Pocky: Here it is, fans. Chapter four. So tired... Xx

Begin Chapter Four

(Botan's POV)

Isn't life weird?

It's always changing, taking new directions and affecting everyone's lives. One thing leads to another. Sometimes, it's hard to explain. While, other times it seems like the simplest things in the world. It confuses us, causing to ask questions about ourselves at one time to another.

Why was I put on this earth? Is there a purpose to this? Where do we come from? Is there truly a destiny?

Speaking of destiny. I sometimes wonder why I'm even a ferry girl. It always seems I was made for the job, ferrying souls. But, I did have a past life. It pains me to try and remember the past. Memories will flood my mind. I see people I'll never remember, events that affected me in ways I'll never know... The only thing I never seem to remember is how I died. I'm pretty sure I don't even want to remember. I have this feeling that what I may remember about dying will...hurt me.

The feeling it's self is strange. It's rather sickening, always making me want to exterminate my whole existence. Perhaps it's better if I didn't remember at all. But, I can't help myself and wonder about it. I remember meeting Koenma for the first time. After dying, I was pulled from my body. There, I met another ferry girl. Oh, I wish I could remember her name... But, she's long gone by now. Retirement, I bet. The fellow ferry girl explained to me about where I would go and what would happen. I stayed quiet, not sure what to say. What can you say after dying?

I didn't deny the fact that I died. Most souls I meet on the job are confused, claiming that they never died. That is was all a mistake. That hurts too. I didn't deny because I felt as if I needed to die, that my death might change or affect something. Hopefully, something good. Well, it did. Koenma assigned me to be a ferry girl, he said I was proved an innocent, giving me the occupation of a ferry girl. Many years later I met Yusuke and the rest of the group. Being Renkai's top ferry girl, I became Yusuke's assistant. Probably the experiences I had with the Spirit Detective and his friends are the best I've ever had.

And that's something to be thankful for.

Water.

I'm laying on a surface of crystal clear water. Why? Ha, I wish I knew that. The only thing I remember is being hurt, so much pain... And then a light...

Sighing, I propped myself on my elbows to take in my surroundings.

(Normal POV)

With nimble posture and watchful eyes, Hiei jumped down into the alley. The demon landed right next to Botan, causing that puddle of blood to send small specks of blood on her face. With a curse, Hiei bent on one knee and inspected Botan. He quickly looked away and gave another curse.

"Damn. She's in submission."

Submission, a term used in which someone traps themselves in their own mind. This usually occurs when a person had a traumatic experience, neat death experience, or someone who is skilled in the art of mind control and physic ability.

Hiei again looked down at Botan, his crimson eyes scanning for any injuries. There he found multiple slash marks, some bruises, and deep cuts. He glanced over his shoulder to glare at the bodies of the attacking demons. He found no remains. It seems that everything had been burned to ashes in the light Botan created.

The light... What was it? Hiei quickly shook the question away and ripped off his bandana.

She needed to get out of submission, before it got worse.

(Botan POV)

As I stood up, all of the water glimmered. It was beautiful, it's like I'm floating on this world made completely out of puddles. As I stood up and walked a few feet, the water made ripples. The ripples seemed to go on forever, all this was is a platform of water. Now I'm starting to worry.

Where am I?

As soon as I asked the question, voices flowed into the water, alarming me.

"Botan!" That's Yusuke's voice... Heh, Yusuke. The spirit detective, someone I consider a 'big-brother'.

"Why, hello Botan." Kurama, one of the kindest people I've met.

"Hey!!! Botan!" Kuwabara, a great guy at the heart.

"Botan-chan!!!" Keiko, my best friend.

"Hi, Botan-chan!" Yukina, such a sweet girl.

"Hey, Botan." Shizuru, strong and independent.

"Bo-Baka onna. Hn." Hiei...

Hiei, Hiei, Hiei... The demon who torments me.

I gave a sigh as I walked further into the water, not even noticing that I was already knee deep. My eyes felt lifeless, almost like I would never be happy anymore. Who knew thinking about Hiei could be depressing? I guess it could be... Thinking about his past... Hiei has been through so much, and yet we see people complaining about such petty things. I want to feel sorry for him, but I now would just kill me for it. I could already hear him now. "Baka onna. I don't need your pity!"

Yeah, that's sounds exactly like Hiei. Wait...

That IS Hiei!

(Hiei POV)

Hn, good. I found her. She's just walking further into the water like an...

'Hiei has been through so much, and yet we see people complaining about such petty things. I want to feel sorry for him...--'

I almost forgot. Since I'm in her mind, I can hear her thoughts. "Baka onna. I don't need your pity!" I shouted towards her. At first, she didn't respond. Then, she quickly turned around to my direction, her purple eyes widened. Yes, that's right. I know what color her eyes are. Can't make death threats without eye contact.

"Hiei!" Baka, who else could it be?

"Good to see you're not blind. We're leaving, now." I ordered, she only nodded towards me.

(Normal POV)

Botan nodded and began to walk out of the mysterious water. A few bloodstains lingered in the water causing Botan to shiver. The angel silently walked towards Hiei with her face looking forlorn and distressed. She stepped out of the water and walked onto the endless platform-puddle.

"Take my hand." Hiei commanded.

"What?"

"Unless you want to stay here and rot, take my hand."

"Oh, ok..." Botan murmured while taking his hand, instantly a shock ripped through her. Hiei looked up at her, his eyes slightly widened, but he seemed to quickly shake it off. The shock still flowed through Botan's body, making her lips twitch. The fire demon took no notice and soon the two were transported back in the alleyway.

(Koenma's office)

"You can't delay their entry any longer, prince!"

A figure in a white cloak yelled to the toddler ruler. Their voice was deep, echoing through the palace. The mysterious figure's whole body was covered in the cloak, however, their golden eyes could be seen from the shadow of the room. The golden orbs glared at Koenma. Koenma stopped pacing on top of his desk and spun around, scattering neatly stack papers, to stare at the figure.

"Yes. But, I don't want to put my team in another tournament."

"You have no choice in the matter! My master demands it!" The cloaked figure strolled to the center of the room, the tails of the cloak dragging on the floor.

"I have no idea who your master is. Besides, we don't have a fifth member!" The young ruler struggled with excuses.

"What about the ferry girl? The newly turned 'angel'? My master has seen her and taking such a liking to her..."

Koenma's eyes flashed as he walked to the edge of the desk and asked, "Who is your master?"

The figure turned to look at the celing and released a mocking laugh. "He name is...is... Lord Haru of the element clan!"

End Chapter Four