A.N Splitting this section into two chapters allowed me to create the springboard for where Sakura goes next.

Hina714: Thankyou so much! I really wanted that protectiveness to come through, and for the twins to have a loving yet realistic relationship. As for a potential love interest, I have a few ideas, so stay tuned :)

Damaged Forest Spirit: Thankyou for your kind words. I'm glad that I'm writing the characters consistently with the ones we love. I can promise I will post as regularly as possible. I'm a fast worker when motivated, and writing this has given me a much needed creative outlet.

If you're enjoying the story, please like, follow and review! The comments I've received so far have made me so happy.

Chapter 12

Hiei looked down at the group crowded around Keiko, thoroughly entertained. "I'm glad you're so enthused. The game will be more exciting this way,"

"What game?" Yusuke demanded.

"The hilt of this sword is hollow," Hiei presented the Shadow Sword. "Contained inside is the only antidote to stop the sword's effect. If you get the sword, the girl will live. Fun right? Think of it as a little game of tag!"
Suddenly, Hiei gasped. He'd been so caught up in his monologuing, he hadn't noticed Yusuke jump up to his level. The boy planted his fist in the side of his enemy's face and sent him flying backwards. Hiei flipped over in mid air and landed in a crouching position.

"Faster than I thought," he muttered. "What happened, Spirit Detective? You weren't that fast before,"

"This isn't a game, dirtface," Yusuke growled. "Keiko is my friend,"

"Now I see," Hiei replied. "You're a decent fighter on your own, but when your friend is on the line, your strength increases greatly. A pity the same can't be said for your sister,"

"You should have left my sister out of this," Yusuke snarled. "You'll be sorry you ever laid a hand on her,"

"She has no-one to blame but herself," Hiei shrugged with a leer. "Look at her, cowering in the corner, too afraid of me to move. You on the other hand, you're a team player. A save-the-day superhero. I hate people like you!"

Sakura finally found her voice. "Is that what you think, short stack? You think I'm scared of you?"

Hiei looked over in indignation. "Don't think I'm finished with you yet, girl," He turned back to Yusuke. "And yes, Spirit Detective, I'll admit you surprised me. But like a true amateur, you failed to take advantage of the situation. You didn't get back the sword, a mistake that will prove fatal. Because now that I know it, I won't be dropping my guard any longer. The world doesn't give many chances. You just missed yours,"

Yusuke smirked. "Are you done yapping yet?"

"Not quite!" Hiei's Jagan eye glowed a traffic-stopping red. He began disappearing and reappearing in all corners of the room, his evil laughter only adding to the confusion. Sakura watched Yusuke's eyes darting around. How was he ever going to beat an opponent this agile?

"Can you keep up?" Hiei taunted. "Human eyes are so slow. Come now, where am I?" Left, right, he was faster than Sakura would have believed possible.

"What's wrong? Do I confuse you?" Hiei appeared behind Yusuke, sword raised. "Do I?!"

Yusuke calmly turned around at the last second and delivered a blow that knocked Hiei backwards and smashed him right through a crate. Hiei hauled himself out of the wreckage. "Now you're dead," he hissed.

"See Hiei?" Yusuke called from his high position. "That's what I'm talking about. Yap, yap, yap, like you're some crappy pro-wrestler. And then what happens? You have to eat up all your words. Pathetic,"

Hiei glared and threw off his robe. "Consider this a compliment. I've never transformed for a human," He concentrated and began to glow with energy. His skin turned a sickly green and the Jagan eye radiated a shockingly scarlet colour. Sakura, barely able to stand, looked over at Botan and Keiko.

Botan cried out and pulled her hands back as though they'd been burned. The eye on Keiko's head billowed smoke and forced open further.

"The monster inside her must be feeding off Hiei's energy. I don't think I can fight it much longer," Botan cried. She gritted her teeth and surged more of her own energy at the Jagan. Tiny slashes appeared on her hands. Botan winced in pain, but didn't give up.

Yusuke had noticed. "Something's wrong. She's in trouble,"

Sakura struggled to her feet, willing herself to remain conscious. Though injured, she had to do something, she had to try.

Hiei's laughter rang out. "Don't be alarmed, detective. It's just me!" He had completely transformed, covered in piercing eyes all over his body. "Now that I'm in my full demon form, Keiko will join me any minute,"

"Never!"

Hiei seemed to have forgotten about Sakura. She formed her hands into a triangle. Come on body, don't let me down. Fuelled by emotion, she reached deep inside and dragged out the reserves of what little energy she had left. The fury of being careless enough to get kidnapped, the anger at allowing Keiko to be put in harm's way, the revulsion towards the demon attacking her brother and her friend, it all flowed from her fingertips. But instead of the three orbs usually present, they merged into a single, crackling sphere.

"There's no reason to be upset, though. I'll take you out of this world long before you ever have to see her!"

Now's your chance!

"Spirit Blast!" Sakura screeched, and hurled her attack right at Hiei's shocked face.

"Sakura?" Botan looked over in wonder.

"Squirt, what are you doing?" Yusuke cried.

When the glare died down, Sakura could tell the blast had failed. Hiei appeared in front of her but he hadn't dodged her Spirit Blast entirely. There was a burn mark on his chest and an unmistakable flicker of fear present in his three eyes.

"You shouldn't have done that," His cold hands fastened around her neck.

"No, Kura!" she heard Yusuke scream.

Sakura's vision was growing fainter and fainter as her brain was deprived of oxygen. She clawed at Hiei's hands, but it was no use.

"Put her down!" Yusuke aimed a hard kick at Hiei's back. Throwing Sakura aside like a rag doll, Hiei whirled around and punched Yusuke in the face. Thin red ribbons of energy shot out from his Jagan eye and twisted around Yusuke, binding him tightly.

Yusuke looked down at his body. "Well this is new, but maybe you could get me green ones? They'd match a lot better!" he snipped.

"A joker to the end, aren't you?" Hiei snickered. "Perhaps my Jagan tie curse needs to be tighter before you get serious," he raised Yusuke into the air, slammed him into the ground then summoned the Shadow sword and fingered the blade lovingly. "I have a great idea. How about I give you a choice. I can end your life now, or if you prefer, I'll make you into a demon. What's that? You want me to choose? Fine!"

Sword at the ready, Hiei charged forward. The sword slashed. Sakura screamed as she saw Yusuke shut his eyes.

"I don't believe it…" Sakura gasped.

Yusuke looked up. The sword had missed. Instead it had rammed straight through someone else.

"Kurama?" Yusuke stammered.

Hiei stared at his former ally. "You really have gone insane!"

With a smile, Kurama swiped his hand down the sharp blade, cutting it in the process. He flung the resultant blood into Hiei's face, who stumbled back with a shout of pain.

"My eye! My Jagan eye!"

"Hey, I've come untied," Yusuke wondered out loud.

"The eyes on Hiei's body are merely for amplification," Kurama explained to Yusuke, holding his stomach. "Without the Jagan exposed on his forehead, his powers become useless,"

"Are you ok?" Yusuke asked him.

"Fine," Kurama said. "Only a minor hole in my stomach.

"A minor hole?" Sakura repeated weakly from where she lay.

"My apologies for being late, Miss Urameshi," Kurama smiled, but he couldn't hide the sadness as he looked at Sakura.

"You didn't have to do that!" Yusuke admonished.

Kurama grinned at him. "I'm alive only because of you. Please, allow me to pay my debt. You must handle Hiei. I will use my powers to keep the girl from transforming," he nodded and limped over to Keiko.

"Kurama, how could you? Traitor!" Hiei growled.

Yusuke stepped in front of Hiei with a new resolve, and a luminescent aura of spirit energy surrounding him. "Take your problems up with me!"

With a roar, Hiei and Yusuke began exchanging punches. Sakura heaved herself up as much as she could.

"Stay down, Miss Urameshi," Kurama cautioned. "With those injuries, you'll only get in the way,"

The fight was becoming more and more one-sided. Yusuke couldn't seem to land a single hit. Sakura watched in mad desperation, knowing there was nothing she could do. Unless...

Sakura dug her nails into the ground and expanded her mind, looking for a way into Hiei's thoughts. Maybe if she could use her telepathy, she could help.

A black door sealed with an eye blocked the way. She ground her teeth together and fought the lock. OPEN! She ordered. The handle wouldn't budge. She couldn't do it. She simply didn't have enough energy left.

Just then, Yusuke hit the wall with a sickening crack. The sound went through Sakura like physical pain.

"Damn it," Yusuke growled through his teeth. But then, something happened. Sakura had a feeling she alone had noticed. Yusuke glanced into the corner at the fallen artefacts. His eyes hardened, and he began to run.

Does he have an idea? Whatever it is, I hope it works!

"How sad!" Hiei laughed scornfully. "After all this, you actually think you can run away from me? Detective!"

The action seemed to happen in slow-motion. Yusuke had reached the other side of the room. He spun around as Hiei sprung into the air and hurtled towards him. Yusuke aimed his hands. Please don't miss! Sakura heard him beg. "SPIRIT GUN!"

Hiei cackled and easily avoided the beam, landing on his feet. Yusuke dropped to his knees from the effort.

"Stop! Don't hurt him!" Sakura choked out. Hiei ignored her.

"My, what a well kept secret!" Hiei mocked. "Too bad your energy was wasted on poor aim!"

But he had spoken too soon. The Spirit Gun roared back and hit Hiei squarely from behind.

"What...happened?!"

"Simple," Yusuke informed him with a cocky smile. "I won,"

"But you missed!" Hiei looked behind him in disbelief. He was greeted by a sparkle of shattered glass. "The Forlorn Hope...you reflected the shot. Must...have guessed...exactly the way I'd dodge," Hiei reverted from his true demon form back to normal.

"I think that's what they call watching your opponent," Yusuke smirked.

"You're...pretty clever," Hiei admitted, and finally with a gasp, he keeled over. Yusuke heaved a sigh of relief.

"Yusuke, the antidote!" Sakura called in a fragile voice. Yusuke's eyes widened. He snatched up the sword and ran towards Keiko. Botan collapsed to the side and Kurama leaned against a box. Yusuke supported Keiko's upper body, cracked open the hilt and dripped the liquid inside into her open mouth.

Sakura held her breath. Slowly, the Jagan eye on her forehead closed and vanished, leaving no trace behind.

"Goodbye, Keiko monster," Yusuke announced.

"She's going to recover," Botan confirmed in relief.

"Thanks for all the help, Kurama. How do you feel?"

"Good, I guess. I avoided the organs at least," Kurama wheezed, though he smiled.

"T-Thank G-God!" Sakura burst out. Only now that it was all over did the tears come.

"Kura..." Yusuke turned to his twin and wrapped his arms around her.

Shaking uncontrollably, she clutched Yusuke with all her might. "Y-Yusuke… "

"Shh, it's ok Squirt. It's over now. You're safe. Keiko's fine too,"

"I-I'm s-so s-sorry…are y-you ok? Did he h-hurt you?" She was nearly hysterical.

"Kura, I'm ok. You're the one who's bleeding, not me," Yusuke replied with slight exasperation. It was so like his sister to be concerned about everyone except herself.

"I-I'm fine!" Sakura insisted.

"No, you're not," Yusuke couldn't hide the pain and guilt on his face. "I should have gone with you,"

"Just take a deep breath, dear," Botan stroked Sakura's hair. "Everything's going to be alright,"

"B-but it's m-my fault!" Sakura wailed. "All m-my fault. If I'd g-gotten to Keiko s-sooner...if I'd b-been stronger… if I'd m-managed to hit him w-with my S-Spirit Blast, he wouldn't have c-cut her. He got her because I was w-weak!"

"It's not your fault," Kurama said firmly. "Even I didn't think he'd resort to such tactics,"

"I promise you, Keiko's totally ok. Worry about yourself for a change," Yusuke looked awkwardly at the wounds Sakura carried. "Botan, those injuries...can you take care of her?"

"Of course," Botan murmured. "Don't worry, sweetie. You'll be just fine. It'll take some time for me to recover some of my spirit energy, but once that happens, I'll heal you, "

"I'm s-sorry Yusuke," Sakura sobbed, still hanging onto her brother. "Look at me, crying like a baby,"

Kurama stood up. The hole in his stomach was shrinking already. "Don't blame yourself Miss Urameshi. You've been through a very frightening ordeal," he said gently. Sakura shivered slightly as he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "You have nothing to feel ashamed of,"

"I still can't believe what you did, Yusuke," Botan piped up. "Why didn't you tell me the Spirit Gun could bounce off mirrors? When did you learn that?"

"Mmmm….about ten minutes ago?"

"What?!"

"Hiei was way too fast," Yusuke explained. "I knew he'd be able to dodge the Spirit Gun unless I could shoot him from behind. That's when I spotted the Forlorn Hope in the corner and I thought hey, I'll give it a try!"

"You...weren't certain?" Kurama sounded just as shocked.

"Well, one time in science class, they bounced light off a mirror and I thought it might be the same," said Yusuke cheerfully.

"MIGHT?" Botan shrieked. "You risked our lives on a MIGHT?"

"Are you honestly surprised?" Sakura mumbled, tears still dripping down her face. "At least he paid attention to something in school,"

"And what exactly would you have done if the Spirit Gun hadn't bounced off the mirror?" Botan asked icily.

Yusuke shrugged. "Get chopped into pieces, I guess,"

Botan looked angry enough to hit Yusuke, but Kurama laughed quietly. "All the while we've been thinking you were a brilliant strategist. Really, you're just a lucky fool,"

"Hey, watch it Fox Boy!" Yusuke snapped. "And what's that word mean anyway?"

"A strategist is someone who uses his brain," Kurama explained patiently.

"No chance there," Sakura managed a feeble smile.

"Hey, I'm right here, you damn brat!"

"Now now boys!" Botan admonished.

Sakura looked up at her brother like a frightened child. "Can we please go home?"

"Sure, come on Squirt," Yusuke smiled. He could tell she was only conscious from sheer stubbornness.

"I'll take the weapons back to Spirit World," Botan volunteered.

"No need!" With a small crack, Koenma appeared, weeping with relief. But he wasn't alone. Some attendants, presumably guards from Spirit World were with him.

The guards seized Hiei's arms and cuffed him. "Thank you, Spirit Detective. We'll take care of this from here," They rose into the air and vanished.

Koenma grabbed all three artefacts and hugged them to his chest. "I've been watching everything in Spirit World. Just about wet myself three or four times, but who cares?! Oh happy day, happy day! You did it Yusuke! You saved my rear end!" Just as quickly as he'd arrived, the toddler was gone.

Yusuke stared blankly at the empty space where seconds before, Koenma had been. "Well...at least that's done?"

Kurama stepped forward. "Is there anything else I can do to assist?"

Botan looked dumbstruck. She shook her head to regain clarity. "I'll take Keiko home. Can you help? When I return, I should be able to heal Sakura," Botan called for her oar. She and Kurama hoisted Keiko onto it. "Are you going to be ok with her?" Botan asked, looking slightly concerned.

"I can handle her, she's not heavy," Yusuke nodded and helped Sakura to her feet.

"What are you talking about? I can walk -"

"Not a chance, Squirt," Yusuke replied smoothly. His hands applied pressure to just the right spot on the back of her neck. Sakura went limp instantly. Yusuke scooped his unconscious sister into his arms

"I won't be long, I promise," Botan vowed.

Kurama nodded darkly. "You must take care of her, Yusuke. Her emotions were not the result of fear, but remorse. You heard her. She blames herself for everything that transpired here,"

Yusuke nodded back. Botan steered her oar out the window. Yusuke watched them leave, then looked down at Sakura with a sigh. His heart was engulfed with guilt. He could barely stand to look at the lacerations and bruises on her face and neck.

I will never forgive myself for this. It's my fault she got hurt. Yusuke walked out of the warehouse at last, carrying Sakura into the night. I can't let this happen to her again.

Botan returned quicker than expected, meeting the twins halfway home. After she healed Sakura's wounds, Botan flew them the rest of the way to the apartment. Sakura had left her window open that morning, saving them from having to think up a cover story for Atsuko. Sakura regained consciousness just as Yusuke placed her onto the bed.

"Yusuke?" she murmured, overcome with exhaustion.

He smiled. "How are you feeling, Squirt?"

"You...knocked me out," Sakura pointed accusingly.

"Yep," Yusuke nodded without a trace of remorse. "You had a concussion. I wasn't about to let you walk,"

"Oh Sakura, I'm so glad you're awake," Botan sniffled. She ran a hand through Sakura's hair. "Don't worry, I healed you, and Keiko is fine,"

Sakura slowly sat up and touched her face and neck. The blood was gone, and she couldn't feel any bruising. "Thank you," she whispered. Her brown eyes filled with tears again.

"What's wrong dear? Are you still in pain?"

"No…" Sakura shook her head. Botan enveloped the dark-haired girl in a tight hug. Sakura paused. She couldn't remember the last time Atsuko had done anything like this. Tentatively, she hugged her back.

"You must have been terrified. And those injuries…" Botan hesitated. "Hiei didn't do anything else to you we should know about, did he?"

"N-no," Sakura said. "I was mostly scared that someone was going to die because of me. I'm so sorry I caused all that trouble,"

"Sakura, why are you being so unfair to yourself?" Botan asked tenderly. "The only person responsible is Hiei,"

"I wasn't strong enough!" the girl buried her head in her knees. "Weak, pathetic…"

"Sakura!" Yusuke's rare use of her full name startled Sakura enough that she looked up at him.

Yusuke grasped Sakura's hand and held it firmly. "Hiei is at fault, and so am I, for letting you go off on your own. I never want to hear you blame yourself again, got it? It's not. Your. Fault," he accentuated every word.

Sakura locked eyes with Yusuke. "Teach me how to fight,"

Yusuke looked taken aback. "Say what now?"

"I won't let that happen again. I need to take care of myself. And others. Teach me how to fight,"

Yusuke stood up. "We can talk about this later. Get some rest, Kura. You've been through enough tonight,"

"I'll see you two tomorrow. I have to get back and finish the paperwork on this case," Botan sighed and flew out the window. Sakura flopped back onto her pillows. Yusuke ruffled her hair. "Night, Squirt,"

He closed the door behind him. Sakura tiredly removed her blood-stained uniform and pulled on an oversized t-shirt. She climbed back into bed and fell into a fitful sleep, plagued with nightmares of red eyed demons.

Sakura woke early the next morning, long before her alarm rang. She rubbed her face and rolled out of bed before jumping in the shower. After getting dressed and quickly eating breakfast, she grabbed her bag and slipped out. It was far too early to go to school, but if she didn't get some air she'd lose her mind.
Sakura wandered into the wooded area she'd met Kurama at just two days before and walked further towards the lake she knew lay within. She sat down at the edge of the water and stared into the depths. How on earth could she face Keiko today after failing to protect her? Would Keiko even remember?

"Miss Urameshi?"

Sakura's hair covered her face as she quickly turned. Kurama emerged from the trees.

"Oh, hi. Didn't expect to see you here," Sakura stammered. She brushed the hair from her eyes.

"I came by to see if you were alright after yesterday's ordeal," He smiled. "I can see Botan healed you up,"

"Yes, yes she did!" Sakura nodded rapidly. "But how are you?"

"I'm perfectly fine. I heal quickly," Kurama assured her.

"You wouldn't have gotten hurt if it wasn't for me," the girl closed her eyes. "I'm so sorry,"

Kurama cupped his hand under her chin. "You have nothing to apologise for,"

Sakura looked up at him. The green eyes stared into brown.

"I chose to do that of my own accord," the demon said quietly. "I told you I owed your brother a debt, Miss Urameshi. And frankly I didn't want to see you come to harm either. I never dreamed Hiei would kidnap you,"

"Then you're an even bigger fool than I ever imagined,"

Hiei leapt delicately from the tree he'd evidently been hiding in. Sakura froze.

Kurama stepped in front of her. "So Koenma has confined you to this one city," he said calmly.

"Indeed," Hiei looked up at Kurama. "How in the world did you manage to reduce yourself to this? Fighting alongside these human creatures against one of your own, protecting this useless human girl..."

"My name is Sakura, short stack," Sakura stepped out from behind Kurama and put her hands on her hips

Hiei's eyes flashed in her direction. "Still crouching behind other people in fear, I see,"

Sakura raised an eyebrow. Then incredibly, she burst out laughing. "You honestly think I'm scared of you?"

"You have some fight in you, I'll admit, but you still snivelled like a child yesterday once your idiotic brother arrived,"

"I was more afraid of someone getting killed because of me than I was of you," Sakura snapped. "But that's all going to change. If I'd gotten to Keiko faster, there's no way you would have been able to take me,"

"I could take you again right now," Hiei threatened.

"Because that worked out so well for you last time," Sakura snickered. "Second time lucky, perhaps?"

"Don't play with me, girl," Hiei hissed, his hand edging towards his blade. "Deny it all you want, but you can't fool me. I see the terror in your eyes. The Jagan sees all,"

"Careful, Hiei," Kurama wrapped a protective arm around Sakura. His voice remained calm, but there was an edge of warning underlying his words. "I suggest you leave the girl out of this,"

Hiei glared up at the two of them. "Mark my words, girl. You and your dear brother will pay for ruining my plans,"

"I'll be sure to inform him," Sakura sniffed in what she hoped was a convincing tone of dismissal.

"I know you fear me, Sakura. As well you should. This is not over," Hiei leapt into the air and disappeared.
Sakura's knees gave way and she found herself on the grass.

Kurama knelt beside her. "Don't worry, Miss Urameshi. He's gone now. But I think you managed to impress him,"

Sakura's laugh was hollow. "Impressed him? How?"

"Hiei is used to his victims cowering in fear. That sharp tongue of yours took him by surprise," Kurama carefully helped Sakura to her feet.

"Kura? Kura! What happened? Was that Hiei? Are you ok?!" Yusuke appeared and seemed out of breath.

"She's perfectly fine -" Kurama began, but was cut off.

Yusuke glared daggers at him. "I don't recall asking you, Fox Boy," he turned to Sakura and shook her. "What did I say about going off by yourself, Squirt?!"

"Uh, nothing?" Sakura said crossly. "You don't tell me what to do, Yusuke. Now let me go,"

Yusuke released her, but he wasn't done. "Do you have any idea what I thought when I saw your bed empty?! When my demon compass said Hiei was near, I just about had a heart attack!"

"I wouldn't worry too much about Hiei," said Kurama. "It seems your sister managed to leave an impression. I doubt he'll target her again anytime soon,"

"I don't care," Yusuke said stubbornly. "I'm not putting her in danger ever again,"

Sakura's eyes narrowed. "Excuse me? I just went for a walk, not exactly fraught with peril,"

"Perhaps I should take my leave," Kurama offered. "I won't allow any harm to come to your sister Yusuke, I assure you,"

"Thanks," Yusuke said gruffly. "And thanks for looking after her just now,"

"It was no trouble, I assure you. I'm sure I'll see you both soon. Please take care, Miss Urameshi," Kurama began to leave.

"Um, Kurama?" Sakura called tentatively. Kurama turned back to her.

"You don't have to call me Miss Urameshi. You can call me Kura," Sakura said shyly. "Or Sakura," She added quickly. "Whatever you prefer,"

Kurama chuckled. "Very well. Sakura," And with that, he turned on his heel and walked away.

Sakura looked back at Yusuke and sighed. "You were saying?"

"Kura, I…" Yusuke dragged his hands down his face. Sakura could have sworn she saw tears in his eyes. "I thought I was going to lose you yesterday. And today, when I woke up and couldn't find you…" He sucked in a breath.

Sakura's eyes burned and she looked down, ashamed. She hadn't considered that Yusuke might panic. "I...I'm sorry," she murmured. "I really am. I didn't think about that,"

"Obviously," Yusuke growled. "So did Hiei do anything?"

"Just vowed revenge and a few choice insults. I acted like I didn't take him seriously though. I promise he didn't touch me,"

Yusuke nodded in relief. "Thank God. I was so worried about you. If you got hurt again, I just couldn't live with myself,"

Sakura folded her arms. "Then teach me how to fight,"

"Squirt…I don't know if that's a good idea..."

"I mean it, Yusuke. If you don't want to worry about me, then show me how to protect myself,"

Yusuke looked at her for a while. "...Ok Kura. You win. I'll do it,"

"Great. Now let's get to school. You're not skipping anymore,"

With a sigh, Yusuke grabbed hold of Sakura's arm and dragged her along with him.

Later, the twins leaned back on the school roof under the warm sun. Yusuke whistled to himself. "Botan, I'm a pretty incredible guy. I got all three artefacts back in one week, beat up two demons, reformed a third and saved Koenma's rear end,"

"Nothing wrong with your ego," Sakura snorted without looking at him. Yusuke stuck out his tongue.

"Well, almost," Botan agreed. "Koenma still got found out. It didn't take his father long to notice the Shadow Sword had bloodstains on it, and the Forlorn Hope was a big mess of glass,"

Yusuke grimaced. "So what happened to Koenma? Did he get a cruel punishment?"

"It wasn't anything too severe," Botan giggled. "Just the normal punishment for when he does something wrong. A hundred spankings,"

"Koenma got spankings?" Yusuke asked, stunned. He threw his head back and began laughing hysterically, joined by Sakura. "Now that's something I'd pay to see. What a riot!"

"I can't take you two anywhere," Botan huffed.

The door to the roof opened. The three of them glanced down to see Keiko glaring up at them.

"Oh, that's bad timing," Botan muttered.

"Oh God...she was knocked out all that time and I haven't explained who you are yet,"

"Sorry. Didn't mean to interrupt," Keiko said sarcastically and stormed off.

Yusuke jumped down from his perch. "Wait, Keiko! Kura, a little help?"

Sakura rolled her eyes. "You're on your own, pal,"

Yusuke shot her a withering look and ran after Keiko. "It's not what it looks like...I mean, it's not what it looks like again! Keiko!"

Sakura smiled. "It's like watching him dig his own grave,"

Botan looked at Sakura and chuckled. "Out of all his opponents, she's the only one who beats him every time,"

Sakura leaned back and stared up at the clouds with resolve. The last week had shown the serious gaps in her abilities. I'll master my telepathy with Botan and Master Shinsuke. And I will learn how to fight properly. I may never be as strong as Yusuke, but I'll work hard at it. No matter how long it takes. Whatever it takes.

The next chapter will likely take a bit longer, but no more than a week or two. I guarantee it will be worth the wait, as the twins meet Genkai. Sakura will be training more with Master Shinsuke soon as well. What else do you want to see?

Rosentic