I look at the fast approaching island, trying to ignore the nasty smell of dead demons behind me. It was a nice fight to warm up with, but nothing significant. The only surprise being: that Yusuke has an ability to fight in his sleep, which was very amusing in itself.

Before long we docked and slinging my pack onto my back we make our way towards our temporary residence. Of course Yusuke is still asleep, so Kuwabara took the liberty to hoist him onto his back. Soon, rising up before us, is a huge hotel, reminding me of those beach resorts. Though I'm pretty sure that these beaches are not for swimming, unless a demon attempts to drown you that is.

Stepping inside, it looks very fancy with its nicely polished floors and chandeliers, but also the people dressed in their most expensive dresses and costumes is a dead give away to the class of this hotel. It's rather odd, seeing as we're here to fight for our lives. I suppose that we're just a source of entertainment for these people though, makes me wonder how much money is in this business.

Soon, a tall man steps up to us. "Welcome to the hotel. I will direct you to your room." he says politely, leading us away. Looking around I can see many people watching us carefully. "This place is actually making me start to feel uneasy." Kuwabara mutters, looking put off.

Once we reach our room, I can't help but look around in slight awe. "This room is bigger than my apartment. I've been living in closet." I breathe out. Kurama pats my head smiling. "You're apartment is just fine." he comforts, making me look at him skeptically. "But you hate the place." I retort taking him aback. "Well…." he starts, looking hard for the right words so as not to offend me. I shake my head smiling. "Don't bother Kurama. I know it's not exactly a palace." I say, making him chuckle awkwardly and rub at his neck.

Looking around, I see four doors. One looks to be a bathroom, so the other three must be bedrooms. Opening one, I see two single beds. "Two singles." Kuwabara says also looking into another room. "Well, let's pair up." he says.

Taking my pack, I throw it into the room before me, letting it hit the headboard before it thumps softly onto the thick blankets. "Hn. I'm not staying a night in this ostentatious room. I'd rather sleep outside." Hiei grunts, glaring at all the fancy details. Kuwabara grins. "So that means that someone gets a room to themselves huh? I call dibs!"

"Not so fast Kuwabara." I say. "You and Yusuke are taking a room. You're looking after him." I tell him, making his face fall. "What?! Why can't you?" "Because he'll drive me mad flailing around like a fish on dry land. He's a restless sleeper." I retort, crossing my arms. "Then who gets a room to themselves?! You?" Kuwabara asks peeved.

The sound of a door slamming snaps us out of our bickering. Seeing that the masked fighter is missing, I quickly draw my conclusion. "Nope. Doesn't seem like it." My attention is drawn to Kurama as he clears his throat. "Do you mind Rosa?" he says motioning to the room occupied by solely my backpack. "Ah no, go ahead Kurama." He nods before walking in the room to start unpacking.

My head whips to Yusuke who started snickering with a perverted smile on his face. "What are you laughing about?!" I yell at him, waving my fist. It has little effect as he sleeps on peacefully. Sighing, I walk off to gather some things for a much needed shower.

When I exit the bathroom after a delicious shower, furiously rubbing my hair dry, I pause as an awkward tension nearly hits me right in the face. Lifting the fluffy towel from my head, I instantly spot two newcomers by the door. One is an average height with blonde hair and pointy ears while the other is a bubbly kid with pink stars on his cheek. Perking a brow I ask: "What did I miss?"

The 'guests' look up at me blankly before the blonde opens the door and turns to leave. "Enjoy your last evening as much as you can. Tomorrow, you will meet the same fate as that coffee cup." the man says, pointing at one of the cups placed on the coffee table.

Suddenly it splits in half, spilling the coffee inside and shocking everyone in the room. I glare at the now closed door before marching towards the kitchenette, only to return with a towel. "What a mess." I sigh as I dab at the coffee stains.

"Those punks. How dare they mock us?!" Kuwabara says, clenching his fists. Hiei picks up a half of the cup, looking it over before dropping it with a disgusted look. "Amateur."

"So who were those guys? I didn't even sense them once." I question, wanting my curiosity quenched. "They're the competition." Kurama answers. "Huh. I guess they thought they could use scare tactics to throw us off. Well, a split cup is not making me nervous. I'll just see in the ring if they are truly frightening." I say shrugging. "Right on." Yusuke says before snoring on. "Shut up Yusuke. You're freaking me out." I tell him dully before going back to cleaning up.

After having dinner, we all decide to retreat to our rooms for an early nights rest. We are probably going to need it.

I stare at the foreign ceiling as I try to find sleep. It's very quiet except for the occasional turning of pages coming from Kurama reading a book. A dim light is cast over the room, casting long shadows. I watch them, remembering how I used to sleep with a night light as a kid. The dark freaked me out at one point.

I must have been lost in thought for some time as a rustle makes me glance at Kurama who is just putting his book down. He catches my eye, looking a bit surprised. "I thought you were long asleep." he whispers rolling to his side. "Are you nervous?"

I shrug. "A little bit I guess. I've never been in a tournament before." "Me neither. It makes me on edge as well." he confesses. "Really?" I question. He nods. "There will be demons that are not to be taken lightly. Some of us will get really hurt, that is a guarantee." "And perhaps even die?" I urge.

Kurama grimaces. "I wasn't going to say it." he says in a strained voice. "I know. But it's the truth isn't it?" I say solemnly. "Yeah. It's possible." he breathes. "Well in that case, whatever they hit us with, we'll just have harder, don't we?" I say smiling a little. "Yes. That we will."

I turn around, curling up in a ball. "It will be alright." I say, more to myself than Kurama. "Night." "Goodnight Rosa." he says, a smile in his voice. The light is turned off and soon I drift off into sleep.