Shinobu Sensui versus Yusuke Urameshi. San figured something cheesy like this would happen, only she had to take it seriously. What's more, Ryo was lurking in the shadows, probably waiting for a chance to snatch her. She was afraid of that. But that wasn't even all of it. Sensui needed Kuwabara to break the kakai barrier, and she assumed that he had a plan to isolate the human. She wasn't even how this was all going to happen, but she knew that despite her head ache, she had to keep her guard up. There was no room for failure at this point. Two more days, and the tunnel would be complete. The pressure was on, and she was worried about that as well. All these thoughts and yet, nothing on what they could do, not a strategy on how they could win. She used to be a general damnit, she should be able to think in pressures like these. The head ache she had wasn't helping either, it seemed to only be getting worse as the day wore on. She shook her head slightly, forcing herself to pay attention to the matters at hand.
"Try that again," she heard Yusuke speak. She watched as he charged at Sensui, trying again to land a blow. The same thing happened, Sensui blocked and retaliated with his legs. She recognized this style of fighting, but couldn't quite put her finger on what it was. The force of Sensui's kick was incredible, and it knocked Yusuke into the street light. San was flabbergasted, and didn't think to move closer until she felt her mate's hand grab her.
"Get yourself off the ground, Urameshi!" yelled Kuwabara, "You won't defeat him lying down!" Yusuke shot to his feet, eyeing down his opponent.
"As I thought, the two detectives are too much alike," said Kurama. San looked at him. Though he seemed to be focused on the match in front of them, she was sure he could sense the vampire's presence in the shadows. She did notice how protective he was being of her today, "With their similar background, it's like fighting your own reflection in the mirror. A futile war that cannot be won. Sensui anticipates Yusuke's every move. It's what he would do, only, he's one step ahead."
"You're not wrong, and its thanks to his resshuuken style," stated Genkai.
"Resshuuken?"
"That's it!" exclaimed San. They looked at her questioningly, "Oh! I just couldn't remember what it was called. Resshuuken is a special brand of martial arts. It depends on fast foot work, so him having long legs is a huge advantage. Basically, he stays in one spot while blocking attacks with his arms, and then sends back powerful kicks. Most fighters are going to attack with their fists, and this style makes for an easy win depending on strength and will power of the opponent."
"There are stringent rules governing the study of the resshuuken style. One may only learn it's ways once they have every other technique under their belt. So many consider it the strongest and most elegant maneuver in all of martial arts," said Genkai.
"Yes old woman, you recognize the resshuuken form, but this technique, you have never seen," said Sensui, creating a ball of energy in his left hand. San was curious as to what he was going to do. "My own special blend of resshuuken and reiki. A vengeful new twist on an old favourite. I like to call it the reiko resshukeen."
"Remarkable. Energy and style as one," said Kurama.
"Yeah, be even more remarkable if it wasn't out to kill us," she gave him a look. He gave her a guilty sort of look, remembering that he should keep those opinions to himself. She turned her attention back to Sensui, wondering when his attack would come. It wasn't long, he threw the ball of energy into the air.
"It's time to judge your allies!" he declared, jumping and then kicking his ball of energy like it was nothing more than a soccer ball.
"Get down now!" Yusuke shouted to them. San stood her ground, knowing that between her, Genkai, and Koenma, this attack would not affect them. She watched it come, and then it flew right by them. Did he miss? No, it collided with the building behind them. Yusuke's building.
"Oh no, isn't that Yusuke's apartment?" Kurama confirmed.
"The girls!" San shouted, taking a step forward. She was about to take off at her demon speed to see them, but her mate had grabbed her arm. She turned to look at him like he was retarded.
"Wait," he spoke.
"Kurama!" she protested, pulling on her arm. He gave her a stern look, and she knew that he wasn't going to let down this time. She turned her head back to the building, hoping the others were alright. She couldn't believe how stupid they were, not seeing this tactic that was painfully obvious if thought about.
"Damn Sensui. All this muscle flexing was just a diversion," said Koenma.
"A diversion? That ding bat's diversion could have killed Botan or my sister!" declared Kuwabara. "Hold on! Help is on the way!" yelled Kuwabara, running towards the apartment building.
"Kuwabara!" San yelled after him, knowing that he had to be protected at all costs. San tried to run again, forgetting that her mate had her arm. She turned to glare at him, but he remained adamant. She growled, her focus being brought back to the injured human.
"Kuwabara! Heads up!" Yusuke yelled. Sensui was coming to drop kick him. But that didn't make any sense, they needed Kuwabara alive. She narrowed her eyes in suspicion. All of this wasn't making sense, it was just a show. There was something else happening here, some plan that she wasn't aware of. She wished she could get more information, but knew it would be foolish to let her mind become more weak than it already was. Luckily, Kuwabara was able to move out of the way in time. Sensui stood in front of them, Yusuke running up to meet him. He stopped just short of the others.
"Alright guys, you go take care of the girls!" Yusuke instructed.
"And meanwhile you'll be?" asked Koenma.
"Permanently retiring his ass."
"For such a dumb kid, you've got a pretty smart mouth Urameshi," said Sensui.
"What, do you like smarts?" asked Yusuke, charging at his enemy, "Tell if this is smarts enough for ya!" he went to attack again, but then stopped short. He moved around his enemy fast, trying to confuse Sensui. It was a very good shot, but the problem was, if San could see it, then Sensui could as well. She watched as Yusuke finally went to punch, but Sensui anticipated it, blocking. A thunderous kick sent Yusuke flying across the way in through a window in the building. San gasped. This was ridiculous. Sensui walked to stand in the broken window. San was happy that there was no one around, though she wondered what people in their apartments were seeing.
"It's a shame junior couldn't find a better replacement. I just can't decide if I should be insulted or flattered," said Sensui. He then began to run, which was something none of them were expecting. The others ran to where Yusuke was. He darted out of the building, and then ran after Sensui. Koenma and Genkai ran towards Yusuke's building. San was about to run after them, but Kurama grabbed her arm again.
"You stay with me," he told her in a no nonsense tone. It was a command, but it was one she wasn't going to argue with at this point. She, Kurama and Kuwabara ran after the two detectives, all the while San wondering if they were stepping right into a trap. She assumed Kurama would think along the same lines as her, knowing that if the enemy was that powerful, he'd have no reason to run. She could still feel someone watching her as well, and that thing continued to follow them. What bothered San was that she couldn't pick up a scent. They stopped after getting to the end of the alleyway. People occupied the streets, but Sensui stuck out like a sore thumb. San was ashamed to admit that Yusuke had spotted him first. The chase continued on into a building. San was right behind Yusuke, stopped a fair distance from him. Sensui stepped out into the open. What was he up to?
"They just don't make spirit detectives like they used to," said Sensui, obviously trying to get a rise out of Yusuke. The problem with that was, it worked.
"You mean crazy and evil? No, they sure don't, thank you," Yusuke retorted. Sensui laughed while Yusuke jumped for another attack. They ran at each other, Sensui utilizing the fighting style to once again kick his enemy. Only this time, Yusuke blocked it. It still sent him flying backwards, but at least it didn't hurt him nearly as much as a direct hit. This Sensui guy was really starting to piss San off.
"Geeze, Urameshi. Just stop playing chicken with this guy and use your spirit gun to deep fry his skinny little rear!" yelled Kuwabara.
"Unless Yusuke prevents those feet from turning, any attempt at a counter attack would be like tilting at window," said Kurama. San glanced at him for just a moment. He seemed different to her lately, since she had woken up. Her thoughts were diminished when she saw Sensui finally land a powerful blow to the abdomen. San narrowed her eyes, not liking the way he was toying with Yusuke. She then saw that Yusuke had grasped Sensui's leg, and she was truly impressed.
"Well now that I finally got a leg up on you, let's see how you play kick ball with this!" said Yusuke, powering up his hand with spirit power and getting ready to land a blow to Sensui. The former detective simply used his other leg to land a thunderous kick to Yusuke's head.
"What an amazing thing..." San trailed.
"Damnit San, now's not the time for that!" Kuwabara told her.
"Oh yeah, that makes sense. Kurama gets to comment on how remarkable a technique is, but the minute I open my mouth, it's not allowed," she grumbled, rolling her eyes. Yusuke was on the ground, and it looked like he wasn't getting back up. Looked like were the key words. San and the others ran closer to see what was happening.
"Hey you yellow bellied bully, you just going to kick a man while he's down?" demanded Kuwabara, running up to Sensui. "Why not fight me? The warrior of love, the defender of the defenseless."
"He'll kill you!" shouted Yusuke.
"For I am Kazuma Kuwabara!" the human continued on, ignoring Yusuke. Kuwabara began to power up, and San was kind of hoping to see this new attack, "And now prepare to feel my shiny new sword!" Kuwabara unleashed his spirit energy, but the sword looked no different. San supposed that was a good thing, hopefully letting Sensui believe that he was wrong. "Wait a sec, this is just my plain old, everyday spirit sword! What happened to that new suited up one that I used against Seaman? Darn, that would have been cool!" San and Kurama had just caught up to him. "Here it goes!"
"That isn't very wise!" Kurama yelled to him.
"Relax, Sensui won't kill Kuwabara. They need him alive," San told him.
"What?" but Kuwabara was kicked back by Sensui.
"Mother fucker!" San yelled, charging at Sensui. She was getting ready to release a seed from the dusk plant. It wrapped around her fist, and she unleashed her attack. She blocked one kick, knowing he relied on his legs. He was too fast for her though, and she was weaker than normal. He kicked her back as well. She braced herself to hit something hard, knowing she couldn't stop the force.
"San!" she heard her mate. He jumped up to catch her, his body stopping her from flying any farther. He set her down gently and then began to charge at Sensui himself, unleashing his rose whip. Sensui just jumped out the window, landing smoothly on the ground. Kurama joined him, along with Yusuke and Kuwabara, wielding his weapon. There was just one problem with that though.
"So, dare you risk that erratic weapon among civilians?" asked Sensui laughing. Kurama narrowed his eyes, and that's when San jumped down to stand beside him in a defensive stance. Only this time, she was a white wolf, the mark of her mate shining brightly. "I'm hurt Kurama, isn't my death worth a few lives? They'll be dead soon enough. Farewell."
"After him!" yelled Yusuke, following his enemy. Kuwabara ran after him as well, Kurama and San beginning their pursuit. But then, another white wolf jumped and tackled San, biting at her. The two of them stood facing each other.
"San!" she could hear Kurama yell. He knew by the faded marks on the enemy wolf that it was Yayoi. Both of them were growling at each other, waiting for the next move. Yayoi lunged at San, landing on top of her. They both fought, biting and scratching at what they could. San bit Yayoi so hard that she whimpered and backed away. They were at a stand off again, and then, Yayoi darted in the other direction. San growled and began to chase after her, "Don't! They're trying to separate us!" Kurama yelled to her. He began to run after his mate, but was blocked by Sniper and his motorcycle. Sniper had his weapons ready and Kurama glared. If anything happened to San, he would personally hold this human responsible. "You can't do that with these innocents standing around," Kurama told him.
"Fine, not that I ever miss my target. But if its a change of venue you want, I'm game," said Sniper. Kurama growled, his mate getting further away from him by the second. The faster he got rid of this human blocking his path, the faster he could find San and hopefully keep her away from that vampire. Sniper looked as if he was getting ready to launch his attack. Kurama was waiting, ready to retaliate.
"Kurama! It's Kuwabara, we have to find Yusuke and warn him-"
"Stay back!" Kurama yelled cutting her off. With Keiko present, it provoked Sniper to attack her instead of the fox. One shot was fired towards her instantly but Puu had stepped up to the challenge, getting in the way to save the girl. Kurama's attention was turned back to Sniper once he revved up his engine on his motorcycle. Kurama's first instinct was to attack, but it missed. His enemy sped right off the bridge and onto the street, speeding away. Kurama watched as he went off in the same direction that San did. She'd be too far ahead for Sniper to catch up by now, but Yayoi was also on their side. His attention came back to Keiko, who was pleading with the spirit animal to show signs of life. Kurama walked over to her, putting his rose whip away for now.
"Keiko, are you injured?" he asked.
"No, but we absolutely have to get to Kuwabara before they do," she replied.
"Why?" he asked curiously.
"Shizuru told me that they need Kuwabara to finish the tunnel to demon world."
"What?" Kurama asked in disbelief. That must have been why San was so protective of him. "Come, let's hurry," he told her, running in the direction Sensui, Yusuke and Kuwabara went. Just as they were coming to an underground parking lot, a truck sped by them.
"Oh no we're too late," said Keiko, seeing Kuwabara in the enemy's clutches.
"Look out below!" yelled Yusuke, jumping down from a higher floor, "Your car's about to be impounded. Spirit gun!" Yusuke fired his weapon at the retreating truck. The blast was massive, and would kill anything on impact. Kurama couldn't believe that he would do that, knowing that his friend was there. "Oh shit, I forgot about Kuwabara!"
"Really Yusuke. How could you shoot a blast that big without thinking it could kill everyone on board including him?" what Kurama wouldn't give for one of San's clever comments.
"I was mad!" was Yusuke's great defense.
"Urameshi! If you kill me, you are so dead!" Kuwabara yelled from the back of the truck. Sensui began to power up, a small reiki ball hovering above his palm. He kicked it with such force, and it collided with the spirit gun blast, causing a big explosion. Kurama shielded his eyes from the light and the wind coming from the combined weapons. He saw them drive away and out of sight.
"On the bright side, at least Kuwabara survived," he spoke.
"Yeah, and they got away!" shouted Yusuke, running towards the various bicycles that were chained under a small awning.
"Yusuke!" cried Keiko, running towards him. He was prying a bike off its lock, "What are you doing? That's not even yours..."
"It is now!" he declared, setting the bike down and preparing to chase after Sensui and Kuwabara, "Keiko you know I can't let them hurt Kuwabara," he stared directly at her. He then pulled the bike lock away, annoyed, "Stupid bike lock. And don't tell me not to save him, its what he would do." Keiko was silent, the two of them sharing a small moment. Yusuke then took off.
"Wait, there's something you need to know!" she called after him. Kurama watched his retreating back, knowing that his chase was over for now. He would have began his hunt for his mate, but Keiko was here, and he didn't want to leave her by herself. He could sense Ryo around, knowing that Yayoi was busy with San. There was nothing more to do here.
"Let's return to the others," Kurama told her. She took a moment to contemplate that idea, and then nodded. They began to run back to the apartment, hoping that Genkai and Koenma were there to help out the injured. It didn't take them long to get there, considering they hadn't strayed too far in the first place. He was about to ascend the stairs when he noticed that Keiko was no longer with him. He supposed she was tired, not used to this kind of strenuous activity. He turned and just as he suspected, she had stopped before the stairs. She wasn't catching her breath, however, she had a look of surprise on her face.
"What is it?" he asked her.
"Puu flew off," she answered, pointing in his direction. Kurama looked and then followed the animal with Keiko on his heels. Kurama gasped, seeing Shizuru unconscious on the ground. He knelt down, immediately checking for a pulse. He was relieved to feel one, and then figured out that she must've collapsed due to blood loss. "Is she okay?"
"She should be, once we get her to Genkai. What I wouldn't give for San's powers right now. Go on ahead and see if Genkai is there. If not, then we'll have to rely on my slow acting herbs for now," he instructed. He picked up Shizuru carefully, and proceeded up the stairs towards Yusuke's apartment. He could see the damage, and wondered how many others were injured, or worse, dead. Kurama's eyes widened when he got into the apartment. He followed his way to Yusuke's room, Keiko leading the way.
"Oh Genkai, thank goodness. I'm so glad you're here," said Keiko upon entering Yusuke's room. Kurama was relieved as well.
"Why might that be?" the old psychic asked.
He heard Keiko gasp, "Oh no, not Botan!"
"Hold off the water works, she'll be conscious in a minute," Kurama was relieved to hear that.
"Master Genkai," he spoke from outside the door. He walked in, "I hope there's strength for one more."
"Shizuru..." Koenma trailed.
"This whole rag tag team is falling into pieces, aren't we? Just put her down on the bed," Genkai instructed, walking over to the blond. "What I wouldn't give for San's powers right now," she muttered. "Where is the bitch anyway? I thought you had her on a tight leash."
Kurama was about to answer when Botan began to regain consciousness, "I'm up! Hey, when did all of you get here?" she asked, getting up to her knees.
"Glad you're okay," said Koenma
"Huh? And why wouldn't I be?"
"Your formerly fractured back is one good reason I can think of," said Genkai. Botan looked confused.
"When we came in we found you lying under this very heavy bookshelf," Koenma told her.
"Well that's a silly place for me to be," she said, laughing.
"You don't remember how you were crushed? Things like that would make an impression."
"I don't know. Doesn't sound like something I'd do..."
"I know!" announced Mitarai, "She got trapped while she was trying to save me." Kurama looked at him with his eyes slightly narrowed. "When the book shelf started to topple, she shoved me out of the way and... She got crushed instead of me," he explained. It looked as if he was struggling within himself, "I don't understand, it's not how he said. First Kuwabara, and now you do it!" Mitarai rose to his feet, "Why do yo people keep saving my life?" Now would be a good time for one of San's sarcastic comments. Too bad Kurama couldn't think of any. "It's not how he said... Why?"
"Cause... that's just what people do," Botan answered simply. "Oh, but I think I'm starting to remember. I saw the explosion and I was knocked against the wall. Then I saw the bookshelf start to fall... So that's what happened, I just acted without thinking."
"I'd believe that," stated Koenma.
Botan laughed, "I like to think it's a good trait not to over think everything."
"I'd say it is like that for a great many people, when another being's life is put into jeopardy," said Kurama, seeing that Mitarai was confused.
"Well that's never been the case in my experience growing up. And not on that video tape!"
"Chapter Black is a one-sided argument. It's part of a set, never meant to be seen alone," said Koenma.
"No! That's all a big lie!"
Kurama walked over to the boy, "Mitarai, I understand your dilemma. You've witnessed the worst mankind has to offer, in life and on tape. But if your eyes remain open, you'll see the best all around."
"Speaking of, has anyone see Yusuke?" asked Koenma. When an answer could be provided, they all were distracted by Shizuru waking up.
"Welcome back," said Genkai.
"What about Kazuma?" asked Shizuru instantly.
"I'm afraid he has been captured by Sensui and his men," Kurama informed the girl. She sighed sadly, "I'm sorry. We made a valiant effort, by could not stop them."
"Don't be yourself up over it. If I wasn't standing under falling debris, I could have warned all of you that Kazuma was the one they wanted this whole time."
"But why is Kuwabara on everybody's A list now?" asked Koenma.
"Because of what he can do. Sensui needs him to carry out the plan," Mitarai answered, "Kuwabara's a lot stronger, a lot more important than any of you seem to give him credit for. After all, he beat me, and in that fight, he awakened a new power. The power to slice through dimensions, through territories, psychic barriers... The very power Mr. Sensui was seeking."
"You're killing me. If Kuwabara can do that, and they've got him, they can crack the kakai barrier we raised to seal off Makai. Then all hell will break loose, literally. There will be no stopping the A class or... heaven forbid, the S class demons from destroying mankind," said Koenma.
"I trust Yusuke with a lot theses days, but not this," said Genkai.
"Then we must come to his aid," said Kurama.
"If we can find him. We'll round up Kaito and Yana while we're at it."
"Yes."
"Keiko, Shizuru, you stay here in case Yusuke, or even San comes here looking for us. We'll need her help to."
"Okay," Keiko nodded at the woman.
"What about me?" asked Mitarai. They all turned to look at them, "Is there anything I can help you do?"
"You should search your soul for the answer to that. You're free to go with us, or you're free to be our foe. But if you chose the latter, then I will show you no mercy. Remember what San told you, that you must chose what you believe, and make your stand," Kurama told him.
"Let's go," said Genkai, leading the party out.
"Now which way are we supposed to go?" asked Koenma once they reached the bottom of the stairs.
"Beats me."
"We have no idea where Yusuke went."
"Wait up!" a voice called to them from the top of the stairs. It was Mitarai, and he was weak, but still trying to reach them. He fell to his knees, "Please wait for me. Or is it too late now for me to go along with you guys?" Kurama smiled, walking up to him. He offered out his hand to the boy.
"It's never too late to reform one's ways, trust me. Welcome to our team," he spoke, helping Mitarai up.