SailorStar9: Seven new chapters up and no review. You guys don't love me anymore. (Pouts). Anyway, this is revamped version of Chapter 11. Read and review.

Disclaimers: Yu Hakusho, DNAngel and Sailor Moon aren't mine. I only own Wish

Chapter 11: The Masked Fighter Revealed


"Hello, after an intense round of verbal attacks between Keiko and Yusuke, there seems to be a brief moment of peace." Botan commentated in the bushes. "Let's see how this exciting battle will resolve."

"I know you need to fight." Keiko told Yusuke. "But if you die, I swear I'll kill you."

"Deal." Yusuke gave her a thumb up and Keiko walked off.

Botan anime-fell, "That was close."

"I swear, I won't get beat." Yusuke called after her. "Though she should fight for our team."

"Hey, don't think I didn't hear that, noisy girl! If it's huggy-kissy stuff you want, go home and watch your soaps." Yusuke retorted.

In the bushes, Botan looked surprised before turning into her cat-face, "Meow-meow."

"Ever heard what curiosity does to cats, Botan?" Yusuke deathpanned.

"Hello Yusuke," Botan greeted him. "I had absolutely no clue I'll find you here."

"Right, right." Yusuke remarked sarcastically. "You were just looking for a place to pee."

"Actually, Yusuke, I've got news." Botan told him. "You're about to have a hatched egg."

"A hatched egg?" Yusuke echoed. "Now wait a second, since when did you start raising chickens?"

"Don't tell me you forgotten about it again!?" Botan hollered.

"Okay, I won't." Yusuke replied.

"Koenma just finished telling you about the Golden Egg that's got your Spirit Beast inside." Botan reminded him. "Do you really need a recap twice a day to remind you what's going on?"

"Oh yeah, I remember Pacifier-Breath saying something like that about something like that." Yusuke laughed.

"Watch what you're saying, Yusuke." Botan advised. "Because Koenma should be arriving any minute with your Golden Egg."

"Arriving where? I can't be at two places at once." Koenma inquired, suddenly appearing behind Yusuke.

"Damnit! Don't do that!" Yusuke rebuked as he and Botan fell to the floor in surprise. "We're still not used to you being at eye-level.

"And this 'Pacifier-Breath' is still not used to you getting dumber every single time he sees you." Koenma deathpanned.

"Hold on." Yusuke set his rantings aside when he saw the Golden Egg in Koenma's hand. "Are you sure that's the Egg I had last time?"

"Yes, grown quite a bit over the year." Koenma replied. "It's ready to pop."

So, how do we know the monster in here is going to be friendly?" Yusuke asked, taking the Egg.

"We don't know anything." Koenma told him. "Not until it opens. That's all you in there. From the moment we first met, your Spirit Beast's been feeding off the energy of your soul. Everything you've done since that day, good or bad, has shaped the nature of that beast."

"And what if I hadn't always been completely nice?" Yusuke asked as the sky grew overcast.

"It's the overall picture." Koenma elaborated. "The beast will reflect who you really are inside, not that brat routine you put on to be cool. And if you true heart ahs been selfish and evil, so will be the beast. And well, you remember that part about head devour."

So, I'll be a ghost again like when this whole thing started." Yusuke noted.

"No, Yusuke." Koenma corrected. "When a Spirit Beast consumes you, it takes the whole package, body and soul. You won't be ghost, you won't go to Spirit World, you will be absolutely nothing at all."

A few seconds later, a stream of lightning came down upon the pulsing Egg. The Egg burst into full light, its shell breaking open as the light blinded the three.

"Where's the Egg?" Yusuke inquired after the light show.

"It's not here!" Koenma gaped.

"It could be anywhere." Botan pointed out.

Then, catching sight of Yusuke's head, she burst out laughing.

Koenma turned and was surprised at the sight.

"Puu!" the light blue penguin-like Spirit Beast cooed, flying inches above Yusuke's head when he turned.

"Oh look Koenma, it's Yusuke's inner self." Botan giggled, pointing to Puu.

"Oh no, I'm ever so terribly frightened, please don't hurt me, Mister Monster." Koenma tried to hold back his laughter to no avail.

"When I picture Yusuke disposition, I see scales and beady eye, but cute and furry's another way to go." Botan giggled, after bursting into laughter.

"You jerk!" she complained after Yusuke whooped her on the head. "Just because your Egg hatched doesn't mean you get to be a punk again!"

Stupid Spirit Beast. Yusuke growled. They probably brought this whole thing just to hold something over my head. Anyway, it can't be look as funny as these two dumbasses think.


Later in Yusuke's room…

Keiko, Botan, Shizuru, Yukina and Kuwabara were laughing outloud at Yusuke's newly-revealed Spirit Beast.

"I never knew how adorable you were inside." Kuwabara laughed out loud. "Your spirit's a little girl!"

"How adorable is that?" Yusuke rebuked, whopping Kuwabara on his head.

"Yukina, would you please heal Kuwabara's bitty-nitty boo-boo and make it feel all better?" Kuwabara turned to Yukina, holding her hands.

"Give a rest for one minute, lover boy!" Shizuru retorted, punching Kuwabara on the head.

"There you are cutie." Keiko picked Puu up when the Spirit Beast landed on the table. "Come to Keiko."

"As if he couldn't get anymore girlie." Yusuke retorted.

"So, did you hear that the semi-finals aren't until the day after tomorrow?" Kuwabara asked.

"Yeah, I heard all right." Yusuke replied. "The Committee made us fight two rounds in a row, just cos they want us wiped out. They are just like everyone else in charge."

"Puu!" Puu cooed and landed on Yusuke's head.

"You know what? When you're next to each other, you two kind of look alike. He's even got your hair." Keiko remarked.

"I'll say the little booger's got my hair. He's got it right between his retarded claws and he ain't letting go. He better not leave me any spirit surprises." Yusuke snapped.

"How did it get so late?" Botan wondered when she glanced at her watch.

"Time flies when you're when you're mocking Yusuke mercilessly." Shizuru replied.

"Let's go." The girls chorused.

"That's right, get lost for all I care." Yusuke deathpanned.

"Good night, Yusuke." Botan told him. "And don't forget there's an early match tomorrow that determines the next team we fight and we want a sneak preview for what we're up against. So try not to sleep for a week this time."

"Later, Urameshi." Kuwabara added as he exited.

After a few seconds, Keiko, Botan and Kuwabara returned, laughing as they peeked in from the door.

"I can kill you all with my finger, you know!" Yusuke threatened.


Meanwhile….

Ami, having descended from her Athena form, was sitting on a wilted branch by the seashore. Forming an ancient lyre with her magic, she started strumming the strings.

"Ode for a Nymph. I wrote that for you." Kurama spoke from behind her.

"True." Ami replied. "I was certainly surprised. I didn't know Yoko had an artistic side to him."

"I wish I am more creative in this lifetime. I'd write another piece for you. I don't want you to think that I'm trying to get to know Pai. I want to you know, Ami." Kurama remarked, taking his place beside.

"Shut up, Fox." Ami chuckled, claiming his lips in a kiss. It took the fox demon a moment to realize his usually shy childhood playmate was kissing him, and less than a moment for him to return that kiss with fervor.

"Sorry, I don't usually act like this." Ami blushed when they broke apart.

"Don't be sorry. I liked it, Nymph." Kurama chuckled. "As you know, I never died, so my memories are pretty much intact. How much did you used to remember about the Silver Millennium?"

Ami shook her head, "Snatches. Impressions. Feelings. A few concrete memories."

"So, you would probably not remember the Duke from Mars." Kurama pointed out.

"Lord Itsume?" Ami exclaimed. "The idiot who thought that we were destined to be together. Actually thought that he was smarter than me. If I remember, he sought you out just to challenge you to a duel to prove that he was better for me than you were. You soundly defeated him, and then spared his life; which is very unexpected, even for you, Fox."

Kurama raised an eyebrow at her.

Ami blinked, "Why do I remember that?"

"I'm no soul expert, Ames. But I think you know the answer to that question." Kurama told her.

"Damn Selenity huh?" Ami remarked, realizing what he meant.


Flashback

"Do you mind if I join you?" Yoko Kurama gestured towards the standing harp sharing the forested practice area with the Mercurian Princess who had a lyre in her hands.

Pai's hand paused and she looked up. "Um no; of course not. Is there anything in particular you'd like to play?"

The silvery fox demon smiled, "My dear Pai, do you realize that this is the first time that you've spoken to me without blushing or blinking?"

"I… is it? I … um…" Pai stammered.

"Well, it was." Yoko Kurama chuckled softly, before handing her some paper.

"Um… what is this?" Pai looked to the paper, before noticing that it was a score, hand written.

"Ode for a Nymph." His voice was rather hesitant in a way that she had never heard before. They had spent some time together, but he had always been confident. However, this was the first time that she thought that he was not teasing her.


"Did you… compose this?" Pai asked, uncertainly.

Yoko nodded, "I did. For you."

Pai looked surprised for a moment, before smiling, "I'd love to play it."

Suddenly they were playing the piece flawlessly. As they finished, Yoko Kurama and Pai shared a moment, smiling at each other, before standing together.

Yoko Kurama smiled, "I've never seen you so happy before. I think what I'm seeing is the real Pai now, not just Sailor Mercury, Guardian of Princess Serenity, and arguably smartest person ever."

Pai laughed, "A bit over the top on that last part, don't you think?"

Yoko Kurama shook his head, "Not at all, dear Pai. Come, dance with me."

Then there was splashing as the scene changed again. She was swimming, cutting gracefully in the water, and Yoko was trying to keep up, trying to catch her actually, but water was her natural element, and the poor fox did not stand a chance.

She giggled as she surfaced from the water. "I'm over here, Fox!" She could not help but giggle harder as he spluttered, turning around.

"I give up. You're right. I'm no match for you in water." He held up his hands in surrender.

With a laugh she swam over to him, and gently wrapped her arms around him. "Mmm. I'm glad you finally realized that. So, I think I get to claim my forfeit now." She kissed him.


"Taking too much time in reminiscence there, Nymph." Kurama teased.

"Shut up, Fox!" Ami retorted.

"I'm assuming it all came back." Kurama remarked.

Ami nodded, "Yes, everything."

"Good." Kurama smirked, pulling towards him for another kiss.


The next morning…

Kurama woke up to see his reincarnated lover still asleep beside him.

The fox demon smiled as he played with her hair, causing her to stir.

"Morning, Nymph." Kurama greeted her.

"Morning, Fox." She answered back, stifling a yawn.

"I have to go back." The azure-haired girl told him after they detangled themselves from the bedsheets.

"To Mercury, I presume." Kurama remarked.

Ami nodded, "I have to retrieve the final object I need to fully ascend to my full power."

"Wait." Kurama blinked. "You have Nike, the Aegis, and the Spear of Longinus. What else do you… Oh!"

"Yes, Fox." Ami grinned at his exclaim of realization.

"But why would your Holy Cloth be on Mercury?" Kurama asked.

"Before Queen Selenity forced the planets to accept her rule, the Goddesses of innermost and outermost of the Inner and Outer Rims of Solar System sealed off our Holy Cloths to prevent Queen Selenity from getting her hands on them." Ami replied. "Now that Princess Serenity has fully recovered her memories, I fear she would try to attempt what her mother could not do; force Chloris, Mnemosyne, Nemesis and myself to hand over our Holy Cloths to her. I, for one, must not allow it to happen."

That said, she focused her power as a blinding light emitted from her before bursting into full seconds later, forcing Kurama to shield his eyes.

"Pai…" the fox demon breathed at the sight of his lost lover when the light died down.

"Not now, Fox." Princess Pallas of Mercury smiled at her love. Kissing him briefly, she disappeared in a shimmering trail of golden dust and leaving the fox demon to contemplate.

The White Moon Princess had always prided herself in being the ultimate victor in the love battlefield and she had set her sights on ensnaring every single one of the Inner Princesses' lovers and suitors. However, Yoko Kurama had balked every one of her advances and attempts to seduce him. That made Princess Serenity even more determined to snare the fox demon for herself; she lusted and wanted him.


Later in the stadium…

"Good morning bloodlusters and bloodlusterettes!" Koto declared. "The battle between Team Uraotogi and Team Gokki Six starts now!"

In the ring, Kuro Momotaro was using one of the members of Team Gokki Six as a punching bag. Makintaro was up next, forming an axe with his hand and slicing another member of Team Gokki Six into half. Onji finished the onslaught by sending the third member to the ground with a flying kick to the chin.

"That was amazing! If you blink, you'll miss quite a match. In less than two minutes, Team Uraotogi crushed Team Gokki Six, shutting them out completely! That's gotta be embarrassing." Koto announced.

"Even though I think we're officially wrapped up here, how would you boys like a friendly chance to play with us, just for kicks?" Onji chuckled.

"Nah, I think we're good, thanks." The brown ogre replied.

"Yeah, you guys probably want your rest, if your team want to win the semi-finals and all." The wolf demon stammered.

"Semi-finals?" Shishiwakumaru echoed. "We're going to be the grand champions. Till then," everyone else is just practice."

At said, he pointed to the two demons watching the match.

"Everyone else." he repeated. "Just wait for your turn."


On the spectators' stands…

"What an arrogant fool." Hiei scoffed as Team Uraotogi walked off.

"Well, well, well." Kuwabara voiced from the hallway. "Look who it is. Guess you guys have the same idea we do about scoping out the competition for the semi-finals."

"Had the same idea, the fight is over." Kurama corrected.

"What!?" Kuwabara gasped.

On the ring, Koto announced, "And so the first fight of the semi-finals will see Team Urameshi facing off against the unbeatable, indefeatable, beyond believable, Team Uraotogi!"

"That is unbelievable. I mean, I can't believe we missed the entire fight just because I took a couple extra minutes to brush my teeth." Kuwabara remarked.

"It was an impressive sight to behold." Kurama agreed.

"Although I'm sure your minty fresh breath was well worth the delay." Hiei snorted.

"What is that ridiculous appendage growing out of your head all about?" he asked Yusuke, looking at Puu.

"It's just a puberty thing, okay." Yusuke replied. "So Kurama, how's your wound treating ya?"

"It'll be fine." Kurama answered. "I'll be fighting again tomorrow."

"Seems it's not as bad as you make us think." Hiei remarked.

"Compared with your energy loss, no, it seems it's not." Kurama retorted.

"Hey!" Kuwabara interjected. "I got an idea you guys! Ask Yukina to use her healing powers. She's amazing. As soon as she touches you, you'll feel better than you ever had before. She's pretty too. She's actually partially here to look for her long-lost estranged brother. I'm gotta help her look for him just as soon as we win this tournament."

"Yukina's brother." Kurama teased. "Yes, sounds like a noble cause. We should assist her too, Hiei."

"Yeah, you can even 'lend an eye'." Yusuke joked.

"Will you shut up?" Hiei growled, causing the two to grin knowingly, Kurama stifling his laughter with a thumb.

"Wait." Kuwabara was confused. "What's going on here? Am I missing something? Why aren't you guys telling me? Why you keep laughing about anyway?"

"Just like Hiei said about this ridiculous thing on my head, right?" Yusuke laughed. Aside, Kurama's laughter escaped his mouth.

"I heard him say that. It wasn't that funny." Kuwabara remarked.

Yusuke's laughter was cut short when he noticed the Masked Fighter's stare.

"Hello." He told the Masked Fighter. "What's your problem?"

When the Masked Fighter shut her eyes, Yusuke's attention was turned to the opposite direction as Team Toguro appeared.

As the crowd chanted, Toguro pointed to Yusuke before pointing to his throat. Yusuke did a slicing motion across his neck with his thumb in retaliation before giving Toguro a thumbs-down. Knowing that Yusuke got his message, the Toguro Team walked off.

"At least your act is tough." The Masked Fighter remarked after Team Toguro disappeared out of sight.

"Hey, I worked hard at it." Yusuke replied.

Kuwabara then sank his hands on the railings, "No, this can't be. How could I miss it for so long? They must have shielded their energy from detection. I feel so… I had it. We can't compete with these guys Urameshi. What are we gotta do?"

"Sorry for the delay folks, we won't prepared for the last fight to end so… abruptly." Koto declared. "But now, get ready to watch as Team Gorenjya takes on Team Kaido. We can only hope that it will be half as gruesome and twice as long as the last match."

"Momorenjya's a lot tougher than she looks, if you even keep an eye on her." Koto added as Momorenjya darted around the magician of Team Kaido. "Ooo… that was the most blathered scene in quite some time! I hope you didn't miss that one, people. It was crucial!"


In the locker room…

"I'm just saying it's not that big of a deal, Kuwabara." Yusuke waved Kuwabara's concerns aside. "And us bitching about it, isn't going to help. You probably feel their powers now because your senses gotten better. Come on. Toguro's the guy who made us come to this stupid tournament. None of us thought it was going to be a joyride, bur we can't weaning, okay?"

"Tsk, tsk, tsk." Shishiwakumaru taunted, as Team Uraotogi pushed the door open. "Don't you think you all forgetting about somebody?"

"No one of real importance." Kurama replied.

"Who's that?" Kuwabara asked.

"My guess, it'll be the freak-show rejects." Yusuke answered.

"I'm Kuro Momotaro." Kuro introduced himself.

"Makintaro." Makintaro added.

"Ura Urashima." Ura continued.

"Shishiwakumaru." Shishiwakumaru remarked.

"And you can just call me Onji." Onji finished the introduction.

"If you guys are looking for us to go easy on you, you're wasting your and more importantly, our precious time." Yusuke told the team outside the door.

"Nah, it's the exact opposite." Kuro replied, spitting out his bubble gum. "We want a good fight."

"We will be famous, but we're going to need more than two minutes of exposure for us to get that way." Shishiwakumaru added.

"Arrogant little prick. Don't you think?" Yusuke inquired.

"You can say that again." Kuwabara agreed.

"If you want to be famous, why don't you start a boy band? You got the look down." Yusuke mocked.

"We'll get ugly soon enough, Urameshi!" Shishiwakumaru promised, going into his demonic look. "Just you wait."

"Those guys aren't even worth two minutes." Kuwabara commented as Team Uraotogi walked off. "Their powers are nothing compared to what Toguro was giving off."

"We could always wear blindfolds. At least that way would be more amusing." Yusuke kidded.

"Hard is for the weak, Yusuke." The Masked Fighter told him.

"Leave me alone!" Yusuke hollered just as Botan and Athena passed by. "Stop looking at me like that, you masked freak!"

A startled Botan dropped the cans she was holding when Yusuke punched the wall.

"If you got something to say, say it!" Yusuke demanded.

"It's quite simple really." The Masked Fighter replied. "If the leader of Team Toguro is Toguro, then the leader of Team Urameshi should be Yusuke Urameshi. The question I'm posing is: do you have what it takes to beat Toguro all by yourself, Yusuke Urameshi?"

"Guys, guys!" Kuwabara intervened. "Break it up. Try to get along."

Botan nodded, "Kuwabara's right. Can we please talk this through peacefully?"

"You think you should lead this team instead of me?" Yusuke demanded.

"If necessary." The Masked Fighter replied. "Follow me."

"Yeah! Let's take this outside!" Yusuke agreed, storming after the Masked Fighter.

"It is time, isn't it?" Athena asked the masked Genkai as the aged psychic walked past her.

The Masked Fighter merely looked at her.

"I see." Athena nodded, knowing what the psychic's glance meant.

"Yusuke! Don't be stupid!" Botan rebuked, catching Puu.

"Let them be." Hiei remarked. "They will have to settle this themselves."

"Yeah, that's what I'm afraid might happen." Kuwabara agreed. "Those two were so strong and so mad they would probably settle this all the way to the death and that's no good."

"It's a shame, but there's nothing we can do." Hiei added.

"And even if there were anything that could be done, it's hardly our place to interfere with their affairs." Kurama remarked.

"How can you possibly say those things?" Botan demanded. "Can't you see that they could tear this team apart?"

Everyone remained silent.

"And none of you even seem to be bothered enough to care!" she screamed before running out.

Athena sighed. Strolling out of the room, she was about to go after the ferry guide when a flash of dark green caught her attention.

Was about time, Mnemosyne. She mused, taking off in the opposite direction.


Outside…

"Where the hell are you going?" Yusuke demanded as the pair walked out.

The Masked Fighter remained silent as she continued walking.

"So, that's it? Listen, I understand if you're getting second thoughts about punching me, but that doesn't mean we have to go on a stupid nature walk." Yusuke remarked.

"I'm not going to fight you, Yusuke Urameshi." The Masked Fighter told him.

"Then why are we hiking?" Yusuke demanded.

"Just shut up and follow me." The Masked Fighter said.

"Dimwit." Her voice turning into Genkai.

"Okay, now I'm interested." Yusuke noted.


Back in the arena….

"Team Gorenjya, proving themselves a force to be reckoned with, as Akarenjya refused to stay on the ground long enough for his opponent to take a healthy shot!" Koto declared.


In the spectators' booth…

"I'm bored, Ogre." Koenma complained. "I just don't have the attention span for this."

"He just keeps jumping." George agreed as Botan burst into the room.

"Koenma, we've got problems!" Botan reported, running in. "Yusuke and the Masked Fighter are about to face off and tear each other limb from limb!"

"Yusuke and the Masked Fighter, you say." Koenma repeated. "It seems the time has come for the Spirit Detective's final test."

"Final test?" Botan echoed.

"What's all this about, sir?" George asked.


Elsewhere…

"Is something wrong? You're missing the match." Sakyo remarked.

"Neither one of those teams is worthy of me fighting them, let along watching." Toguro replied.

"I admire your leaderism." Sakyo noted as he sat down beside Toguro. "Word has it that there's been quite a bit of unpleasant commotion over at camp Team Urameshi."

"Then, the Masked Fighter is setting in motion the final stage of her plan for Urameshi." Toguro replied. "It is about time."


In the ring….

"And absolutely lovely beheading, Kirenjya!" Koto announced. "That means your team is moving on to the semi-finals!"


Outside…

"I know, I know. Don't start with me, slacker." Genkai remarked. "I should have told you from the start. But I had my reasons for keeping my true identity a secret at the tournament for as long as possible. But now is the moment I've been waiting for."

That said, she removed the cloth around her head.

"Then it really was you, Genkai!" Yusuke beamed. "I knew it! But wait, who is that beautiful young woman…"

"Watch it kid, I can still destroy you." Genkai warned.

"But seriously, where's your stand-in?" Yusuke asked.

"You're looking at her, boy." Genkai replied.

"Okay, I don't understand." Yusuke was puzzled. "How's that work?"

"There's no way you're going to get this without a visual demonstration." Genkai remarked. "See that over there?"

"A big rock. Yeah, that explains everything." Yusuke replied sarcastically.

"Just shoot it with your 'Spirit Gun' at full power." Genkai instructed.

"But you still haven't answered my question yet." Yusuke objected.

"Don't make me slap you upside the head. Just shoot the damn thing!" Genkai barked.

"Oh right, hag." Yusuke sighed in resignation. "I still don't see how this matters."

"Spirit Gun!" he fired his energy at the rock, blasting the stone to smithereens.

"Totaled!" Yusuke beamed. "Are ya happy now, grandma?"

"Heh! I can never tell what's worse, your aim or your pride in it." Genkai scoffed.

"Give me a break! That was the perfertiest shot there is!" Yusuke protested. "Why don't you show this wimp snapper how it's done in the olden days?"

"Gladly, you patronizing jackass..." Genkai replied. Walking forward, she turned to face a larger rock.

"What are you doing?" Yusuke questioned, running to her side. "That boulder is just a little bigger than the one I shot."

"Pay attention slacker, you been brought to this tournament for one reason." Genkai told him, preparing to fire her 'Spirit Gun'. "Toguro knows what you're capable of."

"It's time you understood it too." She added, returning to her younger self as her aura burnt around her.

That said, she fired her energy, the ball not only tore through the boulder, it also ripped through the forest, continuing onwards and destroying everything in its path.

"That was incredible!' Yusuke gasped in awe. "My 'Spirit Gun' can't even compare to yours."

"When you channel your Spirit Power to it maximum, the body's self shifts and you take on the form you had at the moment you the most powerful in your life. In my case, I was a swinging twenty-seven. Yours is right now." Genkai told him. "You just don't know it yet. That's why we've come here. It's time for you to take the final test and reach your gradation."

"Why do I get the feeling this isn't going to be easy." Yusuke remarked.


SailorStar9: Woot this chapter is down! Read and review.