A.N. Edit: (JUNE 2021) I finally got around to rewriting parts of this chapter. Honestly, I rushed it at the time and was never happy with how it turned out. The fight with Byakko isn't the most exciting, but I've done my best to change that.

Grimmjowlover314: Yeah, I really enjoyed writing that scene. There's still quite a bit to unpack with Sakura and Hiei. Stay tuned.

Damaged Forest Spirit: I would love to answer your question, but no matter what I say it will spoil some REALLY important upcoming plot points! So sorry, but for now my lips are sealed. All I can say is that things will be complicated. As for how the guys will handle Sakura wanting to fight, you'll find out soon.

Hina714: I'm so glad you enjoyed Sakura giving Hiei a piece of her mind. As for their relationship, it's going to be complex and really fun to write. As for Kurama, there's some sparks there for sure. But you'll have to keep reading to find out what will happen with them :) The third beast? Hmm ;)

hw0134160: They sure are adorable, aren't they? Kura and Kura might get a tad confusing haha. There's plenty of twists to come, don't worry. Your enthusiasm keeps me going, thanks hun x

ThoughtsOfTurmoil: Lucky you, another update. There's a lot I have planned for Sakura and her relationships with the other characters in the upcoming story arcs. Hiei and Sakura will definitely be hitting more curves as they navigate working together, but there might just be a few events that change both of their minds about each other...

Thankyou all so much for the reviews. Please keep them coming, I can't tell you how much it helps me keep going. Please follow, favourite and review if you're enjoying the story! Chapter 20 is coming soon.

Chapter 19

The four of them made it to the top of the stairs, and Sakura caught a glimpse of the sky outside for the first time since they'd entered the castle. The clouds alone were ominous enough. She half-expected to see forked lightning any second.

Kurama stopped for a moment and pressed his hand against the gash left from his fight with Genbu. He noticed Sakura's expression, and smiled.

It's alright, Sakura. There's no need to look so worried.

"Kurama, how terrible is that wound?" Yusuke asked seriously.

"Fine, as long as I can walk," Kurama replied carefully.

"He'll survive, but he's in no shape to fight," Hiei said. "That means we only have three, maybe four fighters left and one of them is useless,"

"Hey, don't be so hard on Kura, short stuff," Kuwabara glared.

Yusuke rolled his eyes. "Maybe I'm going out on a limb here, but I think he meant you,"

"Is that so?" Kuwabara put his hands on his hips. "Then maybe I should show you something!"

"Here we go," Sakura groaned.

Just what I need. These two practically comparing dick sizes while we're meant to be saving the city!

"What in the world do you think I was doing for the last two months while you were off training with Genkai? Letting you get better than me? Nuh-uh! SPIRIT SWORD!"

The familiar bright yellow-orange spirit energy flew from Kuwabara's hand. His energy had significantly climbed. Sakura could sense it. It was far beyond what he'd possessed during Genkai's challenge.

"Hey, watch where you're pointing that thing!" Sakura jumped back from Kuwabara's weapon.

"You see what I've learned, Urameshi?" Kuwabara bragged. "I don't got to use the tip of that wooden sword to make it work anymore," He giggled. "It's just my pure energy, and I'll bet it can kick the crap out of your Spirit Gun!"

"That depends on what finger I use," Yusuke growled and showed Kuwabara exactly which finger he meant.

Hiei looked pleased. "Well, as it turns out he's only partially worthless,"

"Ok, wanna die?!" Kuwabara pointed the blade at Hiei's smug face.

The demon smirked. "I dare you,"

The twins immediately jumped between them. "Kuwabara, what did I just tell you?" Sakura glared.

Kuwabara backed off, albeit reluctantly. "Yeah yeah, let him live. I'm pretty sure he'll be saying sorry after he sees what else I can do!"

He tilted the sword to the ceiling. "Sword, get long!"

At his words, the Spirit Sword expanded vertically, smashing right through the stone above.

"Wow, it even comes with a spear attachment," Yusuke muttered.

Kuwabara laughed with glee. "I can make it any size I want it to be. Isn't that neat, Kura?"

Sakura slapped him away. "Don't touch me with those hands,"

The Spirit Sword collapsed back into nothingness. Kuwabara was still beaming. "I know when Genbu showed up I got a little - what's the word? - freaked, but that's not going to happen from now on, my friends. Because Kuwabara's got the good stuff!"

Kuwabara's grand speech was interrupted as he stumbled slightly and fell.

Sakura immediately bent down to see if he was ok, but Kuwabara waved her off. "Don't worry guys. Sometimes the sword makes me a little dizzy,"

"You're not making us look good!" Yusuke hissed.

Kuwabara sat up. "See, Urameshi? With my manly power, there's no need for Kura to fight at all!"

"Well, I'd prefer to keep it that way for sure," Yusuke looked relieved.

"Excuse me!" Sakura said loudly as the communication mirror rang. "Don't I get a say in all this?!"

Yusuke ignored her and opened the compact. "What's the matter, Botan?"

Botan sprayed at a Makai insect hiding under a car, then again at a trio that had taken refuge on a wall.

"Listen, Yusuke. I think the Saint Beasts have launched another wave of insects. I've found a whole batch by an elementary school!"

"They're taking over kids now?" Yusuke sounded as disgusted as Sakura felt. "I thought you said these insects only liked to take over the minds of depressed people,"

"Well that's because depressed people are more easily influenced. The same is also true for children, but if the bugs get into them, I'm afraid…"

A shadow fell across Botan, and she looked up to see an infected human towering over her. She cried out and fell backwards. The look in the human's eyes indicated only one goal. Murder.

"Botan?" Sakura yelled. "Botan?!"

"Sorry Sakura. But I'm being chased by another infected human!" Botan ran into an alleyway, flung open the door of some abandoned building and slammed the door behind her. "I've knocked out all the other victims by sneaking up on them," she explained, breathing heavily.

A hand punched right through the door. Botan screamed. The infected human forced his way in and caught hold of Botan's hair. She twisted around and got him right in the eyes with her insect spray which forced him to let go. Without hesitation, Botan swung her bat as hard as she could and clocked him over the head.

"Wow, you got him!" Yusuke was astonished.

Botan dusted herself off. "Well I'm not making a career out of this. You go and destroy that whistle before I have to fight this entire city!"

Sakura shoved Kuwabara's head aside. "Botan, do you need me to come as backup?"

Botan shook her head firmly. "Not at this stage. The more fighters at Maze Castle, the quicker you'll get that whistle. They need you more than I do!"

Yusuke closed the mirror and realised Sakura was staring at him desperately.

"Yusuke, I don't know. I feel like Botan needs me in Living World,"

Yusuke gripped Sakura's hand tightly. "Squirt, you heard Botan. We need more people here to get our hands on the whistle,"

"But I've hardly done anything! If I was with her, at least I'd feel more useful,"

Yusuke shook his head firmly. "You're doing plenty just by being here. And I don't think I'd be able to fight properly if I was worried about you the whole time,"

Sakura locked eyes with her brother. "Then you have to let me at least help you fight these beasts,"

"Very funny, little girl!"

Sakura looked up sharply. "What was that?!"

Not just the ground, but the entire castle began shaking. A deafening roar caused Sakura to cover her ears.

"I don't know what kind of monster makes that sound, but I got a hunch it's our next enemy," Kuwabara said.

The monster roared again.

"It's Byakko!" gasped Kurama. "And he doesn't sound very pleased!"

Yusuke took hold of Sakura's wrist. "Let's go!"

The five of them ran through the collapsing hallway, up a flight of stairs and outside to the rooftop.

Sakura's knees went weak. "Oh God… he's gigantic,"

At the other end of the roof stood a hideous tiger-like monster, covered with blue-grey fur striped with black. His fangs dripped with saliva and the smallest flick of his tail left noticeable dents in the ground. He was larger than Genbu and looked even less friendly.

"Intruders will pay for coming this far into my territory!" Byakko snarled.

"Pity they don't have him in a zoo," Yusuke muttered, stepping closer to his sister. Kura, stay back. This guy is bad news.

Sakura nodded briefly. I'd say it'll take more than just one fighter to bring him down. Do you think you can stomach working alongside Hiei?

Hiei looked almost excited. "I'll go," he smirked.

"Back off! Didn't I say I'd take the next one?" Kuwabara snapped. He started walking towards Byakko, but stopped when the monster growled again.

"Do not think you're dominant because you tore apart Genbu! He was WEAK!" Byakko spat contemptuously. "He could talk to the demons in the city by prowling through the castle wall. That is why we didn't kill him ourselves. But I'm a real beast. I have been caged in this place for too long. Without prey, without bones, without blood! Until now,"

His face looked crazed. "Humans! I will rip you apart and eat you myself!"

Byakko surveyed the group. "So, Spirit World sends two tiny human boys, an even tinier human girl, and a pair of traitors to fight us. What an insult," His gaze flitted between the two demons. "Hiei… Kurama… I will shred your bodies!"

The beast roared again at Krakatoan volume. Sakura didn't know if it was related or not, but either way the ground below them began to crumble.

"Look out!" Sakura dragged Yusuke away from the edge. All that remained was a precariously slim bridge to where Byakko waited menacingly.

"Apparently, this guy likes breaking things with the sound of his own voice," Yusuke grumbled.

Kuwabara was growing angrier. "Monster!" he hissed. "He thinks he's so tough!"

Yusuke gripped his friend's shoulder. "Kuwabara…!"

"Stop it!" Kuwabara shoved him off.

"Kuwabara, is this really a good idea?" Sakura asked hesitantly.

"Of course it is, Kura. You'll see. Kuwabara will take him down!"

To say Hiei sounded skeptical would have been a very generous description. "You really think you can beat him?"

Kuwabara glared at him. "Well of course, half-pint! In fact, I'm not scared at all!"

Yusuke snorted. "So I guess your legs are shaking out of eagerness?"

"LEAVE ME ALONE URAMESHI! I'M JUST SCARED OF HEIGHTS!"

Byakko looked appraisingly at his approaching opponent. "You don't believe you can overpower me with just one human, do you?!" His left eye twitched.

Yusuke, we may have to step in. Sakura warned.

He had his eyes on Kuwabara. I might be, but there's no way I'm letting you fight this freak! Don't move from this spot, got it?

Kuwabara had reached the beast. He struck a pose that would have been very funny if not for the seriousness of the situation. "Let's fight, Byakko monster!"

Byakko threw back his head and roared with laughter. "Oh please, I can't stay angry if you make me laugh,"

"I'm serious. Come down here so I can knock your lights out!" Kuwabara yelled rashly.

Kuwabara, for God's sake! I think you'll need to do more than just punch this oversized tiger! Sakura told him.

Kuwabara turned back. "Get out of my head, Kura!" he snapped. "I can win this on my own without your little mind-reading thing!"

Byakko paused and looked at Sakura with interest. "What's that?" he said thoughtfully. "Does the female have a useful ability?"

"Hey, I'm the one you're fighting, not her!" Kuwabara grumbled. "I don't need Kura's help, or anyone else's!"

"You said mind-reading before…" Byakko almost purred. "What is your power, human girl? Could it be that you are a telepath?"

Sakura opened her mouth, but Yusuke pushed her behind him. "That's none of your business, freak!" he spat. "My sister has nothing to do with you!"

Byakko's eyes sparkled. "Your anger is the only confirmation I needed," he laughed. "Suzaku should know about this. Murugu, go inform the Master at once,"

For the first time, the group noticed a bright green bird with a mane of violet hair perched on the nearby castle turret.

"Of course, Byakko," she squeaked in a bubblegum soprano voice. She fluttered into the air, but quickly swooped down to get a closer look at Sakura. "Ooh, are these twins I see? Very interesting,"

Sakura swatted her hand at the bird. "What's it to you?"

Murugu giggled. "Not to me, but I'm sure Suzaku will be fascinated!" And she flounced off towards the tower. "Oh, Suzaku!"

Sakura watched the bird vanish with a pounding heart. Why did they seem so interested in her mind-power?

"Yusuke, I have no idea who that bird is or what she meant by Suzaku, but I'm guessing it's not a good thing!" she whimpered.

Yusuke pulled Sakura closer. Don't leave my side, got it? I am not having a repeat of Hiei.

"Now, back to you," Byakko delicately plucked four strands of hair from his tattered mane. He blew a gust of air on them, and for reasons nobody could explain or understand, from the hairs dropped four terrifying green creatures around Kuwabara.

Well, I guess he wasn't joking about the hair! The boy thought in a panic.

"My doppelgänger beasts!" Byakko explained with a sneer. "They'll slowly tear you to pieces!"

One creature lunged at Kuwabara, raking his massive claws over the boy's chest.

"Kuwabara!" Sakura and Yusuke cried out together.

Kuwabara struggled to his feet. "That was a freebie!" he glared. "Spirit Sword!"

"Ah, so you can use your Spirit Energy as a weapon!" Byakko sniffed. "Very impressive. But I'm afraid it won't aid in your survival for very long!"

The scene devolved into a chaotic blur as the beasts charged Kuwabara at once. Kuwabara was slashing his sword in all directions, but they had him surrounded.

"Most amusing," Suzaku chuckled. "He is obviously unskilled with a blade. This boy has no chance at all,"

Murugu appeared at the window. "Oh Suzaku!" she sang. "I'm back!"

"What do you want, Murugu?" Suzaku sighed. "This better be important,"

"Oh, it is!" Murugu trilled. She flew over and parked herself on Suzaku's shoulder.

"Look," she giggled. "See that human girl? The one with black hair?"

Suzaku frowned. "There is only one human girl down there, Murugu. Try to keep up,"

The bird shook it off. "Well, it's not one hundred percent confirmed, but we do believe that she might be a telepath,"

"A telepath?" Seiryu's interest piqued. "Master, just imagine!"

Suzaku smiled thoughtfully. "What makes you so sure the girl has such a rare gift?"

"That orange-haired blockhead let it slip," Murugu laughed. "Her brother wasn't happy about it, either,"

"Brother?" Suzaku repeated. "Could this girl be the Spirit Detective's sister?"

The bird hovered in front of the crystal ball. "Having seen them up close, I can see they're actually twins. And he seems to be very protective of her,"

Suzaku took a long look at the teenage girl. "I confess I didn't take much notice of her at first," he said softly. "But my, she is quite a pretty thing. Don't you think so, Seiryu?"

"Tch. Perhaps, as far as humans go," Seiryu almost snorted.

"This could be promising…" Suzaku paused. He was lost in thought. This human girl could very well be what they needed. But first, he had to be sure.

Seiryu's eyes glittered. "Master, perhaps we should bring her here for further questioning,"

"Not yet," Suzaku shook his head. "Murugu, you must gather more information about Yusuke Urameshi, and his sister. Until then, we shall simply observe. A decision must not be made hastily,"

Laughing, Murugu took her leave out the window. "I'll be back soon!"

"He has no strategy," Hiei scoffed. "He's just swinging his sword with the grace of a fly swatter. That's no way to survive,"

"Thank you Captain Obvious!" Sakura growled. She was trying to break into Byakko's head, but as she'd suspected, it mustn't work on beasts.

Kuwabara collapsed to his knees. He had several tears in his jacket from the beasts and bruises on his face.

Sakura was getting desperate. Kuwabara, I can't use tsunagu on these things. Please, let Yusuke and I help you!

I thought I told you to stay out of my head, Kura! I can take care of -

"NO!" Sakura yelled. Kuwabara had been distracted by her, and subsequently was being mauled by all four beasts at once.

Yusuke looked agonised. "Kuwabara! Let me take them instead! I know you want to fight this one, but there's way too many of those things to swing a sword at. My shotgun blast just makes more sense, ok?"

"He's right, Kuwabara. A ranged attack is much better than your sword!" Sakura cried.

Her eyes were filled with tears. He'd gotten hurt, because of her…

All four beasts continued to leap around Kuwabara, snarling and snapping their jaws. He couldn't last much longer.

Byakko was watching the scene with delight. "If you're going to take the time to switch, you might as well all fight me at once. After all, nothing gives me more pleasure than a big group kill!"

"Stay right there!" Kuwabara whirled around and glared at the rest of his team. "I'm not stopping unless Byakko comes and kills me himself. And if you come up here, I swear I'll turn this sword on you!" he said darkly.

Byakko's eyes widened along with his smile. "If that's your choice of death, then fine. Beasts, you may now tear off his arms and legs and divide them amongst yourselves. But leave the body for me so I can finish him,"

"SHUT IT YOU SICK FREAK!" Sakura roared at him. Yusuke caught her arm in warning.

Kuwabara threw the beasts aside once more. "Sorry monsters, but you can't. Genkai just fixed these arms and I'm not breaking them again!"

Yusuke took a few steps onto the narrow bridge. "Kuwabara, don't be a jackass! Switch with me!" he bellowed. "Your sword isn't enough to take them out!

Kuwabara paused. His eyes darted to the bridge. "He's right!" He turned and made a beeline for the path, with the four monsters in hot pursuit.

Byakko stared, then laughed. "Ha! Lost your nerve? Flee back to your companions, then. But it's no use. The beasts will devour them all!"

Kuwabara had nearly reached the rest of the group. He looked at Byakko with a small smile. "Who in the world said anything about escaping?"

Sakura looked up. "What does he mean?"

"Sword, get longer!" Kuwabara aimed at the creatures who were now perfectly queued up along the bridge. "EAT THIS!"

The spirit sword expanded rapidly and rammed straight through the mouth of the first beast. In a chain reaction, it sliced through the three creatures behind, stopping them in their tracks.

Everyone stared in amazement. Sakura slapped a hand over her mouth.

"Hah! They fell for it! I lured these suckers over the bridge so I could skewer them!" Kuwabara grinned.

"Nice work!" Yusuke cheered.

Hiei laughed. "Yes, he actually did something clever,"

"Watch it, Hiei," Kuwabara glowered. "No use getting jealous of me just 'cause I'm good!"

Byakko growled. "Those beasts are still a part of me, and even though they're chained up doesn't mean they can't chase you down. They just need more energy!"

Still connected, the four beasts raced forward and forced Kuwabara to run in circles around the turret the group had exited from.

"Do you think he knows it's a circle?" Hiei questioned dryly, but Sakura grinned when she realised what Kuwabara was really doing.

"HA!" Kuwabara reached 360 degrees. There were now two ends to his spirit energy. Like greased lightning, he seized them both and tied them together, immobilising the beasts from being any further threat.

Hiei, Kurama, Yusuke and Sakura were all speechless, but Byakko was ropeable.

"That's a little move I like to call the Spirit Sword Monster Beast Donut!" Kuwabara said proudly.

"Idiot," sighed Hiei.

"I think Monster Beast Donut is a perfect name," Kurama said.

Sakura wiped her eyes and smiled. "That was awesome, Kuwabara."

Yusuke laughed and turned to Byakko. "Excuse me sir, I don't like this one. You got chocolate with sprinkles?"

Byakko's face was beyond livid. "I don't believe this. My own prey mocks me? I will not tolerate that!"

"Hah! You'd best get ready to tolerate a lot more, you poor excuse for a cat!" Kuwabara shouted back.

Byakko began howling at ear-splitting levels. "Now you've made me VERY mad!"

The turret they'd come through vanished along with the beasts circled around it. There was no way to go now but through Byakko.

Yusuke already had a tight hold on Sakura. "Kura, whatever you do, don't move!"

Kuwabara brushed some dust from his shoulder. "Tear up the castle however you want," He was already striding towards the tiger. "It doesn't change the fact that your little monsters are beat, and you're about to be next,"

Byakko slammed his fist to the ground. "Stupid human! I am the White Tiger Byakko, one of the four Saint Beasts and the greatest predator who ever lived!"

"Yeah, yeah. I think you said that already. And I'm Kuwabara, so let's go!"

Byakko sprang from his position and landed in front of Kuwabara. Sakura recoiled. It was clear that none of the five of them would so much as reach his knee.

"I'll warn you right now that your sword is completely useless. If that's your only weapon, you don't stand a chance against me!"

Kuwabara ran towards him, sword out. "Well I'm sorry if I don't believe you!"

He sliced across Byakko's body. The tiger growled and slammed his gigantic fist at Kuwabara who jumped out of the way onto the slightly raised platform Byakko had been standing on before. With a yell, Kuwabara jumped and brought his weapon crashing down onto the beast again.

"Could he actually win this?" Sakura breathed.

Kurama shook his head. "Something's wrong,"

"Yes," Hiei agreed. "Try looking closely at the two fighters. Kuwabara may be scoring the hits, but he's the one who's wearing out,"

The twins looked at the battle and gasped. Kuwabara's breathing had become shallow, laboured. He was hunched over slightly as if in pain.

What's going on? Sakura heard Kuwabara's confusion. "I'm about to collapse here and he's not even breathing hard. And I'm doing all the attacking! Wait a minute…"

Sakura cried out. "Am I seeing things, or did Byakko just get bigger?"

It was true. Byakko was growing larger at such a rate the little fabric left on his body tore to rags.

"Now I see!" Kurama stood next to Sakura. "Look down at the sword,"

"What the?" Kuwabara yelped. "My sword's shrunk!

"Kurama, what's happening to him?" Sakura asked sharply.

"In proportion to Byakko's increase. He's stealing Kuwabara's energy!"

The tiger laughed in triumph. "You finally caught me! I've been feeding off every slash of your sword,"

Kuwabara was getting weaker. There wasn't much fight left in him, but still he stood and forced his sword to grow again.

"Kuwabara, are you crazy?!" Yusuke yelled, already holding Sakura back. "Hit him again and he'll only get bigger. Don't be stupid!"

Byakko smiled down at his prey, but Kuwabara was already prepping his next attack. "Nothing's going to make me stop fighting now, no matter how big he gets!"

With a shout, Kuwabara propelled his blade straight into Byakko's mouth.

"I can't watch anymore!" Sakura covered her eyes, but she couldn't block out the sounds of Kuwabara's yells, the crackling of his sword and Byakko's laughter.

Finally the sound of the spirit energy died out, and Sakura heard Kuwabara fall over with a thud.

"Thanks," Byakko patted his bulging stomach. "You had more spirit energy on your bones than I thought. Eating all of it nearly got me full!"

Kuwabara forced himself to look up. "I'm… not done," Somehow, he managed to produce a small amount of spirit energy, though it was more of a spirit knife than a sword. "I dare you to come closer!"

Byakko snorted. "You can't even stand anymore. You're nothing but a wounded animal!" He kicked Kuwabara across the ground.

Sakura buried her head in her hands. "It can't end like this. It just can't!"

"No," Kurama said quietly. "There is a way,"

"Well then say it!" Yusuke hissed.

"Byakko's body stopped expanding halfway through that attack," Kurama explained. "That indicates vulnerability,"

Sakura looked up. "He has a weakness?"

"Don't get their hopes up, Kurama," Hiei sighed.

Kurama didn't look away. "I am simply saying there is a chance,"

"Yes, Kurama. Maybe if you were the one fighting. But that fool will never be able to see it!"

Byakko lifted Kuwabara high off the ground. "You said you wanted to die?"

A single punch sent Kuwabara flying, but again he managed to sit up. Sakura squeezed her eyes shut and concentrated. She could definitely feel the shift, but did anyone else?

Kuwabara, listen! Can you feel that?!

Sakura? I thought I told you… Wait, I can feel his energy acting all weird. Like it's straining just to stay inside of him. Like he doesn't have enough space for it all!

Exactly! I think you may have an opening. You just have to time it right!

"In the end, you'll get exactly what you asked for. Remember that when I claw you into shreds!" The beast was upon him.

"No, I got something else on my mind," With a yell, Kuwabara raised his spirit power as much as possible. The sword reappeared in his hand almost at full size, and he plunged it straight into Byakko's belly. Byakko paused. He stumbled backwards, shaking.

Kuwabara chuckled. "Looks like it worked,"

"What worked?" Byakko demanded, clutching his stomach.

Kuwabara sat up. "It's like my sister always says: it's not good to eat too much food in one sitting!"

"Sister, huh?" Yusuke glanced at Sakura with a knowing smile. "That explains a lot,"

Byakko's body was swelling grotesquely. Spirit Energy was beginning to explode out of him. There was a loud explosion and the tiger beast tumbled off the tower into the chasm below.

As soon as the coast was clear, Sakura hurried to Kuwabara's side. "Kuwabara, you did it!"

"Quiet, Kura!" Kuwabara was apparently gasping for air. "I'm trying to concentrate. I have to breathe in the guy's fumes. It's filled with my spirit energy,"

"Actually, your energy returned automatically," Kurama said helpfully.

"Oh, uh, well you can never be too safe, right?" Kuwabara stammered.

Sakura lowered her eyes. "I am so sorry, Kuwabara. I distracted you and you got hurt because of me," her shoulders started shaking. She swiped a hand across her watery eyes.

Kuwabara looked at her in surprise. "What are you talking about, Kura? Don't cry!"

"Kura? What's wrong?" Yusuke looked concerned.

Kurama appeared. "Leave her to me," Kurama lifted Sakura to her feet. He led her slightly away from everyone else. "Sakura, listen to me. You cannot keep blaming yourself like this. It will only distract you in battle,"

"But I…"

Kurama pressed a finger to her lips. "Enough," he said firmly. "I know what you're thinking, and it's wrong. Your mind power is a gift, not a curse. Koenma happened to mention that you've been training with Master Shinsuke. Don't forget all you've learned,"

Without meaning to, without even thinking about what she was doing, Sakura rested her head on Kurama's well-muscled chest. His hand gently stroked up and down her back. She liked the way he felt. Warm, comforting and strong at the same time. "Thank you," she whispered.

Kurama ran a hand down the side of her face, coming to rest under her chin. "You are so much stronger than you seem to realise," he said softly.

"If you two don't mind, we have more work to do!" Yusuke growled.

Sakura backed away, pink in the face. "S-sorry," she mumbled.

A grin spread across Suzaku's face. "Well, it seems Byakko was right about the human girl," he observed. "She is indeed a telepath. The only question is how adept her power is. If she is a weakling, there is no point in acquiring her abilities,"

"What shall we do, Master?" Seiryu asked quietly. "There is still much we don't know, and Murugu has not returned,"

Suzaku smiled. "It's alright, Seiryu. First, let us see the girl's abilities put to the test,"

He gazed into the crystal ball at the dark-haired teenager.

Such a delicate little thing. She would be quite the jewel in my collection.

The communication mirror began to ring. "Yusuke, this is Botan. Do you copy?"

"Sure," Yusuke said.

Kuwabara sat up eagerly. "Hey, tell her I said hi!"

Botan slumped against the wall. "How are things in Maze Castle? Please tell me you've defeated three out of the four Saint Beasts by now!"

"What? Are you crazy Botan?" Yusuke said indignantly. "We've barely beaten two. These guys aren't easy,"

"I understand Yusuke, but that's not fast enough. The city is losing its grip. The mayor declared a riot alert, thinking these people are just insane,"

Sakura took a breath and spoke up. "Botan, I really think I should come back and help you,"

"No, you need to stay there, Sakura -" Botan looked up. Another possessed human was nearly upon her. She blasted her bug spray in his eyes, took a spin kick and knocked him down. "Sorry about that, everyone. As you can see I've been busy here too,"

Kuwabara had gotten to his feet. "See you later Botan!"

"She hung up, stupid," Yusuke rolled his eyes. "You can't be too injured if you're still flirting," his eyes flashed in the direction of Sakura, who looked away.

"Well, shall we go?" Kurama said pleasantly.

The ground began to shake. A horribly familiar roar began to echo from somewhere below.

"Don't tell me," groaned Yusuke.

"He's alive. Hurry, it's collapsing!" Kurama led the way off the platform they were standing on and towards the castle tower as the stones crumbled.

Byakko's disembodied voice taunted them. "So, human. You've proven to be quite worthy prey,"

"Hey, aren't you dead yet?" Kuwabara asked out loud.

"Ha! Very much alive! And to reward your streak, I'm inviting you into my lair. My Room of Hell,"

"Sounds delightful," Sakura muttered.

"What if we say no?" Kurama said fiercely.

Byakko laughed. "Then the human girl will pay the price. I don't think you want to say no,"

Sakura balled up her fists. "Why don't you say that to my face, you overgrown hairball?!"

Kuwabara placed a hand on Sakura's arm. "Lead the way, Byakko," He was grinning. "I'll go wherever you want,"

Yusuke appeared beside Sakura. Kura, what did Fox Boy say to you just now?

What about it? Sakura felt her face grow hot. He was just giving me some advice, is all! Besides, it's none of your business!

Kura… Yusuke hesitated. Are you sure you're ok?

At the end of the hallway was a huge brass door which slid open. Inside was a deadly glow that usually preceded fire, and blazing heat that hit them in the face.

"Oh that's great," sighed Yusuke. "Now we're walking into a preheated oven,"

The five of them walked through the small tunnel and entered a room that seemed to have come straight out of a video game.

Sakura scoured the area. It was filled with lava that stretched across the cavern. Peppered throughout were small stone platforms, strategically placed a distance apart.

"Give me a break!" Yusuke jumped. "I guess Room of Hell wasn't just a clever name,"

Kuwabara ripped off a piece of his already torn jacket and tossed it into the bubbling lava, where it instantly disintegrated.

"We better not fall into that, guys," Kuwabara said nervously.

"A fine view, isn't it?" Byakko was holding court on the largest platform in the dead centre of the room. "This is my private chamber. I come here to… play," He was practically licking his lips.

Kuwabara gasped. "No way! He's back to normal!"

"Monster, you piss me off!" Yusuke growled.

Sakura began edging out of Yusuke's reach. She'd had enough of sitting on the sidelines.

"As you've already discovered, this room is filled with lava that will melt anything it touches," Byakko smiled. "So, does anyone have the courage to come and challenge me?"

"You bet I do, circus freak!" Yusuke yelled. "You think you've got so much power?!"

Kuwabara laid a hand on his shoulder. "Leave him to me, Urameshi,"

"I'm in too!"

The four boys turned in time to see Sakura leap from the edge. She turned a somersault in midair and landed in a crouched position on the nearest platform.

Yusuke pinched himself. "KURA, YOU GET THE HELL BACK HERE RIGHT NOW, GOT IT?!"

Kuwabara slapped himself across the face. "Nope, I'm not dreaming. SAKURA, HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND?!"

Sakura turned and winked at the gobsmacked crowd she'd left behind. "Can't let you boys have all the fun, can I?"

Kurama seemed at a loss for words. "What do you think you're doing, Sakura?"

Hiei began to laugh. "So, the insufferable girl has finally snapped. This should be quite entertaining,"

Byakko stared at his petite challenger. From his perspective, she may as well have been a porcelain doll.

"You're either extremely brave or very foolish, human girl,"

Sakura shrugged. "A little from Column A, a little from Column B. This is just a real life game of The-Floor-Is-Lava, and I slayed that when Yusuke and I were kids,"

The sound of furious screaming from behind drew Sakura's attention. She looked over to see Kuwabara struggling to contain a nearly hysterical Yusuke.

"KURA, WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU? GET BACK HERE THIS INSTANT AND STOP SCREWING AROUND, YOU DAMN BRAT!"

"No," Sakura said coolly. Yusuke, you need to trust me, ok? I have a plan, and I'll need Kuwabara's help. Send him out here!

Byakko rolled his eyes. "Whatever. I have no time for you. Send the swordsman out. He and I have a very pressing score to settle,"

"What a delightful idea," Sakura smiled calmly into the tiger's face. "How about I make you an offer: You take me and Kuwabara on, and we kick your furry ass. Sounds good? If you somehow manage to beat us, you'll take two birds with one stone,"

Byakko paused and seemed to consider what Sakura had said. "Very well. Two against one should be sufficient to keep me from getting bored,"

"I'm coming, Sakura! Don't be afraid!" Kuwabara glared at Byakko. "This time, I'm beating you up in ways that fat can't even fix!"

"There's no need to push yourself," Hiei said unexpectedly. "You have fought well enough. Now let Yusuke take over the battle so you can heal in the small chance that we need you later!"

Kuwabara looked more determined than ever. "I'm sorry Hiei, but I just don't think I can do that. See, I got this thing called a code, and it says no matter how ugly a fight gets, I always finish it. Even if it means risking my life,"

Hiei rolled all three eyes. "Tch. A human with an honour code,"

"You can't argue with the guy. He's like a mule," Yusuke said flatly.

Kurama smiled. "He's almost as stubborn as you, but I think Sakura wins in this contest,"

"Just get out here already, you dolt! I haven't got all day!" Sakura snapped.

Sakura! Yusuke was angry enough to use her full name. There is no way in hell you can fight this freak. Let me do it! You'll get yourself killed and I can't watch that!

No, Yusuke. I won't. He'll never touch me. I know how we can beat him. In fact, you were the one who showed me how to do it.

Byakko smiled hungrily at Sakura. "Ready to die, human girl?"

Sakura smiled back. "Bring it on, kitty,"

A.N. Did you see that coming? What do you think? Will Kuwabara be ok with fighting alongside Sakura? What's her plan to beat Byakko? Will Yusuke ever forgive her for this move? Let me know your thoughts!

I've moved my poll on the Dark Tournament to my profile, so please go there and vote, even if you've done so in a review. It's much easier to keep track of all thoughts that way.

Please review if you enjoyed this chapter. The next chapter is coming very soon.

Next chapter: Sakura is about to fight Byakko alongside Kuwabara, and Yusuke's not happy!