Disclaimer: I don't own YYH or the characters

Day 4: Vacation/Selfie/Fairy Tale

The journey to Tourin was fairly long. After three days' time, the convoy arrived at a wide area of mountainous terrain and a large, bustling city. Botan was in awe; her mouth dropped open as she glanced around at all the buildings and people. There were food kiosks everywhere and everyone was dressed in somewhat casual garb. Some people wore similar clothes to the travel group. It all made sense now that Botan was there. The weather was hot and heavy, so the cooling fabric of the mildly revealing 'maid's dress' and the other travelers' clothing helped to make the experience more pleasant.

The princess saw a bunch of women walking through the marketplace; they wore more ornate outfits, but they were still made of the same light fabric. Botan was mesmerized, practically entranced, by the fashion. The styles around here seemed to show so much more skin. Botan blushed at the thought of herself wearing something so scandalous, yet in the heat it seemed like the most natural thing. It intrigued her.

Raizen took notice of the girl's wonder and grinned warmly at her. "Yusuke," he called, "why don't you show Botan around the market?" The princess snapped her attention to the noble, her eyes alit with shock and mild distress. Still, Raizen held his smile. "Please, princess, feel free to shop at your heart's content. You can use the royal credit."

"I couldn't possibly," Botan tried to deny.

The leader cut her off. "Nonsense. You are our guest, and we have no idea how long you will be with us. You'll need clothes."

"Oh man, a shopping trip?" Yusuke griped. Raizen shot him a glare in warning. "Fine, old man. One condition. I get to show Botan all the local cuisine."

Raizen rolled his eyes, but his lips curved into a slight, teasing grin. "You and food. I should put you in the kitchen instead of on the battlefield with your obsession."

"Why do you think the guys make me cook on assignment?" Yusuke retorted flippantly.

Botan was surprised when Yusuke took her hand. When their gazes met, he looked like a kid in a candy store to Botan. "Come on, princess," the youth warmly said. "You showed me your home. Now, it's time you see mine."

The experiences of the day amazed Botan. She'd explored the marketplace, checked out various stalls, watched street performances, and so much more. Surprisingly, to the princess at least, the men followed her without complaint. Yusuke and his friends actually encouraged her curiosity. True to his word, the Tourin heir brought her to the best food vendors in the village.

Botan alternated between shopping and snacking. After all, Raizen wanted her to get clothing for her stay. As she tried on different outfits, the guys gave their input—well, except for Hiei. He sat with his leg on his knee and crossed his arms, but he would look at Botan whenever she exited the changing stall. Yusuke used hand signals to convey his opinion, while Kuwbara shyly complimented her. Kurama was the one to give her the most feedback and suggestions.

It felt, to Botan, like she was on vacation. A smile touched her lips before her thoughts twisted and took a dark turn. Although Botan loved her home and her brother, she never had opportunities like this to explore her own land. She wished she could say she experienced a shopping excursion, but this was the first time. These reflections were enough to sour Botan's mood. Were Reikai's markets like this? Did they bustle with life and activity? It certainly contrasted the lonely desolation of the palace ground, where the only place Botan didn't feel alone was her mother's garden.

Here, in Tourin, everyone seemed to be able to go wherever they wanted. There was no one restricting their activity. Botan felt the heavy weight lift from her shoulders. Where it should have disturbed her that she'd eventually return to that restrictive lifestyle, the princess reasoned that she would enjoy herself while she was here. She put on another outfit; it felt like the fabric was a part of her skin. It was the most comfortable garment she'd ever worn.

When Botan exited the stall, her four companions were all slack-jawed. The attention made Botan blush, and she looked down at the outfit. It was a light and airy outfit, various shades of green in color. When greenish white pants were almost baggy, but stopped at her ankles, where the green walking slippers took over. The hem of the pants had a leaflike skirt made out of a sheer fabric with a belt of golden leaves. The shirt revealed more skin than the princess was ever allowed. The pale-yellow fabric around her torso was enough to secure her chest and tied all the way around her back and abdomen, her neck, belly, and mid-torso exposed. The shoulder straps were dark green in color; her shoulders were also uncovered, but her upper arms were concealed by the same lime green, sheer, lacy fabric that made up the faux skirt. That paired with the golden and green vine necklace and armbands with the matching gold and pink rose hanging earrings showed off all the princess's best features. She looked like a sprite of nature.

Yusuke was the first to speak up. "Now that is the best out of all of them."

Botan felt so free and comfortable after she changed into her new outfit. Part of her wanted to run like all the children she saw in the market, but she refrained. Instead, she approached many different stalls. Some kiosks sold priceless artifacts and art, and others sold jewelry. The princess was drawn to one jeweler in particular. The display held a rose pendant that seemingly matched her mother's charm bracelet.

Her heart ached as she reached for it. Before her fingers could touch it, Botan pulled back. She'd love to buy the piece, but she was a guest and didn't want to take advantage of Lord Raizen's hospitality. She couldn't possibly buy it on Raizen's dime, no matter what he said. She needed to leave the necklace behind. As she left the table, unbeknownst to her, someone noticed her eyeing the medallion.

"Princess," Kurama called as Botan rejoined the guys. The redhead pointed out a small table setup, and Botan's attention shifted. The seller had lovely displays of priceless jewels. In particular, Kurama pointed at a set of gems which matched the outfit she wore.

"Oh, no, that's okay," Botan attempted to deny as she waved her hands in front of her. "I couldn't possibly."

Yusuke rolled his eyes and gently shoved her shoulder. "Get it. It's no big deal. Really."

Botan hesitated. Her eyes twitched as she drew her arms towards her body. Her posture was defensive, and Yusuke noticed. His expression grew grim, but his eyes still held a warmth Botan couldn't understand. "A-are you sure?"

"Of course," Yusuke replied in a soft voice. "Look, Dad said to get whatever you wanted. It's really okay."

The princess nodded, though she still felt the weight of her emotions barring her down. She went through the motion of purchasing the jewels. Then, she realized something. If Yusuke and the others were really okay with her purchasing something so expensive, then maybe she could get the rose necklace she was drawn to earlier.

Botan turned back to the other kiosk with a hopeful smile on her face only to falter when she saw the necklace was no longer there. Although she felt slightly defeated, Botan continued to experience the day.

Botan slurped the last remaining noodles of her bento lunch and smacked her lips in satisfaction as she leaned back on the park bench. Her eyes were glued to her phone screen, although she could somewhat hear the fountain of the lake next to her. In a way, she tuned it out as she was completely immersed in the story. She loved the laidback feel of the chapter, and it was a much-needed reprieve from reading her textbook.

The clothing from the chapter was gorgeous, though she was certain if she ever wore something like that around her father, she'd be in for the scolding of her life and probably get called some disgraceful names. She wished she could dress like the princess in this chapter, feel the freedom of comfortable clothing and shedding the prim and proper image she needed to uphold.

In a moment of rebellion, Botan dressed her public avatar in the chapter costume, selected a classy yet seductive pose, and posted it to who game profile so that all her in-game friends could see it. She contemplated sharing the photo to her Facebook account, but decided it was best not to attract unwanted attention from her father.

Botan looked up at the sky for a moment in thought before she turned her attention back to the game. She had all the necessary clothing items for the next chapter. It was best to just keep the story going.

Once at the Tourin fortress, Botan finally understood what Hiei meant when he commented on the 'brightness' of Reikai's castle. The building was very dark and rustic, walls made out of black bricks and darkly colored stone. This place was Raizen's stronghold, and it definitely had the appearance of strength and durability. Botan relaxed; she would be safe here. The princess rather liked the citadel. It captured Lord Raizen's spirit perfectly.

As they traversed to the fortress, Yusuke whispered to Botan whenever they passed secret passages. The place was full of them, and her mischievous host promised that they would explore them all later. Strangely enough, it awoke a curious and adventurous side in Botan she didn't know she possessed. She caught herself wondering if the Reikai castle held its own secrets that she never thought to explore.

Moments later, they arrived at the throne room which, to Botan, honestly looked like a ready room where several people would sit and discuss the issues instead of just one. Inside, Raizen stood there was a woman, one who looked a bit obscure and a bit grotesque to Botan. At the same time, Botan was not wary of the person. The redhead smiled faintly at her before she turned to Raizen and Yusuke.

Yusuke greeted her. "Hey, Mukuro, glad you could make it."

"I wouldn't miss this discussion for the world," the lady, Mukuro, replied. Her kind gaze fell on Botan once more. "I don't believe we've met."

"This is Princess Botan of Reikai," Raizen introduced. Botan noticed some type of silent exchange between Raizen and Mukuro, but she didn't understand it. "She will be our guest for an indefinite period of time."

Mukuro smiled at the girl. "You are quite beautiful, princess."

Botan blushed at the really random compliment. "Um, th-thank you?"

"I like the new clothes," Raizen stated. "They make you look like you belong here."

The princess was touched by the sentiments and politely bowed to her host. "Thank you, Lord Raizen."

"There's no need to be formal," the leader reprimanded. "Everyone in my territory is treated equal."

Botan felt her whole being jolt; she was very surprised by the notion. She'd lived in Reikai all her life with the various tiers of status including lower and middle class. Although she did not get to see her people interact, she at least knew that much. "I don't understand," she expressed.

"The Makai realm was divided into three kingdoms," Kurama explained. "Each ruler chooses how to govern their territory. Raizen treats his people like they all are one. Mukuro's land is more militaristic, and she and Raizen negotiate treaties to aid and fight with one another and protect each other's lands."

Botan noticed how Kurama dropped the titles that he and the others used while in Reikai but did not comment on that as she took in his explanation. The story he told addressed only two of the three territories of Makai. She didn't know if that was intentional or not.

"What about the third?" she asked.

The reaction her question brought frightened Botan. Everyone in the room grew dark, and the room felt like it dropped several degrees colder. The princess grew timid again. "I-I'm sorry if I stepped out of line asking…"

Raizen's expression softened; his gaze was apologetic although he looked very serious at the moment. "Worry not, my child. It's just, our relationship with the third territory is strained. Lord Yomi, its king, seeks only power, and our kingdoms have warred with him for centuries."

Astonished, Botan asked, "Centuries, but…how?"

"Ya see," Yusuke began, "we aren't exactly like the spirit people of your world. We have much, much longer lifespans than you do."

This new piece of information caused Botan to worry where this conversation was going. Her blood went cold for a second over the implication, but she felt a calming presence in her mind and evened out. "Does that mean…you're all…?"

Raizen hesitated for a moment before he informed Botan of the truth. "Yes, Botan. We're all demons."

The story just got really interesting, Botan thought as she finished the chapter.

The student was playing with her phone in her classroom while she waited for the teacher to enter. There was still about few minutes before Anatomy and Phys would begin. Botan would rather keep playing, but she had a duty to her schoolwork. Regrettably, she had to put away her phone. She couldn't possibly start another chapter and get immersed into the intricate tale when she'd have to stop in the middle of it.

The professor eventually entered the room and got his presentation up on the large screen. The first slide indicated the next topic of discussion, but the instructor introduced it anyway.

"Let's talk about the heart."

Later that night, Botan roamed the halls, feeling restless. She thought back to the story she was told earlier. The citizens of Reikai all believed demons to be evil, cutthroat monsters who would devour their souls. The memories of the conversation that day seemingly disproved everything Botan had come to know.

"Does my father know?" Botan asked the others.

Raizen's expression became slightly angered, though his words assured Botan that he wasn't mad at her. "King Enma does not know, but your brother figured it out. The king believes the Makai lands to be extensions of Reikai. We don't normally call ourselves demons. We're youkai. We live closely with another group of people, the humans."

"But…humans are just a myth,"Botan declared. This stunned everyone in the room, and the princess hesitated, shrank away both inwardly and outwardly. "Aren't they?"

"No,"Raizen replied. "In fact, my late wife, Yusuke's mother, was human."

"I'm also human," Kuwabara explained. "My sister and I are psychics, so we could see passages into the Makai realm."

"Portal hopping is very common, here. My girlfriend visits from time to time. She's human, but we grew up together. You'd like her," Yusuke expressed.

Kurama then piled onto the explanations. "Remember how I told you I was older than I look?"Botan nodded. "I am a millennia old demon. I fell in battle, and I used my energy to inhabit a womb of an expecting human mother. Her child had a weak life force and would have died. I merged with that energy and became the man you see."

Botan turned to Hiei and sardonically asked, "So are you going to tell me you're human too?"

"No," Hiei told her. "I'm one-hundred percent demon."

Botan was overwhelmed by all of this. Everything she was told her entire life was wrong; it had to be. Hiei was the person she saw in her dreams, her protector she believed, but she never thought any of this would be a reality. Her dreams never warned her of this other than her dream captor was a demon.

Unbeknownst to the princess, Raizen could see her distress and suggested his son bring Botan to her quarters. Botan was expecting to be brought to visitor's quarters, but instead Yusuke brought her to a room that he told her was right near his.

As Botan roamed the halls of the fortress on this night, she couldn't help but reflect. Her accommodations were extremely lavish, quite beautiful and different from the rest of the castle. The walls were painted different shades of blue, pink, and lavender. It almost looked like a painted sky of a rising and setting sun. Botan was able to relax in there. It felt like home.

Because of this, she didn't go to dinner, but the haunting conversation earlier left her reeling. Between that and hunger, she couldn't sleep. Before she'd been brought to her room earlier, there was a tail end to the talk. "When you said you had experience with that creature?"

"It was a sentinel of Yomi's," Mukuro informed the princess. "Raizen informed me of everything. It seems this demon lord is after you."

Botan was horrified. "But, what me? I'm not even a part of this."

Raizen and Mukuro, once again, exchanged secretive glances. Then, Raizen met Botan's frightened gaze. "We don't yet know what Yomi is after, but I promise you we will find out. Just know you are safe here. Feel free to explore the castle as if it were your own home. If you want to go out into the market, please make sure you let me or Yusuke know, and we will arrange you a security unit."

"I can leave the castle whenever I want?" Botan questioned, perplexed, flabbergasted by such an offer.

Raizen's expression fell, and the sorrow in his eyes haunted Botan. "Of course, princess. You are not a prisoner here. Under normal circumstances, you could come and go as you please. Letting us know is just a precaution because of the attack."

"I understand." Botan curtsied. "Thank you, Lord Raizen."

In the present, Botan found her way to the kitchen. It was a quaint area where food was prepared, but there were a few long tables there for times where it wasn't necessary to eat in the dining hall. That was a stark contrast to Reikai. Botan was never allowed in the kitchen, and she and her brother usually ate alone in the dining hall at a large, singular table that took up the entire room. Sometimes their father would join them, but it wasn't often. To be honest, when Raizen's group joined her and her brother on her last day in Reikai, it was the most people that had ever sat together at that table.

A bowl of fruit was set on the table, so Botan decided to snack on these foreign fruits. Relief filled her as the cool juices coated her tongue. She didn't know what she was eating, but it was so fresh and sweet. While enjoying her light meal, Botan heard a sound. She flinched and looked around, afraid. "Wh-who is there?" she stammered.

There was no light in the room, and it was taking Botan a while to adjust to the dark. A figure approached her, but she could only make out the outline. The princess squinted, and when the figure came close, Botan could tell it was Hiei.

"H-Hiei," she stuttered. "What are you doing here?"

"Same as you," Hiei replied. Botan's brow quirked; she was uncertain what he meant. "Couldn't sleep." The princess's gut reaction was to ask Hiei how he knew she couldn't sleep, but before she could, he added, "You weren't at dinner."

Botan inhaled a shuddering breath. "I…didn't think anyone would care to notice. I may be a guest, but I'm no one special. Not compared to all of you."

Hiei's eyes widened a fraction, and his jaw became slack, stupefied by the disparaging remarks. "What makes you say that? You hardly know us. You're royalty, and most of us are soldiers."

With a shake of her head, Botan said, "But you're all so much stronger and more knowledgeable about the universe. I…you must all think I'm a fool for not knowing what exists out here. Today was my first time even going into a city." Her shoulders slumped, her gaze cast down to the floor. "I couldn't even tell you what the markets of Reikai are like. I'm just…a wallflower. It's what my father raised me to be."

Hiei growled in anger. "That man is not your father," he snapped.

"Wh-what?"

The demon gritted his teeth and looked away. His fists were clenched against his lap, shoulders squared, and he could not meet the princess's gaze. He regretted his words and amended them. "I mean, he does not behave as a father should. A parent is someone who builds you up and prepares you for the trials of the world instead of abandoning you or using you as a political tool when you are so much more than that."

Hiei's words practically tore Botan apart. It was as if a part of her heart and soul already knew what her companion said was true, but her mind could not accept that she was treated poorly by her father. She always dismissed this, convinced herself that it was the way things were. Botan clenched her eyes shut and shook her head before she looked to Hiei with pain-filled eyes. "You can't say that. You…barely know me." She used Hiei's earlier observation against him, and they both knew it. "How do you know what I am?"

Hiei turned towards her and gazed into her eyes with an intensity that left Botan weak in the knees.

"Because I see you."

After a few days to get used to the idea that she was in a world full of demons, Botan began to relax and explore her new 'home', temporary as it was. Where Yusuke showed her many secret places, Botan found some on her own. One day, she stumbled upon a secret balcony which overlooked the training grounds. The princess was given a good view and could see many people she'd come to know in a short time, along with the four boys she'd befriended.

Botan watched them fight for a while. Part of the time they trained alone; part of the time they sparred with partners. Powers that Botan had never seen in her lifetime flared around everyone. They all had special techniques. Even when Hiei and the others defended her from the demon that attacked her, they never used these abilities.

Botan realized that they hid a lot of themselves to make an alliance with her father. She felt terrible, guilty. These demons…youkai…were nothing like what she read about in Reikai texts. They weren't embodiments of evil or ruthless, indiscriminate killers. In all honesty, they were just like ordinary people. They shouldn't have to hide the truth about who they were from someone who didn't understand them.

The men all broke away, and Botan's eyes found Hiei as he walked over to a table and guzzled down a canteen of water. As he slammed the canteen against the wooden table, Botan could tell he was breathing quite heavily. Actually, his spars seemed to be the most intense. He and his partner looked a little worse for wear, but neither seemed to mind. Then, surprisingly, Hiei looked up towards the direction of the balcony and Botan froze. Although the balcony was hidden from view, it felt like Hiei was peering into her soul. He knew she was there.

At least, Botan felt like he did, and it made her insides twist. He always seemed to find her, in reality and in her dreams. She slowly backed away and headed back into the castle. Shortly after, the men entered the stronghold to get lunch.

"Hey, princess!" Botan nearly stumbled in her stride and turned to face Yusuke. She wiped the nervous expression from her face and put on a smile. "We're heading for lunch. Want to join?"

"Sure," Botan managed not to stammer. Her eyes met Hiei's; his were already on her before she looked at him, and were completely unreadable.

The moment was short-lived as they headed to the mess hall. It was a very informal eatery where the soldiers could have their fill after heavy training bouts, and a very lively place. People drank and were loud. It was strangely calming for Botan to be surrounded by so many rowdy people.

The group of five ate, and Botan quietly listened to their stories about their training session, occasionally offering input or encouragement. It was after they ate when Yusuke made an offer.

"So, I was thinking," he began, "did you want to go out of the castle today? You've been cooped up a few days."

Botan was touched by the offer, especially because no one would dare make that offer to her in Reikai even though she was sheltered much longer than a mere few days. Still, Botan was unsettled and wanted to take some time for herself. She didn't know why she felt the way she did, and the last thing she wanted was for her companions to think it had anything to do with them.

"I really appreciate that, Yusuke," she sincerely stated, "but I don't think it's a good idea. I'm feeling rather tired."

Kuwabara felt like something was off. "Does it have anything to do with what we told you?"

Botan shook her head from side to side. "No, it's not that. Well, not entirely. What you all shared with me did really affect me that night, and I was unable to sleep that night."

Kurama grew serious, although his gaze remained warm. "It is understandable. We know what you were taught to believe your entire life, and that this is uncharted water for you. It's okay to be scared."

"But I'm not," Botan denied. She crossed her arms and leaned against the table. Her head dropped, and she sighed. When she leaned more towards the others, they leaned further in too. "I…I'm going to tell you something, but you have to know that you're the only ones I've talked to about this since my mother…"

Yusuke's eyes grew pained for a moment as if he empathized. "It's okay," he quietly murmured. "You can tell us. Your secrets are safe here."

Botan relaxed considerably. "Okay," she breathed out. "It's just…I'm prone to nightmares. I…I have been since I was little. Only my mother knew about them." She looked to Hiei, and the demon understood she was answering his question from the night in the garden. She did have nightmares since she was young, often enough that her mother created the story of the Lumos to help the child cope. He also now ascertained that she'd been dealing with them all alone for years. "It's been worse, lately, since before you all arrived in Reikai. Since being here…they occur every night and I only get a few hours of sleep. I'm just really exhausted."

Her friends appeared as if they all just received terrible news. Botan could only guess what they were thinking. Kurama was the first to ask, "Can you elaborate on your dream? Where you are?"

Botan's eyes squinted, and she grew slightly defensive. "Why are you interested? It's just a dream."

"'It'?" Kuwabara repeated. "It's the same one?"

The princess's eyes widened, and she grew alarmed. She hadn't said anything, and she certainly didn't expect anyone to derive the truth from such a simple statement. "I-it's not…"

Botan's eyes shot around to the three concerned gazes before she settled on Hiei. He always seemed to be someone she could lean on, and his resolute demeanor was enough to slow her racing heart.

"Tell them," Hiei gently prodded her.

Botan was surprised by the command, especially because she didn't think Hiei knew what she had to tell. Seeing the worry in everyone's eyes, though, was what convinced her to talk.

"This one was new, and it led into my old nightmares," the princess explained. "I was alone, outside the castle here in Tourin, by a river. A creature similar to the one that attacked me the other day grabbed me and flew off with me. I lost consciousness and awoke in a dark cave."

"Can you describe the cave?" Kurama pressed.

Botan looked at the redhead like he was nuts. "Um, I don't know. Dark? There's a stream, I think? It felt rocky and cave-like? I don't know what it is you're looking for."

Kurama nodded at her. "That is fine. What else?"

Botan hesitated. Should she tell them more? She already told them she had the dream before. What more could she say? That Hiei comes to her rescue? That she dreamt about the man before she even met him?

"I think that's enough interrogation," Yusuke chided. His seriousness then vanished as he regarded Botan with warmth. "Anyway, Botan, tomorrow we're planning a party. Think of it like a welcome party, like you guys did for us." Botan was surprised Yusuke said the last part, especially because the princess was sure everyone knew that Enma's words were just a fancy farce to what the ball truly was. "My girlfriend, Keiko, is going to be there, and so is Kuwabara's sister and girlfriend. I think you'll get along with all of them."

The princess was a little hesitant, but she tried to play it off. "I don't even have a date," she attempted a joke.

Yusuke and Kuwabara snickered. "Don't worry, princess," Kuwabara said. "You'll find someone."

At that moment, the two redheads and Yusuke exchanged secretive, conspiratory glances. "Now, we have some other business to attend to, right guys?" Yusuke relayed in a teasing manner.

Kurama held his hand against his mouth to conceal his amusement as he chuckled. "Yes, of course. Hiei, please make sure the princess finds her way back to her room safely."

Hiei growled but was otherwise unmoved. He remained at Botan's side without complaint.

Once the others left, Botan turned to her companion and asked, "What was that about?"

Hiei didn't answer. He simply stood up, his form rigid. "Come with me," he ordered.

Curious, Botan replied, "Where are we going?"

Hiei grew nervous, fidgety even, and that seemed so unlike him. He shoved his hands in his pockets and averted his eyes to the ground. "Just…come."

Somewhere in the fortress, Hiei took Botan to a garden full of colorful roses and other beautiful plants and flowers. Botan was awed by the luscious greenery and gorgeous pools of water and the lovely waterfall. It was hard to believe such a place could exist inside this stronghold.

"What is this?" the princess asked as they crossed the water using a large a sturdy tree branch.

Hiei still had his hands in his pockets as he reached a stone platform and kicked a pebble into the water. "Raizen planted this garden for his wife. He still had people tend to it. Kurama is one of them."

Botan joined Hiei on the platform, and then the two moved to climb the rocks to sit over the deep pool from beneath the small waterfall. The princess felt a wave of heartbreak for Tourin's leader. He must have really loved his wife if he kept this lovely place for her even though she was not around, or at least Botan assumed since they were not introduced.

"What happened to her?"

The princess noticed hesitation flicker across Hiei's features, but as quickly as it came, Hiei snuffed it out. "It was their two-year anniversary. Raizen's mate—that's what youkai call their partners—went to him during a strategy meeting to tell him she was pregnant. He planned a huge celebration, but…" He paused. "Word got out to Yomi's people. Whether he had a spy among us or not, no one knows. He had Raizen's mate taken from here."

"Taken?" Botan gasped. "By who? How?"

Hiei's eyes narrowed as his entire aura darkened. "Yomi hired a slave trader and told him to take the woman far, far away to sell her. Raizen has spent nearly two decades trying to find his lover and their child. Honestly, we don't think the woman made it."

The empathy Botan felt from Yusuke earlier made sense. "That's so sad," Botan murmured. "Did…they ever find the slave trader?"

"I did," Hiei told the princess, his eyes full of hate and bitterness. "You remember Lord Mukuro." Botan nodded. "The slaver was her father. He abused Mukuro when she was young, had a thing with selling women for sex. Eventually, Mukuro scarred herself so no one would touch her. After that, the man found another way. He kidnapped women and sold them to the highest bidder."

"How did you get involved?"

"My sister," Hiei reluctantly admitted. "She had…unusual 'talents'. Her tears turn to crystal and sell for a hefty price. When I realized who the bastard was, I didn't think. I just ended his miserable life. He caused so much harm to Mukuro, whom I respect, my sister, who I swore to protect, and to Yusuke's family. Even now, seeing the damage he left in his wake, I wish I could kill him again, though this time torture the life out of him."

Botan's hands encompassed around Hiei's fist, and her eyes filled with unbridled worry for her companion. Hiei misread her actions. "Does that frighten you?" he questioned darkly.

"No," Botan admitted. "It should, but I honestly feel…moved. You really care about those closest to you, don't you? I'm so sorry I misjudged you when we first met."

She saw the upturn of his lips and an amused glint in his crimson eyes. "I was an asshole," Hiei expressed. "You have much grace, princess, to put up with someone like me." Botan was about to protest and defend him, but his next words threw her off. "Which is why I'd be honored if you were my date to the celebration tomorrow."

Only the sound of the waterfall and Botan's heartbeat could be heard. Hiei was so close to her, and Botan leaned in. It was like their moment in the gazebo, but there was nothing stopping them now.

"Just say the word, woman."

Botan was confused. "Huh?"

"You have the power to control what happens next," he told her. "Say you'll go or walk away right now."

The princess smiled at her dark knight, leaned forward, and kissed the corner of his mouth. She felt Hiei shudder under her gentle touch and then stared him in the eye. "I would love to go with you. Thank you, for showing me this garden." She looked around and then the two finished their climb to the grassy bluff at the top of the stone structure. Botan lied down on the grass and looked up to see the Makai sky overhead. The colors were different than in Reikai, but Botan didn't mind. She could still make out shapes and cloud gaze, and that was good enough for her. "I feel like I belong here."

Hiei joined her on the grass. He took her hand and laced their fingers together. Botan's attention snapped to him, and she looked truly happy. "Maybe you do," he replied.

The two of them remained there in silence for a while longer. They just looked at the sky and watched the floating pictures above. Occasionally, Botan would point out a figure she saw in the sky and Hiei would grimace because he couldn't see what she saw. It was a peaceful afternoon.