A.N. Reading over Chapter 19 after it was published, I can see now that it was rushed, and not up to the standard it could and should have been. I'm sincerely sorry for that. Therefore I've taken more time with Chapter 20, and I will continue to do so from now on to give you all the quality I think the story and the readers deserve. I hope you like this one, and I promise I've learned my lesson.

(June 2021 Edit: Chapter 19 has been significantly edited)

Grimmjowlover314: Yes, they are very overprotective of each other, but this chapter might just change that dynamic slightly. Hope you like it! :)

Hina714: I wrote and rewrote this one a number of times, and I truly hope it meets your expectations. Sakura does a LOT in this chapter.

Damaged Forest Spirit: I'm glad you liked it! When writing that I honestly thought he'd be more amused than anything. But Hiei's in for quite the surprise for what happens next. Kurama has his own feelings about the situation, but he might not be able to say it all here at Maze Castle. Perhaps the Dark Tournament will allow them more time? ;) And Hiei, well let's just say he has his own reasons that will be revealed in due time, so keep reading.

hw0134160: I'm so sorry to hear you've had a bad week, but I'm thrilled that you find Sakura's story a proper mood-booster. It means more to me than I can express. Yusuke panics because he loves his sister so much, but Sakura's getting quite tired of it, and might just need to say something after facing Byakko. And what will happen when she meets the Toguro brothers? Hmmm... ;) I'm working on Chapter 21 now.

I love that line from Hiei too. I will ALWAYS add those little moments in. Please keep reviewing, you are an amazing human.

NightlyRowenTree and Encantada the Maiden: Thankyou so much and welcome aboard. Sakura and I are so happy you've joined us.

Please keep the reviews coming both positive and constructive criticism. All feedback helps me immensely.

I don't own YYH, just my OCs

Chapter 20

Another energy blast shot towards Sakura. She threw herself aside, but not quite fast enough. Genkai's attack grazed her right leg and she cried out.

The old woman walked towards her. "Still too slow. What good is strength if you can't catch your opponent, or evade them? Pathetic,"

Sakura breathed deeply, trying to push past the pain. "Doesn't that kind of thing take years of training?"

"For humans, yes. But you have something in your arsenal. Your Spirit Energy can pick up the slack,"

"Then tell me what to do," Sakura's eyes burned with determination.

Genkai began pacing. "You need to learn how to regulate your spirit energy throughout your entire body. Sending it to where it's needed. But I warn you, it's not easy,"

"What is easy? That's why I'm here, isn't it? At least let me try!"

"Alright Missy. I'm guessing Master Shinsuke showed you how to visualise your energy and push it outwards to reach into someone's mind?"

Sakura nodded.

"This is similar. Focus on your energy. Visualise it. See it flowing through your entire being. Push it downwards and let it move you. The stronger you get, the further you'll go. Let's focus on crossing the length of this room for a start,"

"Have you surrendered already?" Byakko snarled to Kuwabara.

"Shut up, I'm coming, you impatient hairball!" Kuwabara jumped off the ledge away from everyone else and landed on the platform Sakura was standing on. But just as his foot connected, the stone crumbled beneath him and he began to fall.

Kuwabara managed to grab hold of the edge. Sakura moved forward and used her spirit energy to help haul him up.

"I don't want to die, I don't want to die, I don't want to die…" Kuwabara whimpered.

Sakura socked him in the shoulder. "You're not going to die so get ahold of yourself!"

"Kuwabara!" Yusuke hollered. "Hey! Are you sure you don't want me to tag in?"

"Shut up, Urameshi! I'm completely on top of this. I just got distracted because it's so hot in here!" Kuwabara stripped off his coat and turned to Sakura. "You go back to Yusuke now. I can handle Byakko,"

Sakura looked at him fiercely. "No! I won't go back. I'm helping you whether you like it or not,"

"But Sakura, you're like, super tiny! You can't take this guy on!"

Sakura raised a fist. "You want another smack in the mouth? I want us to work together, ok?"

Kuwabara's eyes widened in understanding. "Is that right?"

Squirt, I don't know what you're thinking or why. Yusuke was still frantically trying to change her mind. But risking your life isn't the way to go about this! Please, come back!

Yusuke. Sakura replied firmly. I made the choice. Will you please calm down and let me try?

Kuwabara charged up his Spirit Sword. "So, what's the plan?"

It's safer if I talk to you telepathically, ok? Sakura kept her eyes on Byakko, taking stock of her options. I want you to focus on making your spirit sword as strong as possible and try to get me an opening.

"I don't know, Sakura," Kuwabara muttered out of the corner of his mouth. "If he gets hold of you, you're history!"

Sakura grinned and crouched down lower. Her Spirit Energy was already gathering in her legs and feet. "He has to catch me first,"

Byakko hadn't moved from his perch.

"I'm ready to fight now," Kuwabara declared. "Come claw at me whenever you want, Byakko!"

The tiger laughed. "Actually, I was planning to use a different kind of attack this time,"

Byakko spread his arms and began to power up. Black sparks of energy seemed to be sparking around him. He clutched at his throat. A bright light gathered in his monstrous mouth.

The beast coughed. A massive ball of blazing green power crackling with black sparks came flying at Sakura and Kuwabara.

"So it does exist," Hiei said quietly.

Kuwabara held his sword in position. "You'll have to do better than that! With my good old Spirit Sword, I can knock that baby out of the ballpark into your face!"

Kurama shouted a warning. "No! You mustn't touch it! Get away!"

"MOVE!" Sakura jumped towards another platform, using her Spirit Energy to propel herself higher. She tumbled through the air and landed next to Kuwabara who looked extremely shocked. Byakko's attack obliterated the area they'd just been standing on.

"Hey, my jacket!" Kuwabara whined.

"Be thankful it wasn't you!" Sakura hissed.

The gravelly laugh of Byakko echoed around the cavern. "You like it? I call it my Tiger Scream. Everything it touches transforms into a pile of ashes,"

Kuwabara gulped. "Sakura, go back. I'm serious,"

"No way," Sakura answered. "I'm staying right here,"

On the platform, Hiei was watching solemnly. "For years, I have heard of a fighter who could destroy molecular bonds with the vibrations of his voice. I never thought I'd meet him,"

"So does that mean neither of them can use their spirit attacks on it?" Yusuke's voice was shaking.

"No," Hiei confirmed. "The sword would cause a chain reaction that would destroy his entire spirit. Your sister's Spirit Blast may have a chance, though I doubt the girl is powerful enough or smart enough to figure that out,"

Yusuke fumed. "Don't knock Kura like that. She's tougher than you think!"

Hiei didn't look at him. "Says the fool who's been screaming for her to stay back since day one,"

Yusuke stopped dead. Hiei was right. From the minute he'd become a Spirit Detective, he'd done nothing but try to keep his sister away from fighting despite having seen for himself how much stronger she'd gotten. Hadn't they both trained with Genkai? And she hadn't told him much about her lessons with Master Shinsuke. Who knew what she'd been learning?

Was his overprotectiveness a shackle around her neck? Is that why she was now out on the battlefield without fear?

Kura, I'm sorry if I've done something to make you feel like you had to prove anything. He told her. We can deal with that later. First, kick this guy's ass. I know you can.

Sakura's heart swelled. Thanks, bro. The second I'm in danger, you'll be the first one I call to for help.

Byakko glared at the two fighters. "All you can do now is run!"

Kuwabara, go the opposite way to me! Sakura flung herself into the air to the platform on her right as another Tiger Scream hurtled towards her.

Kuwabara went to the left, dodging every blast Byakko sent his way. Sakura, what do we do now?

Another energy ball caught Kuwabara off guard. He almost didn't dodge it in time.

Stay focused! It's harder for him to aim at two targets! Sakura did a kind of turn in mid-air to evade the latest hit.

Byakko focused his efforts on Kuwabara, who was beginning to falter. "Had enough?" he howled. Sharp blades protruded from his paw. "Tiger claw!"

Just in time, Sakura saw what he planned to do. The Tiger Claw was heading straight for Kuwabara.

"Kuwabara, look out!" she yelled.

The boy nearly stumbled off his platform, but managed not to get hit. He grinned defiantly at the tiger beast. "You ain't so bad!"

Byakko looked both of them, visibly stunned. "You surprise me. Fighting despite your frail human bodies. Especially you, girl. No female has the courage to see a battle through!"

Sakura raised an eyebrow. "That's the best you've got? 'Fraid those kinds of petty sexist remarks won't do much good on me,"

Byakko growled. "Then you'll die first, human girl,"

Sakura took up her stance and faced her opponent. "Trying to distract me with insults? That's not going to work,"

Genkai flung Sakura across the room. She hit the wall and slid to the ground.

"I expected more from you after a week, Missy," Genkai shook her head. "Maybe I was wrong about you. It seems that power you had during my tournament was a fluke,"

Sakura got up, spitting hair out of her mouth. Genkai looked the girl up and down. "Look at you, shaking in your boots. I've seen braver chickens,"

When the girl still didn't reply, Genkai changed tactics."You know why you got caught by that cross-eyed demon? Because you did something stupid. You ran into the situation without thinking, and look what happened,"

"Stop…" Sakura whispered. She was beginning to shake at the memory.

Genkai smiled. "The smart thing to do would have been to tell your dimwit brother. But no. You had to go play the hero and give him two things to worry about. Look at you, you're still terrified. Controlled by fear. I bet if you saw so much as a picture of Hiei, you'd collapse in a heap. Pathetic!"

"NO!" Sakura screeched, angry enough to explode. She formed her hands into a triangle and leapt into the air, much higher than usual. "I am not a slave to my fear. It will not control me. NEVER AGAIN!"

The Spirit Blast burst forth, but this time there were six orbs instead of three.

"Take it up with me, Byakko!" Kuwabara snarled. "I'm not stopping until you die,"

"That's very noble, but the truth is you've already stopped. Like all my victims before you, my Tiger Scream has proved too much!"

"I don't know what you're talking about. You never hit us once. All those freaking blasts and you missed me every single time!" Kuwabara said.

A devious smile spread across Byakko's face. "Yes, but while you've been frantically running for your life, I've ensnared you both!"

"Huh?" Kuwabara looked around frantically.

"Take a look around you!" Byakko gloated. "I've destroyed every single pillar in your jumping reach. You have nowhere to go. Except of course for the pillar I'm standing on. With all your efforts, you might be able to reach me. But then I will kill you myself. Once again, I'll let you choose your way to die. Either burn up in the lava, or be eaten by me,"

Sakura could see that he was right. There was only one way she or Kuwabara could go. She was closer to Byakko than Kuwabara was, and was slightly to his side which might give her the edge of surprise. This was going to require split-second timing.

Kuwabara, there's still a way, but you need to time it right, ok?

What do you need me to do? Kuwabara sounded scared, but determined.

Do you think you can use your sword to get across to Byakko?

I don't know. Maybe?

It's the only chance we have. Sakura set her eyes on her enemy. I'm going to distract him and take out his eyes to give you an opening.

But how? You don't have a sword!

Sakura grinned. You and Yusuke aren't the only ones with improved spirit attacks.

"Well done, Missy," Genkai nodded in approval as Sakura lay on the floor. "Most people would have folded, but I can see Master Shinsuke did some work with you on regulating your fear,"

Sakura sat up slowly. "Being afraid isn't wrong, but I know I can't let it control me,"

"Correct," the old woman nodded sagely. "It seems your newfound control has channelled into your spirit energy. It's gotten much stronger. Did you notice?"

Sakura stared at her hands. "Yeah… it almost seemed like I could send out two blasts at once?"

"It still needs a lot of work, kiddo," Genkai smiled. "But I'd say you're on your way up,"

On the far end of the room, Yusuke was sweating. "Kuwabara… Sakura…"

Kurama glanced at Hiei. "Can you reach them, Hiei?"

"One, if need be. Even with my speed it's doubtful I can get them both,"

"You guys better stay put!" Kuwabara yelled. "You're whispering to each other about how you can rescue me, aren't you? How many times do I have to tell you I don't want your help! If you must save anyone, save Sakura!"

Yusuke stared incredulously. "I don't understand that guy. Does he not realise he's about to die?"

Kurama looked thoughtful. "Perhaps he's still devising an attack. Or maybe…Sakura has one!"

Sakura hadn't responded at all to the commotion between the boys. She was looking at Byakko alone. They could practically hear the gears in her mind whirring at top speed. There would be a moment to strike, but not a second too early or she'd miss. She was shaking slightly. Did she have the skills to pull it off?

Byakko laughed at Kuwabara once more. "Idiot. They were your last chance to survive. First I'll handle the girl, and then you're next!" With a roar, he charged up another Tiger Scream with his eyes on Sakura.

She heard Yusuke's desperate scream. "Kura, NO!"

This is it! You can do this! Remember what you learned!

Sakura rocketed upwards with all the spirit energy she could spare, towards the beast. She aimed. "DOUBLE BLAST!"

Six orbs, three from each hand, shot forth into Byakko's shocked face. He turned his head aside at the last second and swiped his claws at the girl. Sakura raised an arm in self defence and the tip of one nail slashed through her jacket onto her fair skin.

The monster roared in agony. One of Sakura's blasts had hit him square in the right eye. The direction of the Tiger Scream had changed from his movements and was heading straight for the pillar Kuwabara was standing on.

Kuwabara, now! Sakura landed at Byakko's feet and caught a glimpse of Kuwabara's conniving grin.

"He's jumping!" Kurama gasped.

Byakko had one hand over his injured eye, but still laughed in elation. "Actually I lied. You could never have reached me! As for you, human girl, you will pay!"

"Spirit Sword, get longer!"

Kuwabara's weapon extended and he jammed it into the little area of rock visible at the base of the pillar Byakko stood on. The force of it catapulted Kuwabara forward, like a pole vault, and he sank his fist into Byakko's jaw.

The tiger beast fell clean off the platform into the lava below, but Kuwabara followed him as well.

Sakura screamed and reached for him. "Kuwabara!"

All that remained of the Saint Beast was the ripples from the splash he'd made. But where was their friend?

Yusuke collapsed to his knees. "It's… it's wrong. You can't die!" He howled. "It's all so stupid! We're protecting the world, so who's protecting us?!"

"Hey, can I get some help here?"

Sakura gasped. Holding her bleeding arm, she dragged herself forward. Kuwabara was hanging to the pillar for dear life.

"Come on you guys, hurry up! I think I can feel something slipping!"

Yusuke stared in shock. "He's… alive?"

"How fortunate," Hiei said, his voice laced with irony.

"Yusuke, come help me!" Sakura called out. There was no way she could get Kuwabara on her own.

"We're coming!" Yusuke called. All three of them began making their way over. "You had me scared there, Kuwabara. For a second, I thought you'd bit the dust,"

"Yeah, yeah. It's exciting. Now help me up!"

Hiei was expressionless. "Well. An interesting strategy. Maybe we should let you kill the other beasts this way too,"

They could practically see the sparks flying from Kuwabara's eyes. "No way, you guys. I've done my share of fighting for this trip. Now would you please stop goofing around and help me up?!"

Yusuke grinned. "But we can't Kuwabara. Don't you remember? You said you'd kill us if we helped you,"

"Yes," Kurama chuckled. "It goes against your honour code,"

Kuwabara nearly exploded. "That doesn't count! Once I beat him it's ok. See?"

They had all arrived on the pillar. Yusuke knelt beside his sister. "Kura, oh my God, you're bleeding!"

"It's not so bad," she attempted to smile through the pain. "Go help Kuwabara,"

Yusuke shook his head. "Let Kurama and Hiei handle it. We need to talk. Is this the only injury you have?"

Sakura looked down. "I think so…probably shouldn't have worn my favourite jacket, hey?" she joked weakly.

"Is she alright?" Kurama inspected her injury. "You're very lucky, Sakura. This is quite shallow. Botan should be able to heal you easily,"

"Good to know," Sakura said with a weak smile. Kurama was holding a torn piece of white fabric, presumably from Kuwabara's ruined shirt. He began wrapping it around Sakura's wound.

Yusuke shoved him aside. "I can take care of my sister, Fox Boy!"

"Yusuke!" Sakura hissed.

"It's fine, Sakura," Kurama smiled.

"Look, Squirt..." Yusuke trailed off, still fuming.

Sakura braced herself. "I guess this is the part where you yell at me for being reckless, right?"

For a moment, Yusuke glared at her without saying anything. "Kura, what the hell were you thinking, you damn brat?!"

Sakura's eyes blazed. "Look who's talking!" she shot back. "Now you know how I feel every time you go throwing yourself into danger without thinking about the consequences!"

Yusuke looked as though she'd hauled off and slapped him. "What?!"

"You heard me," Sakura said scathingly. "I'm tired of standing helplessly on the sidelines like a good little girl, watching you get beaten within an inch of your life. You're so keen to protect me? Well, maybe I want to do the same since I've already had to deal with you dying!"

Her twin stared at her. "I…hadn't thought of it like that…"

"Of course not!" Sakura's voice was full of tears. "Genkai told me I needed to learn to trust you. Well it's a two way street, brother. I might not be as strong as you, but I'm not useless. For crying out loud, Genkai trained me! And Master Shinsuke has helped me so much. I told you we're a package deal, so why don't you quit being so damn overprotective and let me help you out, you damn stubborn brat?!"

Yusuke seized her in a rib-cracking hug and held on for a long time. "Ok," he said finally. "You're right, Kura. I'm so sorry. You're absolutely right. You've had to deal with a lot more than I have, yet you're still here by my side," He moved her gently to face him. "From now on, we face everything together, ok?"

Ignoring the pain from the gash in her arm, Sakura burst into tears and threw herself into her brother's arms.

"Squirt, that was… amazing. You were brilliant," he admitted.

Sakura laughed shakily. "I didn't do much. Just jumped,"

"Yeah, and shot him in the damn eye! Was that your plan all along?"

"It was one of the options," Sakura said thickly, wiping her eyes. "I got the idea from you during that fight with Goki over the Orb of Baast. Hit them where they're vulnerable,"

Kuwabara cleared his throat loudly. "Will you knock it off with the mushy stuff already? We have two more beasts to find!"

Sakura grinned at him. "Two down, two to go,"

"Kura, you were great! I didn't know you could jump like that. And you can shoot out spirit energy too?" Kuwabara said enthusiastically. "I don't normally let anyone help me, but I guess it wasn't so bad having you there,"

"We made a good team, Kuwabara," Sakura smiled. "And yeah, it's called the Spirit Blast. Genkai helped me make it stronger. Yusuke has his shotgun, I have my double blast,"

Yusuke finally smiled slightly. "I'm so proud of you, Squirt,"

"So, am I forgiven now?" Sakura asked carefully.

Yusuke scowled. "Yes, but I'm still mad at you,"

"Impressive, Sakura," Kurama agreed. "And it would appear we were both wrong about your strength. Your Spirit Energy is just as strong as Yusuke's. You will be quite the opponent if you continue to train,"

Sakura smiled shyly. "Is that a challenge?"

The red-haired demon bent to her level and brushed the hair from her face. "I already find you quite the challenge, Sakura,"

"What's that supposed to mean?" Yusuke enquired pointedly. Kurama was spared answering thanks to Hiei, but his deep green eyes lingered a moment longer on Sakura's chocolate brown ones.

Her heart fluttered. What is wrong with me?!

"Kurama may be right. It seems you are not entirely useless, Sakura," Hiei barely looked at her.

Shaking her head, Sakura got to her feet. "I'm guessing that's the closest I'll ever get to a compliment from you, short stack?"

She could have sworn Hiei cracked a smile.

"I'm afraid the news isn't good," Botan admitted. "The Makai insects are moving too fast for me to battle everyone who's been taken over. All I can do now is contain them to one part of the city,"

"Very well," Koenma was watching his screen grimly. Disturbing images of the Makai invasion were flashing by. "We'll just have to hope Yusuke destroys the whistle before the city bursts into flames. But that's no guarantee, so keep exterminating where you can,"

"Have a little more faith Koenma sir," Jorge pleaded. "If the Spirit Beasts take over the human world the paperwork will be unbearable,"

"Quiet, Ogre!" Koenma ordered. "Is that clear, Botan?"

"I understand sir," Botan looked determined. "Over and out,"

The team of five raced up the spiral staircase towards the castle tower as fast as they could, but the room they entered caused them to come to an abrupt halt.

"What?" Yusuke groaned. "You're kidding me!"

The circular room they had stepped into at the top of the stair was filled with identical doors.

"Hmm. It appears we have found a maze in Maze Castle," said Hiei.

Yusuke scratched his head. "Well I guess that makes sense,"

Sakura almost laughed. "In case anybody has ever wondered what my mind looks like during tsunagu, this is the closest reimagining you're likely to get,"

A bunch of doors? Really? Yusuke had never heard Sakura speak of that aspect aloud before.

Yeah, in my head. But there's only four doors right now, and they all look different according to who they belong to.

"We must beware. It's something of a legend," Kurama said seriously. "In the beginning, before the barrier wall was erected around the city, hundreds of bounty hunters came in search of the beasts. None succeeded. But the beasts never left their tower, letting anyone who entered the castle forfeit their lives to this maze. There are fifteen doors, but one leads to a dead end. There are no second attempts. Unavoidable traps lie in the incorrect passageways. So you see, a poor choice seals our fate,"

Sakura shivered. "I don't know how you know all this Kurama, but I'm betting it's probably best I don't question it. So how do we figure out which one? I'm not sure my tsunagu is strong enough for this yet,"

Yusuke turned to Kuwabara. "Ok, Mr Sensitive. This one's all yours,"

Nervously, Kuwabara's eyes shot in all directions. "The second door on the left. That door's got a big feeling behind it. Kind of like the first two monsters,"

"You heard the man, let's go," Yusuke sounded confident.

"How do we know he's not making a mistake?" Hiei asked.

Kuwabara approached the door. "I'm sorry Shortie. Maybe it's not your thing, but you're just going to have to trust me on this one. I know there's something big behind that door," he said darkly, pushing it open. "Something scary,"

Sakura held her breath. For a moment Kuwabara gazed into the darkness on the other side. Nothing.

There was a tiny squeak, and Kuwabara jerked back screaming like a child. "I hate mice! Ah!"

Sakura smacked her face with her palm.

"Gee, Kuwabara, and that speech of yours was getting so dramatic!" Yusuke sighed.

Sakura rubbed her injured arm. "I guess we should keep going?"

They began walking down the stone hallway to whatever lay beyond the darkness.

"Very surprising. They have chosen the correct door," Suzaku gazed into his crystal ball. "We can hardly have it said that the four Saint Beasts welcomed guests so far into their home," He paused. "I'm sorry, the two Saint Beasts is more accurate now,"

The only other remaining Saint Beast spoke from the shadows. "I shall take them, Master. You and I both know that Genbu and Byakko had become soft in these years of containment," the Beast peered closely at the group through the crystal ball. "Their tenderfoot mistakes shall not be repeated,"

"Very well, Seiryu. Destroy them as you wish, but do not harm the girl. Bring her to me. I am sure we can find some use for her abilities,"

"By your command, Master," Seiryu bowed.

Hiei glared derisively at the two dragon statues guarding the ornate door at the end of the corridor. "Are we supposed to be scared?"

"Perhaps," said Kurama. "That is the mark of the blue dragon. And judging by the odour, I'd say the beast is inside,"

"Yeah, and he doesn't feel very nice," Kuwabara muttered.

"Captain Obvious strikes again," Sakura sighed.

The doors slowly creaked open. Ice-cold vapour flowed out, leaving goosebumps on Sakura's skin.

Yusuke was the first to move forward, followed by everyone else.

They were in a fairly large room that was not unlike Genkai's training space, but there was no sign of the third Saint Beast. All they could see was the cold fog filling the air.

The doors shut behind them. There was no turning back now.

"This fog's alive," Kurama said quietly.

"Must be a form of spirit energy coming from our Beast's body," Hiei looked around.

A raspy voice spoke from seemingly nowhere. "You have done very well to come this far. But I shall no longer allow you to disgrace my Master,"

Kuwabara was getting edgy. "Where's that voice coming from?"

"I don't know," Yusuke sighed. "Come out now, dragon! This whole hide-and-seek thing's getting pretty lame!"

There was a blast of light and a freezing gust of wind swept over them. Sakura clung to Yusuke to stop herself being blown away. The energy coming off this creature was pure evil.

"As you request," In front of them was the next Saint Beast. He was tall, presumably well over seven feet, but unlike Genbu and Byakko, his size was not what frightened Sakura. With his dragon-themed martial arts gi, green skin and pointed black beard, he could easily have been a Disney villain.

"You may call me Seiryu. I am here now to end your lives, intruders," he gave a sinister chuckle.

Yusuke narrowed his eyes. "Well he's no dragon. But he is ugly,"

"It is not wise to say such things to your executioner," Seiryu's piercing yellow eyes surveyed the group, coming to rest on the lone dark-haired girl amongst them. "However, while I must eliminate you all, I've been ordered not to touch the female,"

"And why is that?" Sakura asked icily.

Seiryu's cold smile made Sakura tremble. "The master thinks you may be of use to us,"

Sakura stiffened. Kurama, Yusuke and Kuwabara all drew closer to her.

"Not a chance, slimeball," Yusuke growled.

"Unbelievably tempting, pal, but I think I'll pass," Sakura said caustically. "See, I'm not down with destroying the human race,"

Yusuke stepped in front of his twin. "What do you want with Kura, anyway?"

"An intriguing question, isn't it?" Seiryu fixed his beady eyes on the twins. "Maybe if you come quietly girl, I will spare the lives of your friends,"

"I'm not going anywhere with you!" Sakura yelled.

Seiryu opened his mouth to respond, but his eyes flashed to the door. His face took on a look of disgust. "It appears we have another guest,"

Kuwabara whipped his head around. "Guys, I don't know how to tell you this," he stammered.

Sakura's jaw dropped. Surely she was misreading that energy signal. "You can't be serious. Not him again! We beat him!"

It was. Forcing open the door was none other than…Byakko.

"You must help me," he wheezed to Seiryu.

"You're joking," Yusuke breathed.

Byakko staggered over to his fellow beast. "Please Seiryu. These cowards… they tricked me in my own lair. They hid their true powers from me until the end. You must help me recover!"

"I knocked that guy in the lava!" Kuwabara said furiously.

Yusuke shook his head. "What does it take to kill this guy?!"

Seiryu was glaring at Byakko with utter contempt. "Weakling! How dare you dishonour us further!"

"Please, Seiryu!" Byakko looked mad with desperation.

Seiryu raised his hand. "You are no longer wanted here," he said scathingly. "You are a disgrace!"

"No, Seiryu! I can help you destroy them. It was a small mistake!"

"Ice dragon!" Seiryu roared.

Nobody ever saw exactly what Seiryu did, but his move caused Byakko to be encased in ice from head to toe. Seiryu jumped across the room and kicked Byakko over where his body shattered into pieces. All that remained intact was Byakko's dismembered head.

Seiryu landed lightly on the floor and turned back to the appalled group like nothing had happened. "You were right about my fog of energy. By lowering it to sub-zero temperatures, I can wrap my enemy in ice,"

Yusuke looked livid. "You heartless bastard! How could you kill off your own friend?!"

"Seiryu…" Byakko's head croaked. "Why?"

"He was a weapon, not a friend. And like a cheap sword, he rusted," Seiryu said coolly. As a final insult, he spat on Byakko's head. Byakko twitched once more, then finally went silent. A single tear rolled down the tiger's cheek.

Sakura was repulsed. She had no love for Byakko, but this was horrifying. "And you honestly think you could recruit me to your cause after that?!"

Kurama's face hardened. "This race of beasts has no loyalty. Alliances are formed strictly to gain power,"

"I don't care what kind of race they are," Kuwabara growled. "It's never right to kill your own teammate, especially when they come asking you for help!"

"This guy's pushed me too far," Yusuke was shaking with fury. "He's dead!"

Hiei stepped forward. "Save your anger," He looked Yusuke dead in the eyes. "You can take their leader. I insist this fight be mine,"

"Ah, shall you be first, Hiei?" Seiryu looked pleased. The three eyed demon stared intently at the third Saint Beast, unflinching. With a flick of his hand, he cast aside his robe and it landed on Byakko's head.

Seiryu laughed scornfully. "What was that? Tell me you're not feeling sympathy for this amateur! From your actions at the Gate of Betrayal, I was hoping you had more of a warrior's spirit,"

Hiei still remained silent. Glowing with spirit energy, he assumed a fighting stance and reached for his katana without taking his eyes off Seiryu.

"He's a puzzle, isn't he?" Kurama said quietly. "In times before, I've seen Hiei act with similar cruelty. But something about Byakko's execution has caused great anger in him,"

"I don't know what he's thinking!" Sakura threw up her hands in exasperation. The demon was a walking contradiction. He made absolutely no sense.

"Hiei seems to live by his own code, with very complex rules," Kurama went on. "But one thing is for certain. Never before have I seen Hiei begin a fight using such an extraordinary amount of his spirit energy!"

"Good," Yusuke said. "As long as he kicks some ass,"

Sakura didn't know what to think. She'd experienced Hiei's wrath first hand, but here he was apparently fighting for the honour of a fallen enemy. And Seiryu's threat had rattled her, to say the least. What could the Master of the Four Saint Beasts possibly want with her? And with her injured arm, would she be able to defend herself?

"Yusuke," she murmured. "I'm scared,"

Yusuke looked at her, deadly serious. "I am not about to let him or anyone else take you. Never again,"

Kuwabara nodded in agreement. "You don't have to worry, Sakura. Hiei will slice this guy up,"

Kurama gave her hand a gentle squeeze. Nobody will touch you. I promise.

Sakura wished she could believe them.

Seiryu did not strike. He looked at Hiei almost enticingly. "I assure you, Hiei, it is not too late to join our ranks. Prostrate yourself before my Master, help me deliver the human girl to him, and he shall give you power beyond what you have ever tasted!"

"Is that all you have to say?" Hiei smirked. "They're last words, you know,"

The Ice Dragon snarled. "Fine! So that is your choice. Then you shall meet your death with the other weaklings!"

He roared and his spirit energy blasted towards Hiei, who blocked the energy surge with his sword. The other four braced themselves against the knockback.

Seiryu growled in anger. His hand began to shimmer. "Try blocking this!"

"Hiei, it's that freezing technique. Run!" Yusuke roared.

"ICE DRAGON!" Seiryu thrust his icy fist at Hiei.

In the blink of an eye, Hiei sprang out of the way. He flipped over in midair, over Seiryu's head and landed silently on the other side.

Far from being intimidated, the Saint Beast laughed in amusement. "I'm sorry. I had forgotten your impressive speed. Now let's try again!"

Faster than any human eye could see, Hiei began disappearing and reappearing in all areas of the room. The only reason Sakura had the slightest hint of what was happening was due to her spirit energy, though the pain of her arm muted the ability to concentrate.

Flips, jumps, bouncing off the walls, Hiei was quicker than the speed of light. Sakura shut her eyes. It was like the warehouse all over again. The flashbacks threatened to take over her mind. Focus. Stay in the real world. It's in the past!

Seiryu shot his ice dragon everywhere Hiei went. Once the demon evaded the hit, ice formed on the walls, ceiling and floor.

Yusuke wrapped an arm around his shivering twin. "He's going to turn the whole room into a hockey rink!"

"Oh damn, I should have brought my stick along," Sakura's teeth chattered.

"Not just the room," Kuwabara's hair was beginning to freeze solid. He was still shirtless from the previous battle. "Man, I wish I had my jacket back,"

"Hiei!" Kurama's normally unflappable demeanour had switched to one of alarm, and it was easy to see why. Hiei's right leg had been hit.

"Oh no…" Sakura gasped. "How can he evade now?"

Hiei crouched before Seiryu. The ice had crept all the way up his limb but his hard expression had not changed.

"You see?" Seiryu simpered. "No-one ever escapes. They only beg for mercy. With your leg frozen, you can't possibly move. I suggest you start grovelling," He began to power up again. "Ice Dragon!"

Hiei slammed the tip of his sword to the ground and stood up, charging towards Seiryu's outstretched hand. Both warriors became a blur for a split second, but Sakura could feel Hiei land a hit. Surely not enough to finish the beast off, but something.

Her three companions gasped. Hiei became visible one again but now both legs were frozen along with his arm.

Seiryu appeared unscathed. "You have escaped, but you are wounded!" he crowed.

Amazingly, Hiei's response was to laugh. Seiryu scowled. "Why are you laughing?"

Hiei raised his frozen left hand. "So what if your ice can kill your wounded friend? It won't kill me," he flexed his wrist slightly and the ice on all his limbs shattered.

Seiryu gaped. "That's impossible!" he gritted his teeth. "I shall give one final blow!"

Just then, a single trickle of blood snaked down his face.

"I don't think so," Hiei smirked.

Seiryu tumbled back, screaming. His body was now showing every single slash Hiei had made to him. He had quite literally been cut to ribbons. A tornado of energy swirled around the beast. As Seiryu vanished into oblivion, only his roars remained echoing in the distance.

Kuwabara looked confused. "When did he attack?"

"Don't feel bad Kuwabara," Kurama smiled in reassurance. "I couldn't follow either after the initial hit,"

The flame-haired demon realised Sakura was still gripping his hand, hard. "Sakura?"

Sakura stared blankly out front. With Seiryu dead, there was less chance of her being captured by the Master of the Saint Beasts. But she worried this battle would only send her back into that downward spiral of fear she'd just climbed out of. She'd only felt Hiei land one cut, and even Kurama couldn't keep up with his speed.

Even if I'd gotten to Keiko in time, it wouldn't have made a difference. And he vowed revenge on Yusuke…

Yusuke looked at Sakura's white face. "Kura? Relax, he's gone!"

Sakura shook her head to regain her focus. "At least there's only one left," she smiled weakly.

Kuwabara looked elated. "Shortie's a lot cooler than I thought!"

With Seiryu destroyed, the room defrosted and Hiei put his katana away with a flourish.

"You made French fries out of that guy!" cheered Yusuke.

"Hiei… " Sakura couldn't finish her sentence.

"How many times did you cut him?" Kurama asked.

"Only sixteen," Hiei replied curtly.

Yusuke scratched the back of his head. "Man, this isn't good. If you use those moves the next time we fight I'm gonna be screwed,"

Sakura grabbed his elbow. Don't give him any ideas!

Hiei looked away. "Maybe," he stalked across the room to retrieve his robe.

Kuwabara squinted after him. "I thought for sure he was going to say 'Well of course you fool!'"

"Hiei is going through a tricky change," a knowing smile was playing on Kurama's face. "It appears he is beginning to like you all, "

"A… all of us?" Sakura stammered. How is that possible? I thought he hated humans.

Incensed, Suzaku smashed his crystal ball into mere shards. "This ceases to be entertaining. These nothings are ruining my plans!"

"Suzaku, I'm back!" Murugu flapped to the window.

"What is it?" Suzaku asked irritably.

Murugu cocked her feathered head. "You sound gloomy. Guess I don't need to ask if the guests are still here!" She laughed a fluttery, girlish giggle.

Suzaku still didn't look at her. "That's true, Murugu. All my men have been killed. Now go away,"

"Not just yet," Murugu said slyly. "I have gathered the information you have requested on Yusuke Urameshi,"

The bird flew over to the large, ornate mirror on the other side of the tower. An image of Sakura appeared in the glass. "It turns out our boy wonder has few friends, but a serious weakness. First, his twin sister Sakura. He'll do anything to protect her,"

"Bringing her here was an unwise decision, especially now that I've seen the girl's talents. I'd already ordered Seiryu to retrieve her. Now that Genbu gone, her telepathy will be invaluable,"

Murugu perched on Suzaku's shoulder. "But there is another. Her name is Keiko Yukimura," Keiko materialised next to Sakura. "She's very close to Yusuke's heart, and she also happens to be Sakura's closest friend,"

"She is pretty," Suzaku agreed.

The bird giggled again. "I suppose so. But I do believe we can use this to our advantage. The important part is he'll do anything to save her. And so would Sakura,"

Suzaku cracked a heinous smile. "Good. Then why don't we test his concentration? How well will he fight inside Maze Castle, while back on the Earth his dear Keiko screams in agony?"

"And surely Sakura will go running back to Earth to rescue her," Murugu added. "If you want her powers so badly, why not order the Makai to target her as well? Without Yusuke to cower behind, she'll be so much easier to capture,"

"Excellent thinking, my pet. But I can tell the Makai would be no match for Sakura. My mercenary trio seem much more suited to the job, wouldn't you agree?"

Murugu smirked. "Ooh, the tokage? Sounds perfect. I'll go inform them at once,"

"Not just yet. First, we shall prepare the bait," Suzaku raised the Makai whistle to his lips. "I know the perfect song to play. It's titled Prelude to Keiko's Suffering in A minor,"

Simultaneously, Kuwabara and Sakura stopped dead, mid-run.

"Kuwabara, did you feel that too?" Sakura's voice was low and terrified.

"What's going on?" Yusuke turned to her.

Kuwabara shivered. "My whole brain just felt like an ice cube. Something bad is happening,"

"Me too. And I think it's back on Earth," Sakura said faintly.

Kurama furrowed his brow. "No telling how long we've been here. The beasts have most likely organised a counter assault using the Makai,"

"Only one more," Hiei locked eyes with Sakura. He looked almost… concerned. "Let's not waste time,"

The group resumed sprinting up the stairs.

Kura. Yusuke asked desperately. Is it Keiko? Can you see inside her mind?

Sakura strained with all her strength. No, I think I might be too far away. Beyond my limits.

Yusuke shut his eyes for a second. I hope she's alright.

Please, not Keiko. Sakura felt numb with fear.

They had to hurry. They had to destroy that whistle before it was too late.

A.N. So what did you think? Sakura's first battle, and definitely not her last. Only Suzaku remains alive, and he has his beady eyes on Sakura's abilities. So much happened in this one. What did you like most about this chapter? What do you think will happen next?

A reminder that I've moved my Dark Tournament Poll to my profile, so don't forget to vote. And another question, who should Sakura fight against in the Dark Tournament? Let me know in a review.

Please review if you enjoyed this chapter, and don't forget to follow and favourite. Chapter 21 is in progress.

Next chapter: Keiko is under attack. Will Sakura stay with Yusuke, or go to save her best friend while running headfirst into the trap Suzaku has planned for her?