A.N. We're nearly at the conclusion of the Saint Beasts Arc, and things aren't looking good for anybody. Buckle up, because Sakura isn't going to have a fun time.

Grimmjowlover314: Sakura is definitely growing, and there's plenty more Hiei/Kurama/Sakura to come. No spoilers, but I think you'll like what I have planned for Yukina :)

Wolfs child: Sakura's not done with our favourite Fox Boy. I'm glad you liked that line. It seemed so...Sakura. Hope you like this chapter, it's action-packed. Chapter 23 is on the way!

hw0134160: Thankyou so much lovely! The tokage are going to be making a lot of enemies very soon. Kurama's very aware of how protective Yusuke is, but he might just do something to change that soon... ;)
I'd love to answer your question about Hiei/Yusuke/Sakura/Yukina but whatever I do say will be major spoilers so I'll just say keep reading!

Damaged Forest Spirit: Between the tokage and the Makai, the girls have their work cut out for them this chapter. Enjoy!

Hina714: I thought you'd like the idea of mercenaries. Sakura could handle the Makai without breaking a sweat, but the tokage are a far different story. There's still suspense to come, so read on! I'm so honoured you love my writing.

ThoughtsOfTurmoil: If I answer that question, I'll spoil some HUGE plot points ;) but I think you'll love what I have planned.

I hope you all enjoy this chapter. Please follow, favourite, and REVIEW! That's the best way to keep me writing Sakura's story. Chapter 23 is coming soon!

Chapter 22

Keiko raced to Sakura's side, followed by Botan. "Kura? I don't understand, what are you doing here?"

"Later," Sakura said quickly. "Hurry, we have to get you out of here,"

Botan grinned. "Nice of you to join us,"

Sakura attempted to smile, but her arm was burning. It was obvious to the other girls that she was in pain. "Couldn't let you have all the fun, right? You go that way. I'll hold them off!"

Sakura faced the manic swarm that was quickly closing in on her. She zoned in on the Makai human at the very front and surged spirit energy into her left foot.

"Think fast!" she jumped, kicked the monster and knocked it back into the rest of them. The Makai fell over in a tangled heap from the impact.

"Strike!" Sakura smiled, then turned and followed after her friends.

"Kura, what happened to your arm?" Keiko sounded horrified.

"That's not important right now. We need to make sure you're safe. Now run!" Sakura gritted her teeth. She noticed that a few drops of blood had trailed behind her.

Damn it! No, don't think about that. Get Keiko away from the Makai!

Now that she'd found Keiko, it was only a matter of time before the tokage found her.

"Out of this whole plan you made one mistake," Yusuke stood defiantly in front of Suzaku, hand outstretched, spirit energy ready to strike. "You went and pissed me off!"

He charged forward and began furiously punching with spirit power. Suzaku was still blocking every hit, but it was evident that he was struggling. Something had changed.

"Your power is increasing?!" Suzaku's momentary lapse in concentration allowed Yusuke to knock the Makai whistle out of Suzaku's hand and across the room.

Yusuke dove for it. "It's mine!"

But he never reached it, for Suzaku struck him a blow from behind and soon the whistle was back in his grasp. Yusuke landed on his back. He swung his foot at Suzaku's legs, forcing the beast to jump out of the way. But the boy wasn't done. He got to his feet and rammed Suzaku into the wall. Suzaku only freed himself by subjecting Yusuke to another jolt of electricity.

"You really want this whistle badly, don't you?" Suzaku said mockingly over Yusuke's yells of pain. He gestured up at the mirror. "She must mean a lot to you,"

"That's none of your business!" Yusuke roared. He prepared to charge at Suzaku again, but quickly glued his eyes to the screen. Keiko and Botan were still running from the Makai, but there was now a third person with them.

Kura! She made it! Yusuke's knees buckled slightly with relief.

Suzaku hadn't noticed. "I'm sorry, were you saying something? You trailed off when you saw Keiko in danger. You humans are so transparent with your feelings," Suzaku glanced at the mirror. His eyes widened slightly. "My, my. What an unexpected plot twist! Your brave sister has come to the rescue,"

Murugu hovered nearby. "Let me hold the whistle for you, Master. Then you can fight with both hands,"

"No, Murugu. I have a more important job for you. Why don't you have a word with the three tokage and inform them of Sakura's whereabouts?"

"No!" Yusuke screamed and lunged for Suzaku.

"Silence!" Suzaku roared back. He shot another energy blast which caused Yusuke to writhe in pain. He seized the boy's neck and lifted him off the ground. "You will not interfere!"

Murugu pressed a button on the mirror with her beak. "Oh Tora?" she trilled.

The three lizard mercenaries appeared on the screen. "What do you want, Murugu?" the largest one said impatiently.

"I just thought you'd be interested to know that your target is on the top floor of the school. She's trying to protect her friend. Find the horde of Makai infected humans, and you'll find her,"

"Understood. Let's go boys. We have a target to acquire,"

"Leave my sister alone you bastards!" Yusuke choked as he tried to claw Suzaku's hands off him.

The smallest lizard looked curiously at the struggling teenager. "Tora, who's that?"

"Isn't it obvious, Natchi?" Tora sounded almost bored. "He must be the girl's brother. The resemblance is unmistakable,"

"Well that makes things more interesting," Natchi pulled out the manacles and licked his lips. "Kyap, you ready?"

"Of course," Kyap purred. He flashed a grin at Yusuke's livid face. "You don't have to worry, kid. We'll take great care of your sister. Bye now!"

Yusuke's shriek of fury caused Suzaku to drop him. The scene instantly changed back to Sakura kicking a Makai away from Keiko.

"The plot thickens," the beast simpered, watching Sakura fight. "Your pretty sister is so brave and strong, but I wonder how long she'll be able to save Keiko when my mercenaries know exactly where to find her?"

"Call those lizards off Kura. Now," Yusuke hissed, massaging his neck.

Suzaku smirked. "No, I think I'd rather see the look on your face when she's in my grasp. In the meantime, we can still have much more fun. See, I have two favourite techniques. You've already met my Storm of Torment. Allow me to introduce the other,"

Suzaku positioned his hands, almost like a prayer, and there was a blinding flash of light. Yusuke could hardly believe what he was seeing. One Suzaku had become seven.

"This is the most advanced ability I've learned while waiting in this castle,"

"So can you guess…"

"Which one of these forms here…"

"Is the actual Suzaku?"

"Bet you can't!" all seven forms chanted. "We all are! Black Secret Technique: The Prism of Seven!"

"Get away from her!" Sakura took a flying leap and knocked Keiko out of the way as Iwamoto slashed at her with a pair of scissors.

Iwamoto turned his attention to Sakura. "Look at you…Urameshi…you're just as infected as your brother!"

"Don't you ever shut up?!" Sakura brought Spirit Energy into her hand and punched Iwamoto in the face with all her might. In any other instance he would have been knocked out cold, but he simply shook his head a few times.

"Hitting a teacher. You're more infected than I thought!"

"I've been waiting for this moment since Yusuke's wake, you asshole!" With a yell, Sakura used her good arm to sock him again in the mouth. He was dazed, and that gave Sakura the chance to plant her foot into his stomach.

"Tora! She's here!"

Oh crap! Sakura looked to the left. Natchi and Kyap were at the other end of the hall.

"Stellar work, lads. Don't let her get away!" Tora's voice was getting closer.

"Sakura, what do we do?" Botan asked desperately.

"In there!" Sakura pointed to a nearby classroom. Botan grabbed Keiko's hand and pulled her to the door. The three girls dashed inside and locked the door behind them.

Keiko stared. "Kura, you just attacked Iwamoto!"

Sakura cradled her injured arm, breathing heavily. "You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that. Are you two ok?"

"We're fine, what on earth is wrong with your arm?" Keiko's face had gone white.

"It's just a scratch," Sakura tried to wave it off.

Botan pushed her way forward. "I'll be the judge of that," she locked eyes with Sakura for a split second and began to examine the laceration.

I know there's no time to heal it, Botan. I can manage.

Sakura, were those tokage mercenaries I saw in the hallway just now?!

Sakura gulped. Yes. The Master of the Saint Beasts sent them here to get me.

Botan's eyes widened slightly. Oh no. They're more relentless than the Makai, and far stronger. This isn't good.

There was a loud pounding on the door. "We're coming to get you, Yukimura! Do you know what happens when you hit a teacher?"

"Kyap, how do we get through all these things?"

"Easy, Natchi. We just barrel our way through. No way she's escaping this time,"

Tora laughed. "No need, my friends. The Makai will get us in, and then we simply make the grab,"

"Hear that, Sakura?" Natchi called mockingly. "We're coming for you!"

Botan looked fearfully at Sakura. You weren't kidding. What are we going to do?

Sakura was starting to shake. I don't know, Botan. But no matter what I'll get you two out of here!

Iwamoto's scissors smashed through the glass window on the door.

"Yusuke," Keiko whimpered.

Sakura pushed Keiko behind her. Think, Sakura. Think! You have to save Keiko and Botan no matter the cost!

Genkai crossed her arms and surveyed Sakura up and down. "It's a wonder. It truly is,"

Sakura raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean, Master Genkai?"

The psychic smiled. "The bond you and your brother share is uncanny. You're twins, and certainly share many similarities but in some ways you're perfect foils of each other,"

Sakura ran a hand through her hair and smiled back. "Sometimes I wish I was more like Yusuke," she admitted.

Genkai laughed. "Please, don't give me that image. One dimwit is quite enough. We should get back to work. Soon, I'll want to train the two of you together. You need to learn how to fight side by side,"

"Of course," Sakura nodded and finished her glass of water. "But somehow I doubt he'll let me do it for real. He's very…protective,"

"Is the sky blue? Is water wet? Any other blatantly obvious facts you'd like to dazzle me with, kiddo? Anyone with a pair of eyes can see how much you two care about each other. However..."

Genkai's voice turned serious. "You must never lose sight of why. He needs you, Missy," Genkai said solemnly. "He needs you more than he lets on,"

"Sakura, we know you're in there with your friend," Kyap taunted. "And we'd hate to have to throw her to the Makai. The longer you make us wait, the worse it will be. Just come on out nice and easy!"

Sakura clenched her fists so tightly she could feel her nails digging into her palms. As far as she could see, there was no way out of this for her. The tokage had directly threatened Keiko, and they along with the Makai blocked their only exit. Suzaku well and truly had her cornered. Between saving Keiko and escaping the mercenaries, there was no doubt in her mind who she'd pick.

She thought of Yusuke. It was impractical to try and see through tsunagu at this moment, but she could feel he was struggling. Would Yusuke be capable of fighting off the final Saint Beast alone? Kurama and Kuwabara were still injured, and Hiei…well, he seemed to change his mind on an hourly basis.

Yusuke needed her. Keiko needed her. Botan needed her, and Suzaku wanted her.

Sakura squared her shoulders and made her decision. She knew what she had to do.

"Botan. Keiko. Listen carefully. I have an idea,"

Outside the watchtower, Kuwabara, Hiei and Kurama were still locked in combat with the cultivated humans. The monsters were no match for their attacks, but the wave of them kept coming endlessly.

"We've got to find some way to get to Urameshi," Kuwabara panted.

Kurama looked at the watchtower. "Yes Kuwabara. I have a strong sense that he needs our help,"

"It's not just him," Kuwabara said in a low, worried voice. "I have a bad feeling about Sakura as well,"

Sakura. Kurama's heart constricted. He felt it too.

"It's really a magnificent technique," Suzaku laughed. "You see, these aren't just copies or shadows. Each one of us has our own freedom of will, which makes for a very destructive combination of attacks!"

The seven Suzakus jumped aloft and aimed arrows of spirit energy at Yusuke.

"Prism Storm of Torment!"

Yusuke balled up his fists and batted away all the attacks with his spirit power. Or so he thought. The sixth and final blast hit him in the shoulder and he went down like a rock.

The real Suzaku walked towards Yusuke's motionless figure. "Genuinely, Yusuke. I applaud your ability to dodge five out of my six attacks, but I only need one hit so I can finish you and take care of your friends. As you die, don't be sad. Ever since you stepped into my tower, you've been living on borrowed time,"

Yusuke laughed weakly, forcing himself to sit up. "That shows you don't know me very well. My whole life has been borrowed time,"

Suzaku watched in shock as Yusuke got to his feet.

"Now give me the stupid whistle!"

"Get DOWN!" Suzaku punched him across the face. "Is it possible you care that much for this girl!? Well, then I'll just have to stay and watch her die. Looks like your dear sister is about to run out of luck as well!"

Suzaku turned to his six doppelgängers. "Pick him up!"

Keiko looked anxiously at her best friend who was clearly struggling with her injury. "Are you sure this will work?"

"Look, it's risky but it's the best chance you've got. When I say the word, you two make a break for it, and I'll hold them off as long as I can,"

Botan touched Sakura's shoulder. "But Sakura, what about you?"

"I can take care of myself," Sakura shook her head firmly. "You need to get Keiko out of the school, Botan,"

"You have my word," Botan promised.

"Kura," Keiko gripped her hand tightly. "Is Yusuke safe?"

Sakura looked at her friend. "As far as I know, yes, and he's relying on me to protect you. Will you trust me?"

Keiko nodded and handed over her scarf.

Botan, I don't have time to explain everything, but you have to promise you won't try to help me when I tell you to run. Just get Keiko as far away from these things as possible. I'll handle the rest.

What do you mean, Sakura? You aren't seriously thinking what I think you are?!

Sakura's face was pale, but determined. I have a plan, Botan. Whatever happens, you need to trust me, ok?

Two clones held Yusuke's limp body in front of Suzaku's throne under the mirror, where the real Suzaku held court.

"Can't you drop these human feelings, Yusuke? I will make you a king of demons if you promise to eat Keiko's heart,"

"Go…to…hell!" Yusuke snarled venomously.

Suzaku narrowed his eyes. "I don't like that answer. What do you think, my dear Suzakus? Can we reform this boy's rebellious attitude?"

At Suzaku's nod of approval, the doppelgängers holding Yusuke sent a continuous surge of spirit energy through him. Yusuke was helpless, only able to moan in agony. One of the clones wrenched his hair back and forced him to look at the screen in time to see the Makai kicking at the door to the room where the girls cowered, and the tokage waiting by with restraints ready.

"We'll give you just enough so you won't pass out, floating in a constant state of pain. Then you can watch every last minute of Keiko's life," The beast looked up at the mirror. "Look Yusuke, it's getting very exciting. The final scene, I believe. Can't you hear the dramatic music swelling?" he taunted, humming a tune of his own composition. "Yours is a unique position, don't you agree? On the one hand, you're the audience watching a distant tragedy on the screen. But on the other hand, you are the very cause of it all!"

A final kick from a possessed Iwamoto, and the enemy was in.

"The door has been opened," Suzaku narrated. "The killer comes in. The heroine crawls into the corner and screams her last breath while her best friend is carried off, never to be seen again!"

Yusuke watched the nightmarish scene with absolute horror. "Keiko…Botan…Kura!"

Sakura could feel the perspiration dripping from her forehead, and the blood continuing to seep from the laceration on her arm. Outside, she could hear the prowling of the Makai and the clinking of the manacles as one of the tokage, presumably Natchi, waved them around.

"You sure these things will hold her?"

"Of course I am, idiot!" Kyap growled. "They can withstand a blast from the Master, so I'd like to see her try and get out of those once she's in them,"

"Then why didn't you tell me that before? I could have blocked her attack in the alley and we wouldn't have gone on this wild goose chase!"

There was a thud. Kyap must've hit Natchi. "I didn't know she had that kind of skill, idiot! I thought she'd start crying and give up. That's what our targets usually do!"

Tora growled. "She is not like the others. Focus, lads. Any minute now. Once we get her to the Master, she'll have to be…disciplined,"

Sakura felt sick. Keiko jumped at the sound of Iwamoto's triumphant laughter.

"Yukimura! I always knew you weren't as smart as you made us think. You hid yourself well, didn't you? Except for one thing. Your scarf!"

Get ready, Botan. It's almost time!

The clattering sounds indicated the Makai had picked up the brooms stacked in the corner.

"I warned you to stay away from Urameshi. But it's too late!"

"There's no escape, Sakura. Why not make it easier on yourself and give up now?" Tora called.

Keiko touched Sakura's shoulder and raised an eyebrow questioningly. Sakura shook her head and shut her eyes for a moment. She was terrified, but she was determined not to show it.

Breathe, Sakura. You only have one shot at this. It's scary, but focus. You know what you have to do, so do it!

The girls heard the sickening clang of metal as the Makai forced their way into the cabinet.

"Keiko!" Yusuke screamed. Those hideous creatures stabbed their weapons where Keiko's scarf had been. It was over. His nightmare had become reality.

Suzaku laughed as though witnessing the world's greatest comedy. "Your girlfriend has become a pincushion. And look, my mercenaries are just waiting for the right moment to enter themselves. Tick tock, tick tock. How long does Sakura have?"

Tears streamed down Yusuke's face. Keiko was gone, Botan probably was too, and he couldn't even imagine how frightened his sister must be. He couldn't see her on the screen, but he knew she must be cornered with no way out.

Suzaku was thoroughly entertained. "Well there's no point being sentimental," he smirked. "Come now, Yusuke. As soon as the tokage have Sakura, it'll be time for you to join Keiko!"

Kurama and Hiei raced up the stairs of the tower with Kuwabara bringing up the rear. But halfway up, an all-too familiar chorus of groaning greeted them. Yet another throng of Cultivated Humans stood between them and the final Saint Beast.

"Gah! They never end!" Kuwabara growled.

"Let's not waste more time," Hiei drew his sword.

"Your friends are drawing closer," Suzaku murmured over Yusuke's screams from the torture. The screen changed to the battle on the staircase. "I'll have to speed up your torturing to deal with them,"

Yusuke's eyes had gone glassy from the abuse. He hung his head and waited for it to end one way or another. Kura…Keiko…I'm so sorry.

Hello, moron! A gravelly voice took Yusuke's mind off the torture for just a second. You can't give up like this!

It definitely wasn't Sakura. That left only one option. Genkai? But…Keiko.

Oh, give the girl some credit! Genkai's voice said impatiently. She's not dead!

Suzaku looked at the screen, furious. "Damn it!"

The Makai humans had finally pried the mangled doors of the cabinet open. They expected to see Keiko's lifeless body, but only her scarf floated out.

"Think fast!" Sakura's energy blast flew out from behind the curtain. The Makai were knocked to the floor. "Botan, Keiko, now!"

Keiko and Botan leapt from the windowsill where they'd been hiding, armed with brooms of their own. "Kura, what did you just do?"

"Very impressive, Sakura. Too bad it won't do you any good this time!" The three tokage had entered the room and were approaching them. There was now a clear path to the door.

Sakura shoved Botan forward. "RUN!" she screamed.

Botan seized Keiko's hand and all three of them made a mad dash for the door. Botan and Keiko turned right, but Sakura hurried off to the left, pursued by the demons.

"Kura!" Keiko cried.

"Don't worry about me, Keiko! Spirit Blast!"

Sakura's orbs hurtled at the lizard demons, but Natchi was too quick. He held up the chains and Sakura's attack bounced right back at her. Sakura spun away at the last second and the spirit blast burst straight through the wall.

Sakura felt her stomach drop. So those things really could repel her Spirit Blast. She'd hoped that was just a lie. The girl turned and ran as fast as she could. She had to get the tokage away from Keiko and Botan or the mercenaries would almost certainly use them against her.

"Natchi, go around. Don't let her escape!"

Sakura didn't dare look behind her. She just had to keep running as long as possible.

How long can I last?

At the end of the hallway, Natchi leapt out from behind the corner. "Surprise!"

Sakura stopped dead in her tracks with a cry of fear. Clutching her slashed arm, she glanced behind her only to see Kyap and Tora approaching. There was nothing she could do. This was it.

"Ok, ok," she dropped her hand in a sign of surrender. "You win. I'm done running,"

Kyap seized Sakura and hurled her to the ground. "No escape acts this time, sweetheart!" he hissed.

Sakura directed her filthiest look at the hideous creature.

"You'll pay for that blast you sent in the alley. Little tramp, taking us by surprise like that!" With a sneer, Kyap raised his gigantic clawed foot and stomped down on Sakura's blood-soaked arm.

As they ran, Botan and Keiko heard a blood-curdling shriek.

"Kura?!" Keiko cried. "I'm coming!"

"No!" Botan yelled. "She told me to get you out of here, and that's exactly what I'm doing,"

"Botan, we have to go back for Kura!" Keiko said desperately as Sakura screamed again.

"We can't," Botan said in a pained voice.

"But those things will kill her!"

Botan pulled Keiko around the corner, scanning for an exit. "Trust me, they're not looking to do that. I know it's hard, but Sakura chose this so you could escape. Now we have to get to an exit!"

Everything in Keiko wanted to race to Sakura's aid, but Botan's determined face made her keep running, away from the Makai humans.

"Kura..."

Sakura gave another terrible scream, but it was abruptly cut off.

"Must I do everything myself?!" Suzaku raged. "Keiko will die no matter how long I have to wait!"

Yusuke's face was still stained with tears, and the torture had not ceased, but he began to laugh.

Suzaku looked at him, livid. "You! You think this is funny?! Have you forgotten your darling sister?"

The beast gestured at the mirror. Yusuke's laughter immediately ceased when he saw the predicament Sakura was in. She was surrounded by the lizard trio, and she lowered her good arm in defeat.

"Let's turn up the volume, shall we?" Murugu suggested silkily.

"NO!"

Yusuke saw one of the mercenaries slam Sakura to the floor and start pressing down on her injured arm. The sounds of her agonised screams filled the room and tore at Yusuke's very soul.

"No…don't hurt her, please," he begged.

"Too late," Suzaku's eyes glittered. "Much too late,"

Kyap ground his foot into Sakura's injured arm, twisting it this way and that as hard as he could while she screamed. Natchi was snickering at the sight.

"Not so cocky now, are you?!" Kyap roared.

"Alright, that's enough," Tora ordered.

Kyap didn't stop. He forced his foot down even harder. Sakura felt her skin tearing open. The pain was almost blinding. She shrieked at the full power of her lungs, but Natchi clamped a hand over her mouth.

Tora hauled Kyap off Sakura. "I said that's enough!"

Sakura lay dazed on the floor, whimpering. She didn't even want to think about the damage Kyap had caused to her bad arm.

"She deserved it," Kyap retorted harshly. "Little slag caused more trouble than she's worth!"

Tora fastened his hand around Kyap's neck and slammed him against the wall. "We have to follow orders. Suzaku said no unnecessary injuries. Now bind her!"

"Yes sir!" Natchi giggled and began tying Sakura's wrists together.

"Get the hell off me!" She struggled in a feeble attempt at resistance, but Natchi slapped her so hard she saw stars.

"Thought you could outrun us forever, little girl?" Tora snarled in her ear. "It was a nice try, I'll admit. But I told you we tokage mercenaries won't give up til we acquire a target,"

Tora then locked the sinister-looking manacles over her hands, covering them completely.

"Don't try anything stupid, Miss Urameshi," Kyap warned, his foot hovering dangerously close to her bad arm. "As you can probably tell, these chains can easily resist your spirit energy, so don't waste your time trying to escape,"

"You don't have to worry about that," Sakura glowered at Natchi who was binding her feet. "Is this really necessary? I already told you I give up!"

"Only following procedure, brat. Now just relax. Won't be long and you'll be back in Maze Castle,"

Yes, she would. And Yusuke would probably have a heart attack if he knew what was happening. But she'd managed to save Keiko. Unlike the last time, she'd actually gotten her to safety, or close enough.

This was for you Keiko. Take care of her, Botan.

Tora smiled at their seemingly helpless captive. "Target secured. Let's go,"

He pressed a button on his wrist device and a portal formed, not unlike the one Koenma had sent. Natchi tossed Sakura through the hole. Unable to move, her face became painfully acquainted with the ground.

"You know, by throwing me around all you're going to do is seriously piss off my brother and our friends," she groaned.

Tora dragged Sakura up by her hair and smacked her face again. "That's a risk we're willing to take, brat. Now I strongly advise you to zip it, or we'll happily do it for you,"

"Can't you idiots at least tell me why Suzaku went to all this trouble just for me?"

Kyap scowled at her. "How should we know? We're mercenaries, remember? We just do what the Saint Beasts say. They tell us to bring them something or someone, we do it. Now shut up,"

Sakura rolled her eyes. "So in other words you're glorified delivery boys?"

Natchi struck her across the face for a third time. "Shut up, brat!" His voice was rising in emotion. Apparently he was seriously offended. "We're highly trained professionals, and unless you want to experience more pain you'll keep your mouth shut!"

"Oh, so you're trained delivery boys?" Sakura laughed. "By who? Pizza Hut?"

Kyap delivered a fourth stinging blow to her face. "You're lucky Suzaku said no unnecessary injuries," he growled. "This is your last warning. Shut up, or we will make you!"

Tora glared at Kyap. "Enough. She needs to be delivered in one piece. Now pick her up,"

Kyap gave Sakura a kick of annoyance. "Not a chance. She's driving me insane. You carry her!"

"I can walk," Sakura growled through clenched teeth.

Natchi shook his head. "No more warnings. Tora?"

Tora nodded reluctantly. "Do what you have to do. Kyap, inform Suzaku we caught her,"

Sakura smiled to herself. That's what you think.

Natchi cocked his head and smiled mischievously. "How many times were you told to shut up? You brought this on yourself, brat!"

He slammed Sakura's head into the ground, knocking her out cold.

"Murugu, this is Kyap. You copy? We've got the girl, and we're returning immediately,"

"Loud and clear, Kyap. We're watching it all live and Yusuke has a front row seat!" Murugu was turning loops in the air, twittering with excitement. "Suzaku, Suzaku, look!"

"I can see it all, Murugu," Suzaku smiled triumphantly at the sight. He began to roar with laughter. "Tora, bring her to the tower. Although take the back entrance. There's still some guests who might interfere,"

"Understood, sir. We'll be there shortly,"

Suzaku turned to a livid Yusuke. "Yusuke, are you enjoying the film? No?"

He sent another ball of lightning through Yusuke, who screamed not only from the pain but from the rage and helplessness he felt watching his twin being attacked by those monsters.

But in his heart, he knew something didn't quite add up. Why had Sakura lowered her hands and not tried to fight back or run? True, she was injured, but it all seemed like she'd given up too easily. That wasn't the Sakura he knew, especially after Hiei and all the training they'd done. Even with her arm, there were still other ways she could have at least attempted to escape.

It was almost like…she'd let herself be caught.

What do you think you're doing, dimwit? Don't you remember one speck of your training? Genkai's voice barked.

Get out of my head, you old bitch! Yusuke hurled back. I can't think right now.

That's your problem, you idiot! Remember?!

"Focus your mind on the business at hand!" Genkai ordered, watching Yusuke balancing on the tip of the spike. "You give up on everything because you can't commit to anything,"

"Let me guess," Yusuke hissed. "Did you pick up that cute saying from a fortune cookie? I'm trying, ok? But you're working me to death!"

Genkai was unmoved. "Approaching death is the key to your training. It is called training under critical conditions. You must push your body all the way to its breaking point. Only then will you reach beyond your physical limits. Power like this must be earned, slacker! I know that's a new concept for you. All your life you've gone the easy way,"

Genkai circled her exhausted and furious student. "So you were born with a talent for fighting. Who cares? You never worked for it. Why do you think your sister learns so much more quickly? She knows how to work for a goal, unlike you. You've always quit every time the answer wasn't served on a silver plate!"

"Shut up! SHUT UP!" Yusuke roared, and used his spirit energy to launch himself off the spike and into the air. "I don't have to listen to you!

"Look at all the energy you still have," Genkai sniffed. "Shows you're doing your training like everything else: half-assed!"

Yusuke looked daggers at Genkai and charged his Spirit Gun. "You people are all alike," he said furiously. "Trying to take control of me and tell me how I am! You're WRONG!"

Genkai laughed. "Yes. Kill me, to avoid your problem," she leapt up behind Yusuke and slammed him back to the ground.

"Sheesh, lady. Does Kura get the same treatment?" Yusuke grunted.

"Forget her for a moment and listen to what I'm saying!" Genkai snapped. "It's time you bit the bullet and started caring about something with all your heart and energy. But you can't care about it if you're always holding yourself back in case it doesn't work out!"

Her voice turned softer. "Concentrate on what's important to you, Yusuke. Then commit to it all the way!"

Yusuke's eyes opened with a look of resolve. "Ok. But what's important?"

Suzaku smiled gloatingly over his prey. "Goodbye, Yusuke. But don't fret. Your sister will be fine with me!" With a snarl, he began to prepare the final beam of electricity that would snuff out the boy's life.

Yusuke was still screaming from the torturous pain coursing through him. Suddenly, a montage of memories, like scenes from a film flashed in his mind.

His mother sobbing inconsolably at his wake. Sakura collapsing in a heap screaming his name. Hiei slashing at Seiryu. Sakura firing her spirit blast at Rando. Kuwabara charging Byakko. Kurama slicing Genbu apart with his rose whip. Hiei saving them all at the Gate of Betrayal. Botan fighting the Makai to protect Keiko. Sakura hugging him before running off to help. Keiko kissing his lifeless glowing body…

I've come all this way. But what's the big deal? What's it gotten me? Why do I care?

"Be sure to hold him tightly!" Suzaku's face was alive with malice.

Murugu flapped around his head. "Wait, wait Suzaku! The tokage are back with your special delivery!"

And at last, Yusuke understood.

Because THEY need me!

A.N. What did you think? Sakura's been caught and dragged back to Maze Castle, Yusuke's about to face Suzaku for real, and their friends are still trying to get to them. What do you think will happen next? What did you like about this chapter?

Soon I'll start writing the Dark Tournament. My poll is still open for votes. Who do you think Sakura should fight?

Please review if you're enjoying the story, it honestly helps me so much! Chapter 23 is on the way, and will hopefully be released 12/23

Next chapter: Sakura meets Suzaku and the tower battle races to a conclusion.