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Dedication: Ok how many of you ate turkey for Thanksgiving? I did. So here's to all the poor little guys who died for our feast! There, now I can feel better about eating it^^. By the way happy Thanksgiving!
Reviewer Responses:
sunshine and rainbows: Thank you I try.
Hieiandbotan4ever: Lolz. Weird. Anyway I wasn't really going to have a main weapon just yet. I like the bow and arrow idea though. I've actually thought about that before but I never went through with it. Don't worry though she will have a weapon eventually.but it might turn out to be more like Yusuke's powers instead. I'm having a crisis with this fanfic. I've planned so far ahead that I've got the sequel figured out and everything. It sounds so good too! Just one problem.I don't know how to end this one!
Shards of EvenSong: You got a tire swing! My friend, well Juli actually had a tire swing but it broke. Come to thing of it she had two of them.one was great for playing mad dog. I put my contacts in! I have them on right now! Aren't you proud of me? Do you have contacts? Let me tell you these things are hell to put in! I'm currently mad with my parents because they've been bugging me for about a month to put them in so I do, thinking it would surprise them, and they don't even notice! Then when I try to hint it to them they don't even listen! Oooh there is going to be some major blood in this chapter. I need to work this off! 0.0 You won a tree? Well that's.interesting. I won a stuffed soccer ball! I love it! But now it's all silver and sticky from paint.you know Halloween? Jeez it's been so long since I've updated but my chapters are so very long. I wanted to get this over 100,000 words but god that seems so hard! Especially because I've almost reached the end. The sequel probably will though. I'm already starting the ideas for that! It's going to be sooo good!
Lashka the WhiteRose: Yes that was a rather good cliffy wasn't it. I can only think of a couple that beat it! You guys probably all hate me right now! ^.^ Oh well.....happy (belated) Thanksgiving to you too! And Xmas, and Easter, and Valentines day.
Lady Water2010: Thank you! I took my time but the chappy is long! My longest one yet!
Narani the Demoness: Wait you said Haze? I had a reviewer a few chapters ago that had that name. At least part of it. Are you that person? Did you change pen names? If this is not you I apologize! *blushes* Sorry! Good review! That's one of the longest I've had in awhile! Thank you! I didn't really think much of my bloopers for last chapter. There were a lot I could have done but I was too tired. Now I have to go back and make more for this chapter and the last. Groan.hope you enjoy them!(lord knows I'll be up all night writing them!) And you got grounded? Ohhh, harsh. I got grounded once for overflowing the bathtub.but that's another story? Playing hooky huh? I wish I could do that..but I'm not smart enough to get away with it and my parents would personally see that my life is a living hell. School is boring! Especially science with Mrs. Lawrence. Even the class sucks! Three months huh? Loooooooooong time! Well at least you understand how hard it is to update. Especially when you have 5000+ words in every chap. Takes very much time so thanks for being patient with me though you still probably joined the many people you want to murder me for taking so long^^ I did get a scene in I did! I loved the water scene. So go read it and tell me what you think! Ideas would be helpful also^^ You'll get it when you finish.
Bloody Love: Thank you^^ I know I take much longer than I should to update. When I first started this fic, hard as it was to believe I could update in like two weeks. But now my chapters are just too long! My goal is to reach 100,000 words! Wish me luck! Also if you have any ideas please tell me! You'll understand at the end.
Crazy X 5000: Whoa! That's a lot of 'pleases'! How long did it take you to write all that? You are my second one who has reviewed fifteen times the same message. I don't mind, I actually like it, but I'm starting to wonder if this happens for everyone of if it is my computer.oh well who cares^^ Hope this is long enough!
The Will of the Fighter
Chapter 10
Games and Swimming ********************************Botan
" That's it for you, Ichigaki. May your family be damned to hell," I stated icily but truthfully. Considering what these demons have done in their lifetime their penalty should be much worse than a lifetime in prison.
Surprisingly the Ichigaki's had given up without a fight. Well, you could hardly call the attempts of pulling my hair, or a few measly punches a fight. The torture chamber had been empty besides a few dead bodies, freezing temperature, the agony tools, and of coarse the hellish family themselves.
It hadn't taken long for the others to dispose of Endusa with his multiple injuries from before. I don't even know what they did to him, but who cares? As long as he doesn't get in the way.
Koenma's ogres had arrived to arrest the family as they always did (when the team defeats an opponent Koenma sends a team of ogres to take them to prison or hell.whichever you prefer) but this time they looked a bit more wary for this was a well known family for lies, death, and destruction.
Sadly, I'm a bit miffed that there wasn't a trace of a big weapon or plan. In fact, the only thing illegal in the room was the dead bodies that we can only assume were killed. Who knows? The Ichigaki's might have just found it one day, already dead, and decided to experiment with it.or use it as a decoration. I wouldn't put either passed them. Or maybe they paid the demon for their live in exchange for something? It remains a mystery.
Aside from all that, nothing illegal to speak of. Kurama suspects they knew we were coming and sent a messenger to take the plans out of here, or hid them in the mansion somewhere.
Well, at least that's over with. Now if you don't mind I think I'll just pass out on the floor. No, I forced myself to stay awake. Only an idiot would fall asleep in a torture chamber.
" Do you think it would be best if we checked up on the rest of the fighters outside?" Kurama asked.
Crap, I had completely forgotten about them. Immediately I straightened and nodded. Who knows how many were out there, injured, lying helplessly on the floor? And the bombs might have turned the tables in the wrong direction. Suppose word did not get out that we won and the battle is still raging on? Technically the mission is not officially over until that village is safe again.
Shiz and Kurama filled the ogres in on what happened before they prepared to leave with their prisoners. Where was Hiei? I squinted, hoping to find him that way. The chamber was, after all, only lit by some torches. Then I spotted him in the hallway. Looking at the entrance door seeming in deep thought. Then he moved to the wall to inspect the damage followed by the battered body of Arenthis.
Then it all came back to me. How could I have forgotten the events that had happened a little under a half hour? Just who was that guy? What did he want? I stopped as a new thought dawned on me. What if Hiei asks about him? I can't just tell him a guy that seemed remarkably like him saved me before I was going to die! I don't want to seem weak to him! Oh yeah by the way he's the stalker dude who I met in the alley remember? I can see that turning into a wonderful ending. Besides I haven't much more information than he, anyway.
Still, Hiei's not stupid. He knows I don't know the first thing about swords, much less make a perfect swing to bring a very, heavy, metal door with I sword I don't even possess.
I need to get him out of there before he finds out more than I want him to. I will tell him, but now I'm looking for answers that I can't find. Until then I'm keeping to myself. It could turn out to be nothing. Unlikely, but possible. By now I know anything is possible.
" Lets go. We still have to check on those morons that are fighting outside."
I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. He didn't seem suspicious at least. Hopefully he will forget about it. Now we have more important matters to deal with.
*********************************Hiei
I had Botan on my back,( think Inuyasha and Kagome) looking like she was going to fall asleep any second now. Her eyes were fighting a battle against staying awake, she would force them wide, for a time determined not to blink, afraid she wouldn't be able to open them again. But slowly, they would lower and close for a minute or two, head leaning on my shoulder, then she would jerk back up again to start the process over. Now the sleeping part was taking over.
That wasn't her. It couldn't have been. I kept thinking about earlier in the mansion. While we were busy with Endusa something happened. For one thing, Arenthis was not killed by Shizuru. Apparently she was not killed by Botan either. The clues pointed that Arenthis probably caught Botan by surprise, and used her stars to pin her to the wall. The evidence being the star, or the half that remained in the wall had a piece of her shirt in each one. Second, it had a bit of her blood on each end. I knew it was her blood, he knew the scent. I could smell it. I looked down at her. But, even if I couldn't Botan's shoulders were slightly bleeding with the material of her shirt tattered in the spot the star should have hit.
Now that parts done with. This part had yet to be clear. The only logical explanation was that someone had stepped in to save her. While Botan was trapped to a wall, someone killed Arenthis and set her free. This someone also used a sword, quite well I might add. I'm sure she was pinned to the wall. She must not have been able to get free because she didn't kill Arenthis. The demon had been sliced in half. Botan didn't even have a sword, much less make a perfect cut. Then the sword cut the stars in half with a straight line. It would be impossible to make a cut like that in her angle.
So now she was free and with a stranger. Or did she know who it was? I shook my head. Think now, ask later. The door was locked. Whoever this person was cut the door down, with a precise, diagonal slash. Botan wouldn't have the strength to do that. That's as far as the clues went. Their was no damage to see so the person didn't harm her either. If he had wanted to, she would surely be dead.( Man, he's good)
One last thing puzzled me. I sensed a presence familiar to me in that hall. I don't know where, but I know this person somehow. Just where? Who do I know that is powerful and uses a sword? My mind didn't want to cooperate with me for it reached a blank wall. I'll just ask her later.
I looked up to see that we were just on the edge over the battlefield.
" Hey, wake up. We're here," I whispered into her ear.
She moaned and mumbled about not wanting pancakes for breakfast then her eyes snapped open as she remembered where she was.
" Great. Ok how long was I out this time? Why is it so hard for me to always stay awake when you carry me?" She asked more to herself than me.
Maybe it's because whenever I give you a lift it is normally after a mission therefore you are tired. I wondered if I should say that out loud but decided against it. I let her down and we looked at the combatants.
The bomb we heard must have been the only major one they had. Many little craters were made in the ground from some small ones, but hardly any damage had been done by them. The big bomb was probably intended to scare them away. Probably almost worked too.
The soldiers on our side wore silver, the other green, but there was so much blood, dirt, rock and gravel that you could hardly make out anything. Many of them were sprawled across the ground, laying in puddles of blood, presumably their own. Some were moving, but most were not.
The battle stopped, but again no one was doing much of anything. Just stood there nervously and looked about. Is it possible to be that dumb?
" You guys made it back! Did we win?" Tai appeared from behind a tree, bloodied and looking a mess. He seemed ok though.
" Yeah we won. What happened here? No, wait, I don't want to know," I said. My head already hurts I don't want to add to it by listening how they fought.
" How did you do? Never mind. Get as many of ours as you can to walk and carry those who are too weak. I suppose we must leave those who are dead behind," Botan directed.
Tai looked appalled by the idea.
" We can't just leave the dead here! They died honorably for our village! They should be honored and prais-"
" Look around you. You might notice that most of your fighters can hardly stand. It will take enough effort just to get them back. You might as well forget the dead. Or if you must, come back every day after this and take them to the village then bury them. As of now there is nothing you can do about them so give it up and get to work!" I said none too gently.
Hey if that's what it takes to get it through their thick heads then so be it.
******************************Botan
That's a nice way to put things, Hiei. We really need to work on his people skills.
Our other half of the team glared at us then decided cleaning up the place would be a better use of energy.
'Cleaning up' was easier for us because we could sense spirit energy, even if it was low. I knelt down next to one fighter. He was lying on his stomach, his head turned in the other direction. I tried slapping his cheeks lightly. He stirred but did not wake. Then I tried shaking his shoulders. No success. Maybe if I..I looked around to see who was watching. The soldiers wouldn't be smart enough to know what I was doing so I didn't have to worry about them. Shiz wouldn't care, Kurama probably wouldn't either. I don't think Hiei would be happy though. He hated the idea of giving anything to the weak. But it was faster than to shake this guy for an hour.
Good. No ones looking.
I placed my hands on either side of the soldier's shoulders. I eased some of my spirit energy to wake him up. It didn't take much. Only a minute or so, but he snapped awake with a yell of surprise. Spirit energy. How's that for an alarm clock? I had healed his wounds too. I can't help it I hate seeing people in pain.
" What happened?" the fighter asked, cringing as he stood to his feet. He took a few more wobbly steps then fell on me for support.
" You got knocked out and I woke you," I replied, " Go find others so we can get moving." He nodded and walked shakily away.
" You never will change will you?"
I must have jumped ten feet in the air. I whirled around to come face to face with Hiei.
" Don't sneak up on me like that!" I exclaimed. I was trying to control my heartbeat back to its steady pace.
" You would have noticed me if you didn't give your energy to that moron," he replied emotionlessly.
Oh shit. He knew. Crap. Crap. Crap.
" I didn't give him all of it. It was hardly anything!" I grit my response through my teeth.
" It was enough to make you slip up," he said.
" Well if you didn't have to check up on me every two seconds you wouldn't notice!" I countered
" If I didn't what kind of master would I be? You can't give your energy to all the fallen people you see. If your trying to get killed you are doing a very good job."
I paused. He was my teacher. But sheesh, he didn't have to be so rude about it!
" If I didn't heal him it would only be one more to the long line of people to carry. Most everyone here is injured enough that they outnumber those who can carry. I thought you wanted to get out of here today, not a week."
" Botan, what you are doing is foolish. I have told you this before. Tai said he was ready so lets go," Hiei said and phased out of sight.
Didn't he think I knew that giving my power away could kill me? Not a small amount like healing but a huge one like resurrection. Sometimes even sending your power into them to save their life, like what Kuwabara did to help Yusuke on the mission of the four saint beasts. As long as I am careful it can't hurt me. Not like I would give up my life anytime soon.
I sighed and ran in Hiei's direction to meet with Tai and end the damned mission for good.
**********************
Warm. The bathwater felt so good after a long fight. I felt as if I could just soak all my problems away. It was a nice little dream but I needed to come back to reality. The main thing on my mind right now. That mystery guy.
***Flashback***
I turned another corner as a pair of strong arms caught me, midstep, and crushed me to the wall. One hand came to my mouth to stop any attempts of using my voice for help. I could tell he was a man because of his build.
I started to struggle, and he held me tighter, stopping me completely. He whispered something so softly I could hardly hear him.
" So you are Koenma's new spirit detective. A little young though aren't you? And very beautiful, might I add. Too beautiful to be mixed up with Hiei."
Surprise flickered through my across my face. No one knew about that. Well, aside from Koenma, Hiei, and myself. How did he find out? A complete stranger no less. And a powerful one at that. It's bad enough that he knows that I'm an inexperienced spirit detective, but he knows I work with Hiei too?
I turned around, still securely locked in his arms, to try to catch a glimpse of this man. I realized he was wearing a cloak, leaving nothing to be seen.
In a rush of wind, I was snatched out of the stranger's, and into more familiar arms. Relief washed over me. I was safe. Hiei had come.
" Well, what do you know, the sword master arrives, good to see you again Hiei, it has been a while."
" Who are you? And what do you want?" Hiei's voice was deadly calm and threatening. I shivered, not used to his voice being so cold.
" You already know my name, or at least I should hope so. As for what I want, you will just have to find out."
With that said he dashed off with speed as great as Hiei's. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
This was the first time I had met him. From this I found out he knows Hiei. This person is unbelievably fast, liked cloaks, and knew information he shouldn't. I still can't figure out how he knew that. It was top-secret information!
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
***Flashback***
Arenthis was only a few steps away from me now.a few more steps and- Arenthis' eyes widened briefly, then collapsed. From what I could see a deep cut went from her right shoulder to her left hip. I strained to see the dark figure behind Arenthis's dead, I was positive she was dead now, body. Black hair and a sword? Hiei?
" No, I'm not Hiei, detective." That voice! It was the voice of my captor in the alley!
It sure seemed like him. He had black hair, looked about the same height, used a sword, and had possibly the fastest speed I had ever seen. And he could read minds! How many people can do that? The figure raised his sword. I held my breath. A second later the stars were cut in half, but it didn't look like the sword had ever moved! Yep, this guy definitely had Hiei's speed.
" You better take care of yourself, Botan. I will see you again," he whispered. In a flash he was gone again, leaving me standing there, I was sure my eyes looked like saucers. Then the door fell down, cut right down the middle in one long, perfect slash.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Now he saves me. So does that mean he's a friend? Maybe Koenma told him? Is he a friend of his? Now I am almost positive this guy once had a close connection with Hiei. They wear the same cloaks, swords, and have speeds that put the roadrunner to shame. Not to mention the physical resemblance. This guy had black hair and the same height or close to it!(Hiei is taller now! Taller than Botan!) Could it be possible they were related? Maybe grew up together.
Hiei once told me he worked with a group of thieves when he was a kid. Was this guy another one of his old gang? Did that mean he was dangerous? Of course he was dangerous! He killed Arenthis!.And saved me. God this is so confusing! I still need to tell Hiei too! What if he worries? Ha! Botan you are giving yourself too much credit! Why the hell would a guy like Hiei worry for a girl like you?
That was a lie. I knew he would worry. We were too close to each other now to not care about each other. Which brought another famous question. What do I feel towards him? He's my best friend. Anything more?
I'm driving myself crazy! Am I in love with him? I could be. What is love? Is Shizuru going through the same thing with Kurama? Maybe I should talk to her. Times like these are too confusing to handle on your own.
I feel so bad about not telling Hiei. I wanted to fell the protection he could give me. All these things were creeping me out. The dude, Koenma sudden desire to change my job, I already refused to tell Yusuke and the others a very big secret. I lost sleep on that too. Then there was that note.(chap 5)
When I was in the bathroom someone had thrown a brick through the window. Geez, I had forgotten about that. The words came rushing back at me. It had read ~ I am coming for you, spirit detective~ Who the hell would write that? No one I knew. Well maybe Yusuke would..or Kuwabara, but for god's sake they didn't know!
So now there were at least 7 many people who new I was a spirit detective, Koenma, Hiei, Kurama, Shiz, and mystery guy, and possibly now someone else. Oh and of coarse I knew.
The clock rang, signaling it was 5:00. I need to hurry, I'll think more tonight. Now I needed to get done bathing to go to Genkai's, where they were having a party. Finally to relax and be with the others. It had been about two weeks since we had all been together. It was a sleepover too!
Everyone would be there, even Hiei from much of my coaxing. The first time I had ever talked him into something without having to do extra training to form a deal. I frowned. Sometimes we went swimming in a lake near Genkai's temple. I decided then and there to bring my bathing suit, just incase.
Wrapping the towel around me, I opened the door, shivering when the brisk air touched my skin, the hot steam disappearing into the room.
**************************
I was running late, my feet continuously pounding on the steps that led to Genkai's temple. I swear half of her training could have been for Yusuke to run up and down the stairs all day long! My duffel bag bumped into my side in rhythm with my running. At least I was on time for once. Well, I was anyway when I reached the temple, but no, they had to have 15 minutes of stairs involved, and that's if you were running!
Finally, I saw the door a few feet in front of me as I finished the last set of stairs. I burst through the door, my eyes lying upon the forms of our group. The whole group. It seems I was, once again, last. The females of our group, Keiko, Yukina, and Shizuru occupied the couch, while Yusuke and Kuwabara were lying on the floor next to it. Kurama and Hiei were seated at a table a little ways back. They all had their eyes on the T.V.
I turned my head to see what they were watching. Men, heavily weighed down with equipment, skated elegantly on ice, 'L' shaped sticks in their hands. Hockey.
" Hey Botan," Yukina greeted, " It's nice to see you again.
" Good to see you too, Yukina," I always liked Yukina. She opened my eyes that not all demons are obnoxious or loud, but some were quiet and polite, even naïve. She was actually the first demon I have met that did not like fighting. Not that all fighting is a bad thing, it was just a pleasant change for once.
The couch and the floor in front of it seemed full, Yusuke and Kuwabara were laying down on the floor, so I joined Kurama and Hiei at their table.
" What ningen sport is this?" Hiei asked as I sat down.
" This is hockey," I answered.
" The object of the game is to get the puck, see that small black object, that is the puck, into the other teams net," Kurama explained.
Hiei's eyes sparked.
" This is different. For once humans actually fight for something," He decided as he saw two players from opposite teams get in a fight and started punching each other, gloves flying off on the ice.
" Fight, fight, fight!" Yusuke and Kuwabara chanted from the floor.
" Yusuke! Stop it-ooh that might hurt," Keiko replied to the boys' foolish behavior.
The guy in black had punched the orange guy's helmet off, and then punched him again, giving him a black eye. This enraged the guy in orange, and gave him an uppercut, which sent his helmet flying. I noticed Hiei was watching this with interest. It seems like this sport would be one he like. Makes sense, Hiei enjoys beating the crap out of people, and hockey had some of that involved in the game. Yukina gasped at the scene, wondering if both players would be ok.
" Don't worry, baby. Stuff like this happens all the time," Kuwabara consoled.
Hiei growled. I shivered unexpectedly and motioned Kuwabara with my finger moving across my neck to show him he was crossing dangerous territory. I didn't want another fight erupting from the two. Kuwabara got the message and backed off. I sighed.
Hiei scowled at the T.V.
" These humans always destroy the fun," he muttered.
I turned my attention back to the T.V. to see what changed his mood. It seemed that the ref had intercepted the fighters and was trying to separated them, with the two combatants struggling to get some last punches in. The ref tripped and was all but thrown to the side as the fighters resumed their fight. Hold on a minute.
I turned to Hiei. He had a smirk on his face and his jagan eye was glowing faintly beneath the bandage. I gaped at him. I didn't know he could control things on T.V. Just how far did his power extend.
" Go Hiei! I knew that power had its strong points and could be used for good!" Yusuke cheered as he watched the fight.
" Yusuke, I think that little display, would be more appropriate in the evil category," Shizuru said, glaring at Hiei after the word display, but he only smirked in return.
" In the old days whole teams used to get in fights, and the refs wouldn't stop them until like five minutes. Too bad they don't do that anymore," Kurama sighed. Since when did this team become hockey fanatics? Oh well, I guess it was an ok sport.
" Really? How sad. I wish I could change that," Hiei said mischievously. I didn't have to look at him to know he was smirking or guess what he was going to do. The jagan eye opened again, as the players suddenly froze. Seconds later both teams were in a all out brawl, while the refs were mysteriously unconscious.
" Did it look anything like this?" Hiei asked, smirking at his 'accomplishment'.
" More or less. You know you really shouldn't do that." Kurama scolded though his eyes were captivated by the T.V. screen.
Well who wouldn't? It was a funny scene. The refs were unconscious though it looked like they were sleeping on the ice. The fighters were fighting against the other, but sometimes Hiei got confused about who was on what team so eventually everyone, team vs. on team, it didn't matter, anyone who got in the way was hit.
" Hiei, I don't think they are supposed to hit players on their own team though," I commented dully. Truly, who cared?
" Twerp, how long can you keep this up?" Kuwabara asked.
" Long enough." Hiei even let the insult slide, he so involved in what he was doing.
" Good, I'll go get some popcorn."
************************** Hiei
Too bad I had to end my fun, but Botan insisted that if they kept fighting like this the officials would get suspicious. What officials? I had knocked them out. Anyway, it was fun. The crowd seemed to like it too. Not that I care about them.
" Hey are we going swimming tonight?" Botan asked.
" Yeah! We haven't done that in awhile!" Kayko agreed.
" Did everyone bring their swimsuits?" Kurama asked. Everyone nodded.
" Ok we'll go change in the bathroom!(which happened to be right next to the room they were in) If we catch you guys peeking, you'll get a knuckle sandwhich!" Shizuru threatened though it was aimed at Yusuke and Kuwabara, " Ok let's go!"
When they finished, the girls knocked on the door and asked if we were finished, which of course we were. Then they opened the door and entered almost shyly. Botan had come out last, wearing a full-piece dark blue swimsuit. Actually all the girls were wearing full-piece swimsuits, I noticed. Must not trust us. I smirked.
Botan saw my cloak, which I had thrown away on the couch. She walked over to it and put it on. I gave her a look. She looked right back.
" What? I'm cold. With your 'demon skin' you shouldn't feel the cold at all," she said, just waiting for me to accuse her. I glared at her but said nothing.
We arrived at the lake, ten minutes later. We split up to do different things, Kayko and Yukina wanted to sun bathe, Kuwabara and Yusuke were fighting about we could make a better sandcastle, who demonstrated by making a sandcastle of their own, which by the way looked like crap, it looked like Kurama was sneaking up on Shiz to push her in the water, and Botan, still wearing my cloak, cautiously dipped her foot in the water.
I made my way down to her, but stopped when I was a little more than a foot away. I watched as she dipped her toe in the water, how she shivered from the cold, even with my cloak.
" It's cold."
" Is it?"
I bent down to test the water myself. Not too cold, but then again, I was a demon therefore it is harder to make us cold and whatnot. I concentrated on fire, manipulating my energy to warm the lake. Which is not easy to do because it was an average sized lake.
She noticed the change in temperature and looked at me, trying to decide if it was me or she had suddenly become numb. I smirked to answer her question.
" Still cold?"
***************************Botan
I'm glad I did bring my swimsuit. The girls and I piled into the room with our bags to change. Unfortunately the door was missing a doorknob, which caused two problems. 1. We could not lock the door. 2. The lack of the doorknob created a hole in the door that an eye could easily see through. So it seemed we were constantly listening for snickers or movement outside the door.
I slipped into my navy blue bathing suit and waited for the other girls to finish. None of us were brave enough to wear a 2 piece. Not with four hormonal boys. Nope.
Was it just me or was it cold? Looking at the others it would seem it was just me. So I shrugged to myself and ignored it.
I smiled as I noticed all the girls were wearing their guys' color. Kayko had a light green, Yukina wore blue, Shiz chose her favorite swimsuit, which just happened to be red, and well I had a dark blue. Not black, but close to it. I wondered if they had intentionally noticed their colors.
Shizuru knocked on the door and asked if they were done, to which they replied simply with a 'yeah'. We opened the door and walked through, though I lingered last. I wanted to close my eyes and walk right back in the room. Four, teenage boys, well at least looked teenage in Hiei's case, in trunks and completely shirtless. I felt a blush rise in my face but tried to push it down before anyone noticed. I looked up. No one had. Sigh.
I noticed Hiei's cloak on the couch. I'm cold. Do you think he would mind? Ah, to hell with it. I grabbed and tossed it over my shoulders. Then I turned to him to see how he would respond. He looked at me. Just looked. Was that good or bad? How do you respond to a look? Oh well, at least he didn't tell me to take it off.
At the lake I decided I wanted to swim, only when I felt how cold it was I reconsidered my decision. I sensed Hiei behind me, but didn't say anything. I shivered and my knees started trembling.
" It's cold." I said. If he says one thing about superior demons and their skin I'm going to slap him! I don't care that he might have brought his katana!
He surprised me though. Instead of making a witty remark, he leaned down to feel the water. I guess he agreed with me because I felt a sudden burst of energy from him that felt...warm? Fire? Well, duh, he was a fire demon after all. I wish I could warm myself up like that.
As I felt it continue to get warmer I shot a curious glance at him. What was he doing. He couldn't have been that cold, could he? That was when I felt the temperature rise. What the.? He's warming the water? He warmed the whole freakin lake? Why? For me? My heart fluttered. Did I just say fluttered?
He smirked at me.
" Still cold?" I blushed once again.
" No thank you. You didn't have to do-" I didn't have time to thank him properly because I suddenly met the water, head on. I came up for air and spluttered.
" Hiei! Why the hell did you do that?!" I demanded, " You raise the temperature then throw me in?"
When he didn't answer I continued.
" Oh well, it was your cloak."
Not much of a comeback but it was something. He is just so damn lucky he raised the temperature. The water was almost hot tub temperature, incredibly warm. He must have used a lot of his energy for that. And he tells me not to use a lot of energy for pointless things. Well, he might not admit it, but he did do that for me. Besides I would have gone in anyway, he just sped me up a little. Then there was another splash beside me.
" Kurama!" Shizuru seethed.
We looked back on the smirking males and glared.
" Do you think," I asked, " they planned this?"
" Get him."
****************************Hiei
" So what are we going to do now?" Shizuru asked once we had quieted down. The idiot and his partner had been laughing their heads off for a while now.
We had gotten back from the water, dried off, but not bothered to change clothes. Botan was still wearing my cloak too.
" How about truth or dare?" Kayko asked.
" That game can be dangerous. It usually gets awkward and can effect relationships," my sister warned.
" We all know it's in the name of fun so who cares!" Yusuke exclaimed.
" I do! That game is personal!" Botan argued.
" So you're a chicken Botan, is that it?" Kuwabara asked.
" She's not a chicken she's just not stupid like you, is all," I defended.
" Watch it shorty!"
" Kuwabara, remember Hiei is taller than you now," Kurama put in.
" So?"
" Little bro, he means find a nickname that makes sense," Shizuru replied.
" Look, this is getting off subject, either you play or you don't. Dimwit if you break anything you pay for it," Genkai said, who had come in when she heard the argument.
" Fine!" We all chorused.
We formed a circle that went like this: Me, Botan, Shiz, Kurama, Kayko, Yusuke, Kuwabara, Yukina. The rules were, you get one question, one dare. You had to do it or you would get a punishment, which would be decided by the person who asked/dared the person.
" I'll go first! Uh, Shizuru!" Yusuke said, braking the silence.
" Dare," Shiz said, asking the inevitable question.
" How about."
******************************
AN: (chanting) Evil, evil, evil, evil! Cliffy! But I did end it there for a reason. I was all ready to write the truth or dare part, when I realized I didn't know what to ask. This part is where I ask you what questions you want to ask. Hint, it can bring out some romance between certain people.*wink wink* So please give me some ideas for truth, dare, penalties,ect. I need some! Can't make the next chapter till I get some. Sooner you want the next chappy up, give me more ideas! I raised the words another 1000. Yep that's right, you're readin' a 7000 word chapter! My longest one! Man these really do seem to be getting long don't they? Oh yeah like the little mush scene with the water? At least I got slight mush in. Too bad Hiei had to ruin it! And I finally got the rest of the gang in! Ha! Miracles do happen!
******************************
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^Bloopers(pov will be different) ( remember I said I'll give you more for this chap? Well here they are) Last chapter
Hiei, Botan, Kurama, and Shizuru ran down the hall, killing demons, humans, and whatever was in their way.
" CUT!"
" Hiei you slashed the wrong way!" the director said.(I don't know who this guy is but I keep using him. Really the director would be me but I'll just use him. Use your imagination for this dude)
" Are YOU trying to tell me the right way to use MY katana?" Hiei questioned glaring fiercely at the 'stupid' directior.
" N-n-no! It's just the script says-" the director tried feebly.
" Who cares what it says?! Either I slice my way or I don't slice at all! Scratch that, I'll slice you!" Hiei exploded.
" Hiei, you can't just kill the director.he pays you." Kurama tried to persuade him to calm down.
" Besides you all took the wrong hall. You were supposed to make a left where you kept going straight," the director continued.
Botan turned red.
" This damn mansion has too many halls! We don't need this many! Why don't you put red x's on the door we are not supposed to go in or white arrows or something! This is ridiculous! I'm not good at directions so you would just have to pick the biggest freakin mansion to shoot this in wouldn't you?!" Botan screeched.
" Botan calm down! What if he fires you?" asked Shizuru.
" He can't fire me! This is anime! He can't just make another Botan! No! He needs me! Let me tell you buddy, I want a raise, a nice, big, raise," Botan said calming herself down.
" That sounds good to me," Hiei said and they smirked at each other.
" What happens if I refuse?" asked the director.
" We kill you," Botan and Hiei replied in unison.
*********************************
" Just how many times do I get hurt in this?" Endusa asked, reading the script.
" Endusa, you are the bad guy. That's the point," Director explained.
" Yeah, I know, but FOUR times? I don't have health insurance for this!"
**********************************
" You better take care of yourself, Botan. I will see you again," he whispered.
'Is this guy making a move on my girl?' Hiei thought. 'I'm going to complain about this! I wonder if I kill this guy later one? I hope so!'
*********************************************************
*Slice*
" Shit! This door won't effing cut! Why. Won't. You. Die?" Mystery guy asked the uncooperative door.
" Jarren, you are going to hurt yourself that way."
" Botan you don't know me now, remember?"
" Oh yeah!"
" Now can you get the stars off me?"
" Oh yeah!"
***********************************************************(this chapter)
" Hey, wake up. We're here," Hiei said softly.
" Botan? Botan! BOTAN!" He exclaimed.
" Wha-what?!"
" Ahh! Hiei you gave me a heart attack!"
" Next time just wake up!"
***************************************
" Wow Hiei! I never knew you could do this!" Kurama said, thoughtfully looking at the screen.
" Hiei do me a favor and have someone check that player," Shizuru said pointing at the screen.
" Number 28?" Hiei asked.
" Yeah!"
" Hiei! She said check not strip on ice!" Exclaimed Botan looking away as the crowed 'ooohed' and 'aaaaaawed' in astonishment.
" Well humiliating works too," Shizuru commented, " that guy is going to be a living hell when the press gets hold of this one!"
**********************************************************
" Hiei, this feels so nice," Botan said dreamily.
" Who knew I could make hot springs? You really do learn something everyday," Hiei commented as they both relaxed in the water.
******************************************************
" I think we should have the whole crew have one big game of truth or dare!" Botan recommended.
" Hmm, I dare you to kill yourself while singing the Barney theme song in the shower," Hiei commented.
" Good one," Kurama said.
" I dare you to come to set wearing nothing but a tie. Then you have to run around set the entire day!" Shizuru chuckled evily.
" I NEED to know something for truth," Kurama said seriously.
" What?"
" When you first saw me did you think I was a girl?"
" Do you really want me to answer that?"
" No."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ PLEASE READ!: THE AUTHOR ALERT SUDDENLY WENT DOWN, I DON'T KNOW WHY BUT IT DID. SO NOW I'M GOING TO SEND THEM OUT MYSELF AS SOME OF YOU ALREADY KNOW. IF YOU REVIEWED AND ARE A USER WITH FF.NET THEN I WIL AUTOMATICLY READ YOUR BIO TO FIND YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS. IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THAT TELL ME NOT TO SEND AN AUTHOR ALERT AND I WILL STOP. IF YOU ARE NOT A USER THEN LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IN A REVIEW AND I CAN SEND THE ALERT THAT WAY. THANK YOU
DON'T FORGET THE IDEAS FOR THE TRUTH OR DARE! I CAN'T GO ON WITHOUT THEM! THIS IS REALLY IMPORTANT! THE MORE YOU GIVE THE MORE YOU WILL GET IN THE NEXT CHAPTER! SO GO ON AND CLICK THE REVIEW BUTTON! SEE IT? GOOD! IT WON'T BITE I PROMISE YOU!
~Freesia~
Dedication: Ok how many of you ate turkey for Thanksgiving? I did. So here's to all the poor little guys who died for our feast! There, now I can feel better about eating it^^. By the way happy Thanksgiving!
Reviewer Responses:
sunshine and rainbows: Thank you I try.
Hieiandbotan4ever: Lolz. Weird. Anyway I wasn't really going to have a main weapon just yet. I like the bow and arrow idea though. I've actually thought about that before but I never went through with it. Don't worry though she will have a weapon eventually.but it might turn out to be more like Yusuke's powers instead. I'm having a crisis with this fanfic. I've planned so far ahead that I've got the sequel figured out and everything. It sounds so good too! Just one problem.I don't know how to end this one!
Shards of EvenSong: You got a tire swing! My friend, well Juli actually had a tire swing but it broke. Come to thing of it she had two of them.one was great for playing mad dog. I put my contacts in! I have them on right now! Aren't you proud of me? Do you have contacts? Let me tell you these things are hell to put in! I'm currently mad with my parents because they've been bugging me for about a month to put them in so I do, thinking it would surprise them, and they don't even notice! Then when I try to hint it to them they don't even listen! Oooh there is going to be some major blood in this chapter. I need to work this off! 0.0 You won a tree? Well that's.interesting. I won a stuffed soccer ball! I love it! But now it's all silver and sticky from paint.you know Halloween? Jeez it's been so long since I've updated but my chapters are so very long. I wanted to get this over 100,000 words but god that seems so hard! Especially because I've almost reached the end. The sequel probably will though. I'm already starting the ideas for that! It's going to be sooo good!
Lashka the WhiteRose: Yes that was a rather good cliffy wasn't it. I can only think of a couple that beat it! You guys probably all hate me right now! ^.^ Oh well.....happy (belated) Thanksgiving to you too! And Xmas, and Easter, and Valentines day.
Lady Water2010: Thank you! I took my time but the chappy is long! My longest one yet!
Narani the Demoness: Wait you said Haze? I had a reviewer a few chapters ago that had that name. At least part of it. Are you that person? Did you change pen names? If this is not you I apologize! *blushes* Sorry! Good review! That's one of the longest I've had in awhile! Thank you! I didn't really think much of my bloopers for last chapter. There were a lot I could have done but I was too tired. Now I have to go back and make more for this chapter and the last. Groan.hope you enjoy them!(lord knows I'll be up all night writing them!) And you got grounded? Ohhh, harsh. I got grounded once for overflowing the bathtub.but that's another story? Playing hooky huh? I wish I could do that..but I'm not smart enough to get away with it and my parents would personally see that my life is a living hell. School is boring! Especially science with Mrs. Lawrence. Even the class sucks! Three months huh? Loooooooooong time! Well at least you understand how hard it is to update. Especially when you have 5000+ words in every chap. Takes very much time so thanks for being patient with me though you still probably joined the many people you want to murder me for taking so long^^ I did get a scene in I did! I loved the water scene. So go read it and tell me what you think! Ideas would be helpful also^^ You'll get it when you finish.
Bloody Love: Thank you^^ I know I take much longer than I should to update. When I first started this fic, hard as it was to believe I could update in like two weeks. But now my chapters are just too long! My goal is to reach 100,000 words! Wish me luck! Also if you have any ideas please tell me! You'll understand at the end.
Crazy X 5000: Whoa! That's a lot of 'pleases'! How long did it take you to write all that? You are my second one who has reviewed fifteen times the same message. I don't mind, I actually like it, but I'm starting to wonder if this happens for everyone of if it is my computer.oh well who cares^^ Hope this is long enough!
The Will of the Fighter
Chapter 10
Games and Swimming ********************************Botan
" That's it for you, Ichigaki. May your family be damned to hell," I stated icily but truthfully. Considering what these demons have done in their lifetime their penalty should be much worse than a lifetime in prison.
Surprisingly the Ichigaki's had given up without a fight. Well, you could hardly call the attempts of pulling my hair, or a few measly punches a fight. The torture chamber had been empty besides a few dead bodies, freezing temperature, the agony tools, and of coarse the hellish family themselves.
It hadn't taken long for the others to dispose of Endusa with his multiple injuries from before. I don't even know what they did to him, but who cares? As long as he doesn't get in the way.
Koenma's ogres had arrived to arrest the family as they always did (when the team defeats an opponent Koenma sends a team of ogres to take them to prison or hell.whichever you prefer) but this time they looked a bit more wary for this was a well known family for lies, death, and destruction.
Sadly, I'm a bit miffed that there wasn't a trace of a big weapon or plan. In fact, the only thing illegal in the room was the dead bodies that we can only assume were killed. Who knows? The Ichigaki's might have just found it one day, already dead, and decided to experiment with it.or use it as a decoration. I wouldn't put either passed them. Or maybe they paid the demon for their live in exchange for something? It remains a mystery.
Aside from all that, nothing illegal to speak of. Kurama suspects they knew we were coming and sent a messenger to take the plans out of here, or hid them in the mansion somewhere.
Well, at least that's over with. Now if you don't mind I think I'll just pass out on the floor. No, I forced myself to stay awake. Only an idiot would fall asleep in a torture chamber.
" Do you think it would be best if we checked up on the rest of the fighters outside?" Kurama asked.
Crap, I had completely forgotten about them. Immediately I straightened and nodded. Who knows how many were out there, injured, lying helplessly on the floor? And the bombs might have turned the tables in the wrong direction. Suppose word did not get out that we won and the battle is still raging on? Technically the mission is not officially over until that village is safe again.
Shiz and Kurama filled the ogres in on what happened before they prepared to leave with their prisoners. Where was Hiei? I squinted, hoping to find him that way. The chamber was, after all, only lit by some torches. Then I spotted him in the hallway. Looking at the entrance door seeming in deep thought. Then he moved to the wall to inspect the damage followed by the battered body of Arenthis.
Then it all came back to me. How could I have forgotten the events that had happened a little under a half hour? Just who was that guy? What did he want? I stopped as a new thought dawned on me. What if Hiei asks about him? I can't just tell him a guy that seemed remarkably like him saved me before I was going to die! I don't want to seem weak to him! Oh yeah by the way he's the stalker dude who I met in the alley remember? I can see that turning into a wonderful ending. Besides I haven't much more information than he, anyway.
Still, Hiei's not stupid. He knows I don't know the first thing about swords, much less make a perfect swing to bring a very, heavy, metal door with I sword I don't even possess.
I need to get him out of there before he finds out more than I want him to. I will tell him, but now I'm looking for answers that I can't find. Until then I'm keeping to myself. It could turn out to be nothing. Unlikely, but possible. By now I know anything is possible.
" Lets go. We still have to check on those morons that are fighting outside."
I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. He didn't seem suspicious at least. Hopefully he will forget about it. Now we have more important matters to deal with.
*********************************Hiei
I had Botan on my back,( think Inuyasha and Kagome) looking like she was going to fall asleep any second now. Her eyes were fighting a battle against staying awake, she would force them wide, for a time determined not to blink, afraid she wouldn't be able to open them again. But slowly, they would lower and close for a minute or two, head leaning on my shoulder, then she would jerk back up again to start the process over. Now the sleeping part was taking over.
That wasn't her. It couldn't have been. I kept thinking about earlier in the mansion. While we were busy with Endusa something happened. For one thing, Arenthis was not killed by Shizuru. Apparently she was not killed by Botan either. The clues pointed that Arenthis probably caught Botan by surprise, and used her stars to pin her to the wall. The evidence being the star, or the half that remained in the wall had a piece of her shirt in each one. Second, it had a bit of her blood on each end. I knew it was her blood, he knew the scent. I could smell it. I looked down at her. But, even if I couldn't Botan's shoulders were slightly bleeding with the material of her shirt tattered in the spot the star should have hit.
Now that parts done with. This part had yet to be clear. The only logical explanation was that someone had stepped in to save her. While Botan was trapped to a wall, someone killed Arenthis and set her free. This someone also used a sword, quite well I might add. I'm sure she was pinned to the wall. She must not have been able to get free because she didn't kill Arenthis. The demon had been sliced in half. Botan didn't even have a sword, much less make a perfect cut. Then the sword cut the stars in half with a straight line. It would be impossible to make a cut like that in her angle.
So now she was free and with a stranger. Or did she know who it was? I shook my head. Think now, ask later. The door was locked. Whoever this person was cut the door down, with a precise, diagonal slash. Botan wouldn't have the strength to do that. That's as far as the clues went. Their was no damage to see so the person didn't harm her either. If he had wanted to, she would surely be dead.( Man, he's good)
One last thing puzzled me. I sensed a presence familiar to me in that hall. I don't know where, but I know this person somehow. Just where? Who do I know that is powerful and uses a sword? My mind didn't want to cooperate with me for it reached a blank wall. I'll just ask her later.
I looked up to see that we were just on the edge over the battlefield.
" Hey, wake up. We're here," I whispered into her ear.
She moaned and mumbled about not wanting pancakes for breakfast then her eyes snapped open as she remembered where she was.
" Great. Ok how long was I out this time? Why is it so hard for me to always stay awake when you carry me?" She asked more to herself than me.
Maybe it's because whenever I give you a lift it is normally after a mission therefore you are tired. I wondered if I should say that out loud but decided against it. I let her down and we looked at the combatants.
The bomb we heard must have been the only major one they had. Many little craters were made in the ground from some small ones, but hardly any damage had been done by them. The big bomb was probably intended to scare them away. Probably almost worked too.
The soldiers on our side wore silver, the other green, but there was so much blood, dirt, rock and gravel that you could hardly make out anything. Many of them were sprawled across the ground, laying in puddles of blood, presumably their own. Some were moving, but most were not.
The battle stopped, but again no one was doing much of anything. Just stood there nervously and looked about. Is it possible to be that dumb?
" You guys made it back! Did we win?" Tai appeared from behind a tree, bloodied and looking a mess. He seemed ok though.
" Yeah we won. What happened here? No, wait, I don't want to know," I said. My head already hurts I don't want to add to it by listening how they fought.
" How did you do? Never mind. Get as many of ours as you can to walk and carry those who are too weak. I suppose we must leave those who are dead behind," Botan directed.
Tai looked appalled by the idea.
" We can't just leave the dead here! They died honorably for our village! They should be honored and prais-"
" Look around you. You might notice that most of your fighters can hardly stand. It will take enough effort just to get them back. You might as well forget the dead. Or if you must, come back every day after this and take them to the village then bury them. As of now there is nothing you can do about them so give it up and get to work!" I said none too gently.
Hey if that's what it takes to get it through their thick heads then so be it.
******************************Botan
That's a nice way to put things, Hiei. We really need to work on his people skills.
Our other half of the team glared at us then decided cleaning up the place would be a better use of energy.
'Cleaning up' was easier for us because we could sense spirit energy, even if it was low. I knelt down next to one fighter. He was lying on his stomach, his head turned in the other direction. I tried slapping his cheeks lightly. He stirred but did not wake. Then I tried shaking his shoulders. No success. Maybe if I..I looked around to see who was watching. The soldiers wouldn't be smart enough to know what I was doing so I didn't have to worry about them. Shiz wouldn't care, Kurama probably wouldn't either. I don't think Hiei would be happy though. He hated the idea of giving anything to the weak. But it was faster than to shake this guy for an hour.
Good. No ones looking.
I placed my hands on either side of the soldier's shoulders. I eased some of my spirit energy to wake him up. It didn't take much. Only a minute or so, but he snapped awake with a yell of surprise. Spirit energy. How's that for an alarm clock? I had healed his wounds too. I can't help it I hate seeing people in pain.
" What happened?" the fighter asked, cringing as he stood to his feet. He took a few more wobbly steps then fell on me for support.
" You got knocked out and I woke you," I replied, " Go find others so we can get moving." He nodded and walked shakily away.
" You never will change will you?"
I must have jumped ten feet in the air. I whirled around to come face to face with Hiei.
" Don't sneak up on me like that!" I exclaimed. I was trying to control my heartbeat back to its steady pace.
" You would have noticed me if you didn't give your energy to that moron," he replied emotionlessly.
Oh shit. He knew. Crap. Crap. Crap.
" I didn't give him all of it. It was hardly anything!" I grit my response through my teeth.
" It was enough to make you slip up," he said.
" Well if you didn't have to check up on me every two seconds you wouldn't notice!" I countered
" If I didn't what kind of master would I be? You can't give your energy to all the fallen people you see. If your trying to get killed you are doing a very good job."
I paused. He was my teacher. But sheesh, he didn't have to be so rude about it!
" If I didn't heal him it would only be one more to the long line of people to carry. Most everyone here is injured enough that they outnumber those who can carry. I thought you wanted to get out of here today, not a week."
" Botan, what you are doing is foolish. I have told you this before. Tai said he was ready so lets go," Hiei said and phased out of sight.
Didn't he think I knew that giving my power away could kill me? Not a small amount like healing but a huge one like resurrection. Sometimes even sending your power into them to save their life, like what Kuwabara did to help Yusuke on the mission of the four saint beasts. As long as I am careful it can't hurt me. Not like I would give up my life anytime soon.
I sighed and ran in Hiei's direction to meet with Tai and end the damned mission for good.
**********************
Warm. The bathwater felt so good after a long fight. I felt as if I could just soak all my problems away. It was a nice little dream but I needed to come back to reality. The main thing on my mind right now. That mystery guy.
***Flashback***
I turned another corner as a pair of strong arms caught me, midstep, and crushed me to the wall. One hand came to my mouth to stop any attempts of using my voice for help. I could tell he was a man because of his build.
I started to struggle, and he held me tighter, stopping me completely. He whispered something so softly I could hardly hear him.
" So you are Koenma's new spirit detective. A little young though aren't you? And very beautiful, might I add. Too beautiful to be mixed up with Hiei."
Surprise flickered through my across my face. No one knew about that. Well, aside from Koenma, Hiei, and myself. How did he find out? A complete stranger no less. And a powerful one at that. It's bad enough that he knows that I'm an inexperienced spirit detective, but he knows I work with Hiei too?
I turned around, still securely locked in his arms, to try to catch a glimpse of this man. I realized he was wearing a cloak, leaving nothing to be seen.
In a rush of wind, I was snatched out of the stranger's, and into more familiar arms. Relief washed over me. I was safe. Hiei had come.
" Well, what do you know, the sword master arrives, good to see you again Hiei, it has been a while."
" Who are you? And what do you want?" Hiei's voice was deadly calm and threatening. I shivered, not used to his voice being so cold.
" You already know my name, or at least I should hope so. As for what I want, you will just have to find out."
With that said he dashed off with speed as great as Hiei's. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
This was the first time I had met him. From this I found out he knows Hiei. This person is unbelievably fast, liked cloaks, and knew information he shouldn't. I still can't figure out how he knew that. It was top-secret information!
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
***Flashback***
Arenthis was only a few steps away from me now.a few more steps and- Arenthis' eyes widened briefly, then collapsed. From what I could see a deep cut went from her right shoulder to her left hip. I strained to see the dark figure behind Arenthis's dead, I was positive she was dead now, body. Black hair and a sword? Hiei?
" No, I'm not Hiei, detective." That voice! It was the voice of my captor in the alley!
It sure seemed like him. He had black hair, looked about the same height, used a sword, and had possibly the fastest speed I had ever seen. And he could read minds! How many people can do that? The figure raised his sword. I held my breath. A second later the stars were cut in half, but it didn't look like the sword had ever moved! Yep, this guy definitely had Hiei's speed.
" You better take care of yourself, Botan. I will see you again," he whispered. In a flash he was gone again, leaving me standing there, I was sure my eyes looked like saucers. Then the door fell down, cut right down the middle in one long, perfect slash.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Now he saves me. So does that mean he's a friend? Maybe Koenma told him? Is he a friend of his? Now I am almost positive this guy once had a close connection with Hiei. They wear the same cloaks, swords, and have speeds that put the roadrunner to shame. Not to mention the physical resemblance. This guy had black hair and the same height or close to it!(Hiei is taller now! Taller than Botan!) Could it be possible they were related? Maybe grew up together.
Hiei once told me he worked with a group of thieves when he was a kid. Was this guy another one of his old gang? Did that mean he was dangerous? Of course he was dangerous! He killed Arenthis!.And saved me. God this is so confusing! I still need to tell Hiei too! What if he worries? Ha! Botan you are giving yourself too much credit! Why the hell would a guy like Hiei worry for a girl like you?
That was a lie. I knew he would worry. We were too close to each other now to not care about each other. Which brought another famous question. What do I feel towards him? He's my best friend. Anything more?
I'm driving myself crazy! Am I in love with him? I could be. What is love? Is Shizuru going through the same thing with Kurama? Maybe I should talk to her. Times like these are too confusing to handle on your own.
I feel so bad about not telling Hiei. I wanted to fell the protection he could give me. All these things were creeping me out. The dude, Koenma sudden desire to change my job, I already refused to tell Yusuke and the others a very big secret. I lost sleep on that too. Then there was that note.(chap 5)
When I was in the bathroom someone had thrown a brick through the window. Geez, I had forgotten about that. The words came rushing back at me. It had read ~ I am coming for you, spirit detective~ Who the hell would write that? No one I knew. Well maybe Yusuke would..or Kuwabara, but for god's sake they didn't know!
So now there were at least 7 many people who new I was a spirit detective, Koenma, Hiei, Kurama, Shiz, and mystery guy, and possibly now someone else. Oh and of coarse I knew.
The clock rang, signaling it was 5:00. I need to hurry, I'll think more tonight. Now I needed to get done bathing to go to Genkai's, where they were having a party. Finally to relax and be with the others. It had been about two weeks since we had all been together. It was a sleepover too!
Everyone would be there, even Hiei from much of my coaxing. The first time I had ever talked him into something without having to do extra training to form a deal. I frowned. Sometimes we went swimming in a lake near Genkai's temple. I decided then and there to bring my bathing suit, just incase.
Wrapping the towel around me, I opened the door, shivering when the brisk air touched my skin, the hot steam disappearing into the room.
**************************
I was running late, my feet continuously pounding on the steps that led to Genkai's temple. I swear half of her training could have been for Yusuke to run up and down the stairs all day long! My duffel bag bumped into my side in rhythm with my running. At least I was on time for once. Well, I was anyway when I reached the temple, but no, they had to have 15 minutes of stairs involved, and that's if you were running!
Finally, I saw the door a few feet in front of me as I finished the last set of stairs. I burst through the door, my eyes lying upon the forms of our group. The whole group. It seems I was, once again, last. The females of our group, Keiko, Yukina, and Shizuru occupied the couch, while Yusuke and Kuwabara were lying on the floor next to it. Kurama and Hiei were seated at a table a little ways back. They all had their eyes on the T.V.
I turned my head to see what they were watching. Men, heavily weighed down with equipment, skated elegantly on ice, 'L' shaped sticks in their hands. Hockey.
" Hey Botan," Yukina greeted, " It's nice to see you again.
" Good to see you too, Yukina," I always liked Yukina. She opened my eyes that not all demons are obnoxious or loud, but some were quiet and polite, even naïve. She was actually the first demon I have met that did not like fighting. Not that all fighting is a bad thing, it was just a pleasant change for once.
The couch and the floor in front of it seemed full, Yusuke and Kuwabara were laying down on the floor, so I joined Kurama and Hiei at their table.
" What ningen sport is this?" Hiei asked as I sat down.
" This is hockey," I answered.
" The object of the game is to get the puck, see that small black object, that is the puck, into the other teams net," Kurama explained.
Hiei's eyes sparked.
" This is different. For once humans actually fight for something," He decided as he saw two players from opposite teams get in a fight and started punching each other, gloves flying off on the ice.
" Fight, fight, fight!" Yusuke and Kuwabara chanted from the floor.
" Yusuke! Stop it-ooh that might hurt," Keiko replied to the boys' foolish behavior.
The guy in black had punched the orange guy's helmet off, and then punched him again, giving him a black eye. This enraged the guy in orange, and gave him an uppercut, which sent his helmet flying. I noticed Hiei was watching this with interest. It seems like this sport would be one he like. Makes sense, Hiei enjoys beating the crap out of people, and hockey had some of that involved in the game. Yukina gasped at the scene, wondering if both players would be ok.
" Don't worry, baby. Stuff like this happens all the time," Kuwabara consoled.
Hiei growled. I shivered unexpectedly and motioned Kuwabara with my finger moving across my neck to show him he was crossing dangerous territory. I didn't want another fight erupting from the two. Kuwabara got the message and backed off. I sighed.
Hiei scowled at the T.V.
" These humans always destroy the fun," he muttered.
I turned my attention back to the T.V. to see what changed his mood. It seemed that the ref had intercepted the fighters and was trying to separated them, with the two combatants struggling to get some last punches in. The ref tripped and was all but thrown to the side as the fighters resumed their fight. Hold on a minute.
I turned to Hiei. He had a smirk on his face and his jagan eye was glowing faintly beneath the bandage. I gaped at him. I didn't know he could control things on T.V. Just how far did his power extend.
" Go Hiei! I knew that power had its strong points and could be used for good!" Yusuke cheered as he watched the fight.
" Yusuke, I think that little display, would be more appropriate in the evil category," Shizuru said, glaring at Hiei after the word display, but he only smirked in return.
" In the old days whole teams used to get in fights, and the refs wouldn't stop them until like five minutes. Too bad they don't do that anymore," Kurama sighed. Since when did this team become hockey fanatics? Oh well, I guess it was an ok sport.
" Really? How sad. I wish I could change that," Hiei said mischievously. I didn't have to look at him to know he was smirking or guess what he was going to do. The jagan eye opened again, as the players suddenly froze. Seconds later both teams were in a all out brawl, while the refs were mysteriously unconscious.
" Did it look anything like this?" Hiei asked, smirking at his 'accomplishment'.
" More or less. You know you really shouldn't do that." Kurama scolded though his eyes were captivated by the T.V. screen.
Well who wouldn't? It was a funny scene. The refs were unconscious though it looked like they were sleeping on the ice. The fighters were fighting against the other, but sometimes Hiei got confused about who was on what team so eventually everyone, team vs. on team, it didn't matter, anyone who got in the way was hit.
" Hiei, I don't think they are supposed to hit players on their own team though," I commented dully. Truly, who cared?
" Twerp, how long can you keep this up?" Kuwabara asked.
" Long enough." Hiei even let the insult slide, he so involved in what he was doing.
" Good, I'll go get some popcorn."
************************** Hiei
Too bad I had to end my fun, but Botan insisted that if they kept fighting like this the officials would get suspicious. What officials? I had knocked them out. Anyway, it was fun. The crowd seemed to like it too. Not that I care about them.
" Hey are we going swimming tonight?" Botan asked.
" Yeah! We haven't done that in awhile!" Kayko agreed.
" Did everyone bring their swimsuits?" Kurama asked. Everyone nodded.
" Ok we'll go change in the bathroom!(which happened to be right next to the room they were in) If we catch you guys peeking, you'll get a knuckle sandwhich!" Shizuru threatened though it was aimed at Yusuke and Kuwabara, " Ok let's go!"
When they finished, the girls knocked on the door and asked if we were finished, which of course we were. Then they opened the door and entered almost shyly. Botan had come out last, wearing a full-piece dark blue swimsuit. Actually all the girls were wearing full-piece swimsuits, I noticed. Must not trust us. I smirked.
Botan saw my cloak, which I had thrown away on the couch. She walked over to it and put it on. I gave her a look. She looked right back.
" What? I'm cold. With your 'demon skin' you shouldn't feel the cold at all," she said, just waiting for me to accuse her. I glared at her but said nothing.
We arrived at the lake, ten minutes later. We split up to do different things, Kayko and Yukina wanted to sun bathe, Kuwabara and Yusuke were fighting about we could make a better sandcastle, who demonstrated by making a sandcastle of their own, which by the way looked like crap, it looked like Kurama was sneaking up on Shiz to push her in the water, and Botan, still wearing my cloak, cautiously dipped her foot in the water.
I made my way down to her, but stopped when I was a little more than a foot away. I watched as she dipped her toe in the water, how she shivered from the cold, even with my cloak.
" It's cold."
" Is it?"
I bent down to test the water myself. Not too cold, but then again, I was a demon therefore it is harder to make us cold and whatnot. I concentrated on fire, manipulating my energy to warm the lake. Which is not easy to do because it was an average sized lake.
She noticed the change in temperature and looked at me, trying to decide if it was me or she had suddenly become numb. I smirked to answer her question.
" Still cold?"
***************************Botan
I'm glad I did bring my swimsuit. The girls and I piled into the room with our bags to change. Unfortunately the door was missing a doorknob, which caused two problems. 1. We could not lock the door. 2. The lack of the doorknob created a hole in the door that an eye could easily see through. So it seemed we were constantly listening for snickers or movement outside the door.
I slipped into my navy blue bathing suit and waited for the other girls to finish. None of us were brave enough to wear a 2 piece. Not with four hormonal boys. Nope.
Was it just me or was it cold? Looking at the others it would seem it was just me. So I shrugged to myself and ignored it.
I smiled as I noticed all the girls were wearing their guys' color. Kayko had a light green, Yukina wore blue, Shiz chose her favorite swimsuit, which just happened to be red, and well I had a dark blue. Not black, but close to it. I wondered if they had intentionally noticed their colors.
Shizuru knocked on the door and asked if they were done, to which they replied simply with a 'yeah'. We opened the door and walked through, though I lingered last. I wanted to close my eyes and walk right back in the room. Four, teenage boys, well at least looked teenage in Hiei's case, in trunks and completely shirtless. I felt a blush rise in my face but tried to push it down before anyone noticed. I looked up. No one had. Sigh.
I noticed Hiei's cloak on the couch. I'm cold. Do you think he would mind? Ah, to hell with it. I grabbed and tossed it over my shoulders. Then I turned to him to see how he would respond. He looked at me. Just looked. Was that good or bad? How do you respond to a look? Oh well, at least he didn't tell me to take it off.
At the lake I decided I wanted to swim, only when I felt how cold it was I reconsidered my decision. I sensed Hiei behind me, but didn't say anything. I shivered and my knees started trembling.
" It's cold." I said. If he says one thing about superior demons and their skin I'm going to slap him! I don't care that he might have brought his katana!
He surprised me though. Instead of making a witty remark, he leaned down to feel the water. I guess he agreed with me because I felt a sudden burst of energy from him that felt...warm? Fire? Well, duh, he was a fire demon after all. I wish I could warm myself up like that.
As I felt it continue to get warmer I shot a curious glance at him. What was he doing. He couldn't have been that cold, could he? That was when I felt the temperature rise. What the.? He's warming the water? He warmed the whole freakin lake? Why? For me? My heart fluttered. Did I just say fluttered?
He smirked at me.
" Still cold?" I blushed once again.
" No thank you. You didn't have to do-" I didn't have time to thank him properly because I suddenly met the water, head on. I came up for air and spluttered.
" Hiei! Why the hell did you do that?!" I demanded, " You raise the temperature then throw me in?"
When he didn't answer I continued.
" Oh well, it was your cloak."
Not much of a comeback but it was something. He is just so damn lucky he raised the temperature. The water was almost hot tub temperature, incredibly warm. He must have used a lot of his energy for that. And he tells me not to use a lot of energy for pointless things. Well, he might not admit it, but he did do that for me. Besides I would have gone in anyway, he just sped me up a little. Then there was another splash beside me.
" Kurama!" Shizuru seethed.
We looked back on the smirking males and glared.
" Do you think," I asked, " they planned this?"
" Get him."
****************************Hiei
" So what are we going to do now?" Shizuru asked once we had quieted down. The idiot and his partner had been laughing their heads off for a while now.
We had gotten back from the water, dried off, but not bothered to change clothes. Botan was still wearing my cloak too.
" How about truth or dare?" Kayko asked.
" That game can be dangerous. It usually gets awkward and can effect relationships," my sister warned.
" We all know it's in the name of fun so who cares!" Yusuke exclaimed.
" I do! That game is personal!" Botan argued.
" So you're a chicken Botan, is that it?" Kuwabara asked.
" She's not a chicken she's just not stupid like you, is all," I defended.
" Watch it shorty!"
" Kuwabara, remember Hiei is taller than you now," Kurama put in.
" So?"
" Little bro, he means find a nickname that makes sense," Shizuru replied.
" Look, this is getting off subject, either you play or you don't. Dimwit if you break anything you pay for it," Genkai said, who had come in when she heard the argument.
" Fine!" We all chorused.
We formed a circle that went like this: Me, Botan, Shiz, Kurama, Kayko, Yusuke, Kuwabara, Yukina. The rules were, you get one question, one dare. You had to do it or you would get a punishment, which would be decided by the person who asked/dared the person.
" I'll go first! Uh, Shizuru!" Yusuke said, braking the silence.
" Dare," Shiz said, asking the inevitable question.
" How about."
******************************
AN: (chanting) Evil, evil, evil, evil! Cliffy! But I did end it there for a reason. I was all ready to write the truth or dare part, when I realized I didn't know what to ask. This part is where I ask you what questions you want to ask. Hint, it can bring out some romance between certain people.*wink wink* So please give me some ideas for truth, dare, penalties,ect. I need some! Can't make the next chapter till I get some. Sooner you want the next chappy up, give me more ideas! I raised the words another 1000. Yep that's right, you're readin' a 7000 word chapter! My longest one! Man these really do seem to be getting long don't they? Oh yeah like the little mush scene with the water? At least I got slight mush in. Too bad Hiei had to ruin it! And I finally got the rest of the gang in! Ha! Miracles do happen!
******************************
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^Bloopers(pov will be different) ( remember I said I'll give you more for this chap? Well here they are) Last chapter
Hiei, Botan, Kurama, and Shizuru ran down the hall, killing demons, humans, and whatever was in their way.
" CUT!"
" Hiei you slashed the wrong way!" the director said.(I don't know who this guy is but I keep using him. Really the director would be me but I'll just use him. Use your imagination for this dude)
" Are YOU trying to tell me the right way to use MY katana?" Hiei questioned glaring fiercely at the 'stupid' directior.
" N-n-no! It's just the script says-" the director tried feebly.
" Who cares what it says?! Either I slice my way or I don't slice at all! Scratch that, I'll slice you!" Hiei exploded.
" Hiei, you can't just kill the director.he pays you." Kurama tried to persuade him to calm down.
" Besides you all took the wrong hall. You were supposed to make a left where you kept going straight," the director continued.
Botan turned red.
" This damn mansion has too many halls! We don't need this many! Why don't you put red x's on the door we are not supposed to go in or white arrows or something! This is ridiculous! I'm not good at directions so you would just have to pick the biggest freakin mansion to shoot this in wouldn't you?!" Botan screeched.
" Botan calm down! What if he fires you?" asked Shizuru.
" He can't fire me! This is anime! He can't just make another Botan! No! He needs me! Let me tell you buddy, I want a raise, a nice, big, raise," Botan said calming herself down.
" That sounds good to me," Hiei said and they smirked at each other.
" What happens if I refuse?" asked the director.
" We kill you," Botan and Hiei replied in unison.
*********************************
" Just how many times do I get hurt in this?" Endusa asked, reading the script.
" Endusa, you are the bad guy. That's the point," Director explained.
" Yeah, I know, but FOUR times? I don't have health insurance for this!"
**********************************
" You better take care of yourself, Botan. I will see you again," he whispered.
'Is this guy making a move on my girl?' Hiei thought. 'I'm going to complain about this! I wonder if I kill this guy later one? I hope so!'
*********************************************************
*Slice*
" Shit! This door won't effing cut! Why. Won't. You. Die?" Mystery guy asked the uncooperative door.
" Jarren, you are going to hurt yourself that way."
" Botan you don't know me now, remember?"
" Oh yeah!"
" Now can you get the stars off me?"
" Oh yeah!"
***********************************************************(this chapter)
" Hey, wake up. We're here," Hiei said softly.
" Botan? Botan! BOTAN!" He exclaimed.
" Wha-what?!"
" Ahh! Hiei you gave me a heart attack!"
" Next time just wake up!"
***************************************
" Wow Hiei! I never knew you could do this!" Kurama said, thoughtfully looking at the screen.
" Hiei do me a favor and have someone check that player," Shizuru said pointing at the screen.
" Number 28?" Hiei asked.
" Yeah!"
" Hiei! She said check not strip on ice!" Exclaimed Botan looking away as the crowed 'ooohed' and 'aaaaaawed' in astonishment.
" Well humiliating works too," Shizuru commented, " that guy is going to be a living hell when the press gets hold of this one!"
**********************************************************
" Hiei, this feels so nice," Botan said dreamily.
" Who knew I could make hot springs? You really do learn something everyday," Hiei commented as they both relaxed in the water.
******************************************************
" I think we should have the whole crew have one big game of truth or dare!" Botan recommended.
" Hmm, I dare you to kill yourself while singing the Barney theme song in the shower," Hiei commented.
" Good one," Kurama said.
" I dare you to come to set wearing nothing but a tie. Then you have to run around set the entire day!" Shizuru chuckled evily.
" I NEED to know something for truth," Kurama said seriously.
" What?"
" When you first saw me did you think I was a girl?"
" Do you really want me to answer that?"
" No."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ PLEASE READ!: THE AUTHOR ALERT SUDDENLY WENT DOWN, I DON'T KNOW WHY BUT IT DID. SO NOW I'M GOING TO SEND THEM OUT MYSELF AS SOME OF YOU ALREADY KNOW. IF YOU REVIEWED AND ARE A USER WITH FF.NET THEN I WIL AUTOMATICLY READ YOUR BIO TO FIND YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS. IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THAT TELL ME NOT TO SEND AN AUTHOR ALERT AND I WILL STOP. IF YOU ARE NOT A USER THEN LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IN A REVIEW AND I CAN SEND THE ALERT THAT WAY. THANK YOU
DON'T FORGET THE IDEAS FOR THE TRUTH OR DARE! I CAN'T GO ON WITHOUT THEM! THIS IS REALLY IMPORTANT! THE MORE YOU GIVE THE MORE YOU WILL GET IN THE NEXT CHAPTER! SO GO ON AND CLICK THE REVIEW BUTTON! SEE IT? GOOD! IT WON'T BITE I PROMISE YOU!
~Freesia~