Jin's the first one to spot Kurama and me, and he waves us over. "Lookin' a bit better, the both of ya."
"Seriously," Rinku adds, shaking his head. "That stupid jerk you were fighting really got you good, Asaki."
"I know," I reply. "Don't worry, it won't happen again. Has Hiei's match started yet?"
"It's about to," Touya says, looking over at the screen.
"I'm not looking forward to this," I mutter, following his gaze.
"It will be all right," Kurama says. He squeezes my hand, and my face flushes red as I realize we're holding hands in public. Like, in front of other people. Friend people. It takes every ounce of willpower I have not to pull away.
"So, is that official now, or….?" Suzuki puts his hands on his hips, frowning at us.
"What?" I squeak, unable to squash the embarrassment.
"Oh, aye, look! They're holding hands, they are!" Jin chirps, grinning. "Say it's finally so."
"It is," Kurama replies, smiling softly down at me. I feel a bit starstruck, and I look away quickly.
"There's nothing to be embarrassed about; we all knew this was going to happen anyway," Rinku says, stepping in front of me.
"Good for you," I grumble, flashing him a dirty look. "Pay attention to the fight, huh?"
"Y-yeah," he says. He backpedals a few steps, keeping his distance from me as Koto announces the start of the match.
Mukuro and Hiei square up, but, surprisingly, they talk instead of fighting. I'd expected Hiei to run in from the first, sword swinging. He does get to that, but still, I'm impressed. Just what kind of relationship do Hiei and Mukuro have? Trading blows that don't connect the way they are, it almost looks more like they're talking than fighting.
Finally, Hiei provokes Mukuro somehow, and she lands a massive blow to his stomach, sending him flying. I wince, bumping into Kurama. "S-sorry," I say, instinctively trying to pull my hand away.
"It's all right," he says, not letting go. He also doesn't look my way, his gaze trained on the fight.
Focus, stupid. Kurama's not a bumbling idiot right now. He's got his mind on the right things.
Hiei tears off what's left of his shirt, as usual, raising his right fist. "Is he…?"
"The Darkness Flame," Kurama whispers, his voice tight.
Mukuro and Hiei launch their energy through their fists, each a single blow stretched between them. Hiei's blue energy matches perfectly with Mukuro's red as they step toward each other. When they're within inches, the energy rockets skyward before fading with just a few crackles of electricity left behind.
Suddenly, Hiei starts punching Mukuro, the demoness perfectly blocking every blow. Seeing him resort to his fists like this makes me a little uneasy. "What is he doing?" I mumble, more to myself than anyone else.
"I think they're still trying to communicate," Kurama says. "She's trying to tell him something."
"And he's not listening."
"More than you might think. That's what makes this so dangerous. Mukuro's mind is labyrinthine. Even I can't tell what she's up to."
"That's okay. You don't have to know everything," I tell him, giving him a small smile.
"I suppose not," he replies, pulling me a little closer. "Though, in this case, I would much rather know."
"Mm."
The air next to Hiei seems to split, and I gasp at the sight.
"Did you see that ray of light?" Touya asks.
"She's able to divide space," Kurama supplies. So much for not knowing everything.
"What?"
"I'd thought it was nothing but a rumor, but it seems the stories are actually true."
"What does it do now?" Jin asks, his serious manner a little disconcerting. Not that I blame him. Dividing space?
"Mukuro can cut directly through the entire third dimension itself. Anyone who comes in contact with the cuts will be split as well."
"Ehh." Jin grits his teeth, looking back to the fight.
"She's amazing," I say, doing the same. "Mukuro."
"I wouldn't want to fight her myself," Kurama says as Mukuro delivers a series of cuts Hiei manages to dodge. I'm glad he's so fast. Even so, she's not aiming all that well…. Which is when I realize she's essentially spun a web.
"He's trapped," Touya whispers, echoing my thoughts.
"She's slowly creating a razor-sharp spider's web. If Hiei doesn't do something swiftly, he's going to be torn apart," Kurama says.
"Come on, stupid," I hiss. Huh. I talk about him the way I talk to myself. That's fun.
Hiei removes the bandage around his head and the one on his right arm, revealing both his Jagan Eye and the tattoo of his dragon. I've never actually seen the Jagan open before, so I'm extra nervous. What's going to happen next? This time, when I pull my hand from Kurama's, he doesn't fight me, which is nice because I need to burn a little. Fire trips along my skin as I clasp my hands tightly together, trying to calm myself.
In the arena, Hiei is engulfed in black fire, his third eye open wide. He unleashes the Dragon of the Darkness Flame, sending it Mukuro's way, the arena trembling around the two of them.
"This will soon be over," Kurama says, nerves creeping into his voice.
One way or another.
The dragon carries Mukuro high above the battlefield, and I watch, mesmerized as she struggles to fight it. I can feel the very moment she succeeds like it's me out there doing it myself. There's a blast of energy, a flash of red light, and then the dragon begins to split in two, all the way back down to Hiei. He gets sent flying, landing face down in the dirt. Mukuro lands before him, and he gets to his feet, clearly exhausted.
This fight is over. She looks like she's barely even hurt.
Hiei raises a finger toward Mukuro, and I watch as the shackle around her wrist shatters, falling to the ground. He stumbles toward her before collapsing, letting her catch him and hold him. If anything was going to surprise me today, Hiei taking comfort in another person might take the cake. This has been an insane day.
Once Koto officially calls the match, I dash from the waiting room, ignoring the voices calling my name. Kurama's behind me, I can tell, but I don't care. I just want to make it to Hiei.
When I step out onto the dirt outside the stadium, I find Mukuro carrying Hiei toward me. Her one good eye lights on me, and I stiffen for an instant before stepping forward. "He's okay?" I ask, reaching up a hand to touch him.
"You would be better not wasting your strength," Mukuro says, her voice neutral, unreadable. "He will be all right."
"I know that," I say, pressing the tips of my fingers to his forehead, just to one side of the Jagan. "And now he'll be all right a little faster." I take a step back, looking from my oldest friend to the demon carrying him. The expression on her face is...curious?
"You have surprised me, Asaki."
I blink owlishly, rather surprised myself.
"I had heard stories of Taro Anno, his corporation, and his half-demon daughter. Little could I have imagined the warrior before me would be her. You fought your own battle for freedom today, didn't you?"
Freedom. Is that what I did? Me? "That word seems much too grand for what I've achieved," I reply, tapping the fingers of one hand against my thigh. Sparks come to my fingertips as I say, "All I did was earn my peace of mind."
Mukuro regards me for a long moment before she smiles. It's small, nothing flashy or showy, but it's definitely there. "Well said, Asaki. Do you mind if I look after Hiei a bit longer? I can tell you care for him, and I promise I'll honor that."
Once more, I look from Hiei to Mukuro, trying to gauge the woman before me. Sighing, I bow. "Please do, Mukuro."
"Thank you." Her smile gets a little wider, but it seems dangerous now. "I hope we might meet in the ring. I'd like to test the kind of company Hiei keeps."
"Mm." I nod, watching as she carries Hiei past Kurama, the two exchanging polite nods. When she's out of sight, I squat down, balancing on the balls of my feet as I let out a long, loud breath. "Holy shit, what did I just do?"
"I think you impressed Mukuro," Kurama says, walking over to stand before me. He crouches down, rubbing my back gently. "Asaki, you never cease to amaze me. You've managed to forge something of a bond with all three of Demon World's old kings."
"I don't feel very amazing," I reply, looking up into his green eyes. "I feel nauseous."
"Here." Kurama produces a berry from his pocket, offering it to me. "It should help your nerves." I raise an eyebrow at him, and he shakes his head. "I'm not drugging you, Asaki."
"I know that," I reply. "But it wouldn't be above you to knock me out so I don't fight anymore."
He lets out a monstrous sigh, saying, "I promised, didn't I? I won't lie, I'd much rather you didn't continue to fight. Things are only going to get more dangerous from here, especially with Hiei and myself out of the running."
"You aren't out yet," I reply.
"No, but I'm going to withdraw. If I fight in my current state, I might die."
"Kurama-"
"Regardless, I cannot stop you if you choose to continue. Our task is not yet complete, and you deserve your chance." He reaches a hand toward me, gently touching my face. The moment his skin comes in contact with mine, my entire body grows warm. This man is so dangerous. In so many ways. "Asaki, you can trust me."
So, I take the berry from him. He's right. It does ease my nerves. Or at least my battle ones because he's still touching me. After a moment or two of silence, he pulls his hand away, a blush creeping onto his face. "Sorry," he says, giving me a shy smile. "It's strange, being able to touch you now, knowing you may actually want what I wish to offer."
"I know what you mean," I reply, touching the spot his hand just left. "This is the strangest kind of thing to be worrying about in the middle of a tournament for the fate of all of Demon World."
"It's distracting," he says, running a hand through his hair. "You are very distracting."
"S-speak for yourself!" I stammer. He laughs, and I push him, knocking him onto his backside.
"Thank you, Asaki. For trusting me."
"I do trust you," I mumble, getting to my feet and offering him a hand. He takes it, standing, and suddenly he's very close.
"Please, don't die on me. I can't lose you."
The look on his face is so intense it sends a shiver down my spine, and I find I can't look away. "I won't."
"Good." He presses his lips to the top of my head as my hands fist in the front of his shirt, holding him in place. I can feel his breath stirring my hair, and I want to stay like this a little longer. Unfortunately, this isn't over yet. We've got promises to keep.
…
With Kurama dropping out, that leaves me and Yusuke, Yomi and Mukuro, and most of Raizen's friends. My next two rounds are difficult but passable, and I take a nap between each, feeling fully rested. Suddenly, I'm the champion of Group C. That means I'm either going to be fighting Mukuro or Natsume, neither of which I relish. Even so, I can't shake the look in Mukuro's eyes when she said she'd hoped I'd see her in the arena. What would it be like to stand against someone as powerful as she is?
Yusuke is getting to me, I swear. What kind of nut am I to find the idea of fighting a strong opponent so exhilarating?
Speaking of Yusuke, his bout against Yomi is about to start. I've managed to misplace all of my comrades, which is fine. Something tells me this fight isn't going to be nearly as dangerous as we'd all thought it would be. Yomi and Mukuro just keep surprising us, and honestly, I'm fine with that. No one I love has died today, and that's more than I'd expected at the start.
I sit in front of a screen in an empty room, pulling my knees up to my chest as Yusuke and Yomi begin to square off. The quiet is nice, and it gives me time to think and process what's been going on lately. It's nearly been 24 hours since this thing started. The sun has set on the day Kurama and I killed Hide, the day we confessed to each other, the day I made an impression on one of the most frightening beings in Demon World. Who knows what this day has in store?
The monitor I'm watching from picks up the sound of the crowd cheering, and I smile wryly. We've come a long way from the chants of "Kill Yusuke," huh? Both Yomi and Yusuke are getting cheers.
Yusuke powers up, his energy red and whipping through the arena. It's impressive. He's come so far. Even still, Yomi follows suit, effortlessly pushing back his opponent's aura. They send their energy sky high, the light so bright it can probably be seen for miles. This is absolutely insane, and I can feel when Mukuro and Natsume follow suit.
Just as Yomi's energy is about to push Yusuke from the ring, he pulls back, sinking into a fighter's stance. It looks like he wants a real fight. Yusuke's specialty. Also the easiest way to bait him. This guy.
Yusuke lands a hard hit to Yomi's face, sending the former king flying. Judging by the surprise on my friend's face, he wasn't expecting that to connect the way it did. Yomi lays there for a solid minute before getting up, a smile on his face. That's not horrifying or anything. The two charge at each other, and Yomi sends beams of green energy into Yusuke, pummeling him senseless. With one finishing blow, he sends Yusuke flying, knocking his shirt off. As...as usual….
The look on his face is so dead it hurts my heart so see. When Yomi picks him up by his skull, I curl up even tighter, pulling my knees as close to my chest as they can go. Hang in there, Yusuke. You wanted this fight. You deserve this fight. I don't know what it is Yusuke says to set Yomi off, but then all of a sudden, Yomi starts punching him over and over. He sends Yusuke flying with another blast of energy, and Yusuke just takes it.
What is going on? What's wrong with Yusuke?
Yusuke seems to come to his senses all at once, punching Yomi in the face and sending him to the ground. When Yusuke lands, he's got the mark of the Mazoku all over him. The two charge forward, Yusuke flash-stepping out of Yomi's line of sight to shoot him point blank with his Spirit Gun...Demon Gun? I've never seen him use demonic energy before.
Yomi shields himself from the blast, the shield still protecting him as Yusuke shoots barrage after barrage of his Demon Gun. I still remember when he could barely shoot one, but now he's shooting dozens. It looks like he's just firing blanks, but suddenly, a cut appears on Yomi's cheek. And then another. And another. Is Yusuke...mixing demon and spirit energies? That's a guy after my own heart. Maybe he's not book smart, but he's so battle savvy it's hard to believe at times. He never ceases to amaze.
The Mazoku markings on his body start to fade as his spirit energy starts to overwhelm the demon kind until he fires off one massive Spirit Gun that creates a massive explosion, covering the field in dust and smoke clouds. The smoke clears to reveal both Yusuke and Yomi facing each other down.
This battle devolves into a good, old-fashioned brawl, with neither side conceding. Yomi sends Yusuke through the arena's ground and then Yusuke sends a Spirit Shotgun assault right at his opponent. When they square off again, Yusuke begins to glow with what looks like...sacred energy. Only, I think it's his own special kind, something uniquely Yusuke. And of course it is. Everything that's happened over the past two years has been the product of a choice Yusuke made. I can't say I mind all that much. It's kept things exciting.
The brawl continues, and I get to my feet, pumping a fist in the air. "Go, Yusuke! Go for it!" It feels good to yell where no one can hear me. Even if Yusuke loses, he's giving it one hell of a go, and I'm so proud of him and proud to be his friend.
The pair exchange one final blow, the arena erupting in light. When it finally fades, Yusuke is on the ground, Yomi standing over him. A ten count and now it's over. Actually over. I can hardly believe it. I swipe roughly at my eyes, surprised by the tears that try to fall. The hell am I crying for? He got the fight he wanted. Yeah, but he survived. This whole endeavor is almost over, and I'm so relieved.
"Dammit, Yusuke!" I shout as loudly as I can, laughing once it's out of me. "Damn you and this whole thing. Can't even finish what you've started. Still, I can't stop smiling.
Leaving the room, I make my way to the infirmary, not at all surprised to find most of our friends there.
"Where were ya?" Jin asks, shaking his head. "Did you see Yusuke's fight?"
"Of course, I did," I reply. "I wouldn't have missed a match like that for the world."
"Well, you're up next," Touya says. "You'll be taking on Mukuro."
"Yeah?" I look from him to Kurama, who looks very tired. "Maybe she's all worn out from fighting Natsume."
"I'm sure she is," he replies. "This tournament has been a source of exhaustion for everyone."
"Even Yusuke finally wore himself out," Chu says, shaking his head. "It's all in your hands now, sheila."
"Well, no pressure," I say, smiling.
Yusuke gets wheeled in on a stretcher maybe five minutes later, and I can't help but sigh at how beat up he looks. "Punk kid," I mutter, pressing a finger to his shoulder, giving him just a little bit of healing. "Probably be knocked out for a week."
"Seems plausible," Kurama says. "All we can do is wait."
"Wait if you want," I tell him. "I think I've got another match coming up."
"Can't miss this one either," Chu says. "Asaki's going to end up Queen of Demon World, just you watch."
"And my first order will be to sober you up."
"Wait a second now, sheila! That's cruel and unusual punishment."
We laugh at that as Hiei steps into the room. He looks from Yusuke to Kurama, his eyes falling on me last. "Come." And then he turns and leaves.
"Wonder what's on his mind," Jin says, shaking his head.
"Time to find out, I guess," I say. "I'll see you guys in a bit."
"Good luck, Asaki!"
"Yeah, you've got this!" Chu cheers.
I give them all a wave and Kurama one more smile before I follow Hiei. He leads me to a dark hallway, leaning against the wall once he stops walking. "Mukuro was talking about you. Apparently, you wasted your energy on me earlier."
"That sounds like an accusation," I reply, frowning.
"And then you used some of it on that moron, didn't you?"
I know he means Yusuke, but I refuse to let him bait me. "What do you want, Hiei?"
"For you to be careful."
Which is not what I'm expecting. "Excuse me?"
"Mukuro may be weakened, but that doesn't mean she's weak. If you value your life, I suggest withdrawing now."
"I will not," I reply, narrowing my eyes. "I'm not the same pathetic demon I was when we first met, and I refuse to give up here. It would be dishonorable to the example Yusuke and all of you have set, and it would be insulting to Mukuro."
"I don't care how insulting it would be," Hiei growls. "You could die."
"As you could have!" I shout, taking a step toward him. "As you all could have. You and Yusuke and Kurama have been risking your lives this entire time while I've been stuck in Living World, desperately hoping you'd come back in one piece. I'm not going to stand down now. I'm not going to let you bully me into not giving it my all. This is my fight."
"You are every bit as stupid as Yusuke."
"Shut up!" I growl. "Shut up, Hiei. Just...just stop." Running a hand over my face, I lean against the wall as well, taking slow, deep breaths. "Can't you let me be strong for once in my life? I'm so tired of being left behind."
He doesn't respond at first, and I swallow hard, wishing I could just walk away but finding myself incapable of moving. Why? Why do you choose now to act like you care?
"You have always been strong. If you wish to choose this moment to show it, I cannot stop you. However, I will not take responsibility if you fail here on this stage."
"That's fine," I whisper, looking into his dark red eyes. "Thank you."
"You have come a long way since we met, but you're still an impetuous child."
"So are you," I reply. He meets my cheeky smile with a sneer before pushing off from the wall and walking away.
A/N: I think these updates are proof I'm losing it, guys. Asaki's going to fight Mukuro. I know I've glossed over a lot of the fights recently because I hate writing fight scenes (I picked a great anime to write fanfic for, huh?) but I promise I'll do this one justice.
Side note, I do have plans for another Kurama chapter, coming up soon, I swear. Double side note, if you guys want some Asaki and Kurama one-shots, I posted Holding On last week. Feel free to check it out!
Hang in there, everyone! Thanks for reading and a special thanks to AmericanNidiot, bluerose921, Mrs. HatakePrime, katsip12, firemadein789, Layla1234567, and Evalyd Yamazaki for the reviews! Also, bonus points to anyone who gets the title reference.
