A.N. I had a SUPER quiet day at work yesterday which allowed me to finish Chapter 18 and start Chapter 19. Sakura is about to come face to face with Hiei for the first time since training, and then they will enter Maze Castle...

Grimmjowlover314: Thankyou! I hope you like this chapter! And I have considered your suggestion. We shall see...

Hina714: Thankyou so much. I hope this instalment lives up to your expectations. And yes, the thought has also occurred to me. I'm still mapping out Book 2 so sit tight on that idea!

bluerose921: Welcome to the world of Sakura Urameshi. We're glad to have you along for the ride :)

hw0134160: Your words brought the biggest smile to my face. To make someone happy with my writing is the best thing I can hope for. To be honest, writing this is keeping me sane in the lead up to Christmas too. You are a wonderful person.

Wolfs child: You'll be pleased to know that Sakura will be having...words...with Hiei this chapter. And I had a lot of fun writing it :)

ThoughtsOfTurmoil: I'm very excited to write the Dark Tournament. It's such an epic arc and Sakura will have a lot to contend with

I hope you enjoy this chapter. Please follow, favourite and review because it just means more content for you all! Your words encourage me to keep writing. Chapter 19 is on the way!

Chapter 18

Thanks to her newfound reflexes, Sakura landed feet first on the ground without injury. She looked around. Her first, rather foolish thought was that she'd arrived on the set of the movie Labyrinth, but before she could ponder further, screams alerted her to the boys' current predicament.

Yusuke and Kuwabara were being swamped by a wave of creatures that reminded Sakura of the Jawas in Star Wars. But unlike the Jawas, these were not friendly and they had visible fangs.

"I'm coming!" Sakura raced towards them preparing her improved Spirit Blast. But before she could let it fly, a massive crack of thunder sounded from above, and a blinding flash of light sent the little monsters scurrying for cover.

Watching through her fingers, Sakura could see that the source of the light were two discs of energy, one red and one green. Just as soon as it had appeared, it vanished.

Yusuke looked up. "That worked, whatever it was,"

Sakura reached them. "Are you guys ok?"

"I'm just fine, Kura," Kuwabara puffed out his chest. "Tough guys like me don't get beaten by such creatures,"

"Oh brother," Sakura mumbled.

Yusuke either didn't listen, or didn't care. He was staring up at a tree towering over them.

"It seems you could use some help," a familiar voice suggested.

"If those nothings were too much for you, we're going to have some serious trouble," a second, more sinister voice added.

Sakura's heart skipped a beat. She knew who was in the trees watching, and while she was happy to see one, she wasn't thrilled about the other. As one, Kurama and Hiei dropped delicately from the branch they'd been standing on.

"Hello, everyone," Kurama wore a soft smile, but Hiei looked stone faced.

"Well, well, well. The thieves," Yusuke said. "What are you doing here?"

"Even that fool Koemna knew it would take more than human power to kill the Saint Beasts," Hiei said dryly.

"By aiding in this mission, Koenma has assured us we can clean our slates in Spirit World," Kurama explained.

Yusuke chuckled. "I guess Koenma heard me complaining,"

"I'm sure several continents heard you complaining, Yusuke," Sakura shook her head.

Yusuke ignored her. "Hey Kuwabara, let me introduce you to these guys. That's Hiei, and his name is Kurama,"

"A pleasure," Kurama smiled politely before turning to Sakura. "Miss Urameshi, how nice to see you,"

It took Sakura a moment to find her voice. "It's Sakura," she mumbled. "And it's nice to see you again too, Kurama,"

"Well I don't have a clue what's going on, but it sure is nice to have a helping hand," Kuwabara said happily.

"Helping is not the right word," Hiei said coldly. "Koenma may regard us as equals, but I do not. Once inside the castle, I suggest you let us do the work. As far as I'm concerned, we are babysitting,"

Kurama looked amused, but Kuwabara's temper flared. "Listen you puny jerkface, I'm gonna have to beat you up if you talk to us that way,"

"Let's avoid fighting," Hiei replied flatly. "You're not worth it,"

"Oh that's it!" Incensed, Kuwabara took a swipe at Hiei, who gently sidestepped him. Kuwabara fell face first to the ground. Hiei focused his attention on Yusuke, who moved slightly to shield Sakura from the demon.

"But you, detective, are a different story," Hiei said solemnly. "I plan to take my revenge on you, so consider this fair warning,"

Kuwabara struggled to his feet. "Oh, you wanna ignore me, huh?" he yelled. Without looking, Hiei sidestepped him again and Kuwabara fell flat on his face for a second time.

"Dig up, stupid," Sakura sighed.

Hiei eyed Sakura with interest. "So the human girl has tagged along. Clearly you didn't learn your lesson last time,"

Yusuke looked at Hiei. "I wouldn't if I were you," he warned.

"Look at her, cowering behind you. Go home little girl. You'll only be a liability here," Hiei said with a slight sneer.

Sakura pushed Yusuke out of the way and glared at Hiei. Here he was, the demon who still haunted her dreams. The one who had held her captive and made her certain she would witness the deaths of her twin and best friend. Her small frame trembled slightly, but she didn't let that stop her.

"Let's get a few things straight, short stack," Sakura growled. "First of all, my name is Sakura, and I'd appreciate it if you'd call me that instead of 'girl'. Second, I'm here to help. I'll have you know that I've been training for the last two months on both my Spirit Energy and in the art of tsunagu, and I'm not afraid to show off what I've learned. Finally, I'm not afraid of you so much as I was afraid of you hurting someone I care about, got it? So unless you want me to kick your scrawny ass seven ways to Sunday, you'll start showing me a little respect!"

Yusuke and Kuwabara were speechless. Kurama merely smiled pleasantly, but Sakura got the sense he was trying not to laugh.

Sakura saw a flicker of surprise in Hiei's eyes, but it was quickly replaced with a furious snarl. "Stupid girl. It seems you haven't learned at all…" His hand twitched towards his katana.

Kurama looked at him sharply. "Hiei, we must face this current business before you start your own,"

Hiei glared, but didn't touch his weapon. "I know you fear me, Sakura," he hissed. "Your bravado does not fool the Jagan,"

Keen to diffuse the tension, Yusuke jumped in between Sakura and Hiei. "Don't worry Three Eyes. If we survive this, I'll be glad to take you on," he smirked. "Now is this a perfect team or what?"

Neither Kuwabara nor Hiei looked convinced. Sakura was looking anywhere but Hiei.

"We should find an entrance," Kurama said. Sakura flipped her long braid over her shoulder and folded her arms tightly.

Kura? Yusuke sounded concerned. Are you ok?

Fine. Sakura replied flatly. You have no idea how long I've wanted to yell at that pipsqueak.

She heard Yusuke laugh. You're a badass, Squirt. And don't worry, I won't let him touch you again.

I can take care of myself! Sakura snapped back. Now let's get into this damn castle.

I applaud you, Sakura. Kurama's voice said. That was quite the speech. I do believe you managed to rattle Hiei. Not an easy feat.

Sakura felt as if her insides were squirming. Thank you Kurama. And I meant it. I'm really glad to see you again.

Likewise, Sakura.

"What a strange group of visitors," a monster growled from the castle. "No match for us, of course,"

"Master," a second monster asked. "What shall we do?"

The master was concealed by shadow. Only his silhouette was visible in the torchlight. He spoke with a high, cruel voice. "Byakko is correct. They are no reason to worry. Look at them fighting one another already," he mused. "They'll never even pass the front gate,"

"Well this is homey," Yusuke nudged Sakura. She giggled. The group stood at the entrance, a skull complete with vampire fangs carved into the rock.

"So, I guess we're just going to walk right in?" Kuwabara didn't move.

"Any prize that's worth having usually requires a risk," Kurama said.

"I say we make 'em come out here and fight us out front like they're not a bunch of sissies!"

Hiei laughed scornfully. "Your sense of strategy is amazing,"

"Are you talking to me, Runt Boy?!"

"Play nice, kids," Sakura sighed. She took a few steps inside, joined by Yusuke.

"Stupid dwarf," Kuwabara mumbled.

Kuwabara, I strongly advise you not to mess with Hiei. Sakura warned him sharply.

Huh? Sakura?! Is that you in my head?

Yes, it's one of the new tricks I've learned. Just cool it, alright? Hiei isn't someone you want to piss off.

How would you...AH!

Sakura looked quickly to see what had startled Kuwabara. He wasn't the only one, though. They had neared the end of the entrance hall, and the most bizarre creature had appeared. It looked like a huge, monstrous purple eyeball complete with moving tentacles at the base, and it flapped towards them on bat-like wings. Sakura had never seen anything like it, and judging from Hiei and Kurama's reactions, neither had they.

Sakura swallowed. Jagan, eat your heart out.

"Welcome to Maze Castle," Eye-Bat drawled in a simpering, slightly squeaky voice.

"Woah! It talked!" Kuwabara yelped.

Eye-Bat didn't respond. "Those who enter Maze Castle must be tried by the Gate of Betrayal,"

"What do you mean, tried?" Yusuke demanded.

Eye-Bat swooped from the tunnel to the back wall. A brick slid away, revealing a switch behind it.

Sakura felt a sudden stab of fear. "We have to move, now!" she whispered to everyone, and started walking quickly ahead of everyone else who remained still.

"Oh, look at this," Eye-Bat pondered. "Five would make this all too easy. Why don't you watch with me?"

Sakura didn't have time to react. Like lightning, Eye-Bat shot out a long tentacle which wrapped around her waist and yanked her towards him.

"Kura!" Yusuke cried.

As soon as Sakura was out of the hallway, Eye-Bat used another tendril to pull the switch. The ground began to shake and the sound of cogs and gears could be heard. Eye-Bat twisted his tentacles around Sakura's arms and lifted her into the air so she couldn't fight back.

"What the hell is going on?! Let me down you freak!"

"This will be entertaining. I've never had a spectator before," Eye-Bat giggled.

"The ceiling!" Kurama shouted. And sure enough, the hallway roof dropped down where the other four were standing.

"NO!" Sakura shrieked.

Eye-Bat floated lazily over to the small gap that remained. Sakura could see the boys had managed to hold up the roof, but it was clear that they couldn't hold it forever.

Eye-Bat rose even higher. "Heavy, isn't it? Sensors in the corridor are most intelligent, and a complex assembly of gears adapts the ceiling's weight precisely to the strength of its victims. Of course, there is a catch,"

He bounced Sakura up and down slightly. "Just enough leeway remains for one person to escape, leaving their friends to be crushed by the weight,"

"Damn it!" Yusuke growled. He felt like the weight of the earth was on him. How long could they keep this up?

Eye-Bat swooped down and dangled Sakura in front of Yusuke. "But decisions must be made quickly. Not even the four of you combined can hold the ceiling for long. Insist on teamwork, and everyone will be crushed. Only by turning against your friends will one of you be able to escape. Only the traitor among you deserves to enter Maze Castle. That's why it's called the Gate of Betrayal, you see. And the girl here gets to watch it all!"

Cackling madly, Eye-Bat flapped back into the air with Sakura. Her blood had turned to ice.

"Don't even think about trying to intervene, young lady," Eye Bat said. "It won't end well for you,"

Sakura ground her teeth together. Don't worry about me, Yusuke. There has to be a way for all of you to survive!

"Man I'd like to get my hands on that bat thing!" Kuwabara growled.

"Stay focused on the weight or you'll kill us all!" snapped Hiei.

"Oh sure, blame me! I'm sure I'm holding up a lot more weight than you are!"

"Shut it Kuwabara!" Yusuke yelled angrily.

"Well I'm not about to die for the sake of you worthless humans, " Hiei growled.

"Don't you even consider it, Hiei!" Kurama warned.

"Man, I knew we should have played some trust games," Yusuke felt his hands beginning to slip from the pressure.

"What is the point of this test?" Sakura snapped at Eye-Bat.

"Simple. It's fun," he replied. "You know, I quite like having a spectator. Maybe I'll keep you as a pet when they're dead!"

Sakura felt bile at the back of her throat. What a revolting concept.

"This has always been my favourite part of the trial," Eye-Bat continued, swaying Sakura to and fro. "Watching the way you squirm as your muscles begin to pop and tear under the ceiling's weight,"

His tone turned dark. "But of course the best is your eyes. Seeing the gears of thought turn in desperation. Thinking. Questioning yourself. 'How long can I hold this? Will I die this way? Will one friend betray us and escape while we flatten? Or should I be the one?'"

"Don't you ever get tired of your own voice?" Sakura groaned. "And how can you talk without a mouth anyway?"

Squirt, what are you doing? Do you want him to kill you?!

I'm distracting him, dimwit! Sakura replied. I'm trying to buy you some time. Think!

"Just… ignore that punk," Kuwabara panted. "Stick together! And if anyone tries to run, I swear I'll drag them back myself!"

The ceiling pressed down even further.

"HA!" Hiei scoffed. "And I suppose you think it'd be noble if we all died as a team?"

"Here's a thought," Yusuke cut in loudly. "Let's shut up and find a way out!"

Eye-Bat was practically turning somersaults in the air with glee. The movement was making Sakura feel nauseous. But it drew Yusuke's attention to the switch on the wall.

There was no point asking Sakura. He knew that insane monster would just drag her away. That left only one option…

"Hiei, you're a lot faster than any of us. We'll hold the ceiling up while you go and flip the switch!"

"Are you crazy?!" Kuwabara squawked. "We can't trust that guy!"

"Your ugly friend has a good point, Detective!" Hiei smiled.

"Who's ugly?! Come here you mouse!"

"Are you sure you want to trust me?" Hiei asked slyly. "I've already vowed my revenge on you. Maybe I'll handle that now!"

"Yeah, but I don't think quick deaths are your style," Though she couldn't see his face, Sakura could hear the smile in Yusuke's voice.

"I'll use my spirit power to buy us a little time while you run to the switch. Just don't trip!"

Hiei didn't say anything.

"I trust you," Yusuke said calmly. "Now GO!"

Hiei raced out of the tunnel faster than the eye could see. Yusuke was engulfed in red spirit energy which he used to balance the slack left by Hiei.

Eye-Bat laughed in amusement. Apparently he hadn't heard a word of the conversation taking place.

"Hmm?"

Hiei reached for the switch, but before he made contact he hesitated.

"What's the deal? Pull the stupid switch already!" Kuwabara hollered.

Eye-Bat hovered next to Hiei, still holding Sakura. "There is no need to make snap judgments, my friend. What have they ever done for you?" he said silkily. "Leave them, and you can come with me into the castle,"

Hiei turned back to the three trapped boys, clearly weighing his options.

"No…!" Sakura breathed.

"Quiet, you!" Eye-Bat ordered. "With the invasion of Earth, the four Saint Beasts will control the future," he continued. "Be smart. Join us. Perhaps you can be the general of our demon army…"

"Don't you dare, you creep!" Kuwabara bellowed. "If it hadn't been for our help, you'd still be screaming with the rest of us!"

Hiei chuckled softly.

"What are you laughing about?!"

"Take a guess, you fool!" Hiei sneered.

"Yes, you find amusement in their pain," Eye-Bat encouraged. "Now imagine the satisfaction that will come from their final screams!"

With everyone distracted, Sakura slowly edged her hand over to the switch, but Eye-Bat noticed and smacked it down with a tendril. "Naughty girl! I told you not to interfere!"

The gateway collapsed even further. It was almost too late. Sakura twisted her head to spit at the stupid thing, and she saw what was hanging over the area Hiei was standing.

"A wise choice," Eye-Bat simpered to Hiei. "The boulder would've crushed you anyway,"

The demon snapped. With a growl, he jumped above Eye-Bat, katana in hand. "Thanks for the clue!" he roared, and slashed the blade at Eye-Bat.

The monster screeched in agony, nearly sliced in half by the sword, but he did not relinquish his grip on Sakura. Hiei pulled the switch. Kurama, Yusuke and Kuwabara were finally free.

But Sakura saw what he'd caused. Without thinking, she cried out a warning. "Hiei, look out!"

With a rumble, a gigantic boulder tumbled from the ceiling.

"This is for that stunt you tried to pull earlier!" Eye-Bat hissed in Sakura's ear. He threw Sakura directly into the path of where the rock would land.

"Hiei!"

"KURA!"

Sakura shut her eyes. This was the end…

An arm snatched her around the waist and she felt herself being dragged. The boulder hit the floor with a deafening thud.

Sakura cracked an eye open. To her astonishment, she was on top of the boulder. Hiei had pulled her to safety. Eye-Bat was still flapping and gurgling all over the place while dripping with blood.

"Tell your masters that this is their chance to beg for mercy!" Hiei snarled, and finally the monster flew away for good.

Sakura stared at Hiei in disbelief. Had he honestly just saved her life? But why?

"Kura!" Her attention was jolted by hands helping her down off the rock. Her other companions crowded around her.

Yusuke held her tightly. "Squirt, are you ok?"

"Yeah, fine," She brushed the dirt from her face. "What about you?"

"I can't feel my arms that well," her twin complained, but quickly began to smile as Hiei joined them. "I knew you'd save us, you punk," he winked. "But you did have me worried. Hell of an actor. You know, not everyone can pretend to laugh at their dying friends. And sweeping Kura out of the way like that! Thanks!"

Hiei scowled. "Friends are just a crutch for the weak. And I wasn't acting!" He glared at them fiercely. "Don't confuse it. The only reason I saved you is because I might need your help,"

"Hiei," Sakura said softly. He turned to her. "Thank you. For saving me," she mumbled.

Hiei rolled his eyes. "Whatever. Don't go reading into it,"

Kurama appeared behind Sakura. "It's his way of saying 'You're welcome.' You will learn,"

"Right," Yusuke smirked.

"Well, he still ticks me off!" glowered Kuwabara.

Sakura turned to Kurama. "I don't understand. Why would he save my life?"

Kurama smiled and tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "It seems you may have earned a little of Hiei's respect. Now come, we must not delay,"

Sakura returned to Yusuke's side, doing her best to ignore the butterflies in her stomach.

"They've made it past the Gate of Betrayal, Master. What shall we do?"

"Do not fret, Seiryu. It only means we can entertain our guests longer. Someone, go play with them!"

One of the beasts put a hole through the castle wall. "That one called Hiei, he mocked us. Actually telling us to beg for mercy!" He growled. "I'll go down and drain his blood,"

"No!" A fourth, deeper voice interrupted. "Let me handle this. I am the only one who ever reaches outside of the castle. Let me bring their bodies to the head of the tower. I'll hang them on pikes as a message to all of Spirit World!"

He let out a deep, guttural laugh.

The team of five made their way down an eerily silent corridor, only to have the quiet abruptly broken when the communication mirror began to ring.

Kuwabara jumped about a foot in the air. "What is that thing? Is it safe?"

"No, Kuwabara, it's a hand grenade and it's about to blow us all sky high," Sakura said sarcastically. Kurama looked at her with an amused smile.

"It's just the communication mirror I got from Botan," Yusuke flipped it open.

"Hello, Yusuke. It's Botan here in the Living World. You copy?"

"Yeah, I -"

Kuwabara shoved Yusuke away and jumped into frame. "Hey, what's up Botan? This is the brave Kuwabara reporting at your service. I'm taking very good care of Urameshi and his lovely sister,"

Botan laughed. "I'm so glad to hear that. I've got things under control here as well, more or less. The Makai insects only like to nest in depressed people's minds. That narrows down my search a bit. I've also found another spy for the Saint Beasts. I just can't figure out how they're getting past the barrier. See, I think they're demons from outside the city taking orders along the wall,"

"WATCH OUT!" Kuwabara bellowed. Botan calmly swung her bat behind her, instantly knocking out the spy she'd apprehended.

"Botan," Sakura interjected. "Do you need backup?"

"Don't worry, those guys are weaklings," Botan said cheerfully, but her face fell. "The real challenge is finding those Makai insects. I've only caught fifteen of those buggers and I've been searching for nearly an entire day!"

"Don't worry, baby. You'll - Ungh!" The sound of a violent scuffle interrupted Kuwabara.

"Fifteen? That's not much help!" Yusuke said, having regained control of the device.

Botan shook her head and whacked the demon spy again. "Yusuke, fighting people controlled by the insects takes time. That's why we need to get that whistle,"

"Ok, we're trying," Yusuke grumbled. "But this castle is kind of rough,"

Botan closed the mirror and tucked it inside her jacket. "Well of course it is. No-one's ever survived it before,"

A Makai insect hovered by her head. "Hey, I see you!" Botan pulled out a spray can and blasted the parasite. It fell to the ground, twitching, then vanished.

"Nothing beats bug spray from the Spirit World," she said to herself. Softball bat in hand, she headed back out of the alleyway.

Yusuke. Sakura. You need to hurry.

Yusuke stuck the compact in his pocket.

"I have a question," Sakura stopped dead in their tracks. "What do we actually know about these Saint Beasts?"

Yusuke stopped too."Hey, that's a good point. Kurama, what do you know about them? Botan pushed us down that hole like a couple of cows and I didn't have a chance to ask her,"

"Excuse me?" Sakura said tartly. "If I recall correctly, you jumped down that hole so you wouldn't have to face Keiko after ditching her!"

Yusuke clinched Sakura in a headlock and slapped his hand over her mouth. "Now's not the time for one of your jokes, you damn brat!" He laughed. "So, Kurama?"

"Botan wouldn't have told you much, I'm afraid. Ever since the barrier wall was raised around the city, Spirit World intelligence virtually forgot this place existed,"

Kuwabara yanked Sakura away from Yusuke. "Leave Kura alone, Urameshi! What's wrong with you? Don't worry Sakura. I won't let him bully you. Anyway, what do you know about these beasts, Kurama?"

Kurama continued to smile. "Let's just say that when you see their bodies, you may be very surprised,"

"Terrified," A guttural voice suggested. "Isn't that more like it?"

Everyone looked around to find the source of their visitor.

"There is a door behind you," the voice said. "Please, take it!"

Yusuke and Kuwabara kicked the door open. "Ladies first,"

"You're too kind," Sakura shook her head.

They entered a room that was shrouded in darkness and appeared to be empty except for some lit torches along the wall. Yusuke picked one up and threw it into the shadows, revealing the beast lying in wait.

Sakura gasped and Yusuke pushed her behind him.

"Welcome, trespassers," the beast smirked. He was enormous and seemed to be made of solid rock. "I am Genbu of the four Saint Beasts. Do you have a request before you die?"

"Yeah, tell me how a beast is a saint? I'm lost!" Yusuke asked.

The beast didn't answer the question. "This stairwell is the only way to the castle tower. You can either defeat me and go up on your own, or be dragged there once you've stopped breathing!"

His tail slammed into the floor, leaving a giant crater behind. Sakura gulped.

"Why don't you all attack me at once?" Genbu suggested. "Then the last one left won't feel lonely!"

Kuwabara was on the verge of a breakdown. "He's a rock, Urameshi! How are we supposed to fight against a talking rock?!"

"Did you bring along a water type pokemon?" Sakura joked weakly.

Kurama chuckled and stepped forward. "I will fight him," he said calmly.

Yusuke blinked. "Are you sure?"

Kurama nodded. "It would be ill-advised for all of us to attack without first knowing his power. Besides, I can hardly let Hiei get all the credit for this mission, now can I?"

Genbu looked thrilled. "You want to die one by one? I can do that too!"

"Hey!" Yusuke called out. "Wouldn't we be better off trying to lure him back to that drop down ceiling or something?"

Sakura's heart was pounding. "Kurama, that thing's gigantic! How are you -"

"Obviously, you are underestimating Kurama," Hiei said quietly. "Do you know why I chose him to be my partner? To avoid fighting him myself,"

Sakura faced Hiei, shocked. "What did you say?"

"Watch," Hiei said simply. "He's more cutthroat than I am when it comes to battle, and unbelievably precise,"

This made absolutely no sense to Sakura. From the moment she'd laid eyes on Kurama, he'd come across as the most gentle being in existence. He'd never so much as raised his voice in her presence. Yet here he was, walking towards Genbu like he was nothing more than a peculiar tree he wished to examine more closely.

"I don't know guys," Kuwabara muttered. "He's still a talking rock,"

Kurama assumed his position in front of Genbu. "Sir, the first move is yours," he said pleasantly.

Beast and demon stared each other down for what seemed like an eternity.

Kura, can you get inside his head? Yusuke kept his eyes on the battlefield so nobody would realise they were communicating.

No. Sakura replied, also looking ahead. Either I can't connect with beasts, or there isn't enough inside his head to fill an eggcup.

Wait…!

Yusuke gripped Sakura's arm. The twins saw Genbu's tail sinking effortlessly through the floor as if it were water.

"Hey!" Yusuke called out to Kurama. "Stoneman's doing something freaky with his tail!"

Almost too late, Kurama whirled around. Genbu's spiked tail was indeed sticking out of the floor behind him. With remarkable speed and power, it thrust itself towards Kurama.

Kurama leapt out of the way, but was not entirely unscathed. Genbu's tail sliced across his stomach, drawing blood.

"Kurama!" Sakura and Yusuke cried out at the same time.

Genbu laughed as he withdrew his tail. "Thanks to my body's structure, I can become one with any type of rock!" he crowed. "And since this old chamber is made of stone, I have you surrounded. There's nowhere to run!"

"We're in trouble!" Kuwabara squeaked.

Kurama got to his feet rather shakily, clutching his torso.

"Oh man, now he's wounded," Yusuke muttered.

"Maybe we should help?" Kuwabara suggested.

"There is no need," Kurama said to them with his usual calm smile. "I've been hurt, but he will not take me by surprise again,"

Genbu didn't look remotely concerned. "Wait until you see the full extent of my power. Then you won't be so confident,"

Like with his tail, Genbu's entire body began descending into the floor as if it were a puddle.

Yusuke, Sakura and Kuwabara looked around wildly.

"I can't even sense Genbu's energy," Kuwabara muttered.

"He could be anywhere!" Yusuke growled.

Kurama, I can't connect with his mind. Sakura told him frantically. I have no idea where he is.

Calm yourself, Sakura. I won't go down that easily.

Genbu sprang up behind him, but this time Kurama was ready. "Same old trick," he muttered.

Jumping off the ground, he dodged Genbu's stone fist from the front, and twisted in mid-air to avoid the tail from behind. But by the time he landed on all fours, Genbu had melted into the ground again.

Kurama gasped. The beast burst from the floor, inches from his face and he was forced to do some kind of gymnastic move to circumvent the attack.

Genbu retreated to the stones once more, laughing. "You'll never defeat me by just running away!"

Kurama closed his eyes with a smile. "Yes, Genbu. I believe you're right," With a flourish, he reached under his hair and behind his shirt. In his hand, he now held a perfect red rose.

"A...flower?" Yusuke asked weakly.

Kuwabara shook his head. "If he's trying to win the beast over, I don't think that's a good idea,"

Kurama held up the rose. "It's no ordinary flower,"

Sakura nudged Yusuke. "I'm pretty sure I saw something like that in Master Shinsuke's garden…"

Petals flowed from the rose. Kurama spun around in a circle. "Rose Whip!"

He swung the flower, which had indeed transformed into a long whip. Yusuke and Kuwabara looked awkwardly at the petals raining from seemingly nowhere.

"Well… everything's coming up roses?" Yusuke offered.

"It smells girly," Kuwabara complained. "I don't think I like it,"

"Oh sure," Yusuke rolled his eyes. "I guess he should be a tough guy like you and be obsessed with kittens,"

"Shut up!"

Do you want me to bring up your teddy bear phase, Yusuke?

Yusuke ground his teeth together at Sakura's threat. Don't you dare. I was only five you damn brat!

Meanwhile, on the battlefield, Genbu was unconcerned. "You still don't understand your problem. What good will a fancy whip do if you don't know where I am?"

"Yes, not being able to find you is a problem," Kurama agreed. But Sakura noticed his usual serene smile had turned into something a little more devious.

"You just can't be scared, can you?" Genbu grumbled. "Well, I'll soon change that!"

Kurama paused. "Found you!"

Genbu slipped from the ceiling. Kurama's whip slashed at him.

"It's over," Hiei smiled. "The thorns on Kurama's whip can slice through any substance, including solid stone,"

"Rose Whiplash!" Faster than the eye could see, Kurama swung his weapon in all directions. Genbu was cut to ribbons. Everyone gasped.

Kurama landed elegantly on his feet. Pieces of Genbu thudded all around him.

"How did you find me?" the beast's head demanded.

"Your smell," Kurama explained. "After filling the room with the rose's sweet aroma, your putrid odour was easy for me to find,"

"Well that's no fair. How come none of my fights can end that quick?" Yusuke grinned.

"They do when you fight Kuwabara," Sakura pointed out.

Yusuke's smile widened. "That's true, Squirt,"

"Shut up Urameshi! Kurama, you beat him in one blow!" Kuwabara cheered. "Now that's what I call a whip!"

"You idiots," Hiei scoffed. "It only looked easy because Kurama was the one fighting. If you had fought, you would've died in under a minute,"

Kuwabara raised a fist to Hiei. "Why does everything you say make me wanna bash your face in?! Listen," he proudly jerked a thumb towards himself. "I just happened to place third in Master Genkai's fighting tournament. The only ones who beat me were Yusuke and an evil monster!"

Hiei looked bored. "And what's your point?"

Kuwabara grabbed Hiei by the collar. "You little -! OW!"

"That's quite enough out of you," Sakura said calmly.

"Children! Would you mind saving it for the bad guys?" Yusuke said indignantly.

"Ok," Kuwabara grumbled. "But he started it!"

"I don't care who started it!" Sakura said loudly. "I'll finish it!"

Hiei got right in her face. "Is that so, little girl?" he said softly. "Just like you managed to protect your precious friend Keiko?"

Sakura froze.

Hiei noticed. He traced a finger lightly over her throat, exactly where it had been cut. "I'm surprised the knife didn't leave a scar on your pretty neck. You know, sometimes when I need a laugh, I think about the terror in your eyes that night at the warehouse. Do you remember?"

Sakura's hands were shaking. "I remember everything," she said quietly, refusing to take her eyes off Hiei. She felt ice cold all over.

Those red eyes...the knife…Keiko lying unconscious…

"You were so weak you couldn't even fight off a few of my puppets. How pathetic,"

Sakura's eyes flashed. "Then why did you save my life earlier if I'm so pathetic, short stack?!"

Before Hiei could answer, Yusuke stood between them. "Kura, walk away," he said firmly. "And Hiei, you so much as blink at my sister wrong and I'll pound your ass into the pavement, got it?"

"Hmph!" Hiei turned away.

Kurama touched Sakura's arm gently. "Sakura…"

She shook her head firmly. "Don't,"

Yusuke looked at Kurama. "I guess now we go up the stairs?"

Kurama glanced sideways. "It seems my fight is not over,"

Sure enough, the pieces of Genbu were vibrating, shuffling to reform into his whole self. The monster laughed and reattached his head.

"You can disassemble me all you like. I'll come back together every time. Actually, it makes for a very nice attack!" His hands, arms and head detached from his body and flew at Kurama.

"Rose Whiplash!" He sliced apart every single piece of rock, but they simply reformed into Genbu.

"Let's end this," Genbu growled. "How would you like to be stoned to death?" Like bullets from a gun, stone after stone fired themselves at Kurama, too fast for his whip to defend.

Sakura saw Kurama's eyes flicker towards a peculiar red glowing piece floating amongst the chaos. He flung himself to the floor, avoiding the missiles. The rocks gathered in a group above and rushed at him again. But this time instead of making an evasive move, Kurama stood up.

"What's he doing? He's going to get himself killed!" Yusuke yelled.

"No, I think he has an idea!" Sakura said.

Kurama raised his arms to defend his face and body from the rock. He reached forward, stretching out for that strange red stone.

"You're not even fighting back now!" Genbu laughed. "All those blows must have made you insane!"

Kurama looked back. He was laughing softly in triumph as Genbu began to reform himself.

"Yes, I'm sure of it," the stone beast continued. "You're laughing at nothing...wait, how did you get on the ceiling?"

For everything had turned upside down. Genbu had indeed reassembled himself, but he was completely mismatched. His head was now apparently on his crotch, and that was just the beginning. He looked so ridiculous, Sakura laughed. Yusuke and Kuwabara were doubled over in hysterics.

"What did you do to me?" Genbu roared, horrified.

Kurama held up the pulsing red object. "I took this,"

Sakura expected Genbu to know what had happened, but he seemed more shocked than anyone. "What's that?!"

"I believe this is the equivalent of the hypothalamus portion of the brain. It regulates all the functions of your body, including the process of putting them back together. It seems to relay an energy signal when you separate it, making it very easy to find,"

"You can't do this!" Genbu roared. "Give it back to me!"

Kurama tossed the red stone into the air. "Farewell," he said coldly, and with a crack of his rose whip, the rock was cut in two and Genbu exploded in a flash of light.

Kurama collapsed on the floor. Everyone ran over.

Yusuke got there first. "Are you ok?"

Hiei looked serious. "If Kurama is injured, we're going to have problems,"

"I'm sorry Yusuke," Kurama said softly.

"Nah, you've earned yourself a break," Yusuke waved it off.

"Yeah, I'll handle the next one!" grinned Kuwabara.

The five of them turned to the next staircase. There was only one way forward, and three more Saint Beasts awaited them.

Hey, uh, earth to Sakura! How does this thing actually work?

Sakura groaned internally. What is it, Kuwabara?

Oh, so if I want to talk to you, I just have to think. That's cool!

Don't abuse the privilege. Sakura warned. I can block you quite easily. Is there something you wanted?

Yeah, what were you and Hiei getting mad at each other for earlier? I feel like I'm missing something!

Sakura hesitated. Fine, but I'm only going to explain this once so you'd better pay attention.

I'm all ears, baby!

Uh, thanks. Two months ago, Hiei and Kurama were on the run from Spirit World after stealing some dark weapons. Yusuke's first case as Spirit Detective was to recover the items. We got two back, but Hiei had the third. So to get his hands on all three, he kind of… used me and Keiko.

WHAT? You mean that little punk brainwashed you?! Even Kuwabara's thoughts were capable of hysterical mood swings.

No, you idiot! Sakura was rapidly losing patience. It was nothing like that. He took us hostage to force Yusuke to hand the weapons over.

Woah, seriously?! That no good runt. I'll punch his damn teeth in!

No you will not! Sakura ordered. He'd probably just kill you. That's why I told you not to piss him off.

But I - !

Sakura stopped listening. "Boys, do you mind if I have a quick word with Kuwabara?"

"Uh, sure?" Yusuke looked confused.

Without a word, Sakura marched Kuwabara over to the corner and stood there looking at him with a terrifying glare. "You will not antagonise that demon. It happened to me, not you, and I don't like talking about it in the first place. I still have nightmares," she growled.

"Sakura, I…"

Sakura held up a hand. "You can trust Kurama, I know that much. But Hiei is dangerous, so drop it. I don't want to talk about it any further. If you really must know more details, ask Yusuke. Got it?"

Kuwabara shut his mouth and nodded. "Got it,"

"Good," Sakura stalked back to everyone else.

"Kura? What's going on?"

"If he asks you anything about what I just told him, fill him in when I'm not around," Sakura walked past them all and up the first few steps. "Well, are you coming or what? We still have three beasts to fight and I doubt you want me to take them all on,"

"Your sister's gotten kinda tough," Kuwabara muttered to Yusuke.

"Don't I know it," Yusuke admitted, watching Sakura's retreating back. "You should have seen that training session she and I had together with Genkai. You would have freaked,"

"Seriously?"

"Dead serious," Yusuke nodded.

"Yusuke, duck!" Sakura hurled her Spirit Blast across the room.

Genkai leapt aside. "Nice try, but I've already seen that attack, Missy!"

Sakura skidded slightly across the floor. Yusuke. You come at her from behind. I'll wait for an opening and come in from the front if you get her attention.

You got it, Kura. Yusuke grinned. "Take this Grandma!" He aimed a hard punch at Genkai, loaded with Spirit Energy. Sakura slid through his legs and went to knock Genkai's feet from underneath her.

Genkai whipped her head around. "Oh, so you think you can take me down that easily? I don't think so!" Genkai kicked Sakura's hand away then bent down and grabbed her arm with such force her Spirit Blast flickered out. "Let's see how you get out of this one!" She flung Sakura straight at the wall.

Concentrate!

Sakura focused her energy to the soles of her feet like Genkai had shown her, and she bounced off the wall, turned into a somersault, and landed next to Yusuke.

"Graceful," Yusuke smirked. "And since when are you so flexible?"

"Since Genkai started showing me how to expand my spirit energy throughout my body," Sakura explained. "Still early stages, but it's made me a lot more...agile!"

"Nice one," Yusuke clapped her on the back. "Keep it up and soon you'll be fighting with the rest of us!"

"Sakura has certainly grown since I saw her last," Kurama agreed. "I sense her Spirit Energy is nearly on par with yours, Yusuke. She still has much to learn, but I'm sure that we'll be in need of her before this mission is won,"

"You guys do realise I can still hear you, right?" Sakura called over her shoulder. But she smiled to herself.

Master Shinsuke had helped her harness her Spirit Power. In Genkai's compound, she'd learned the art of combat. Sakura knew there was a long way to go, but the beasts of Maze Castle would not be the end of her story. She was determined they would all get out alive.

A.N. I know Sakura hasn't done a huge amount yet in Maze Castle, but I promise it's coming. I had to really think about which beast she should fight and how that would play into Keiko/Botan's upcoming predicament. Still, what did you think about this chapter? Who do you think Sakura will/should fight? And did you like how she finally got to confront Hiei?

I'm still continuing this poll for the rest of Book 1. Book 2 will follow the Dark Tournament, and I want to know what you want to see.

Should Sakura be

a) A fighting member of Team Urameshi (current votes: 1)

b) supporting from the sidelines (current votes 0)

c) Both (current votes 6)

Please review if you liked this chapter.

Next chapter: The second Saint Beast appears!