A.N. Brace yourselves, for this is where things start to get intense and complicated. Without giving away too much, the battle is about to split to two fronts. Sorry to those who only like Sakura's POV, but this shift is really the best way to finish the Saint Beast Arc and set the framework for the next case. I hope you'll all enjoy it regardless. There's just too many good moments coming up to miss by sticking with Sakura alone.

ThoughtsOfTurmoil: If you like interactions between Sakura and Hiei, then you are going to LOVE what I have planned for the Dark Tournament. I'm glad you look forward to my updates. It means more than you know.

hw0134160: Your review brought tears to my eyes. To make someone so happy with my work is all I ever wanted. I really want to update as often as possible, because that's what I would want as a reader. And yes, the initial confrontation with Byakko isn't that exciting, but I really could have done more to change that and I accept the responsibility. I knew adding Sakura in would be a challenge, but I'm up for it, and she's ready for the fight too. Thankyou so much for your support. You're a sweetheart.

Hina714: I really wanted to redeem my mistakes of Chapter 19 and I'm relieved it paid off. All I'll say is that Sakura isn't going to have a fun time for the rest of this arc, and Suzaku will stop at nothing to to get his hands on her. I guarantee there will be plenty of suspense. I love your ideas for the Dark Tournament. They've all been written down in my outline. I can't promise everything will be there, but when I start writing Book 2 I will see how they pan out.

Damaged Forest Spirit: Yes, Kurama is learning of Yusuke's overprotectiveness the hard way, but between you and me Sakura probably won't tolerate it much longer.

grace-adalyn: Your review made my day. I checked out your work and I'm honoured someone with your talent enjoys my work. I agree, most YYH stories tend to show Yusuke as the cocky badass, and seem to miss how protective he really is. This was something I really wanted to fix when I decided to write it. I'm glad you love Sakura as much as I do. And for you to say she fits in to the story like she was always there makes me want to cry with joy. That's exactly how I wanted people to feel :) I hope you'll stay with us throughout the journey. We have a long way to go yet!

Grimmjowlover314: I thought you'd enjoy that scene! It's quite a significant shift from here on out. No spoilers from me, but I hope you like what happens next.

Wolfs child: Chapter 22 is on the way, and I promise I'm planning Yukina's case and the Dark Tournament. Suzaku is interested in Sakura's telepathy, and he'll certainly resort to some underhanded tactics.

I hope you like this chapter. Please follow, favourite and review. All feedback helps me so much and means more of Sakura's story! Chapter 22 is coming soon.

Chapter 21

At Sarayashiki Junior High, Mr. Iwamoto entered the hallway outside his office and was surprised to see a familiar face. "Miss Yukimura? You're still at school?" The teacher looked her up and down. "Go home and get some sleep. The big test is tomorrow. You want to score high and bolster our school's ratings, don't you?"

"Just as soon as I've finished my student council work, sir," Keiko replied.

Mr. Iwamoto gazed at her intently. "Any news on Urameshi?"

Keiko blinked. "Which one, exactly?"

The teacher scowled. "Both. I notice the pair of them have skipped for several days,"

Keiko bristled. "I don't know anything about them,"

"Perfect," Mr. Iwamoto smiled. "He's a roach, Yukimura. He's already corrupted his sister. And I'd hate for you to be infected with his disease,"

Keiko smiled sweetly. "Yes, sir," But as soon as his back was turned, she stuck her tongue out at him.

Their human eyes meant neither of them saw the tiny Makai insect on Iwamoto's shoulder.

"Listen to me, Koenma. I have to abort this mission. The humans taken over by the Makai insects are starting to work together, and their numbers are continuing to grow!" Botan was out of breath. "Is it time to bring Sakura along as backup?"

In Spirit World, Koenma stood up from his desk. "Understood. Get yourself to higher ground, Botan!" he barked. "I can't afford to lose you now!"

"My thoughts exactly…!" Just then, Botan tripped. She put her hands out to break the fall. Her back was against the wall, and infected humans had cornered her from all directions. Terrified, she swung her bat wildly.

Wait, what's that sound? Botan looked up. All the Makai humans had turned as one and were walking in the same direction.

"Yusuke and Sakura's middle school?"

Keiko finished stacking the flyers. Now she could finally go home. But maybe she should stop by the Urameshi house to see if they were back yet.

For days, she'd pondered what Sakura had meant by Yusuke's new job. She'd never seen her friend look so deathly serious before that day outside the movie theatre. All she'd said was that it involved 'dangerous activities'. It seemed like too much of a coincidence that these psychotic people had started appearing in the newspapers immediately after that vague comment.

Keiko sighed. She'd just have to wait and hope Sakura would follow up on her promise to explain everything.

Where are you both? Kura, Yusuke. Please be safe.

The sound of the door closing snapped Keiko back into the real world. Mr Iwamoto was standing in the doorway, but he didn't look like he normally did. Maybe it was a trick of the light, but his skin looked grey.

"Mr. Iwamoto?" Keiko asked nervously. "You look…pale," But even as the words slipped out, she knew something was terribly wrong. She backed away slightly, wondering how fast she could reach the door.

An unearthly growl sounded from his mouth. "Said…you needed…to get…some sleep!" He lunged forward, fist first.

Keiko screamed and ducked out of the way just in time. Iwamoto punched straight through the glass window as if it were tissue paper. Petrified and confused, Keiko sprinted from the room as fast as she could.

"You've been spending too much time with that cockroach!" Iwamoto called after her. "He's made you bad! Yes, you will need…CORRECTION!"

The schoolgirl had made it outside to the front entrance, only to be confronted by another strange group of people with the same grey complexion and crimson eyes. Keiko skidded to a halt. They were blocking her path. One was holding a knife.

"Yukimura…Yukimura…Yukimura…"

Who were these people, and how did they know her name? There was no time to think. Keiko's eyes darted to each side, and she began to run to the left.

They must be those fanatics they mentioned in the newspaper. But how do they know my name? Yusuke, Kura, where are you? I'm scared!

She had to get out of here, and fast. She dashed around the corner, but there was already someone waiting for her.

"Wait, Yukimura! It's time for your detention!" Iwamoto snarled.

Keiko was backed up against the wall. Now three of the Makai humans were advancing on her. With a scream, she ducked under Iwamoto's hands as they reached for her and ran back the way she'd come, past a row of well-kept bushes.

Hands shot out from behind the shrubs. Whoever it was covered her mouth and dragged her out of sight.

Keiko looked up in terror, and saw someone she vaguely recognised. "Hey, you're that girl!"

Her saviour was the pretty blue-haired figure who'd been on the roof with Yusuke, and seemed to know her. The one that Sakura had insisted was just someone she was tutoring after school.

"Keiko," she said seriously. "Have they hurt you in any way?"

Keiko trembled. "I think I'm fine…can you tell me what's going on?"

The girl didn't answer. She pulled out what appeared to be a compact mirror, flipped it open and began speaking into it. "Yusuke, this is Botan. Do you copy?"

On the roof of Maze Castle, the group gazed up at the tower looming over them.

"What is that?" Yusuke breathed.

"It's the watchtower, I'm sure that's where he's hiding," Hiei said solemnly.

"Fine!" Sakura hissed. "Then let's drag him out!"

Yusuke looked like he was about to argue with her, but was interrupted by the familiar ring of the communication mirror. "What now?" he groaned, removing it from his pocket.

Botan appeared on the screen, but she wasn't alone. "Small problem," she began.

Yusuke panicked. "Uh, Keiko?!"

Sakura whipped her head around and yanked the mirror from Yusuke's hands. "Keiko?!"

"I had to pick her up from school, Sakura," Botan explained.

Yusuke snatched the mirror back. "Hey, who's the detective, Squirt?!"

Sakura glared at him "Don't you start that attitude with me, Yusuke!"

"Children!" Botan cut in. "What's important right now is what's happening here on earth. It seems every infected person in this area is looking for Keiko, and I don't think they want to talk. I'm almost certain that they mean to kill her,"

Sakura's heart skipped a beat.

"Did you say kill?" Yusuke had stopped running, his eyes glued to the mirror.

"Kuwabara," Sakura turned to him.

He nodded. "That's what our premonition was,"

"The beasts must be using the Makai Whistle to order the…" There was a rustling sound, and an almighty scream of terror from Keiko and Botan.

"COCKROACH!" What appeared to be a possessed Mr. Iwamoto lunged for Keiko, and the communication mirror went dead.

"Botan!? Keiko?!" Sakura was frantic.

"Botan?" Yusuke yelled. "Can you hear me? Botan?!"

The only reply was static and white noise.

Yusuke looked up at the tower. "We've got to smash that whistle. Fast,"

"You do that," Sakura's fists were clenched. "I'm going back to help Keiko,"

Her four companions turned to stare at her.

"What are you talking about, Kura? We can help Keiko by getting the whistle," Yusuke said impatiently.

Sakura shook her head. "Who knows what you'll face up there? It might take longer than you think. If I go back, I can protect her better than Botan can,"

"Sakura? Do you realise…?" Kurama had never sounded so on edge before.

Yusuke looked doubtful. "Kura, it's too dangerous!"

Sakura's eyes were blazing with a fire that made Yusuke take a step back. "As opposed to everything we've done so far here? She needs me, so that's where I can be most useful! I'm going back whether you like it or not!"

She grabbed the communication mirror from Yusuke and spoke into it. "Koenma!"

The toddler king was watching Botan and Keiko running for their lives on his screen in despair.

"Oh dear," he moaned. "Botan, you get that girl out of danger! We cannot afford to lose Keiko's life!"

Jorge looked confused. "Why not, sir?"

"You know how Yusuke is with authority!" Koenma snapped. "If I let Keiko die, that delinquent will never take orders from me again!"

"Oh…but surely Miss Sakura would be more agreeable than him?"

"Use your brain, Ogre!" Koenma glared. "Keiko is Sakura's best friend. Do you honestly think she'd be happy about it either?! Our only chance is for Yusuke to get that whistle. So keeping Yusuke ONLY DEPENDS ON YUSUKE!" he shrieked.

Jorge looked at the panel on the screen. One of the buttons was flashing. "Koenma sir, I think Yusuke is trying to call you,"

"Koenma?! Can you hear me?!"

The toddler jumped. "S-Sakura? Is that you?"

"No, it's your long lost mother. Of course it's me!" Sakura snapped. "Look, I need your help. Botan said you could get me back to Living World if I needed to. Can you do that right now?"

Koenma looked momentarily stunned. "Well technically speaking yes, but it would be highly unorthodox,"

For a moment Sakura was too dumbfounded to speak. "Unorthodox?! What the hell are you on about?"

"Well, it's only meant to be for emergencies. If my Dad thought I'd used it improperly, I wouldn't be able to sit down for decades," Koenma whined.

In response, Sakura shouted so loudly Jorge had to turn the volume down. "KING ENMA CAN SPANK YOUR ASS TO KINGDOM COME FOR ALL I CARE! This is the definition of an emergency! I am not going to stand here and let my best friend get ripped to pieces!"

"Urameshi, she's kind of scary when she's mad," Kuwabara was actually trembling.

"You think?!" Yusuke had never seen Sakura lose her temper like this. Not even when he'd pissed all over her favorite colouring book when they were kids. Hiei was watching the disturbance with mild interest. Kurama had a very faint smile, but said nothing.

"I don't know, Sakura," Koenma still sounded reluctant. "I've never done this for a human before,"

"Just do it you stupid toddler!" Sakura yelled. "You want Keiko to survive, don't you? Then send me to help her right now!"

Koenma clutched his head. "Oh…alright Sakura! Damn teenagers…chikyū e no pōtaru o hiraku… There. The portal should appear any second. It'll lead you to outside the school,"

Like a tear in a piece of fabric, the very air itself seemed to split, revealing a hole big enough for Sakura to climb into. On the other side she caught a glimpse of the school.

"About time," Sakura hissed. She glanced back before stepping towards the portal.

"Kura…" Yusuke gripped her upper arm. "With that injury, are you sure this is a good idea?"

Sakura nodded firmly. "I have the ability to defend myself in other ways. Keiko doesn't. She needs me. You have to trust me, ok?"

Yusuke swallowed hard. "I trust you," he said in a choked voice. He wanted to stop his sister from potentially running into danger, but how could he after the promise in Byakko's lair?

Kuwabara put his enormous hand on Sakura's tiny shoulder. "Kura, you have to save Keiko,"

"Sakura," Kurama glanced sideways at Yusuke, and decided it was safer not to make a move towards his sister. They didn't have time for Yusuke to get snippy with him. "I know you can do this. But be cautious,"

Sakura looked at him, knowing this could be the last time they met. She took a deep breath. "I will. I promise,"

"Just try not to die, Sakura," Hiei said roughly.

Sakura smirked. "Why would I do that, Hiei? I know you'd miss me,"

"Go," Yusuke said reluctantly. "We're running out of time,"

Sakura hugged him quickly. "I believe in you, Yusuke. You have to destroy that whistle," With a final smile, she clambered through the hole Koenma had made for her.

Be safe, Sakura.

I will, Kurama. I promise. With the school in sight, Sakura now focused on the task at hand.

"You better not die either Fox Boy," she muttered to herself. "I'm not finished with you yet,"

Murugu fluttered in a circle around the tower and retook her position on Suzaku's shoulder. The mirror showed Hiei, Kurama, Yusuke and Kuwabara racing towards the tower.

"It appears you were correct, my dear Murugu," Suzaku smiled. "Brave little Sakura has gone off to save Keiko,"

"The looks on their faces have certainly changed," the bird said with a devious sideways look.

"Yes," Suzaku fixed his eyes on the mirror. "From bold confidence to panicked desperation. I can hardly wait to see his face when Keiko is dead and Sakura is mine. Have you sent the three tokage after her?"

Murugu giggled. "Of course, Master. They're already waiting for Sakura to run right into their arms,"

"Excellent," Suzaku suddenly looked thoughtful. "Though I would hate for Yusuke to arrive too early to the presentation. We'll need something to distract them all…"

"Well, you know the Cultivated Humans are my favourite," Murugu said slyly.

Suzaku began to laugh. "Good idea,"

Sakura looked at the scene of quiet chaos before her. Koenma's portal hadn't gotten her inside the school. As far as she could estimate, she was at least three hundred metres away from the front gate, and the Makai humans were prowling everywhere she looked.

Botan? Can you hear me?

No answer, but Sakura didn't panic. She could sense they were both alive, somehow. Botan must be too distracted by escaping to realise she was back to help.

Sakura ducked into a nearby alleyway with her back to the wall. Think, Sakura. If they're all after Keiko, that gives you some leeway. They won't be looking for you.

If she kept to back streets and the alleyways, she was sure she could make it to the school unscathed. The trouble would be getting to the girls once she arrived. The Makai might not be after her specifically, but she was sure they'd tear apart anyone who tried to get between them and Keiko.

Sakura stood up. "You can do this, Sakura,"

"Well well well, what do we have here?"

Sakura whipped her head around like lightning. Three lizard-like humanoid creatures were converging on her, blocking off all escape routes.

"Wh-who are you?"

The largest figure approached Sakura slowly, like a predator stalking its prey. "You must be Sakura Urameshi. My name is Tora,"

"Whatever, Lizard. I don't have time to exchange pleasantries, so I suggest you walk away now before things get ugly," the girl snapped. She began bringing her spirit energy to her hands.

Tora slammed his white clawed hands on either side of Sakura. "There's no need for hostility, my sweet," He nodded to the other two creatures on either side. "This is Kyap and Natchi. We are tokage demons from the City of Ghosts and Apparitions, and we're here by special request,"

Sakura narrowed her eyes. "What are you talking about?" Her heart was pounding out of her chest.

"We are what you humans might call mercenaries," Natchi was practically drooling all over her. "The Master of the Saint Beasts has requested we bring you to him,"

"I'm going to have to decline," Sakura spat. "I already said I'm not interested in joining your gang of freaks,"

"I'm afraid you don't have a choice in the matter. Mercenaries such as ourselves will stop at nothing to acquire a target," Kyap stroked a filthy claw under Sakura's chin and she slapped it away.

Tora immediately curled his hands around her wrists and slammed them against the brick wall. The slash on her arm burned in his grip and she cried out.

"It's really in your best interest to cooperate, my dear," Tora simpered. "I promise, the three of us have no desire to harm you as long as you behave,"

To his astonishment, the raven-haired girl gave him a smile of pure defiance.

"Funny, I've never been the kind of girl who likes to behave,"

Thanks to Botan's quick thinking, she and Keiko had managed to lose the Makai for now. They collapsed in exhaustion inside a hidden alcove.

"Thanks for helping me out back there," Keiko said slowly. "You're that girl Yusuke was with on the roof, aren't you? Sakura said she was tutoring you or something?"

Botan looked tense. "Yes, but -"

"If there's something going on between you and Yusuke… well, I can't stop that, but please tell me where he is!" Keiko's eyes were sparkling with tears.

Botan laughed nervously. "I can guarantee Yusuke's all yours. But why don't we work out those details after we escape from the hundreds of infected humans who want to kill you?"

Keiko looked confused, but didn't question further. "Maybe there's someone in the teacher's lounge?" Keiko suggested.

"I've always loved the way you think," Botan smiled. "I'll see if I can get ahold of Sakura as well,"

Sakura? Can you hear me?

Botan? Sakura hardly dared to blink. She didn't want to take her eyes off the tokage for a microsecond. The slightest leeway, and who knew what they'd do?

Sakura! Oh thank God. I need you to come help me. Keiko's in trouble!

I know, I'm already here. Sakura gritted her teeth. But let's just say I've run into a bit of trouble myself.

Sakura was fighting the panic swelling below the surface. Even with her hands trapped, she could hit two of them with her double blast, but what about that third monster?

Please, Sakura. We need your help. You have to get to the school as soon as possible. Your Spirit Blast might be the only way we get out of here!

With Sakura's hands restrained, Kyap dragged his nails through her hair. "She sure is a feisty little tramp, isn't she?"

"Don't touch me," Sakura growled.

"Enough chit-chat," Natchi said excitedly. He reached under his tattered vest and pulled out what looked like a pair of manacles. "We have to get her back to Suzaku or we won't get the full reward,"

Keiko needs me. The thought filled Sakura's mind. That's it!

Powered by her spirit energy, Sakura brought her knee up, directly into Tora's jawbone. The impact forced him to let go of her wrists, and she kicked him in the chest which sent him flying backwards.

"Double Blast!" Sakura's six orbs flew from her hands directly into the faces of Natchi and Kyap.

"What's this?!" Tora sounded shocked and furious. A deadly combination. "Get her!"

Ignoring the pain in her arm, Sakura slammed her fist into Tora's face, and ran in the other direction towards the school.

Botan, I'm on my way!

She just hoped the mercenaries would stay unconscious.

Yusuke was doing everything he could to avoid worrying about Sakura and Keiko. He and the other three stopped at the base of the tower being lit up by flashes of lightning.

"Ok guys, that is a spooky watchtower," Kuwabara said nervously.

Kurama fixed his gaze on the goal. "The last beast should be on the top floor,"

Yusuke stepped forward towards the door. "Then let's climb some stairs!"

But they were stopped by the sound of unearthly groans and growling. Identical creatures were emerging from the two entrances on either side of the tower. They looked like something Poison Ivy might grow in her backyard. Human in shape and stance, but mottled green and leafy skin.

"What are those things?" Kuwabara was revolted.

"They are Cultivated Humans," Hiei explained. "Demons grow them in large fields, stripping them of their free will at birth. They are perfect brainless slaves,"

Yusuke scowled. "Why am I not in the least bit surprised that you knew that?"

The horde of enemies surged out in a seemingly endless wave. They were completely blocking the only entrance to the tower and the Makai whistle.

Kuwabara was beginning to panic. "Whatever they are, there's a lot of them. It could take us about a year to beat them all,"

"Yes, considering our time restraints, this could be a real problem," Kurama agreed.

Hiei narrowed his eyes. "I've had dealings with Cultivated Humans before. They do not feel pain or fear,"

"How twisted do you have to be to turn humans into monsters like that?" Kuwabara fumed. "I think Keiko's in some serious trouble!"

"Like hell she is!" Yusuke cried, rashly. "Kura will make sure she's safe. Stupid monster humans trying to slow us down…I'm blowing them all away with my shotgun!"

Yusuke drew back his fist, but Kurama stopped him.

"Let's use our heads," he said seriously.

"What? You want me to headbutt them?"

Kurama shook his head. "It's not wise to waste your spirit power,"

Yusuke was too impatient to think clearly. "Well how is headbutting going to help? My shotgun is the only way we can get past them!"

"No," Hiei said quietly. He pushed through the group. "Set your eyes on the first tower window. That is your door,"

"Well I'm sorry Mr Mysterious, but as it turns out I forgot to bring my pogo stick!" Yusuke snapped. The window Hiei was referring to was at least a hundred feet in the air, if not more.

"Yeah!" Kuwabara agreed. "How do you expect him to jump that high?!"

Yusuke ground his teeth together. "Where's Kura when you need her? I should have asked her to show me how to jump with spirit power,"

"Forget Sakura. We can do this without her," Hiei said. "I'll need you to listen closely,"

Botan, I'm almost there! Just hold on a bit longer!

Sakura crouched under the bushes outside the school and kept her injured arm elevated. Getting away from those lizards had been worth it, but her arm had paid dearly for the escape and was bleeding again. The makeshift bandage Kurama had fashioned was quickly becoming stained with her blood.

So far, she couldn't hear or see the tokage coming after her, but that was no guarantee of safety. From the look in their eyes, she knew they'd pursue her and drag her to Suzaku no matter what it took. She just had to try and evade them as long as possible. Protecting Keiko was the only thing that mattered.

"Kyap, can you see her?"

Crap!

Sakura hit the ground and lay still. The trio were merely feet from where she hid.

"I could have sworn she ran this way!" Kyap stomped his foot angrily. "Didn't that cross-eyed bird say she'd come to the school to save the girl Suzaku sent the Makai after?"

"Wait…" Natchi's eager voice seemed to come closer. "I saw the girl's arm was bleeding when she sent that attack at us. Perhaps she left a trail behind…"

Sakura held her breath, afraid to even blink.

"So be it. You two go that way, I'll go this way. We'll sniff her out one way or another," Tora twirled the manacles around his finger. "If we don't nab the girl it's our heads on the line, boys. Find her!"

The sound of footsteps indicated them running away. Sakura could no longer sense their energy nearby, but she didn't dare move for a moment. She pressed her fist against her mouth to prevent herself from screaming.

So it had all been a set up. Suzaku planned to lure her out here by putting Keiko in danger, knowing she'd have a harder time getting away without the others around her. But the fact remained that there was no time to be angry at herself. Keiko and Botan needed her.

Sakura, even if you'd known this was a trap, you would have come here to help Keiko regardless and you know it. Now move!

She had no idea whether she'd be able to reach Yusuke from this distance, but she had to try.

Yusuke, you'd better hurry. I don't know if I can escape those bandits for long.

Yusuke desperately stretched out his hands and just managed to grip the edge of the window with his fingertips. Kuwabara, Kurama and Hiei had all provided him with the height needed to reach it, and it was close but they had succeeded.

"We did it!" Kuwabara cheered as Yusuke hauled himself inside.

He turned to them all with a grin. "Remind me to try out for the cheerleading squad. You guys have fun with the veggie heads!"

Kurama, Hiei and Kuwabara faced the swarm of cultivated humans and prepared to fight. Kuwabara's fists flew, Kurama's rose whip slashed in all directions and Hiei's katana hacked through figure after figure.

He gave them a final thumbs up, but felt a sudden chill pass through him.

Kura.

Yusuke was doing everything he could to avoid worrying about Sakura and Keiko. Sakura was almost certainly too far away for him to hear her properly but he instinctively knew something was wrong.

Hang on, Squirt. I'm nearly there!

Yusuke ran up the spiral staircase two at a time. The doorway loomed. It had to be the lair of the final Saint Beast. He was close, so close!

He burst through the entrance, only to find himself greeted by a horrifying sight. The mirror showed live footage of Keiko and Botan running frantically through the school, away from the mass of Makai humans hell-bent on murder.

"Keiko! Botan! I don't understand. Kura should be there by now. What's taking her so long?"

"It's a mystery, isn't it?"

Yusuke's face hardened. He could hear the ominous sounds of a tune being played on what had to be the Makai whistle. The instrumentalist stepped out from the shadows, still playing.

"Put that thing down," Yusuke ordered.

Finally, the music ceased and Yusuke got a good look at the final beast. He was a slim yet muscular young male with shaggy yellow hair.

"So nice to see you in person after watching you attempt to ruin my plans for so long. I am Suzaku, leader of the Saint Beasts,"

"And I am his dear Murugu," Yusuke recognised the green bird perched on Suzaku's shoulder. The annoying one from earlier who'd shown interest in his sister.

"I've been watching your dear Keiko," Suzaku simpered. "It's amazing how much humans resemble animals when they're being hunted,"

Murugu laughed. In his fury, Yusuke wanted to rip both of them to pieces with his bare hands.

"Here's the deal," Yusuke snarled. "Pull your zombies off Keiko, and then I'll only pull out one of your lungs,"

Suzaku's calm face contrasted with Keiko's expression of terror behind him. "And if I refuse?"

Yusuke glared. "Then hold your friggin' breath!"

Sakura slipped out from under the bushes as soon as she was sure the coast was clear. The bandits had gone looking for her on the other side of the school where the Makai were milling around, so she had to move quickly before they came back.

A quick glance on either side confirmed she was alone, so with a deep breath she ran inside the gate as fast as her legs could carry her, being careful to not let any blood drip from her wound. Through the front door, and up the first flight of stairs.

Botan, where are you?

Sakura? We're heading for the teacher's lounge. Can you get to us soon?

I'm inside the school building. I'll be there as quickly as possible. She heard footsteps downstairs and some horribly familiar voices. Though I might need to take a slight detour!

Sakura closed the connection and listened to the sound coming from the entrance hall.

"Natchi, can you get her scent?"

There was a low growl. "Damn it! Those nuisance Makai are making it harder to pick up her trail. No blood either,"

"Wait…I think I smell something upstairs," the smile in Kyap's voice was audible.

Sakura looked around wildly for somewhere to hide, spotting a nearby broom closet. She slipped inside as the mercenaries began stomping up the stairs.

"Remember, Suzaku wants her uninjured if possible," Kyap's rough voice was becoming clearer and clearer.

"I know, I know," Natchi grumbled. "I just don't understand why he's sent us after a human girl. What's he so interested in her for, anyway?"

"You know better than to question the Master," Kyap hissed. "Suffice to say, she probably has some kind of useful power,"

The two were silent for a while. Sakura remained absolutely still.

"I don't think she's here," Kyap said finally. "But we should get Tora. If she's not inside this building yet, she will be soon,"

"Got it," Natchi said. "He should be outside. Let's go,"

Sakura heard the two mercenaries leave. What am I going to do?

Cautiously, she opened the closet door just a crack. Nobody was there. The teacher's lounge was nearby. If she could just get Keiko out of here, then she could worry about those lizard freaks. But she didn't know how much use she'd even be at this point. Her bad arm was hurting worse than ever.

A terrified scream pierced the silence. Sakura's blood went cold.

Keiko!

Without thinking, she began to sprint towards her friend with no thought of anything else but to save her.

Suzaku laughed in amusement at the scenes of Botan and Keiko bolting from the Makai who had been lying in wait for them at the teacher's lounge.

"You should feel most fortunate, Yusuke. Not everyone's girlfriend gets to star in a horror movie. Of course, the films in my city are somewhat different. Demons don't usually care much for happy endings,"

Yusuke's whole body trembled in anger. "Why hasn't Kura gotten to them yet?"

"She's been, shall we say, preoccupied," Suzaku smirked. "Keiko may be the leading lady of this little film, but your lovely sister has a vital supporting role,"

"If you send those zombies after my sister too, you'll wish you'd never been born!" Yusuke growled.

"Oh no, Yusuke. I wouldn't dream of it. I'm certain Sakura could take on the Makai hordes in her sleep with that attack she used on Byakko. But I have other creatures at my disposal. Shall we see whether the tokage has caught up with her yet?"

"Huh? Tokage? What's that?"

The scene switched from Keiko to the lizard-like demon trio prowling around. Long filthy claws, swishing tails, bulging yellow eyes.

"I see…" Suzaku sounded displeased, but he shrugged it off. "It would appear that sweet little Sakura has escaped them for now but sooner or later she will fall right into their hands!"

Yusuke's skin crawled at the sight of them. "Talk. What are you planning to do with Kura?"

Suzaku looked at them fondly. "Spine-chilling, aren't they? Those three act as mercenaries for me, retrieving anything and anyone I desire. They are ruthless in their pursuit of a victim, stopping at nothing. It won't be long now before Sakura belongs to me, "

"Keep my sister's name out of your mouth," Yusuke spat. "You won't kill Kura that easily!"

"Kill?" Suzaku sounded surprised. "My dear boy, who said anything about that? She's far too valuable. The tokage are merely escorts to ensure Sakura is delivered into my hands,"

Yusuke glared at him. "Don't try to dress it up. Tell me why you want Kura!"

"Telepathy is a rarity here in Maze Castle. With Genbu out of the picture, Sakura will be the perfect replacement once I rule Earth and Spirit World. Her abilities are far beyond that useless rock. But in time, I'm sure I'll find other uses for her talents. All she needs is the right…education," Suzaku's sickening smile was the final straw.

"You think you can control me, don't you?" Yusuke drew back his fist. "Control this, you bastard!" Using the reflexes of his training with Genkai, Yusuke hurled himself towards Suzaku and let his fists fly.

Suzaku looked, for a moment, extremely shocked. "You're fast," he said, blocking every blow. "You're very fast!"

The flurry of punches was moving faster than the naked eye could see, but none of them seemed to land.

I don't believe this! Yusuke thought angrily. He's blocking me with one stupid hand!

Yusuke's final punch caught nothing but air as Suzaku leapt out of the way. Yusuke looked up at him hovering in mid-air.

"Bad choice!" the boy declared. He began to gather his spirit energy into his hand. "Funny thing about hanging in the air. It's really hard to dodge. SPIRIT GUN!"

"Spirit Energy?" Suzaku gasped.

Yusuke's attack launched itself at Suzaku, far stronger than the beast had expected. A perfect shot! Suzaku yelled to power up, and batted the spirit gun away with his bare hand. Murugu squealed and flapped out of harm's way. The force of the blast was enough to blow a sizeable hole in the watchtower roof.

"Your blast is very powerful," Suzaku admitted, returning to the ground.

Yusuke stared in amazement. He knocked my…that's bad.

Suzaku calmly blew the smoke from his hand and maintained his grip on the Makai whistle. "You actually made my hand numb with that last attack. It's a very good thing you can't hit me with it or I might be in some trouble!"

Yusuke clenched his teeth. Two months of misery with that fossil Genkai and my Spirit Gun still gets whacked. Ugh. Where's Kura when you need her?

"Let me hold the Makai whistle for a moment while you drain away his life," Murugu hovered near her master's head.

"Thankyou Murugu, but that isn't necessary. I'll destroy him with one hand," Suzaku looked up at the gaping hole in the roof. Lightning flashed across the sky. "I just love the renovation," he sighed and raised a hand straight up.

Murugu looked pleasantly surprised. "Ooh, Suzaku! You're using that technique on a human? You're going to die, you're going to die!" she sang to Yusuke.

"Give me a break!" Yusuke held an arm up against his face. The lightning bolts seemed to be flowing towards Suzaku's outstretched hand, encasing him in a beam of electricity. No, it was forming into a ball in his hand.

"Are you ready? Storm of Torment!"

Both beast and detective sprang into the air. Suzaku lobbed his attack. Yusuke dodged, but the lightning appeared almost alive. It wove around him and before Yusuke knew it, the storm was all-encompassing. Unbelievable, excruciating agony filled his mind, body and spirit. It was tearing him apart from the inside. Nothing else in his entire life had even come close to this suffering. He was screaming more loudly than he'd ever screamed before…

And just like that, it was over. The lightning released him and he fell with a thud on the floor, trembling.

"Look at him writhe, Suzaku! I just love when they do that!" Murugu said excitedly.

Yusuke forced himself to sit up slightly. Damn it. I could have sworn he missed me!

Suzaku looked at him with enjoyment. "You'll find that the energy will seek you out like lightning to a rod. But take heart. You are the first human to ever survive my technique,"

I've got to find a way to block that. Yusuke thought desperately. There's no way I can handle another one!

"You have much more energy than the other pawns King Enma sent after me in the past, but it will never be enough to ruin my great plans. As soon as you rise, I'll have to finish this. Why don't you stay down and watch the end of Keiko's movie?"

Yusuke had managed to raise himself up higher. "She won't be so easy to shove in a corner, you know!" he snapped. "Keiko's no fighter, but she's plenty tough and she's not following your stupid script. And as soon as Kura gets to her…"

"You're assuming Sakura will get to her, Yusuke,"

"I told you not to say her name!" Yusuke snarled. "Let's do this, asshole!" He had removed both his shoes and placed them on his hands.

Suzaku laughed. "I trust you're not being serious!"

Murugu fluttered higher. "Don't you see what he's doing, Suzaku? He thinks he can block the lightning with his rubber shoes," she laughed scornfully. "You're truly an idiot. You might as well block a cannonball with paper!"

"Why don't you go lay an egg or something?!" Yusuke yelled furiously.

Suzaku shook his head and summoned the lightning ball in his hand for a second time. "Yusuke Urameshi. You are my perfect justification. You are why demons should take the place of humans on earth. You are an idiot race that deserves extinction. Prepare yourself!"

Yusuke's whole body stiffened. This is it!

Suzaku launched himself towards the boy, lightning in hand. "Die at the hands of Suzaku, leader of the Saint Beasts!"

Yusuke thrust his shoe-covered hands into the Storm of Torment coming for him. "It's my turn!"

"What the?" Suzaku gasped. Yusuke had somehow forced him back with his spirit energy, cancelling out the attack. With the lightning gone, Yusuke delivered an almighty punch that sent Suzaku flying across the tower.

"Of course," Suzaku growled, getting to his feet. "This boy is smarter than I thought. He used Spirit Energy in his fists to make a shield against my attack. The shoes were just a ruse to hide behind,"

Keiko and Botan looked helplessly at the mass of Makai humans that had cornered them in the hallway. They had nowhere left to run.

"Well here we are…in a corner," Botan chuckled nervously.

Keiko kept her eyes ahead. The Makai were edging closer. "I'm the person these sickos are following. Let me lead them to one side so you can get away,"

Botan was sweating, but she smiled. "I'm sure you'd make a wonderful distraction, but it's much more important that you survive. We'll have to find some way to fight them together. We're reasonably athletic girls with good sets of fists, aren't we?"

Keiko's eyes were wide with adrenaline. "Yes. Honestly, I was hoping you wouldn't accept my offer," she admitted.

"There must be something!" Botan breathed and looked around. A fire extinguisher caught her eye. "Keiko, are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

"We'll separate on the count of three, ok? One, two, three!"

Keiko moved to the left, Botan darted to the right and grabbed the weapon. Keiko began slapping at the Makai as they grabbed for her. Botan aimed the extinguisher nozzle and blasted the zombies, giving Keiko the chance to escape in the chaos.

Botan reached out her hand. "Hurry, let's go!"

But Iwamoto had avoided Botan's assault. He seized her and lifted her off the ground.

"Hold on Botan!" Keiko swung her hand and slapped Iwamoto with the kind of power she usually reserved for Yusuke's wandering hands. The large man crumpled to the ground. Keiko stared at her hand in shock.

"A stellar hit, Keiko. You should fight on the boxing team!" Botan cheered.

Keiko didn't seem to register what Botan had said. "I just…hit a teacher!"

"Nice one!" a familiar voice called. "Don't suppose there's room for one more in this fight?"

Botan and Keiko looked up to see a recognisable figure at the end of the hallway. Keiko's breath caught in her throat.

"Kura?!"

A.N. What did you think? Sakura's made it to Keiko's side, but this fight is far from over. Will she be able to protect her best friend? Will she fall into Suzaku's clutches? What do you think will happen next? Let me know your thoughts in a review.

Also a reminder that my Dark Tournament poll is still open for votes, so make sure you do. And who do you want Sakura to fight in the Dark Tournament?

Please review if you're enjoying the story. Chapter 22 is on the way.

Next Chapter: Sakura's desperate struggle to save Keiko and evade capture, and Yusuke's battle against Suzaku continues