AN: The review responses are at the end of the chapter this time!
The Will of the Fighter
Chapter 15
Ball Bound
OOOOOHieiOOOOOMy new theory is that Koenma had a thing for Botan, which I guess is understandable, my apprentice is an attractive female, or so I have noticed. Don't go and think I'm some kind of pervert, because I'm not. The moron and the detective cover that area. When I took Botan as my apprentice, she became my responsibility until she completed her training and became stronger than me. Which is probably never going to happen, let's be honest.
So until she finishes her training under me, I have to look out for her and protect her, and anyone who does try to hurt her will suffer my wrath. That protection includes males stalking her or taking advantage of her as well as her physical health. From time to time perhaps her feelings are included in the package as well. Sometimes.
There is a great possibility that at one of these balls she met someone and got along with him really well. Botan probably didn't know Koenma liked her and thought of him only as her boss. If Koenma got jealous and possessive, he would rather send her off somewhere where neither of them could have her instead of losing her to someone else. All children have their temper tantrums, especially toddlers. The situation only worsens if the character was a demon, as I recall Reikai doesn't have much respect for most of the demon race.
"Botan, might you have met someone at the balls? Someone you have grown close to? A demon perhaps?"
My whole theory would be shot down if she answered with a negative.
OOOOOBotanOOOOO
What was he getting at? Yes, I had met a lot of demons, and danced with more. Some relationships were built but I never had one as a boyfriend or anything. Some of the other ferry girls did, much to Reikai's dismay, but I was always supportive and happy for them? Who cares what race they were from? True love doesn't go by rules or races. If a human fell in love with a fish, I would still want them to be happy. Well, that was a bad example, how many people fall in love with fish anyway? It's unheard of, but you get the point. I found ferry girl/demon relationships adorable. What, they're cute, admit it!
"Yes, I made a lot of friendships?" I said more as a question, wondering if that was the answer he wanted.
Hiei shook his head, not satisfied by my answer.
"Someone you hung around with a lot?" Hiei questioned again.
"Well, there was Damion (dame-e-on)…" I mused trying to remember all of my relationships and encounters into my head. Damion was the one who stuck out the most, and he was probably the one I got closest to.
"Who was he? A demon?"
"Yes. Damion was-is a demon lord from one of the farthest reaches of Makai. (In this fic, there are whole bunches of demon lords, not just three, so don't let that confuse you, he's not Raizen, Mukuro, or Yomi's heir or child or anything like that) His father had just died, making him the new king, and the first thing Damion did as the new ruler was negotiate a treaty with Reikai. I met him at the ball held for that occasion," I answered truthfully.
"Did he like you?" I looked up to see Hiei looking at me sternly, but I could see that the glare was not intended for me, but for Damion. I knew that glare, and most of the time it ended with someone dieing. I didn't like killing in general most of the time, but I had gotten used to Hiei's killing sprees.
I felt like I was being thoroughly interrogated. Was every little detail that important to him?
"Just answer the question!" Hiei barked, and I winced at the tone. I could tell by his frustrated voice that he was slowly getting angry and I didn't want to be at the receiving end of his temper.
"I suppose you could say that. He was always such a gentleman with me and we enjoyed each other's company greatly. His reputation has him down as one of the handsomest, powerful lords in Makai. I still think we are only friends though," I reinforced. There was nothing romantic between and I wanted to make sure Hiei knew that because I liked hi-someone else. (She was going to say him if you couldn't figure it out)
"Hmm…this ball seems very interesting. When is the next one scheduled?"
I looked at the schedule up on the wall and ticked off the events and festivals in my head.
"Four days."
"Book Shizuru and the fox too."
"You're going!" I screeched loudly, wincing at how my own voice sounded.
"Do you think I would have asked all these questions if I wasn't?" Hiei asked smugly.
I bowed my head and pulled my hand to my forehead in concentration, eyebrows narrowed, thinking if this really was a good idea. Then I nodded, making up my mind. I really could deny him anything, not after all he's done for me.
"You owe me one, Hiei."
"I owe you nothing. I saved your pathetic life a thousand times over."
I didn't even wince at his words, I knew by now that he didn't mean it. I got used to Hiei and his way of communicating very quickly. If he had really meant it, his eyes would be glaring and his tone hard. He was merely trying to point out a fact, in his own unique way. He just had to add that extra adjective to sound like a tough guy who didn't care. But I knew that he did, just didn't like to show it.
"I'll send a message to Koenma tomorrow. But Hiei, you know it's formal, right?" He looked at me so I got the image he didn't know what I was talking about so I elaborated," You will need to wear a tux…"
He tensed and his fists clenched so tightly I thought he was going to draw blood and I knew he was weighing it down in his mind.
"Can I keep my sword?"
I almost blanched. He really did want to go didn't he? I wonder why? A dance didn't seem to be on the top of Hiei's wish list. There must be another reason…
"Some of the other demons, lords especially, carry weapons, but if that sword ever, EVER leaves your sheath, if I so much as even see the sheath, you are dead meat!" I exclaimed. I knew he'd want to take that stupid sword, he takes it everywhere. It reminded me of a child his teddy bear, inseparable.
'Let me remind you I am no child, and this 'stupid' sword has saved your life countless times,' Hiei growled telepathically. I tensed as I always did when I heard his voice in my head.
'Get out of my head! It's rude you know!' I thought, 'What if he heard something he wasn't supposed to?
'Like what,' Hiei asked, still tuned in to my head.
'Like that,' I hissed, smacking myself mentally. Well, I could have slipped up worse, I suppose.
"Anyway, do you understand the rules? You need a tux, the sword stays out of sight and you need a date," I reminded.
"A date?" He looked stricken.
"Oh yeah, forgot to mention that part! I never needed a date because I was always invited, but anyone else who did not receive an invitation needs to have a date!"
I saw his eyebrow twitch and I knew he was seriously contemplating giving me some more 'training'. Basically that meant he was going to chase me with his sword while I ran away.
"I guess I'll be your date," I offered quickly, turning red once I realized what I said. Great, now he's going to be even madder at me! I'm such an idiot!
"You?" His tone was questioning, not threatening and deadly like I had expected, I took this as a good sign.
"Yeah. Well the only people you are probably going to know are Shiz, Kurama, and I. That will limit you to us three, you can't take Kurama because he's a man, and I'd prefer Shizuru to go with Kurama because you and her seem to lose your tempers quickly, and I don't want either of you smacking the guests. That way I can keep an eye on you, and Kurama can control Shizuru," I said logically. It was true, I knew both of them could lose it, and a brawl was the last thing I wanted to happen at a ball.
Hiei still didn't look convinced.
"It won't be that bad, Hiei! We don't have to dance or anything like that, it'll just be like going to a party as friends!" I tried to comfort him, knowing this was probably hard for the little Koorime but it was his own fault! He decided to come! I did not force him; I wasn't even planning on going myself. I didn't much like Reikai anymore, Koenma was always there…and I never wanted to see him again. How could I after what he did to me? The only thing I can be grateful for is he brought me closer to Hiei…and Kurama and Shizuru and the others.
I flushed; I was going on a date with Hiei! No, it's not a date! Don't go there, Botan! We were dates, but not as in a real date! I was just watching over him, we were going as friends, I kept reminding myself, but I couldn't help getting a little bit excited anyway.
OOOOOHieiOOOOO
Damion, I had heard very little of him in all my years in Makai. All I heard were rumors of him being good looking as well as powerful, as Botan had mentioned. Another was that he was very possessive and liked women. It was odd I didn't know more, demon lords loved to boast about their heir, it was usually the talk of Makai. My heir's got this, my heir's got that, and whole magazines were printed solely about them. They were the equivalent of human singer and movie celebrities. Either this lord was mute or his son had an extreme power deficiency.
I planned to meet him at this ball; it was my whole reason for going. I hated all those parties as you can probably expect from me, I'm not exactly a party kind of guy. In fact, I detested them with a passion. It would all be worth it in the end, if I got the results I wanted.
This demon lord could pose a threat to my young student. I smirked, malice appearing clearly in my eyes, those that sparkled with a promise of pain and suffering. I made sure my head was ducked so Botan wouldn't see the malicious look.
Yes, this lord might very soon find himself dead. I looked up from my musings when I heard Botan yawn.
"To bed." I pointed to the bed where she was previously sleeping not too long ago.
It was amazing what had happened because of a simple dare and a sleepless night. I learned of her past, she learned of mine, and I hopefully, was one step closer to solving the mystery that surrounded Botan.
I could see the look in Botan's eyes and knew that she was going to fight me, determined not to take the bed again. I swiftly moved behind her, so fast she didn't even see me move, and threw her onto the bed again.
"Hiei!" she screamed at, preparing to toss another pillow at me.
This time I was prepared though, I easily threw my sword so it got stuck in the pillow, without even looking and settled down back on the couch. I knew it reached its destination when I heard my apprentice's gasp.
"Hiei, that was Genkai's pillow you just ruined! And what if that hit me?"
The pillow went threw the pillow, but stopped a few inches before actually touching her skin. I loved it; she was so easy and so fun to freak out.
She probably would have protested more, but I saw her eyelids droop with sleep and saw that she would be out in a few minutes. Well, we had been talking for over two hours; it was understandable why she was so tired.
In a last attempt at some kind of revenge, she pulled my sword out of the pillow and held it close to her. My eyes widened at the picture, her almost sound asleep with the sword I was so fond of clutched against her chest. I searched for the words to express it…it was adorable? I smacked my head. The lack of sleep must be getting to me!
When she was fast asleep I phased next to her, grabbing my sword and took it from her. It wasn't a good idea for her to sleep with it; she could hurt herself with it if she wasn't careful with it. As I had reminded her many times, it was not a toy, but a killing device.
I was prepared to walk away with my sword in hand, when she grabbed my hand, probably in her sleep thinking it was the sword. I tugged my hand, but she only frowned and pulled me closer. I didn't want to wake her, so I pulled as gently as possible but I couldn't get free from her grasp. All that training must have rubbed off on her grip, I thought smugly. Wait, this was no time to be proud of my training programs! Every time I pulled harder, she retaliated by holding me more firmly. Figuring if she hadn't woken up already, she wouldn't wake up period, I pulled as hard as I could without pulling her off the bed, but stopped when her nails started digging into my skin.
Scowling, I did the only thing I could think of. Moving my free hand, I moved it to her armpit and lightly ran my fingers under it, making her giggle. I wiggled my fingers faster, making her giggle more and shift, trying to get away from my merciless assault. Finally she let go of my hand and rolled over, turning away from me and settling down, and falling into a peaceful sleep once more.
Happily, I returned back to my spot on the coach to get my sleep.
OOOOOBotanOOOOO
I promised to take Hiei with me to the ball, but for the life of me, I couldn't figure out why. Perhaps he just wanted a little chitchat face to face with my former boss. No, that couldn't be it. It seemed meaninglessly drawn out; he could just demand a conference with him, as he always does, sometimes with a little sword action. I really didn't care if Hiei was upset with him, Koenma had it coming. And if he could frighten Koenma a little, more power to him.
I must convince Kurama to come or I know Hiei is going to slice someone's head off. Besides that, I already promised Hiei that I would invite Kurama and Shizuru.
It was the night after the sleepover; everyone had gone home that morning. It was pretty much uneventful, the wise cracks about Hiei and I sleeping together in his room ended when Hiei knocked Kazuma unconscious, so that his head fell right in his breakfast cereal.
I mostly slept the rest of the day back in my apartment, catching up on lost sleep. I didn't know where Shiz was, but she was missing the whole day, leaving me alone in the apartment. It was time to finish the preparations for the ball.
I scooted over to the bed and pulled out my white briefcase that contained the detective items. Carefully, I entered the code that unlocked the box and opened it. The inside of the box was in pristine shape, not a smudge of dirt anywhere, and everything was sparkling clean. I grinned, it wanted to keep these items in the best condition, because I knew they could be handy with my lack of powers, and I couldn't just fly back to Rekai to get replacements anymore.
A blank screen attached to the top of the briefcase, stared back at me as I wondered whom to call first. Deciding I should make arrangements in Reikai first, I dialed a few numbers and waited. I still refused to speak to Koenma. The arrogant little toddler thought because he was a superior he could do anything he wanted.
Ayame's calm face appeared on the screen, her pale complexion, and gorgeous blue eyes made her a top beauty among ferry girls. A beauty that I never would, never could possess. Her face, though pretty was set, revealing nothing, even her eyes were guarded. In that instant I thought of how much she resembled Kurama with that face. Really, they looked nothing alike but their expressions couldn't be more similar.
Her silky black hair was pulled into the usual perfect bun that gave off the impression that it was straight, when in reality it was a mass of curls that were just suppressed by gel. I was one of the few that knew this secret.
Upon recognizing my face, her blue eyes sparkled and dropped that guarded look, and her calm exterior melted, a huge smile spread across her lips. I grinned back happily and waved.
"Botan! I've missed you so much! You should really contact your best friend more often, you know," She reprimanded.
My face turned into a frown and my head lowered in guilt. I hadn't spoken much to Ayame since my career change. I didn't forget her; much of my day is spent on wondering on how Reikai is doing. It's just I've been really busy lately with training, missions, and get-togethers with the gang.
"I'm sorry, Ayame. I promise in the future to call you at least once a week. Oh! And here is my number, so you can call me yourself now! I finally got an apartment!"
"Thank you, Botan. This will help us keep in touch," Ayame said, waving a piece of paper with my number on it, "I've missed you a lot since you left. It's just not the same without you, everyone feels it. Everyone's a lot grumpier it seems these days."
"Yeah, well I'm coming back for the ball, which reminds me, I need to ask a favor of you."
"Really? That's great! What favor?"
"Well, I promised three of my friends, two don't know it yet, that I'd take them with me."
"Hmm, well that's going to be difficult. Every one of our invitations has been accepted, so you can imagine how many people are going to be coming. Two boys and a girl?" I nodded in confirmation, "Well as you always receive an invitation and are expected, take one of the boys as your date, and pair the other two up. I think that's the only way I could squeeze you in."
"Thank you, Ayame! You really are a great friend!" Botan could always count on Ayame for anything.
"You're welcome! My prize will be to see you there! Oh, and Hinageshi is going to be there too! She'll be so thrilled to see you again!"
"Really? Geshi's going? Wow I haven't seen her in forever!"
"I know! This is going to be the best reunion!"
"Oh, shoot, Koenma's here. I can tell you want to avoid all confrontations with him so I will see you at the ball ok?"
"Great! Thanks again, Yame!" I said, using my nickname for her. I hung up seconds later, thankful she was aware of my need to avoid Koenma. Hopefully he wouldn't know I was going to attend and wouldn't see me there. With so many people there, it should be easy to miss me in a crowd of people. With that done, all I had to do was tell Kurama and Shizuru and we were set!
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Sorry to everyone for taking so long! Well, has been changed to be even more kick ass but I'm not used to the new formats so forgive me if this looks a little weird. I don't have time to do bloopers or recommendations but I'll do the recommendations in the next chapter so tell me in a review what fics you guys liked that have the pairing Botan/Hiei and I'll recommend them to everyone! I might add the bloopers later so keep checking back after reading this, they may be up! I'm in a rush because I'm trying to get the second chapter of Tales of the Jagan up, so if you read that fic, look out for it!
I want ten more reviews for the next chapter, which would be 405! You don't know how much it would mean to me to break 400!
OOOOOOOOOO
Review Responses:
Crystal Koneko: Yup! Another cliffy! Aww, you know you love the suspense! Sorry I didn't have time to do bloopers this time, maybe I'll add them later! Thanks for reviewing!
HakushoRurouni: Thanks! I like your penname by the way. It's nifty. I hope the good story line holds up throughout the fic!
MystiKoorime- He does not! He loves Aeris or Tifa! I recently started liking Tifa! So there! Heheheh, I think I took months to update again, sorry! Don't kill me please! Yeah, Botan is kind of OOC in this, but I like her like that and keep writing her like that! I think Hiei's mostly in character, keyword mostly…thanks for reviewing! You're the best! Cloud doesn't love Yuffie! Nyah!
Kitsune Kit: Sorry now I forget what the preview was…did I say something? Sorry! Memory's not currently with me lol. OK, I'll try to do the sequel and the Tales of the Jagan at the same time because it seems pretty much an even tie! Never fear, I'll get it all up one day…
Sakina B. N. Vega: Wow! Let me first tell you, you're an extraordinary reviewer! I love the long reviews! You're awesome! Umm, I think this fic will go on to about 30 chapters, maybe more. It's going to be over 20 though, I don't have the whole fic totally planned yet, but I've got it going to at least 19 and haven't finished! It's going to be loooong! So you want Tales of the Jagan first? Ok I'll try! Oh, I'm going to work on chapter two of that right after I finish this up in about a half hour so look for it ok! I'm going to try to do both at the same time. Just so you know, I think the sequel is going to be better than this fic right now! Glad to know you like my other fic too! Thanks for telling me what KCYA means! I get it now! Yeah, my writing has gotten a lot better, but my mistakes are still ever present! Thanks for your support!
Shadow-inu14- Thanks for taking the time to review my story! Sorry for taking so long!
H/B Always: Aww, you were grounded! Mean parents! You should…throw cookies at them! When they're gonna kiss is…unknown. The sequel's gonna be more romantic. They'll kiss eventually, I just don't want to rush things. So one day they will kiss! Just not this chappy, they're starting to realize they care about each other though, that's good, right? He's obsessed with being popular? That sounds like Da-umm someone! He just has to be so freaking cute! I don't like him, I don't! Really! Why don't you believe me!
AuthoressMegaRose: Nope! So off! But thanks for guessing, I like to know what people are thinking! If they are, then they are in for a major twist! Reread the second chapter or somewhere in the first couple of chapters where it's in Koenma's pov, it drops a few hints. Koenma is not in any way trying to push them together! Oh yes, Hiei's going to get very jealous very soon! We think alike! Aww, happiness and joy! That's so cute! Yup, he's pretty much all business now, but because you're so nice I'll give you a special clue! Hiei doesn't know he really likes her, he thinks he's just protective over her and that's why he doesn't like other males around her much! Boy is he wrong! But he'll realize this soon! Way to show your computer whose boss! Stupid things should obey they're masters!
Dolphingirl32173: Thanks, I'm glad you like my story! Sorry I took so long to update and for not having time to do the bloopers this time!