Sherkoni - (rapidly searching through room)
Yusuke - Um....'koni? What are you doing?
Sherkoni - I'm starting a union!
Yusuke - O.o;; A what?
Sherkoni - I was in this forum and someone dissed on the HieiBotan couple. I of course, defended it with valor (Yusuke rolls eyes) but I was alone. Everyone thought Hiei should be left single. Ch. Stupid fangirls...
Yusuke - Um...okay. What's all this for then?
Sherkoni - I'm gathering the most famous, avid HieiBotan fans of course and giving out Fighter Packets!
Yusuke - o.x Riiiight....
Sherkoni - Here Yusuke. Give this to Shizuka, Saeka, MystiKoorime, Michelle-chan, Mandy-
Yusuke - Wait - why does Mandy get two?
Sherkoni - Ones for Mustard of course. Now where was I... oh yes, Distant Company, Botan-cute-spiritgirl, Botan Jagans-
Yusuke - (looking in bag) What the hell is in here?!
Sherkoni - Hiei fangirl spray. Well sort of. Since I'm actually quite the Hiei fan myself, it's mostly in case a Mary-Sue poses a problem for Botan. And this is love potion and I've shoved all of our fics in there so we have proof of the wonderful things that can happen...
Yusuke - "Different Ways of Torture"... yeah, sounds romantic. (trying to read Saeka-chan's fic) Inaudi-audibllll...In-od-o-bull, Melodies of....
Sherkoni - (-.-) (snatches fics back) I like that story, it IS romantic and don't try reading that other one either because it is too intricately wound for your brain.
Yusuke - ,;;;;
Sherkoni - Yeesh. (starts handing out packets)
Yusuke - Um, if Sherkoni ever actually gets started on this fic, she doesn't own Yu Yu Hakusho or....(reads sign hanging in room) the hidden love couples that MystiKoorime and Sherkoni will someday reveal in another sequel anime show.
Sherkoni - Eek! Where is Robin Autumn's!! You lost it you baka human!
Yusuke - I did not! It's probably squished by SunshineandDaisy's packet - that things huge!
Sherkoni - n.n;;; I included some of her reviews in it... Lemme see it so I can give her, Robin and Hakusho009 their packets too.
Yusuke - (gives up and leaves) You are such a freak when you get angry...
Sherkoni - Well now that I have taken up quite a lot of space with my meaningless ramble - I will take a breath (baka forum posers) and write this fic. (sigh) By the end of this chappy my anger will have subsided and I can go back to my 'normal' HieiBotan musings... (hands Mustard a camera O.o) Lets get started shall we?
- - - - - - - - - -
Chapter One
The Duties of a Maiden in Spiritworld
Botan rushed into Koenma's office, a light flush covering her cheeks. "Yes Koenma sir?" she asked between breaths.
"What in the world have you been doing?" Koenma asked incredulously, rising from his chair. He arched an eyebrow as he observed her messy kimono and toppled over pony-tail. "Actually, save that thought. I don't want to know."
Botan blushed and tried to straighten her lopsided kimono. "Um..." She absently reached up and pulled the elastic out that was dangling in her hair. It had once held her hair in a tight ponytail, but that idea had been tarnished by means of fast-blowing Makai wind.
Koenma sighed. "My point is, Botan, are you ready? The ball starts in half an hour."
Botan let out a surprised squeal. "What?! The ball is tonight!" She tugged on her hair nervously. "I can't possibly get ready in time! Can't I just miss this one Koenma? Please?"
Koenma folded his arms across his chest in a firm matter. "No Botan. You can't just decide not to do something because it won't be convenient for you. My ENTIRE Reikai Tentai was invited, no requested, to come."
Botan groaned helplessly and started to gather her hair up again. In the same moment that she had the elastic stretched across her fingers, the door to Koenma's office opened and Hiei brisked in. Botan jumped, sending the elastic rocketing from her fingers. "Oops! Hiei wat-"
Hiei caught it nimbly between his fingers seconds before it connected with his nose. "Koenma," he started as if nothing had happened. "I need to speak with you."
Koenma sighed, slumping into his chair again. "Yes I know Hiei. I planned on this, you don't have to attend tonight," he mumbled.
Botan's eyes went as wide as saucers. What?!
Hiei smirked. With a small, curt nod, he turned to leave. Botan fumed to herself. She ran quickly in front of Hiei's path, shutting the door tightly. Placing her body as a shield to the doorknobs, she turned to glare at Koenma and Hiei. "Wait one minute you two!"
Hiei's eyes widened a little in humored surprise. Koenma groaned. "Boooootan...."
"If he doesn't have to go, then neither do I!" she said, searching from Koenma's face to Hiei's. Hiei raised an eyebrow.
Koenma stared at her in disbelief. "Botan!" he groaned. "It's different-"
"It's not different!" she interrupted harshly. "He is just as much a member of the Reikai Tentai as I am! Show some justice in your kingdom!"
Koenma sighed, closing his eyes in defeat. "Alright fine. Hiei, you have to go too."
Hiei whipped around to gape at Koenma in shock. "You're kidding."
"Nope. By order of the Prince - come or be jailed," Koenma replied dejectedly.
Hiei's eyes lit with anger. He opened his mouth to say something, but decided against it. Turning on his heel, he stormed towards the door. Botan gave a small squeak and moved out of the way. Hiei glared at her murderously and raised his hand. His fingers laced around the hilt of his sword and Botan actually thought her life was over, but instead he took her elastic around his fingers and launched it at her head.
She winced as it lashed harshly onto her forehead and winced again as she heard the door slam. Rubbing her stinging forehead, she turned to Koenma. "I don't think he's too happy with me."
Koenma glared at her through his hands which he had buried his head in. "Yeah no duh. We're lucky we got out of that without either of us getting barbequed."
Botan laughed nervously. "Yes well, I believe I should go get ready now seeing as I only have 15 minutes to get ready..." She gave a fast a bow and hurriedly ran out of the room.
Koenma propped his head up with his hand, leaning on his elbow. "I'm getting too old for this."
oOo
"So glad you could come! I haven't seen you in ages!" Botan quipped happily at an elderly woman who resembled an orange peacock.
"Quite dearie," she answered shortly, her nose held high in the air.
Botan forced a smile and with a quick curtsy, went on her way. She wove through the crowds, searching for a familiar face.
"Botan!"
Botan turned to see her ice maiden friend. "Hello Yukina. Are you enjoying the ball?"
"Yes I am, it's very wonderful," Yukina answered with a smile. Her eyes danced with prolonged anticipation. "But I have to show this wonderful woman, she's a love Guru!"
"What?" Botan laughed, raising a questioning eyebrow. Yukina simply smiled wider and grabbed Botan's arm. She pulled her through the mass of people until they reached a tall, lanky woman with long, thick eyelashes and brightly decorated eyelids. She was surrounded by a small mass of people, mostly girls.
Yukina looked at Botan and smiled at her excitedly. "Come on!"
Yukina pulled Botan to where she was almost in front of the woman. "And who is this young lady?" the Guru purred quizzically.
"This is Botan," Yukina answered. "She's my friend."
"Ah, Botan. What a lovely name," the Guru replied, her voice husky and thick. "I was just discussing the matter of soul mates. Who here believes in soul mates?"
Keiko raised her hand shyly. The bright woman smiled knowingly. "Ah, yes. Keiko was it? What makes you believe in soul mates?"
Keiko blushed. "Well.." she stammered. "I believe I've found mine, that's all..."
The Guru's face lit up even brighter, if possible. "How wonderful! Is he present?"
Keiko nodded. She nervously raised a hand and pointed out Yusuke in the crowd, who was laughing heartily with Kuwabara and flexing his muscles. The Guru raised an eyebrow. "My, my, you two appear quite different..."
"That's why they're soul mates," Botan said happily, finally daring to input on the matter.
"Exactly," the Guru said. "You are a smart lass, with an eye for love matters." She tapped Botan's nose lightly. Botan swelled with ridiculous pride, blushing hotly.
"Now it is my opinion," the Guru continued, "that everyone has a soul mate. Even the people who don't seem to get along with anyone - somewhere, SOMEONE was made in all the right assets to match with them perfectly. Take for example an old gent I knew in England. Stubborn runt of a man and ugly as a toad. Didn't socialize with anyone, and anyone who tried to socialize with him got their heads bitten off. But one day he met a beautiful young lass. When they were together it was like he transformed - he smiled, he was polite, for the touch of her hand he would do anything for her."
The throng of girls sighed happily.
"How romantic!"
"Isn't that just beautiful?"
Botan smiled with the rest of the girls. Suddenly she realized how long she had been over there, listening to the love Guru. She was Koenma's assistant! She should be greeting and mingling with the guests! She told Yukina and Keiko good-bye and pushed her way out of the crowd. She straightened her yellow cocktail dress carefully and looked around the room. Her face brightened when she saw a familiar red-head.
She quickly walked over and tapped the fox demon on the shoulder. He turned around in surprise. Seeing Botan, his features lit up with a smile. "Botan," he greeted warmly.
Botan tried to put on her best hostess voice. "I do hope you're enjoying the party Kurama." She curtsied lightly.
Kurama chuckled. "Why yes, thank you. I am," he said with a graceful bow.
Botan laughed. "I'm actually enjoying myself more than I thought I would. Of course, I don't look like party material, I hardly had time to get ready."
"You look fine. . .for such short time," Kurama argued with a smile. He let his gaze wander past Botan and onto one of the armchairs near the refreshment table.
Curious, Botan turned around to see what he was looking at. There, slouched in one of the resting chairs was a very irate looking Hiei. A very irate and bored Hiei. She winced. "Oh, you heard about that?"
Kurama chuckled. "It's hard not to when he's complaining about it the whole way up here." He shrugged and looked back at Botan. "But he'll get over it."
Still keeping her gaze on the lethargic fire demon, she sighed. "He might have more fun if he'd socialize a little bit and try to enjoy himself."
"Some people just don't get along well with anyone. . ." Kurama replied.
Botan gasped, eyes going wide.
Even the people who don't seem to get along with anyone - somewhere, SOMEONE was made in all the right assets to match with them perfectly.
"I bet Hiei's lonely!" Botan exclaimed.
Kurama started choking on his champagne. "What?!" he laughed, wiping his mouth with his sleeve.
"Don't you think?" Botan asked, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
Kurama smiled and shook his head. "Hiei doesn't have many relationships, but that's the way he likes it. He likes his solitude."
"That's just because he hasn't found his soul mate," Botan concluded with a satisfied nod.
Kurama tilted his head, peering at her as if she'd grown two heads. "I don't think so..." he said slowly with a small chuckle.
Botan continued to observe Hiei. I've got an eye for love matters, she reminded herself. And there isn't a love Guru here in Spiritworld, so I'm all there is. Poor Hiei. He's probably rotting away from the inside! He just needs a companion! And I'm just the person to find one for him!
Botan took a deep breath, like someone setting out on a life-altering journey. Setting her face in a determined manner, she marched off to find the love Guru, leaving Kurama behind to stare after her in bewilderment.
She found the Guru easy enough, she wasn't hard to miss. "Excuse me," she called as she pushed through the crowd. "Excuse me miss, I have a question!"
The Guru saw her and smiled gently in recognition. "Ah, Botan. Back again?"
"Yes," Botan answered seriously. "I wanted to ask you - how do you find a soul mate? You see, I have this friend who's a real arrogant jerk and doesn't like to be friendly at all and I-"
The Guru held up her hand, motioning for Botan to stop. "I know what it is you want Botan, but I can not create a soul mate for your friend."
"Yes I know," Botan replied irritably, "But I'd like to find one for him."
"It's hard to tell when people are soul mates..."
Botan's face fell. "You mean you can't do anything?"
The Guru peered at her a moment, examining her over her long nose. "Hm, well there is something I could do I suppose..."
"Really?!"
"If you can tell me everything about your friend - what does he like, what doesn't he like, when is he happy, what makes him laugh...you know, his personality - then, I might be able to help you find a soul mate for him." She paused for a moment. "I have a potion that would find the soul that would best go with his, if I know what his is like for the most part. It might not be the absolute soul mate, but that is the only way I know to help."
Botan had already hung her head in defeat. She didn't know ANYTHING about Hiei. Nobody did. Well, Kurama knew him pretty well, but she doubted he knew what would make him laugh. "I'm afraid I don't know my friend very well..."
"Yet you call him a friend?" the Guru asked suspiciously.
"He's very closed off..." she muttered guiltily.
The Guru observed Botan for a few more moments. "I will be back in Reikai in one week. You can inform me then, I will bring the potion."
Botan filled with hope again. "Really? Oh, this is great, thank you Miss...um..."
"Call me Gizelle."
"Gizelle," Botan said with a happy smile. "I'll see you in a week!"
Gizelle gave her a small smile. "I look forward to it. Keep those love senses in tune. You might just find him a soul mate without the potion."
Botan's stomach filled with excitement at such a possibility. She tried to imagine the scenario.... a demoness with raven black hair and a cynical expression, similar to Hiei's. She carried a sword and had a slender, petite body. She would take Hiei's hand and together they would jump through the trees....
She stopped her day dream, wondering why the happy feeling had left her. She shrugged it off and looked back at Hiei. She had a lot of work to do. But what else is the duty of one of the only females in Spiritworld? And one with an eye for love matters...
Suddenly, Koenma rushed up to her, a happy grin on his face. "Botan, I can't thank you enough for getting Hiei here!" he exclaimed ecstatically. "Everyone's been going on and on about finally getting to meet the only wielder of the darkness flame!"
Botan raised an eyebrow. "He's been "meeting" people? Like...communicating?"
"Well no, but he's managed a "Hn" now and then," he replied with a shrug. "But still - it's all thanks to you that he's here! I don't know how to thank you!"
Botan suddenly got an idea and a smirk passed over her lips. "Actually Koenma, there is something you could do for me..."
Koenma gave her a bewildered look. "Eh?"
"Give me an excuse to follow Hiei around for a week," she said, glancing devilishly at the fire demon.
"What?!" Koenma yelled in shock. "First of all, how do you expect me to do that and secondly, why in hells name would you want to spend a week with Hiei?!"
Botan's eyes twinkled mischievously. "That's a surprise," she replied softly, her smile growing excitedly. "And I don't know how you could - surely he's done something wrong lately..."
Koenma frowned in contemplation. "No...he's been good, actually."
"Make something up!"
"Botan!" he hissed.
"I know!" she suddenly blurted as if Koenma hadn't spoken, clapping her hands together in delight. "Tell him that I'm going to evaluate him for a week and if he passes the, um...test, then he's free to roam about without us ever having to check up on him!"
"Eh, Botan," Koenma said, "We don't check up on him anyway."
"He doesn't know that!" she whispered earnestly. "Please, Koenma?"
Koenma sighed. "Alright. But after this, we're even. I don't owe you any more favors."
Botan grinned. "Deal."
oOo
-After the Party-
"Hiei, wait! Don't go yet!"
The fire demon turned slowly, his hands clenched at his side. "What?" he hissed venomously.
Koenma gulped. "I, uh...have something to tell- um, inform you..."
Hiei tapped his fingers against his arm impatiently, giving Koenma a bored look.
"I'll be inspecting you for a week!" Botan suddenly interrupted, skipping up to Koenma's side.
Hiei's eyes widened in horror. He looked at Koenma, then Botan and back at Koenma again before giving his head a rough shake. "Wait...what?"
"I'm giving Botan permission to stay with you for a week so she can inspect and report your doings."
Hiei glared at him angrily. "Why?"
"Well, it's been enough time without you doing any suspicious activity that you can have one final inspection..." Koenma began.
Hiei stared at him, completely lost.
"It means that if you pass my test, you are completely free to do as you please without us having to check up on you."
"You check up on me?"
"I have many cameras."
Hiei took a shaky breath, his eyes dancing with unmasked rage. "It was bad enough that you dragged me to this hell-forsaken party, but now I have to tolerate a whole damn week with that blabbermouth?!" he snapped angrily, motioning towards the blue-haired ferry girl.
She blushed furiously. "I am NOT a blabbermouth!"
"I will admit, that was a whole thirty-eight seconds since the last time you talked," Hiei replied placidly, his lip curling.
"Excuse me?!"
"Seven."
"Why I-"
"Three."
Botan snapped her mouth shut and growled irritably. She glared at him spitefully, but knew it would only prove him right if she said something else.
Hiei smirked. "You're learning."
She snarled and would have strangled the koorime if Koenma hadn't stepped in the way. "Okay, okay - children, PLEASE! Hiei, Botan will take you back to....wherever...on her oar. At ten o'clock next Friday, your week will be up. Capiche'?"
Hiei frowned. Finally, he shrugged ruefully. "Fine."
"Botan?"
"Peachy-kine," she replied cautiously, still nervous about speaking. But Hiei didn't say anything. Or even look at her for that matter. She quickly pulled out her oar and hopped on. "All aboard!"
Hiei rolled his eyes and walked over to the oar. He paused, eyeing it warily. Botan giggled. "Come on, it doesn't bite."
Hiei glared at her and hopped on. Botan suppressed another giggle when she saw how tightly he was holding on, his face taut and strained. With one final wave at Koenma, they flew out of the Reikai palace.
As they approached the portal, Botan tried to make conversation. And get started on her task. "Hiei, I have some good news to tell you."
"Hn." He continued looking out into the wind.
"I've decided to help you find a lover!"
Hiei jumped in surprise, flipping clean off the oar. At the last second, he reached up and grabbed the end with his right hand. Botan peered down at him and gasped. "Hiei! Are you alright?! Here, let me help you up!"
Hiei glared up at her. "What exactly do you mean by that?!"
Botan blinked. "I mean....I will, help you UP...um..."
"No, baka! The other thing!" he snapped, swinging from side to side.
"Oh that," she replied airily. "Yes, I've decided that no one deserves to be lonely and since you certainly aren't going to help your cause, I will!"
Hiei's eyes widened in anger. "I'm barely allowing you to "test" me! You are NOT going-"
"I know!" she quipped cheerily. "This is just a bonus!"
"Great," he snapped sarcastically. "Now I get a bonus pain in the ass."
She folded her arms haughtily. "You really are a jerk sometimes, you know? The least you could say is thank you."
"Thank you?!" Hiei raged, causing the oar to tilt slightly as he increased his grip. "For what? Some air-head ferry girl sticking her nose into my personal life, trying to fix matters that don't concern her!"
Botan gasped, glaring at Hiei bitterly. "Better an air-head ferry girl than an arrogant fire demon, jerk...person..." she stammered.
Hiei rolled his eyes. "And I suppose the sticking your nose in my personal life doesn't matter? If I recall, Botan, you're alone as well. Perhaps I shall find a lover for you."
Botan's eyes widened in horror. "What?! No! I mean..."
Hiei smirked triumphantly. "Not so enticing, is it?"
"I'm different then you! It's different!" she retorted, flushing hotly. "I'm social and friendly-"
"Doesn't seem to be helping you in the mate department, does it?"
Botan blushed madly. "Shut up, or I'll step on your hand and make you fall!"
"Don't bother, I'll let go."
"Hiei no!" Botan cried, leaning over the oar to grab his hands. At that exact moment, Hiei swung his body up, turning the oar with his hands as he went. Botan, who had let go to help the koorime, flipped off the oar when it turned over.
She let out a shriek, but stopped when Hiei grabbed her hand. She glanced up at him, his hand the only thing keeping her from falling to her death. She gulped nervously.
Hiei gazed at her in thought for a moment. "Listen onna, I'm warning you-"
"I'm sorry Hiei," she whispered softly. "But don't you think....I mean, no one wants to be lonely right?" She swallowed the lump that was forming in her throat.
Hiei stared at her for a few moments, frowning - as if words were right on the edge of his lips, but he didn't speak them. Finally he growled and yanked her up. "Get on," he muttered, hoisting her onto the oar.
She let out a small squeak and clutched his cloak for balance. She sat there for a minute, trembling and panting. Finally, Hiei grunted and grabbed her wrist. Roughly prying her hand off of him, he pushed her a further away from him on the oar. "I'd like to not spend the whole time on an oar this next horrific week, if you don't mind."
Botan blushed slightly and nodded, steering the oar towards the portal again. Once they had passed through, she bit her lip. "Um...Hiei?"
"Hn."
"What makes you laugh?"
"I don't laugh."
"C'mon. Everybody laughs."
"I don't."
"Are you ticklish then?"
"Put your hand down, now, onna."
"I can't believe you've never laughed."
"I don't care if you believe it or not."
"Fine. I'm going to make you laugh then."
"Sure."
"Don't sound so smug!"
"Whatever."
"You're doing it again!"
"Hn."
"You can't always "hn" your way out of everything you know."
"Does NOTHING please you woman?!"
This is going to be a long week. It's already harder than I thought...
This is going to be the seven hells and back...
- - - - - - - -
Sherkoni - There's the first chapter! Just an idea I had and since I was on my HieiBotan rave, I figured I'd put it on paper. If it sucks...then it sucks and I can just delete it. n.n;;
If not, then kindly review and I will continue. (peace sign)
(waves banner) And now I march for HieiBotan fluffliness! Or..more like I go read some ficcys! Ta!