Reviewer Responses-you might want to read your reviews again to remember what you said so you can understand how I replied. Lord knows it's been several months since that last update heh heh.
Ryukotsusei- Oh so that's why the name sounded so familiar. I thought I heard it before somewhere. Yeah, Hiei's not too thrilled to be going to a ball, even if he's the one who convinced her to go. Such a confused little fire demon lol.
Aiiro-bara-Yeah I was surprised so many people read this little fanfic. Too bad all my hits were erased so now I just have to guess how many I used to have and add it to the ones I have now. So troublesome lol. Thanks for reviewing!
Crystal Koneko-Kazuma being sick is going to cause some jealousy problems but so is the ball. Damien's going to be there and a certain fire demon is going to meet him soon. I wonder what will happen then?
Kaikira Matsunaga-I'm glad you like the ending of the last chapter. I kind of just threw it out there hoping you guys would like it so I'm glad you did. Thank you!
Kuwabara99-Yep, I think Yukina will be in this chapter. Possibly. I think. The plant part just came to me, I figured both of the boys would be pretty protective over them since they are very inexperienced but I don't think the girls would appreciate the guys thinking they were weak so they're just going to keep their little secret to themselves. Smart boys.
H/B Always-Hah, your grandparents showed up in the middle of the review? Funny. Your report card really wasn't that bad and now I'm interested to see what you got on your progress report! I got all A's except an 88 in ENGLISH! How ironic that's my best subject too. My mom was like what the heck! I was just like weird but oh well. Life's strange sometimes! Anyway thanks for reviewing! Luv ya!
Kate326-Thanks for the encouragement. Don't worry, even though I may take awhile, this fanfic will get finished one way or another. I do apologize for the long wait though.
Dolphingirl32173-Botan's playing matchmaker with Shiz and Kurama, cute right? Thank you for reading my other fanfics as well! Hope you enjoyed them!
MystiKoorime-Ok yeah, I kinda let this fic go for a while, but I'm doing well on my other one! Geez, I think the last time I updated this was in July! Or some really long time ago! But you forgive me, right? Riiight? …Or not…runs away so she doesn't get killed Thanks for reviewing!
Kitsune Kit-I'm not sure if I could live three months without my computer…brave soul.
Kitsune Kit- Thank you very much!
Wolfie-I'm glad you liked the bloopers!
Wolfie-The world has ended! Hiei was mistaken for a teddy bear! And Botan's still alive! Miracles happen!
Wolfie-I'm starting to think you really like the bloopers! I guess I'll have to try to continue them huh?
Xmiahimex-I'm glad you're getting a lot of the questions that I throw out there for you to catch. All will be explained in due time! I can't just spill it all at once, can I? But yes, Koenma does have a good reason and the demon lord aka Damion's personality is not really a player…he has the looks to pull it off and the charm to go with it, but he's more serious I think. But he's very determined and gets what he wants. Enter Botan. Enter Hiei. Enter problems galore! Thanks for reviewing!
Disclaimer-I still haven't found a way to own Yu Yu Hakusho yet and not end up in jail so for now I have to say Yu Yu Hakusho does not, in any way, belong to me.
OOOOO
The Will of the FighterChapter 17
The Promise
OOOOOBotanOOOOOI knocked on the white door that led to the Kuwabara residence. A short while later hurried footsteps were heard and the large door was opened, a haggard looking Shizuru appearing in its place.
Our eyes met and I smiled reassuringly. The look in the brunette's eyes gave me inkling to just how tired she was feeling. Her clothes looked crumpled, bags hung under her eyes, the hair was mussed up, and her body spoke volumes of weariness. The poor girl looked as if she could collapse from exhaustion on the spot.
"Botan!" Shiz said in relief, "Kurama? Hiei?" Her confusion was evident; she didn't expect the fox demon and fire demons to make an appearance.
The fire demon stood in front of her, attired completely in black, katana undoubtedly hiding beneath his cloak somewhere, arms crossed and a glare adorned his handsome face as if it were all the older sister's fault he was there. Hiei was ever the happy one of our group.
"Would you guys like some coffee?"
Shizuru still remembered her manners even after spending over twenty-four hours by her brother's side, playing the part of the nurse. She ushered us inside with energy I would have guessed would have been drained out of her hours ago. She and Yusuke must have hung out; just when you think they're beat they surprise you.
"Sure Shiz, thanks. Kurama! Don't be so stiff! Sit down and get some coffee boy!" I spoke, all but forcing him into a chair. We had entered the kitchen where Shizuru was preparing to make some coffee. All of the ingredients needed were already located on the counter; it didn't take much to guess she had been living off of it the past few hours.
"Hiei? Coffee or no?" The drained psychic questioned.
I saw the hidden lost look in his eyes and decided to take pity on him. Even after spending all this time with me in the human world, the poor fire demon was still unaware of a great many things that were common in every day human life. It did make him feel out of place but if ever questioned, he'd say he wouldn't want to know 'idiotic human customs' and in all truth he probably didn't. But we were human, well at least Shizuru and I were, Kurama was technically only half, and if he wanted to fit in with us, he'd have to learn eventually.
"It's the hot drink with caffeine. It tastes better when you mix it with sugar and milk," I reminded.
Once before training, in the morning of course, I forced him against his will to consume a cup of the drink. By force, I mean bribe. No person I know of can force Hiei to do anything. Even Koenma, in all his mighty influence, could not deter Hiei from something he truly had no intention of doing. In the time spent with him, I learnt that, and while forcing him was out of the question, bribing was sometimes the way to go.
I demanded the demon down the cup and in return, I'd promised to train doing whatever hellish exercise he wanted to practice, without breaks, until lunch. Needless to say, lunch came early that day, but Hiei had been satisfied.
Sadly, ever since the training with Hiei had begun, I had become a major coffee addict. The liquid was truly of lifesaver. I prefer my coffee with lots of sugar. No really, at least four packets if not more. Apparently, Hiei likes it that way as well. The last time he had some was at Kurama's house and he made it the normal way, much to Hiei's displeasure.
"I'll make it for you," I offered. It was easier because we like our coffee the same way. Many times, I had to specially prepare Hiei's meals or he would refuse to eat it. He was a surprisingly picky and stubborn demon and if he were human, he could have had a chance as a food critic, as much as he complained.
Finally, he nodded.
"So, where's Kazuma?" I wondered aloud.
"Oh, he's upstairs in his room. You can go see him if you want," the elder sister replied.
"Ok, tell me when the coffee is ready. And take a break, you need one."
I noticed how tense her muscles were and a sneaky thought crossed my mind to ask fox boy to give her a backrub but I pushed it away quickly. As amusing as it would be, Kurama could only be pushed so far so early in the morning. I didn't doubt he'd never hurt me, but he could use that brilliant mind to sick a plant of some sort on me and claim it as training while I ran for dear life. With that kind of logic, I couldn't even count on Hiei to come to my aid. Bad predicament to enter, in any case.
Up the stairs I went, only to find a sleeping Kazuma. His bare chest was showing, the blanket only going up to his hips. I had to say, along with the other boys, Kazuma had a nice six-pack.
The orange-haired hero had a heart of gold, and had a kind way with me but he did get a little goofy or slow on occasions. In all fairness, Kurama was practically a genius, and Hiei had hundreds of years more wisdom and experience than the high school student. Yusuke's common sense wasn't much better, and he had Raizen's genes to thank for his moments as a fighting genius.
I walked up to the side of his bed and fluffed up his pillows. Kazuma's eyes fluttered open and I greeted him with an apologetic smile.
"Relax, it's just me Kazuma," I whispered gently.
"Oh, hey Botan. What are you doing here?" he asked.
"I'm just here to help out."
A bucket with a cloth next to it lay by his bedside table, so I decided they were there for a reason and to make use of it. I lifted my hand to touch his forehead, moving my face until only a few inches separated me from him and frowned. His temperature was still high. Kazuma's whole face was tinted red.
"You poor thing, you're burning up. You must feel awful," I cooed sympathetically.
I took the cloth and dipped it into the water-filled bucket. Wringing out the excess water, I slid the cool rag onto the sick boy's forehead.
OOOOOKazumaOOOOO
I woke up to a slight ruffle beside my head. Groaning, I opened my eyes and braced myself for the world to start spinning. When my vision focused again I notice Botan looking down on me, a smile on her face, looking sad and apologetic that she had woken me from my light slumber.
"Relax, it's just me Kazuma," she whispered gently.
"Oh, hey Botan. What are you doing here?" My voice was hoarse and rough. Even I had to wince at the gravel tone.
"I'm just here to help out."
She came here to check up on me? Wow. I was reminded just how kind and selfless Botan was as a person. My sister doesn't even want to be here and my sweet love, Yukina is nowhere to be found. I suddenly remembered that I used to harbor a small crush on Botan, before I knew Yukina. I became all too aware why I had ever felt anything for the bluette stronger than friendship.
She was unbelievably kind, fun to be around, sometimes ditzy in a cute little way…
Her hand came across my head and landed on my brow. When she frowned in concern, I tucked in a breath when I noticed how close our lips were. God, she had pretty eyes, they were even prettier than Yukina's. I loved everything about Yukina of course, but even though her eyes possessed a certain gentleness in them, the shade of them always reminded me of Hiei.
Botan had an equally rare color of a soft lavender color.
My eyes locked on her lips and I found myself wondering what it would be like to kiss her. Whoa! Where did that come from? I thought I was all for Yukina. Botan was just a close friend, right? Of course she was. She pulled back all too soon.
Botan's hair wasn't in her normal ponytail; instead her gorgeous, blue hair was free to spill over her shoulders. I was surprised to realize I actually preferred Botan's sky blue to Yukina's mint green. Perhaps it was the new look, and if Yukina wore her hair down as well I'd like it the same. I had never seen Yukina wear her hair down, so I couldn't say if it was the style or color that attracted me to the ferry girl's hair. Perhaps it was both.
I felt my face flush even hotter. Man, why am I thinking these things! This is Botan! BOTAN! It must be the fever talking. Either that or I am sick, mentally as well as physically. If poor, sweet Yukina could hear these traitorous thoughts of mine…would she even care? Yukina enjoys the attention and my company, I know that much, but I've never actually seen her take an interest in me in a more romantic relationship, even as I declared my love for her over and over again. My affections had never wavered once, regardless if it was one-sided, and even with my rediscovered attraction, my heart still fluttered when I thought of Yukina.
My feelings for my sweet ice demon hadn't faded in the least, but now another woman could also make me flush with a mere glance. My heart still wanted Yukina, but had decided Botan was a worthy candidate too. I remembered in middle school I had a crush on two girls at the same time and a feeling of repetition settled itself in my brain.
The pain from the fever temporarily numbed my mind into a delusional state and I welcomed it to separate me from my conflicting emotions.
"Well, your temperature hasn't gone down any, that's for sure."
"That's ok Botan. I feel better somehow now that you are here," I said, a wide smile present.
Being sick wasn't so bad when I had a pretty girl, not blood related, keeping me company.
OOOOOBotanOOOOO
I laughed easily as Kazuma went on about how he got locked in a closet at his school. It was nice to hear someone else blabbing for once. Hiei, just forget it, Kurama was more on the quiet, polite side, and Shiz was a teaser and friendly, but rarely goofy. Of our four-person group, I was the wild one.
It felt nice to have the tension melt away in a two-sided conversation.
"And you missed all of your classes?"
"Yeah, they thought I ditched school and called home. Shizuru got really angry, but after the janitor found me trapped in the closet everything was forgiven. Our principal was in a lot of trouble for that. I was locked in a closet for four hours."
"Well, you can't blame them for not suspecting you ran off, you and Yusuke miss quite a lot I hear," I scolded lightly.
He had the decency to scratch his head sheepishly.
"Well…yeah I guess we do," Kazuma agreed, not finding a good excuse and wasn't about to lie about his poor attendance.
I laughed again with him happily. Who knew taking care of a sick person could be so relaxing?
"Well bro, you sure are feeling better today," Shizuru remarked, walking calmly into Kazuma's bedroom. Hiei and Kurama followed her in.
"Well, the company's gotten better."
I giggled as a vein appeared on Shizuru's temple and laughed more as the sister hit her younger sibling with the rag. I frowned. An apathetic mask once again covered Hiei's face. Maybe because of Kazuma? I knew they didn't like each other very much but…
"Hey Kurama, shorty, when did you guys get here?"
"We arrived with Botan but remained with your sister while we were making coffee," Kurama supplied, handing me two steaming cups.
I sat down at a table and Shiz placed the coffee tray in front of me. Diligently, I began my task of adding the proper portions of sugar and milk to the ceramic cups.
"Hn. We prefer to converse with someone who has a brain," I heard Hiei growl.
"Why you…" Kazuma sat up and suddenly jerked forward in bed, then howled, clutching his head, unready for the jolt of pain cause by his movement.
"Let's tone it down on the fighting boys," I warned sternly. I pushed Kazuma's head down to rest on his pillow with my palm. Finished with fixing the coffee, I handed one of the mugs to Hiei while lightly sipping my own.
"Botan, were you worried about me?" Kazuma asked me with sparkling eyes that confused me.
"Umm, yes your condition is worrisome. Kurama thinks you may have caught something in Makai," I said carefully.
A wide grin burst on his features.
"You do care!" the sick boy exclaimed happily.
"Uh, why wouldn't I?" I blinked. Kazuma was acting weird. Almost like when he first met me. It couldn't be…oh god…it can't be…
"You know Botan, I could see us very happy with each other in the future." Somehow I deciphered a blush on his red face that wasn't caused by the fever, imagining something I didn't want to get into.
"Sick," Hiei hissed aggressively, hands clenching, but he stood still and I knew he wasn't talking about the fever. I feared he would spill that precious hot coffee onto the sick boy, but Hiei had more self-control than that. I hoped.
"Do you think he's delusional?" I asked nervously.
"I've only ever seen him act this way with Yukina. He hardly even looks at other girls," Shiz added.
"If I remember correctly, Kuwabara did have a huge crush on Botan when they first met," Kurama interrupted.
I chewed on my nails. Kazuma was simply delusional, not thinking straight. It was impossible that he had started to like me; the boy was head-over-heels in love with Yukina. It was just the fever talking. Once it was gone, so would his fever-induced emotions.
"Now I know he is the worst possible candidate for my sister in the three realms. He's only in his teens and the retard has proclaimed his love for two women already," Hiei spat venomously.
I think one of the better pieces of Hiei's personality is how much he loves his sister. Probably the only person he can bring himself to love, in fact. But on the bright side, at least he puts his whole heart into it. I drowned the little fit of jealously back down in the dark hole in which it came.
He cares about her more than anything; he'd die for her at any given moment just to keep her safe. It's one of the things I've come to admire in him. It was my first look into his soft side.
It made me a bit jealous of Yukina, or any woman for that matter who had someone who would readily throw everything away for the well being of another. She was really lucky that way, and deserved every bit of it for the dark times she must have endured during her lifetime. I don't have anyone that would throw away his or her life for me. Sure, I love my friends, but every once in a while a girl needs more than that. Sadly, no one likes me like that. I've never even had a boyfriend before.
"I checked his fever. It appears normal." Kurama's voice broke me from my thoughts.
"That's a relief. Little bro isn't in any mortal danger," Shiz said softly.
I let a sad smile pass my lips. I could tell Shizuru was in love. If they only could admit their feelings, they would get a chance to be so happy together. And where would that leave me? Alone again. I sighed deeply and walked out the door.
I loved looking at the stars. They were the only things I could constantly depend on to be there. In the spirit world, the human world, or even in the demon world the stars were always there. I truly didn't know what had gotten into me. I never had a boyfriend and lived happily enough until now.
Perhaps it could be that everyone had a relationship or a secret love forming in his or her lives. Yusuke and Keiko. Kurama and Shizuru. Ayame could still be in love with Koenma for all I know. She had a crushed on prince two years ago, never telling me, but never needing to. She knew I knew, and I knew that she knew that I knew. It had always been a taboo subject, but if I left the two alone I'd offer her a teasing wink or a hidden smile that always made her blush a deep shade of red. Koenma had somehow never picked up on it though. The godling could be so dense at times. Hinageshi had already been through three boyfriends but the last time I checked, she was single.
Yukina liked Kazuma and though he might have some passing attraction for me, in his eyes I could never hold a candle to his true love. I didn't have the right to feel lonely. I have great friends that love me as a friend. Some people have nothing.
"Will I be alone forever?"
OOOOOHieiOOOOO
I followed Botan as she walked silently outside. She practically radiated sadness. Her gaze moved to the skies and I noticed briefly there was not a cloud to be seen. She was so lost in her thoughts she didn't notice my presence.
Anger welled inside me. I taught her to never let her guard down. What if an enemy were to strike now? She could be dead before I had the chance to do anything. I hated to think of Botan dead. It haunted me more than Yukina, which was not right; Yukina should always be my first priority. I came to the conclusion that it was because I trained her, and if she died, it would reflect badly on me. But I was lying to myself and knew it.
I was more open with Botan. I didn't have to guard my thoughts and worry that I might upset her. Yukina did know I was her brother now, and was as affectionate as a sister could be, but I still kept at a distance. So many years of watching her from the shadows had never fully faded and left an imprint in my head that I could protect and love her without her knowing. That it was better that way and that being related to someone like me would only soil her character. I knew Yukina didn't think that way and would reprimand me for thinking that way if she somehow became a telepath like me. But twins or not, she didn't have the jagan, so that was very impossible.
And Botan was in danger more often. I trained Botan so it would be a direct insult to me if someone were to attempt to slay the girl. I frowned, thinking.
Is that all she was to me? Pride?
"Will I be alone forever?" The words spilled from her lips.
Alone? She thinks she's alone? Botan, the Queen of Happiness, alone?
"You think you are alone?"
The blue haired woman whirled around, alarm in her eyes. She sighed deeply, seeing it was only I.
"How long have you been there?" she asked.
"Long enough," I prodded. I didn't have to voice the question vocally for her to know what I wanted. As a man of relatively few words, Botan had learned to listen to my tone for the words I would not speak.
"You'll think it's stupid," she said flatly.
"Try me," I insisted.
If something was going to be on her mind, something that took priority over being aware of her surroundings, then I, her master (of sorts) should have the right to know.
She sighed and broke down.
"It's just that practically all our friends have some kind of relationship going on. I never cared until everyone around me started developing interests in each other. I can't help but wonder why haven't I?" the newly appointed spirit detective spilled.
"Because you are stronger. Love is a weakling emotion. It will only kill you in the end."
Love is a joke. It destroyed my family. It killed my mother.
"I agree love can be painful. It can literally tear you up inside until all you feel is pain and sorrow. But it can also make you the happiest person alive. Love is the strongest and most dangerous emotion of all. Tipped either way, one side can make the desire to live and have the joy of life burn forever or the other, wishing everyday would be your last."
"Hn. The fun only lasts a short while. It's not worth it in the end."
"Yet you love Yukina. She is so lucky and she doesn't even know it. To have someone care enough to put their life on the line without regret," Botan whispered, looking away.
"Yukina is all I have left of my family. Of course I wouldn't let her be taken away without a fight. But I wouldn't let you die either. No one may touch you under my protection and live."
"You'd protect me?"
"If you were powerless or unable to do it yourself," I said truthfully.
I wanted to cram the words right back in my mouth. It was an open invitation to mock me. I don't like to let others in; wasn't my style. It's too risky and chances getting hurt. I learned the hard way that no one can hurt you if you don't give a damn. Works like a charm, let me tell you. But she looked so glum and down; I hate it when either of the two women in my life is hurting and it nags at my conscience.
The second she smiled and her eyes became teary I lost all my thoughts.
"Promise?" Botan asked hopefully.
I never go back on my word.
"Promise."
OOOOO
Hey guys, sorry for the really long, overly extended wait. This fanfic is becoming harder and harder to write as of late because I need to start winding things down in preparation for the end, and things start to get hectic from there. I already have the next chapter almost done, but it's a short side chapter that gives an inside look on things with Ayame and Koenma. Happy New Year! I'll post the next chapter soon! Reviews are very much appreciated!
Freesia