Chapter 93
Etsu was grateful that Yusuke was okay as she had dropped down to her knees from still feeling jittery from the attack she used on him moments ago. She felt wiped out from the attack as it used so much of her Spirit Energy, but was curious about it at the same time as she had lost herself in thought.
'What was that attack I've just used?' thought Etsu. 'It felt so weird and unnatural, but at the same time... it feels right somehow.'
Etsu looked at her hands again as she was unnerved at how calm and at peace she felt. She also felt as if her entire being was shifting and it scared her, Kiyoko getting her attention while Koenma checked on Yusuke.
"Are you alright, Etsu?" asked Kiyoko.
"Yusuke seems to be alright," Koenma reported. "Just knocked out."
"He will be for a little while," said Etsu. "I was a worried for a moment, though."
"I won't give you a hard time about it," said Koenma. "He needed some sense knocked into him, but I doubt it'll process it through his thick skull until later on."
Etsu placed a hand over her face as she had felt faint, alarming Kiyoko.
"Are you alright?" Kiyoko repeated.
"I feel strange- it's creeping me out," Etsu replied. "I wonder if this is what Genkai was talking about."
"What do you mean?" asked Koenma. "What did Genkai tell you?"
"She came by the suite yesterday and told me that Kiyoko and I will be going through some sort of tribulations," Etsu replied. "She wanted me to tell you, too, Kiyoko."
Kiyoko didn't say anything as she didn't know how to react when Suzuki had knelt down on one knee next to her.
"Etsu, can you explain how you feel strange?" asked Suzuki.
"Have we met before?" asked Etsu. "Because you seem familiar."
"That's because he's the clown that was in the semi-finals yesterday," Koenma remarked. "The Beautiful something or other."
Koenma knew he didn't have any room to talk as he had previously told George that he wanted to be called "Pretty Koenma", but couldn't pass up the chance to give Suzuki a hard time.
"Just ignore him, Suzuki," said Kiyoko. "He's just being an idiot."
"Don't you call me an idiot, young lady!" Koenma snapped.
"I just did," Kiyoko remarked.
"That's not exactly what I meant when I said that he seemed familiar," Etsu scoffed. "I meant that we've met before."
"We have, but that doesn't matter right now," said Suzuki. "Just explain to us how you feel strange."
"Okay- it feels like my entire being is trying to shift, but something's trying to prevent it," Etsu explained. "The attack you've probably seen me use against Yusuke... I didn't know where it came from."
"Hmmm, it was most likely created out of impulse," said Koenma. "Yours and Kiyoko's best attacks were created out of impulse."
"That's not what I mean," said Etsu. "It felt like the electricity was trying to convert into lightening!"
"But lightening is a form of electricity," Koenma pointed out. "As for the feeling you have, it's most likely the vaccine I gave to you and Kiyoko the other night is finally working like it supposed to."
"What vaccine?" asked Suzuki.
Koenma was about to tell Suzuki that he was none of his business until Kiyoko had replied.
"It's complicated to explain," Kiyoko replied. "But in a nutshell, Spirit World thinks we contacted some kind of incurable illness while we were training in Demon World long ago and occasionally gives us vaccines to keep it at bay."
"We were told that it'd help with our trauma issues, and we've never questioned it until Koenma told us about the incurable disease we've supposedly contracted," Etsu added. "Well, that's what our father had told him we had, anyway."
"Girls!" Koenma snapped.
"Sounds like clichéd soap opera overkill if you asked me," Suzuki remarked. "And for the record, Demon World has nothing like that, Mr. All Knowing Spirit World Prince."
Before Koenma could react, Suzuki continued.
"Sounds an awful like Spirit World is trying to hide something," Suzuki continued, noticing the sisters giving each other confirmed glances. "And don't ask me how I know, because it's known all over Demon World that Spirit World has a habit of hiding things and a superiority complex."
Koenma was so livid at Suzuki that he couldn't even express how insulted he felt, but became flabbergasted when his sisters didn't come to Spirit World's defense.
"What's wrong with you girls?!" Koenma exclaimed. "Spirit World's your home! Are you just not going to say anything while he insults it?!"
The sisters were about to tell Koenma that it was hard to argue with the truth until Kiyoko's hand had randomly formed a crystal attack similar to the ones she commonly used except that a strong electric current flowed through it.
"The hell-," started Kiyoko.
It took her a couple of minutes, but Kiyoko had managed to dispel the randomly created attack but not without difficulty. When she was just thinking of how weird it was, she was suddenly struck with the same feeling that Etsu had felt.
"Etsu, I get the feeling that were much more different from Spirit World than we realize," said Kiyoko, feeling unnerved. "I have no clue why, but- this feeling- I don't understand what's going on."
Now standing upright, the sisters had turned to an obviously bewildered Koenma who was too much in denial that something strange was going on. However, before they could say anything to him, Yusuke had gotten everyone's attention as he had started to stir while mumbling about something concerning Genkai.
"Maybe we should continue this discussion elsewhere," Kiyoko suggested.
"Yeah, considering he'll be conscious soon," Etsu agreed. "For all we know, Yusuke might want another round, too."
"I know just the place where we can continue our conversation," said Suzuki. "Follow me- it's not too far from here."
The sisters looked at each other and nodded in agreement. Koenma was hesitant, but knew that there was no way around it. Before leaving to follow Suzuki with Kiyoko and Koenma, Etsu looked back to the stirring Yusuke with tears running down his face.
"You've fought well, Yusuke," said Etsu. "See you later when you've straightened up."
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Suzuki had led the sisters and Koenma to the beach of Hanging Neck Island since it wasn't a very popular spot compared to the stadium.
"I know you're wondering why I've brought you to the beach," started Suzuki. "To put it simply, nobody pays any mind to the beach when there's a tournament going on."
"No, it makes perfect sense," Etsu agreed. "We would've been eavesdropped on if we spoke anywhere else on this island."
Kiyoko simply nodded in agreement as she felt a little too faint to say anything.
"Now, it's obvious that Spirit World's hiding something from the three of you," said Suzuki. "I'm not saying that vaccines are all bad since they do help those that actually need it."
The sisters nodded in agreement as they thought the same, Suzuki suddenly addressing Koenma.
"However, after your sisters came back from their training in Demon World long ago before they officially begun fighting under you, them improving themselves had triggered something within them," Suzuki continued. "It's just a theory, but Spirit World noticed this and created something to suppress it. I don't know how many times they've been subjected to said so-called vaccine, but I'm guessing that it was many and it caused them to have complications."
To the sisters, Suzuki's theory made sense, but Koenma found it absurd.
"What are you trying to say, Suzuki?" asked Koenma. "That our father is afraid of my sisters and is trying to sabotage their health and happiness?"
"It's only a theory," Suzuki reminded. "But it's something to consider."
"This is ridiculous," Koenma scoffed. "Next you'll be theorizing that my sisters and I don't share the same mother!"
The sisters looked at Koenma who seemed to be in complete denial as Suzuki decided to keep his mouth shut at his sudden accusation.
"All I'm saying is that your sisters are not what they think they are," said Suzuki. "I've sensed it ever since I saw them at Team Urameshi's locker room the other day."
The sisters suddenly recalled the anonymous note they've received the day before and realized that Suzuki was the one who sent it to them. Before they could say anything about it, Koenma had expressed his disbelief.
"I don't have time for this nonsense!" Koenma exclaimed. "I have important things to do!"
Before the sisters got the chance to say anything to him, Koenma had left in a hurry so they couldn't see his pondering expression. The sisters didn't bother going after him as they knew that he had a habit of not accepting things whether they were true or not. After a moment of silence, Suzuki had addressed Etsu as he had offered his condolences.
"Etsu, I've heard what happened yesterday and I'm truly sorry," Suzuki apologized. "But I want you to know that it wasn't your fault."
"Thank you," said Etsu.
Suzuki looked away with a hand behind his head while lightly blushing, cracking a small smile. Seeing this had seemed familiar to Etsu and she was about to say something until Kiyoko had gotten her attention.
"Etsu," Kiyoko started. "I've told Kurama what happen a little while ago and he asked me to send you his condolences."
Etsu smiled in gratitude and addressed Suzuki a moment later.
"Suzuki, are you- did you by any chance went by the name of Strong Fighter Tanaka?" asked Etsu, surprising Suzuki. "It may have been a long time, but your mannerisms are unmistakable. Looking back to yesterday's semi-finals, I should've instantly known by your... interesting performance, but the universe is full of flamboyant people after all."
Kiyoko nodded in agreement as Suzuki was pleased that Etsu had also remembered him.
"I don't know whether to take that as a compliment or an insult, but you do have a point," Suzuki confessed. "And it did take Kiyoko awhile to figure it out, too, so you don't have to overthink it. I'm just glad that you both remembered me at all."
After the sisters and Suzuki were finished with their brief casual reunion, they've returned to their previous discussion, Etsu being the first to speak up.
"Anyway, what did you mean when you said that we're not what we think we are?" asked Etsu. "What all do you know besides your theories?"
"That you and Kiyoko may not be fully Reikai beings," Suzuki replied. "Don't ask me why. It's just something someone like me can sense."
"What if I told you that we've suspected that something was off about us?" asked Kiyoko. "That we've seeked others to examine us so that we'd know what's going on with us?"
"I'd say to be careful who you let take your DNA as it could fall in the wrong hands, but you obviously know that already," Suzuki replied, the sisters nodding in response. "Though, I do have something I was meaning to give you to help you out."
"What is it?" asked the sisters.
As a reply, Suzuki had taken out two miniature bottles of amber liquid as he explained what it was.
"This is something to cleanse the toxins from your body," Suzuki explained. "I've had a feeling that I needed to bring it along and I'm grateful that I did."
The sisters had taken the bottles from Suzuki as he continued.
"I did plenty of research after I've found it, but be aware that it could disable your Spirit Energy for a few hours," Suzuki warned. "It might be a little rough, but it should make your suppressed transformation bearable enough to handle."
"You don't need to worry about us," said Kiyoko.
"Yeah, our pain tolerance is pretty good," Etsu agreed.
Concerned by the sisters seemly taking their situation lightly, he wanted to tell them that it wasn't only physical pain they'll be feeling, but instead said, "You may be great fighters, but please don't take this lightly."
The sisters looked at Suzuki as they've sensed his concern and nodded as they replied with, "We understand."
Once the sisters placed the bottles they received into their pockets, Etsu had decided to give Suzuki some advice regarding his fighting skills.
"Suzuki, I really did think your Rainbow Cyclone was creative and it has great potential," said Etsu. "If you were to continue to train and work at it hard enough, you can become a promising fighter."
"I appreciate your advice, but-" started Suzuki.
"No 'buts', because Etsu's right," Kiyoko interrupted. "Just because Genkai kicked your ass, it doesn't mean you can't improve yourself some more. Just make strengthening your body your first priority before anything else."
"After you recover, of course," Etsu agreed.
Suzuki smiled in gratitude.
"I've better get back to the hospital," said Suzuki. "Just be sure you take those vials of liquid in the safety of your own rooms and stay there for awhile."
The sisters knew that Suzuki said it out of concern as they reassured him to not worry and to concentrate on recovering. A moment after Suzuki left on his way back to the hospital, the sisters decided to stay on the beach for a few more minutes, Etsu noticing that Kiyoko was bothered over something.
"What's wrong, Kiyoko?" asked Etsu.
"Oh, Kurama and I sorta had an argument," Kiyoko replied. "It didn't make it any better that Kuwabara butted in, either."
"I'm sure whatever it was about was a misunderstanding, Kiyoko," said Etsu. "As for Kuwabara, he'll butt into anything like Botan does."
"Well, this tournament has been creating some tension between us lately," said Kiyoko. "I was going to see if he wanted me to train with him, but after our argument... he probably doesn't want my help."
"Good grief, Kiyoko, you know that's not true," Etsu disagreed. "Kurama's probably waiting for you so you two could make up."
"Yeah, I guess you're right," said Kiyoko.
"Then, what are you waiting for?" asked Etsu. "Go make up with him already."
"What are you going to do, Etsu?" Kiyoko answered with a question. "You know I can't leave you by yourself after what happened yesterday evening."
"I'll be just fine by myself," Etsu replied. "Believe it or not, that fight with Yusuke helped with the grieving process a bit. Because of it, I don't feel as depressed like I was earlier."
"In a way, I believe it," Kiyoko confessed. "You do seem to find solace after a fight every now and then."
"Well, it's better than bottling it in," Etsu pointed out. "Anyway, while you go make up with Kurama, I'll be going back to the hotel so you won't have to worry."
"Then, let me know when you get back to the hotel via communication mirror, okay?" said Kiyoko.
"Don't worry, I will," Etsu reassured.
The sisters left the beach a moment later, Etsu on her way back to the hotel and Kiyoko on her way to find Kurama so they could make up.
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It had been awhile since Suzuki had left them as Kuwabara just stared at his trial sword while Kurama thought about his disagreement with Kiyoko, not giving the bottle of the Fruit of the Previous Life much thought.
"Maybe I was the one who overstepped my boundaries," Kurama said to himself, getting Kuwabara's attention. "I was foolish to feel threatened by Suzuki for being friendly with Kiyoko."
"C'mon, Kurama, you have every right to feel threatened," said Kuwabara. "I mean, the guy was flirting with your girl! I would've clocked'im one if he were flirting with Yukina!"
"It was obvious that he wasn't," Kurama disagreed. "He even said it himself that wasn't a homewrecker."
Before Kuwabara could get the chance to say anything, Kurama continued.
"We've been together for countless of years so I should know better than to question her loyalty much less to be jealous of my formal self," Kurama continued. "Perhaps this tournament is not only a test of our survival, but a test of my relationship with Kiyoko."
"Maybe you two should just say you're sorry to each other," said Kuwabara. "Give her some flowers so it would go a lot more smoother, ya' know?"
"I have better luck apologizing to her with a bouquet of chocolates than with flowers," Kurama chuckled. "Besides, we occasionally have our quarrels which is common in a relationship."
"So, does that mean I'll have an argument with Yukina sometimes?" asked Kuwabara. "Gee, I wonder what they'll be about?"
"They'll most likely be family related in your case," Kurama remarked. "But that's something to worry about in the future."
"What do you mean by family related, Kurama?" asked Kuwabara. "I mean, I'll be helping her to find her long lost brother and all."
Kurama sweat-dropped in response, but was amused at the same time since Kuwabara was still left in the dark about Hiei being Yukina's brother. They suddenly sensed a clash of Etsu's and Yusuke's power and wondered what was going on.
"I wonder what's that about?" asked Kuwabara. "And why does Etsu's energy feel so warped?"
"I don't know, but it's possible that they're fighting and Etsu's holding back," Kurama replied. "As for her energy seeming warped, it's a mystery in of itself."
"Why are they fighting for?" asked Kuwabara. "Shouldn't Genkai-"
"I believe we'll know in due time," Kurama interrupted. "I'd suggest that we go see what's going on for ourselves, but it's not our place to interfere."
No matter how much Kuwabara wanted to go see what was going on, he knew that Kurama was right as he decided not to argue. Instead, they discussed the items that Suzuki had given to them and when they should test them out until Kiyoko had found them a while later.
"Kiyoko, you've came back," said Kurama.
"Of course I came back, doofus," Kiyoko remarked. "I really need to apologize for chewing you out so bad. I really shouldn't have overreacted."
"No, you don't need to apologize, Kiyoko," said Kurama. "I should know better than to be threatened by Suzuki and to be bothered by what happened at the semi-finals yesterday. I admit that it's foolish to be jealous of my former self or anyone else for that matter."
"Let's just chalk up our argument from stress from this tournament situation," said Kiyoko. "I mean, it has been putting a lot of stress on us, but we shouldn't let it get the better of us nor let it create anymore tension between us."
Kurama smiled and nodded as he responded by saying, "Agreed."
"Aw man, is that it?!" Kuwabara complained. "I was imagining how this whole thing would go!"
"Sorry to disappoint you, Kuwabara, but if you wanted to see something mushy or cheesy, go watch a lame ass soap opera or something," Kiyoko remarked, crossing her arms. "Besides, there's tomorrow's finals to think about."
"She's right, Kuwabara," Kurama agreed. "We must think about getting through the finals."
"Speaking of the finals, Suzuki told me that he gave you guys so items to help you out," said Kiyoko.
"Oh yeah, he gave me a hilt thingy called the Trial Sword," Kuwabara confirmed. "And he gave Kurama a bottle of fruit juice stuff from Demon World to turn him into his foxy self."
"Fruit of the Previous life," Kurama corrected.
"That sounds like that'll help you a lot," said Kiyoko. "I guess you don't need my help with training after all, huh?"
"Not true, my sweet, I still need you to train with me," said Kurama. "I need you to show me how Karasu thinks in order to have the upper hand just in case the Fruit of the Previous Life fails me."
"Sure, I'll do the best I can," Kiyoko agreed. "I say that because it's even difficult for me to know how Karasu thinks since he's so hard to read."
"I understand," said Kurama.
"I think I'll train by myself but a bit later," said Kuwabara. "Anyway, did you sense anything going on between Etsu and Urameshi by any chance?"
"Of course, I did," Kiyoko replied. "Yusuke said something to Etsu that pissed her off and they ended up fighting each other."
"Wasn't Genkai there with them?" asked Kuwabara.
Kiyoko didn't reply right away as she walked passed Kurama and Kuwabara and looked at the trees.
"No, she wasn't," Kiyoko replied. "She's around, though."
Kurama knew that Kiyoko's last comment was a lie as he could smell it and the fact that she herself knew it.
"Then, do you know why Etsu's energy felt warped?" asked Kuwabara. "I mean, since you're twins and all."
"Why do people always think we know everything just because we're twins?" Kiyoko complained, frustrated. "It gets pretty annoying pretty damn fast."
"I'm sure Kuwabara didn't mean any harm," said Kurama.
"I know, but it's still annoying," said Kiyoko. "Anyway, to answer your question, Kuwabara, Etsu's just going through something as am I."
"What is it that you're both going through that warps Spirit Energy?" asked Kuwabara.
"Is this national ask 20 questions day or something?" Kiyoko remarked. "Neither of us truly knows, but we'll get through it, okay?"
"Kuwabara, Kiyoko seems a little irritable at the moment," said Kurama. "It would be best if you didn't bombard her with further questions."
"Sorry," Kuwabara apologized.
"That's okay," said Kiyoko.
"Can I at least ask how she's doing?" asked Kuwabara.
Kiyoko turned to Kurama and Kuwabara as she replied.
"She's feeling better than she was earlier," Kiyoko replied. "She's on her way back to the hotel so she could get some rest. She'll let me know when she gets there by communication mirror."
Kurama and Kuwabara were relieved to hear that Etsu was feeling a little better and heading to the hotel to get some rest so she could recover from her recent loss. However, they were concerned that she's all by herself, but knew as well as Kiyoko did that she could take care of herself even if she were to so happen to run into trouble. Kiyoko's communication mirror had suddenly went off a moment later, Kiyoko feeling a sudden worry as she took it out to answer it.
