator. "Come on, I haven't got all day." She pulled the teenage boy through the portal and into the entrance hall of the Rekai palace.

She pulled him down the hall briskly, taking note that her daughter was glaring at her from the staircase along with Kiri. Yusuke noticed the two glaring girls and snickered, "Not very popular, are you?" Botan stiffened and stopped abruptly. "Those are my daughters." She said stiffly before continuing to drag him to Koenma's office. Behind her, Yusuke was plotting a way to get out of here. He would probably have to knock out this Koenma guy and then make a run for it. But god had to be pretty huge, he wondered if he could do it.

Botan threw open the door to Koenma's office without knocking, "Urameshi Yusuke, this is Koenma-sama." She shoved the boy towards the desk and gave her brother a pleading look; "Can I have a few minutes to talk to Kei? Before Kiri convinces her to run off?" Her brother nodded once, ignoring the laughter from Yusuke as the boy saw 'god'. "Thank you." Botan rushed out of the room and towards the stairs.

"Kei!" She called out as she neared her daughter, wincing at the glare she received "Kei honey, can I talk to you, alone?" Kiri snorted at Botan and stood up, "Maybe Kei doesn't want to hear your lies." Botan bit her lip; "Please Kei…I beg of you; just let me explain?" Her twelve -year-old, red eyed daughter shook her head. "No. You knew the whole time! You knew where my dad was and you never let me even know he was alive!"

The ogres passing by stopped as Kei screamed at her mother, "All I've ever wanted was my dad and you never let me have him!" Kei stomped her foot to the floor and crossed her arms, tears rolling down her face, "I hate you!" She turned and ran up the stairs, Kiri following close behind her. Botan felt her heart beat painfully, her daughter hated her. Kiri hated her. Everyone hated her! She fought back her tears as she ran in the opposite direction. She didn't want the ogres to see her cry.

-

Koenma glanced up at the fourteen-year-old boy in front of him, whom was still laughing. "Quiet! I will not be mocked!" He shouted, earning a little bit more laughter. "I can't help it. I was expecting this huge freak; I was scared shitless…and you're so small!" Yusuke said as he pushed back his laughter.

"Yes well that doesn't change things Urameshi. I trust Botan explained to you that we haven't anywhere to put you." He shuffled some papers on his desk and saw the punk in front of him nod. "Good. In light of the circumstances of your death, and my beloved sister crying in the gardens, I'll make this short and sweet. You can have your life back." Yusuke gave the small godling an odd look and crossed his arms, "All you have to do, is hatch this egg. If the creature that hatches is good, you will be given a special life as a spirit detective. If it is bad, it will kill you."

-

Botan slumped against the large, blossoming cherry tree, and sobbed piteously into her knees. Her long blue hair fell around her like a curtain, blocking her face from view. She had always been afraid that she wouldn't be a good mother. Especially after her brother had ordered her memory to be restored during her pregnancy. The strain on her poor heart was great and horrible. For twelve years she had watched every move that her mate had made. Horrified to find that her daughter was much more like her father.

She pulled her knees closer to her chest and moaned as her heart thumped painfully against her chest, "W-why did I e-ever…" She whispered between sobs, her shoulders shaking roughly. She could remember every single day of her life, thanks to her brother, including the ones where Hiei had shoved her kindness back in her face. Injured her without a second thought. She cried herself to sleep many nights, asking herself why she had fallen under his spell. Why she had mated with him.

She heard footsteps approaching her and shifted away from them. She wanted to be alone. She wanted to hate herself in peace. Kiri wasn't surprised when Botan turned away without even looking up. She looked at the ground; too ashamed to look at the woman she owed her life to. She and Kei had found the fire demon's file on the desk in Botan's room after Kei had yelled at her mother. Guilt and regret had swarmed over Kiri as she read the file, not allowing Kei to see of course.

"Botan…" Kiri's voice was soft, but Botan felt like someone had blown an air horn in her ears. "I'm sorry…I never knew…" She dropped to her knees beside the weeping blue haired spirit, but was shunned as she tried to place a hand on Botan's shoulder. "I didn't know he was that Hiei."

Botan fought back her tears but continued to ignore Kiri. Right now, all she wanted was to be alone. "I told Kei she shouldn't rush away to her father…I didn't tell her who he was though. Forgive me Botan, please." Kiri got up and walked away from her adoptive mother. She felt so ashamed of herself. That sweet blue haired woman had saved her from a life of slavery and she had betrayed her.

Koenma watched Kiri walk by and scowled, "We told you a thousand times that was best if Kei never knew." He scolded, walking past her to where he knew his sister was. He found her pushing herself up to her feet, wiping away her tears with the sleeve of her pink kimono. "Botan, I think you could use a break from the Rekai. Yusuke Urameshi has been set a task. I want you to watch over him in the Ningenkai. If he completes the task, he's going to be our spirit detective." Botan nodded stiffly to her brother and sighed, "Watch over Kei for me while I'm helping Yusuke." She waited for her brothers affirming nod before heading back into the palace. She knew the boy was still in the office, and she only hoped that maybe Kei would not be as mad when she returned.

-

It took several months, but under Botan's close guidance and supervision, Yusuke Urameshi successful hatched a gentle beast from the egg he had been given. The road had been long and tough, but it had ultimately been worth it. She had formed a close friendship with the young boy and had been all too happy to let her daughter spend time with him as well. Once he had been returned to life.

Kei had always been a rebellious child, right down to her diaper hating roots. Kiri had always encouraged the bad behavior, because she remembered Kei's father as a very sweet man. But after she had read his file, seen his actions, she had abandoned her campaign to make Botan miserable. And had encouraged Kei to forgive her mother. Kei had watched Kiri's face, as she'd read that file so long ago and seen the horror in her big sister's eyes.

Kei had been given a few months to think on the actions of both her mother and her sister. It was no surprise to Kiri when Kei had approached her and said that she was still leaving to find her father.

-

Yusuke had only been alive again for two days when he had been formally introduced to Botan's family; he had been invited to Kei's thirteenth birthday. The punk felt it was only fair that he go Botan had wanted him there quite badly. And he'd wanted to see her daughter up close. Botan pulled Kei into the dark office where her party was waiting, smiling at her daughter's scowl. "Oh come on Kei. I promise you'll like this meeting." She flipped on the light switch in the room and about thirty people shouted "SURPRISE!"

Kei could only blink as her friends stood before her, along with a few people she didn't know. She had thought everyone had forgotten her birthday, and had in fact been trying to sneak out into the Makai when her mother had found her. The party got under way and Kei knew she would have to tell her mother.

At the end of the party, Kei cleared her throat and stood on the table. "I want to say something." She said coldly, capturing the attention of every one in the room. "Mom. I know you put a lot of work into this party…" Botan felt her heart stop. "Please no…" She whispered in horror. She knew what was coming. "But I'm leaving. I want to know my father, and I'm going to find him." Botan felt tears poking out of her eyes, "Kei, p-please. Don't go…You don't know how dangerous it is out there!" Kei gave her mother a soft glare and shook her head at her mother.

She jumped down from the table and left the room quickly before her mother could follow. Botan felt a strong hand on her shoulder, and turned to see Yusuke, he seemed a bit uncomfortable with the situation but offered her as much comfort as he could.

-

Several months passed and a new member was added to the Rekai tentei; and they had their most important mission yet. Three thieves had broken into the Rekai. One of those thieves was Hiei. Botan led her boys around Tokyo, looking for the three thieves. They found and took down the first one with few problems, and the second one was pretty easy too. Youko Kurama, also known as Suiichi Manimino, had been at the hospital, using his stolen object to save his mortal body's mother's life.

Botan began to panic, as they could not find Hiei. She was so desperate to see her mate, and see their daughter with him. That was when she felt it, an evil presence in her mind. Her mates deep, gruff voice filled her head telling her where to bring her spirit detective. She glanced at Yusuke and bit her lip. "He's in an old warehouse. He has Keiko." She and Yusuke made their way to the warehouse quickly, knowing time was something they didn't have.

Yusuke was the first one through the door and saw Hiei standing over Keiko's unconscious form. Botan rushed in behind him, ignoring the danger, only to cry out in sorrow when she didn't see Kei. Kei hadn't contacted her since she left, Botan didn't even know if her daughter was still alive. "Yusuke, you take care of him, I'll save Keiko." Botan rushed over to the young girl on the ground, falling to her knees beside her. She summoned all her strength and focused on keeping the jagan eye on Keiko's forehead from opening.

Yusuke and Hiei fought, and for a while it seemed like they were in a stalemate. Hiei was fast, Hiei was strong, and Yusuke was just barely dodging blows. Hiei let his gaze wander from the young spirit detective in front of him to the blue haired woman attempting to undo what he had done to the worthless ningen girl on the ground. He let his gaze wander over her body and felt a small jolt of recognition race through his mind before he felt a fist collide heavily with his body.

Yusuke had seen the demon before him turn his attention to his assistant and took his chance to attack. The short fire demon flew back into a few crates, prying himself back to his feet with a few curses. Yusuke snickered despite the situation; he loved when demons lost track during battles. "Losing focus?" He asked with a smirk, earning a glare from the infamous fire demon before him. "No. I let you have that hit. I thought you were stronger than that, I'm disappointed." Hiei stood up and pointed his stolen sword at the detective before him.

Yusuke raised his hand in the shape of a gun; he hadn't wanted to resort to using his spirit gun, but it looked like he had no choice. As Hiei charged him with his sword drawn back, Yusuke fired his spirit gun at the fire demon. Botan was trying to ignore the fight, but she could not ignore this. She fell backward at the same time as Hiei, as though the spirit gun had struck her as well. Keiko woke up to find Yusuke shaking the blue haired girl she'd seen at their school. Yusuke saw that Keiko was awake and felt torn between trying to wake his assistant and giving all his attention to the girl he loved.

He heard footsteps and looked up, praying that it was not Hiei he heard moving around. He saw the red hair and green eyes of Suiichi -Kurama- and sighed. "What do you want?" The red head smirked at the irate spirit detective, "Koenma sent me to help." Yusuke gave him an uneasy look, "Okay. You grab Hiei. Botan is my assistant, I'll carry her." He nodded to Keiko as Kurama made his way over to Hiei's unconscious body. Keiko stood up shakily, "W-what h-happened Yusuke?" The young spirit detective sighed, "I'll explain later. Go home and get some rest. I have a couple things to take care of."

-

Kurama walked into Koenma's office, carrying Hiei, with Yusuke following close behind. "She just collapsed when I knocked out Hiei." He said solemnly. Koenma nodded once, he knew why that had happened. But it was best that Yusuke didn't. "Give her to George, he'll take care of her. As for Hiei, I have had a cell for him for a long time now." The prince of hell stood up and walked over to the door of his office. "Follow me Kurama." George gently took Botan from Yusuke's arms and followed Kurama and Koenma into the hallway.

-

Koenma opened a large door, leading Kurama into the middle of the room, "Lay Hiei on that bed. I have something I must do before we bring him to the cell." Kurama set Hiei down on the bed as he was told and watched Koenma turn on the machine beside Hiei's bed. "I am giving him back a very important memory, so he doesn't do something stupid when he wakes up."

The machine made a few sounds before sending a jolt of electricity into Hiei's brain. The fire demon twitched but didn't wake up. "Now let's get him to that cell." Kurama picked the fire demon back up and followed Koenma into a small, cramped room with a bed, toilet and sink. "Set him on the bed quickly and head on home to your human mother. I need to check on my poor sister." The red haired demon in a human body nodded and placed his fallen comrade on the small bed and left quickly. Koenma locked the door to Hiei's cell and whispered to himself as he walked away, "I hope having his memory back will change him."

Koenma walked into his sister's room and found Ayame leaning over Botan, trying to heal the blue haired woman. "She's going to be fine Ayame. Don't worry, when she wakes up, she'll have her mate." Koenma led the brown haired woman out of Botan's room; "Things'll be better from now on."

I heat up, I can't cool down

Hiei woke up on a stiff bed and groaned in pain as he tried to sit up. That damned ningen had gotten the better of him. He brought his hand up to rub a tense muscle on the left side of his neck and froze as he felt the scar on his skin. A picture of the blue haired woman flashed past his mind and he swore out loud. Suddenly he could remember; he could remember everything. He remembered finding Botan half unconscious on his steps, carrying a child in her arms, asking for a place to rest. He remembered sneaking into the bed with her and the child the first night she had been there, wanting to know that he wasn't dreaming.

He buried his face in his hands and growled at himself. He could even remember that she had been pregnant. His kid would have to be thirteen by now at least. He'd missed everything! He slammed his fists against the bed, anger swelling up inside of him. He didn't even know if Kei was a boy or girl.

Botan woke up and felt immense pain flowing through her body. She shouted in pain and instantly her brother launched himself into the room. "You're awake!" He threw his arms around her, making her wince. "I-I need to see m-my mate." She said softly, prying her younger brother off of her. "I gave him back his memories Botan. He remembers you." Botan nodded and stood up, allowing her brother to lead her down to the cell he had placed Hiei in. "He didn't have Kei with him Koenma."

"We'll find her Botan. I won't let any one hurt my niece." They approached the ogres guarding the door to the hallway Hiei's cell was in and Koenma nodded, silently telling them to let them through. Botan heard the angry growl coming from the furthest cell on the right hand side. Coincidentally, it was the only cell that was occupied. "He's in there Botan. Do you want me to stay, or go?" Botan licked her lips and shook her head quickly. I'll be fine on my own. I need to talk to my mate alone." Koenma sighed and walked towards the door they had come in, "Shout if you need anything, the ogres will bring you anything you need."

You got me spinnin'
'Round and 'round

Botan slowly walked over to the door of Hiei's cell and looked at her mate. He hadn't seemed to notice her yet. "C-can I come in and talk to you?" She asked quickly, gasping when his head shot up and he locked eyes with her. She could see so much regret swimming in his eyes, swirling with love. He nodded slowly, not taking his eyes off her as she pulled a small key off of a chain that was around her neck. She opened the cell door slowly and walked in, closing it behind her. She had no clue what she was going to say to her mate. She just wanted to be near him. "Koenma told me that he gave you back your memories." She leaned against the wall opposite of his bed where he was sitting.

Hiei didn't move, didn't even blink. He couldn't believe she was here, so close to him again. Botan licked her lips nervously again, "I would have brought Kei…" Her eyebrows furrowed and she fought back a tear, "But we don't know where she is." Hiei felt his heart clench in fear. How could they not know where his daughter was! He stood up slowly, and took small steps toward his mate. She didn't move as he trapped her against the wall with his body, covering her lips with his. Her eyes fluttered closed and she kissed him back softly.

For years she had regretted mating him, hated that she had ever let him get so close. But being so close to him, she finally remembered why she had always loved him. He always seemed to realize his actions and regret them when she was around. His hands gently caressed her face, trailing down her body to rest on her hips. He broke the kiss just long enough for his mate to throw her arms around his neck and begin to cry. "K-Kei r-ran away t-to find y-you m-m-months ago!"

'Round and 'round and 'round it goes

Hiei led his crying mate over to the bed and pulled her down to sit in his lap so he could comfort her. "I'm sure Kei is fine my love." He rubbed her back soothingly as she curled into his chest. She let the warmth of his body and the beat of his heart lull her to sleep as he continued to rub her back and sooth her tears. Hiei noticed that his mate had fallen asleep and moved back so he was lying down, being careful not to wake her as he moved her to lie beside him. He watched her shoulders rise and fall with each breath and closed his eyes.

Where it stops nobody knows

They stayed asleep for three hours, only waking up when Botan heard Koenma groan. "Botan, I thought you said you were going to talk to him, not fall asleep. Yusuke came in here to check on you twenty minutes ago now he's ranting about how his assistant was sleeping with the enemy." Botan sat up carefully, trying not to wake up her mate. "It's just been so long…can we move him to my room? Please?" She gave her brother a pleading look before glancing at her sleeping mate. Koenma sighed and nodded. "As long as you make sure he doesn't go causing trouble. Wake him up and you can go there now while the halls are relatively empty."

Botan smiled and her brother and nodded, trying to think of the best way to wake up her mate. "Hiei." She leaned into his ear, repeating his name, earning a grunt, but no movement. She frowned and thought of something else, she leaned in quickly and placed a kiss on his lips, making him shoot up. "Come on. We have a better room for you if you promise to behave." She grabbed his hand and pulled him off the hard mattress. "My bed's much softer than this one anyway." She tugged him toward the door of his cell, choosing to ignore the edgy look her brother was giving her mate. "I'll get the escort. Just a second Botan." Koenma said quickly, walking to the door he had come in, telling Yusuke and Kurama that they could come in.

Every time you call my name

Hiei spotted the two males walk in the room and quickly snatched his hand away from Botan. Botan looked at him oddly, but decided not to question his actions. "You won't find your sword Hiei." Yusuke teased the fire demon through the bars. Botan felt the embarrassment radiating from her mate, mixed with horrible anger. "Don't tease him Yusuke. He's going to be a member of the team, and you won't be able to count on him if you spend all your time torturing him." The detective scoffed and rolled his eyes, "Protecting him are you?" Botan bit her lip, knowing Hiei was about to say something hurtful, because Yusuke just wouldn't shut up. "Not that he needs me to, but yes I am. You don't know anything about him, and I think you'll come to find he's kind on the inside, like Kuwabara."

Hiei completely forgot his anger at the detective as he heard his mate refer to another male. Koenma could sense trouble brewing and cleared his throat, "Let's just move Hiei to the new room quickly shall we? Before anyone pushes him into murder." Botan watched Hiei stalk out of his cell, walking ahead of Yusuke and Kurama, ignoring her presence as she tried to catch up with him. She opened the door to her room and waited for him to enter. He didn't move. "Who's Kuwabara." He asked menacingly as she held the door open for him. He wasn't going anywhere until he got his answers.

Botan shot a pleading look at her brother, she knew it'd be easier to explain without Yusuke here to mock the situation. Koenma nodded and cleared his throat, "Yusuke, Kurama, you're free to go home now. We should give them some privacy; everything will be explained in time." He summoned a portal for the two boys, and as soon as they had gone through it he headed back to his office. He knew his sister could handle this herself.

I heat up like a burnin' flame

"Kuwabara is another spirit detective. He's Yusuke's rival at school." Hiei glared at his mate, clearly not satisfied with her answer. "I used him in reference," She said pointedly, poking her mate in the chest gently, "because Yusuke underestimated him the same way he does you. Kuwabara is a good person when you look past his tough exterior, just like you." He didn't seem too satisfied with answer, and she sighed. Her mate was more stubborn and jealous than she remembered. "He's not half the man you are though. Now please come in my room?"

He walked into her room slowly; deciding her answer was adequate. "Don't mention other males around me like that." He said coldly as he walked over to her bed and kicked off his boots before lying down. Botan smiled and walked into her room, closing the door behind her. "Of course Hiei. I'll be more careful." She climbed onto the bed beside him and wrapped an arm around him. "I didn't think you were ever going to be given back your memory of me." She looked over at him as she spoke, "I spent thirteen years cursing myself for picking a mate I didn't think I would ever get back. I watched you from the day Koenma restored my memories, and I saw everything."

He felt a wave of guilt sweep over him; he hadn't exactly been a model mate once his memory had been wiped. "I know you didn't do those things on purpose really. So I don't blame you. But I kept you secret from our daughter. Kei was too unpredictable, she is so much like you." Her lavender eyes starred unblinking at the ceiling as she told her mate everything. He stayed quiet. All he could bring himself to do was blink. His mate had seen every horrible, miserable thing he had done, yet did not seem mad.

Burnin' flame full of desire
Kiss me baby, let the fire get higher

"Kei always demanded I tell her about her father, but all I could tell her was that he was a fire demon, just like her." She bit her lip, holding back a grin as she remembered how Kei had treasured that little bit of information. "Once we find her, she'll be glad to meet you." Hiei couldn't listen to his mate anymore. Her every word dug through his brain, bringing him closer and closer to the realization that he had not been with his mate in thirteen years. He propped himself up and leaned over his mate. Even on the first night he had seen her after her death he had never found her more beautiful, or wanted her more.

He kissed her roughly, taking her partially by surprise. She felt him crawl over her, trapping her against the bed, and she closed her eyes peacefully. He began to trail kisses down her throat, allowing her to breathe. "It's been far too long." He said huskily as he began nipping at the sensitive skin on her neck. She could only nod, unable to find her voice. His hands ran down her body, stopping only to untie her obi. She grabbed his head with her hands and drew his face up for another kiss. She felt like it had been a thousand years since she had felt his touch. Felt his lips.

He nudged her kimono apart as they kissed, giving his hands access to her beautiful body. Her soft, silky skin. He groaned into the kiss, his eyes fluttering closed as he ran his hands over her smooth skin. She tugged on the edge of his shirt, wanting more than anything to feel his bare chest against hers. He moved his arms so she could tug off his shirt quickly; eager to know the same feeling she wanted.

Abra-abra-cadabra

His shirt hit floor as someone knocked on the door, making both Hiei and Botan groan. "Just ignore them, and they'll go away." She whispered quietly to her mate, running her hands over his chest, marveling in the feel of his muscles. He nodded and dug his face into her shoulder, kissing and nipping the flesh teasingly. She arched her back off the bed, pressing her body against his with a throaty moan. The knock at the door sounded again, louder this time. They froze for a second, but Botan just didn't want to move and get the door.

"Botan! Botan open this door right now!" She groaned at her brother's voice and pulled Hiei closer, "Ignore him. My brother can wait." Hiei had no problem with ignoring the prince of hell personally, but he was pretty sure that pipsqueak would burst in here and find his mate and himself in a very intimate position. He leaned down and nipped his mate's ear softly; "He's going to just come right through that door if you don't answer him. I'm sure you don't want your brother to see the things I'm going to do to you."

She bit her lip, she knew her mate was right. "Alright! I'll answer the damned door. But don't you dare put your shirt back on." She gave him a playful glare as he let her up. She quickly tied her obi as she walked to the door, "What the hell do you want Koenma!" She shouted as she reached for the doorknob. Koenma looked at his dishelved sister as she opened the door and gave her a grim smile; "I have good news and bad news." She raised an eyebrow at her brother, "Give me the bad news first." "I found Kei." Botan felt her heart sink. "If that's the bad news…what's the good news?"

I want to reach out and grab ya
Abra-abra-cadabra

Koenma flinched slightly; he hated to be the one to tell his sister this. "We raided a large sex-slave trade ring." Hiei listened to the conversation as he sat on the bed and bit his tongue to keep from making a noise. They found his daughter when they busted a sex-slave ring. Botan stumbled back a bit, "Oh god no. Take me to her. Right now!" She was shaking as her brother led her down the hall; she could feel the tears swelling in her eyes as they approached the hospital wing of the palace. Koenma led her to the bed with her daughter in it and flinched as his sister shrieked. "My baby!" She threw herself at her daughter's half-conscious form, "Oh Kei…"

Kei shifted in her mother's arms, tears streaming down her young face, turning into small sparkling gems. "M-mom, I'm okay. T-they never hurt me." Botan looked into her daughters red eyes and bit back a sob; "I was so scared, every day since you left." Koenma smiled softly. His sister and her daughter had never gone so long without fighting. "I…I didn't find dad." Kei whispered sadly, avoiding her mother's gaze. "He found me Kei. When you get all fixed up, I'll bring him down to see you." Botan saw the smiled spread across her daughter's face, "I thought you said it was better if I didn't know him?" She asked cheekily, making Botan smiled back. "I had just forgotten how caring he could be. He's so curious about you."

Koenma tapped his sister on her shoulder, "I am sorry to interrupt the nicest conversation you two have even had, but the nurse is going to freak when she sees us in here. You're not supposed to have visitors." Botan nodded and let go of her daughter, "The very second you get better, I'll bring your dad down here, and we can go have some fun together." She ruffled her daughter's smoky blue hair and stood up beside her brother. "Thanks uncle Koenma for bending the rules." Kei said quietly as she watched her mother and uncle walk quickly out of the hospital wing before the nurse could catch them.

Abracadabra

Botan ditched her brother at his office and bolted for her room, she just had to tell Hiei the real good news. She threw open the door to her room and jumped on her mate, "Kei's alive! Oh god she's alive!" She squeezed her mate as tight as she could, and he felt relief wash over him. His daughter was still alive. He could still meet her. "She's a little worse for wear, but she's alive, and she's just thrilled that you are here." She quickly kissed her mate, urging him back on the bed. He was taken aback by her actions but could see no reason why he shouldn't give in to her idea. But he did prefer to be on top. He let her push him back onto the bed, but instantly rolled them over so he was on top.

His hands flew back down to her obi and he undid it quickly, pushing her kimono off of her shoulders and leaning down to trail kisses down her chest. He reached around her back and undid her bra quickly, flinging it in a random direction. He glanced up at her face, but the mirror behind her bed captured his attention. He could see the reflection of the open door, and the reflection of an annoyed spirit detective. He weighed his options; he could close the door, embarrassing his mate or he could just continue to irk the spirit detective. He chose option B.

He lowered his head and captured a nipple between his lips. Botan gasped and arched her back, pressing her breasts closer to her mate, bringing her hands up to wind them in his hair, pulling his head closer. Hiei ran his free hand down her side to grab her ass. He raised his lips to hers and chuckled as she whimpered a little bit. He shot a glance at the mirror and smirked at the detective, unaware that his mate had followed his gaze. She looked into the mirror and squeaked in horror as she noticed Yusuke standing at the door to her room, watching her mate pleasure her.

You make me hot, you make me sigh
You make me laugh, you make me cry

She smacked Hiei upside the head when she saw his smirk. "Why didn't you tell me the door was still open!" She screamed, burying her head into Hiei's chest out of embarrassment. He looked down at his mate and rubbed his sore cheek, "I thought you'd be embarrassed that you forgot to close it before jumping me." He replied cheekily, making her dig her fingernails into his shoulders painfully. "Yusuke! Please close my door!" She shouted out desperately, praying that for once the stupid detective would listen to her. "Eh, why should I do it? Make your fuck buddy do it." He shot back, earning a deadly glare from Hiei.

"I'm her mate you baka." He spat at the detective, "And if I move, she'll be exposed, so shut the door before I kill you." Yusuke shivered slightly, even he; as the toughest punk at his school, had to admit that Hiei could be pretty scary. "Yeesh fine." He tugged the door closed, giving Hiei and Botan their privacy. Botan heard the door close and looked up at her mate, "He's gone right?" She asked tentatively, noting the pissed off look on her mate's face. Hiei nodded, trying to refrain from going after and killing that annoying spirit detective. "I don't suppose you want to…" She asked hesitantly, praying he was going to say yes. Despite the fact they had practically been walked in on, she was still very turned on.

Hiei looked down at his mate questioningly; did she really think something like that was going to stop him? Not likely. He felt all of his anger at the detective slip away as he tried to decide which position he wanted her in first. "Turn around and bend over." He whispered into her ear, making her shiver deliciously. "Yes sir." She giggled, doing as she was told.

Keep me burnin' for your love
With the touch of a velvet glove

The clock on her bedside table rang loudly, waking up the sleeping forms of Hiei and Botan at five thirty that night. Botan reached over her lover and grabbed the alarm clock, ready to throw it against the wall. Hiei grabbed the clock out of her hands and turned it off before placing it back on the table. He cracked an eye open and looked at his pouting mate, "Now, now, there's no need for violence." He chided as he sat up and stretched his sore muscles. Botan raised a single eyebrow at him as she sat up, "This coming from you? He who is wanted for incessant violence?" She teased, making him glare at her.

She stood up and walked over to her wardrobe, looking for an appropriate outfit to wear to dinner. "Get dressed quickly. Dinner is served at 6 sharp." She told her mate as she pulled a white sweater out of her wardrobe with some blue jeans. She grabbed a pair of underwear and a bra as well, closing her wardrobe. She turned around to place her clothes on the bed, only to be tackled to the floor by her mate. She could feel his erection as he ground his hips into hers and kissed her roughly.

Abra-abra-cadabra
I want to reach out and grab ya

He pulled back to give her some air and she moaned, "Hiei we have to go down to dinner or they'll send an ogre to come get us." He didn't stop grinding his hips into hers but he grunted to let her know he had heard her. "We'll just make it quick then." He said as seductively as he could, positioning himself over her entrance.

Abra-abra-cadabra
Abracadabra

Botan groaned as her mate climbed off of her, covered in sweat, but smirking proudly. She glanced at the clock and swore as she realized they now only had two minutes to get dressed. "Told you it'd be quick. We have plenty of time." He pulled on his boxers, followed closely by his pants, licking his lips as he watched his mate pull on her underwear. She winced as she tugged on her jeans, fuck was she sore. She was about to put her bra on when she felt her mate's warm hands cup her breasts. "Hiei, cut that out. We have to go!" She swatted his hands away and quickly finished dressing.

She bolted down the stairs, Hiei following her at a more leisurely pace. He did however growl when Botan crashed into George, a male he had not yet met. "Botan, you'd better hurry, Koenma's impatient, he has to talk to you." Botan righted herself and stepped away from her favourite ogre, "Sorry George. Thanks for catching me." She rushed past him, curious about what he brother needed to say to her. Hiei glared at George as he followed his mate down the hallway. George grinned at the fire demon nervously, "You're her mate then eh? I guess you do look familiar."

Hiei nodded, still glaring, "Don't touch my mate." George sighed and crossed his arms; "I've known Botan since her mother married Enma. She's practically my sister." Hiei nodded again satisfied that he wouldn't have to worry about this male. He rushed down the hall to catch up to his mate, leaving George to grin at his actions.

I feel the magic in your caress
I feel magic when I touch your dress

Botan hurried to her seat by her brother, noticing that there was a place setting beside hers, which she assumed was for Hiei. Koenma gave his sister a fearful look and tilted his head toward Enma. Botan's eyes went wide and she bowed as low as she could, "Enma-sama, I am so sorry!" She couldn't believe her bastard stepfather was here, the one time she was late for dinner. She suddenly feared what would happen when Hiei came through the door. Enma would be furious. She got up and bolted for her seat, praying that Enma wouldn't kill Hiei on sight.

Enma gave his stepdaughter a glare, willing to forgive her just this once, because he was here to make peace for the sake of the granddaughter he had never met. Hiei walked into the room and sat beside his mate, earning a livid glare from Enma. Botan winced, she felt her brother pat her arm in an attempt to comfort her, but it didn't help. "What is HE doing here, in my home! Botan!" Enma's voice boomed throughout the room, almost scaring Hiei, but not quite. Botan looked up at her stepfather for a second before dropping her gaze. "He's Kei's father…he's my mate." Her voice was shaky, but she managed not to stutter.

Hiei looked like he was ready to jump Enma if he said one more word to his mate. Botan put her hand on his shoulder and pleaded with him using her eyes. She didn't want this to get any worse than it already was. Enma watched them with disgust and stood up, "Congratulations Botan. You blew your chance to truly be a part of our family. As of tomorrow, you, Kei, and that beast are evicted. Have a pleasant evening." He stormed out of the dinning room, and Botan broke down crying. Why did Enma hate demons so much?

Silk and satin, leather and lace
Black panties with an angel's face

Koenma was shocked. He was flabbergasted. He couldn't let his beloved sister be thrown out on her own, struggling to raise Kei. "Don't worry Botan. He can't evict you. I'll go talk to him." He left the table, following the path that his father had taken. Hiei wrapped his arms around his crying mate, trying to sooth her. The other occupants of the table, Ayame and a strange male demon Hiei thought he recognized, watched the scene feeling awkward. "B-Botan, I know this is probably not a good time…" Ayame whispered, almost hoping that her friend would not hear her. "W-what?" Botan sniffled as she looked up at Ayame through her mate's arms. "U-um…well, Enma decided that he did like one demon." She gestured to the albino demon to her left, whom had been sitting to the right of Enma.

"Enma wanted you to take Jaku here as a mate." Botan felt her heart stop beating. She suddenly recognized the demon before her. "O-oh god…" She buried her face even further into Hiei's chest, going into shock. Why had today turned out this way?

I see magic in your eyes
I hear the magic in your sighs

Jaku stared at the blue haired woman he had once tried to claim. He watched as the infamous murderer held her like a delicate flower, held her like she was made of glass and would break. He could finally see the innocent babbling baby that Botan had always talked about when she was little. He could finally see inside of Hiei, into his soul. And he had never hated himself more. He stood up from the table, "Botan, I think I see now what you always saw. I owe you my apologies." Both Hiei and Botan looked up at the albino demon, "I hope you can live happily together." Jaku walked out of the room quietly, leaving Botan in awe.

Just when I think I'm gonna get away

As soon as he closed the door behind himself, Jaku snarled in disgust. He would have his Botan; and she would pay dearly for coddling the murderer.

I hear those words that you always say

Botan stood up, still sniffling, "Ayame, tell Koenma we've gone back to my room." She exited the dining room, with Hiei following close behind her.

Abra-abra-cadabra
I want to reach out and grab ya

Botan stepped into her room and went straight into her personal bathroom, closing the door behind her before Hiei could follow her in. She felt lost at the moment, so much had just happened. The gravity of Enma's words swirled through her mind, how could she tell her daughter that her father got them evicted from their home? Should she tell her daughter? No. She definitely couldn't. She could not tell her daughter what had happened at dinner.

Hiei watched his distressed mate lock herself in the bathroom, he didn't know what he could do or say to make things easier for her.

Abra-abra-cadabra
Abracadabra

The morning sun found Botan and Hiei rushing down the halls toward the hospital wing. Koenma had woken them not long ago, warning them that Enma was planning to have the special ops ogres remove them forcefully in an hour. Hiei was carrying two duffel bags, one containing all of Botan's most necessary things, and one containing the same for their daughter. Botan rushed to her daughter's bed, Hiei in tow, and shook her daughter gently until she woke up. "Kei, we need to go. Sit up, I'll heal you quickly." She helped her dazed daughter sit up in bed and concentrated on healing the more severe wounds on Kei's body.

Hiei stood watch for Enma as Botan healed their daughter. Botan helped her daughter stand as soon as the last large wound healed. "I'm sorry I couldn't do that before Kei. White magic is dangerous, so we are generally not supposed to use it. But this is an emergency." She threw her jacket over her daughter and tapped Hiei on the shoulder, "Okay, let's get to Koenma's office quickly." She ushered her daughter to follow Hiei quickly and quietly as they took the shortest route to Koenma's office.

Every time you call my name
I heat up like a burnin' flame

George spotted them coming down the hallway and opened a door in the wall for them to slip through. He knew the passage would take them to Koenma's office. The prince of hell looked up as his sister, her mate and their daughter burst through the secret door. "Thank goodness you made it. I've set up a place for you in Ningenkai. Enma won't think you would go there, being demons. You'll be safe there until I get him to calm down." He summoned a portal for them, "The portal will lead to a park on the opposite side of town so he can't trace the portal. Here's the address." He handed his sister a small slip of paper and an envelope.

Kei stared at uncle, utterly lost and confused. "What's going on?" Botan turned around to face her daughter; "I'll explain when we're safely out of here." She turned around and hugged her brother, "God I owe you so much Koenma." She whispered as she let him go, heading towards the portal. Hiei waited until his mate and daughter had gone through the portal before turning to face Koenma. "Hn. Thanks for everything. I'll take good care of them." The prince nodded once, "You'd better." He placed all his trust into Hiei; he felt that there was no one who could protect his sister better.

Burnin' flame full of desire
Kiss me baby, let the fire get higher

The sky was cloudy and gray in Ningenkai and it was still dark out. Botan opened the folded piece of paper and looked at the address to her new home. "Okay, let's catch the next bus. I think the one that runs by this park leads to our new home." She ushered her family to the bus stop, wishing that they had been able to bring Kiri as well. But Kiri was old enough to not be considered part of the family. And therefore be safe from Enma's wrath.

I heat up, I can't cool down
My situation goes 'round and 'round

They got off the bus and looked up at the houses on the street. They were quite fancy. "This can't be the right street." Botan whispered as she looked at the address, but she saw that it was indeed the right street. "Well I'll be damned. Koenma picked a nice place huh?" She smiled at her daughter and mate as she walked up the street, looking for the right address. She found a house with a sold sign on the front lawn and checked the address. "This is it. 16723 Maple drive." She opened the envelope her brother had handed her and pulled out a key for the front door.

Turning the key in the lock she opened the door and flipped on the nearest light switch. The house was fully furnished, and for a second Botan almost thought they had gotten the wrong house. Hiei walked past her and set the two duffel bags down at the foot of the stairs, pulling a note off the bottom step with Botan's name on it. "Botan, there's a note." He said softly, handing the paper to his mate.

Botan opened the note and found that it was by her brother. He had bought her this house and had intended to give it to her as a birthday present. She smiled and tucked the note into her back pocket. "Well, Kei, Hiei…this is home now."

I heat up, I can't cool down
My situation goes 'round and 'round

Kei looked between her solemn mother and the black clad man that had been carrying everything. "Is he my father?" She asked loudly, making Botan smile. "Yes. He is your father." Hiei looked over his daughter and felt his heart swell with pride. She was beautiful, just like her mother. Kei looked at her father for a minute, taking in his short stature and red eyes identical to her own, before launching herself at her father and locking him in a tight hug. "I've waited my whole life just to know your name." She whispered softly, making Botan smile sadly at her mate when he shot her a confused look.

"I told you Hiei, she only ever knew that you were a fire demon like her." He nodded at his mate, hugging his daughter back. He understood why his mate had with held him from their daughter's life, especially while he had not even remembered having a mate or child.

I heat up, I can't cool down

Carrying their things upstairs, Kei noticed that her father didn't have a bag of clothes like her and her mother. "How come you haven't got any clothes dad?" Her curiosity caught both her parents by surprise. "He wasn't expecting to find me in Rekai, so he hadn't brought anything with him. But Koenma gave me some money so we can get him some clothes tomorrow." Botan answered quickly, she didn't want her daughter to know that her father had actually come to Rekai as a prisoner. "Oh." Kei said quietly, she guessed that made sense.

My situation goes 'round and 'round

Once they had gotten Kei settled into the room of her choice, Hiei and Botan walked into the master bedroom. Botan set down her duffel bag by the door and sighed. "At least this time, we weren't torn away from each other." She murmured as she walked over to the bed. It seemed that every time she tried to be with her love, a new disaster would occur and they would be pushed far away from each other. But this time, they hadn't lost each other.