I'm back! And thank god! This chapter has been tormenting me since I posted
the last chapter. But in the end I did hold out, I waited for all my
beloved reviewers, without all of you(you just made the cut) no one would
see the chapter for at least another month. But it did not. I apologize for
a part of the lateness was my fault(as always) for there was this problem
with my computer. A piece of advice, never fiddle with your printer when
you think you know what you are doing. Nothing good will ever come out of
it! Eventually, I got my dad to fix the mess I made, make sure you thank my
dad in your head or who knows when this would be out.
Disclaimer: I own.my hamster. I love him very much, my little baby! I do not own Yu Yu Hakusho, which I also love.
Dedication: To every fanfictionist that has written a Hiei/Botan fanfic and has made it over 10,000 words. Trust me, very hard to accomplish. I think I am probably going to dedicate my fanfic to those people in the end. so if you want this fic to be dedicated to you then please write it! It does have to be a Hiei/Botan fanfic though! We are falling behind!
To my wonderful reviewers that are the reason behind this chapter(and my dad):( (That was not meant to be a sad face, it just turned out that way.
Hiei4711: Thanks, I truly love soccer with a passion. Writing is one of the few things that can compete with it. Oh, and I read your bio and you have me as one of your favorite authoresses. Thank you very much! It means a lot to me!
DemonLady1: Ok, I feel like whacking myself on the head right about now, making you poor people wait for the stupid computer. But you probably all like the computer better than me because I only write the story, it does everything else. So excuse me, I need to go kill myself. Don't worry, I'll revive to write the next chapter and eat breakfast^^
Digi-Queen Sinceramon:*smiles back* When I read I love it when it makes me smile. So when I write I try my hardest to make other great people smile in return. This fanfiction is becoming humorous to write and read, even though I had not intended so.
EvenSong: NO! I like it when you take a lot of room, it makes me feel very happy. Thanks, you're the second person that congratulated me on the tournament. Guess what? Next weekend the Warminster Wildfire are going to some place(I don't really pay attention to those things, only the important stuff) and we are going white water rafting! Like when we went with our group except now with my soccer team! I'm going to push my mom and maybe my dad but he did, after all fix my computer and save it from hell. Yes, you did tell me that you are going to see horses at a show! Did you see Juli? I think she went too. Was it fun? What was your favorite part? Did you get me a souvenir? Just kidding. Ooooooooooookay, I am getting soooo off track here! This is supposed to be my fanfc! Ah, who cares! *deep breath* I'm going in! (to review your fanfic that is, well once I'm don't with these responses)
Shadowprincess: True, there are not many fanfics out there staring Hiei and Botan, much less as a couple. Sorry but this fic is going to be more of a let's say darker fic, really. My next fanfic should be much lighter! Unless, I do a sequel, that will probably come before.
Smile66happy3: Yay! You liked it! This is not turning out to be a very fluffy fic, deeper into the feelings of Hiei and Botan. Sorry if this upsets you, don't stop reading, unless you really want to, because they will have a few moments and I tend to make things funny.
Fire Youkai1: Sorry, I Koenma is assumed asshole in the plot of this story, until the end where everything is explained. Jeez! It gets me confused just thinking about it! Please, do read the rest of this story and tell me your thoughts.
Stephanie: Heidi and Botany rock! *starts singing about how great they are* Oops, did I say all that out loud?
Hiei's Shadow: Wow, I find you are one of my best blooper fans! Yay! People seem to like the last one the best, but I can't remember what they where! Only the one where Hiei goes and buys doughnuts! I wish I could get food in like two seconds! *reads the other bloopers* OH! That one! Guess because it actually has some romance in it! Unlike my poor excuse of a fanfic! Bad lama! Sorry I was watching the Emperors New Groove and bad lama has been stuck in my head ever since!
Madoriko: Well, I can let you borrow Hiei, but I will need him to finish the fanfic and Botan will get lonely. Ah she can have Kurama until he comes back! Now be good and have him back my 11 okay? That's his bedtime^^
Meiko M: Well, I guess I was annoyed at the time, but now I just feel bad that I took so long to post! I'm getting all freaked out that some of my favorite authors are not updating, when I'm not either! I guess what comes around goes around. Don't be sorry, I was just being a bitch. I'm sorry! Forgive me?
sweetfiregurl: Thankies! If you leave your email I can tell you when I update.
Jagan: That's ok. I read one of your fics, the one with Yukina more like Hiei and vice versa. The only complaint I have is that there is not much going on between Botan and Hiei. *makes weird sound* Like mine is much better, but I think I'm trying to say is that there is not much evidence right now of them being a couple. Other than that I loved it! I updated, now you do too!
Bloody Love: People seem to love the last one and the middle one. I guess that the first one is my warm-up blooper.
Callicat: HI! Yeppers, you were late and I was late, whatever are we going to do? Sound the alarms! Call Scotland yard! Sorry I was watching Peter Pan with my friends. That has got to be the funniest Disney move since ever! Hai! I'd like to email you and be friends. My email is evilangel@comcast.net, but you can get more information by checking out my bio. Can you believe all this stuff adds up to over 1000 words and I didn't even start the fic yet! I could have a fanfic of just reviews!
Amnesia Neona Cutback: Don't worry I will complete this fanfiction if it is the last thing I do! But cool, a captive!
Cyanide Lemons: Yeah. Have you noticed we are falling behind to Hiei/Keiko? I hate that couple! Die die die! My reason for writing this fic is to inspire more people to like H/B and maybe write about it! Thank you for supporting! Making my dreams come true!
deity of death1: Thanx! Geez I really did take my time with this chapter didn't I?
Sara: From now on I'm just writing Sara. You have the longest name! No I never read that book. Is it good? Stupid question, what is it about? I know I really took a long time! I used up all of Sunday and I'm still not happy with it. Is it good? My fic is so frustrating. Sara! My Kami you update like twice a day! What the hell motivates you????!!!!!
*************************** Botan
At first glance, Makai would never seem to be a place in which demons live and thrive. Lush, green vegetation grew as far as the eye can see. The morning dew made the grass sparkle with life and twinkle with joy. Flowers grew year round here and danced with the winds as they passed.
I smiled at my thoughts. Who knew Makai would turn out to be the monstrous place it is. There was one thing that one would deem odd. There were no animals to be seen or heard, mostly for they were a main food source. The animals here had learned to be quiet and as hidden as possible. They had adapted well, I could not hear them nor sense them, try as I might. Unfortunately, I hadn't the hearing of a demon yet.
Currently, we were on the path that would lead us straight to the castle. Thanks to the others, thought most of it was done by Kurama, we had found our way rather easily. I would not have wanted to take the direct route to the castle, if not Hiei or Kurama were with me, because it would seem careless to walk on the path, it would be a dead giveaway to acknowledge us. But things change, I have two of the most powerful demons at my side, Shizuru can kick some major ass for being a human and little training, and I have my spirit energy.
So there we were, the four of us, calmly walking over the dirt path, with no worries whatsoever. Shizuru looked over our surroundings, her face giving nothing away, but I could see her interest. As for me, I had been working here for months, but I never tired of the land. I didn't bother to put on a mask that many people didn't know I was capable of making, to hide my thoughts. Hiei strode slightly ahead of us, not caring for the scenery, after all, it was there his whole life. Kurama wore an expressionless face, one so good it made it challenging to wonder what he was thinking of. Only my knowledge of him in the past would be of any help now.
None of us had talked for a while now. It seemed weird that there were other people here. I was so used to having only Hiei with me that I was used to the silence. No matter how good of friends we became, it seemed he would prefer the silence than chatter. It irked me that when we set out to do the thing that eventually made us friends he would become cold and distant again. In my personal opinion demons have the worst mood swings, not girls.
I stopped abruptly, I sensed something was coming. It was weak, we could take it out easily, but it felt different from the regular demon in their futile attempt to foil our plans. Out of a nearby bush, a humanoid figure lunged out and made a grab for me. Unluckily for him, Hiei was faster. Hiei phased in front of me and hit my would be attacker with the hilt of his katana.
Two blue eyes stared back at me, as I took a better look at the demon. He was male maybe twenty or so, or looked like it at least, I know the demons don't age until every five years or so. He had light brown hair and beautiful violet eyes that shone with a certain innocence. He had a white bandage on his forehead, so much like Hiei's, only its purpose was to keep the annoying bangs from his eyes to perfect his vision.
" Tai!" Two more of his comrades rushed to his aid, stepping in front with battle positions. However he waved his hands and shook his head.
" They are two strong we can't win this fight," Tai said solemnly.
" We can't allow Itchigaki to have anymore fighters! We can hardly hold out as it is!"
Itchigaki? What the-oh!
" We don't work for Itchigaki," I spoke out.
" Really? Then why are you here?" The warrior to "Tai's" right, a woman with red hair, brown eyes, and a nice scowl on her face.
" We are here to stop him, for your information," Shizuru said. Leave it to Shiz to get pissed and piss an already pissed person off.
" Is this true?" Tai asked and looked to me for an answer. I nodded. Reddie snorted.
" I don't trust them. We could take 'em!" Now I was getting aggravated. Just because she's a demon does not mean she's Mrs. Queen-of-the-universe-I- can-kick-your-ass-just-by-looking-at-you.
" Look we are here to stop him, not join him." Kurama said in a calm emotionless voice.
" But if you prefer, we can kick your ass for a warm-up.," Hiei said and smirked.
The red headed girl, or Reddie as I called her, scowled.
" Bring it, I'm not scared of you!" She prepared to lunge and would have probably gotten the worst beating of his life from Hiei, but again Tai stopped her.
" Brennis stop, I believe them," Tai said.
" You always were too trusting Tai," Reddie whose real name appeared to be Brennis.
" That may be so, but have I ever led you wrong yet?" Tai replied.
Brennis 'hmphed' crossing her arms and looked away.
Tai looked back at us and smiled sheepishly.
" Sorry about that."
" Why? You are the one who got hit," Hiei replied.
I glared at him. Remind me to work on his people skills.
I held out my hand to him.
" Hi, my name's Botan. That's Shizuru, Kurama, and the smirking baka is Hiei."
He shook my hand.
" Tai, Brennis and that's Tork."
" Do you attack everyone who walks by here?" Kurama asked.
" Or where we just lucky?" Hiei questioned sarcastically.
" Uhhh no. I'm the leader of a village not far from here. Lately, some of the villagers have been mysteriously disappearing. We believe it to be the work of the Itchigaki's. We've been having an on-off war for years now, but it's getting worse. They have been paying fighters to defend them. Any more and we might not be able to hold them off. Which is why we attacked you."
" I get it, you wanted to stop us before we even got to the Itchigaki's," mused Shizuru.
" Yes, by the way who sent you?"
" Koenma."
" Really? I thought a boy did Koenma's work," Tork said for the first time.
" That was Yusuke. I'm another spirit detective that works for Koenma.", I replied, " You said recently things have been getting worse. Aside from missing villagers, has anything else happened?"
" Well, we sabotage each other mostly. Most of our fighters have died and now their attacks are effecting the whole village."
" May we go with you to the village?" I asked.
As part of my job I was supposed to protect innocents. This seems to be worse than I feared. No wonder Koenma wanted this finished right away.
************************ Hiei
Botan gasped as we entered the village. I, too was deeply surprised. Indeed, these attacks have been far worse than Tai had said.
The house's were crumpled heaps on the floor, some still aflame. The people were outside sitting on blankets with smudge marks on their faces. They were crying, yelling, and hugging their children. We were not even ten feet away when they finally noticed us.
" My lord, you have returned!" They cried, overcome with joy as they recognized their leader.
Botan set right out, kneeling before some family, trying to heal their injuries. I looked around. Tai and his crew were surveying the damage, and Kurama was not far away, mixing herbs to create some mending potion. I almost grimaced, healing the wounded was never a hobby of mine. Shizuru also seemed confused, for she didn't have a healing power either.
" It seems we have been hit with another attack in our absence," Tai stated miserably.
" It's not so bad," Botan came back looking drained, " At least most of the people here are alright."
Tai smiled at her. I just glared.
" And we can thank you for that. Now do you trust them Brennis?"
" Hmph. They're ok I guess."
Tai turned back to us.
" Would you like to stay for the night?" he asked.
" Well we are supposed to get this over with as soon as possible," Botan said silently condsidering the options.
" Yes, but as we both want the same thing. Wouldn't it make more sense to attack together? Besides, it will be dark soon, not much will be accomplished then."
" I guess, it's only a day."
" Wonderful! We can go over the plans tonight at the campfire."
***************************
I love my job. I steal, get caught, sentenced to become part of Yusuke's team, help Botan through her crisis, and now I'm here doing goody goody stuff by saving a pathetic demon village. Just great.
Botan came around the corner and sat down beside me, leaning her back against the wall. It was obvious she was tired, by the look on her face distressed too. I turned back to the fire.
" So what's going on?" She asked.
I gave her a look that said 'What do you think?'.
" Sorry, I guess I'm just a bit nervous."
" About what?"
" You don't think we are going to have a hard time tomorrow do you?"
" You're getting all worked up over that? They might have three demons that can say they actually fought us, instead of saying 'I saw them and then everything went black' type of speech."
" That's what I thought too, but today after I saw all the damage they caused to this poor village.I really started to wonder. And they must be creating something in there!"
Hmm. She did have a point.
" I still don't think we have anything to worry about. We have the villagers' warriors or what's left of them anyway, to cover us. If worse comes to worse I can contact Yusuke with telepathy."
I could've said Black Dragon but I'm pretty sure Botan wasn't fond of my most powerful attack.
She smiled at me.
" Thanks Hiei you always know what to say to cheer me up." With that she unconsciously leaned on my shoulder for support.
I heard distant chatter and noticed Tai and his two followers finally appearing at the fire. It was then I saw that Kurama and Shizuru were on the other side of the huge fire. We waited another five minutes for the rest of the demons to show up. Tai stood up and began his speech, looking around to everyone. At the sound of his voice Botan abruptly woke up and snapped awake, in full alert, in the process removing her head from my shoulder.
" My people, tomorrow we attack the Itchigaki's family to finally end this war!" Tai declared.
At this, the crowd cheered excitedly. Tai definatley knew how to spark up attention, I could give him that. He waited for the crowd to calm down then continued.
" With the help of Koenma's spirit detectives, we shall crush our enemy!"
Now the crowd rose and cheered again. Now it was just getting annoying. Did this guy even have a plan?
" Now we will discuss a plan to lead us to glory!"
Guess I was right about the plan thing.
We gathered in a little group as Tai spread a map over the floor. The map showed a small picture of the village but a large picture of the Itchigaki mansion. It was detailed on the inside and out, down to the last tree in the courtyard.
" This map was made years ago, but most things have stayed the same," Tork said.
" Just how many fighters do you have?" asked Shizuru.
" About thirty. The rest where either killed or taken captive. Hell knows what has happened to them," Brennis said crossly.( Not a very bright character is she? That's ok, I didn't want her to be)
Botan was reading Koenma's report, skimming over the contents.
" According to this, there are over one-fifty lower class demons surrounding the castle. Then there's a river type thing we need to cross, and then the actual castle.( I keep switching from castle to mansion, I just don't know what to call it!) There are less, but the better fighters are inside," Botan said.
" Tai you and your fighters should be able to take care of the outside of the perimeter. We can take the inside," Kurama stated.
" Are you sure? I'm sure I can spare a few fighters to go in with you," Tai said.
" We're sure. No offense, but you would probably just distract us or get in our way," Shizuru said simply.
" Oh. Alright then," Tai replied a bit shaken at the forwardness of the response, " Well then it's settled. We shall cover the outside while you take the inside. Is there anyway to contact us if you need our assistance?"
More like you need our help!
Botan nodded.
" This is a communicator we can use."
" Ok, what time should we meet then?" Tork asked.
" How about 5?"
" Sounds good," he said as if he was talking more about a picnic than initiating the finale in a war.
So that was it, in less than five hours this blasted mission would finally start.
*******************************
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^Bloopers^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^(the pov will be different here)
Out of a nearby bush, a humanoid figure lunged out and made a grab for Botan. Tai burst out of the bushes as planned but fell down in the dirt.
" Who put that stick there?" Tai asked.
" Wait! That's not a stick, it's a sword!" Botan exclaimed looking a Hiei.
" Can you blame me if I knew it was coming?" Hiei said shrugging innocently.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
"..end this war!"
" Uhh..Botan, you're supposed to wake up now," Hiei whispered, poking her side. Botan snuggled closer and mumbled in her sleep.
".teddy."
" What? Did she just call me her teddy?" Hiei said aloud, making the others turn to look at him.
Botan, still in her sleep, mumbled " Teddy!" and nodded her head vigorously.
Everyone started laughing.
Botan opened her eyes and pulled out that water gun and squirted Hiei in the face.
" Teddy get wet!" She screamed and ran for the exit. Hiei grabbed her, catching up with his super speed and took the water gun, squirting her multiple times.
" Teddy and Botan both get wet!" From above Kurama and Shizuru pelted them with water balloons.
" Guys not on set! This is coming out of your pay!" The crew exclaimed but their complaints fell on deaf ears. They sighed.
" Here we go again!"
" He that was a cheap shot Hiei!"
" Cry about it!"
" Oh I'll give you something to cry about! Hey! Get back here teddy!"
" Ahh! Woman put the hose down!"
" Make me!"
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ************************************
Wow this chapter took me over two months to complete! If you need to blame something blame this, school, homework, soccer, and CONTACTS! Those damn things are impossible to get it! Anyway the next chapter should conclude the Mission series.I think. Brennis is actually for my friend Brenna. She always gets on my case about watching anime or my 'shows' as she calls it. She drives me nuts! I'm so happy there are people out there who understand me. Thank you all! I feel so loved! So anyway, don't be surprised if she dies. Heh, heh, revenge is sweet.
Oh by the way, if anyone wants to be a character in this fic tell me. State what side you are on, what your name is, what you look like, age, abilities, personality, romance, ect. I will not put you with Hiei, Botan, Shizuru, Keiko, Kurama, or Yusuke as a couple but possibly as friends or maybe you can hit on them or something. Please limit your character to one person for I would like to get as many people as I can in. Thank you!
I would also like to thank these five people for listing me under their favorite authors and authoresses: Meiko M, Hiei4711, MystiKoorime, Roselilac, deity of death1. You people have made me feel very special. I will try to take your characters first, if you choose you want one. I'm sorry but ff.net does not keep track of how many people have place The Will of the Fighter under their favorite stories. It would take me too long to track all of you down and some of them might not have even submitted a review giving me no leads to track you down. I want 121 reviews until the next chapter. Thanx.
Any questions or just feel like talking email me at evilangel@comcast.net . Until the next time! Now I need to do my homework!
One more thing, HAPPY HALLOWEEN! My friend is going to be salt and I'm dressing up as pepper! Different eh? And it's also my BIRTHDAY ON OCTOBER 24'TH SO REVIEW ME FOR A BIRTHDAY PRESENT!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!
~Freesia~
Disclaimer: I own.my hamster. I love him very much, my little baby! I do not own Yu Yu Hakusho, which I also love.
Dedication: To every fanfictionist that has written a Hiei/Botan fanfic and has made it over 10,000 words. Trust me, very hard to accomplish. I think I am probably going to dedicate my fanfic to those people in the end. so if you want this fic to be dedicated to you then please write it! It does have to be a Hiei/Botan fanfic though! We are falling behind!
To my wonderful reviewers that are the reason behind this chapter(and my dad):( (That was not meant to be a sad face, it just turned out that way.
Hiei4711: Thanks, I truly love soccer with a passion. Writing is one of the few things that can compete with it. Oh, and I read your bio and you have me as one of your favorite authoresses. Thank you very much! It means a lot to me!
DemonLady1: Ok, I feel like whacking myself on the head right about now, making you poor people wait for the stupid computer. But you probably all like the computer better than me because I only write the story, it does everything else. So excuse me, I need to go kill myself. Don't worry, I'll revive to write the next chapter and eat breakfast^^
Digi-Queen Sinceramon:*smiles back* When I read I love it when it makes me smile. So when I write I try my hardest to make other great people smile in return. This fanfiction is becoming humorous to write and read, even though I had not intended so.
EvenSong: NO! I like it when you take a lot of room, it makes me feel very happy. Thanks, you're the second person that congratulated me on the tournament. Guess what? Next weekend the Warminster Wildfire are going to some place(I don't really pay attention to those things, only the important stuff) and we are going white water rafting! Like when we went with our group except now with my soccer team! I'm going to push my mom and maybe my dad but he did, after all fix my computer and save it from hell. Yes, you did tell me that you are going to see horses at a show! Did you see Juli? I think she went too. Was it fun? What was your favorite part? Did you get me a souvenir? Just kidding. Ooooooooooookay, I am getting soooo off track here! This is supposed to be my fanfc! Ah, who cares! *deep breath* I'm going in! (to review your fanfic that is, well once I'm don't with these responses)
Shadowprincess: True, there are not many fanfics out there staring Hiei and Botan, much less as a couple. Sorry but this fic is going to be more of a let's say darker fic, really. My next fanfic should be much lighter! Unless, I do a sequel, that will probably come before.
Smile66happy3: Yay! You liked it! This is not turning out to be a very fluffy fic, deeper into the feelings of Hiei and Botan. Sorry if this upsets you, don't stop reading, unless you really want to, because they will have a few moments and I tend to make things funny.
Fire Youkai1: Sorry, I Koenma is assumed asshole in the plot of this story, until the end where everything is explained. Jeez! It gets me confused just thinking about it! Please, do read the rest of this story and tell me your thoughts.
Stephanie: Heidi and Botany rock! *starts singing about how great they are* Oops, did I say all that out loud?
Hiei's Shadow: Wow, I find you are one of my best blooper fans! Yay! People seem to like the last one the best, but I can't remember what they where! Only the one where Hiei goes and buys doughnuts! I wish I could get food in like two seconds! *reads the other bloopers* OH! That one! Guess because it actually has some romance in it! Unlike my poor excuse of a fanfic! Bad lama! Sorry I was watching the Emperors New Groove and bad lama has been stuck in my head ever since!
Madoriko: Well, I can let you borrow Hiei, but I will need him to finish the fanfic and Botan will get lonely. Ah she can have Kurama until he comes back! Now be good and have him back my 11 okay? That's his bedtime^^
Meiko M: Well, I guess I was annoyed at the time, but now I just feel bad that I took so long to post! I'm getting all freaked out that some of my favorite authors are not updating, when I'm not either! I guess what comes around goes around. Don't be sorry, I was just being a bitch. I'm sorry! Forgive me?
sweetfiregurl: Thankies! If you leave your email I can tell you when I update.
Jagan: That's ok. I read one of your fics, the one with Yukina more like Hiei and vice versa. The only complaint I have is that there is not much going on between Botan and Hiei. *makes weird sound* Like mine is much better, but I think I'm trying to say is that there is not much evidence right now of them being a couple. Other than that I loved it! I updated, now you do too!
Bloody Love: People seem to love the last one and the middle one. I guess that the first one is my warm-up blooper.
Callicat: HI! Yeppers, you were late and I was late, whatever are we going to do? Sound the alarms! Call Scotland yard! Sorry I was watching Peter Pan with my friends. That has got to be the funniest Disney move since ever! Hai! I'd like to email you and be friends. My email is evilangel@comcast.net, but you can get more information by checking out my bio. Can you believe all this stuff adds up to over 1000 words and I didn't even start the fic yet! I could have a fanfic of just reviews!
Amnesia Neona Cutback: Don't worry I will complete this fanfiction if it is the last thing I do! But cool, a captive!
Cyanide Lemons: Yeah. Have you noticed we are falling behind to Hiei/Keiko? I hate that couple! Die die die! My reason for writing this fic is to inspire more people to like H/B and maybe write about it! Thank you for supporting! Making my dreams come true!
deity of death1: Thanx! Geez I really did take my time with this chapter didn't I?
Sara: From now on I'm just writing Sara. You have the longest name! No I never read that book. Is it good? Stupid question, what is it about? I know I really took a long time! I used up all of Sunday and I'm still not happy with it. Is it good? My fic is so frustrating. Sara! My Kami you update like twice a day! What the hell motivates you????!!!!!
*************************** Botan
At first glance, Makai would never seem to be a place in which demons live and thrive. Lush, green vegetation grew as far as the eye can see. The morning dew made the grass sparkle with life and twinkle with joy. Flowers grew year round here and danced with the winds as they passed.
I smiled at my thoughts. Who knew Makai would turn out to be the monstrous place it is. There was one thing that one would deem odd. There were no animals to be seen or heard, mostly for they were a main food source. The animals here had learned to be quiet and as hidden as possible. They had adapted well, I could not hear them nor sense them, try as I might. Unfortunately, I hadn't the hearing of a demon yet.
Currently, we were on the path that would lead us straight to the castle. Thanks to the others, thought most of it was done by Kurama, we had found our way rather easily. I would not have wanted to take the direct route to the castle, if not Hiei or Kurama were with me, because it would seem careless to walk on the path, it would be a dead giveaway to acknowledge us. But things change, I have two of the most powerful demons at my side, Shizuru can kick some major ass for being a human and little training, and I have my spirit energy.
So there we were, the four of us, calmly walking over the dirt path, with no worries whatsoever. Shizuru looked over our surroundings, her face giving nothing away, but I could see her interest. As for me, I had been working here for months, but I never tired of the land. I didn't bother to put on a mask that many people didn't know I was capable of making, to hide my thoughts. Hiei strode slightly ahead of us, not caring for the scenery, after all, it was there his whole life. Kurama wore an expressionless face, one so good it made it challenging to wonder what he was thinking of. Only my knowledge of him in the past would be of any help now.
None of us had talked for a while now. It seemed weird that there were other people here. I was so used to having only Hiei with me that I was used to the silence. No matter how good of friends we became, it seemed he would prefer the silence than chatter. It irked me that when we set out to do the thing that eventually made us friends he would become cold and distant again. In my personal opinion demons have the worst mood swings, not girls.
I stopped abruptly, I sensed something was coming. It was weak, we could take it out easily, but it felt different from the regular demon in their futile attempt to foil our plans. Out of a nearby bush, a humanoid figure lunged out and made a grab for me. Unluckily for him, Hiei was faster. Hiei phased in front of me and hit my would be attacker with the hilt of his katana.
Two blue eyes stared back at me, as I took a better look at the demon. He was male maybe twenty or so, or looked like it at least, I know the demons don't age until every five years or so. He had light brown hair and beautiful violet eyes that shone with a certain innocence. He had a white bandage on his forehead, so much like Hiei's, only its purpose was to keep the annoying bangs from his eyes to perfect his vision.
" Tai!" Two more of his comrades rushed to his aid, stepping in front with battle positions. However he waved his hands and shook his head.
" They are two strong we can't win this fight," Tai said solemnly.
" We can't allow Itchigaki to have anymore fighters! We can hardly hold out as it is!"
Itchigaki? What the-oh!
" We don't work for Itchigaki," I spoke out.
" Really? Then why are you here?" The warrior to "Tai's" right, a woman with red hair, brown eyes, and a nice scowl on her face.
" We are here to stop him, for your information," Shizuru said. Leave it to Shiz to get pissed and piss an already pissed person off.
" Is this true?" Tai asked and looked to me for an answer. I nodded. Reddie snorted.
" I don't trust them. We could take 'em!" Now I was getting aggravated. Just because she's a demon does not mean she's Mrs. Queen-of-the-universe-I- can-kick-your-ass-just-by-looking-at-you.
" Look we are here to stop him, not join him." Kurama said in a calm emotionless voice.
" But if you prefer, we can kick your ass for a warm-up.," Hiei said and smirked.
The red headed girl, or Reddie as I called her, scowled.
" Bring it, I'm not scared of you!" She prepared to lunge and would have probably gotten the worst beating of his life from Hiei, but again Tai stopped her.
" Brennis stop, I believe them," Tai said.
" You always were too trusting Tai," Reddie whose real name appeared to be Brennis.
" That may be so, but have I ever led you wrong yet?" Tai replied.
Brennis 'hmphed' crossing her arms and looked away.
Tai looked back at us and smiled sheepishly.
" Sorry about that."
" Why? You are the one who got hit," Hiei replied.
I glared at him. Remind me to work on his people skills.
I held out my hand to him.
" Hi, my name's Botan. That's Shizuru, Kurama, and the smirking baka is Hiei."
He shook my hand.
" Tai, Brennis and that's Tork."
" Do you attack everyone who walks by here?" Kurama asked.
" Or where we just lucky?" Hiei questioned sarcastically.
" Uhhh no. I'm the leader of a village not far from here. Lately, some of the villagers have been mysteriously disappearing. We believe it to be the work of the Itchigaki's. We've been having an on-off war for years now, but it's getting worse. They have been paying fighters to defend them. Any more and we might not be able to hold them off. Which is why we attacked you."
" I get it, you wanted to stop us before we even got to the Itchigaki's," mused Shizuru.
" Yes, by the way who sent you?"
" Koenma."
" Really? I thought a boy did Koenma's work," Tork said for the first time.
" That was Yusuke. I'm another spirit detective that works for Koenma.", I replied, " You said recently things have been getting worse. Aside from missing villagers, has anything else happened?"
" Well, we sabotage each other mostly. Most of our fighters have died and now their attacks are effecting the whole village."
" May we go with you to the village?" I asked.
As part of my job I was supposed to protect innocents. This seems to be worse than I feared. No wonder Koenma wanted this finished right away.
************************ Hiei
Botan gasped as we entered the village. I, too was deeply surprised. Indeed, these attacks have been far worse than Tai had said.
The house's were crumpled heaps on the floor, some still aflame. The people were outside sitting on blankets with smudge marks on their faces. They were crying, yelling, and hugging their children. We were not even ten feet away when they finally noticed us.
" My lord, you have returned!" They cried, overcome with joy as they recognized their leader.
Botan set right out, kneeling before some family, trying to heal their injuries. I looked around. Tai and his crew were surveying the damage, and Kurama was not far away, mixing herbs to create some mending potion. I almost grimaced, healing the wounded was never a hobby of mine. Shizuru also seemed confused, for she didn't have a healing power either.
" It seems we have been hit with another attack in our absence," Tai stated miserably.
" It's not so bad," Botan came back looking drained, " At least most of the people here are alright."
Tai smiled at her. I just glared.
" And we can thank you for that. Now do you trust them Brennis?"
" Hmph. They're ok I guess."
Tai turned back to us.
" Would you like to stay for the night?" he asked.
" Well we are supposed to get this over with as soon as possible," Botan said silently condsidering the options.
" Yes, but as we both want the same thing. Wouldn't it make more sense to attack together? Besides, it will be dark soon, not much will be accomplished then."
" I guess, it's only a day."
" Wonderful! We can go over the plans tonight at the campfire."
***************************
I love my job. I steal, get caught, sentenced to become part of Yusuke's team, help Botan through her crisis, and now I'm here doing goody goody stuff by saving a pathetic demon village. Just great.
Botan came around the corner and sat down beside me, leaning her back against the wall. It was obvious she was tired, by the look on her face distressed too. I turned back to the fire.
" So what's going on?" She asked.
I gave her a look that said 'What do you think?'.
" Sorry, I guess I'm just a bit nervous."
" About what?"
" You don't think we are going to have a hard time tomorrow do you?"
" You're getting all worked up over that? They might have three demons that can say they actually fought us, instead of saying 'I saw them and then everything went black' type of speech."
" That's what I thought too, but today after I saw all the damage they caused to this poor village.I really started to wonder. And they must be creating something in there!"
Hmm. She did have a point.
" I still don't think we have anything to worry about. We have the villagers' warriors or what's left of them anyway, to cover us. If worse comes to worse I can contact Yusuke with telepathy."
I could've said Black Dragon but I'm pretty sure Botan wasn't fond of my most powerful attack.
She smiled at me.
" Thanks Hiei you always know what to say to cheer me up." With that she unconsciously leaned on my shoulder for support.
I heard distant chatter and noticed Tai and his two followers finally appearing at the fire. It was then I saw that Kurama and Shizuru were on the other side of the huge fire. We waited another five minutes for the rest of the demons to show up. Tai stood up and began his speech, looking around to everyone. At the sound of his voice Botan abruptly woke up and snapped awake, in full alert, in the process removing her head from my shoulder.
" My people, tomorrow we attack the Itchigaki's family to finally end this war!" Tai declared.
At this, the crowd cheered excitedly. Tai definatley knew how to spark up attention, I could give him that. He waited for the crowd to calm down then continued.
" With the help of Koenma's spirit detectives, we shall crush our enemy!"
Now the crowd rose and cheered again. Now it was just getting annoying. Did this guy even have a plan?
" Now we will discuss a plan to lead us to glory!"
Guess I was right about the plan thing.
We gathered in a little group as Tai spread a map over the floor. The map showed a small picture of the village but a large picture of the Itchigaki mansion. It was detailed on the inside and out, down to the last tree in the courtyard.
" This map was made years ago, but most things have stayed the same," Tork said.
" Just how many fighters do you have?" asked Shizuru.
" About thirty. The rest where either killed or taken captive. Hell knows what has happened to them," Brennis said crossly.( Not a very bright character is she? That's ok, I didn't want her to be)
Botan was reading Koenma's report, skimming over the contents.
" According to this, there are over one-fifty lower class demons surrounding the castle. Then there's a river type thing we need to cross, and then the actual castle.( I keep switching from castle to mansion, I just don't know what to call it!) There are less, but the better fighters are inside," Botan said.
" Tai you and your fighters should be able to take care of the outside of the perimeter. We can take the inside," Kurama stated.
" Are you sure? I'm sure I can spare a few fighters to go in with you," Tai said.
" We're sure. No offense, but you would probably just distract us or get in our way," Shizuru said simply.
" Oh. Alright then," Tai replied a bit shaken at the forwardness of the response, " Well then it's settled. We shall cover the outside while you take the inside. Is there anyway to contact us if you need our assistance?"
More like you need our help!
Botan nodded.
" This is a communicator we can use."
" Ok, what time should we meet then?" Tork asked.
" How about 5?"
" Sounds good," he said as if he was talking more about a picnic than initiating the finale in a war.
So that was it, in less than five hours this blasted mission would finally start.
*******************************
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^Bloopers^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^(the pov will be different here)
Out of a nearby bush, a humanoid figure lunged out and made a grab for Botan. Tai burst out of the bushes as planned but fell down in the dirt.
" Who put that stick there?" Tai asked.
" Wait! That's not a stick, it's a sword!" Botan exclaimed looking a Hiei.
" Can you blame me if I knew it was coming?" Hiei said shrugging innocently.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
"..end this war!"
" Uhh..Botan, you're supposed to wake up now," Hiei whispered, poking her side. Botan snuggled closer and mumbled in her sleep.
".teddy."
" What? Did she just call me her teddy?" Hiei said aloud, making the others turn to look at him.
Botan, still in her sleep, mumbled " Teddy!" and nodded her head vigorously.
Everyone started laughing.
Botan opened her eyes and pulled out that water gun and squirted Hiei in the face.
" Teddy get wet!" She screamed and ran for the exit. Hiei grabbed her, catching up with his super speed and took the water gun, squirting her multiple times.
" Teddy and Botan both get wet!" From above Kurama and Shizuru pelted them with water balloons.
" Guys not on set! This is coming out of your pay!" The crew exclaimed but their complaints fell on deaf ears. They sighed.
" Here we go again!"
" He that was a cheap shot Hiei!"
" Cry about it!"
" Oh I'll give you something to cry about! Hey! Get back here teddy!"
" Ahh! Woman put the hose down!"
" Make me!"
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ************************************
Wow this chapter took me over two months to complete! If you need to blame something blame this, school, homework, soccer, and CONTACTS! Those damn things are impossible to get it! Anyway the next chapter should conclude the Mission series.I think. Brennis is actually for my friend Brenna. She always gets on my case about watching anime or my 'shows' as she calls it. She drives me nuts! I'm so happy there are people out there who understand me. Thank you all! I feel so loved! So anyway, don't be surprised if she dies. Heh, heh, revenge is sweet.
Oh by the way, if anyone wants to be a character in this fic tell me. State what side you are on, what your name is, what you look like, age, abilities, personality, romance, ect. I will not put you with Hiei, Botan, Shizuru, Keiko, Kurama, or Yusuke as a couple but possibly as friends or maybe you can hit on them or something. Please limit your character to one person for I would like to get as many people as I can in. Thank you!
I would also like to thank these five people for listing me under their favorite authors and authoresses: Meiko M, Hiei4711, MystiKoorime, Roselilac, deity of death1. You people have made me feel very special. I will try to take your characters first, if you choose you want one. I'm sorry but ff.net does not keep track of how many people have place The Will of the Fighter under their favorite stories. It would take me too long to track all of you down and some of them might not have even submitted a review giving me no leads to track you down. I want 121 reviews until the next chapter. Thanx.
Any questions or just feel like talking email me at evilangel@comcast.net . Until the next time! Now I need to do my homework!
One more thing, HAPPY HALLOWEEN! My friend is going to be salt and I'm dressing up as pepper! Different eh? And it's also my BIRTHDAY ON OCTOBER 24'TH SO REVIEW ME FOR A BIRTHDAY PRESENT!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!
~Freesia~