Three weeks have passed since Yusuke's team went into Maze Castle and defeated the Four Saint Beast. Since then things haven't been going good for them. After saving Yukina, Hiei's younger sister who doesn't know that they are related, Yusuke and Kuwabara were invited to fight in the Dark Tournament by Toguro. Hiei and Kurama were also invited to fight in the tournament as a part of their team. The team has about 2 months before the tournament starts to train and find and fifth fighter and a substitute who can swap in with another if they wish to have one.

Shizuka's P.O.V

"So you want me to be your fifth fighter?" I asked, summarising what was just said as I raised my eyebrow at Kurama.

We currently sat at a secluded park bench away from the crowds. I was wearing a simple long sleeved purple and black striped shirt with my usual leather pants and some slip on shoes. Kurama wore a red Chinese styled shirt outlined in black with black pants and shoes. In my hands was something I believe the humans called ice cream that Kurama bought me. The dessert was white and was in a small plastic cup with a small spoon.

"That is correct." Kurama replied, eating his own pink version of the food. "Hm," Pursing my lips, I fiddled with the spoon.'What do you think Kuro?' I asked my other half. 'Why the hell you asking me? You already know my answer it's the same as yours.' He replied.

"I guess I can help out. But one question." At this I turned my head to Kurama and gave him a suspicious look. "Why are you asking me? Shouldn't Yusuke be the one asking since he is the team leader?"

Kurama chuckled nervously as he scratched the back of his head, sending me a nervous smile. "Well Yusuke is currently training with Genkai at the moment and as luck has it I pulled the short straw." He told me sheepishly making me grow an angry vein on my head.

"I'm not that scary!" I yelled at him before looking away. 'Shizuka stop pouting.' Kuro said. 'I'm pouting?' I thought in surprise. 'You're an idiot.' Kuro deadpanned. I bite my lip to hold back my reply as I shoved his voice in the deep corner of my head.

"Is something on your mind Shizuka?" Kurama asked me worried. Shifting a little in my seat, I turned my body to face him. My left leg was crossed underneath my right which hanged limp off the seat.

"What makes you say that?" I asked, trying to sound casual. "You haven't touched your food." Kurama stated, making me blink in surprise before looking down at the slightly melted food.

"Well, to be honest. I haven't, really, had it before." I mumbled nervously, looking away from him and the food. I heard Kurama snort as I saw him place a hand over his mouth.

"It's not that funny!" I yelled, placing the dessert down in front of me and crossing my arms. This seemed to set Kurama off as he started laughing harder, making me glare at him. 'Oh shut up Kuro.' I told the snickering voice in my head.

"Here," Blinking, I felt gentle fingers lift my chin up as a small plastic spoon with white food on top entered my vision. "Uh, Kurama?" I asked confused. "Open wide." He said as the fingers squeezed on jaw, prompting me to open my mouth.

Opening my mouth a little, the shovel soon entered my mouth gently. 'It's really sweet.' I thought in surprise, swallowing the cold sugary treat as my blue eyes of surprise stared into green eyes filled with mirth.


A week had passed Kurama had asked me about joining the team and I was currently in a very different location to last. 'If I want to survive in this tournament I will need to become even stronger.' I thought as I walked down the shadowy halls of the place I once knew and grew up in. 'Shizuka, why have you returned here?' Kuro asked me quietly.

'Isn't it obvious Kuro? I'm going to attempt it.' I replied, my footsteps making barely any noise on the floor. 'But Shizuka, we weren't ready for it last time.' Kuro protest. 'I know.' I replied solemnly as I pushed the sliding door open to what looked like a library. In the middle of the room was a leather book that stood on a stone pedestal.

"The Book of Lore." I whispered in slight awe as I picked up the book up carefully, reading its cover. My fingers danced gently around the large emerald that was in the centre of the book. 'Shizuka… Are we really going to do this? Remember what happened last time.' Kuro whispered as I placed the book into the satchel I brought.

"I know, but what choice do I have? We would have needed to do this later in the future anyway." I said out loud, my eyes dulling slightly at the memory that came to my mind. Walking out of the room, I started walking towards a different room in this god forsaken building.

Opening another door, I walked past the bed and desk, moving at a quick pace towards the closet. Sliding the door across, I took out a larger rectangular purple box. Printed on its lid was a black bat that had its wings surrounding a white music note, the wings holding it close.

'It seems that bastard did something actually good for once with getting me this in advance.' I thought as added the box into the satchel. 'I have the knowledge and the tools. Now, I just need one more thing.' I thought in determination, leaving the room and heading towards the last one.

This last room was the largest of the lot. The only thing inside was a small shrine and above it a shamisen. Ignoring the shrine I walked straight up to the shamisen, the instrument beginning to glow an eerie black, one that reminded me of death.

The black glow grew even more as a purple glow surrounded me. When my right hand touched the instrument the purple glow left me and went around the instrument, changing it into a more modern electrical acoustic guitar. It was white that had a dripping look black bat painted on the body.

Grabbing the guitar off the wall mount it soon disappeared in purple glow. An ice cold feeling surrounding me before heading around my left ankle as I looked to see a silver bangle with black and purple engravings on it.

"So it begins."


(2 months later)

3rd Person P.O.V

"You did talk to Shizuka didn't you?" Hiei asked Kurama as they and Kuwabara stood waiting for Yusuke and her to arrive. "Do not worry, she will come." Kurama replied confidently.

"Urameshi isn't here either." Kuwabara added as well. Demons of all variety stood around the small fire in a big circle as they waited for the ship to leave. Whispers and small talk that involved bragging and how easy it will be was mainly heard.

"Why don't you worry about yourself Kuwabara? Have you gotten any better since our last fight?" Hiei asked him. "Heh, you'll see for yourself shrimp boy." Kuwabara replied cockly.

"You better hope so Kuwabara because these fights won't be a simple street brawl." A female voice said to the boys as they turned to face the owner. A deadly smirk was set on a pale face, blue eyes with purple specks were locked on the boys. As if a tear, a long purple line went down from below the middle of her left eye to the bottom of her face. Black hair framed either side of her face as the rest was pulled into a very short low ponytail by a blue ribbon that had a bell on either end.

The girl wore an off the shoulder dark purple short sleeve shirt, slightly loose but still showing off her form. On her forearms were thin silver bands that were connected to dark purple fabric that flared out till her knuckles. On top of her shirt was a black tunic that was outlined with purple and went down to her knees, two slits ran on either side of the tunic up to her hips allowing the girl to move easily. A small dark grey swirl with a light purple bass clef was located above the left breast on the tunic; a silver chained belt ran around her waist.

Black leather pants shinned from the fires light as she walked quietly and gracefully forward on simple black slip on shoes usually worn by male fighters. A silver bangle was seen on her left ankle as well as a silver chain around her neck that had its pendant tucked underneath her shirt and an ebony black ring with green jewels embedded in it on her right index finger. Hanging off the right shoulder was a brown leather satchel.

"You weren't waiting long I hope?" They asked, the smirk never leaving their face. "Hm, took you long enough." Hiei replied as the person stopped in front of them. "I can always come later if you want?" They offered, chuckling slightly at the end.

"Please don't." Kurama said, snapping slightly out of his trance. "It's good to see you Shizuka!" Kuwabara exclaimed, placing a hand on her shoulder. "But when did you get the tattoo?" He asked, about to poke her cheek that had the said marking.

With quick reflexes, Shizuka grabbed his wrist before it got any closer. "I wouldn't do that if I were you." Shizuka warned lightly as the tattoo glowed purple a little.

"The ship is 'ere maties! Now let's try to get on board without any violence." A ruff pirate voice called at as a short man with a wooden peg leg, eye patch and pipe limped forward, making everyone turn to look at him.

"Uh, hey wait a minute sir. Our team still has some stragglers." Kuwabara said to the pirate captain. "Then we'll have to put a mark on their heads and send out a hit man after them. Standard rule of the tournament." The captain replied with no remorse.

"Now, now, that's not necessary." A male voice said, making everyone turn to see Yusuke standing at the edge of the clearing. Standing next to him was a masked person even shorter than Hiei. "Sorry to keep you waiting guys."

"You nearly gave me a heart attack Urameshi!" Kuwabara yelled at him but Yusuke ignored it. "These forest hikes really wipe me out." Yusuke complained as he leaned on a tree next to him while giving them a tired but stupid smile, his fringe falling slightly into his face as his hair wasn't gelled back like usual.

"Yeah you look really awful. Oh wait, that's just you." Kuwabara commented before laughing slightly at the end.

"Yusuke," Hiei said quietly as he walked forward, gaining Yusuke's attention. Without warning Hiei grabbed his sword and started swinging it at Yusuke who dodged every strike.

"Well it seems his skills have improved somewhat." Shizuka commented as she watched the two go, her eyes darting this way and that as she kept up with them. "Guys there fast, I can barely keep up with my eyes." Kuwabara added quietly.

Yusuke grabbed the near tip of Hiei's sword with his fingers, stopping the fight. "Damn Hiei, is this how you say 'hello' to people now?" The human asked the kneeling demon.

"Hm," Hiei replied, smirking. "I don't know where you've been all this time but it seems you've improved your skills a little bit." Hiei stood up and sheathed his sword.

"It seems you have been training hard since we last met Yusuke." Shizuka said, making Yusuke turn to look at her. "Hey Shizuka! What are you doing here?" He asked confused.

"They," Shizuka used her head and nudged to the others as she slipped her hands into her cuffs. "Didn't know if you would have a fifth fighter or not so asked me to come. But it seems you didn't need me to come after all." She replied as she turned her head to look at the masked fighter.

"You mean this little guy! He's even smaller than Hiei!" Kuwabara shouted as he ran and stood in front of the masked fighter. "And what's wrong with his face? He looks a like a mummy or something?" Kuwabara questioned before he was pushed over by Shizuka who replaced his spot and squat down so she was eye level with the masked fighter.

It was quiet as the two gave each other a silent stare down. Neither moving as they looked the other down. Without leaving each other's eyes both moved their right arm out and clasped the other person's forearm. Shaking once, Shizuka released the masked fighters arm and stood facing the others.

"The masked fighter will be your main 5th team mate though if needed, I will be swapping in with one of you guys just in case." Shizuka told the others who stared at her confused. 'But you guys didn't say anything.' Was the collected thought of the four.

"Enough pesky distractions!" The pirate called out, making everyone turn to look at him. "Let's all get on board!"