A.N While writing this chapter, I felt it was becoming far too long, so I decided to split it in two.
In this chapter you'll meet a new OC. Let me know what you think of him!

I don't own YYH, just my OCs.

Chapter 8

Sakura held on tight as Botan's oar broke through the clouds. The world spun 360 degrees for several seconds, then came to a halt and her feet landed on solid ground.

"Welcome to Spirit World!" sang Botan. Sakura looked around. She was standing in front of a gigantic gateway that seemed to be made of stone. It appeared to lead the way into an even bigger, more ornate palace of sorts.

Botan knocked. "I've brought a visitor," With a rumble, the doors swung open. "Come," Botan smiled and began leading Sakura down a long dark hallway. "This is the Gateway of Decision," Botan explained. "Koenma and his father King Yama live here,"

"Wait, king?" Sakura whipped her head towards Botan in shock.

"Oh yes, didn't Yusuke tell you? I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. King Yama is the ruler of Spirit World, but he's away right now and Koenma's in charge,"

"Is that why we only have a week to recover the stolen weapons?" Sakura guessed.

"Yes," Botan admitted. "King Yama's temper is nothing short of apocalyptic. If he finds out what happened there's no telling what he'll do,"

"I see...so who am I training with? Will I have to do an ordeal like Yusuke did?"

"Oh no, nothing like that!" Botan laughed airily. "As I said, the Master asked for you personally. He must truly see potential in you, Sakura. He doesn't generally take students much less request them,"

"He sounds scary," Sakura mumbled, suddenly feeling afraid.

"I wouldn't worry. He's a gentle soul," Botan smiled.

They arrived at a second door. Botan pressed the intercom. "It's Botan. I've brought Sakura Urameshi with me,"

"Come on in," a voice replied.

The doors parted. Botan stepped through the entrance and beckoned Sakura to follow.

Sakura was greeted by pandemonium. Her first thought was that she'd walked into some fast-paced office environment. One that happened to employ all manner of strange creatures that sat at desks and yelled across the room. They were answering phones, typing away at computers and carrying stacks of paper back and forth.

Botan looked around fondly. "It seems we've caught them on a quiet day, how fortunate,"

"This is...quiet?" Sakura asked weakly.

"Follow me," Botan replied and led Sakura through the maze of desks to a red wall decorated with gold. It slid open, revealing a neatly kept desk manned by Koenma.

"I've brought Sakura, sir," Botan bowed.

Sakura did as well. "I'm honoured to be here, Mr. Koenma sir,"

"Excellent," Koenma nodded. "It's a pleasure to see you here, Sakura. And might I add how nice it is to have a visitor who doesn't make fun of me like your brother did,"

Sakura cringed internally. She could only imagine how that encounter must have gone.

"Now, to business. I don't know how much Botan has told you, but suffice to say you've been summoned by Master Shinsuke to work on your Spirit Power, namely your telepathy,"

"Master Shinsuke? Who is he?"

"He's a very wise ancient being who has lived well over three millenia. What he can't teach you about telepathy isn't worth knowing. He requested Botan bring you here to train with him personally,"

"But why?" Sakura asked blankly. "I'm nothing special,"

Koenma stood on his desk and surveyed Sakura. "Usually, Master Shinsuke stays in his quarters and meditates. But two days ago he was here in my office helping me track down Kurama and Hiei, and he saw you and Yusuke fighting on the screen I use to monitor you. And let me tell you, he was mighty impressed with your Spirit Blast. When I mentioned Botan was going to train you in telepathy, he insisted on giving you a private lesson. 'That human girl is something special', were his words. So young Sakura, take this opportunity seriously. Listen well, and trust his methods. Botan will take you back to Living World when you are ready,"

Sakura couldn't tame the butterflies in her stomach. "Ok," she stammered. There seemed to be an awful lot of pressure on her. Everyone seemed to think she was some kind of prodigy, but nothing could have been further from the truth in her mind. She was just...Sakura. Nothing more.

"JORGE!" Koenma's roar startled Sakura from her thoughts.

The door opened again. A blue ogre sidled in. He was a lean creature with a prominent horn, a fringe of blonde hair and a look on his face that indicated he'd rather be literally anywhere else.

"You called sir?" he said meekly.

"Indeed I did. Please escort Sakura Urameshi to meet with Master Shinsuke,"

"Yes sir. Please follow me, Miss,"

"Botan," Sakura said hesitantly. "Will you make sure to keep an eye on Yusuke?"

"Of course I will. Try not to worry about him. You focus on your lesson,"

Sakura followed the ogre. He led her past the hustle and bustle of the office and into another long stately hallway lined with doors. "So, your name is Jorge, right?"

The ogre looked startled at being addressed by a human. "Yes Miss, it is,"

"You can call me Sakura if you like,"

"Very well, Miss Sakura. Are you the twin sister of the Spirit Detective Yusuke Urameshi?"

"Yeah, that's me. Have you met him?"

"Briefly," Jorge nodded slightly. "He certainly knows how to leave an impression. You seem different,"

"I feel like I should apologise to everyone he's met here," Sakura muttered, embarrassed. "He's not a bad person. It's just...he's not exactly had a lot of positive influence, you know?"

"Oh, there's no need to apologise to me, Miss Sakura," Jorge turned around with wide, earnest eyes. "Anyone who takes Koenma down a notch is worthy in my books!"

"Uh...ok?" Sakura frowned. Afraid of what she might hear, she didn't question further.

"We've arrived. This is where Master Shinsuke lives. Good luck,"

Sakura was almost paralysed with fear. What was going to happen? What if she failed? What if Yusuke got in trouble because she wasn't there to help?
Stop it, Sakura. The best thing you can do to help Yusuke right now is get some sort of control over this telepathy, ok? Sakura sucked in a deep breath and knocked. The door opened and she cautiously stepped inside.

The large room inside was breathtaking. It seemed to be some sort of nature paradise. Beautiful plants and fragrant flowers grew everywhere she turned, and gentle waterfalls cascaded down the walls.

"Welcome, Miss Urameshi,"

Sakura looked up and suppressed a gasp. A man who could only be Master Shinsuke was standing serenely before her. He would have looked human except for his slightly silvery skin. He wore sweeping emerald green robes that appeared to float as if made from vapour, and his long beard and hair was a pleasant shade of sky blue.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, my dear. I am Master Shinsuke. Do you mind if I call you Sakura?"

"No, not at all. You can call me whatever you like!" Sakura stammered and hastily bowed. "It's an honour, Master Shinsuke,"

Master Shinsuke smiled warmly. "I can tell you are anxious, but please, do not fret. You have nothing to fear and everything to learn,"

His deep, soothing voice calmed Sakura. She smiled back. "I desire nothing more than to learn, Master,"

"Please, have a seat," Shinsuke made a small motion with his hands. A leafy plant grew out and rearranged its branches to form a sturdy chair which Sakura sat down on.

"This garden is just magnificent, Master Shinsuke," she looked around in awe.

"Thank you. I find having such an environment calms the mind and enhances my training. Would you care for some tea?"

"Of course!"

Shinsuke motioned again and a flowery vine floated down. He delicately picked one of the large flowers and handed it to his guest. Sakura realised the flower was in fact a cup filled with warm liquid.

Master Shinsuke tipped his own cup. "We may as well be comfortable,"

Sakura took a sip. It was the most delicious thing she'd ever had. The drink was the perfect temperature, with the sweet taste of berries and cream, and something else she had no name for. She could feel the heat spreading throughout her body, refreshing and clearing her mind.

"My own concoction. The trick is to mix just the right amount of rainbow essence. One teaspoon only," Shinsuke smiled over the rim of his mug.

Sakura set her cup down. "Koenma and Botan said you asked to see me,"

"Indeed I did," Shinsuke bowed his head.

"I'm curious to know why," Sakura confessed. "Koenma said you saw potential in me, but I'm just...me. I'm just Sakura,"

Master Shinsuke stirred his tea while eyeing Sakura thoughtfully. For a moment, he said nothing.

"Sakura," he said finally. "What do you know of yourself?"

Sakura blinked. "I don't understand," she said. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, do you understand who you are? What is your ability?"

Sakura lowered her eyes and thought hard. "I know that I have a telepathic ability that has remained dormant my whole life, but was awakened when my twin brother harnessed his Spirit Awareness during his time as a ghost. At least, that's what Botan said,"

Shinsuke nodded. "Go on,"

"Well, so far it seems my ability only extends to Yusuke, and it's not exactly consistent. I can hear his thoughts occasionally, but I can't control that yet, and I can't talk to him or anything. Botan and another demon known as Kurama were able to communicate with me though. Oh, and I can channel my Spirit Energy into an attack known as the Spirit Blast,"

Master Shinsuke listened intently to Sakura's entire monologue. "You speak of an ability that you do not understand or are able to control. To truly harness your gift, you must appreciate the reason behind it,"

Sakura didn't say anything. She was hanging onto his every word.

"You have the gift of telepathy not because you are a twin. Granted, it is easier to connect to your brother because of the natural bond twins share from their time in the womb. However, your ability comes chiefly from your great empathy. You can feel and understand deeply what other humans and beings are going through. This compassion is the key, do you understand?"

Sakura furrowed her brow. "I think so?"

"Let me explain further. During your fight with the demon Gouki, you were able to sense Yusuke's thoughts during the moments where he felt great panic, despair, anger, passion. Therefore, emotional training will be our focus. Does that make sense?"

"Yes," Sakura breathed. "It does,"

"The skills required must be developed, which is why I had Botan bring you here. Your telepathy is fleeting because thoughts are far more than words floating through the skull. You must learn to push past the superficial, to delve deeper into the chasm of the mind. Once you learn to go beyond the surface, you can cast your line and see into the minds of those you do not have a connection with. I am confident we can do that in this training session tonight," Master Shinsuke smiled again.

"T-tonight?" Sakura squeaked. "You're sure I can do all that tonight?"

"With your maturity and my methods, there is little doubt. It will take time, but eventually you will be able to communicate telepathically. I strongly suspect this will also strengthen your Spirit Blast attack,"

Sakura leaned back in her chair. She was feeling quite dazed and overwhelmed.

"You have an awful lot of faith in me, Master," she murmured. "But quite honestly I fear it may be misplaced. "

"A natural fear to have," Shinsuke acknowledged, "But I'm yet to be mistaken about a student," He got to his feet. "Come, dear Sakura. Let us unlock your potential together!"