Disclaimer: I don't YYH or the characters
I'm glad the first chapter was so well received. Now, it's time to get into the adventure part of our story ;) I will post picture models that inspired the outfits from the game Dress Up! Time Princess (now just Time Princess) on my Tumblr.
Enjoy!
Day 2: AU/Modern AU/Mythical Creature
Once the book was opened, a blinding light flashed, and then there was nothing but darkness. It was terrifying, dark, dank.
Where am I? a blue-haired woman asked herself. She opened her eyes and saw nothing but black around her. It was so hot, and steam danced around her.
I don't remember coming here, the woman thought. She tried to piece together her memories, and the flash of a bright castle—white stone with maroon slate roof—came to mind. Home…
"Welcome, princess," a hiss reached the woman's ears. "The master hopes the accommodations are to your liking." A sickening, cruel laugh rang out in the room, but still the princess could see nothing. Then, the woman felt something sliver around her legs to trap her.
"A-ah!" the princess shrieked.
Her captor chortled once more. "No one can hear you. Not the king, nor your 'friends'." He sneered the word with disgust. "You belong to us now. And we'll never let you go."
As the cad sinisterly snickered, the princess felt a pang of fury in her heart. These aren't my feelings, the woman told herself. Have I become this princess? Why am I so angry?
"Show yourself, demon," the princess shouted, beside herself. Internally, Botan heard her own voice. Demon? Was the princess captured by a demon?
The creature came into the light, and it had to be the scariest thing Botan ever saw in her life. It was black, large, and barely had a form. Sure, it seemed muscular, but the skin of the monster seemed to melt a thick puddle of black decay. Still, instead of fear, Botan felt the ire of the princess. It was as if she wasn't surprised. Demons must be a common species here…
The moment her mind thought this, Botan was hit with more flashes of memories—memories of four men and a group of ladies. "My friends will find me. I trust them."
The demon didn't seem bothered. He was more amused than anything else. "You are free to believe that if you'd like, but Lord Yomi has no intention of letting you go. You're the key to our victory."
"That isn't information you should give your captive."
The voice that spoke was new yet familiar, and Botan felt the princess's body succumb to relief. "Hiei," she breathed out like an answered prayer. "I knew you'd come."
Before the princess stood a stoic man with feathery, spiked black hair. His crimson eyes fell on her, and there was a glint of compassion. Quickly, it disappeared, and the man's attention shifted back to the demon villain. "Your 'lord' better say his prayers. I'm taking the woman, now. You will not stand in my way."
Faster than lightning, the raven-haired man launched into an attack with the monster, and dark flames appeared around him. As the two beings clashed, the princess cried out, pushed back from the attack.
"Ah!" the princess screamed as she fell out of her bed. Sunlight brightened her room.
What was that? A dream? Botan asked herself. She checked herself out for injuries and breathed out a sigh of relief. Her arms were not covered in soot, and her skin was smooth to the touch. Then, the woman walked to her mirror. Botan's reflection stared back at her, but she was in a beautiful pink dress, almost like a kimono, with scarlet red Sakura blossoms painted all over. She was nearly the picture of perfection.
Why would the princess fall asleep in such a lovely gown? Botan asked herself before another flash of memory struck her. In an instant, it felt like Botan knew everything about the princess and this world.
The princess was the daughter of King Enma, sister to Prince Koenma. The previous day, she'd been in her lessons all day. It was her father's wish that she learn proper diplomacy and what was expected of her as the Princess of Reikai. Noblemen visited often, and it was the princess's job to entertain them. Botan remembered now just how much she hated these lessons. After all, the sons of other royals and diplomats solely wanted to woo her to get in the king's good graces. Oftentimes, the princess tried to escape when she knew the envoys would arrive.
"My lady," the emotionless voice of the princess's handmaiden rang out. A dark-haired woman entered the spacious room and saw Botan in her mildly crumpled gown. "You slept in your dress again?" she admonished. "You make more work for the maids that way."
Botan laughed nervously and closed her eyes. Sheepishly, she said, "I'm sorry, Ayame. I just got lost in thought is all, and I passed out before I could change."
Ayame clicked her tongue and shook her head. "You must clean up your appearance. Your makeup is a mess. And what did you do to your hair? Don't you remember that Lord Raizen will be coming with his convoy today?"
The princess grimaced and flashed her maid and friend a flat expression. "What do you think? Father has had me tutored in the customs of the lord's lands. He told me I'm responsible for entertaining his son."
Ayame sighed and shook her head. "I understand it is your duty as princess. However, be warned. I hear the men from Lord Raizen's world are the unruly sort. His son, especially."
Botan waved her hand dismissively. "I'm not worried. With so many guards around, I'm sure no one will do anything untoward. Not like Duke Shishiwakamaru."
"He was rather obnoxious," Ayame agreed with a curt nod. "You are right. I just worry about you, my lady."
"Please, Ayame, we've been over this," the princess replied. "No formalities. Call me Bo."
Ayame smiled and lost her rigid posture for a moment. "Yes, of course, Bo. I sometimes forget these things. Now, let's get you dressed. Your father expects you in his throne room within the next half-hour.
Botan walked into her large closet—it was full of gowns, accessories, priceless jewels and treasures, and a make-up vanity. Well, since Lord Raizen will visit, my clothes should reflect my nobility, but since I'll be entertaining his son, I shouldn't be too formal. A white dress with the pattern of woven roses stood out to her. She smiled. It was her mother's dress. This is the one.
So, Botan changed into the beautiful dress, the material light and airy with silk and lace embroidery. The princess kept her hair down, and after she brushed through her silky locks, she took a gold hair comb with pearls that she places atop her head. It almost looked tiara-like. After, she adorned herself with matching pearl, ornate necklace and simple pearl, raindrop earrings. The princess looked down to the beautiful diamond ring in her ring bowl. It was her mother's engagement ring. On days like this, the princess liked to keep her close. Her mother would give her strength.
Quickly, she finished the look. She put on her mother's golden bracelet with rose charm, a pair of pink heels, and simple but beautiful makeup. Botan always went for the natural look when she painted her face. She didn't like the intensity that the makeup artists forced upon her for the formal balls. She looked gorgeous without it.
"Don't forget that a smile is a princess's best feature," her mother once told her. Botan could imagine the scene so well as the woman tapped her nose and made the little princess laugh. Those memories were filled with such happiness. The princess frowned for a moment, but then she put on the smile just like her mother said. It was not the time for reflection.
Botan exited her walk-in closet and found Ayame making her bed. The blue-haired woman smiled, thankful to her friend. For some reason, everything in Botan's room needed to be immaculate, even though Botan was sure only she and Ayame ever entered her room. The maid always found ways to make the bed feel so soft and inviting—part of the problem where the royal continuously fell asleep in her gowns.
"Well, my friend," Botan called out. "How do I look?" When Ayame looked to Botan, the princess twirled around. She noticed the woman's stunned expression and faltered. "What?"
Ayame swallowed down grief as she beamed at her friend. "Nothing. It's just, you look just like the queen."
Botan felt her heart skip a beat, and she forced herself not to react emotionally. "Oh stop, or I'll have to redo my makeup and be late," the woman joked. Truthfully, she did not care if she was on time.
The maid bowed to her princess and said, "You will do great today. Please, take care, my lady, my friend."
With those kind words, Botan left her room and headed to meet with her father and brother. As she entered the hall, the princess faltered and stumbled. A woozy sensation washed over her, and the hall looked blurry and distorted. Botan needed to grab onto the wall for support. Just as soon as the wave hit her, it disappeared, and Botan felt fine but hazy. What was that? Unfortunately, Botan had no answers. However, the heavy phenomenon reminded Botan of what she felt from her dream.
Botan swiftly made her way to her father's throne room. She knew she was running a bit late, so she went as fast as possible without running. It was definitely impossible to run in heels. It's a wonder I don't actually where these, Botan thought to herself.
When the princess arrived, the room was already filled. The king and prince were surrounded by the councilmen. The visitors had arrived, but Botan couldn't even get a good look at them as she met the king's disapproving gaze and then the worried gaze of her brother.
"I apologize, Lord Raizen," the king's voice boomed, "for my daughter's late arrival."
Botan faltered under the man's gaze before she forced herself to bow. "I apologize as well, my lord," the princess shakily said. "I had a bit of a delay and—"
"That's quite alright, Princess Botan," Lord Raizen assured her. "We only just arrived." He motioned to the youth next to him. "May I present my son, Yusuke, and his friends from our army."
At the introduction, Botan met Yusuke's gaze. He wore a kind smile and waved casually at the princess. "Pleased to meet cha," he greeted. Gasps could be heard in the court, but Botan fought a wide grin. Already she liked the guy. He wasn't prim and proper, and any politeness he expressed clearly had more to do with respect and nothing with duty.
Botan turned her body towards his entourage and curtsied respectful. "Welcome to our—" The princess cut herself off and nearly did a double take when her eyes landed on one of the young lord's friends.
H-Hiei? Botan thought as the name of the man from her dream hit her full force. It couldn't be possible, and yet it was. A daze look settled over Botan's features, especially when the stoic man's crimson eyes met hers. Instead of the familiarity they held in her nightmares, they held bewilderment as Hiei's brows furrowed in confusion, as if he were trying to place her.
"Eh-hem," Prince Koenma cleared his throat to save his sister any embarrassment in the court. "Father, perhaps it would be best to have Botan show Lord Raizen's son and their guests around the palace grounds. I highly doubt they'd want to be a part of these pressing discussions."
King Enma did not look pleased his he cast his judgmental glare down at his daughter. Botan's initial thought was to stand her ground and glower back at the man, but the body of the princess of this story trembled. A flash of memory told Botan that the princess and her father had a terrible relationship, one that left the girl fearful of him. Unfortunately, despite the fire in Botan's soul, she had to fall back.
"Very well," the king replied coldly. "You are dismissed, daughter." He practically spat the word out like it was venom. "Make sure to stay within the grounds."
"Yes, sir," Botan replied dutifully, with a hint of nervousness. She put on a smile, forced the distrust out of her system for they were in public, and looked to her guests. "Shall we?"
As Botan turned and headed to the archway, she heard four sets of footsteps behind her and sighed in relief. She saw the bewildered expression on all the boys' faces when they took in hers and her father's interaction. There was a hint of worry there, and that surprised her, but Botan had to keep up appearances for the sake of this negotiation.
Once outside, Botan turned to her company and got a better look at them. Yusuke was fairly tall, his stance proud and confident, but not overtly regal. He seemed like an instigator from his behavior in the court, but there was a kindness in his chocolate brown eyes that soothed the princess.
Next to him stood a tall redhead with a rugged build. He too had a softness about him, more so than the others in the group. His cool gray eyes looked upon her with disbelief and gentleness. He spoke and cut through the princess's thoughts with the most inappropriate of questions. "Does he always talk to you like that?"
Botan's face fell at the abrupt and intrusive question. She probably became as white as a sheet. "I-I-I," she stammered, "don't know what you're talking about, mister…?"
"Kazuma Kuwabara is the name, miss," he introduced himself. "And I just mean… The way he acted…"
"What Kuwabara is trying to say, Princess Botan," the other redhead interjected smoothly, "is that we noticed a bit of harshness towards your tardiness that was unjustified. We hope he is not always like this."
"O-oh," Botan murmured out before she put on a brave face. "No, of course not. He's just been under a lot of stress lately."
A bitter scoff could be heard from the shortest man of the group. Botan's eyes were once again on Hiei, but this time he looked away and crossed his arms. "Sounds like an excuse to me," he brusquely replied. He looked around the quiet palace. "This place seems far from stressful."
Botan opened her mouth, unsure whether to react to the insult to the princess's father or comment on the praise of their kingdom. She chose to defend her father. "Just because the castle is tranquil doesn't mean that the people's plights don't affect the king."
"Don't mind Hiei, princess," the suave redhead said again.
His words had the opposite effect and chilled Botan. The other man's name really was Hiei. A dizzy feeling washed over Botan, but she managed to play it off and turned around to make it look like she swayed purposefully. "It's fine," the princess replied. "Mister, um?"
"Kurama is fine," the man replied.
"Right," Botan replied. She looked to Yusuke and said, "I really am sorry I was so late."
"Eh, don't worry about it," the lord spoke. "If you were the one visiting our place, I probably wouldn't even show." Yusuke realized how that sounded and blanched, "Not that I have anything against you."
"Yeah, he just shirks his responsibilities to everyone else," Kuwabara huffed in accusation.
Yusuke narrowed his eyes at him. "Yo, you wanna go?"
"Anytime, Urameshi."
Botan looked at the bickering duo in shock. Kurama, beside her, cleared his throat and shook his head. "Perhaps you should refrain from behaving this way in front of the princess. She isn't used to your brand of…sportsmanship."
Sportsmanship? Botan asked herself. This is sporting?
"If you're done behaving like children," Hiei snidely remarked, "then let's get on with this tour."
Again, Botan was caught off-guard by Hiei's snarky demeanor. From her dreams, she never saw him in that light. She knew him, down to the shape of his nose and the feel of his hands. The woman blushed as she remembered other scenarios in her subconscious that were very unlike the nightmare of the previous night. Very unlike that…
Still, Hiei was truly a stranger and did not know the woman. Because of this, Botan needed to keep her guard up and pretend she didn't know the visitor. For all intents and purposes, she didn't. Even her dreams gave her little to go by, and she'd been dreaming of Hiei for a long, long time.
Botan began the tour and showed them all around the castle and the grounds. She pointed out all the places she liked to go, and anything of importance between, and then they all sat outside in the gazebo.
"It's a nice place you've got here," Yusuke complimented. "Very bright."
Botan tilted her head in confusion. "Thank…you?"
Kurama chuckled politely behind his hand. "The décor at Lord Raizen's fortress is much more macabre compared to your home."
"Is it?" Botan asked with genuine interest. She looked to Yusuke who answered with a nod. "I've never known a castle to be so dark."
"Hn," Hiei once again scoffed derisively. "Why doesn't that surprise me?"
Botan wanted to be angry by the clear insult, but she felt so intimidated. It wasn't the brusque, disrespectful manner in which Hiei carried himself, but the fact that he was the spitting image of the man in her literal dreams—same name and the same dark timbre to his voice. It caused the princess to feel more timid than she normally would.
Truthfully, the princess was deeply angered by Hiei's behavior. She'd been forced to attend etiquette classes all the time to train her in the proper behavior with others. Hiei's manners were anything but polite. She truly wished she could release her ire on the man.
Instead, she stammered, "I-it's just not usual in this or neighboring kingdoms."
Hiei seemed to notice the meek and reticent response, and he was a bit bewildered by it. Botan didn't notice the soldier's eyebrow raise before the man shifted his gaze away. To anyone else, Hiei would appear disinterested, but someone else detected the glint of something more and decided to tease.
"Mind your manners, Hiei," Kurama said in a suave, light-hearted way—a gentle warning. "We are not in the barracks, and in the presence of a princess."
Reluctantly, Hiei forced his features to soften into something less…abrasive, for lack of a better word. Botan studied him and could tell from the slight moue of his expression that Hiei was not pleased with being called out and chided. In her mind, Botan found amusement at Hiei's plight. Serves you right, mister.
As if he heard her, Hiei's sharps eyes cut to her, but Botan realized that her thoughts were silly. My mind is my own, she reminded herself of a piece of advice her mother told her to recite in moments of doubt. Of course, with the dreams she had, the princess didn't know if that was true.
After some time, Botan felt like she needed to start up more conversation. "So," she murmured with curiosity which earned the attention of all her companions. "I have a question."
Yusuke smiled at the girl. "Shoot," he casually replied.
Botan relaxed at the sense of camaraderie she got from her fellow royal. "I know that you three are from the army. How do you all know each other that you could come with the convoy."
At the question, Yusuke simpered, his amusement evident with his boyish grin. "That's a great question, and an even better story." Botan grew interested and leaned forward, compelling Yusuke to tell her. "Kuwabara is my best friend," he offered, and Botan could tell that simple statement touched the redhead down to his core. "We started out more like rivals. Whenever I was able to sneak out of the castle, I would dress up like a palace worker and look for fights."
"Really?" Botan asked, stunned. She looked to Kuwabara with an admonishing look.
Kuwabara chuckled and rubbed his nose. "Honestly, I worked at the palace during the time, and I never met 'Lord Yusuke' ever, so when he picked a fight with me, I tried to give him a good wallop, but he bested me at every turn. Eventually, I figured out who he was, but I enjoyed the challenge of trying to beat him. Instead of turning him in, we became sparring partners and forced each other to get better."
Botan smiled along with the two men. Their friendship seemed so pure and full of respect and jocularity. Yusuke picked the tale back up again. "When Dad found out, he wasn't even mad." Yusuke laughed out loud over his own memory. "Actually, he was proud. Demanded to watch us fight, and he saw something in both of us. Instead of punishing me like everyone expected, he permitted me to join the army. Of course, he didn't give me any position of power. I was just a regular soldier."
Kurama interjected information next. "We all trained under the tutelage of General Genkai," he explained. "She is a very harsh instructor, but she has led us to victory many times."
"It all sounds so amazing," Botan mused, her voice practically dreamlike. Her remark earned the most speculative of glances from the strangers. Nervous she said something wrong and revealed too much about her secret love of adventure, she quickly corrected herself. "I-I mean, to become so close through such a noble means. You should all be proud of yourselves."
Everyone's expression softened into some type of admiration except for Hiei who just glanced at the woman with a seemingly empty gaze. Botan noticed him eyeing her, and it made her feel self-conscious. Instead of acknowledging this behavior, Botan chose to shift her attention to Yusuke. The two royals discussed their kingdoms and compared notes, especially when Botan complained about her etiquette classes and Yusuke admitted he failed all of those and everyone just had to deal. Both he and Kuwabara teased Botan warmly over how she probably wasn't allowed to discuss her hatred for those lessons, that it wasn't 'proper etiquette'.
Botan laughed lightly and felt the most at ease with these strangers from a faraway land than with the nobles and other princes within the proximity of her own kingdom. It was somewhat satisfying and freeing. Throughout all the playful antics, Hiei remained fairly quiet, but his eyes traveled to the woman. The sound of her laugh stirred something within him.
The topic finally fell to him. "And what about you Hiei?"
He could have answered her with something noncommittal but polite. Instead, he monotonously replied, "That falls into the category of 'none of your business'."
A knock on the door interrupted Botan's gameplay, right as the chapter ended. The woman was so irritated with the Hiei character. She only made choices regarding his character that she thought would get her answers about this strange man from the princess's dream. Obviously, there was a mystery surrounding him, and Botan wanted to know more. At least these two game chapters were fairly entertaining and cathartic. The good mood between the characters seemed infectious, and Botan felt more relaxed than earlier.
It was why there was a knock. Botan relaxed enough to want food, so she decided to order takeout from her favorite wing joint. Honestly, aside from having nothing in the fridge, Botan really felt no desire to cook. Other than studying for exams, she just felt drained. But it seemed like this game was breathing new life into her. She could already feel her cares melting away.
Until the delivery man rang her louder than should be legal doorbell and scared the crap out of her.
"I'm coming," she chimed politely, though she would have rather yelled at the individual.
Botan quickly went through the motions of getting her food and paying the delivery guy. He left and then Botan returned to the kitchen. After gathering her teriyaki, sweet barbecue, and Parmesan garlic wings and ranch dressing, she moved to the kitchen table and went back to the game. She used the character encounters option to gather supplies to create a beautiful gown for the next chapter and then read the blurb before she hit play.
"To celebrate a new alliance, a welcoming ball is to be held. All the nobles from neighboring kingdom's are invited to attend. The king has a big announcement to make, and not all are happy about it…"
Here we go!
The princess dressed in the most luxurious of gowns. It was a lavender dress that gave way to pink undertones past the loose ruffles. Fabric pink wisteria flowers were woven into the our, sheer layer, and a slit up the front left side that stopped before it went too high up. There was a silver ribbon tied around the waist. The dress was sleeveless, the only 'sleeves' were at her shoulders—material tied into bows to hold the dress in place. The top of the dress accentuated her chest, but the sheer outer fabric made it tasteful. It was a gorgeous dress, along with accessories Ayame brought for her. There were so many lilac purple accessories and jewels in her earrings and necklace. The crown and silk gloves were the same color as the accessories. The princess's maids helped her with her hair. Her blue tresses were all down except for a small bit that was tied into two braids joined horizontally behind her head. Ayame dusted Botan's cheeks with pink blush and swiped pink eye shadow above her eyes. Botan applied a deeper pink lip shade and looked at her reflection in the mirror.
Where Botan believed she looked gorgeous, this was completely out of hers and the princess's comfort zone. It felt like the dress chosen for her was meant to put her on display. Botan had no idea why the princess was being shown off at a welcoming ball or how such an event was planned last minute. Even sifting through the princess's memories proved fruitless. All Botan could ascertain was that the king put his daughter through these ordeals a lot. He was a strict and unyielding man, somewhat emotionally abusive, but he never hurt his daughter, only demoralized her, both in private and in front of others.
Honestly, Botan couldn't help but empathize and relate to the princess in the game. The princess's mother was deceased, her father was hardly emotionally present and barely had any role in the girl's upbringing. The only one on her side was the prince, and he needed to placate their father, do his duty.
Now, it was time for the princess to do hers.
When Botan entered the ballroom, she was contented to see couples dancing all around to gorgeous, upbeat music. Beautifully dressed people surrounded her, and the princess was taken by the latest fashions. The second she reached the center of the room, men flocked to her and requested a dance. Botan felt overwhelmed by all the forward behavior. She wasn't used to this; everyone was usually tame around her. This was unlike any ball she had attended before, and the princess couldn't help but wonder why.
Botan tried to look around all these people for familiar faces. It seemed like it was just the men from her own kingdom and not those from Raizen's that were pushing themselves in her field of vision. With great effort, the princess spotted her friends from Raizen's visiting group and relaxed a bit. Yusuke met her gaze, so Botan silently mouthed, "Help me."
Unsurprisingly, Yusuke was very unhelpful. He flashed her a perverted yet joking grin and gave her thumbs up or down depending on each partner she was forced to endure. Botan cast him a withering look. Traitor.
After a while, and several undesired dances later, it was actually Kurama who took pity on the princess and offered a dance. Botan's acceptance dismayed some nondescript individual from a neighboring kingdom. Which kingdom, Botan didn't know.
"Thank you for that," Botan breathed out. "I don't know why they're acting like vultures who found their next meal."
Kurama chuckled lightly, and it soothed Botan's shaky spirit. "That's an odd yet interesting way for a lady to put it."
The princess scoffed and said, "Hey, if a bunch of men eye you like a piece of meat, you'll understand."
"Who's to say that hasn't happened already?" Botan flashed him a look of disbelief earning another amused laugh. "I've oftentimes been mistaken for a woman. I know the look you mean."
"I don't know whether to laugh at that or pity you for succumbing to my plight," Botan replied teasingly.
"Either is fine," Kurama replied. "I choose it. It happened so much, that I have been able to trick those who are unfamiliar with me in battle. Of course, my mother has voiced a few times that she misses my style from when I was a mere boy."
"Your mother?" Botan questioned.
Kurama answered with a nod. "She was once a palace maid. She brought me to the palace many times during my childhood and adolescence. I always enjoyed the library, enjoyed studying history and diplomacy. When I reached adulthood, I became a council advisor."
This new piece of information stunned Botan. She assumed that when Lord Raizen said that Kuwabara, Kurama, and Hiei were friends of Yusuke's from the army that they were all soldiers. "You seem surprised," Kurama's voice cut through her thoughts.
"I thought you were a part of the army," Botan pointed out. "Plus, you're so young."
A knowing glint and patient, but cunning smile touched Kurama's lips. "You'd be surprised. I'm older than I look."
Before Botan could respond, the music came to an end and dinner was announced. Everyone was seated, Botan near the king and prince. The room was loud with conversation, and the food smelled heavenly. Still, there was a heavy atmosphere among the three royals. After Botan took her food from the serving dish and Prince Koenma followed suit, the siblings remained silent and chewed their food slowly while their father was engaged in conversation with Lord Otake. The noble's son, Saito, kept eyeing Botan with hunger, though the princess was completely oblivious. Prince Koenma, however, was not, and he cleared his throat to divert Saito's attention.
Finally, the king rose to conduct speeches. "I would like to give my welcome to everyone, especially to our guests from Tourin in the Makai Kingdom, who are open to an alliance with us." There was a pause to allow for some mild applause. "Today is a day of celebration and unity, and not just with our new allies. I also have an announcement regarding my daughter, the princess."
Botan felt a jolt in her heart, and her shoulders stiffened so tight she felt like she'd explode. What? I don't know anything about this. What announcement? She looked to the prince, and he looked just as baffled until his gaze met the girl's. When Botan observed his apologetic countenance and slumped shoulders, she realized that where Koenma was surprised by the announcement, he wasn't at all surprised by the situation. What's going on?
"By the end of the night, every man who hasn't yet danced with my daughter must do so, for the time has come for Princess Botan to choose her intended husband. The decision must be made by the end of the night."
It felt like a rug had been pulled out from underneath Botan. If she weren't sitting, she probably would have fallen backward onto the floor. It already felt like her spirit was pushed from her body as applause, enthusiasm, and commotion happened around her. Her ears rang, and everything else sounded like the volume was contained in a glass. When her breathing grew rapid and shallow, and the sound of her heart pounded in her head, Botan knew she was panicking. She knew it, but she couldn't stop it. Her mouth dropped open, but she couldn't draw in oxygen. She wasn't prepared for this!
No!
Why hadn't anyone discussed this with her? Clearly, this was all planned. Now, the banquet made sense. It was not just some last-minute thing to welcome Lord Raizen and his men. This was an event to auction her off. All the invitations to dance made sense. The rapt attention from all these nobles made sense. Botan searched her memory and realized that the recent etiquette lessons were to prepare her as her teacher was instructing her the proper way to behave during courtship. Were these classes really meant to ready her for such a monumental decision? She couldn't choose a husband!
Botan wanted to protest, but the words would not form. She couldn't speak, couldn't move as her people cheered over this who ordeal. Once again, she met her brother's gaze, but he averted his gaze and looked to the floor, face full of guilt. She needed something, someone to understand. Her mind cleared enough for her to remember the new friends she made that day.
Amethyst eyes found Yusuke and his friends, and they all looked at her in surprise, concern, and pity. Their expressions became even more grave at the sight of Botan's terror and turmoil. Botan wanted to cry, and then a nobleman's son approached her to ask her for a dance. The princess had such tunnel vision that she couldn't even tell who it was. She didn't know if she should grab a drink of water, run, breakdown into a ball on the floor. Walls were closing in on her.
"May I have this dance?"
The deep voice caused everyone to quiet and the men around her to part. Botan shakily looked up ahead of her and saw Hiei. He was as stiff as a board, and his facial expression matched the rigidity, but there was a look in his eyes that brought Botan back to reality. It was a lifeline, and Botan took it without a second thought. "You may."
Hiei suavely extended his hand to Botan, and she took it. Neither looked around the room as Hiei led Botan to the center floor. Music began to play, and other dancers joined in. The king did not look pleased, nor did he look displeased. All of Raizen's men, his son, Kuwabara, and Kurama especially, appeared stunned. They never expected Hiei to insert himself like that, especially for someone he barely knew.
Botan still felt anxiety rush through her. Where Hiei's presence seemed to bring her back to reality, the panic had set in so deeply. Thankfully, Hiei merely moved her along with the music, but he kept one hand on her back to steady her while the other held her hand. He wasn't like the other nobles who tried to pull her closer and invade her personal space. He simply waited for her to get her bearings. What Botan didn't notice as she tried to regain herself was that Hiei was using the growing crowd to sneak her towards a door that led to the outside. Hiei's eyes traveled to the king. When another nobleman approached Enma and stole his attention away from the dancefloor, Hiei took the opportunity to slip Botan out the door.
Once outside, Botan felt a sense of relief as she broke away from Hiei and cried out. She moved to the wall of the stone balcony and gripped it, and her shoulders rose as she cried out and gasped out her unrest. Hiei leaned his back against the wall on the other side of the staircase that led to the gardens, pressed his right foot against the stone, and crossed his arms. Although he appeared unmoved by the princess's plight, he felt a huge pit in his stomach. Hearing her dry sobbing unsettled him and rocked him to his core. It was almost numbing yet stirring him at the same time. This fact disturbed him in ways he could not explain.
The longer he allowed Botan to carry on, the more normalized her breathing became. Hiei's shoulders sagged, and his body lurched forward only slightly as his taught muscles released. Finally, he sucked in some air. It seemed like he stopped breathing for a time and, stranger than that, he hadn't noticed.
"Why?" the princess finally spoke, her voice timid.
Hiei grimaced. She sounded so lost, not at all like how she'd been earlier in the day. Before she was vibrant, proud. Now, she seemed scared and like she'd break if someone said the wrong thing.
"It looked like you were drowning," Hiei spoke, his voice lacking the patronizing air. He turned his head to view her, and she cocked her head. "I understand that suffocating feeling."
Botan grinned bittersweetly. "My hero," she teased lightheartedly. Although her shoulders still fell taught from the stress, her anxiety had greatly diminished. Hiei seemed to notice and smirked at her. Botan took a long, deep breath and released it—she still needed to recenter herself. "I can't believe he blindsided me. I had no idea…"
"It seems really low that he wouldn't even discuss such a thing with you."
Botan shook her head over Hiei's criticism. She couldn't disagree, but there was a part that wanted to defend her father. Instead, she admitted, "I don't want to dance with all those men. I don't want to make this decision at all. I'm too young to get married, and I don't even…" The princess quieted herself and laughed nervously. "I'm sure you don't want to hear about that."
Hiei seemed to understand. His expression darked and fell to the floor. "Romance isn't all it's cracked up to be." Botan opened her mouth to reply, but Hiei continued to speak. "But binding you to a complete stranger is cruel."
"It's just the way of the world," Botan half-heartedly defended. "My mother married my father through an arranged marriage. I always knew that it was a possibility."
"Was she happy?"
Botan thought back to the woman, and the princess's memories presented a picture of a life full of both joy and pain. The queen spent a great deal of time with the princess and Koenma during their childhood. She always seemed happy and smiled each moment she was with her children. In contrast, the woman also suffered from sadness and depression, and she fell into sickness that eventually consumed her at the end of her life. Her desolation made her sick, and the doctors could not help her. Botan clenched her eyes shut, and droplets were squeezed from the corners of her eyes.
"She was with my brother and me, but…no, she wasn't."
Hiei's sharp eyes softened as he observed the array of emotions flash over Botan's face. They reflected in her jewel-like eyes when she opened them again. He could sense her grief and sorrow. When her attention shifted to the door that led back into the banquet hall, her knew he needed to get her further away from the source of her pain.
"Let's go for a walk," he offered as he took her hand.
Botan's breath caught in her throat, startled by the sudden motion. Hiei appeared in front of her faster than lightning. "I…what about—?"
"You don't want to go back in there," Hiei reminded her. He pulled his hand away, and his posture became more guarded as he crossed his arms. "And I'm not one for crowds." He looked to the gardens in an almost cagey manner. With a reticent timbre, he spoke. "The…garden. It looks different than before."
Botan nearly beamed at the statement and turned to face the garden. Her mother planted everything years ago, and the plants thrived even now. In the evenings, the foliage cast an ethereal glow. As the sun began to set, that blossoms would start to light.
In her joy, Botan grabbed Hiei's hand with both of hers. Despite the fact that he'd been the one to offer the escape earlier, he staggered in surprise as the princess pulled him towards the stairs. "Come on," she invited. "Let me show you around."
The path to the gazebo was lit by the many luminous flowers. Botan showed Hiei all the different types. Her mood had significantly improved as she told him stories of running around the 'jungle' and stumbling across her mother as she turned the twisting corners. The soldier listened patiently as Botan chattered on, his shoulders relaxed as he casually strode beside her. This was how the woman was earlier, away from her 'responsibilities'.
Botan felt her legs getting tired, especially after dancing with so many earlier and walking the gardens in heels. She led Hiei back to the gazebo which was surround by flowers aglow with blues and purples. He watched as Botan entered the small hut and sat down. She removed her shoes, lifted her feet to the bench, and rubbed them. A burst of anger exploded through Hiei for some inexplicable reason, all over the injustice this woman was forced to endure for the sake of her kingdom at the order of her own father. His detestation for these people grew by the second.
The fountains nearby the gazebo turned on, and shortly after Hiei walked up the stairs into the gazebo. A sigh escaped Botan as she threw herself back unceremoniously against the wooden rail. All her etiquette went out the window now that she was in her safe place, and so Hiei felt the last remainders of stress ebb away.
That was until Botan spoke. "You know, you really surprised me."
Hiei tilted his head in uncertainty, his arms resting against his chest. "How so?"
"Just…" Botan realized that anything she could say might sound offensive. Where Hiei spoke curtly with her earlier in the day, he did come to her rescue when no one else did. "Well, earlier…."
Botan didn't know how to proceed, but Hiei understood and bore no ill will. He looked her directly in the eye. "I don't like it when women are forced into something they don't want."
The way Hiei worded his sentiments both touched Botan and interested her. "Any particular reason?"
Hesitation flickered over Hiei's expression. His mouth opened and closed almost like a fish, and he shyly turned his head away. His reluctance charmed Botan, and her eyes alit with mirth. "There is! What is it?"
Her rescuer did not look please by the princess's line of questioning; his lips pursed into a firm line before he angrily sneered. "Curiosity will get you killed one day."
No longer bothered by Hiei's demeanor, Botan couldn't help but tease him. She leaned in closer to him which took the man by surprise. His arms uncrossed as he jumped back and caught himself against the bench with his arm. He caught himself wondering if the princess was familiar with the concept of personal space.
"Is that day today?" her voice rang in a pleasant yet vexing way.
Hiei blushed and muttered out, "No," under his breath.
Botan's playful smile became more reserved as she looked at Hiei with a softness he was not accustomed to. "So?"
With a sigh, Hiei sat back up straight, rigid and uncomfortable. "I have a younger sister, and her people oppressed her all her life."
Pink eyes grew as wide as saucers. "Her people?"
Against, Hiei faltered, but he chose to press on with his story. "We have different mothers."
Botan flashed him a look full of empathy and understanding. She knew how people looked down upon those born to women who had affairs with men, and she wondered if that why Hiei was so guarded. No one had the right to judge any situation, no matter what. Hiei was clearly a good man. He saved her from her panic attack.
Hiei smirked, and he released an amused but grim chuckle. "What an assumption," he muttered under his breath.
Botan could barely hear him. "Huh?"
The man let his eyes meet hers again. "Nothing. Just, I know what you must be thinking. It wasn't like that."
The princess's face flushed red in embarrassment. "I…" She grew bashful, and Hiei felt satisfied in the fact that now the royal was just as perturbed as he was. "Were you treated unfairly because of whatever it was?"
Once again, Hiei was caught off-guard by the sincere concern that this woman awarded him, a stranger she barely knew. He cast his gaze down and let his eyes rove over the stone platform. "Why would you worry about that?"
"Because," Botan murmured, "you saved me in there. You didn't have to get me out of there, yet you did. So, like it or not, I consider you as a friend, Hiei."
Hiei's expression was unreadable, and Botan remembered the princess's dreams. In those dreams, this mysterious man was someone she could depend on who would rescue her, someone the princess felt close to. Now, the dream man was here, in front of her, next to her. His body was so close, and Botan could feel his warmth. She leaned closer, as if in a trance, and Hiei did not pull away. In fact, Botan could have sworn she heard his breath hitch. If she didn't know any better, Hiei seemed to draw closer to her as well.
Their lips were just a millimeter apart.
A loud, falcon-like cry shrieked and broke the two out of their moment. Botan looked completely bewildered and confused, but Hiei was furious and stormed out into the garden. In her concern, Botan followed Hiei out of the shelter. Just then, a huge, winged monster came barreling down towards them. Botan cried out in fear which alerted Hiei to her presence behind him.
Hiei yelled, "Get down," as he dove at Botan and pushed her to the ground. He used his body to shield the princess from the monster's talons.
"Hiei!" Botan shouted in worry as Hiei hissed from the pain. Despite the agony he must feel, Hiei still seemed ready to fight.
The two heard the concerned calls from Yusuke, Kuwabara, Kurama, Koenma, and some of the lords and ladies present at the ball. Immediately, the former three launched into attack to defend their friend and the princess. When they distracted the beast, Hiei finally arose from the ground and entered the fray. Even injured, Hiei held his own, but his movements became more labored the longer the scramble stretched on.
Swords struck the monster, but Botan observed very subtle flashes of light. It was almost like her the glow of her mother's flowers hit the creature, but the lights came from the four men. No one else seemed to notice aside from the princess. Could I be seeing things?
The monster was struck down, and Yusuke marched to it and grabbed it with his bare hands. "Who sent you?" he demanded to know. Surprisingly, he sounded like he knew the creature.
"You will all fall. The princess will be ours."
The monster died shortly after its grave parting words, and Hiei returned to Botan's side despite his injury. He was about to ask the princess if she was okay, but he collapsed in her arms from the blood loss. Botan caught him in her arms and appeared completely trouble—mouth form into an open-mouth frown and watery eyes.
King Enma called for his medics to retrieve Hiei, and they came and took the warrior away from the princess. Hiei looked so vulnerable, his expression pained and skin pale. Botan stood, stepped forward, and reached out before she clenched her hand into a fist and let her arm drop. The reality of the situation set in.
It was here for me…
Hiei saved her…again—first, from her anxiety, and now, her life. Fear filled her heart and her body tightened so hard it hurt. Koenma ran up to her and guided her to her room. He flashed his father a dirty look, but Botan did not see. Once again, she felt like she was having an out of body experience, and the tunnel vision took over. Th princess didn't even know how she got into her bed.
Later, she came to, and the days events settled in her mind. One thing was certain; the betrothal was completely forgotten. Still, there was one Botan could never overlook. Hiei was hurt because of her. With that thought, Botan sprinted off to the infirmary. She needed to make sure her savior was okay.
Review Responses
Guest: Glad you like the story! As for your other comment, I'm more of an HB writer, honestly. YHMFH was the only KB story I was able to write and complete, but they are not my OTP. The story was inspired by a dream I had with them in it, but other than that, I have no intention to write another KB story. Sorry!
LonelyDreamer7: I hope you liked the first chapter of the adventure. I'm very excited about it :D
ReaperDemon: Lol XD A phone gamer, maybe. :) That's great! X'D You're preaching to the choir on school life. I'm going through it now with a full-time job and online graduate classes for a second masters. When I studied pre-vet stuff back in college, I took a lot of these classes, some all at once, in addition to my marine bio courses. I think part of this was to relive that time and vent about now XD Thanks so much for reviewing!
MystiKoorime: Exactly! I felt like it was probably the most relatable chapter. And now, Botan's found her escape. But what does it mean for the future ;)