Title: A Healer's Kiss
Author: Reiko
Hello, minna! Here's the next installment… and—
Botan: And Reiko would like to thank each and everyone of her reviewers!
Distant Voice – Hey thanks for being the first to review. I know what you mean… it could be a shocker, right? I've thought about this before posting but heh… I just realized that the plot would revolve around it… so… but don't worry there will be more Hiei/Botan scenes to compensate for it!
Densetsu Tenshi – Thank you for putting this into your fave list! And here's the next chapter! ::huggles::
KayHiei – Thanks and here it is! Sorry it took quite a while
Kurama-Haku – So sorry about the long chapters… but when I write fics, I have this weird habit of compressing everything into one chapter as possibly as I can. And besides, I like reading long chapters that's why I write long chapters as well. For me, reading long chapters always makes up for the wait you, as the reader, had to endure
Curry – Thank you and I'll try my best!
Mausoleum – I'm sorry about that… gomen, gomen I was just caught up in the whole KuwaBAKA thing that I read in some fanfictions. I don't really hate Kuwabara… I'll refrain from using that then Thanks for pointing that out!
Kuwabara: Finally! A believer!
Hiei: Shut up! You're stupid!
Kuwabara: Shrimp!
Reiko: Both of you shut up! ::clears throat:: Now, where am I? Ahh…
hiei/botan4ever – Here! Here! Hiei and Botan definitely forever! I like your sig name! Thank you so much for reviewing!
timeless – You think so? I like fluff but not too much though… I believe that the fluff should come after the important details, right? Thanks so much!
fath8252 - ::chuckles:: I planned it that way… I've always thought that Yusuke and Botan would look cute together… but well… I've been bitten by the HB bug really bad so… here I am! Thank you!
Hiei's Ice Maiden – Hai! Hai! Here it is! ::ponders:: Are you somewhat related to Hiei? LOL! You Onna!!!
Hiei: ::smirks::
Botan: Hey Hiei, that line's getting pretty popular! Maybe you should have it copyrighted or something?
Hiei: …. ::rolls eyes:: Stupid onna…
tuathafaerie – by the time I post this, you may have received my e-mail? Thank you for the kind words! Am I hearing right? English is also your second language? ::giggles:: didn't look like it when I read your fic! Hey, it was one of the best HB fic I've read! Kept me hooked from the moment I started reading Chapter 1! I'll try my best with this one! Again, thank you for the support!
Suki-Saki- 14 - I never really thought that this would catch people's attentions! Thank you! Yah, me too! I'm actually wondering what would happen to everybody! I write fics without any plans at all, meaning that everything just goes out freely from my head then when I'm done… I sit and read the finished chapter then I would be like "Did that just happen?" or "I wrote that?!"
Yusuke: Uh-oh… she actually didn't plan everything… ::breaks into a cold sweat::
Kurama: ::nods:: Now there's something to worry about… ::stops as mental images of Hiei and him floats around his head::
Reiko: Stop it, Kurama! I don't write yaoi.
Kurama: Now that's a relief. ::smiles::
Moonbeam – I just hope that my YYH Muses would work their very best! Thank you!
Larka – Really straight to the point! ::LOL:: Yay, for H/B goodness! As they say, we must fight the good fight! I know some of the ML's around there don't like this pairing at all… but then again… well…
Hiei: ::unsheathes katana:: Really??
Reiko: ::rolls eyes:: Botan, you handle him.
Botan: ::giggles:: And I know just how…
Reiko: Uh-oh… I don't like the look on her face at all. ::watches as Botan pulls the struggling Hiei by the ears::
Pocky-and-Fred – None taken… I have to admit that it could be a little queasy for this fandom… but… that's the only thing that I could think of… Blame the YYH muses! I swear, it wasn't me!
Botan: At least, I didn't have to have Kuwabara's baby!
Reiko: ::scratches head, looks confused:: Weren't you with Hiei a while ago?
Botan: Yah, that jerk! He insisted that I do something like touching—
Reiko: ::covers ears:: You know what? I don't want to know!
Kuwabara: Hey! What's wrong with having my baby!
Yusuke: Need you ask?!::looks at Reiko smugly:: Wait till Keiko finds this!
Saiyan under cover – just wait till you read the first chapter… two words for you: Botan and Survival… but in the later chapters… well… lets just say that she would get lucky, ne? Thank you so much for reviewing!
Heather – Thank you! I just hope that the later chapters will be interesting too! We have to wait and see!
Nishigirl – Are you new to the fandom? And I'll try my best updating ASAP… I actually have to squeeze this between work and real life… but I'll really try my best! Thank you!
Okay, that's the last of it! And I do apologize if this chapter could be a little long and boring. You must understand that some of the things I've written here is quite essential for the story development. I think its fair that we find out what and how Botan's doing after she left Rei Kai, right? Most are minor explanations of things though… One more thing, don't you just hate the limited spacing has for summary thingies! I could've written a better summary for this if not for that!
And I would like to give my special thanks to tuathafaerie for letting me borrow her concept. I actually used the main characters from the anime Yami No Matsui in this fic. I've tried my best not to make everything confusing but it wouldn't hurt for you to try browsing the net for more character info!
Hiei: Quite rambling, onna and get on with the story!
Reiko: Okay, okay… and disclaimers apply!
A Healer's Kiss
Chapter I – Running Away Again
A smile lit her face.
She took a deep breath and stretched lazily on her bed upon feeling the delicious rays of the sun filtering through her bedroom window. Opening her eyes, her hands automatically resting on her already swollen belly, she let out another happy smile.
"Another wonderful day for us, sweetie," she said softly while stroking her belly. Then much to her surprise and delight, she felt a light kick in her stomach. It was as if her baby had heard her! She chuckled, feeling blessed. From what it felt, no doubt the child growing inside her was strong. Her left hand unconsciously left her stomach only to clasp the crystal phial against her chest.
"Strong like his father…"
After her escape from Rei Kai, Botan fled to the northern part of Japan. She half-thought of settling in Tokyo but remembering her friends, she decided not to. Instead, she decided to reside in this small, insignificant provincial town and start a new life. As of the moment, she was not yet ready to face them, especially Keiko and Yusuke. And besides, she knew that Koenma was currently looking for her. The Rei Kai prince would undoubtedly send the Rei Kai Tanteis and some of his best men to search for her. Settling in Tokyo would be a dead give-away since she was sure that that's the first place Koenma would go looking for. She sighed, thinking about the hell Koenma's going through right now. He wouldn't certainly hear the end of it from Enma Daiou. She knew she was causing a lot of trouble and she hated it. But she had no choice. She had to do this for the sake of her child.
As if on cue, another kick rounded inside her belly but this time, it was stronger, demanding. She smiled while shaking her head. Her baby was getting hungry. Shrugging the covers aside, Botan slowly got out of bed and made her way towards her apartment's small kitchen to prepare her breakfast. Opening her fridge, she settled for some milk and fruit. Sitting down on one of her kitchen stools, she started peeling her apple as she let random thoughts swirl inside her head.
She couldn't say it was an easy life. On the contrary, the past nine months had been difficult for her. First, since her running away was not intended, it didn't give her any time to think. She acted rashly that she didn't think of bringing the most important part of this journey: MONEY. She actually set foot in Ningenkai without a single cent to her name! Second, in order to survive in this money driven world, Botan decided that she would have to take some action. And so without hesitation, she went around looking for work the Ningen way. That part was especially hard. The town was small and everybody knew everybody that having a new face around raised little suspicions. Although mildly pleasant and nice, the people around her still refused to get associated with her. The image of her setting foot in their front door with a suitcase in hand, looking a bit lost made their impassiveness towards her stronger. They treated Botan like some kind of traveler, a visitor who would soon lose interest and be on her way after making her stop at their town. That is, with the exception of old Momoko-san.
Botan found herself smiling as the thought of dear, kind Momoko-san settled in her head. The old lady owned a ramen shop. She was on her way to the town market one morning to buy the supplies needed for business that day when she spotted the tired-looking Botan sitting on the sidewalk, looking helpless and lost among the busy crowd of people. With a kind face, she approached the girl and asked her if she was all right. That mere conversation actually started it all. Momoko-san, upon learning of her delicate condition, invited Botan to work for her. Of course, she was more than willing to accept. And so, Botan, the ex-ferry girl of the Rei Kai, one of the highest members if Koenma's Royal Court and one of the three chosen bearers of the prestigious Mark, suddenly found herself serving and catering to other people's needs. Without her spirit energy to call on Koenma for assistance, she just woke up one morning only to realize that she was living like a Ningen— a very poor and underprivileged Ningen at that, who had to find odd ways in order to survive.
But then, who was she to complain, right?
Though she admitted that the drastic change took her by surprise, still she was able to adjust, little by little. It was just a matter of time when Botan finally found herself settling in comfortably, surrounded by her new friends. And Momoko-san had been nothing but kind and understanding. She permitted Botan to stay at her place for a while and when she was able to save enough, she finally gave her consent to the young girl to go and get herself a place of her own. She still worked at the ramen store though. But since it's her ninth month, Momoko-san gave her her much needed leave.
And now, she was so near to giving birth. It will just be in a matter of weeks, she thought. She took a bite of her fruit, relishing its sweetness. Just thinking about that brought a rush of excitement within her. Her baby would be a boy. Yes, it definitely had to be a boy! And with that, she began toying with the idea of naming him after his father. Remembering Yusuke, her face darkened a little. She shook her head. No, that was not good. She had to stop thinking about Yusuke and the rest of the gang. She had a new life now, right? She had to leave the past behind. Then settling for a more cheerful thought like thinking of a nice name to give her son, she drank her milk and hurriedly finished her breakfast. After the meal, she took a quick shower, donned on her dress and stepped out.
She knew that the doctor forbid her to go out on her own at her present condition but she couldn't help it.
There were still a lot to buy for her baby.
"Na, 'Soka! Let's go and buy some candy first, ne? What do you say? Huh? Huh?"
The blond, emerald-eyed youth stopped and sighed with irritation. He turned around only to see a pair of electric violet eyes staring at him with sincere and genuine sweetness. He looked away, a vein popping at his right temple.
"Ne, ne, 'Soka? Candy?"
When the man behind him began to develop the cute cat ears at the sides of his brownish black head and that adorable wagging tail, Kurosaki Hisoka found his right fingers going up to massage the bridge of his nose rather tiredly, dejectedly.
"Tsuzuki," he said through gritted teeth. "We don't have time for this. We're here to look for someone not to sight-see, okay?"
"But, but, Hisoka---! We've been walking for hours!" This time, the older man's eyes began to shine. He displayed his cutest, lost puppy-dog look, his tail wagging at a furious rate. "It'll be quick, I promise. I'll just pop in the store to buy one candy, just one candy."
"If I let you, you'll just dally there, wasting precious time," remarked the already irritated Hisoka. He already knew how his partner behaved in a place full of rich, colored-candy goodness. Then without a word, he continued on his way while casually placing his hands inside his jacket pocket.
Seeing that, Tsuzuki pouted and followed his partner. Then he looked around him only to realize that they are nearing the town's small market. Running up to Hisoka, he placed his left hand on the youth's shoulder. "Look! The candy's cheap here compared to the big city! It's not everyday you see mouth-watering sweet costing a few yens," Tsuzuki reasoned out. When Hisoka just snorted, Tsuzuki decided to change his tactics. Out of the blue, just when the younger teen least expected it, he cried pleadingly. "Please, Hisoka! I have to have my daily dose of sweet or I'll die!"
Hisoka, not stopping, smirked at him. "You're already dead, Tsuzuki," he said flatly, apparently used to his partner's sudden and theatrical outbursts.
At that, Tsuzuki's lower lips trembled. "Wah! How could you say something cruel?" he asked getting all teary-eyed. When the stoic teen merely rolled his eyes in frustration, Tsuzuki pointed an accusing finger at him. "Hisoka no hidoi!" he cried.
At the sudden accusation, all the bustling activity around them stopped momentarily. Hisoka looked around only to notice everyone staring at them. A sweat drop appeared at the back of his head while attempting to force out a smile from his austere lips.
"A— anou…" he stuttered, looking at the already growing crowd surrounding them. "Minna, everything's fine. It's just that—"
"Hidoi! Hidoi!"
Apparently, Tsuzuki's tantrums weren't helping as the people began looking at them curiously while murmuring something about noisy tourists and weird street performers. Hisoka shut his eyes close for a moment. The last thing that he wanted right now was unwanted attention. He sighed and forcefully grabbed the genki man by his shirt collar.
"All right, all right!" he hissed, pulling Tsuzuki with him. "Shut up! Go and buy that stupid candy!"
With that, Tsuzuki's eyes shone. "Really, 'Soka?" When the teen only gave him a defeated nod, Tsuzuki hopped excitedly. "Yay! Candy!" he cried as he enthusiastically made his way towards the candy store, already leading the way.
Hisoka found himself shaking his head tiredly as he followed his energetic partner who was already making his way towards the candy store. Until now, he couldn't understand why on God's name he was given an idiot for a partner. "God really has a weird sense of humor," he thought as he entered the store only to find Tsuzuki already inside currently driving the store owner nuts.
"This is a waste of time," thought Hisoka as he watched his sweet-toothed partner having trouble deciding whether to buy the peppermint sticks or the strawberry-flavored pocky. Tsuzuki was frowning with concentration as if he was trying to diffuse a state-of-the-art explosive. Hisoka decided to ignore him while focusing his attention to the store's clear display window. He couldn't help but think about the very special case their department head, Tatsumi, gave them
When their department received the details for this mission, Tatsumi's first thought in mind was to give it to his two best men, Hisoka and Tsuzuki. Hisoka, who was more than eager to take the job, repeatedly begged Tatsumi to work on the case alone. He didn't need the over genki Tsuzuki coming along with him and ruining everything. After all, this was a special and confidential case. It was very, VERY seldom for the Ruler of Rei Kai to call on Shinigamis for assistance. As far he as he could tell, although Enma Daiou controlled everything in Meifu, the father of Koenma didn't practically give a rat's ass with whatever there department did or investigate (they are only in charge of investigating un-natural deaths). And so, when Enma Daiou, one morning, sent word to Tatsumi asking him to send his best men in his Royal Chambers, his curious nature couldn't help but wonder what's going on. Calling an elite force such as them certainly meant that something really big came up in the Spirit World.
From what he learned during the briefing, one of the top members of Koenma's court ran away with a very powerful artifact. At first, Hisoka couldn't quite figure out why the Rei Kai was making such a big fuss about some ferry girl-turned-thief stealing one measly object from the treasury but when he found out that the woman in question was indeed one of the chosen bearers for The Mark plus carrying a child of an S-class demon, he finally came to understand why it drove the Rei Kai Ruler into a frenzy. The cunning woman was carrying something that could cause Enma Daiou's and the Rei Kai's downfall. If the child survived, it would certainly be strong. And the fact that a blood of a deity would be flowing in its vein as well, it would be stronger, stronger than its father. If not given the proper guidance and tutelage, this child could create havoc in both worlds.
"Guess Enma Daiou's not taking any chances this time," thought Hisoka thinking that having the child killed was stupid and pointless. But then again, he was just merely following orders, right?
Another thing was the woman had the Healer's Kiss. Unbeknownst to the stupid girl, she was actually a prized commodity in both the Rei Kai and especially in the Makai. The Rei Kai always kept close guard to the bearers, keeping their identities top secret. In fact, Hisoka later found out that there were actually three Healers not just one. Their department was only given vague information when the subject of the Healers came up. Only he, Tsuzuki and Tatsumi knew about this. Well, he thought, one could understand the need for secrecy though. If information about the bearers' identity leaked out, then every youkai in the Makai would storm Rei Kai and try to kidnap the three deities for their own use, of course. One could only imagine the chaos that would bring.
Without thinking, Hisoka pulled out something from his jacket pocket. It was a photo of the said woman given to him by Tatsumi (actually, he would've handed the photo to the older Shinigami but knowing how scatter-brained Tsuzuki was, he gave the only photo they have to the more dependable one). The woman, named Botan, had sky blue hair and sparkling pink eyes. He stared at the photo, frowning mildly.
She was smiling, her fingers raised in a sort of peace sign while being flanked by two grinning boys at her right who he was sure were Ningens and another two boys at her left. He was sure that the black haired boy standing close to her, his arm about her shoulders in a friendly manner was Urameshi Yusuke, the leader of the Rei Kai Tantei and the child's father. On Yusuke's right stood the stupid-looking, orange-haired boy named Kuwabara Kazuma. On her left was a scowling demon, the only wielder of the dark flame named Hiei Jaganshi and beside him was Minamino Shuiichi, better known as Youko Kurama, all smiles and charms as usual. By merely looking at the photograph which was undoubtedly taken during The Dark Tournament, Hisoka could tell that the five were very good friends.
Then, unconsciously, his eyes landed on Hiei whom he knew only by reputation. He had heard of the demon's world famous cold and aloof attitude so it was no wonder to him why Hiei was scowling at this photo. Evidently, Botan had wittingly placed her left elbow on top of his shoulder, leaning against him. And if that was not enough, she had purposely laid her head on top his making his "shortness" stand out more. Judging from the lovely smile on Botan's face, he was sure that the woman didn't mind the fire demon's spiky hair brushing against her face. It probably didn't also occur to Botan that Hiei was already looking ready to kill the moment the flash of the camera went off.
By the time his musings were over, Tsuzuki finally made up his mind and decided to take both. Pocketing the photo again, he looked up only to see his partner bounding up to him excitedly, holding three boxes of sweets in his hands.
"Look, 'Soka!" Tsuzuki said while shoving the boxes of candy to his face that Hisoka's eyes nearly crossed each other. With a growl, he pushed Tsuzuki's arm away while stepping back a little.
"Yamero, Tsuzuki," he said with utmost annoyance. "Are you done? Let's go!"
Tsuzuki's lower lips trembled. "But— I bought an extra box," he said, looking hurt. Then he smiled engagingly at him, ignoring the younger man's irritated look. "You can have the peppermint if you like," the sweet man said, offering the box to him. "I bought it especially for you. I know you don't like candy that's too much sweet."
"I don't even eat candy,' he thought wryly. He was half tempted to blurt the cutting remark out but decided against it when he saw his partner standing before him. With that, Hisoka sighed. Tsuzuki was looking all sweet and nice that he felt rotten for even snapping at him a while ago. Clearing his throat, he awkwardly took the box from Tsuzuki's willing hands and was about to thank him when suddenly something caught his intelligent, bottle green eyes.
A streak of blue glided amongst the busy throng of people outside the store.
He looked outside the window, his eyes straining to see if the blue apparition he had just spotted a while ago was real. When he saw nothing, he shook his head, thinking that he was imagining things. He was about to pull his partner out of the candy shop (afraid that Tsuzuki might get some more ideas ) when he saw something blue at the corner of his eyes again. He turned around sharply only to see Botan, her back to them, walking away briskly, already swallowed by the thick crowd. So he wasn't imagining things at all! Kuso! With that, he cursed out loud.
"Shit," he muttered while shoving the box carelessly at the arms of the surprised Tsuzuki. "Hold this, okay?" And not wasting another second, Hisoka dashed outside the shop, running after the disappearing figure of the woman.
"Hisoka!" Tsuzuki called out cluelessly, running out of the shop as well. "Hisoka, wait! Where are you going?"
But his partner was already gone.
Botan wrinkled her nose, surveying the baby rattle in one of the stalls. She turned it round and round her free hand, studying it very carefully while ignoring the annoyed look the stall vendor was giving her. Well, she wanted what was best for her baby, right? So she had to choose carefully. She was actually thinking if the rattle was safe for her baby.
"Has a lovely color though," she thought as her eyes appreciated the rattle's baby blue hue. She smiled, her eyes momentarily landing on her shopping bag which was carelessly latched onto her right hand. "He will like this," her thoughts added as she lightly shook the toy. Then turning to the store owner, she smiled brightly. "I'll take it!" she exclaimed, handing the toy back to the lady.
"Okay, I'll wrap this up for you," the older woman said, quite pleased, the annoyed look on her face completely gone.
Botan was about to reach for her purse to get some money when she suddenly felt something poking at her back. Of course, her initial reaction was to turn around to see what it was but apparently, that something knew what she was going to do. She let out a soft gasp when she felt a soft hand grasping her left arm.
"Don't move."
It was a whispered command.
She froze, swallowing hard. With that, she came to a sudden conclusion that a gun nozzle was stiffly pointing at her back. She swallowed again, trying hard not to panic. So she was being mugged.
"How heartless can you get," she hissed at him through gritted teeth, "trying to mug a very pregnant and helpless lady?"
The person behind her chuckled softly while leaning closer to her till she could feel his body against her back. From what it felt, the person behind her was a man… no, a boy. When she felt the boy leaning his head against her right ear, she suppressed the urge to scream for fear of the gun.
Being an empath, Hisoka immediately sensed the fear in her. "Don't be afraid." His voice was soft and silky but threatening. "We've been looking all over for you, Botan."
Her eyes widened.
She had been found!
"I have to give it to you, though. We've been looking for the past nine months," he said. She didn't answer. Hearing nothing from her, Hisoka decided to get on to business. "Just come with me now. Be silent and no unwanted attentions, okay?" And with that, he released his hold of her arm. He was thinking of lowering his gun down but decided against it. This woman might do something stupid, his insides warned him.
With her arm already free, she turned sideways to face her captor. She was actually expecting a burly, unpleasant face but what greeted her mildly surprised her. At the corner of her eye, she could see the mass of soft, thick blond hair on his delicate head and he had these bright, green eyes that strongly reminded her of Kurama. All in all, the boy was beautiful. The grimness of his lips and his furrowed brows couldn't hide the natural sweetness of his features. So she was right. It was a boy, a lovely boy at that, and from the looks of it, it was an inexperienced boy. She frowned at him.
"Or what? You're going to kill me?" she asked in a hushed, mocking tone as she took the carefully wrapped package from the unsuspecting vendor and placed it inside her shopping bag.
"No, you're already dead, Botan," replied Hisoka unfeelingly as he placed his hand around her shoulders and forcefully steered her around while expertly hiding his gun from other people's view. It was now pointing at her side.
Botan mentally frowned. This boy had a sensitivity of a brink on the face, she thought. It certainly didn't match his lovely features. She silently wondered as to what sort of childhood this boy went through. When she felt herself being forcefully pulled, she reluctantly took little steps away from the stall, shaking useless thoughts out of her head.
"Thanks for actually reminding me that I'm dead," she said sarcastically. "So why do you keep on using that useless gun then?" she couldn't help but ask.
Hisoka smirked. "I may not be able to kill you but this can kill that child LIVING inside you," he replied coldly.
With that, Botan gasped as fear and realization gripped her. The boy was right! If it couldn't kill her, it could surely kill her baby! And just by looking at his disposition, Botan came to a sudden conclusion that Hisoka's not bluffing at all. The boy was clearly used to this. He was the type who would follow orders without question. Due to that, she found herself shutting her mouth, unable to utter anything that might annoy her captor furthermore.
Hisoka turned his eyes sideways and sensing her fear, he shrugged nonchalantly. "And besides, my orders are to bring you back alive. What they plan to do with the child is not really my concern," he added pointedly.
With that, she smiled bitterly. "I thought that Shinigamis are nobody's lap dog?" asked Botan instead. When the boy didn't answer, she laughed without humor, looking at the clear blue sky. "I've never felt so special! Imagine, sending such an elite force to find me! Did they put a price on my head, huh?" she asked no one in particular, her voice sarcastic. Then her eyes riveted towards the boy. After a moment of staring, she finally spoke, "What if I tell you that I don't want to go back?"
Hisoka smirked again. "You have to," he replied when they reached the town square. "You have no choice." He tightened his hold on his gun and on her shoulder.
"Really?" she asked. Then to the complete surprise of Hisoka, Botan opened her mouth and screamed at the top of her lungs. It was an ear-splitting scream that nearly froze the bustling activity around them.
"Help! He's got a gun!"
Then Hisoka felt something hard bashing him on the face. Before he knew what was happening, he stumbled backwards. The cunning woman had hit him with her shopping bag, he finally realized. He winced with pain as he felt a slightly sharp object nearly poking his right eye. He groaned when he felt something sticky rolling down his cheek. He was bleeding. With that, he swore again, looking around the gathering crowd of curious people around him, searching for her blue head. Finding none, his eyes widened with disbelief.
She was gone!
"How the hell could a very pregnant lady run so fast?" he found himself asking. "I'm the responsible and sensible one here so how could she have gotten away from me?" he found himself asking with incredulity, thinking that this particular scenario would work better if it was Tsuzuki who was handling it. Remembering his partner, he gritted his teeth as he hastily shoved his gun inside his jacket pocket. He scanned his surroundings furiously. Where was that idiot Tsuzuki when you needed him? Muttering out his curses, he forced his way out of the milling people to look for the fleeing girl.
"Taxi!" Botan yelled as she desperately hailed the empty car approaching her. She turned her head and finding no one behind her, she relaxed a little. Then she shouted again, this time louder. "Taxi!" Then much to her relief, it stopped in front of her, empty. Opening the door, she quickly threw her things in first before stepping inside.
"Were to, miss?" the driver asked her politely.
"3rd district," replied Botan as she locked all the doors. "And step on it!" she cried, throwing all the money she had from her purse.
Seeing the scattered bills on the empty passenger sit beside him, the driver didn't need to be told twice. Following the woman's orders, he brought his right foot on the accelerator that Botan found herself holding for dear life as the car careened its way madly through the nearly crowded street. Along the way, Botan couldn't help but look back every other second just to check if somebody or something was behind them.
It was just a matter of minutes when the driver suddenly pulled over. "3rd District, miss," he said.
Botan blinked, looking around. Then realizing that they were already parked in front of her apartment building, she granted the driver a grateful smile and stepped out of the car. Without glancing back, she hurriedly made her way up to her home, inserted her key and stepped inside. She knew she had to run away again. She had been found and there was no way in hell that she would let them catch her and her baby! With those assumptions, she directly sauntered to her room, intent on packing her things.
"Oh, what to do, what to do…" her lips chanted as she furiously made her way back forth in her tiny bedroom, snatching everything she could get her hands on, taking only what her confused brain deemed as necessary. She was not thinking anymore as she took the only bag she could find and began stuffing random things in it. Any minute now, the Shinigami would undoubtedly find his way here. She had to hurry and vacate the place before it was too late.
"How could Koenma do this to me?" she asked herself, fuming. So he was intent on finding her! She couldn't even believe that Koenma would even think of dispatching the Shinigamis after her head! Just then, a slight but sharp pain gripped her. Eyes widening, she found herself sitting on her bed first, heaving. She clutched her stomach as she felt her baby move. Taking a deep breath, she wiped the forming beads of sweat on her forehead with the back of her hand as she felt the momentary pain immediately ebbing away. Oh, why did it have to be now? Just when she was all swollen and clrearly ineffective! She swallowed the lump forming in her throat, her lower lip trembling. With everything happening so fast, one thing settled inside her head: Right this very moment, she felt like a— like a criminal, a crook. They were running and looking for her as if she was some kind of a fugitive who did something really, really bad.
And it hurt her.
Was having a baby a crime?
"So what happened to friendship, trust, loyalty and understanding, Koenma?" she asked herself aloud, her voice bitter. Finding no answer to that, she shook her head, dismissing those hurtful thoughts from her head. She had to devise a plan first. I would sulk, cry and pity myself later, she decided.
She looked around thoughtfully, deciding on the next course of action. She was about to leave the apartment the "normal" way when she remembered something. Biting her lower lip, she bent down and opened her small night table. She opened the drawer only to reveal a tiny compact-like object sitting quietly inside. Ayame had once warned her to use it sparingly, only in case of emergencies. "Well, this is an emergency, right?" her insides said. Taking a deep breath, she took it out.
"I hope Ayame could still be trusted," she thought, flipping it open. She had no other choice but to call her. Then her fingers moved, pressing numbers rapidly. After a moment of waiting, the black, blank screen suddenly went to life with Ayame's face coming into view.
"Ayame!" Botan exclaimed. Despite the situation, she found herself smiling upon seeing a friendly face.
"Botan!" the ferry girl couldn't help but exclaim as well. She could tell that the other woman was surprised. Then Botan frowned when she saw Ayame looking around her furtively. Then in a hushed tone, the black-haired deity spoke. "How are you, Botan?"
She shook her head. There was no time for pleasantries right now! "Ayame, I need you're help!" she said quickly. Then she froze as she heard heavy, running footsteps coming near her door. They already found her! "They found me! They sent the Shinigamis!"
Ayame gasped, her free hand covering her mouth. "What? I didn't know that!" she cried, her eyes wide. Did Koenma dispatch his father's elite force?
"They're already here!" Botan exclaimed as she proceeded to lock her door. "I can hear them outside."
"Okay, so what do you want me to do?"
"I need you to open a portal for me," replied Botan as she frantically riveted her eyes towards her closed doors, expecting it to burst open any moment now.
"A portal? To where?" came Ayame's voice from the tiny speaker.
At the question, Botan thought for a moment. There was no sense in going to other parts of Ningenkai since she was sure that Shinigamis are all over the place right now. Surely, each and everyone were already alerted about her whereabouts after this incident. Of course, Rei Kai was out of the question and there was no way in hell that she would go to Mekai. There was only one thing left to do now. It was not advisable and she knew that Ayame would protest but she had no choice.
"Summon a portal to the Makai," she answered after a moment of furious thinking. Then just as she expected, Ayame's face contorted with disbelief.
"What? Are you crazy, Botan?" the other woman cried silently.
"I have no choice, Ayame," argued Botan. "It's the last place that they would go looking for. They won't expect me to go there."
"I know, but—"
"Ayame, I don't have much time! I have better chances there than staying here in Ningenkai."
Ayame stared at her for a moment. Seeing that the younger woman was really serious, she sighed, finally relenting. "Consider it done," she replied. Botan smiled at her. "But I have to warn you though, after you ran away, they tightened the security here meaning that we can no longer summon portals now and then just like we used to."
Botan cast her eyes down, biting her lower lip. "I'm sorry Ayame."
Ayame shook her head. "No, that's not the point," she said. "I can summon you a portal but I can't really channel much energy to it. They are closely guarding it as we speak so I cannot really give you an exact portal location. You may end up somewhere between Raizen's, Yomi's or Mukuro's territory… I don't know! You may even end up in a jungle or something. It can be dangerous."
Botan nodded. "I understand," she said. Then she heard her front door being forced open. "Ayame, they're here!" she exclaimed fearfully.
Ayame nodded. "Okay, it will be there in just a second," affirmed the woman. Then she smiled at her softly. "Take care, Botan," she said gently.
Botan smiled back. "Thank you, Ayame," she replied. "I don't know how to thank you."
Ayame shook her head. "I'll go now," she replied instead. Before Botan could say anything, the communicator went dead. Shaking her head, she pocketed the gadget and waited for the portal to appear against her wall. Then true to Ayame's words, a light green patch of light slowly materialized before her.
She clutched her bag tightly and made her way towards the glowing corner. She hated to leave without saying goodbye to her friends, especially to Momoko-san. She knew that everybody would be wondering where she had gone to later but right now, making farewells was out of the question. Taking a deep breath, she stepped into the portal. She didn't know where this would lead her but she found herself becoming a little hopeful.
She hoped she would land in Yomi's territory. And having a visiting Kurama there wouldn't be so bad at all, right?
Hiei swore for the third time.
His two companions looked at each other unsurely. They heard that their master, Hiei, was indeed one of the most powerful and strongest youkai in the Makai. Sure, they wouldn't mind having him show his true strength and not to mention the famous Jao Ensatsu Kokuryuhaa move but in his state right now…
"Stupid Mukuro!" Hiei grumbled again, interrupting the thoughts of his right-hand men. He furiously swiped a tree branch out of his way as they made their slow trek in the forest, in Mukuro's territory.
One couldn't blame Hiei's bad mood, though. He had just finished patrolling the Makai grounds for that day, been to the Rei Kai and had a very strenuous meeting with the bratty Koenma (they were actually berated for not finding the stupid ferry onna) went with Kurama and the rest of the idiots to Ningenkai to discuss the next course of action (of course, they didn't accomplish anything when Yusuke and Kuwabara started arguing again) and checked how his sister was doing. Of course having a tiring day's work done, he fleeted back to Mukuro's castle, intent on spending the rest of his day in luxurious training when he received an order from the woman.
"Oi, what are you doing slacking off here? Go and get two of your best men and check the forest."
"Hn, what do you mean by slacking? I just finished patrolling, moron. There's nothing there."
"There's something there. I can feel it."
"Baka, I don't feel any spirit energy or whatsoever. Get lost!"
"You get lost!"
"Hn!"
"When I say get your lazy butt out there, you will get your lazy butt out there!"
And so he found himself here, walking under the hot, blazing sun and looking for absolutely nothing. But then, he didn't wish to be inside Mukuro's black books at a time like this. The blasted woman was like having this stupid hormonal changes and the last thing that he needed right now was to stay there and endure a very pissed Mukuro. Thinking about that, he swore again. This was stupid and pointless! A total waste of time! He could've been training now. They had been walking for hours and still they couldn't find a single sign of life or even a threat. He silently cursed while mumbling about stupid onnas and their weird habits. Thinking again, he decided to add Botan to his curses. That stupid onna was an added problem to his life. He didn't actually expect that the stupid, bubble-headed onna would be this cunning.
"Hiei-sama, I heard something there behind the bushes."
Hiei stopped and turned to one of his men. He frowned and when another whimpered but soft cry reached his sensitive, youkai ears, he clutched his katana tightly. "Might be some dimwitted Ningen," he thought, not feeling any spirit energy. So, Mukuro wasn't imagining things after all, he said to himself as he moved forward cautiously. This time, he cursed stupid female intuitions to hell. He hated to admit it but that's one thing that they, men, couldn't really understand.
He signaled his men to be quiet while pointing directions. His men nodded as they moved quietly, surrounding the premises. When Hiei was sure that his men were in the right location, he advanced forward, slowly taking his a katana out. Whatever it was, it would pay, he thought, his eyes glinting evilly. He forcefully shoved a stray branch out of his way and was about to charge towards the clearing when a most unusual and unexpected sight greeted his eyes.
Lying in the middle of the forest was a sweaty and dirty Botan. She was panting, her tear-streaked face contorted with pain. From what he could tell, she was trying her best to stand up. And her belly was swollen and— He stopped short. Swollen! He blinked his eyes furiously, his usually sharp brain trying its best to absorb the scene before him. "The ferry onna was pregnant?" he found himself asking. And what's more… What the hell was she doing here? Wasn't she supposed to be missing? Questions flooded his brain simultaneously that he couldn't do anything but stare. Due to the shock, he found himself speechless for a second.
Botan turned her head towards his direction when she heard hushed movements getting closer. Fear gripped her, thinking that maybe some evil youkai sensed her. If she didn't move fast, she could be youkai lunch right this very minute! At first, she half-thought of standing up and running away but when her eyes locked with the said youkai, her pained face broke into a tiny smile.
"Hi-- Hiei?' she called out in between sobs. Relief washed over her upon finding a familiar face. "Hiei?" So I landed in Mukuro's territory, she thought looking at Hiei who was, in turn, looking at her with a blank expression on his face. She was about to thank her lucky stars when she remembered something. She groaned inwardly. Why did it have to be Hiei of all people? Why couldn't it be Kurama or—or— Just then, another contraction gripped her, cutting her thoughts short. She swallowed hard and heaved. By that time, his two subordinates emerged from their hiding places.
"Onna?" he found himself asking. Then remembering the present situation, he frowned at her. "What are you doing here, baka onna?"
Despite her present condition, Botan's face twisted with annoyance. "You big, unsympathetic oaf!" she cried as Hiei made up his mind to approach her. "What does it look like I'm doing here? I'm in labor!"
"Hiei-sama—" one of his men began, looking at Botan's sorry state unsurely. "I think—"
Hiei crossed his arms and just stood there, looking defiantly at her. "Hn!" Honestly, he didn't know what she was talking about. What the hell did she mean by labor? She wasn't doing anything but cursing and lying there!
"Uh, Hiei-sama, I— I think that the—"
Just then, Botan let out another cry as another contraction came. Her hand automatically went to her bulging stomach. Surprised at her outburst, the fire demon stared at her with mixed confusion and irritation. When Botan's face became visibly pale, he slightly panicked. Was she about to give birth? Realizing that, Hiei felt himself weakening a little. Now he wasn't sure if he should run and go get help or run and just leave her there. But before he could decide on what to do, Botan looked at him tearfully.
"You-- you have to help me, Hiei," she finally said in between big, gulping breaths. She took another deep breath, bracing herself for another contraction. "Don't just stand there! Do something!"
"Hn, and why should I? I'm in a bad mood, right now," he remarked, this time really annoyed. Now she was commanding him! First, it was Mukuro then it was this woman! Whatever was happening to the Makai right now? Finding no concrete answer to that, he decided to just stand there and stare. Plus, he didn't know what to do… though he wouldn't admit it.
"Because you miserable, wretched, sorry excuse for a youkai—" screamed Botan as the pain increased. Hearing her calling him names irked Hiei even more.
"One more word from you, Onna and I'll—"
"Shut up!" Botan yelled. She was clearly in pain now.
Did she just yell at him to shut up? He frowned at her and was about to retort something equally cutting when Botan opened her mouth again, beating him to it.
"My water bag just broke, you moron!"
To be continued…
Reiko: Hehehe… I'm so evil right now!!!
Botan: ::dazed:: I just— I can't believe that you—
Reiko: What?
Botan: What do you mean by what? Look at Hiei!
Hiei: ::eyes glazed, muttering nonsense::
Reiko: ::snorts:: Well, its not like he hasn't seen a—
Botan: Stop that!
Yusuke: This will be interesting… ::turns to Kurama:: You have the bag of chips, fox boy?
Kurama: ::tosses a bag to Yusuke:: Right! ::frowns:: And my name is not fox boy!
Yusuke: ::nods absent-mindedly:: Yah, fox boy.
Hiei and Botan: ::blushing::
That's about it! Thank you everybody for reading and please review! Ja ne! ::waves::