A.N. We're here. The moment you've all been waiting for. Toguro will choose which of Yusuke's friends to kill. I've had this part of the story planned since... well, pretty much the beginning. I can only hope I meet your expectations. There's tons of suspense and twists ahead so grab some tissues, find a comfy chair and let's finish this fight!

Ghost of Magic: A bad feeling? Well, read on and find out what happens...

Layla347: I hope you find it satisfactory.

Hina714: I finished early and honestly didn't want to wait. Frankly I didn't think I should make you all wait either. I don't know how much you tend to cry, but if tissues aren't enough, I can say from experience that a beach towel works wonders.

hw0134160: I'm trying to keep the cliffhangers to a minimum. Agreed, Toguro vs Yusuke is right up there with Gohan vs Cell and Frieza vs Goku. I will never forget watching those every day before school (in Australia DBZ etc was on in the mornings!). I still get chills watching the father son Kamehameha, and when Goku went Super Saiyan... well, we all know what that was like.

The Chapter Black fight is great. I won't lie, it's going to be tricky to write especially with what I've planned for that saga, but we still have a while before we get there. And I also know how I'm going to handle the moment you speak of, along with Sakura and the SDF. Yes, I was so very happy that Jin reappeared in this chapter. His flirting is harmless, he'd never want to come between Sakura and her fox. But without giving away too much, they'll have more interactions further down the track ;)

The time has come to reveal all, but I can guarantee there will be comedic relief before the Tournament is through. You'll see. Stay awesome and we'll see you next chapter!

Wolfs child: It's here, and Chapter 28 isn't far off either!

NightWolfRUNNER: Some answers are coming in this chapter. And your theories are so fantastic. I love your reviews. Never stop being awesome. You really are wonderful.

Guest: It's unlikely you'll see this, and I really shouldn't be dignifying you with a response, but I'm doing so anyway. How nice of you to merely read a single chapter of my story before leaving such a rude comment, in all caps no less. I will never understand people like you.

Like I said, this has been long planned. Writing this chapter was so surreal. But even with the stupid and horrible review left on Book 1 by some troll this week, knowing that you wonderful people love Sakura as much as I do makes me so very happy.

We have three chapters left of Book 2. Make sure you follow/favourite/click Author Alerts so you're first in line for all new content. If you can take minute to leave a review, it would make my day.

The final battle ends here. Let's dive in!

I don't own YYH, just my OCs.

Chapter 27

Kurama gripped Sakura's shoulders. "Kura, listen to me. It's not over yet, understand?"

How could he say that? Toguro had easily deflected Yusuke's supercharged Spirit Gun with almost zero effort, and now Yusuke was lying on the third level of the stadium. Was there anything that could take down Toguro? Was there any way at all for Yusuke to win? All signs pointed to no, and Sakura didn't see any light in the darkness. Yusuke was still completely at Toguro's mercy.

Is this it? She thought hopelessly. Are we all going to die?

Kura, you have to hold on. Yusuke needs you more than ever.

Sakura bowed her head. Perfect. Now she was hearing things. Master Shinsuke was actually talking to her again? Absurd. Clearly the manifestation of wishful thinking. I really am losing my mind. Or maybe my life is just starting to flash before my eyes.

But the voice kept talking. Is it truly so hard to believe, dear girl?

Sakura shut her eyes as a single tear escaped. It really was him. I'm listening, sir.

Stand up, Sakura. I know you can do this. Toguro is trying to destroy you. Do not let him, or Yusuke will give up.

"Yes, sir," she whispered, and stood up. This would be her last act of defiance. They would never see her fall apart again.

"You're not doing your job, Yusuke Urameshi!" Toguro called. "This is the first time I've fought at one hundred percent. Clearly, there must be a reason. But the way you're fighting now I could easily take you out with one punch. But that's not what I waited all this time for," his voice turned lower, more sinister. "You have a power you still have not realised. And this body will bring it out!"

He really wasn't going to stop. He wasn't going to let up, not until he was satisfied. But what more did her brother have to give? And what did Toguro stand to gain from this anyway?

"H-he's crazy!" Kuwabara stammered. "He's trying to beat more power out of Urameshi just so he can have a good time!"

Koenma closed his eyes. "It's the nature of the demon body they gave him. His instincts tell him to fight,"

"Instincts?" Toguro growled. "No. I may have the instincts to act aggressively, but it's my own choices to follow them through that define what I am. Let me show you what I mean!"

Two mounds on his gigantic shoulders opened up, and began sucking in air. Everyone screamed. The floating souls of the apparitions Toguro had already slaughtered were being sucked into his body, rejuvenating him.

Sakura gritted her teeth. This made the Banshee Shriek look like a tea party. "Just when you think he's reached rock bottom, someone knocks from below,"

"That's one way of putting it, Sakura," Toguro hissed. "Remaining at top strength is demanding and my body gets an impulse to devour souls. I've chosen evil, and in twenty minutes, I'll finish off everyone in this arena," He grinned up at Yusuke, who was trembling all over. "Aren't you going to do something to stop me, Urameshi? Or will your friends have to watch as you let these people die?"

This was a nightmare. More souls were being consumed, and Koenma was forced to bring his shield back up.

Sakura looked around at the chaos and panic to see if her friends were still safe. To her relief, Puu's barrier held firm around the girls. Chu, Toya, Jin and Rinku were more than capable of taking care of themselves.

By this point, even the bloodthirsty crowd had officially reached their limit. "I'm not even fighting. I don't want to die this way!" one spectator wailed. The mad dash towards the exit began. "Let's get out of here!"

The only one who seemed determined to stick this through was Koto. She was still broadcasting away. "Afraid of being sucked into Toguro's body, the weaker fans who can't defend themselves are stampeding out of the stadium, their faces contorted by panic!"

"I don't think so," Sakyo chuckled. He reached into his pocket and pulled out what looked like a remote. With the press of a few buttons, the ground began to rumble, and a massive barricade rose from the ground around the entire stadium, sealing everyone inside.

"Are you out of your mind?!" The apparition at the forefront pounded on the wall. "Let us out of here!"

In response, Sakyo calmly started on another cigarette. "Oh, you can't want to leave us. Your lives are worth less than the tickets!" He sneered.

Enraged, a pack of apparitions immediately rushed at Toguro. "I'm not going down without a fight. I'm charging that bastard!"

Thanks to Toguro's air bullets, they didn't make it far.

Despite everything the audience had hurled at them, Sakura's fury began boiling again. The sight of Sakyo's superior face only made it worse.

"See, my boy?" he nudged Scarface. "Now, no-one but the winners get out of here alive,"

The cold, dark anger inside Sakura exploded. This was all a game to him. A game of chess, and they were merely pawns in his kingdom. Well, she wasn't going to stand by. Life may not have meaning to him, but she'd show him he was wrong.

"You son of a BITCH!" she yelled. "I won't let you get away with this!" She had to do something. Anything.

Kurama looked at Sakura rather sharply. "Kura, don't -!"

But to everyone's surprise, Sakura didn't charge forward as expected. Instead, the remote flew out of Sakyo's pocket, across the ring and into Sakura's outstretched hands.

"Telekinesis, one. You, zero!" she called.

"Yes, Kura!" Kuwabara cheered. "Take that, Sakyo! You forgot about Kura's ability!"

"Give that back!" Scarface roared, and made a move forward only to have Sakyo lay a restraining hand on his arm.

"It's fine, my boy. You'll see,"

Sakura stared at the keypad. Now, she just had to figure out which button to press. "I'll get everyone out of here!"

"No, don't touch it!" Kurama cried, but it was too late.

The remote vibrated, and a robotic voice echoed from within. "Access denied. Engaging countermeasures,"

Sakura's whole body tingled, and she dropped to the ground. She was completely frozen.

Kuwabara jumped. "Oh my God, Kura! Snap out of it!"

I… I can't move! Try as she might, her whole body was completely paralysed. What in the world?

"Sakura!" Koenma whirled around in alarm. "What happened?!"

Kurama kicked the remote away. "An electric current, causing temporary paralysis. It shouldn't last more than a few minutes. Even so…" he pulled Sakura tightly against him. "Kura, what were you thinking?"

Hiei snorted. "Clearly, she wasn't. A foolish move even by your standards, Sakura. You're lucky those countermeasures weren't fatal,"

I know. Sorry. Sakura was still fuelled by adrenaline. The blood was thundering in her head. She couldn't comprehend what she'd just done. She was too angry. And she still couldn't move.

Scarface stared at her. She just tried to save everyone in the stadium? They've spent the whole tournament cheering for the deaths of her friends!

No human would ever do what Sakura had just done. Not after the torture, the injuries, the absolute despair and hopelessness of the situation. And for some reason, seeing Kurama being allowed to hold her like that… was almost infuriating.

He suppressed a growl. What ARE you?

"Nice try, Sakura. But all you weaklings had best remain in your seats," Toguro was sucking up the souls of the demons he'd just cut down without a second thought. "Yusuke and I have some disagreeable tempers!"

Yusuke growled. Grateful though he might be that Sakura couldn't do anything to endanger herself further, he wasn't about to take that comment lying down. "Shut up, Toguro! Don't you EVER put me in the same category as you!"

He launched himself forward and aimed a hard punch which connected with Toguro's forehead. The resulting shockwaves tore up the ground further, but Toguro smiled knowingly.

"Now we're starting to get somewhere. So it's your refusal to admit how much you and I are similar that makes you lash out at me,"

In response, Yusuke began pummeling Toguro relentlessly, and the crowd looked at him with hope.

"Look at how much power Yusuke's creating,"

"I guess he's our only chance for surviving,"

"Come on, Yusuke! Kill Toguro!"

"We're behind you, Yusuke!"

Now they want him to win. Makes sense. Still paralysed, Sakura couldn't do much else but sigh internally.

Hiei rolled all three eyes at their hypocrisy. "The opinion polls have changed,"

Toguro was taking every hit from Yusuke without so much as blinking. Then without warning, he socked Yusuke's jaw and knocked him backwards through the air. Yusuke landed on his feet and instantly went back for another round.

Toguro caught Yusuke's fist in his open hand, crushing it. "You know that's not good enough,"

Now it was Yusuke's turn to get battered.

Punch. Punch. Punch.

Sakura wanted to scream, wanted to cry, but she still couldn't move.

Yusuke… It was Keiko. Her eyes were glassy. She sounded fragile, empty. We're not really here, are we? We're in school, like we were. I'm a class representative, and you get me in trouble all the time. You play stupid pranks on me, and I wish you'd grow up.

Sakura's head snapped up. Keiko? She was hearing everything, but the words were not meant for her.

At night time, I worry about where you are, and in the mornings, Kura helps me drag you to school.

Punch. Punch. Punch. It was never ending. Just a horror story, come to life.

Keiko stared blankly out front. Every day, someone asks me why I hang around with you, and I don't answer. But even though you don't realise it, you're the only one in the world who bothers to see me as I really am. We're safe with each other. When we're together, it's our own little world, and nothing gets inside. This tournament full of demons isn't real.

Punch. Punch. Punch.

Kura, please tell me that we're not hundreds of miles from home, and Yusuke isn't fighting for his life.

In the midst of her despair, Keiko was reaching out to Sakura for something to cling to.

"It's all a bad dream," Keiko's tears were falling as relentlessly as Toguro's fists. "Come on, Yusuke. Just wake up. I want to go home. Let's go home, Yusuke!" Would they ever go home? It seemed more and more impossible by the second. "YUSUKE!"

He was lying on the ground, trying to find the strength to keep going. "Keiko…"

Keiko… Yusuke… Please hold on! Sakura called out the only way she could, but something unexpected happened. It had been a while, but Keiko's lavender door opened up wide, filling her mind and pulling her into the void. She was seeing old memories that had long been forgotten, but they were ones Keiko held close to her heart…

The twins were at the school gates, about a week before Yusuke's accident. "Yusuke, what's the point in going over there?" Sakura groaned, tugging at his sleeve. "You'll just get in trouble!"

"Come off it, Kura!" He pulled himself free of his sister. "It's a matter of principle!"

Sakura rolled her eyes. "Oh look, Yusuke learned a new word. Congratulations, bro. Now come on!"

"Don't get smart with me, you damn brat -!"

Keiko hurried out of school towards the gate where Yusuke and Sakura were bickering. "Yusuke! Kura! Alright, let's go home,"

Sakura sighed with relief. "Thank God. Keiko, you're here to save me from my brother's stupidity,"

"Whatever, Squirt," Yusuke snorted. "Go on without me, I've got to settle some stuff with those Rugafuchi jerks,"

Keiko's face became a thundercloud and she grabbed hold of Yusuke's arm. "You're not getting suspended anymore this month,"

"And besides," Sakura grinned, taking his other arm. "Mr Yuki said he'd make grilled beef for us. You don't want to miss that, do you?"

Grilled beef from the Yukimura's diner? The battle was won.

A sunny day by the river. All three children, just six years old, raced along the bank. No, the girls were chasing after Yusuke. "Hey, wait up!" Keiko panted.

"Last one there's a loser!" Yusuke called over his shoulder.

Sakura seized Keiko's hand. "Come on, Keiko-chan. We can still catch him!"

They were too late. Yusuke had already reached his self-proclaimed finish line, and he turned around to gloat at the girls. "Oh yeah, who's the fastest kid in the world, Kura?"

"Yu-chan, that's not fair!" Sakura pouted. "You didn't give us a chance!"

Yusuke stuck out his tongue and continued celebrating. "Take a bite out of this, Keiko! AH!"

He fell backwards into the water with an impressive splash, given how shallow the river was at that spot. "Oh no, Yu-chan!" Sakura ran forward, but Keiko got there first.

"Are you ok, Yu-chan?" she asked, sticking out her hand. "I'll help you up!"

With a mischievous grin, Yusuke took Keiko's outstretched hand and yanked her into the water beside him.

Keiko wailed, and Sakura stomped her foot. "Yu-chan, you'll both get sick! Mamma won't be happy!"

Yusuke just giggled. Keiko wiped the water out of her eyes and stood up. "Fine, you've proven you're the biggest dummy-head I know. Let's go home!"

Yusuke opened his eyes just in time to see Toguro's enormous foot pressing down on his torso.

"I won't let you avoid your problems forever," Toguro warned. "The only thing waiting does is cause more people to die!"

So many deaths, so much destruction. Koto sank to all fours. "There's relatively few of us left in the audience now," she gasped. "Toguro's too much. It's taking its toll on me, too. I don't know if you'll hear this broadcast for much longer…"

A protective barrier formed around her, courtesy of Chu. "Go on, sheila. I got your back. You do want to be a bonzer announcer, don't you?"

Yusuke reached up and tried to force Toguro's foot back. He couldn't give up yet. Not now. There were so many people relying on him to fight to the bitter end.

"You see, I become something of a different person when I take my full demon form," hissed Toguro. "I'll do anything to get what I desire!"

With a sideways grin at the girls, particularly Keiko, he shot a ki blast in their direction.

Sakura still couldn't move or talk, but she screamed inside her head. NO! NOT THEM!

There was a deafening explosion as a hole was blasted through the wall, mere metres to the left of where the girls were cowering under Puu's shield.

Toguro turned back to Yusuke. "I wonder if I'll miss next time,"

The threat to those he loved ignited a new fire in Yusuke, and he jumped back up, ready to spar.

BAM! A direct hit to Toguro's jaw. BAM! A retaliatory shot from Toguro sent Yusuke flying into the stone barricade between the ring and the audience.

Toguro sneered at him. "You're an incredible disappointment. I went through so much in the assumption you would be the one person who could fight me. If I'm proven wrong, you'll pay for it. Dearly,"

"I'll get you!" Yusuke hissed. He was sounding weaker. If I ever get the chance.

Get up! Sakura begged her frozen body. Get up, Sakura. Yusuke needs you! It was no use. The electricity was still pinning her down.

"No, don't give up now Urameshi!" Kuwabara called desperately.

Koenma closed his eyes. There is no choice. I'm sending her in.

Sakyo was observing the chaos as if it were a theatrical production. "I've never known Toguro to act this viciously," he might as well be discussing the matter over tea. "He's always so business-like,"

Scarface lowered his eyes, rubbing the old scar. That damned memory was back, that old nightmare he'd spent years trying to forget had returned to torment him. He'd seen Toguro's viciousness once before. And he'd hoped to never see it again…

"You can't hide from us, children!" the giant stranger growled. "We will find you!"

Through the tiniest crack in the secret wall, the little boy could see the silhouette of the monsters that had entered their classroom.

His young heart was racing. He'd never been so terrified. Who were these people, and where was their master? The children clutched each other in the dark, hearts pounding, waiting for their teacher to come through the door and save them from these monsters.

"Where's M-Master Shin?" the youngest student whimpered.

It was over. The door to their hiding spot flew open.

"Peek a boo! I found you!" The twisted, smiling face of the smaller monster was there, and his fingers shot towards them…

"Enough!" Scarface whispered to himself. He took a breath. Enough. He couldn't afford to think like that now. It would be completely humiliating.

With a sigh, Shizuru puffed what she believed to be her last cigarette. "Only just past twenty, and it's all over," she said ruefully. "I should've gone on more dates,"

"Don't you talk like that, Shizuru!" Botan cried. "It's not over!"

"Yukina, Botan," A gravelly and very unexpected voice said. "Combine your powers to make a barrier wall while I'm gone,"

Puu turned around. His face had changed. The scowl he wore was reminiscent of the one worn by…

Botan blinked. "Everybody did hear that, right?"

"It was the voice of Genkai!" Yukina breathed. Without any further explanation, Puu flapped away towards the battle.

"But I took her to Spirit World!" Botan shook her head.

What's going on? Sakura still couldn't move a muscle.

"I see," Kurama nodded. "Koenma must've brought her back temporarily,"

Genkai? Sakura was still fighting against her paralysis to no avail. I hope this helps.

The little soul beast approached Yusuke, hovering inches from his face. "You will never let this old woman have some peace and quiet, will you Yusuke?" Genkai sighed. "Toguro, you want to see Yusuke's power come to the surface?" her voice was so matter-of-fact. "I'll tell you how. He's very predictable. The only thing you have to do is kill one of his friends, and make sure he's watching,"

Sakura's blood ran ice-cold in her veins. Surely she'd heard wrong. The atmosphere among Team Urameshi thickened. Kurama tightened his hold on Sakura.

"Yusuke has a six-foot wall of crap between him and his actual emotions," Genkai went on. "And that's where his power resides. To break through that wall, you have to do something drastic. Like killing someone he really cares for,"

"Genkai, what the hell's the matter with you?" Yusuke spluttered.

"Open your childish eyes, dimwit!" Genkai snapped. "If you don't stop Toguro, everyone in this stadium dies, and dammit, if the life of one friend is what it takes to save the rest of them, then that sacrifice is worth it!"

Yusuke jumped to his feet in a foaming rage. "NO! You're nothing but a stupid little hypocrite! You told me to commit to something all the way, and I chose my friends! Now you say killing one as motivation is ok?!"

SMACK! One of Puu's ears slapped Yusuke's enraged face. "Sorry, Yusuke. But this is the world you stuck yourself into, and it's not pretty," Genkai's voice said. "When you're not strong enough to lead, you lose the privilege of getting what you want,"

Another air bullet from Toguro batted Yusuke aside, and Puu flapped away, still wearing Genkai's expression.

Get up! Sakura told herself. Get up now!

She was beginning to panic, and being immobilised made it a million times worse. Even if Genkai's words were logical, it didn't matter. She couldn't allow this to happen. No way.

Maybe it's a good thing you can't intervene, my love. Kurama kissed Sakura's forehead, gently laid her still-frozen body down, and stood up beside the rest of the boys. I'll keep you safe.

Toguro frowned. "I had that idea a while back, and I didn't like the way it felt," he growled. "But if nothing else can bring out your true abilities…well, you heard before. I'll do anything," He turned his gaze onto the standing members of Team Urameshi, considering his options. "All I have to do is choose which one…"

"Don't do this!" Yusuke was doubled over, trying to stand.

Get up! Sakura pleaded internally. She had to move, and she had to move now!

Koenma. Kuwabara. Hiei. Kurama. All seemed valid in Toguro's eyes, but he had to pick the right one. The one who would truly cause the most pain for Yusuke. And then, the answer came to him. He knew exactly what to do.

"How about you… Kuwabara?" Toguro's finger came to rest on his chosen target. "Urameshi does appear to be extremely protective of you,"

Kuwabara looked stricken, but Toguro was triumphant. This couldn't be more perfect. "Let's see you bring out his hidden emotions. I'll make this quick," He slowly but surely began walking over to them.

No! Sakura thought desperately. Get up, Sakura! You have to find a way to move! Why had she grabbed that remote without thinking of the consequences? How could she be so stupid?!

A single finger twitched on the ground. I… I can move? Is it starting to wear off?

Yusuke officially lost it. "STOP IT TOGURO!" He sprang forward, frantically punching every inch of Toguro he could find, but the demon swatted him away and kept walking. Yusuke didn't give up. He was hysterical, pulling out all his determination to charge Toguro again, only to meet the floor with a second hit.

Get up! Sakura's body was starting to tingle again. She could move another finger. Come on, Sakura! You can do this, you have to!

Kurama looked grim. He just had to keep Toguro away from Sakura. He wouldn't put it past the demon to change his mind and target her. "If he makes it over here, the three of us must fight him together,"

I can't let this happen. Tears pooled in Sakura's eyes. I have to do something! Come on, get up!

"With what secret weapon?" Hiei snorted. "You barely escaped death only hours ago,"

"Your Darkness technique hasn't left much of you either," Kurama smiled in spite of himself. "We could run, if you want,"

Hiei scowled. "Don't be simple. I'll take Toguro alone, if I must,"

Get up, Sakura! You don't have much time! Now her whole hand responded. Come on, body. Don't let me down, not now!

Koenma sighed. "Did you really have to do that Genkai? Let's just hope it works,"

"NO!" Yusuke received a punch to the stomach and he coughed up blood.

Toguro's sneer was more contemptuous than ever. "You do know this is your fault, right? For living in a constant state of repression,"

Yusuke's eyes were wild. "NOOOOO!" he raised his hand for a frantic Spirit Gun, but Toguro vanished only to instantly reappear behind him.

"Relax, Yusuke," he whispered. "I'll free you up," Toguro slammed Yusuke's head into the ground, leaving a crater, and prepared to take the final steps towards Kuwabara.

Sakura, GET UP NOW!

"Ready?" Kurama and Hiei crouched, preparing to fight. None of them noticed Sakura's clenched fists.

But before Toguro reached them, Kuwabara stepped forward. "Stay back, guys. I'm the one he wants,"

Kurama shook his head. "Just stop and think Kuwabara!"

"It's no time for your showmanship!" Hiei snapped. "Face Toguro alone, and you'll die before this minute is through!"

Kuwabara was pale, but he smiled. "Hey Koenma? You risked your life on Urameshi's fight, and now I'm gonna do the same. So make a place for me, ok?"

Koenma was at a loss for words. "Kuwabara, I…"

"There's no stopping him. And if I'm gonna go now, I'm gonna go charging at full speed!" Kuwabara shrugged, and pulled out his Spirit Sword with determination. "A mulberry is a tree, Kuwabara is a man. And I'll prove it!" He was walking to his death. "We all have to die when our time comes, but if we do our duty, we don't got regrets. So taste a little piece of my sword, Toguro!"

"Kuwabara, NO!" Yusuke screamed, but just as Toguro was about to make the final blow, another voice cried out their only hope.

"REFLECTION SHIELD!"

Kuwabara and the rest of the boys were knocked backwards. Sakura had regained mobility. She'd pulled them all out of the way with her move, and was descending on Toguro herself, powered by a monstrous rage that blinded her.

Kurama gasped. "What?!"

"Kura, STOP!" Yusuke cried desperately.

Maybe it was the shock of Sakura acting so recklessly, but Toguro didn't react in time. In seconds, she was in front of him, hand swinging back. With a maddened scream of fury, Sakura slashed her fingernails across his revolting face. The lingering embers of her Spirit Flame crackled and died on his skin, but there was a deep gash left behind.

Toguro delicately wiped the trickling blood from his face. "As I thought. You just can't resist playing the hero, can you Sakura?"

"Shut up," Sakura breathed. She'd had enough. If Kuwabara or anyone else was killed, it wouldn't matter if Yusuke won. She'd never leave the tournament, not really. She'd be trapped here forever, trying to escape the nightmare. "I don't care if I die. I'm not letting you hurt anybody else I care about,"

Kuwabara stood up in horror. "Kura, what the hell?"

"KURA! Don't do this!" Kurama yelled.

Toguro laughed, and wrapped his giant hand around her neck. But Sakura didn't flinch. No matter what he did, she was going to leave this world upright and dignified. She would die undefeated.

"You killed Genkai," Sakura spat. "You killed my master. You killed his students, and God knows how many others in your sad life. But it ends here, with me. You won't be killing anyone else ever again,"

"No, don't!" Yusuke screamed again.

Toguro flicked another air bullet at him. "I planned to take her out from the start, Yusuke. I knew she'd jump in front of Kuwabara, or anyone else I chose. If you're this hysterical over your friend, imagine what will happen when you watch your twin sister die,"

He turned his eyes back to Sakura and lifted her off the ground. "I always knew you were nothing more than leverage, Sakura," he chuckled. "But for what it's worth, I thank you for being so damn predictable. I'll finish the job Akumu couldn't, and end your shame for good,"

Sakura smiled. "Then what are you waiting for?" Toguro was right. It was better this way, easier for everyone. Nobody would ever look at her with judging eyes again. Nobody would have to worry about her fracturing mind. Neither would she.

"KURA, NO!" Kurama had never sounded so panicked, and it jolted Yusuke into action. He had to save his sister, and there was less than a second to do so…

Toguro's hand swung through the air, piercing Sakura's chest. Blood flowed out of the hole, and he dropped her while more blood gushed from her mouth.

"NO!" Yusuke's cry nearly split the world in two.

Everyone cried out. Yusuke, Kuwabara, the girls, but it wasn't going to do any good. You made me so happy, Kurama. Happier than I ever imagined. Thank you for that. I love you. I always will…

The world was fading, but there was one last thing Sakura had to say. "Yusuke," she choked. "I love you. Now win!"

And then she collapsed.

"KURA!"

"NO, NO!" It was Kurama and Kuwabara, Koenma and Hiei. They were all hurrying over. Botan, Shizuru and Yukina were sobbing in the stands. Hiruseki stones were clattering everywhere.

Yusuke was frozen. He saw Kurama and Kuwabara reach his sister first and gather up her limp, bleeding body. "Hold on, Kura!" Kurama begged, tears already falling. "Just stay with me, my love!" He couldn't lose her, not like this. "You have to stay with me!"

If she was gone, it was over. Life, love, happiness, hope, the future, everything was gone. He needed Sakura, needed her more than she could ever know...

Kuwabara lifted Sakura's head, staring at her in total devastation. It should've been him. He knew it, and so did everyone else. But Sakura had saved him without hesitation. It was debt he could never repay. Kuwabara shut his eyes, gritted his teeth and whispered something to the boys that no-one else could hear. Then he raised his own tear-stained face and glared at Yusuke.

"Ok, Urameshi. It's all you," he said shakily. "Kura did what she could, now beat him for all of us! Make her death count!"

Sakyo looked pleasantly surprised. "She finally snapped. Elder Toguro was right. I got my victory after all,"

Scarface stared into the abyss. She knew? Sakura had actually known about Master Shin's class and what had happened? The old man must have blabbed. Probably had a good laugh over it too. But that wasn't the main issue. Not now.

How could this girl be gone, before he'd had the chance to get answers, the chance to understand what she was? This couldn't be happening. It just wasn't right.

But to Yusuke Urameshi, the world had ended. Time had come to a standstill. Nothing else mattered, nothing else existed. Yusuke slammed his palms on the ground, trying to remember how to breathe, how to think.

Was this how Sakura had felt when he'd died? Like her soul had been separated from her body, or her heart had been torn to shreds? It was bewildering, the thought that anyone could experience such anguish and still exist. Yusuke thought he'd understood when Master Shinsuke had shown him through the Orakuru, but now he realised the cold hard reality.

He'd never had a clue how painful it was. Until now.

"That's oddly anti-climatic," Toguro smirked. "Your own twin sister is dead. Was that sufficient for you, or do I need to kill another friend so you get the point?"

Wordlessly, Yusuke got to his feet. He couldn't even raise his eyes from the ground, but his body began to glow.

It was worse than anything he'd ever imagined. Worse than dying, worse than the Spirit Wave orb. He'd gladly experience that agony tenfold if it meant he could have her back. He'd give his life, his happiness, whatever it took, but Sakura had gone somewhere she could never return from.

"What?" Toguro growled. The boy's power was skyrocketing. "So I guess that was enough,"

"You took my teacher," Yusuke whispered. "And now I let you take my sister. What the hell do you want from me?"

His ki flowed to the ground where he stood, expanding throughout the stadium. Nobody could name this power, but it was undeniably different from before.

"Alright Toguro," Kurama stroked Sakura's hair. "You got what you wished for,"

Yusuke's whole body was bent with grief. "Don't you think I wanted to use my power, win this thing and go home?" he asked hopelessly. "Of course. I just didn't know how to reach it. And I have to live with that,"

It was too much. The walls were finally coming down. Those in the audience could practically taste his emotions filling the air.

Sakura.

This was the end of the line. He wouldn't let this killer screw up their lives anymore.

"I've been pathetic," Yusuke mumbled, trudging his way towards Toguro. "But I won't let you take away any more of my friends,"

Every painful step reminded him that Sakura was gone forever.

"Rise and shine, brother!"... "I'm only two minutes younger than you!"... "We're a package deal. He can speak to us together, or not at all,"... "I've survived every single bad day I've ever had!"..."Yusuke. I love you. Now win!"

He'd never hear her cheerful voice again. Never hear a witty quip, never see her smile, or feel her encouragement. Never again see her bravery in action, or have the chance to remind her just how much he needed her. How much he loved her. He'd taken her for granted, and now he could never make it right.

Sakura.

There was nothing else for it. Yusuke faced Toguro, standing before him in the whirlwind of suffering and loss. "Now let's do this. I've already said I'll never forgive you. Now I'll never be able to forgive myself, so let's just do this,"

"Anxiety. And fear. It's been fifty years since I've felt those," Toguro closed his eyes and smiled with satisfaction. "At last, I enter a fight for which I don't know the outcome. An ultimate fight. You should be grateful, Urameshi!" he roared suddenly, charging towards the boy. "Your power level now matches mine. You've become like me!"

Sakura.

Yusuke kept his eyes down. He felt old, like he'd lived a thousand lifetimes. "You know that's a load of crap, Toguro," he said wearily. He wasn't even trying to defend himself.

"Is that so?!" Toguro knocked Yusuke straight into the wall. "You see?" he called as the dust cleared. "I can tell that didn't actually hurt you. Earlier that punch would've left you unconscious. Now you can take it without even blocking and still get up to fight. If that's not a sign of equal power, what is?"

Sakura.

Yusuke sighed. He felt so very, very tired. "You were right about one thing, Toguro. That punch didn't hurt me,"

"Yusuke's truly done it. He's learned to battle on a level playing field with Toguro," Hiei muttered.

"Level, and yet at the same time, it's completely different," Kurama looked sadly at Sakura's body. Why, my love? You promised your master that you would live, yet you threw your life away.

Yusuke was back on his feet, and his aura changed to a magenta colour, the same as his sister's Spirit Blast. It was swirling throughout the stadium around the survivors.

Chu felt safe enough to remove his barrier and nudged Rinku. "Both their powers are mixing together. It's got the strength of a ute, but for some reason it doesn't feel harmful,"

"Yeah, it's weird," Rinku smiled hopefully. "All of a sudden I feel a whole lot better. Kinda like I'm being protected or something,"

"It's such of a melancholy wind he be firing," Jin observed sadly. "Like I can feel the sad on his inner-sides pourin' out into a big black empty,"

Toya nodded. "Yusuke is locked in a struggle with his own emotions. A sense of guilt over his sister is reversing his power. His defense goes outwards, guarding all of us in the stadium, while his attack is aimed solely on himself,"

"Ay, I'd wager he must been feelin' it something dreadful, losin' his angel twin, and to Toguro no less," Jin sniffled. "Me own heart shan't mend, neither," He wiped away a tear. "If only I could've shown her the skies,"

Toguro was gloating, grinning in victory over what he'd done. "Are you hurting, Yusuke?" He taunted. "Feeling guilty about your sister? Don't worry, it's like chickenpox. Once you get over it the first time, it never comes back,"

Yusuke clenched his teeth. The marks of his sister's final attack were etched on the monster's face, yet Toguro still defiled Sakura, even after murdering her.

"Think, Yusuke. What do you owe these people? Why do you let their weakness drag you down? Throw off the bags of guilt, and you can become as powerful as me! Give yourself control. Believe in nothing but your own strength and it can never let you down!"

"Shut up, Toguro," Yusuke glared at him. "I'm not like you. I won't just throw people away. I've come this far because of the people who've stood by me, like my sister,"

Toguro's face twisted in anger. "And that's precisely the reason you've been limited up until now! You're too soft!" He snarled. "You don't need anyone but yourself, don't you understand that?"

Yusuke shook his head. "I wouldn't be alive without those guys. Without Kura,"

"Guess I need to kill another one of your friends," Toguro chuckled, and made a move towards the rest of Yusuke's team. Everyone flinched, but Toguro felt Yusuke seize his wrist in a bone-crushing grip.

Toguro scowled. "Let go,"

"I… somewhere inside, I respected you, you know that?" Yusuke admitted quietly. "Kura would punch me for saying that, but it's true," he shook his head again. "Let's just say I haven't had many older guys to look up to. And what you seemed to have going, it didn't look so bad. Genkai told me over and over again how stupid I was. But I saw your strength, and how no-one could boss you around no matter what. And I wanted that,"

The ground was cracking beneath them from Yusuke's power. Toguro smiled. "Then you should take my advice,"

"Idiot! I'm not done!" Yusuke snapped. "That's what I did want, until Genkai told me the rest. About how you became a demon to keep your strength. Since I started this whole tournament, I've learned the value of what you gave away," He looked up defiantly. "And I won't let it go. Even if I have to give up my life!"

The words left his mouth, and he instantly began to power up.

Kurama was still holding Sakura's body. "So he understands now," he murmured.

"I can see now, you're a disciple of Genkai in every way," Toguro's lip curled. "A slave to your softer emotions,"

"You shouldn't even be allowed to say her name," Yusuke shot back. "Today you die, Toguro. You heard what Kura said. It ends here, with me!"

Toguro sneered. "You go ahead and try,"

He'd barely finished his sentence when Yusuke delivered a ruthless one-two punch, knocking Toguro down with a hard right cross. Toguro went flying. He bounced across the stadium floor, and as he came to a stop, Yusuke had launched a monstrous Spirit Gun in the blink of an eye. The blast flew out of the building, across the island and far out to sea.

Toguro was left on all fours in front of the giant hole left in the wake of Yusuke's attack.

"Get on your feet," Yusuke ordered. "I'm firing one last shot with all I've got, and it's gonna end this fight one way or another, so no more stupid surprises or fakes. You show me everything you've got, right now! If I win this time, I don't ever want to see you back up!"

In response, Toguro cracked his head back into alignment, and smiled at Sakyo.

"This is the fight you asked me for, Toguro," Sakyo smirked. "Now let's see you deliver,"

Toguro looked Yusuke up and down. "The eyes of determination. I've encountered them many times from glory-seeking fools, and I always give their owners what they ask for. Nearly always, it's a fight with me. When I see they truly want it, I'm obliged to kill. But you've actually asked me to give it all I have. So be it,"

Koto nearly choked when she realised what Toguro was doing. "I thought we'd covered this. But Toguro seems to be making another increase!"

His whole body was swelling, growing even bigger and more grotesque. It seemed he really had been lying about his power since day one.

"I admit, I haven't been truthful," Toguro laughed. "What I said was one hundred was more like eighty five. To fully become the master of a trait, you must commit your all to it, and throw everything else away. If you don't have the guts to do that, you will never be more than a groundling,"

"Damn, you're stupid," Yusuke scoffed. "You didn't throw it away. You just ran away from it, like a frightened little child," With a final look at Sakura's lifeless body, Yusuke raised his hands one more time. "I won't run. And I won't let go!"

The energy was gathering. Yusuke was ready to make his last stand, and everyone in the stadium knew it.

This is for you, Kura. I don't care if I never fire another blast again. I don't care if I die. The only thing I want to do now is make this shot with all the power I have.

"They'll put their full powers against each other," Kurama pulled Sakura closer. Whatever happened, he'd never let go of her. "Whichever way this turns out, it's definitely the end,"

Koenma gulped. "I guess all we can do now is pray and let the man upstairs decide,"

This was it. Both fighters were giving it their all, ready to finish their feud one way or another. Yusuke's passion and fury, pitted against Toguro's arrogance and hate. Only one would triumph.

An unstoppable force was about to meet an immovable object. Everyone was glued to this legendary moment. Jin, Rinku, Toya, Chu, Botan, Shizuru, Koenma, Kurama, Hiei, Sakyo, Scarface…

Yusuke screamed his best hope at an ear-splitting volume. "SPIRIT GUN!"

Toguro ran headlong to meet the blast. For a second, he seemed to be stopping it, but it soon began to push him back just as Yusuke dropped to his knees.

"He's fading!" Kurama gasped.

Hiei was grim. "Toguro has not released himself from the Spirit Gun yet,"

"But if this blast isn't enough to make him fall, Yusuke will have no more power left to fight him," Kurama reminded him. "Toguro will triumph,"

Sakyo's smile vanished. Toguro was on the back foot. There was a hideous cracking sound. Blood streamed from the demon's twisted body. The Spirit Gun was consuming everything in its path, and Toguro couldn't stop it. His scream died out, along with Yusuke's attack.

Once again, time seemed to stop. Yusuke keeled over, flat on his face. Nobody dared speak or so much as breathe.

Toguro took a few shaky steps towards the boy. "I killed Genkai, but one remained. And now, that surviving beast can at last be put to rest," He didn't look angry, or sad. Incredibly, he looked content.

"Thank you again, Yusuke Urameshi," he said softly. Small cracks began emanating all over his body, and with an impressive bang, the armour shattered to reveal Toguro as he truly was. Just a man. "This was the first time I could use my absolute strength, and you answered. It was the only way it could end," He was falling forward, and it was clear he would never get back up again.

Juri carefully picked her way over and glanced at the two fighters. How could she call this one? Were they both dead?

Koto gasped. "Juri, behind you!"

Juri whirled around, and saw Team Urameshi beaming. Yusuke had risen. He was alive, and triumphant.

"He did it!" Koenma shrieked.

Kurama breathed a sigh of relief and finally laid Sakura down. "We are free,"

"We can go home now, Shizuru!" Botan hugged the other girls tightly.

Koto leapt over the barrier and hurried to Juri's side so they could announce the result in unison. "Winner of the Tournament, Team Urameshi!"

And for the first time, the entire audience cheered… for Yusuke.

A.N. Yusuke has defeated Toguro, but as far as he's aware, his beloved sister is dead.
I have to know, what did you think of this chapter? I know a ton of you thought Sakura would be the one, but did you expect it to happen the way it did? And how do you think this 'death' will be resolved? (I don't think I'm giving anything away by say that Sakura isn't gone. I mean... come on!) There will be a small twist added. Any guesses on what really happened when Toguro attacked Sakura? And what will happen as they leave the island? She has a LOT of healing to do.

Now, I'm hoping to have Chapter 28 published by Thursday May 27th. However, my father is going in for major surgery tomorrow, and even though prospects are good, there's always the chance things won't be. Yes, he's a jerk and all that, but he's still my father. If I can't post it by then, it will be up by Sunday May 30th.

But in slightly happier news, I only have three weeks left of college, AND I'm so excited to say that I have an amazing new job lined up, starting as soon as I finish! YAY!

I can't wait to wrap up Book 2 and start on Book 3. In the meantime, don't forget to follow/favourite so you're up to date as we move into Chapter Black. Take a moment to leave a review (it keeps me writing fast!), stay kind, stay awesome and we'll see you in the next chapter

Next chapter: The truth is revealed, the tournament is won, but Sakyo has one last trick up his sleeve, and the mysterious Scarface finds himself at a crossroad...