A/N: Just a fair warning, this story will be darker than my original. I just love Densetsu's role of devil's advocate, it makes the character change Ryuuzaki has from "Annabel" more believable. Let me know what you think in a review and enjoy the chapter!
Key
Bold Italic: Densetsu speaking/telepathy
Bold: Mindscape/Flash backs
Chapter 1: Is Fighting Rinku Considered Child Abuse?
The first opponent the group had was team Rokuyukai, containing the two demons that invaded their room the other day. Each of the teams had a sponsor from the human world, all rich men watching purely for the carnage. Ryuuzaki scowled, it wasn't just demons that could be heartless. Koto, a brunette that looked like some sort of cat demon, officially started the tournament with the first qualification round. Both team waited in a tunnel that led to the arena, Kuwabara looking noticeably nervous while Ryuuzaki kept his unease internalized. "Man, just our luck having to be the first match in this round. We'll need to make a good first impression." Ryuuzaki says, patting Kuwabara on the back. The punk yelped, glaring at the blond. "What was that for? Were you trying to break my spine?!" Kuwabara exclaims, starting a one-sided yelling match while Ryuuzaki just grinned. With Yusuke still asleep Ryuuzaki took it upon himself to diffuse the tension.
The stands were full of demons that wanted to see bloodshed, all waiting impatiently as Koto began introducing the teams. "Now introducing Team Rokuyukai!" Koto shouts as the crowd began to cheer, Ryuuzaki deadpanned. "Really? Six Demons? That's an original name." He says sarcastically. "Our team is named after Yusuke, we don't have a right to judge." Kurama states as Ryuuzaki visibly deflated, grumbling something about logic being stupid. It seemed that outside of combat he was very childish. "And now introducing our dark horse of this tournament: Team Urameshi!" As they walked into the stadium they were met by jeers and death threats. Kuwabara, thankfully, only looked annoyed at the insults.
As soon as Rinku saw them he laughed. "Is that idiot still asleep? This match is going to be easier than I thought!" He jeers, Kuwabara growled. He was going to wipe the grin off that smug kid's face! The teams both went onto the platform, waiting for further instruction from the announcer. "The team leaders now must agree to the terms of combat. You can choose to go through a series of duels, for example." Koto explains. "Team leader huh, but Yusuke's still asleep." Kuwabara comments, Kurama only smiled. "Why don't you take his place for now Kuwabara?" "M-Me?" Kuwabara gave an awkward laugh, his ego successfully stroked. "I can do that, no problem!" He says confidently. In the stands the girls all sighed in exasperation. "My brother is still an idiot." Shizuru says bluntly. Miranda was looking down at the group, eyes glistening. "I don't see Anna anywhere but it looks like they brought another hottie on their team!" Miranda squealed. "Yusuke! Get up you lazy ass!" Atsuko yelled, a cup of beer in hand. "You're drinking already?!"
Ziro and Kuwabara both stepped. "You may choose the method of combat, I prefer to duel." Ziro states, Kuwabara grinned. "That's fine by me!" Kuwabara says in agreement. As Kuwabara walked away with the still sleeping Yusuke slung over his shoulder Ziro let out a portion of his energy. A move meant to provoke the sleeping fighter, only to be completely ignored in favor of sleep. What kind of hellish training did Genkai put him through anyways? I have a feeling I don't want to know. Ryuuzaki thought. You're thinking this after being hunted down and trained by four sadistic demons. Densetsu says bluntly, Ryuuzaki's nose twitched minutely. Training was still torture, no matter what teachers tried to tell their students!
The first match was between Kuwabara and Rinku. The smaller demon was wondering why they didn't send Yusuke first, assuming that he was the weakest. They did send their weakest, Kuwabara was too prideful to admit it. "Alright, let's play!" Rinku says with a grin. The small demon started the match with a display of his agility in an attempt to disorient Kuwabara. It might have been impressive if the pompadour haired punk didn't have such a strong sixth sense and had seen Hiei fight. This kid had nothing on the fire demon. "Quit the acrobat routine!" Kuwabara yells, punching the demon's head like one would an annoying brother. Each time Rinku would try to use his speed to his advantage he would be met by a fist to the face. "I'm actually starting to feel sorry for the kid. Is it considered child abuse if he's a demon that's probably several times my age?" Ryuuzaki wonders aloud. "That idiot needs to stop playing around." The Masked Man says, Hiei nodded in agreement.
Kuwabara punched Rinku in the gut and went for the finishing blow when his opponent disappeared from his line of sight. "Wha?" "Having fun?" Rinku asks in amusement, appearing behind the delinquent. Kuwabara turned and was met by a kick to the head. "So Kuwabara wasn't the only one holding back." Kurama comments as the delinquent fell to the ground. "We're going up against demons, he should know better than to lower his guard. It's the Rando incident all over again!" Ryuuzaki complains, not noticing the thoughtful look the Masked Man was giving him.
Kuwabara stood to his feet, compared to Yusuke's punches that felt like nothing! "Looks like I have to change tactics then." He says, taking out several yo-yos. In response Kuwabara created dual energy swords. The yo-yos were covered in reiki and moved in a manner similar to a snake, spiraling past his swords to hit him in the torso and face. They sent Kuwabara on the run, the childish weapons creating trenches in the stone platform. "This is embarrassing." Ryuuzaki grumbles. Agreed, that idiot should have taken his opponent out while he was still being underestimated. Densetsu says dryly. I would have thought that you'd want to see an actual fight. Ryuuzaki answered. This isn't a fight, this is sadly one sided. We'll have to make up for his loss. Densetsu states. Oh come on! Have a little confidence in the poor kid! Ryuuzaki says defensively. Oh god, was he actually arguing with himself? Maybe he was going crazy from his stay in this universe.
Rinku's yo-yo's wrapped around Kuwabara's limbs and the small demon repeatedly slammed him into the platform. "It seems your training wasn't enough Kurama." Hiei states, Ryuuzaki mentally wailed in despair and Densetsu cackled. Rinku lifted the teen high off the ground, enough to make Ryuuzaki look uncomfortable. He was glad this wasn't his fight, he hated heights! As Kuwabara plummeted to the ground he concentrated his energy to create his sword and extend it, launching himself towards the surprised demon. "Alright Kuwabara, show that old fashioned human resourcefulness!" Ryuuzaki cheered. Rinku smirked, he could just manipulate his yo-yos to attack Kuwabara and protect himself. In response Kuwabara's sword snaked around his yo-yos, both opponents taking the brunt of the attacks and sent flying out of the ring.
Despite the attacks both opponents stood to their feet. Unfortunately for Kuwabara he was a little… tied up. Rinku climbed back into the ring and a restrained Kuwabara was left fuming as he was officially counted out. "Thanks Kuwabara, you just sent the perception of humans for those demons back a couple centuries." Ryuuzaki says dryly. "You mind if I take this next one?" He asks.