A.N Ask and you shall receive. A brand new chapter, with an exciting development in Sakura's abilities!
ThoughtsofTurmoil: Your review made my day. I saw there was a bit of a void in the YYH fanfic. The few Yusuke x Twin fics there aren't what I would call great, so I figured if I wanted to see a decent one I might as well do it myself. The fact that you enjoy it means the world to me :) Sakura will develop, and I have a few ideas in mind for the Dark Tournament, which is an incredible part of the series ;) When I started writing I made a promise to myself that I would complete this story no matter what, and I will keep it. Cross my heart. I'm not the kind to leave projects unfinished. It's a pet hate. The next chapter isn't far off.
Wolfs Child: You won't have to wait long for Chapter 15. I hope you've followed and favourited!
hw0134160: The fact that you're 'hooked' on my work makes me happier than I can say! Our dear sweet Sakura sure isn't going to have it easy. You'll have to wait and see for the romance ;)
Tashio: I have to say I did not know that! A threesome is not exactly what I had planned, but you've given me a spark of inspiration for something else.
We are now roughly halfway through Season 1, and my mind is teeming with ideas for the Maze Castle Arc, the Dark Tournament, and beyond. As I said before, I've vowed to finish this fanfic through all four seasons, and so far I'm on a roll. Please continue to follow, favourite and review, because that's the best way you can help me continue!
Chapter 14
Sakura stayed close to Yusuke as Genkai led the final eight back to her compound. She nudged Yusuke. "Any leads?"
Yusuke frowned. None of them really look like a demon.
Sakura ran a hand through her hair. Where could Rando be? Surely he's among the crowd.
Genkai paused at the top of the stairs. "From here on, you can forget about sympathy!" she said sharply. "The final test will be a tournament between the eight of you until one is standing. You'll fight until your opponent is dead or incapacitated. I don't care which,"
She ushered them into a large room. "Come on now, walk!" the old lady snapped. The doors creaked shut, leaving them in darkness. Panic gripped Sakura. And she wasn't the only one.
"Hey! What's up with the lights?!" Kuwabara squawked. "I don't like that, lady!"
"Yeah, Grandma," Yusuke agreed. "What, do you expect us to fight in the dark?"
A small lantern flickered to life. Genkai calmly inhaled the cigarette in her mouth and blew the smoke at the boys, causing them to cough.
"Yes, you little brat. That's exactly what I expect," she said harshly. "You must use your spirit awareness to see. Use weapons, if you've got them. Hit them where you like. Anything goes. The winner is the one who can walk back alive,"
Yusuke felt Sakura clutch his arm with an intensity that alarmed him. Her breathing became shallow.
She was back in the warehouse, Hiei smiling down at her. She could feel the cold steel slicing at her skin while Keiko was held up in front of her…
"Kura!" Yusuke was looking at her, deeply worried. She had gone white and was clearly struggling to stay calm.
"Yusuke, I don't like this," her voice quivered. "I don't want to see you get killed,"
That's all she was worried about? He smiled at her. "Chill out, Squirt. I won't go down that easily,"
"Well, at least I can watch here, unlike before in the dark forest," she shook her head.
Yusuke raised an eyebrow. "Weren't you watching me with that telepower thing of yours?"
"Well I was, but the old lady blocked it somehow," Sakura scowled. "And being here in this dark room is just like… " she trailed off with a look of disgust.
Yusuke had a very good idea what Sakura was remembering, and his insides twisted from guilt. "I will make it through this, I swear," he told her.
Sakura took a shaky breath. "Promise?"
"Promise," Yusuke said firmly and ruffled her hair. In spite of herself, she cracked a smile. Yusuke turned to Kuwabara. Beads of sweat had appeared on their companion's forehead.
"Sounds like a typical Saturday morning street fight, huh Kuwabara?" Yusuke nudged him.
"I'm not sure Urameshi. I've got a bad hunch," Kuwabara said darkly. "Some of that scary stuff in the forest has followed us here somehow. Like some beast has been stalking me all this way but he's too afraid to attack me,"
"Well that proves it then," Yusuke said quietly. "After all those tests, Rando must still be after Genkai's technique,"
"Who's Rando? Is he the beast?"
"Something like that. I don't have time to explain now…"
Sakura tuned out the conversation and tried to settle herself. Pull yourself together, Sakura. You're at Genkai's compound, not the warehouse. The last thing Yusuke needs right now is for you to lose it!
Genkai's voice snapped Sakura back to reality. "Now, before we start, you will all introduce yourselves and speak up!" she commanded. One by one, the warriors stepped forward.
Number one, a man with an eye patch. "Name's Musashi. I'm a fourth degree black belt under kendo at Shibatto school. I hunt down evil beings and destroy them!"
Number two, a small, unassuming boy. Sakura recognised him as the timid voice from earlier. "I am Shorin, a psychic in training. I have travelled the world in search of a perfect instructor,"
Number three was Green Hair, who'd singled out Yusuke. "People call me Kibano. I am a master in every style of martial arts and I live to test my own limits,"
Number four. A short, round man with a caricature moustache. "Chinpo the Wanderer. Nice to meet you all,"
Number five was the bald guy with a symbol tattooed on his forehead. "I'm Kazemaru of the ninjas. Bodyguard of government officials. I've been trained in the ninjitsu art of stealth,"
Number six, an imposing man with glasses. "My name is Kuroda, contract killer,"
Number seven. "Kazuma Kuwabara, the worst punk at Sarayashiki Junior High,"
And finally number eight. "Yusuke Urameshi. The much, much worser punk of Sarayashiki Junior High,"
Sakura Urameshi, twin sister of number eight who's quietly dying of embarrassment! Sakura cringed.
A swishing sound came from above. Sakura jumped out of the way and a shower of arrows landed where she'd been standing.
Genkai was unfazed. She puffed her cigarette. "Now pick up the arrow you think is pretty. That'll decide the order,"
Sakura exchanged a look with Yusuke. Which one of the six fighters was Rando?
"No stalling, the first two step up to the plate!"
Match one was between Kuroda and Kazemaru. Kuroda, professional assassin, casually spun a pair of daggers in his hands and turned to Genkai.
"Let's make this clear: in my line of work I've been taught not to quit til they're dead. And fighting a trained bodyguard, I can't help but feel it's professional,"
"If you're asking about killing, I've already answered that. Feel free to use any force necessary to defeat your opponent and ensure your victory!" Genkai replied.
"Yes, you said that twice," Kuroda acknowledged. "But will you hold it against me if I turn out to be a cold-blooded killer?"
Genkai narrowed her eyes. "Young man, I am a psychic, not a saint. I'll train whoever is strongest, regardless of any moral shortcomings,"
I don't believe this hag! Yusuke thought indignantly. Now I really have to win!
"I'm very relieved to hear that," Kuroda smirked. "So I can win the fight without holding myself back,"
"Ha!" Kazemaru didn't sound the least bit intimidated. "Talking is only a means of delay. Are you ready to fight yet?"
"Of course!"
The two fighters began to walk into the darkness.
"Risking my life is the nature of my profession," Kuroda commented.
"Mine as well," Kazemaru replied coldly.
"Good. Then I won't feel so bad when I carve out your heart!"
Sickened, Sakura took a step closer to her brother, willing herself not to throw up.
Kura, don't leave my side, got it? Whatever happens, stay close to me and Kuwabara. Sakura pressed Yusuke's hand to indicate she understood.
"You may start!" Genkai called.
Even with her spirit awareness, Sakura couldn't see anything, but listening to the fight was just as awful. Metal scraping on metal, grunts and yells, the occasional flash of light.
"This is pointless. We can't see a thing!" Green-haired Kibano grumbled.
"Yeah, well it's not exactly a spectator sport," Yusuke pointed out.
"The hitman is pushing back the bodyguard," Kuwabara said, to the surprise of everyone.
"Are you telling me you can see in there?" Yusuke asked, stunned.
Kuwabara squinted. "Yeah, kind of,"
They heard the sound of an evil laugh, and a burst of what looked like Spirit Energy.
He's got the Spirit Gun! Yusuke was starting to sweat, which made Sakura even more nervous. No, it's too powerful to be like mine…
Kazemaru limped slightly out of the shadows. His robes were torn and he was clutching his shoulder. He looked displeased.
"Winner, Kazemaru," Genkai declared.
"I was trying not to use that technique so soon," the ninja mumbled to himself as he took a seat.
Maybe it is the Spirit Gun? Yusuke looked at Sakura, who shrugged.
Same theory, at least! The twins looked up. That voice was one they both recognised. Yusuke took Sakura's hand and they hurried outside.
"Urameshi? Kura? Where do you think you're going?" Kuwabara yelled angrily.
Yusuke looked around, before spotting their visitor perched in a nearby tree. "I'm impressed, Botan," he frowned. "You didn't say 'bingo',"
"Well, that's just because your answer wasn't completely right," Botan answered and jumped to the ground. "Sakura! So you came after all!"
"Haven't really done much, so far," Sakura said. "Didn't expect to see you tag along,"
Botan looked serious. "Given that first fight, it's a good thing I did. It looks like Kazemaru can send out spirit energy right through his entire palm. The exceptional amount of force he can create shows that he's had quite a bit of training. But the real kicker is that after he's done, he still has plenty of strength,"
"So I better not fight him with energy," Yusuke stated.
"Bingo," Botan smiled.
"Urameshi! You can't just chicken out on me!" Kuwabara came barrelling up behind them, only to stare at Botan. "Oh, you're just talking to this hot girl. Wait…" Kuwabara seemed to make a connection in his mind. He grabbed the front of Yusuke's jacket in a rage. "Damn it, you punk! Keiko's supposed to be your girlfriend!"
"Calm down, Kuwabara! This is Botan!" Yusuke protested.
Botan waved. "Nice to meet you Kuwabara," Her oar appeared in her hand and she took a seat on it. "Actually, I've seen you several times and I've been quite impressed with your actions!"
"Ah! She's floating in the air!" yelped Kuwabara. "Urameshi, is she uh...uh...you know….I think she's a witch!"
"Will you shut up, you idiot?" Sakura snapped. "You've got it all wrong!"
Yusuke pulled himself free. "Don't be such a dope, Kuwabara. Botan's not a witch, she's the Grim Reaper. And she's my assistant as Spirit Detective,"
"Detective?" Kuwabara spluttered.
"Yeah!" huffed Yusuke. "You were telling me you got a pretty bad feeling from one of those guys in there, right? Well there are these things called demons, and there's a really bad one hiding in there. So my job is to figure out which one he is and keep him from getting Genkai's power,"
Kuwabara stared back and forth from Yusuke to Sakura. "So...that's why you're here? To hunt down some demon? Gee, that sounds tough. Wait, your sister told me she can read minds, why hasn't she figured out who the beast is?!"
Sakura was about ready to thump him, but managed to resist the urge. "If I could, I would. But I'm just learning, brainiac," she informed Kuwabara brusquely. "I have to establish a connection with someone before I can enter their minds, and it's not as simple as it sounds. I've only managed to connect with about four people so far, and trust me, demons have ways to block you out! Sorry it doesn't work like in the movies. Mind reading is way more complicated than you might realise!"
Kuwabara folded his arms and went slightly red. "Ok, ok. Sorry. But the important thing is that you're not cheating on Keiko with this new girl!" he glared at Yusuke. "And as for you...," Kuwabara approached Botan and gazed at her in wonder.
"Oh great…" Sakura sighed.
Botan's pretty face was nervous. "Uh, why are you staring at me like that?"
Kuwabara grabbed her hands. "Beautiful lady, will you be my wife? I'm a strong and fearless man, and I'll be good to you…"
"You're on fire, genius!" Sakura hollered.
Kuwabara looked down at his shoulder, where a lit cigarette had been discarded and instantly panicked.
"Are you boys happy with disqualification?" Genkai glowered from behind. "If so, stay where you are,"
All four of them raced back inside. Sakura was the last to enter, and heard Genkai's smug comment.
"So, he's Koenma's boy. I didn't know I was attracting celebrities. That explains how you came to meet Master Shinsuke, Missy,"
Sakura nodded slightly. "Well technically speaking, he requested I come to him after seeing me fight alongside Yusuke during his first case,"
"I see...we may need to continue this conversation later. Go on, girl!"
In the second match, little Shorin was victorious over Chinpo. Their list of suspects was getting narrower. When was Rando going to reveal himself? Unless he'd already been defeated?
"Onto the third match. Kuwabara versus Musashi,"
"Try not to get killed, Kuwabara!" Yusuke called after his rival.
"Don't worry," Kuwabara smirked. "I have to beat you before I die!"
"Wow, words of encouragement," Sakura whispered sarcastically.
"Don't you think he's a bit mismatched?" Botan asked nervously.
Yusuke looked grim. "Well, he's never been as tough as me, but he does have a lot of determination. I just hope that's enough to win,"
Please be careful, Kuwabara. As tiresome as she sometimes found him, Sakura honestly didn't want to see the loveable oaf come to harm. She wasn't able to physically see the fight, but could her telepower allow her to observe what was going on in case she could help? She reached out into the gloom, looking for his door…
Musashi glared at Kuwabara. "I'll give you one last chance to walk away, kid. After that, I'll have to consider you an obstacle in my path, and I won't hesitate to cut you down,"
"I'm not going anywhere, old man!" Kuwabara retorted. "I may be a kid, but I've been fighting on the streets my whole life. Plus, I've got powers!" he bragged. "In fact I can see you right… uh, wait a minute!"
A blow landed on Kuwabara's perplexed face, knocking him to the ground.
The boy slowly got up. "What happened?"
Musashi smiled and disappeared from view.
"It's a trick!" Kuwabara gasped. "Where are you?"
"I know all about your spirit awareness, kid," Musashi's gloating voice could be heard in the shadows. "But I too have power. I can mask my own energy,"
"So I can't see you?" Kuwabara realised.
"And unlike you, I'm used to fighting in the dark!" the martial artist surged up behind Kuwabara and sent him flying…
"He's in trouble," Sakura said softly so only Yusuke and Botan would hear.
Their eyes were locked on the shrouded battlefield, hearing Kuwabara's yells of pain and the sound of fists hitting flesh.
"Be careful Kuwabara!" Botan called.
"Bit late for that," muttered Sakura.
"Stop yelling so much! It makes you easy to find!" Yusuke shouted in irritation.
"Will you guys shut up?" Kuwabara howled. "I'm trying to concentrate and you're not really helping!"
"There isn't any use," Musashi laughed. "In the dark, I can strike you a hundred times and you'll never be able to block,"
"Beat me up all you want old man. Your sissy little punches don't hurt me at all. It's just crummy chump change compared to all the days Urameshi rubbed my head into the concrete,"
"It's true," Yusuke said to the room at large. "I've punched him quite a few times,"
Sakura rolled her eyes at him and concentrated on the fight…
"Then you leave me no choice," Musashi sighed and drew the katana from his belt.
"A big stick?" Kuwabara asked blankly.
"Now is no time to play the fool, kid," his opponent growled. "This is a wooden sword, carved from an ancient tree and cleansed in a sacred stream. It's a conduit for Spirit Energy, the perfect weapon for striking down evil!"
The wooden blade glowed with the trademark light of spirit energy. Musashi launched himself into the air and brought it crashing down towards Kuwabara…
Sakura buried her head in Yusuke's jacket, unable to bear Kuwabara's pitiful yelps and the sword hacking away at him.
At least he'll be out of the tournament. She told herself. Botan's healing powers should do the trick, right?
A sound not unlike an effect from a science fiction movie exploded into the air.
"What is that?!" she heard Musashi cry out in shock.
"I don't know!" Kuwabara squeaked. Sakura looked up quickly and saw a bright yellow-orange light surging out of the darkness. She had the strangest feeling she'd seen that image somewhere before...
"Materialisation," Genkai muttered.
Yusuke sounded almost scared. "What the hell's that?!"
"Normally, spirit energy cycles through the body and is very hard to control," explained Genkai. "But when his life was in danger, he instinctively used his high spirit awareness to manipulate his energy into a solid object. In this case, a sword…"
Realisation hit Sakura and she quickly ducked her head back down. The image of the sword had been on the doorway to Kuwabara's subconscious.
"Kura," Yusuke nudged her. "It's ok, you can look!"
Kuwabara was staggering back into the light, looking more beat up than usual.
"Winner, Kuwabara," Genkai smiled.
Botan glanced at Yusuke. "I guess Kuwabara won't be so easy to beat from now on, huh?"
Yusuke laughed uncomfortably. "Well at least he's still ugly. OW!" he glared down at Sakura, who'd elbowed him in the ribs. "What the hell was that for, you damn brat?"
"Ugly? That's all you got?" she snorted.
Kuwabara limped over to them. "You better not lose before our fight," he warned Yusuke.
"Please," Yusuke sniffed. "Like I'd miss a chance to beat you up,"
Genkai stepped forward. "The fourth match is Kibano versus Dimwit!"
"I think that's you," Kuwabara sniggered at Yusuke.
Yusuke didn't look worried. "And I thought my name was Yusuke,"
Kibano and Yusuke faced the hidden arena. "May the strongest man win," Kibano smiled and began walking towards the shadows, but Yusuke didn't follow. He merely stood with his eyes shut.
"What are you waiting for Urameshi?" Kuwabara said impatiently.
"Have you decided not to fight?" Kibano enquired.
Yusuke smiled his cocky smile. "Oh no, I was just praying for your mortal soul,"
"Yusuke, stop clowning around!" Botan scolded.
Genkai wasn't amused either. "Grr...moron!" She flicked her lit cigarette at Yusuke, who barely dodged.
"Hey!"
"Any more delay, and I'll take it as a forfeit!"
"Gee, something tells me you're still mad about that 'Grandma' comment," Yusuke scoffed. "You really need to enjoy life more, old lady," He discarded his outer layer and disappeared into the darkness.
Sakura trembled. She had a terrible feeling that Yusuke was in way over his head. Kuwabara had managed to win by apparent luck, but Kibano looked like he meant business. What if he was Rando in disguise? Will I have to watch helplessly from the sidelines, unable to save him like in my dreams?
Genkai had told her she needed to have more trust in her twin, but the thought of what might happen made her nauseous.
Stop stewing over things you can't control. Genkai said sternly through telepathy. It seems you'll have to learn the hard way. I just blocked your telepower. You're welcome.
With ice in her heart, Sakura slipped her arm through Botan's. "Botan, I'm scared," she whispered.
"Yusuke's strong, Sakura," Botan murmured back. "We have to believe he can do this,"
Yusuke got into a fighting stance and began to analyse. "Yep, it's dark all right, but at least the other guy's in the same boat,"
"You're wrong about that," Kibano laughed softly. "I can see exactly where you are,"
"Give me a break!" Yusuke sniffed. "Your awareness isn't any better than mine. Only weirdos like Kuwabara can see in the dark!"
"Watch out for him!" Kuwabara called frantically. "He's got some sort of helmet on his head!"
Sakura peeked at Kuwabara. He was looking nervous, which didn't help her own anxieties.
"My own invention," Kibano explained with a smile in his voice. "It blinds my sensory organs. All the brain power normally concentrated on sight, sound and smell is redirected to sensing a person's spirit. I've even installed a targeting device to direct my senses to a single point. Now, let's see,"
Sakura gritted her teeth. "What's with this guy?" Could he be Rando?
"Yes, you have a very unusual aura. As if your body has been through great danger. Perfect! That will make you easier to find,"
A horrid crack sounded, like someone hitting the floor, and from the cry in the dark Sakura knew it was from Yusuke.
"See? It's very useful,"
Even without seeing Kibano, Sakura could imagine the smugness on his face, and her blood boiled.
The next few minutes were some of the worst Sakura had ever experienced. She could hear her brother's hopeless attempts to outmanoeuvre his enemy, to no end. Punch after punch ensued, and the sounds of the assault Yusuke was enduring seemed to cut into her heart.
"This punk's not playing fair!" Kuwabara yelled angrily. "That helmet is protecting his head from attacks!"
Botan looked grim. "Even the best kind of armour should have a weak point, but I'm scared Yusuke is going to have a tough time finding it. He can't even see his own hand in front of his face!"
Sakura was on the verge of tears. She'd never felt so useless in her life. Damn it Genkai, if you'd just let me see then maybe I could do something!
But what exactly could she do, aside from the Spirit Blast? Her telepower was only good for reading so far, not communication, and even that was useless since the old witch had closed it off. She just wanted to scream. That stupid helmet was the only reason Yusuke couldn't land a decent hit.
"Here's another technique!" scorned Kibano.
"Oh no. Something's happening to Kibano's muscles!" Kuwabara exclaimed.
"It's a basic enhancement technique," Genkai said coolly. "He's pulling in energy from the matter around him. Gives a good boost of strength,"
Another stomach-turning smash resounded and Yusuke cried out. It sounded like he'd bounced off the ground several times before coming to a halt, but there was no way Kibano was about to show mercy.
"How can he fight when he can't even see?" Sakura burst out furiously. Everyone turned to look at her. Sakura slammed her eyes shut and concentrated with all her strength. "You can't keep me out, Genkai," she hissed in a shrill voice. "I'll break through and get to him somehow!"
"Try, if you think you can," Genkai smiled faintly.
Sakura's jaw clenched with the force of iron. Focus! You have to get through to him no matter the cost!
Her mind swirled into the vacuum, and saw the doors leading to those she was connected to. Botan. Keiko. Kuwabara. And Yusuke, who's door was the largest. It was locked up tight, but she was going in.
OPEN! She commanded internally. The door didn't budge, but Sakura wasn't about to give up that easily. Let me in right now! He needs me!
To her astonishment, three magenta orbs soared towards their target, colliding into the barrier keeping her out. Sakura called them back, and they slammed a second time. The door opened slightly. A third battering, and then...
"If you say you give up, I'll let you live," Kibano offered.
Yusuke struggled to his feet and wiped the blood from his mouth. "Oh well, guess you'll just have to kill me!"
"Ooh, acting with reckless arrogance that only a kid could have," Kibano said mockingly. "You probably think you're invincible, but you've lost a lot of energy. I know because it's harder to see you in my mask,"
"Yusuke can't go on like this," Botan cried.
"You better not die, damn it!" Kuwabara roared.
Genkai turned to them. "Kibano is wrong about him. Even with the mask, Kibano's awareness is limited by what he expects. In a normal person, sure: power would have gone down from such an attack, so that's what Kibano sees. But this brat's spirit energy has a very unique wavelength. It responds to desperation by getting stronger. Exhibit A is just there," she nodded to Sakura, who was standing immobilised, focusing all her energy on the bond. "He could win, if he could see,"
"I'll try to make this quick!" Kibano dealt Yusuke another hard punch to the face, but the boy grabbed hold of his enemy's arm.
"Now it's over!"
"What?!" gasped Kibano.
"See, this is all a part of my plan!" Yusuke said triumphantly. "Next, I'm going to break your arm!"
"Not such a bad idea," Kibano conceded. "If I wasn't such a master in every style of martial art, including grappling!"
With a roar, he swung Yusuke around his head like a lasso and sent him flying to the other side of the room. Yusuke hit the wall, coughing up blood. He fell to the floor and lay there, motionless.
Everyone, including Genkai, reacted in horror.
"When he's far away, he can't see, and when he's up close the guy uses judo moves on him. What's he supposed to do?" Kuwabara yelled.
"The only way I see Yusuke pulling this off is with the Spirit Gun, but that's still impossible. He'd never be able to make an exact hit," Botan said hopelessly.
"Who cares?" Genkai snapped. "Stop dwelling on 'what ifs'. The reality is that he can't see and he's about to get canned!"
"Not as long as I have any say in it!" Sakura said, determined. She shut her eyes even tighter, sending her message to Yusuke, even though she knew he wouldn't hear. Get up Yusuke! You can still win. I know you can!
I know, Kura. Trust me!
Sakura was so shocked she almost lost the connection. Can...can you hear me?
It's faint, but yes. Now let me concentrate!
The girl smiled to herself. Wonder what Genaki and Master Shinsuke will have to say about this development…
Kibano stood gloatingly over Yusuke's limp form. "I must admit, I'd feel guilty killing an amateur like you. And I can tell your sister is troubled by watching you suffer. Please, tell me you give up and you can go back to your mother. I'll even open an earplate so I can hear your actual voice!"
True to his word, he did just that. "I could just feel out your vocal vibrations, but surrender has such a nice sound!"
"Then say it yourself!" Yusuke shot back and staggered upright, wincing slightly in pain. "I'm winning this fight. Next time you attack me, I'm going to knock that helmet off your head. And then I'll slap you around a bit, if you can still move!"
Kibano merely chuckled. "Don't you think it's a little too late in the fight for you to bluff? We all know that you're blind,"
"Maybe," Yusuke admitted. "But my Mom told me not to make excuses,"
"Fine," sighed Kibano. "Then I'll give you no more warning!"
He began charging up his arm with spirit energy for the final punch. "Farewell, boy!" he snarled and leapt into the air. "I will admit I'm surprised by how long you've lived, but now it's all over!"
Yusuke raised his index finger. The moment, he knew, was only seconds away.
"I can feel you trembling! Your body is shaking with fear!" Kibano rocketed towards Yusuke, fist raised… "Farewell!"
"I'm not trembling, dummy," Yusuke said. "I'm powering up. SPIRIT GUN!"
A bolt of powerful energy shot from Yusuke's hand and hit Kibano squarely in the chest…
Botan and Kuwabara jumped into the air in celebration. Sakura was breathing heavily from maintaining the connection for so long, but she was still standing. Kibano lay sprawled on the ground, his helmet smashed to pieces behind him.
"I..don't understand what happened," he managed to say. "You can't see in here. How did you hit me?"
"Why don't you look at your belt before your eyes roll back?" grinned Yusuke.
Everyone looked down, and sure enough, a lit cigarette was unceremoniously tucked into the black belt Kibano wore around his waist.
"What is that thing? You tracked me down with that?!" he spat in disbelief.
"That's right. It's the cigarette Genkai was smoking, remember? She threw it at me at the start of the fight. I saw it on the ground a few minutes ago, still glowing. And while you were busy teaching me your stupid kung fu moves, I slipped it under your belt. And after that...hell, you know the rest!"
Kibano glared furiously at Yusuke. "You...tricked me!" he said accusingly.
"Yeah, well of course I did. And with that mask you couldn't see it,"
Kibano looked enraged, but finally collapsed.
"Winner, the dimwit," Genkai said flatly.
Yusuke approached the group. "That was close," he smiled.
"Hey, where'd you learn to be so tricky anyway?" Kuwabara asked.
"It's probably from being a kid trying to think up reasons why he didn't come to class," Botan guessed.
"Maybe," Yusuke laughed and looked at his sister with a grin, which she returned.
"Wait…" Kuwabara sounded confused. "What was that glow ball you fired at him?"
"That's my Spirit Gun," Yusuke said proudly. "See, it's like this big explosion of my spirit energy,"
Kuwabara blinked. "So you're using a gun, and I've got a sword…" he pondered. "Don't you think that's cheating?"
"Oh, don't worry Kuwabara," Botan reassured him. "Sakura can do something similar as well. It's called the Spirit Blast. Think of it as extensions of yourselves,"
Kuwabara looked quickly at Sakura. "Kura can fire off a move? What's it look like?"
Genkai clapped her hands, interrupting the conversation. "Alright, kiddies. Let's start the semi-finals. The first match: Kazemaru, and Yusuke,"
Kazuma smiled eagerly. "I've waited for this,"
Yusuke nearly choked. "Woah, old lady! Pick somebody who's had a chance to breathe first, ok?!"
"If you want to get mad, then get mad at the one who drew the lot. That would be you," Genkai replied dryly. "But we won't be conducting the semi-finals here. Follow me,"
The doors swung open and everyone recoiled in the sunlight. Just before they left, Yusuke gave Sakura a gentle hug. "Looks like I'm not the only one who had a breakthrough out there,"
Sakura smiled wearily at him. "Not exactly sure what happened, but it looks like you can now hear my thoughts,"
"Good lord, Missy. Shinsuke said you were intelligent! Didn't you hear what I said?" Genkai rolled her eyes. "Dimwit's energy gets stronger the more desperate the situation is. You're his twin, so go figure, you can do the same. Your despair broke through more than just my roadblock. It also shattered the barricade keeping you two from speaking telepathically, but that doesn't mean you don't still have to work on it!"
"I'll bear that in mind," Sakura grinned at the old psychic.
Genkai didn't show any emotion on her face, but her message to Sakura said it all. I knew you could do it, Missy. All you needed was a little push.
A.N Bet you didn't see that coming! Sakura's now strong enough to break Genkai's seal, but that doesn't mean it's going to be easy from here. She still has a lot to learn!
Next chapter: Yusuke and Kuwabara square off against Rando in the semifinals, but will Sakura be dragged into the battle as well?