A.N Happy Friday! I'm pleased to report that I've completed college for 2020, and now I'll have time to write everyday. At the very, VERY least I'll post one chapter a week.
hw0134160: Yes, I'm excited to write the Maze Arc as well. Will Sakura go with the boys, or stay with Botan and Keiko? I have an idea, but I'd like to know what you want to see! Knowing you love this story is what inspires me to keep going, and thankyou for the positive energy. I managed to complete all my coursework for the semester, so no homework for me! Please keep reviewing, you're amazing!
Wolfs Child: You won't be hanging on the edge of your seat much longer. I hope the reveal is satisfying. Chapter 17 is coming soon!
Please keep following, favouriting and reviewing. It's honestly the best way to ensure I keep writing at the pace I am.
Chapter 16
Yusuke's eyes burned with passion and fury. He faced Rando, still disguised as Shorin, without a trace of fear. Shorin's purple aura crackled, and Yusuke ran forward, enraged.
"The first one's for Kuwabara!" a fist powered with spirit energy introduced itself to Shorin's smug face. He tumbled over and over and came to a stop on the grass.
Yusuke stood over him. "And I've still got ninety-nine more. One for every psychic whose life you stole,"
Shorin got to his feet. He wasn't smiling anymore. But Yusuke was too quick for him. Two more mighty punches slammed Shorin in the stomach, and again in the face. This borrowed disguise was beginning to fail him.
"His spirit power scored a 155, but it must've increased over 200 to make that kind of impact," Shorin pressed a hand to his battered face.
"You better stand!" Yusuke was gearing up for another blow. "I'll feel bad hitting you if you're glued to the ground!"
Shorin sprang several feet into the air. His whole body surged with energy, and it was pure evil.
"What the..? What the hell is this?" Yusuke gasped.
Still suspended in mid-air, Shorin smiled down at Yusuke. "Of all my techniques, I enjoy this one the most!"
"I once knew a fighter who made quite a name for himself with this attack," Genkai said quietly. "It creates a vacuum around the opponent and causes air to escape violently from their body through cuts in the skin,"
This can't be real! Sakura gazed in horror.
"And with as many battle wounds as you have, Yusuke, it should be very painful!" With a sinister chuckle, Shorin sent his holographic whirlwind straight at Yusuke, knocking him down.
As Genkai had predicted, air gushed from the cuts on Yusuke's skin. He felt like his body was ripping apart, but despite this he sat up defiantly.
"Ouch!"
Sakura winced and wrapped an arm around her torso. A sudden stab of pain had startled her.
"Now isn't that surprising!" Shorin commented. "Most would pass out from the pain. Shall we try it again?"
Screaming in fury, Yusuke launched himself into the air and ploughed straight through the tornado Shorin created. His green aura provided some protection against the pain, but it wasn't enough to block it completely. But Yusuke didn't quit. He surged spirit energy into his arm and punched with all his might, slamming Shorin out of the sky and to the swamp floor.
Sakura clutched her arms around her middle. Waves of pain were shooting through her, but from what?
Yusuke was on all fours, out of breath. "I got him," he growled. "And he wasn't joking about the pain,"
"You got him good, Yusuke! He'll probably be out for a week!" Botan cheered.
"Well that's what happens when you piss me off," Yusuke smiled. "Right Kura?"
Sakura shook her head. "I wouldn't celebrate just yet,"
"What do you mean, Squirt?" Yusuke looked at her, perplexed.
"She means your fight isn't over yet!" Genkai said fiercely. "Did you actually think Rando could be defeated so easily?"
A deep, gravelly voice began laughing sadistically. Yusuke looked around quickly.
"Yes, Mr Urameshi. You should listen to the old hag. They tend to know things. For example, that I am a demon who will not be destroyed. Most likely she also knows that I must kill you all, as you are about to see my true form. The only real mystery is, how shall I choose to torture you?"
The ground began shaking and cracks opened up. Sakura pulled Botan out of the way of the giant hole that formed. A shaft of blinding light blasted from said hole, and out of the chasm rose a terrifying creature.
Flashing scarlet eyes, a merciless grin. Long flowing hair, strange tattoos on his face and a powerful, muscular body. Every inch of him radiated the blackhearted monster he was.
"I'm the one you've been looking for. Rando,"
I can feel his power from here. That's not a good sign. Yusuke set his jaw.
"Oh God," Sakura whimpered.
"So that's Rando," Botan muttered.
"U-Urameshi…" Kuwabara wheezed from behind them. "Are you ready to fight yet? Cause I am if you are,"
"Even when unconscious, that boy has a one track mind," Genkai sighed.
Yusuke. What do we do? Sakura asked frantically. She could tell her brother was running on the very dregs of his energy. How on earth was he meant to face this savage demon?
You're not going to do anything. Yusuke replied harshly. Stay back and out of the way with Botan.
Rando took a few steps towards Yusuke. "This is always the hardest part," he said silkily. "Choosing,"
Yusuke fell to his knees in exhaustion.
"Yusuke, no!" Sakura cried.
Rando flashed a grin in her direction. "After I'm done with him, you'll be next on my list, Miss Urameshi. But what technique to use first?" he pondered, surveying Yusuke. "I'm like a drooling boy in a candy store. Perhaps you could give me a good suggestion? Or your sister?"
The mention of Sakura caused Yusuke to look up at Rando ferociously. "Shut. Your. Mouth," he spat and began raining punch after punch on Rando, who was unaffected.
"Oh crap," Yusuke stammered.
"This battle isn't going to last very long," Rando grinned. "Those punches had absolutely no spirit power. You're running on dry,"
Botan squeezed Sakura's hand. "Be brave," she murmured.
Rando inspected Yusuke for a moment. "I've thought of the perfect technique for you,"
"Try anything and I'll end you!" Sakura snarled.
Rando didn't even bother looking at her. "I strongly suggest you keep quiet, Miss Urameshi,"
"Don't you dare speak to my sister, you monster," Yusuke snapped.
"Fine," Rando agreed. "I'll just take care of you first, then move onto her,"
He crouched slightly, his aura flashing. With a low growl, thin white fibres came flying out of his mouth. They glittered in the light.
"How pretty," Yusuke said sarcastically.
"What is it?" Botan asked nervously.
"Life force thread," Genkai said flatly. "An archaic form of materialised Spirit energy. No doubt taken from a very ancient psychic,"
This isn't good. Sakura thought to herself.
Rando swiped his hand and grasped the threads, which formed into long white straps. They shot themselves towards Yusuke as if they were alive. Yusuke tried to dodge, but the ropes twisted around his ankles, wrists and torso.
"That's not good!" he breathed. The ropes dragged Yusuke's limbs together and bound him tightly.
"I...can't move!"
Sakura made a move as if she was going to run out onto the battlefield, but Botan caught her arm. "Sakura, you can't. You'll only make things worse!"
"I can't just stand here and do nothing!" Sakura shouted, her eyes sparkling with tears.
Kura, just stay back! Yusuke's voice ordered. There's no sense in you getting yourself hurt!
Rando's smile widened with pleasure. He drew the cords tighter in his hand which in turn tightened their grip on Yusuke. "Needless to say, I could crush you in an instant. But I'd rather test my techniques. It's been such a long time,"
Meanwhile Sakura crumpled to the ground, gasping for air. Unbelievable, searing pain had appeared and taken her breath away.
"Sakura!" Botan cried.
"This thread is connected to my own energy, and no human efforts can sever it," Rando explained.
"Yeah, I noticed," grunted Yusuke. "Seems kind of boring that way,"
"Yes, I shall have to add more excitement," Rando agreed. "You will not stand in my way any longer, Spirit Detective,"
Like the match with Kibano, Rando jerked the cords and began hurling Yusuke around like a lasso.
"How's this? Better?" he howled, slamming Yusuke to the ground again and again.
On the sidelines, Sakura's agony was only increasing. She was curled up in a ball, convulsing and whimpering, but Botan couldn't see a single thing that might be causing it.
"Sakura, what's going on? Genkai?"
"Every action has an equal and opposite reaction," was all Genkai said.
"Am I boring you?" Rando howled. "What about this?" Yusuke was thrown through a tree. "Or this?" Another. "Or this?!" the demon's laughter rose high about Yusuke's yells.
"Oh but wait," Rando smirked. "I forgot to show you the best part!"
"What are you...talking about?" Yusuke managed to say.
"You aren't the only one getting a crash course in my abilities. Take a look over at your precious sister!"
Yusuke turned his head as much as possible and saw Botan kneeling over Sakura's fallen body. His heart skipped a beat.
"Kura!" he cried desperately. "What did you do to her?!"
"Me?" Rando smiled innocently. "I've been with you the whole time!"
"Stop playing around you bastard!" Yusuke roared. "Leave her alone, she's got nothing to do with this!"
Rando shook his head, still smiling. "I'm not doing anything to her. You are,"
Yusuke nearly choked. "WHAT?!"
"That twin of yours is a telepath, right? I sensed so from the minute she arrived. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if she had more abilities than that. She's got quite the amount of spirit energy. Go figure,"
Rando looked over at Sakura with an almost hungry look in his eyes. "She managed to break Genkai's seal during your fight with Kibano, and you can now speak to each other telepathically. I heard everything thanks to my techniques,"
"That still doesn't explain why she's on the ground like that!"
"So impatient," Rando sniffed. "Your connection was established in the last round, but we're on a wasteland filled with spirit energy. Now that you've regained your power on this hill, your bond has been strengthened, but at a price. Sweet little Sakura now experiences the pain you feel. And I don't think her delicate body can take much more,"
Sakura raised her head slightly. "Is that true, Genkai?" she asked weakly. Now that Rando had paused his assault, the torment had eased slightly.
"It's true. I warned you, Missy,"
"Genkai, can't we do anything? Sakura isn't even part of the tournament!" Botan said frantically.
"Not at the moment, no. Training is the only way to fix the problem. She'll just have to hold on,"
Botan looked anxiously at the teenage girl writhing on the ground. "Hang in there, Sakura," she whispered. "I'm right here,"
Unable to break free, all Yusuke could do was scream. The horror of the situation was unbearable. As long as he was in this position, Sakura would suffer the same, and there was no way to sever the cords that held him. Genkai herself said there was no way to stop it. Unless…
Kura! Yusuke had a sudden idea. I think I know a way for this to stop!
W-what? Even Sakura's thoughts were feeble.
You have to close the connection. Stop the bond and you'll be free!
But I can't! You need me! Sakura argued faintly.
You want to help, Squirt? Yusuke sounded more anguished than ever. Then protect yourself and close it. I can't fight back if I'm worried about you. Do it now!
Sakura fought the spasms rippling through her and sent a stern order to her subconscious.
Close!
Yusuke's door slowly began creaking shut. Yusuke could feel the connection slipping away, but Rando hadn't noticed.
"Don't feel too bad, Yusuke," Rando taunted. "You won't have to watch her struggle much longer. But first, how does this feel, human? I'm dying to know!" He flung Yusuke into the ground once more.
"Botan," Sakura whispered. "It's ok. I closed the connection. He can't hurt me now,"
Botan heaved a sigh of relief, but still looked out onto the battlefield with great distress. "Goodness, Yusuke truly can't keep up this beating much longer. Genkai, you have to do something!" she begged. "Rando's only going to come after you next!"
"I won't," Genkai said bluntly. "Whoever wins this fight is the one I teach, and it would be wrong to interfere with the selection,"
"Give me one good reason why!" Sakura spat.
"I'm getting old now," Genkai said simply. "My powers have to be carried forward, even if they must stay for a while in the hands of the wicked,"
Botan replied before Sakura could. "Listen to yourself! There's no telling how many people he'll kill with it. Innocent lives that you will be responsible for,"
Genkai looked straight ahead, unconcerned. "There are things you do not understand. Progress must prevail. It's a story I cannot change,"
"No. You're wrong," Botan said sadly.
"Damn straight," Sakura huffed while attempting to stand. "How can you stand here and watch while my brother gets beaten to an inch of his life by that evil creature? You'd honestly have no qualms teaching him more ways to kill?!" her voice had risen to a shout.
Very slowly, Genkai turned to Sakura. "Calm yourself, Missy. If you work yourself up more, you'll be back on the ground in agony. I won't hesitate to knock you out if necessary,"
Think Sakura, think! There has to be something you can do!
"There, you see? Isn't it amazing how indestructible these threads are?" Rando laughed in triumph.
Yusuke had now gone limp as a dishrag from the attack. Gleefully, Rando began dragging the boy over to a nearby swamp
"Let him GO!" Sakura yelled.
Rando sent her a sadistic grin and hung Yusuke upside down over the water. "Why don't you settle down, sweetheart? Save your strength for when I come for you next!"
Yusuke opened his eyes and glared at the demon, a low growl ripping from his throat.
"So how do you feel?" Rando chuckled.
"Why do you keep asking?! I'm hanging upside down from a tree. Take a guess, you freak!"
"Ooh, hostile!" Rando simpered.
"You'll pay for this," Sakura vowed with tears streaming down her face. "I swear to God, you'll pay for what you've done!"
"Feisty little minx, isn't she?" Rando smirked at Yusuke. "I wonder what I should do with her after I destroy you?"
"Leave Kura out of this," Yusuke snapped.
"I wish I could, Yusuke, but I'm afraid her power is too intriguing to pass up. Maybe when you're gone, I'll take her technique for myself. I'm sure it'll prove useful in some way,"
The threats to Sakura made Yusuke desire nothing more than to claw Rando's eyes out. "I'm not licked yet, asshole. I promised Kura I'd make it through this, and I don't go breaking promises to my sister!"
"Like you haven't already?" Rando taunted. "Her thoughts betray you both. You promised you'd never let anyone use her against you, but you couldn't protect her from the demon Hiei. And now, she'll fail to protect you from me!"
Though Botan was attempting to restrain her, Sakura was fighting tooth and nail to get to her twin. "No! Get away from him! YUSUKE!"
"That's quite enough out of you, Missy. Suimin!"
Genkai's eyes shone white and Sakura blacked out.
"I warned her not to get too emotional," the psychic muttered. "Maybe this will teach her a lesson,"
With Kuwabara and now Sakura out of commission, Botan could only watch helplessly. Rando bowed his head, like with Kuwabara, and began to chant.
"Why do I get the feeling he's not just doing that to be cute?" Yusuke was getting more worried by the second, but at least Sakura was out of harm's way. However, the same could not be said for him. The swamp water below began bubbling ominously, and finally a monstrous fish creature leapt out of the water snapping its terrifying teeth.
"What the hell are those?!" Yusuke could see underwater shadows of these creatures circling below the surface.
"I brought them from the depths of the Spirit World. They're called Hate Fish," Rando produced a tiny goblin-like imp and held it aloft. "Watch!"
He flung the imp into the air. It grew to full size and lunged for Yusuke, only for Rando to shoot it in the back. It fell into the water where it was gruesomely devoured by the Hate Fish.
"As you can see, they're very hungry, and the demon could defend himself. Imagine if he had been tied up," Rando smirked. "But enough about that. I want to try a move I learned much more recently," He raised his hand into a horribly familiar pose. "The Spirit Gun,"
A beam of light appeared at the tip of Rando's finger but unlike Yusuke's blue attack, this one was a deep red. He aimed the jet of energy at a nearby tree and it splintered into a pile of smoking wood chips.
"That's it, that's the look! You have surrendered to your fear!" Rando exclaimed with delight.
"That move…" Botan stammered. "He must've learned it by watching Yusuke perform it just once,"
"It was also several times more deadly," Genkai added. "This creature's adaptability and knowledge of the human spirit is incredible. If he does learn my power, he could take it further than I could ever go,"
"The fear, screaming from a victim's eyes," Rando purred. "Increased power is wonderful, but it's the fear that makes me hunt. You have shown me that fear," He began charging the Spirit Gun once more for a final hit. "Now die!"
The boy knew this was it. Yusuke Urameshi. Aged fourteen. Survived by his Mom, twin sister and everybody! After going through a big ordeal to get his life back, Yusuke had a brief second chance until he was EATEN BY A FISH! That's right. No heroic death fighting evil villains. Fish food!
The spirit gun shattered the branch holding Yusuke above the water and the Hate Fish, and he fell.
"Yusuke!" Botan screamed.
"THIS IS DUMB!" Yusuke roared. His final thought as he hit the water was at least Sakura wouldn't have to witness this.
"Yes, eat all you want, my precious Hate Fish," Rando stood in triumph.
The water went still.
"Kura? Kura, pay attention. Urameshi needs you,"
The young girl looked up. "Who's there?"
"It's me, Kura. Your loveable stud Kuwabara. I have an idea, but I need your help, ok?"
"What do you need me to do? What can I even do?"
"Just distract Rando while I go help your brother. Stall as long as you possibly can,"
"But how? Genkai knocked me out, and even if I did attack, wouldn't that be cheating?"
"Look, all I know is that Urameshi is about to die unless we do something now! I know you can do this!"
Sakura nodded. Determination gleamed in her eyes. "You got it. I'll hold him off as long as I can. Hurry, Kuwabara!"
Botan and Genkai's attention was momentarily diverted to a shining vapour-like orb that floated up past them. They both recognised what it was.
"Who's that?" Botan wondered. With a sudden burst of speed, the orb raced towards the water, catching Rando's eye as it dove in.
"A soul?"
With all eyes on the soul, nobody seemed to notice Sakura's eyes opening. Not one person acknowledged her getting to her feet, or witnessed the terrifying look on her face. Her hands tilted, forming the signature triangle.
"I wouldn't get too excited, Rando. This isn't over til the fat lady sings, or the asshole dies in agony!"
Genkai was the first to turn around. "What's this?! You actually managed to regain consciousness?"
Botan's eyes were wide. "Sakura? What are you doing?"
Sakura didn't answer. She simply stared at Rando, wanting nothing more than to end him if it was the last thing she ever did. The tips of her fingers were gathering energy...
In the water, Yusuke was sinking fast.
Hate Fish. What a stupid name. Ok, here we go again.
He just hoped it would be over quickly.
Suddenly, a blinding ball of light charged through the shoal of demon fish and encased Yusuke in a protective shield. The fish backed off in fright. Inside, Yusuke was able to breathe again, and he wasn't alone.
"Urameshi. Hey, I'm talking to you!"
Yusuke slowly opened his eyes. "Kuwabara?"
"So, you've given up already?" his rival scoffed. "Aw man, you're such a friggin' disgrace. I can't believe I spent so much time trying to defeat such a coward. Now get up there and fight!"
"I can't even move!" Yusuke protested.
"Lame excuse!" Kuwabara shot back. "You're only stuck because you can't see your own energy. You're an idiot!"
"Hey, watch it!"
"Go ahead and die with your tail between your legs. Maybe they'll make me a Spirit Detective 'cause I'm not such a wuss! Heck, Sakura's up there fighting now even though she's scared,"
"...wait, WHAT? Kura's fighting Rando?!"
"Yep, sure is. Hey, if you're not around anymore, maybe I'll have a chance with her. See ya!"
"Don't you even think about getting fresh with my sister! She's not your type! I'll kick your ass!"
Kuwabara was gone, and so was the light.
No way!
Yusuke's fury ignited as a renewed resolve of power began coursing through his body. He heaved at his restraints, glowing with energy while the Hate Fish swarmed at him.
Dumb Kuwabara…
With an almighty internal scream, the life force thread snapped, and he was free.
"THIS IS MY JOB!"
Sakura ignored Botan's incredulous stare and Genkai's knowing smile. She only had eyes for Rando.
"You seem to be forgetting that Yusuke and I are a package deal,"
Rando's lip curled into a sneer. "Well look at that. Little Miss Sakura's on her feet, trying to play the hero,"
Genkai watched. This girl really is something else.
The balls of energy crackled, swirling into position. The force coming from them was unbelievable.
"I'm not just playing the hero, someday I'll be one!" she yelled. "SPIRIT BLAST!"
Fuelled by the energy on the hill, her spirit triad hurtled towards her target: Rando's eyes. With a scream, Rando stumbled backwards and tilted his head back as the Spirit Blast grazed his forehead.
Just then, the swamp exploded. A huge shaft of spirit energy roared forth and consumed the sky. Rando sounded like he was choking in shock, shielding his face from the glare, water and scattered remains of the Hate Fish that rained down on everything.
"That's Yusuke's energy!" Botan breathed.
"Did it work?" Sakura gazed up in wonder.
"All he needed...was a good insult," Kuwabara grunted weakly from behind them. Genkai turned around and gave a small smile.
Sakura knelt and pressed a hand to his head. "If you managed to pull this off I swear I'll never yell at you again, Kazuma,"
Rando looked around in shocked horror at the carnage left from his vanquished Hate Fish. "So much Spirit Power couldn't have come from that boy!" he ranted. "His crippled friend must've transferred the last of his energy to him. Unless it was you, girl?"
"Guess again, freak. I was just the distraction,"
"Master Genkai, doesn't that technically count as cheating?" Rando enquired.
Genkai shook her head. "I didn't see anything. And even if I did, twins are a package deal,"
Thanks, Master Genkai. Even Sakura's telepathy was heavy with gratitude.
Don't get carried away, Missy. Came the reply. You've impressed me. Nobody's ever broken through two of my techniques in a row.
Rando ground his teeth together and regained focus on the now-settled swamp. "Oh well. It matters not. Just more time to practise my favourite techniques. Though," he cackled as he began to gather energy for another Spirit Gun "I still love the idea of killing you with your own attack!"
The demon aimed his hand at the swamp, waiting for the moment to strike. "Now come out!"
Botan and Sakura waited with bated breath. What was Yusuke going to do? The swamp surface remained smooth except for the faint ripples. No sign of movement whatsoever.
"Yusuke, you will have to breathe soon," Botan slipped her hand into Sakura's.
"Don't worry," Sakura squeezed back. "He's alive. I feel it,"
A small amount of bubbles on the water caused Rando to fire at it with a laugh.
"Funny thing about swamps!" A voice rang out from behind. "They're just always connected to another one!"
Yusuke himself sprang from the connected swamp and dived at Rando, ready for a Spirit Gun of his own.
"Don't talk, Yusuke! Just shoot him!" Botan groaned.
"He's incapable," Sakura muttered.
"And as for my Spirit Gun technique, you're doing it all wrong. You hold too much back!"
Rando swung around and prepared to fire. "Oh?"
Yusuke's aura glowed, and Sakura knew what was coming. "SPIRIT GUN!"
The red and blue jets soared towards each other, colliding in the centre between human and demon. Rando's arrogant smirk quickly gave way. His red energy buckled under the power of Yusuke's righteous fury, and a solid hit landed in his chest, flinging him several feet backwards into the swamp.
Yusuke landed on his feet but fell to his knees a second later. He was gasping and holding his wrist. "Sure, you can use it more than once, but you lose the good old stopping power!"
"Good shot!" Botan cheered, hugging Sakura.
"Do you still think I'm a fool for not taking him out of the fight?" Genkai smirked.
Sakura looked out at the swamp, deciding it was at last safe to enter back into the bond with her brother.
Please be dead. I don't have anything left. He sounded completely exhausted.
The water was bubbling. "Oh, damn…" Sakura muttered.
"Give me a break!" Yusuke complained in disbelief. Even Genkai looked surprised.
And sure enough, a beam of Spirit Energy announced the return of Rando. By the time the energy died down, the swamp water had completely evaporated leaving nothing behind but an empty crater. A pair of red eyes stared out from the smoke.
Sakura gulped. "This lunatic has more lives than a cat!" she cried out in disgust.
"You have caused me pain," Rando said softly. "I do not like that!"
With a fist full of spirit energy, he flung himself forward and dealt several punishing blows to Yusuke, and Sakura couldn't close the bond in time so she felt every single whack as well. Botan hunched down on the grass next to her.
"It's...not...as bad...as last time," Sakura wheezed, but the same could not be said for Yusuke who was on the ground.
"This boy's attack injured me more than I thought," Rando snarled, looking at his weakened fist. "I barely have the energy to destroy him,"
"Sakura," Botan whispered. "Do you think you have the power for one more spirit attack? If Rando's been weakened, you might be able to take him down. I don't think Yusuke can fight anymore,"
"I'll do it," Sakura nodded and slowly reached down into herself for the reserves of energy that remained. Even if she had to finish what Yusuke started, Rando would not live to see tomorrow.
Typically though, Yusuke still couldn't keep his smart mouth shut even in the face of death. "Even though it looks like I can't move right now, I'm very dangerous!"
"There's no point in either of us bluffing now," Rando snorted. "Both our bodies are exhausted, and our spirits are weak. But I'll still succeed, because I can reduce your body and crush your puny bones like I did with your ridiculous friend!"
Yusuke, hold on! I'm just charging up my Spirit Blast! Sakura told him frantically.
Huh? I thought I told you to close the bond, Squirt!
Tough, bro. I'm not leaving you alone in this. Not now, not ever.
Yusuke sighed internally. Kura, he must've gotten me good. I can't even tell if he's talking. You may have to finish this one for me.
"Wait, what?" Sakura was confused. Had Yusuke gone deaf?
"We've already suffered with Kuwabara. I can't bear to watch this again!" Botan clenched her fists and looked away as Rando commenced chanting.
Sakura was desperate to keep Yusuke alive, no matter the cost to herself. Just a few more seconds, and I'll hit him with everything I have!
Her eyes were glued to the battlefield and her Spirit energy was slowly sparking to life. But would she make it in time? Rando seemed to be fond of torture, but maybe he'd had enough and would want to kill Yusuke quickly…
"REDUCTION!" Rando roared. "Soon the world will be a much bigger place for you. And you will be afraid. I will make certain of that. And your dear sister will watch as I rip apart your fingers one by one!"
But to the astonishment of everyone, it was Rando who began to shrink, not his intended victim. Nobody was more shocked than the demon himself. Rando was even smaller than Kuwabara had been during their battle. Scarcely the size of a soft drink can.
"It's...not right! How have I been the one to shrink?!"
As Rando looked around in mad confusion, a gigantic shadow fell across him. He looked up at Genkai, Botan and Sakura all towering over him.
"You're a slave to your own technique," Genkai shook her head sadly.
"Yes, but how?" Botan asked the question on everyone's mind.
"It is physical law that the imbalance of matter created by that technique must be relieved," the tiny psychic explained. "If there is no victim, then the user goes boom!"
"What are you, the narrator?" Sakura groaned.
"She asked a question and I'm giving the answer, brat!"
"ARE YOU BLIND!?" Rando raged from the ground. "THAT BOY WAS CLEARLY MY VICTIM!"
"Yes, but his body must know that. As with any spoken chant, the victim is affected only by hearing it. In this way, it enters the brain and reprograms the cells. All a reasonably intelligent fighter has to do is cover his ears,"
Rando's tiny face was alive with outrage. "But...if I didn't know that, how could he?!"
Just then, Yusuke's eyes began to open.
"Are you ok?" Botan asked anxiously.
Sakura immediately dropped beside him. "Yusuke! Oh my God, you're alright!"
"What?" Yusuke replied irritably. "Why is everything so friggin' quiet?"
He rubbed at his ears and yelled in revulsion at the sight of a slimy green substance in his fingers. "Swamp algae in my ears?! Gross!"
"SWAMP ALGAE?!" Rando bellowed. Sakura could no longer contain herself and began to laugh.
Genkai looked at the demon coldly. "You know the mechanics of your stolen techniques, but without training you'll never know how to use them!"
"Shut up, hag! And you too, you stupid little girl! All I have to do is reverse the chant...ah!" It was Rando's turn to be afraid at the sight of Yusuke and Sakura looming over him.
"Come on now," Yusuke chuckled wearily. "You really think I'm going to let you do that?"
Sakura smirked at the demon's terrified face. "God, he looks so pathetic like this. What's wrong, Rando? Are you scared? Or just can't stand the taste of your own medicine?"
"They never can, Squirt. Although even at that size, I don't have the energy to punch him. But I guess at this point we can let gravity take over,"
Rando turned and began to run, but didn't get very far. Yusuke stretched out his arm and flopped forward. The demon let out a cry as Yusuke's elbow smacked into him, and finally fell silent.
Yusuke rolled over onto his back. "And that, boys and girls, was my Super Elbow Drop," he sighed.
"Yusuke!" Botan hurried to his side, followed by Sakura. "You really did it!"
"I know," he mumbled. "But can we wait until tomorrow before we jump around all excited like?"
Genkai cleared her throat. "Winner of the Genkai Tournament, Yusuke Urameshi!"
Sakura's eyes filled with tears. She picked up Yusuke's limp hand and pressed it to her cheek. "You did it, Yusuke. I am so, so proud of you!"
He managed a weak smile and reached for her face. "You good, Kura?"
Sakura started to laugh and cry at the same time. "Yeah, I'm good," she sniffled.
"Come on, kid. No need for that," Yusuke brushed the tears from her cheeks.
A whirring sound nearby caught their attention. Genkai was standing over the mangled Kuwabara. Golden ribbons of energy flowed from her fingertips and twisted around his body which began to realign correctly.
Botan picked up Rando. "I should take Rando back to Spirit World before he wakes up,"
With Sakura's assistance, Yusuke managed to sit up. "Oh damn, I was really hoping I could keep him as a pet," he joked.
"Somehow I doubt Mother would approve," Sakura grinned.
"You should take Kuwabara, now that I've finished working on him," Genkai interrupted.
"What do you mean? Take him to Spirit World?" Yusuke blinked.
"No, dimwit! To his house! I've helped him make a complete recovery,"
"Thankyou Master Genkai," Sakura smiled through her tears.
"Woah, that Spirit Wave technique sounds pretty cool," Yusuke shook his head.
"I'm glad you approve, since you'll be training for the next two months to learn it!"
Sakura hugged Yusuke. "That's great, but I'll have to think up some good cover story for Mother…"
Yusuke stood up and stretched. "Nah, don't worry about it yet, Squirt. As for training, I'll have to get back to you on that, old lady. First, how about my real prize? A first class ticket to Tokyo Dome!"
He looked meaningfully at a very confused Botan.
"Botan, remember what you promised him?" Sakura whispered in her ear.
"What? You still remember?" Botan replied.
Yusuke's face darkened. "Well, of course! You think all of this was community service?"
"Sorry, Yusuke. But you're not allowed to go," Genkai said flatly. "The whole purpose of that tournament was to choose my student. Do you really think after all that mess, I'd let you have a choice about it?"
"But… my ticket!" he protested weakly.
"Yes, you'll need to have someone go in your place,"
"But...the battle match…" With a whimper, he fainted dead away.
Botan closed her eyes in irritation. "Yusuke…!"
"This is going to be a long two months," Genkai sighed. "As for you, Missy… turn off the waterworks. We need to talk,"
Genkai surveyed the girl. "Today your brother surprised me. And you did as well, young lady. To that end, I've decided to give you some training as well,"
Sakura did a double take. "Say what now?"
"You heard me," Genkai said haughtily. "I'll be training you for a bit. After you have another session or two with Master Shinsuke, of course,"
Sakura's jaw dropped. "But… why? I only came here to help Yusuke, not to win,"
"Well, that's true. But you accomplished something remarkable today. Something nobody has ever been able to do. Not only did you shatter my blockade, you also overcame my Suimin technique. You have incredible potential, but you need to get a handle on those emotions. That's why I won't train you until you've worked more with Master Shin. Understand?"
"I suppose I do," Sakura mumbled. "But I guess I won't be seeing Yusuke for a bit,"
Yusuke chose that moment to wake up. "What's going on? What do you mean?"
Sakura bent down to his level and grasped his hand. "Looks like I'll be joining you for fitness camp, but not just yet. First I have to see Master Shinsuke,"
Yusuke smiled faintly. "Sounds great. See you soon?"
"You will," Sakura ruffled his hair. "I promise,"
A.N. Genkai's challenge is over. What did you think? What did you like most? What do you want to see more of? Sakura gained some major headway in this chapter, but she has a long way to go.
Also, I'm currently mapping out Book 2 which will cover the Dark Tournament, and I've decided to have a poll on what Sakura will be up to during that epic arc. And while I have ideas for both scenarios, I'm keen to hear your thoughts.
So please vote.
In the Dark Tournament, should Sakura be
a) A fighting member of Team Urameshi
b) supporting from the sidelines
c) both. Should fight and help on the side.
Let me know what you think. And please, please, please review if you're enjoying the story!
Next chapter: Sakura and Yusuke are training hard, but their next case looms...