Review Responses: I love you all very much! This story is for you!

FlyBoy-62-Hey thanks for reviewing! You have some quite lovely fics yourself! I won't nag you about updating because then I'd be a hypocrite. I checked your bio-and cool we're the same age! Uh yeah…most people on are older than 14 so I thought that was kinda cool. Heehee!

NehSeiKyu-Wow I'm glad you turned into a Hiei/Botan lover. Sorry my first couple of chapters were pretty bad grammatically anyway, if not bad as a whole because I had never done this before. Luckily, I think I've gotten a bit better since then. What do you think? Oh you read my other story? Which one do you like better, even though one has only one chapter…that one's going to be really really long so I wanted to finish this one first, but then I might make a sequel to it, but you know how long I take to update! I could be 20 before I'm done! Uhh excuse my ignorance, but what does KCYA mean?

chica-Thanks for the review! It means more to me than you know! The romance will get better, I promise! Or at least I hope it will. I just hope no one expects a lemon because I am in no way capable of writing something like that yet! But the romance will come later, no worries! Gives another cookie There you go!

Crystal-Koneko-Yay! You called my fic beautiful! Thankies! You probably will find out about what the girl said, I myself forget right now, but I'm sure it's pretty important! Good call on that one! I saw Hiei's official past on dvd, but mine will have to do for sake of the fic. Personally, I like mine better anyway . To bad there was no way of getting around him getting thrown off a cliff huh? Poor little guy…

Kitsune Kit-Aww thank you! You're marvelous! I love the people who support me by putting me on their favs list! Heehee, enjoy the chapter!

Omega Weapon-Thank you, this is the first fic I ever made, so the first few chapters I'm sure are filled with errors! Who am I kidding all my chapters are filled with errors, but thanks for supporting it anyway! Careful with your head there lol.

Dream-Dancer-Salem-Don't worry! I'll never quit this fic and rest assured there will 99 be a sequel. I guess it depends if you want the sequel more or the other fic that has only one chapter on it! Thanks for reviewing! You'll have to teach me to dance someday!

MystiK-Heyy! It's been forever! Thank you once again; you're an awesome reviewer! Botan's past is largely made up by yours truly, because for whatever reason in Yu Yu Hakusho there is no past whatsoever for Botan! So yeah, just go with me on this lol. I'll do my best.

Authoress:MegaRose-Aww thanks! Your reviews are always so sweet and kind! They always brighten my day! That girl Hiei saved will have a larger part in the fic so don't forget about her! I know a lot of people have been wondering but you'll just have to find out! Actually the anime does explain part of it, but it hasn't showed on air yet, I bought the dvd, that's the only reason why I know. I did base part of Hiei's past on it, so some of it really is true! But for Botan, I just made it up because it's not mentioned in the anime! Botan might be a human, I'll give you a hint I shouldn't be giving, whatever Botan's race is in this story is probably one of the most important keys in the whole fanfic! Heehee, I'll just leave you with that little cliffy!

Angelbornnhell-Wow I updated on your birthday! What a coincidence! Happy birthday! How old are you now? The girl in Hiei's past has a very very big chance of having a larger part in the story, so don't think she's done yet! I can't wait to see what you guys think of her! Heehee your reviews are funny, I love them! Ahh, please don't hunt me down! You'll have Botan's past, I promise! Besides if I get killed, who's going to update the fic? Ha, see you need me! Heehee, I can't be killed yet! Ahh! Runs away while being chased by dogs

Shadow's dawn-Oh, I'll try to read your fic once I'm done with this chapter. I'm jealous, there's a lot of things in this story that I don't know how or what's going to happen but I'm sure it'll work out. Thanks, you too. Let's spread Hiei/Botan stories together!

Kuwabara99-That's good, too few people like Kuwabara! I don't know why, he's a really funny character. I'll give you a heads up, there's going to be jealousy coming up in the future chapters, but the end pairing will be Kuwabara/Yukina, promise! Jealously is such a fun little toy to play with lol. Thanks, I hope you like Botan's past in this chapter.

Eloriel-Well no, it's not a joke, but if I didn't get the number of reviews I would still continue anyway. It's just a goal for every chapter I write I guess. Thanks for supporting my story!

WaterLilyofLife-I'm glad you like the storyline, a good deal of it I'm making up as I go, so I hope the story flows and all. My writing style is a little different from other writers, just in the point of view. It's the easiest to write for me but can get pretty long to write. It's fun though, so I don't mind.

inuloverfreak14-Your review made my night as well! Enjoy the chapter!

Jade-8199-Thanks, I try recommending the fics I like because in all truth, some fics are better than others. Be sure to look for the recommended fics this time too, because I've read a few really good ones! Yep, that was my take on the Koorime, now you get the opportunity to see life in Reikai!

Amanra-Thankies, that leaves me with a good feeling for the last chapter! I'll try to make this one even better! Thanks for reviewing! WOW! You reviewed twice! You're my new hero! Hiei a little prankster punk and Botan a choir singer huh? That could work! I love any fics with Hiei as a rebel or badboy. I don't know why really…and Botan plays the part of an innocent singer so well don't you think? If your into high school fics, you're really going to enjoy the sequel to TWOTF. If you decide to make the fic tell me ok, I could recommend you! Wow, I have fans 0.0. I feel so happy now!

toasty fresh-Lol. I think that's the first time I've ever been called a sadist. . Umm this is your second Hiei/Botan fic read or the second one you really liked? Either way, I'm honored. Hahahhaha! My friends are the same way! They can't even pronounce Yu Yu Hakusho the right way! I think they do it on purpose just to get on my nerves! I'm the only one who likes anime out of them all! And they think I'm weird. Choppy? Umm can you give me an example and I'll try to fix it.

Anonymous monkey- Mostly I just used google to get pictures. Clicking on one of the pictures there might lead you to a Hiei site with lots of pictures of out favorite fire demon.

Disclaimer-Why do I even have to do this? We all know what the answer is. This is my take on Hiei/Botan which FUNIMATION never made into a couple! So no, I don't own it, if I did I wouldn't be writing fanfics to convince people they belong together!

Dedication-I'm going to say this is for my poor little guinea pig who died yesterday. I loved him with all my heart even if I only had him for a short time and I'll remember him always. Rest in peace Naru!

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The Will of the Fighter

Chapter 14

Botan's Past and Hiei's Puzzle

By Freesia

oooooBotanooooo

I was in a jumble of emotions as Hiei finished his recollection of the story about his past. It's pretty amazing what a sleepless night can do for two people, huh? Granted, I suppose you could say nothing really happened, but I feel like I no Hiei much more now than I did before. Perhaps he thinks of me as a true friend now? I can only hope.

In truth, I was almost giddy with happiness. I had always been interested in Hiei, ever since the first time I saw him. Before the first time I saw him! Once, a long time ago, when I was still training to be a ferry girl, I was looking through some records and spotted a picture of him. It wasn't attached to a piece of paper or anything so I figured the rest of his files were lost. The picture didn't even have a name on it so I had no clue where it belonged. Instead of handing it over like I should have, I kept it for myself in my room. There was something special that drew me to him, even if it was only a picture.

As a child I would always wonder what his name was, what he did, what he was like. I wanted to know everything I could about him. I knew he was a demon though, and I still didn't care. Reikai generally did not have good feelings towards demons, their power was known to all, as well as their blood-thirsty appetites hungered for death. He had a hairstyle that deferred from that of the humans' own style that became my first clue. I could tell his hair naturally spiked upwards, and had blue tips, with a unique starburst in the center. What really convinced me though, were his eyes. The only humans that had red eyes were albinos, and if that were true for him he would have very light hair, instead of his pitch-black locks.

You can imagine my surprise, when I actually met him during Yusuke's first mission. I took in all I could, but as I quickly found out he had a bad temperament, and hated being defeated by Yusuke. I'm sure he blamed part of it on me, my being Yusuke's assistant and all. I practically fainted when I saw the wanted criminal who had stolen the shadow sword! What would have poor Yusuke done then?

I wanted to get closer to him, but in all honesty to myself, I was scared. Not that he would kill me, which he could do that too, with ease no less. I was not much of a fighter back then, who am I kidding, he could kill me now if he wanted to! But what I was really afraid of was him not liking me. It wasn't like I could just walk up to him and say I found a picture of you in Reikai when I was very young and I spent a lot of time wondering about you, so do you think we can be friends? NO! I couldn't do that! Things didn't get better either, I hoped his hatred of the human world would fade after time but apparently that was not the case and I took that it was just his personality. So I stayed away and kept my distance, doing the next best thing.

When I went back to Reikai I tried looking up his files, but by the time I did so they had already been erased. Completely vanished. With only one option left, I turned to Kurama. Unlike Hiei, Kurama and I had become fast friends with each other. As embarrassed, as I am to say it, a lot of our conversations were about Hiei.

Now, back to the present, for the first time I didn't have to find out from some other source, Hiei himself told me directly. I am very happy I have the chance to talk to him now, basically whenever I want. Maybe I mean something to him now as well? Even though I have known him for less than a year, it already feels like I've known him forever.

"So how was your past? Doubt it's worse than mine," Hiei stated. I blushed realizing that I had been staring at the ground, lost in my thoughts for how knows long. I paused for a second, wondering if I really wanted to tell him about my past, but immediately smacked the thought out of my head. He tells you his history and you won't tell him your own! After I came to my decision, I momentarily squealed in my head that Hiei was even interested about me.

" It doesn't have as much drama," I admitted, "but it is slightly unusual, I guess."

I glanced over to make sure the fire demon was listening. Our position hadn't changed, and Hiei was still resting on the couch while I kneeled next to him on the floor. The only difference was now he was looking expectantly at me instead of the other way around. I began wondering how to start. I suppose I should tell him some basic things about Reikai that he probably doesn't know. Yeah, that's probably a good place to start.

"Most ferry girls are daughter's of rich family's in Reikai. You know, the well to do, smart, overly beautiful daughters. Especially if they have a chance of being married off to Koenma. Most princes of Reikai have brides that were once ferry girls. There are other possibilities of becoming a ferry girl if there is something unusual or special about you. Also, in Reikai, becoming a ferry girl is the best kind of honor there is for women in Reikai. It's almost like being a princess. You're always treated the bests and work directly for King Enma. It's every girl's wish."

"That would make you pretty high up there, wouldn't it? Aren't you like head of the ferry girls or something? Did you get in because of your parents? Where I come from you actually have to work for your position," Hiei snorted and I could tell he thought I was some prissy, spoiled, little daddy's-girl! That brat!

"Yeah, I was Koenma's head ferry girl! I worked hard for it though! It couldn't possibly have been because of my parents, I don't even know who they are. No one does…" I trailed off sadly, the spark of anger fading. The look on Hiei's face proved he truly regretted what he said but before he could say anything I cut him off. It's not like the GREAT Hiei would apologize to me anyway.

"Anyway, the most usual circumstances would be the girl would be a reincarnation of one of the families in spirit world. Instead of going off to one of the separate worlds, sometimes they are offered a job as a ferry girl and are reunited with their families."

I was looking down at the floor, still a little annoyed with his presumption.

" But I am neither of those cases. Some resident found me and he took me to King Enma. I can't remember anything of my life before that. I don't even know if Botan is my real name or not. I'd bet it isn't though because all ferry girls are given the name of a flower for some reason. I guess it's a tradition of some sort. One of the Kings must have thought it was ladylike or something. King Enma took pity on me and welcomed me into Reikai. They did a search for my parents but they never were found, so they kept me in the castle. I became fast friends with the people in the palace; I even became one of Koenma's best friends. I was nearly four at the time. It was decided that I would work as a ferry girl, so when I was old enough, I began my training. I was a quick learner, and exceptional in my abilities. I was more graceful on my oar than even girls with years more experience and practice than I had. I learned how to heal thoroughly a year later. I became somewhat of an idol or prodigy because of my rare talents. King Enma was pleased I was doing so well, he even gave me the high position as Koenma's personal assistant. I couldn't have been happier. Koenma and I became even closer because ogres and women who were far older than us surrounded us both. Funny, as we were both the ones in charge. A few years later, the rest of the girls graduated and were put into the office under Koenma and I. It made me happy and excited to see them. The least part of my job I liked was the actual ferrying part. At first, I didn't mind because it was a new experience and I enjoyed meeting new people. But after awhile it started depressing me as the people I met cried about dieing, told me about their families, and sometimes even shouted at me or threatened me saying it was my fault they had died. Luckily for me, as Koenma was given more and more responsibilities to prepare him for being a ruler, he was in need of more help. So as his assistant, I had to drop my ferrying work, much to my delight, and was upgraded into helping Koenma only. Years passed and I became the chief pilot of the river stix. Then Yusuke died and I was sent to retrieve his soul because it was a special case and I was the only one King Enma trusted to do it. Then I moved to become Yusuke's assistant and here I am now!" I sighed after my long tale. (Long paragraph or what?

"That skill doesn't explain why the brat prince made you a spirit detective," Hiei muttered lowly, "from your story it seemed as if he was fond of you."

I shook my head. "I can't answer that, I don' know. There were no warnings or signs at all. I didn't even make him angry or anything!"

"Did anything unusual happen recently during that time? Something different?" Hiei questioned again.

I sighed, trying to think back.

"Well, I did start attending Reikai balls…" I trailed off. I didn't see how that information would be of any use at all.

"I was not aware Reikai held balls," Hiei replied curious, one eyebrow raised.

I nodded. "Oh, yes. Reikai is famous for them. They can be held for large festivities, holidays, or treaties with a band of demons or rulers, or smaller things like a spirit marriage, a newborn baby, or the graduation leading into a deity. Until a few months beforehand I never had time for any of that, but after the Makai tournament, everything began to calm down. I could not find an excuse not to go, and my friends had been dying to take me. I was practically dragged there," I explained.

"Did you have a good time?" Hiei asked.

This question surprised me but nonetheless I answered.

"Yes. I got to meet plenty of families from spirit world, allowing me to converse with old friends and new ones. The food is absolutely exquisite," I added, "the dancing was fun, too. As a ball, it was formal, and it gave the other deities and I the chance to dress up a bit. Most of the time my friends would end up getting a romantic date or hung around their crush for the evening, but I think only one or two lasted longer than two months. Plus, it was a bonus to meet demons who had manners and pride for once."

"Wait. Demons attended?" Hiei looked shocked.

"Of coarse. The royalty, or leaders of those who are loyal to the spirit world are always invited to the balls of Reikai and the ones that just made a treaty with Reikai are also welcomed. More likely they would have a ball to celebrate the treaty and the demons would be invited thereafter. But don't worry; they are all polite and respectful. Absolutely no violence is allowed," I finished. My mouth was getting dry from all the talking; I was going to need water soon.

"Around how often are these "balls" of yours held?" Hiei quizzed.

"About every two weeks, I suppose."

"Do you still go?"

"I am a ferry girl…or was, but I was able to keep my powers so all things considered I could pass for a deity but since I came to you I've been too busy. To be honest I forgot about them. To the original question yes."

"Tell me, are you permitted to bring a guest?"

"Well, I'd have to ask Koenma, but I do not think he would deny you entrance after all the help you provided. I mean you've been helping two spirit detectives, Yusuke and myself. Would you like to go?" I asked, not really knowing what to expect. This wasn't like him at all. I would think a ball would be a miniature version of hell in his mind. Yet, he seems genuinely interested. I'll never get this guy!

"Botan, did you meet someone the last few times you had attended? Someone you might have spent more time with than others?" Where was this leading?

oooooHieiooooo

I instantly regretted what I said once the words spilled out of my mouth. I was just used to people that were in high positions were likely offspring or related to someone that once held that same position. Even if they did suck. I already knew Botan wasn't like that, she definitely was not a fighter, but she worked hard to get better. She still has a long, looooong way to go, but she's still trying. Obviously anything she did, she worked at, and if she was the captain person of whatever river, then she must be good at it.

I quickly noted out position had gotten closer. I was lying down on the couch and Botan was kneeling close to me. Some would say too close. I wonder why I haven't pushed her away yet, why I didn't mind she was so close. Generally I strike anyone that invades my personal space, but none of the alarms rang in my head screaming to kill nor have I been plagued by a deep sense of annoyance. My apprentice must be growing on me.

As I listened to her story I was determined to solve the puzzle. I knew Koenma wasn't going to throw away his best ferry girl, not even he is that foolish. He practically sentenced her to death; if I had not stepped in…I don't even want to think about it. Koenma was not expecting me to train her, of that I am sure, hell even I, myself was shocked. I saw it in his eyes when I came to discuss the actual training of Botan. At first, despite what the woman had told me, I wanted to see if she had had any training that might have been useful, or to see if she had pissed him off.

The answer to both was no, no training whatsoever, and she had done nothing to irritate the bratty prince. I even resorted to speaking with those lowly ogres in order to receive some information. Apparently Botan and Koenma had always been good friends, and when the child was pissed off (which was not unusual) it was Botan who had the best chance of cheering him up. So not only was she his best worker, but also his friend. It didn't make sense.

Trying to get more clues out of her story, I listened intently. If I had been drinking I would have spit it out on her face in surprise. Reikai held balls? I had never heard of this, yes, I'm not an expert on Reikai, I don't particularly like it actually, but surely one could not keep balls from demon world's ear. Someone had to have known this! If these balls were a tradition, how come I did not know? Ah, well, you learn something new everyday; I think the mortal cliché goes.

The wheels started turning in my head, of Botan's description, something must have happened at one of these "balls". So far, it was my only lead. I asked her to elaborate, ignoring her look of confusion. I was working here, and I was going to get answers, even if it does make me seem out of character.

A ball every two weeks? One would think that balls as grand as Botan had described them, to take at least a month to prepare. Not to mention cleanup…now wonder King Enma was always on our butts to finish missions, here he is enjoying a party, and we're off saving the inferior human race! Some king he is. If at all possible, my opinion of Reikai just got lower.

Never mind that, I reprimanded myself. I'll have plenty of time later to think about how much I loathe the spirit world, along with the human world. Now I had to concentrate. Koenma and Botan were close, and had a good relationship…relationship! Maybe Koenma wanted Botan to be his lover or something? No, she would have told me, it would have been obvious that that was why she was fired in the first place. Besides, Botan only looks up to him as a superior, and I friend I suppose.

Perhaps Koenma had just laid down hints? Yes, Botan was oblivious to that kind of thing. Now that I think about it, the frequent trips we take to Makai and she never seem to respond to the male demons' catcalls, I have noticed. Thank god too, I don't want to be the one saving her ass from horny demons, I come to her rescue enough as it is! It proves, though, she can be quite oblivious and innocent when she wants to be. The way Koenma was her boss and friend, she never would have caught on unless he physically told her himself. I'll have to watch the way Koenma looks at her now, my apprentice is not getting involved with the most annoying toddler I've ever had the displeasure of meeting. Oh yes, I forgot, she hates him now, so that's not a problem.

I nodded. It could work, knowing both Botan, and sadly Koenma, the situation could be true. It didn't seem right though, something was missing. Could Koenma have gotten jealous? Maybe he saw them flirting at a ball? Especially if it was I demon, now that I knew that demons could actually attend. If this demon and Botan had met and grown closer, that might have triggered Koenma. It's not as if the demon was an underling of Koenma, he couldn't just boss him around. The only power Koenma held was his title, after all that was why he had the spirit detectives, to be the force he lacked. If he threatened the demon, there's a good chance he would just laugh in his face. Though the prince knew not how to fight, I had no doubt the demon did. It seemed like only the leaders were allowed to attend, the strongest most likely of the pack, and if they wanted something they would not submit to a puny little prince. If that were true, there was no possible way the Reikai prince would allow his dream girl to be with a demon, regardless of how she felt, and assign her to Earth in order to keep them apart.

This was just a guess, but the only one I could come up with. Of coarse my whole theory will turn to dust if it turns out she hasn't met anyone at the balls.

"Botan, might you have met someone at the balls? Someone you have grown close to? A demon perhaps?"

ooooooooo

Ok, that chapter was a little short. I'm very, very sorry about the long wait, but never fear, I will finish this story, no matter how long it takes. So just try to be patient with me, ok? I'd continue apologizing but I'm sure you don't want to hear it. Feel free to talk to me in reviews! I like it! My email address is if anyone is interested and my aol im is xxshikonxx! I invite you all to talk sometime so take me up on that offer! I might just reveal a little extra information wink wink. The reviews are currently 386, which I couldn't be happier about! Just think, I might actually make 400 reviews! I think I'd die! Oh yeah, I'm on the favorites list of 16 people and 23 people put me on their author alert! Thank you all! I love you guys so much!

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Onto the bloopers and sorry for my blabbing!

(All of you probably know this by now, but the POV is different here!)

Both were sitting close together, too close almost…suddenly…

"Crap!" Hiei yelled as he fell on Botan landing right on her chest.

Botan blushed and sputtered.

"Hiei Jaganshi get the hell off of me right now!" She screeched loudly.

Hiei covered his ears and quickly did so.

"It wasn't MY fault! The fox pushed me!"

"Oh yeah, sure, blame Kurama! He's not even here-KURAMA! How dare you, you JERK!" Botan saw Kurama hiding behind the couch.

"Nope not happening," Shiz declared, "you're not touching my fox."

"Your fox is going to die!" The blue haired woman raised the infamous pillow.

"He did you a favor! Now you actually hit a base with Hiei! And besides, he's just annoyed he wasn't in the chapter again!"

Botan blushed and glared furiously.

"I never wanted to go to a base with Hiei!" She screamed and began destroying everything in her path, and Shizuru took the hint to run away.

"Am I really that bad?" Hiei asked, but he wasn't hurt by Botan's comment.

"Nah. She's just acting mad because she knows she liked it." Kurama smirked.

"Oh, and I suppose YOU are an expert?"

"As a matter of fact, I am."

"Hn. At least you're good at some things."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Oh, you know I could whoop you any day in a fight, the director just pays me to make it look like we're equals!"

"You liar! Bring it, three eyes!" The two boys took out their pillows and started a furious battle of their own!

Suddenly the girls stopped fighting, well actually Shiz stopped running and Botan stopped chasing her. Their eyes were wide as they watched the men fight.

"Botan, go get the popcorn!"

"Ok!"

"Go Kurama!"

"No way! Hiei's going to win!"

"Kurama!"

"Hiei!"

"Kurama!"

"Hiei!"

"KURAMA!"

"Hiei!"

"KURAMAAAAAA!"

"HIEIIIIIIIII!"

"Great, now we get stuck with two wanna-be cheerleaders."

"Yup."

"Ungrateful gits!" The girls yelled. (Sorry I was reading Harry Potter, and git is used a lot heh heh)

ooooo

Yikes! I forgot about the recommendations! Ok, I'll just add them here! There are tons of good Hiei/Botan fanfics out there but here are some ones that caught my eye and I encourage you to read them! Besides it gives you something to read while you guys are waiting for mine! See I know you guys wait for mine, so while you're waiting, read these!

First up! Drum roll please!

Tender is the Night by DarkSidheChild!

If you like action adventure H/B this is definitely for you! Hiei's a big time thief and Botan's some sort of cop, and she disguises and learns how to steal and hack like a master thief in order to work as Hiei's assistant in order to give proof to her agency that he has been the one, without a doubt, and have evidence of him doing the crime. Unfortuneatly, (or fortunately) Botan gets in a little too deep for her own good! I suck at summaries but this story is really good so go read and review it! Here's the link:

Go read! Go! Go! Off with you now! Have you read it yet? You sure? Ok, then, if you promise!

Rhythm by Dancing Doll!

This fic stars a lot of couples, actually the main couple is Yukina/Kurama but there is also a pretty big focus on H/B. This story features Hiei, Kuwabara, Yusuke, and Kurama in college and have formed a band and are practically idolized by the whole school! It's completely awesome! Hiei's one of those badboy people! Anyway it's really cute, so go read it!

Don't forget to review! Thanks! Also, when in a million years, or whenever this fic is finished, would you prefer I do the sequel first, or continue Tales of the Jagan? Tell me in a review so I know what you want! Oh yeah, I know the last chapter was titled Ugly Pasts Part 1, well Ugly Pasts Part 2 is coming, but later. Just if you were wondering.

Freesia