A.N. Welcome to another edition of Sakura Urameshi. Hope you all had a lovely Christmas despite the pandemic. The action-packed Saint Beasts Arc is complete and now we're on to Yukina, who I know a lot of you have been looking forward to. This case will lay the foundation for what's coming next, the Dark Tournament in Book 2.

Hope you enjoy this hint of what's to come. Many relationships will change.

Grimmjowlover314: You like that? :) I guess I want you all to know that I do read and appreciate everything my readers write. You inspire me to keep going.

Wolfs child: Ask and you shall receive. I had a small and relaxed Christmas day. It was lovely and I hope yours was too. I am working on Chapter 25 now.

Hina714: Yeah, you weren't alone in that fear. Thankfully Kurama got there in time. I totally agree that it's an unspeakably evil act to even attempt. I'm humbled that you've cried while reading this. Sibling bonds are so important, but not all are like Yusuke and Sakura. There's still a lot more to happen with them though!

hw0134160: Please, fangirl away haha. Yes, those evil tokage got off entirely too quickly, but at least they got what they deserved. As for adding Sakura to the anime, only Yoshihiro Togashi could do that so maybe ask him? Haha. I'd be so happy if the show came back. Seriously though, I'm so thrilled you love this story. I'm writing Chapter 25 right now.

bluerose921: I love writing Yusuke and Sakura's relationship. He's overprotective for sure, but I think the Saint Beasts case may have ironically softened him a bit. Or maybe Sakura just isn't going to put up with it anymore...

Rest assured, I have big plans for her relationships with Kurama and Hiei, so stay tuned.

fairywings102906: Thankyou so much, and welcome to the club. Sakura and I are so happy you're here.

Damaged Forest Spirit: I answered your question in a DM. A Sakura X Hiei moment? Hmmm...you might just get your wish ;)

Please follow, favourite and REVIEW if you're enjoying the story. Every bit of feedback keeps me writing. Chapter 25 is coming soon.

I don't own YYH, just my OCs.

Chapter 24

"Get out of bed! You're going to be late. AGAIN!"

Yusuke dodged the water Atsuko threw at him and ran for the door. "Mother! Push off!"

"Move it. Sakura left ten minutes ago,"

Yawning, Yusuke walked out the door.

"Wait!" Atsuko poked her head out. "Your bag!" she hurled said object at him. "And I'm calling the school office to check," she warned.

"Tch. Like I'd skip," Yusuke sniped and took off at a run. Two streets away, he caught up with his irritated sister.

"How nice of you to join me. If you make me late I'll kick your ass," Sakura folded her arms.

Yusuke shook his head. "Come off it, Squirt. It's the perfect plan. Sleep in and get plenty of exercise running,"

"Yeah, brilliant. I'm sure it'll never backfire," she said sarcastically. Her eyes were tired, and Yusuke knew why. He'd heard her screaming from the nightmares.

Suddenly she looked sideways. "Can you feel that?"

There was a spike in spirit energy. Yusuke's eyes narrowed. "Get behind me," he ordered.

Sakura held her breath and prepared to fight, but Yusuke relaxed when he recognised who was there. Sakura didn't drop her guard entirely. Still half in Maze Castle, apparently.

"Well, if it isn't my favourite three-eyed demon," Yusuke grinned. "What's up Hiei? You're not stalking us again, are you?"

Hiei was silent, but he glanced at Sakura rather intently. Then he whipped out a DVD.

"What's that?" Sakura asked. Hiei's look had not escaped her, and she couldn't work out what it had been for.

"From Koenma," Hiei replied curtly.

Yusuke frowned, but he took the DVD. "Koenma? Isn't this Botan's gig?"

"I don't know, I'm following orders," Hiei scowled.

"You're following Koenma's orders?" Yusuke asked incredulously.

Hiei didn't reply.

"Something wrong, Hiei?" Sakura raised an eyebrow.

Hiei merely glanced from Yusuke to Sakura a few times, then turned and performed his vanishing act.

"Strange guy," Yusuke muttered.

Sakura looked at the DVD. "He's an enigma, that's for sure,"

The school bell rang. "Oh, damn it!" Yusuke grabbed Sakura's arm and they began sprinting.

"Have you sent him?" Kurama looked questioningly at Koenma.

"Yes," Koenma was curled up in his chair looking rather miserable. "Yusuke should be getting the DVD right now, so we can only pray things happen as planned,"

Kurama looked serious. "Do you think Hiei suspects anything?"

"Probably," Koenma admitted. "But he's so far from the truth…I think. Maybe you should have accompanied him to be sure,"

"I…believe we'll be alright," Kurama said carefully. "Hiei may sense something's wrong, but he'll leave Yusuke and Sakura to fix it,"

Koenma didn't look convinced. "I hope you're right,"

Sakura was trembling still wasn't used to walking into this room since the Makai incident, and right down the hall was where the tokage had grabbed her…

Don't think about it. Don't think about it. Those monsters are dead.

"Hey, Kuwabara!" Yusuke said slyly. "You have a nice DVD player in your room, don't you? Ours is a piece of junk, so let's go to your house,"

Kuwabara's face lit up. "What is it, Urameshi? A nudie movie? OW! Kura! What was that for?!"

Sakura walked over to retrieve the book she'd thrown at his head. "Sorry, my hand must have slipped,"

"Nice shot," Yusuke grinned at his sister and turned back to Kuwabara. "Maybe. It's from Spirit World,"

Kuwabara's expression went from an eager smile to a thunderstorm in record time. "I had a dream you'd bring that up today, and the answer is no!" he huffed. "You're not risking my life again,"

"What are you talking about?" Yusuke shot back. "You're the guy who leaped into that portal last time while I was telling you to go home,"

Kuwabara glared. "Dress up the facts all you want. I'm not fighting anymore, period," Kuwabara headed to his desk next to Sakura's. "Yep, I am gonna be a scientist," he said proudly.

Yusuke gave him a death stare. I'll give him a week.

Sakura shook her head. I'll give him five minutes.

"Yusuke!" Keiko's stern voice was back. "Is it your goal to get detention every day of school?"

"Hard to when he skips more than our DVD player," Sakura called.

"Hey, I'm right here you damn brat!"

Keiko faced Yusuke, hands on hips. Are you trying to hide something from me?"

"No," Yusuke said evasively. "Why?"

"There's a DVD under your arm. You know they aren't allowed at school," Keiko said tiredly.

Sakura walked over and put her arm around Keiko. "Yusuke, remember what you promised?"

Yusuke looked sheepish. "Ok, fine. To tell you the truth, I got this thing from Spirit World. I haven't seen it yet, but odds are it's my next big case. So how's that for spilling my guts?"

Keiko looked between the twins blankly. "What's Spirit World?"

Sakura didn't trust herself to speak. Yusuke looked even more confused than Keiko.

"You got amnesia or something? I thought Botan explained everything to you about my job as Spirit Detective!"

Keiko furrowed her brow. "Right, she told me all about your internship with that great detective…oh, of course!" Keiko smiled in understanding. "Spirit World must be the name of his detective agency!"

Sakura was immensely grateful that she was not in Keiko's line of sight. "Excuse me," she muttered and dashed outside to the nearest bathroom where she began laughing hysterically.

Kura? Kura! Damn it Squirt, there's nothing funny about this!

Are you kidding me? Sakura wiped tears of laughter from her face. It's hilarious!

Were you in on this too, you damn brat?!

Nope, had nothing to do with it. But I wish I had!

Yusuke was still fuming after school while approaching Kuwabara's house, muttering an extensive and impressive string of curse words under his breath.

"Settle down, Urameshi, it's not that big of a deal," Kuwabara sighed.

"What's not a big deal?" Botan had arrived in her human form.

Kuwabara went slightly red. "Botan, you're here, and looking as beautiful as ever!"

Botan smiled. "Koenma said we have a new case?"

"Never mind that for now!" Yusuke ground his teeth and glared at her. "Botan, we have to talk!"

Sakura held him back. "Yusuke, for the love of…not here!"

Botan blinked. "What in the world has gotten into you, Yusuke?"

"More like what you told Keiko," Yusuke growled.

"Ok, ok, that's enough. This is my house and it's my sister's day off, so be nice to her, ok?"

The twins followed Kuwabara inside where they were greeted by a tall slim young woman who looked to be in her early twenties.

"Hey Kazuma. Who are your friends?" she took the cigarette out of her mouth.

"This is Urameshi and Sakura. And this is Botan,"

The young woman gave a small wave. "Ooh, twins. Hey guys. I'm Shizuru," her eyes widened at Botan's appearance. "I love your hair, who's your stylist? Is it my competition?"

"Oh, you're a cosmetologist?" Sakura's face lit up and spared Botan having to explain. "Maybe I'll come see you some time,"

"Whatever you want, kiddo," Shizuru ran a hand through her loose brown hair. "Now beat it, Kazuma. I've had a long day,"

Kuwabara led them all upstairs to his room. The second the door was shut, Yusuke rounded on Botan.

"Ok, Botan. What the hell kind of explanation did you give her?! She thinks I'm a friggin' intern at some screwed up after-school program. For juvenile delinquents!"

"Well I had to make up something believable to explain your absence without mentioning the supernatural," Botan said loftily. "A basic tenant of Spirit World is that it can't run properly if normal humans have proof of it!"

"How did you explain the zombies, Botan?" Sakura giggled and handed the DVD the Kuwabara.

"A drug ring that got out of control and infiltrated the school. Thankfully Keiko never got a good look at the tokage so they were just mercenaries to her. And as for your Spirit Blast, she thinks it was a taser,"

Sakura grinned. "Sounds like you thought of everything. I'm impressed!"

"Well you made me sound lame," Yusuke grumbled.

"Enough already!" Kuwabara snapped. "Can we please just watch the tape instead of arguing? You're going to annoy my sister,"

Yusuke crossed his arms. Botan stuck her tongue out at him.

"Besides, Botan is right," Kuwabara went on. "Keiko's not supposed to know, so the truth would only get her in trouble. Maybe you should care more about her safety than worrying about some stupid cover story,"

"I just love being tag teamed," Yusuke scowled.

Botan beamed. "Oh thank you Kuwabara, you're very wise. And you, Sakura. How did Yusuke end up with such a sister?"

"What can I say, Botan? You and I seem to be a perfect match in every way. But think about it, Urameshi. Keiko could really get in trouble. Look at what Kura's been through by knowing, with Hiei and those lizards…!"

"Stop talking. Now," Sakura was on her feet and glaring daggers at him.

Botan laughed awkwardly. Yusuke stopped sulking momentarily to follow Sakura's lead.

"Kuwabara, don't. You know Kura doesn't like talking about that," he said sternly.

Kuwabara looked mildly ashamed. "Ok, ok. I'm sorry. But one more thing before I press play, Urameshi. Whatever kind of mission it is, there's no way I'm getting involved!"

"Ok, ok!" Yusuke sighed. "Just start the tape,"

Sakura didn't hear the bizarrely elaborate opening credits. She was lost inside her head.

"Are you scared now, you little brat?" Natchi was tearing at her shirt, and nobody seemed to notice his claws edging towards her jeans as the door flew open…

Kura? Stay with me! Yusuke gripping her hand brought Sakura back to reality.

Sorry, flashback. I'm fine.

"Welcome. How do you like my video?" Koenma appeared on the screen. "The great Koenma, ruler of the Spirit World, has yet another important case for you,"

Kuwabara pointed at the screen, bug eyed. "This is seriously the guy you get your jobs from, Urameshi? This little bitty toddler?!"

"I said the same thing when I met him and Botan hit me in the head," Yusuke grunted.

"Perhaps that's why Koenma's doing the video this time. He can't bear these first reactions," Botan murmured.

"This mission will be another doozy," Koenma continued. "Hopefully, you will survive. By the way, don't worry about people entering the room. This video was specially encrypted and will appear as annoying fuzz to anyone without heightened spirit awareness. Now, your mission is search-and-rescue. Except, without the searching,"

Koenma snapped his fingers and the image changed to a very unfriendly-looking forest. "Spirit World intelligence reports that the captive is being held in a mountain stronghold, around 50 miles from your city. And not being of driving age yourselves, you will have to take the bus. The mountain is a base of criminal activity. Normally I don't mind that, but the humans have made ties with some very nasty demons. The captive's name is Yukina. She's an ice apparition, very rare. Equally rare are the beautiful jewels she can produce, which is why the criminals have captured her,"

Koenma held a jewel up. "They hope to profit greatly off of Yukina, forcing her to create these jewels at an unnatural pace. And by force, I mean torture,"

"No!" Sakura said loudly. Anger was swelling below the surface.

"That's horrible," Botan said sadly.

"You see, there is only one way to make the jewels. Her tears," Koenma explained.

Botan gasped. "Yes, the hiruseki stone. In the black market, those jewels sell easily for thousands!"

Koenma showed them footage of a fortified helicopter landing, and a hideous thug getting out. "Here is the human behind the operation. His name is Gonzo Tarukane, a jeweller and a thug,"

"Ew," Kuwabara groaned. "He's too ugly to be a human!"

"He's too ugly to be anything," Yusuke agreed.

Sakura nearly gagged. "You guys are being entirely too polite. He looks like a shrivelled testicle that's been recently dry-cleaned,"

Koenma showed a shadowy figure behind a barred window. "Here are the most recent pictures we have of Yukina. Memorise her face. This mission goes far beyond jewellery thieves. It is imperative that you bring her back quickly,"

Kuwabara made a small squeak. Sakura studied Yukina. There was no other word for it, she was beautiful. A tiny girl in a pale blue kimono with impossibly perfect mint-green hair. Her face looked serene, but her eyes were sad. Sakura couldn't put her finger on it, but something about the girl seemed oddly familiar.

Kuwabara pressed pause. His face had gone red.

"Oh, I feel awful for her," Botan lamented. "We have to leave today,"

Kuwabara jumped to his feet like a rocket had been lit under him.

Yusuke nudged Sakura. "What's his deal?"

Sakura took one look at Kuwabara's face and rolled her eyes. "Take a wild guess,"

"I…think I'm in love," stammered Kuwabara.

"What?" Yusuke looked dumbstruck.

Called it. Sakura thought dully.

Kuwabara raised his arms. "Well come on Urameshi! Let's send those bad guys to the moon!"

"I thought you weren't coming," Yusuke sighed.

Kuwabara got right in Yusuke's face. "Don't try to dress up the facts again! I'm a good friend and I can't let you go save her alone. She's suffering!"

Suddenly, everyone realised that they had another person in the room.

"Shizuru?" Kuwabara gaped.

"How long have you been here?" Botan asked.

Shizuru rolled her eyes and put down the tray she was carrying. "Calm down, princess. I just heard you watching that weirdo movie so I thought you'd like some kiddie snacks or something,"

Yusuke and Botan were desperately trying to cover. "We're just watching fuzz!"

"Fuzz. Yes, fuzz. We find it relaxing,"

Shizuru was unimpressed. "Oh, then I must've imagined the little boy with the pacifier giving you orders?"

Sakura rubbed her face. "Give it up. Looks like spirit awareness runs in the Kuwabara family,"

"Ok, Shizuru. You win!" Kuwabara said loudly. "Now can we have some money for the bus? Like maybe a million or so. That's enough, right?"

Shizuru rolled her eyes. "Kiddo, for a million bucks you could take a bus to Hawaii. Here's fifty,"

Kuwabara happily took the money and ran out the door. "Ok, I'll see you guys in a couple of days!" he called over his shoulder.

Sakura looked at Shizuru. "Has he always been a blockhead or did it develop over time?"

"A combination of the two," Shizuru shrugged.

"You think he knows the way to the mountain?" Botan sounded concerned.

Yusuke shook his head. "Doubt it,"

"That's my baby brother for you," Shizuru smiled. "You better eat your snacks. It'll take him a few hours to realise he doesn't know where he's going,"

"I think there's more of the tape. We should watch the rest," Sakura pressed play.

Koenma still had more to say. "In closing, I must say this case is quite delicate. You see, this ice apparition is not just some Jane Doe. Yukina is Hiei's sister,"

Botan gasped. Sakura clapped her hands over her mouth. Yusuke's jaw dropped.

"Have to admit, didn't see that coming," Yusuke muttered.

Botan looked at Sakura. The girl was staring at the image of Yukina and her face was tense.

Those red eyes are like his. No, they're different. Same colour and shape, but they're softer.

"Sakura?" Botan said hesitantly. "Is something wrong?"

Sakura's eyes were blazing. "I'm not waiting for Kuwabara. We're going after Yukina right now," she rose and turned to the door.

The claws of the tokage were at her throat…she could feel the weight of their hands throwing her to the ground…

"Woah there, Kura. What's gotten into you?" Yusuke stood and took her gently by the shoulders. Sakura was just barely holding herself together.

"I have to save Yukina. I don't care if Hiei is her brother. Who knows what they're doing to her? She needs our help!" Sakura's voice was getting more high-pitched with panic. Yusuke could see in his sister's eyes that the flashbacks were threatening to consume her.

Botan rubbed Sakura's back soothingly. "Sit down, Sakura,"

"Kura," Yusuke said evenly. "Breathe. I know you want to go right away, but you can't. You have to…"

Sakura gave him a look so full of acid it could've stripped the paint from a car. "Don't you even think about telling me I should stay behind, Yusuke Urameshi!"

Yusuke blinked. "Squirt, I -"

"She's being held against her will. I know how that feels and I can't sit here and do nothing!"

"Yes, but -"

"Oh, so you think it's a bad idea? Think it'll upset me? I'll get too emotional? For the love of God, I could practically get frequent flyer points for all the times I've been abducted. It's high time I did the saving for a change and there is no way in this world or the next you're going to stop me, got it?!"

Yusuke looked calmly at Sakura. "You going to let me finish?"

Sakura stopped to draw breath. "What?" she glowered.

"Nice speech, but I wasn't going to say that. Didn't you have a training session in Spirit World later today?"

Sakura felt her face go bright red. "Uh…yeah. I think so,"

Yusuke was obviously trying not to laugh. "So what I was going to say is you can meet us in the forest when you're done. Sounds good?"

It took Sakura a second to register what was happening. "You…you mean you aren't going to tell me it's too dangerous?"

Yusuke exhaled slowly. "Well my instincts say I should, but we all know it wouldn't make a difference. And I did say we'd face everything together from now on. Just promise to stay with me the whole time, ok?"

Sakura scanned her twin's face to detect any trace of a lie. "You mean it?"

He nodded. "We're a package deal, aren't we?"

Sakura's eyes welled up. "Yusuke…thank you. I promise I won't go off on my own,"

"No tears. Now go on, go with Botan. We'll see you soon,"

Yusuke smiled back at her. He wasn't about to admit it out loud, but he couldn't imagine going on any case without his twin. Not now, not ever.

An oversized helicopter landed outside the secluded mansion. Gonzo Tarukane stepped out, cigar in hand.

His valet bowed to him. "Welcome back, your excellency,"

"What's new with the broad?" Tarukane grunted. "Did she cry?"

"No," the valet admitted. "I confess we've been having trouble with that, sir. She seems to have stripped herself of all emotion,"

"Tch. Them broads are all alike," sniffed Tarukane. "Ask 'em nicely and they stiffen up like a dead bug. That's why I've brought in some experts,"

Following Tarukane off the aircraft were two seedy characters. At first glance, one might miss that there were two. The taller one towered at least seven feet above the ground and had a cruel face hidden behind a pair of sunglasses. Crouched on his shoulder was a much smaller creature, obviously older. Elder Toguro was thin and wiry and half-drowned by a thick mop of unruly hair.

"These gents are called the Toguro brothers," Tarukane puffed his cigar. "They're the leaders of the Apparition Gang. Couple of mercenaries. Turns out they do business in a variety of areas. Demon trade, demon torture, you get the idea,"

"Let us handle it from here," The younger Toguro spoke without emotion. "We will make her cry,"

Sakura cut the connection and found herself back in Master Shinsuke's meditation cave. "It worked," she panted.

Master Shinsuke beamed with pride. He was pleased that Sakura was no longer perspiring or collapsing after maintaining the tsunagu bond in his cave. "Your stamina has increased out of sight. I can see you've been practising,"

Sakura nodded. "That was so much easier. I've never been able to see that far before, and with people I don't know,"

"You are becoming stronger by the day, dear girl. I am very proud of you,"

She hesitated. "Master, a fifth door has been added to my mind, but I can't get inside it yet,"

It had appeared after their encounter that morning. A door black as ebony, chained shut and sealed with an unwavering red eye. Hiei's door which refused to open.

The mage took a seat opposite his protégée. "Who does the door belong to?"

"Hiei the demon," Sakura said quietly. "I don't know why, but it's there,"

The old man looked thoughtful. "If I had to guess, I'd say this is likely because of the decrease in hostility you feel towards each other. Maze Castle certainly broke some barriers, wouldn't you say?"

"I told him off, if that's what you mean," Sakura's brow creased. "But the way he was looking at me this morning…he looked almost guilty,"

Master Shinsuke stood up. "You say this Ice Maiden is Hiei's sister, correct? Hiei's door may not open yet due to his solitude, but seeing it is a sign things may be softening. You cannot connect with Hiei, but you know his wavelengths. Let us use this and attempt to connect with Yukina herself,"

"You mean I should try and talk to her?"

"Not from this distance, that will still require closer proximity and almost certainly a proper tsunagu bond. However, there is no reason at all you should not be able to see Yukina herself like you did Tarukane,"

Sakura jumped up. "Oh sir, if I could do something like that it would help Yusuke's missions so much!"

Master Shinsuke held up a hand in caution. "This will not happen overnight. It is easier to do so in this cave where spirit energy is concentrated. It will be more difficult in the field, understand?"

"I do, Master," Sakura said solemnly. "But please let me try now," The girl shut her eyes and pushed out, back towards Tarukane's stronghold.

Yukina…let me find you…

In a cold and unfriendly cell, Yukina smiled fondly at the collection of robins who slipped through the bars on her window on a daily basis. They alone were the one ray of sunshine, the small spark of hope that allowed her to survive.

"Sweet birds," she said to the two perched on her hands. "If I had wings like you do, I promise I wouldn't be staying in here. Don't you see?"

She reached out gingerly to the talisman cards hanging on the bars. Simple, but effective torture devices that burned her hands and made escape impossible.

"There are many better places to go, birds. Far away from me,"

The sounds of footsteps became audible outside her door. The cue for the birds to leave.

"Go!" Yukina's serene eyes glowed brightly and ice formed on every inch of her cell before her captors could enter. Not only the room, but her heart and emotions were covered in ice as well. She would not give them the satisfaction of seeing her cry.

Tarukane grumbled. "Every time we come to visit, she freezes the room," He was already prepared in his winter coat. "Frigid little whore, huh?"

Arriving at the door, Tarukane gestured to Yukina. "A real knockout, ain't she? But when it comes to emotions, she's more like a glacier,"

Yukina gave no indication or acknowledgement to her visitors. She simply sat on her chair and stared at the wall without moving or uttering a sound. Younger Toguro slashed at her, leaving a single cut on her cheek. The ice maiden didn't even flinch when blood was drawn.

"Don't bother," Tarukane sighed. "After five years, we've tried filling that girl up with every kind of pain imaginable. No matter what she just stares at the damn wall,"

But something did cause Yukina to move. The twittering of the birds who had come back to her.

"Stay away!" she called out to them. "It isn't safe!"

The Toguro brothers smiled at her panicked tone. "Brother?"

"Of course!" Elder Toguro transformed his hands into long ugly tendrils which shot towards the birds and plucked two out of the sky.

Yukina ran to the brothers. "Please don't hurt them!"

Younger Toguro slapped the girl to the floor. "These innocent little birds keep you company and give you a small reason to hope, don't they? Too bad your feelings have betrayed them,"

Yukina could do nothing but watch helplessly as Elder Toguro wound his tentacles tighter around the precious animals who were writhing in agony.

"Please, spare them!" she begged desperately. "Please!"

Elder Toguro only laughed in response. The bird's cries grew fainter and fainter, and finally fell silent.The Ice Maiden's eyes welled up at the sight of a single feather falling to the ground.

"No!" Yukina sobbed. Her iron will shattered and her tears fell to the ground as the precious crystals. "I'll do anything you want," she wept. "I don't care,"

"Oh, you've done quite enough, Missy. For now, anyways," Tarukane gathered up the hiruseki stones like a child on Christmas morning. "You're gonna make me a fortune!"

He laughed and looked at Yukina with disdain. "How a creature like her can have feelings is beyond me," he snorted. "To think she made all that noise over some stupid birds. Now get off the floor and clean up your face. I like my people to look happy when I'm having a good day,"

Younger Toguro looked at Yukina scornfully. "You can make this easier on yourself. Give up hope and start practising how to cry,"

Yukina was left alone on the floor. Her last threads of hope and joy had been destroyed.

"NO!" Sakura screamed furiously. In her rage she felt she could punch a hole in the stone wall. "Those monsters…how could they?"

Master Shin took Sakura's hands. "Breathe, Sakura. It's alright,"

Sakura was crying even harder than poor Yukina. "It's not ok, Master," she sobbed. "Yukina's been imprisoned for five years, being tortured in every way imaginable and she still found a reason to smile with those birds. I only got kidnapped for a few hours and became a complete wreck. How pathetic. I'm so ashamed,"

Shin shook his head and smiled. "No, child. You are very far from a complete wreck, and in any case you have nothing to be ashamed of,"

"Of course I do," Tears spilled off the sides of Sakura's face. "I thought I'd be over it by now but I still get nightmares and I practically jump at my own shadow. I have to go, I have to help her…"

"Sakura!" Master Shin was unusually stern. "Listen to me. Who said anything about 'getting over' what you've gone through? Trauma isn't a competition,"

Sakura wiped her eyes. "I don't understand,"

"What is the point in comparing your pain to someone else's? None. You may feel weak, but you have a chance here to do something good,"

The mage pushed Sakura slightly away from him and locked his old eyes with her watery ones. "Use your passion and strength to save Yukina. And then use your empathy to help her afterwards. I believe this will be most helpful for both of you,"

The girl nodded. "Yes, sir. I should go now. Will I see you soon?"

"At our next lesson," Master Shinsuke promised. "You can do this,"

Sakura bowed slightly to her master and hurried from the cave, through the garden and out the door where Jorge was waiting patiently for her.

"Jorge, I'm ready. Can Koenma send me back now?"

"Of course, Miss Sakura. Come with me,"

Sakura hesitated. "Uh, actually Jorge, there was something I was going to ask you," she lowered her voice. "Is…is Kurama here right now?"

Jorge looked surprised. "Well, technically yes, but he's off running an errand for Koenma at the moment,"

"Oh," Sakura tried to keep the disappointment out of her voice. "I see. Never mind. Now, Koenma?"

"Certainly," Jorge led her to Koenma's office where the toddler waited nervously.

"Oh, Sakura. You're ready to go help Yusuke?"

Sakura nodded. "Yes Koenma. Are they in the forest yet?"

Koenma pointed to the screen behind him. "They just arrived," Yusuke, Botan and Kuwabara were taking their first steps into the woods.

"Send me there," Sakura gave Koenma a determined look.

The toddler king snapped his fingers just as the door slid open. Spirit World was fading, but not before Sakura caught sight of red hair entering the room...

Tarukane was greedily examining the jewels in his office. "You brothers came with a big price tag, but you sure get the job done,"

His valet approached him. "Problem, sir. We've spotted intruders,"

"All the way here in the mountains?" Tarukane raised an eyebrow skeptically. "They're no doubt some gold diggers trying to cash in on my scheme. Kill them,"

"Tarukane," Younger Toguro spoke from the other side of the room. "Grant a favour. Allow our demons to deal with these intruders,"

Yusuke and Kuwabara looked up at the giant hill where Botan was leading them. "You know, there's no way we're going to find this house before nightfall," Yusuke complained.

"Come on, boys! The other trail goes all the way to the top. I think it's our best bet," Botan was following the demon compass.

Kuwabara broke into a run. "Let's go Urameshi! Wait for me, Yukina! Your true love is coming!"

Yusuke caught up to Botan and shook his head wearily. "I guess he's done being in love with you, Botan,"

Botan looked worried. "Shouldn't we tell him about the rest of the video?"

Yusuke shared her concern. "Well, I'd hate to ruin his fun…"

"He wouldn't listen either way, so I'd say keep your mouth shut at this point," Sakura jumped down from a nearby tree.

"Kura! You're here!" Yusuke ruffled her hair.

Sakura smiled. "Yep, and you're going to love the new technique Master Shin taught me today,"

"Go on?" Botan asked eagerly.

"It's only early stages, but I can see inside Tarukane's mansion. As we get closer, I might be able to help us plan ahead and avoid any traps,"

Yusuke blinked. "You serious, Kura?"

"Like I said, I don't know how strong it is outside Spirit World," Sakura cautioned. "And I should warn you, he's hired some nasty demons to torment Yukina. We're going to have our work cut out for us,"

Yusuke saw the anger burning in his twin's eyes. "You saw something, didn't you?"

Sakura bit her lip and looked down. "Yukina's been locked up for five years. We have to get her out,"

"We will, Sakura. Don't worry," Botan reassured her.

"What are you guys waiting for? We've got a girl to rescue!" Kuwabara called impatiently.

Yusuke wrapped an arm around Sakura's shoulders and they began walking down the hill. "I can tell you're upset, Kura. Did something go wrong with the old guy?"

Sakura sighed. "I just…I feel so pathetic. You should have seen her, Yusuke. Yukina's endured years of torture and she can just take it without blinking. But I have a few run-ins with some demons and I'm reduced to screaming in my sleep every night. I'm ridiculous,"

Yusuke looked shocked, but Botan was the first to speak. "Oh Sakura, you must never think like that, never!" she cried. "No matter what other people may have been through, that doesn't make your experience any less relevant. Don't be so hard on yourself,"

Sakura looked at her feet. "I wish I could believe that, Botan. I really do,"

"Kura," Yusuke shook his head. "It's not the Pain Olympics. What you've been through would give anyone nightmares. Think about it,"

Kuwabara stopped dead in his tracks. "I'm sensing something really bad,"

"Oh God…" Sakura breathed.

"The compass is going crazy!" Botan looked at the Demon Compass which was indeed beeping rapidly.

Yusuke's face darkened and he pulled Sakura slightly closer. "I think I see him. Hey, how's it going neighbour?"

In front of them stood a man in a brown suit. To anyone else he would've seemed perfectly ordinary, albeit slightly intimidating. But Sakura wasn't fooled. Even without the compass his demon energy was high enough to radiate.

"You're on private property, boys and girls," he said. "You had better leave,"

Kuwabara smiled rather stupidly. "We can't leave, we just got here,"

"Yeah," Sakura grinned. "We're lost and the birds ate our bread crumbs,"

Botan gave a simpering look. "Pretty please, let us stay at your master's house?"

"I'm afraid I cannot do that," the demon smiled calmly.

Kuwabara continued to play dumb. "Come on, we know he's got plenty of room,"

"That's right," Yusuke said. "Those crime lords always have really swank houses,"

The demon cocked his head slightly. "Crime lord? You seem to know a lot for a group that's lost. You had your chance,"

The demon's business suit ripped as he transformed into his true form. He was now twice as big, and his skin resembled those of cultivated humans. The main difference was the plant-like appendages and a hideous mouth that resembled a Venus fly trap on his stomach.

Kuwabara ground his teeth together. "You're a demon, hired by Tarukane right?"

"Very perceptive of you. The name's Hirue, and I have orders to kill anyone who comes after Yukina,"

"How can you willingly take part in this?" Sakura asked in disgust. "Yukina's a demon like you!"

"Exactly!" Yusuke agreed. "Doesn't that make you cousins or something?"

Kuwabara pointed an accusing finger at Hirue. "Your own kind is being tortured so that no-good human can make money. Doesn't that tick you off?!"

Hirue laughed. "Not at all. It is said there are humans who will sell their souls to the devil for power, right? Demons can do it too," he laughed at Sakura's visible revulsion. "Seems I've touched a nerve with you, young lady. Don't try acting holy. There isn't one among you who's loyalty couldn't be bought,"

"Oh please!" Yusuke snorted, already charging his Spirit Gun. "You creeps will say anything to make yourselves feel better,"

"You're just trash," Kuwabara growled and prepared to launch his Spirit Sword.

"What?"

"Can't you hear right?" Sakura positioned her hands. "Or did you sell your ears off too?"

Hirue scowled. "Oh, you will regret this!" He launched himself into the air, ready to land on top of the group.

"Spirit Sword!" Kuwabara jumped up to meet Hirue and sliced away. The demon never even touched the ground, because Sakura and Yusuke were ready.

"Spirit Gun!"

"Spirit Blast!"

Within microseconds, the plant demon had been completely vaporised. All three fighters straightened up.

Yusuke exchanged a grin with Sakura. "And here I was thinking they'd make it easy for us, huh?"

"Don't get cocky, bro," Sakura warned. "Those demon brothers in the mansion aren't pushovers like this guy was,"

Kuwabara waved a hand dismissively. "They're nothing to worry about, Kura. I'm fighting for love!"

Sakura took a deep breath and shut her eyes. "Whatever, Kuwabara. First we have to find it. Botan, have you got Yukina's energy on the compass?"

"Why are you still using that thing?" Kuwabara scoffed. "My way is better. The Red Pinkie String. The moment I saw her, my love stretched out and tied us together. You see?" Sure enough, there was a red spirit cord around Kuwabara's finger. "Let's follow the thread of destiny tied to my love!"

Even though the doofus had run off ahead, Sakura still thought it was safer to communicate through tsunagu.

Yusuke, we can't delay. If Hiei doesn't know about this mission, he will soon.

I know, Squirt. And somehow I doubt he'll listen to reason.

Sakura had a horrible feeling that Hiei did know. Why else would he have looked at her with what appeared to be something resembling shame? Part of Sakura hoped he felt guilt in whatever little heart Hiei possessed. Shame for the terrifying ordeal he'd put her through, remorse for the mental torture she'd endured ever since…

Sakura, stop. You have GOT to focus on helping Yukina. Use your anger for good, like Master Shinsuke said. You might be the only one who has the faintest idea what Yukina is feeling in captivity right now. You're safe. She isn't yet.

"You ready to kick some demon ass, Squirt?" Yusuke smirked at Sakura.

"Definitely," Sakura smiled up at her twin. As long as they were side by side, they'd overcome all obstacles in their path.

Meanwhile, somewhere far away in the forest, a small figure was racing towards the mansion himself. He was propelled onwards by fury and determination. Hiei, running to rescue his sister.

Yukina, I'm coming.

A.N. What did you think? This chapter is much slower than the Saint Beasts, but I promise it's about to get a lot more exciting. Sakura's abilities have expanded, and this mission is now personal. What do you think will happen when they arrive at the mansion and face the demon triad? How do you think this case will change Hiei and Sakura's rocky relationship?

We're getting closer to the Dark Tournament, so please go vote in the poll on my profile, and let me know in a review or DM who you want Sakura to fight in the ring. OCs? Or do you have other fights in mind?

Please review if you're enjoying the story!

Next Chapter: The gang makes it to the front gate, but what deadly surprises are waiting for them?