A.N. Chapter 25 is ready to see out 2020, and it's a long one. Yukina's arc has actually been quite a challenge to write given how disjointed it is, but I'm happy with how it's going and I hope you all enjoy.

Hina714: That's exactly right. There's no way Sakura would come out of what she's been through without psychological scars, but she's not going to back down, ever. As for her and Hiei, I have big plans for the two of them, and Kurama in the Dark Tournament, so stay tuned.

hw0134160: Don't worry, it's still early days for them and there's so much I have planned moving forward. Yes, Sakura is traumatised, but I can promise she'll be ok. Yes, the last chapter was a bit short, but it still clocked in at over 6k words, and as they say, wanting more is a good sign, so that makes me happy :) Hope you enjoy Chapter 25, Chapter 26 won't be far off.

Ghosts of Magic: Welcome, and thank you so much for your kind words. Sakura's relationships will grow and develop a lot through the rest of the Spirit Detective Saga, and especially throughout the Dark Tournament. I hope you'll stick around for it all. I like your ideas,and I've taken note of them. I'm currently in the process of mapping out the Dark Tournament Saga.

Wolfs child: The rest of the mission is going to be intense, and I think you'll like what I have in mind for Hiei and Sakura. Chapter 26 is coming soon.

If you're enjoying the story, please follow, favourite and REVIEW! Everything you write motivates me to keep writing.

I don't own YYH, just my OCs.

Chapter 25

Tarukane peered through the blood-soaked window at the enclosure he'd sent the Toguro Brothers into. Younger Toguro stood over the fearsome creature he'd just destroyed. Whatever the demon was, he'd torn it to pieces with his bare hands.

The crime lord howled with laughter. "Seriously, Toguro. Now let me get this straight: you're saying you only used 30 percent of your whole strength to do her in?"

"Yeah," Younger Toguro calmly buttoned up his jacket. "20 percent probably would've done a cleaner job. But I do tend to get carried away,"

Tarukane's face lit up. "Sakashita, get your ass to the telephone," he barked to his valet. "Call the boys from the Black Black Club together! These mysterious intruders are going to cause the fight of the century!"

The forest reappeared in Sakura's vision. The effort to hold that connection without the assistance of Master Shin had wiped her out, but Yusuke's arms were there to support her.

"I couldn't hold it for long," she panted. "But they know we're coming,"

"Why don't you sit down, Squirt. You look tired,"

Sakura sank down on the ground. "Yes, but I'm not done yet," she said stubbornly. "I have to see if Yukina is alright,"

"Oooh, talking to Yukina! Tell her I say hi, Kura!"

"Shut it, Kuwabara. I need to concentrate" Sakura hissed through clenched teeth. "And I can only see what's happening to her for a few seconds. I'm not close enough to talk to her yet,"

Yukina could hardly bear to look at the birds who'd come to her window. "Please go. They're only going to kill you,"

The birds landed on her shoulder, chirping happily. Yukina jumped up and frantically went to shoo them away. "Please, get away! Get away! GO!"

Finally, the birds understood and flew off. Yukina's already broken heart was beginning to bleed.

"Sweet birds…you can't come near me. No-one can come near me anymore,"

The hopelessness in Yukina's voice nearly tore Sakura's heart out. "We have to hurry,"

"You're right, Kura. Yukina my love, I'm coming for you!" Kuwabara began hurrying off.

"Kura, shouldn't you rest for a minute? Holding the connection can't be easy," Yusuke looked at his sister with concern.

Sakura shook her head. "It is, but Yukina can't afford for us to wait. Trust me,"

Botan looked at the compass. "Wait Kuwabara, it's this way,"

"Yeah, but I just got a really bad feeling," Kuwabara said. "Let's go around,"

"My compass says follow the path," Botan turned to continue walking. "We don't have time for detours,"

Next anybody knew, Botan had stepped over some kind of trip wire which wrapped around her ankle and pulled her into the air.

"Botan!" Yusuke and Sakura yelled together.

Botan had landed in an enormous web, hopelessly trapped. "A little help?" she called nervously.

"What a nice catch!" A pair of luminous red eyes appeared in the shadows and from the darkness crawled a monstrous spider. Botan and Sakura screamed.

"Ooh, it's a spider this time," Yusuke looked up at it. "Hey, let her go!"

"Go?" The spider repeated smoothly. "Now why would I let her go if I'm planning to drink her blood?"

Botan whimpered.

Sakura jumped up. "Do not push me, leggy!" she yelled.

"If you want to save her, you'll have to come up and fight me in the evil spider's lair!" the spider smiled at Sakura. "I'd like you to come first, young lady. Female blood is most delicious,"

"Fine!" Sakura sent her spirit energy to her feet and prepared to jump, but she heard a familiar sound.

Kuwabara had beaten everyone to the punch and was already slashing his Spirit Sword around.

"Sorry to mess up your plan, but nobody's getting between Yukina and me!" he roared, slicing through the sticky threads, releasing Botan who fell straight to the ground.

"Yusuke!" Sakura turned to her brother, but he was already on it. Like lightning he ran under the web and caught Botan.

"Take care of her," he instructed Sakura.

The spider had landed on the ground and looked livid. "You can't possibly be human!"

"Yep. We just happen to be really tough," Kuwabara held out his sword.

Yusuke smiled and raised his fist that was already glowing with Spirit Energy. "Pardon me if I make this quick,"

The spider leapt at them, but Yusuke was ready. He swung and punched a hole through the creature's body. It twitched grotesquely for several seconds, but lay still.

"Nice hook!" Botan cheered.

"Thanks," Yusuke grinned. "If this detective thing doesn't work, maybe I could try exterminating,"

Sakura rolled her eyes. "Start with that rat nest you call your room then come talk to me,"

"It's called organised chaos, you damn brat!"

Koenma cringed at what he'd been watching. "Haha, very funny. You won't be laughing when you meet the Toguro Brothers…oh boy this is going to be messy with them involved,"

Jorge looked curiously at Koenma. "I think I've heard of them. Aren't they on the Most Wanted List?"

"This figures," Koenma moaned. "I thought watching Hiei was bad enough, but now I can't even find him and the Toguro Brothers have shown up!"

The door slid open again. "How is it going?"

Koenma looked up at Kurama. "It's going. Did you locate Hiei yet?"

"No," Kurama looked concerned. "I'm afraid he never came back," He glanced at the screen and only barely managed to mask the smile he wanted to give at the sight of who he saw on it.

Koenma's face fell. "Well it was just a matter of time before he found out about the mission, I guess,"

"Uh, do you mind if I ask a question about that sir?" Jorge asked cautiously. "Why does Hiei's sister being kidnapped have to be a secret? Doesn't he have the right to know?"

"Moron!" Koenma glared. "Once Hiei knows, he'll barge into the compound slashing his sword at everything in sight. He'll no doubt feel the need to execute everyone including the servants and the family dog,"

"Oh," Jorge nodded.

"The family dog would indeed be unfortunate, but the humans…" Koenma shuddered. "It's a serious crime for demons to take human life no matter what the circumstances. You know that,"

Kurama finally tore his eyes away from Sakura warming her hands around the campfire they'd set up in the woods. "It's best not to worry. Even if Hiei is heading for the compound, I'm confident he will work with Yusuke,"

Koenma gave him a skeptic look. "I'm surprised you're so calm, Kurama. If Hiei does harm, you'll be punished with him,"

Kurama laughed nervously. Koenma yawned and jumped down from his chair.

"Well, you'd better come tuck me in. We'll record the rest on tape,"

Kurama stared at the screen as long as he dared. He hadn't seen Sakura since that night at the lake, and he missed her more than he'd ever admit aloud.

So Yusuke let her come along after all. Be safe, Sakura.

Sakura woke first the next morning around the smouldering remains of the fire. Yusuke and Kuwabara were still sleeping peacefully. She shook out her long hair and began tidying it as best she could.

Botan yawned. "Morning, Sakura. Did you sleep ok?"

"Yeah, amazingly. I don't think I even had any nightmares," Sakura stretched her stiff limbs and rubbed her eyes. "Maybe I should camp out in the woods more often,"

"You might enjoy this, Kura, but I sure as hell don't. My back is killing me," Yusuke groaned.

Sakura smiled. "You'll live,"

Yusuke poked at Kuwabara to wake him up. Sakura closed her eyes and thought of Yukina, alone in that cell without any hope. Sakura knew how close she'd come to being in that predicament herself with the Saint Beasts. Held captive, forced to work for the enemy…

I swear I'll get you out of there, Yukina. No matter what I have to do.

"Yukina!"

Sakura's eyes snapped open. She could have sworn she'd just heard someone shouting.

"Did you hear something?" Botan stretched.

Yusuke shook his head. "No. Would you get up, Kuwabara?" he said irritably.

Sakura looked suspiciously at the tree where she was sure the sound had come from. He's here. Or at least, he was.

"Kura," Yusuke had forgotten the noise already. "I know it's hard, but can you see what's going on with Tarukane?"

Sakura ran a hand through her hair. "Let's wait til we get a bit closer first,"

Despite Kuwabara's insistence his Red Pinkie String was the best route, Sakura and Yusuke followed the demon compass. It wasn't until they'd walked for another hour that Sakura stopped.

Tarukane grinned slyly at the five other men on the screens in front of him. The Black Black Club was in for a bet. "Let's get on with the bidding. You've got two choices. Pick either the demons or the intruders to win. Sakashita will show you the stakes,"

"In the event of a win, Mr. Tarukane will pay double what you bid," Sakashita whipped a cloth off a table piled with cash.

"Two hundred million on the demons,"

"Same here. Two hundred million on the demons,"

"Yeah yeah, same for me,"

"Three hundred million on the demons, please,"

Tarukane chuckled and glanced at Toguro.

"News has been circulating recently about two human boys and a human girl with extraordinary spirit energy," the demon said coolly. "It is said that they have defeated the four Saint Beasts as well as the human hunter Rando, extremely powerful demons. There is a very good chance these intruders are those children. And if they are, the first group of fighters in my Apparition Gang will suffer most unpleasantly,"

Tarukane eyed the lone man who hadn't spoken. "You're the only one who hasn't made a bet, Sakyo. Don't tell me you're getting cold feet!"

Sakyo raised his scarred face and blew a puff of cigarette smoke into the air. "I will wager five billion on the intruder's victory,"

"Botan, get back. Something's coming," Sakura narrowed her eyes and prepared to fight. "They're sending the next wave of demons after us!"

Yusuke crouched slightly and took a stance next to Sakura. "Let's do this,"

Six demons leapt from the shadows. Sakura raised her hands.

"Spirit Sword get longer!" Kuwabara skewered all of them in one move. "Piece of cake!"

"Hey, let us have some of the fun too!" Sakura grumbled.

Yusuke shook his head in annoyance. "Why are they bothering with all these wimps?"

Botan ran forward with her rapidly beeping compass. "They're desperate. We're very close to Yukina,"

"Yeah!" Kuwabara was tying on a headband that read I live for Yukina.

"What is that?!" Sakura sighed.

"The Great Fighting Headband of Love!" Kuwabara declared as the next six demons raced towards them. "And all those guys there hate love," he snarled. "They want to keep me from my Yukina!" His Spirit Sword cut through the two demons that hurtled from the sky.

"These two are mine," Sakura pointed her hands at her targets. "Double blast!" Her orbs rocketed forward into the enemy and sent them flying out of the fight.

Yusuke turned his attention to the largest demon. "You're not going to be the only heroes!"

He sprang up, turned over in the air and with a roar, aimed his spirit-powered fist at the gigantic opponent. He uppercut the beast six times in the blink of an eye. Sakura surged spirit energy into her foot and with a spin kick, the final demon went down.

"And here I was thinking this might be a challenge," she grinned at her brother, who high-fived her.

Botan pointed through the gap in the trees. "Just as well. We found the stronghold. It's the same as the video. Yukina must be in that tower,"

Kuwabara raised his fist. "Hold on, my darling! Your brave man is coming!"

Botan pulled the twins aside and held up the compass. "Take care of him. The compass is getting interference from three very strong demons. Don't let him rush in blindly," Botan summoned her oar and flew off in the direction of the mansion. "I'll go and try to sneak a peek,"

Yusuke folded his arms and looked expectantly at Sakura. "We got interrupted. What's going on in the mansion?"

Sakura listened for the smallest of sounds. "Looks like we're the subject of a bidding war," she growled.

"What do you mean?" Yusuke looked confused.

"That lowlife has invited his mates around to bet on whether we can win or not. Those demons we fought in the forest may have been weaklings, but judging from what Botan said and Tarukane's overconfidence I'd say they're saving the strongest til we get inside,"

A huge grin spread across Yusuke's face. "How's your Spirit Blast feeling?"

Sakura grinned back. "It's ready for anything,"

"What do you think?" Yusuke smiled lazily at Kuwabara. "Botan says it's going to be three nasty demons against little old us,"

Kuwabara didn't seem worried as the twins joined him. "What's the plan?"

"Let me get a closer look," Sakura tapped her head and used her spirit energy to jump higher. She caught the branch of a nearby tree and pulled herself up into the canopy. She crouched down on the edge of her perch and swept her gaze over the walls surrounding the stronghold. A few human security guards in black suits were treading very carefully around the entrance. The ground looked disrupted, as if it had been recently dug up and carelessly filled in. Sakura was no military expert, but she'd read enough books in history class to know that could only mean one thing.

Looks like they've planted a few landmines.

Yusuke gave a melodramatic gasp of horror. Landmines? Oh no, whatever shall we do?

A question, gentlemen. Sakura smiled to herself. Anyone else feel like messing with our dear old crime lord?

Sure thing! Kuwabara bragged. This mission's felt different from the very beginning. It's like I've become invincible.

Sakura leapt gracefully from the tree and landed Spiderman style on the ground. "Yusuke, I think your shotgun blast should do nicely. Kuwabara and I will handle the defense part,"

"Let's go," Yusuke fixed his eyes on the mansion.

They were close enough now to see exactly where the landmines were. They were stretched out on a wide area, but several were clustered together near the front gate.

Yusuke, when I say the word, use your shotgun on that mass of explosives over there. Kuwabara, you help me with the shield.

Yusuke nodded. Kuwabara did too.

"Ok. On my count. One, two, three!"

Botan's oar rose high above the estate. "What a waste of a gorgeous home," she sighed.

An explosion rocked the air, throwing Botan off balance. She cried out in shock and tried to steady herself. Turning around, she could see a number of bombs erupting one after the other in a chain reaction. On the ground, terrified human security personnel were scurrying for cover.

"Yusuke! Kuwabara! Sakura!" Botan's frantic voice rose above the deafening blasts. She was knocked around by the force of the fire consuming the sky. The entire area surrounding the stronghold was alight. There was no sign of the three teens.

"Oh please…" Botan pleaded to the sky.

Just then, three silhouettes appeared in the flames, walking slowly but resolutely towards the entrance. There was a burst of light and the Urameshi twins were revealed along with Kuwabara, safely protected by the energy shield Sakura had formed.

"Bingo!" Botan breathed a sigh of relief and swooped to the ground. Yusuke smiled and gave her the thumbs-up.

Sakura grinned. "Tarukane should've started feeling the heat by now,"

Kuwabara and Yusuke nodded at her and kicked in the front door. Sakura glanced behind her at the raging inferno. They'd made it through the demon grunts, but surely tougher foes lay ahead. Not to mention Hiei was bound to arrive at some point soon. The group took their first steps into the building and were greeted by a lavish hallway. But there was someone waiting for them.

"Hello there, intruders," Blocking their path was an attractive female demon. "My name is Miyuki, first of the Demon Triad. How would you like a fight?"

Even with her lavender hair, Miyuki wouldn't have been too out of place in the human world had it not been for the horn on her head. She ran her hands down her model-esque body and flashed a seductive smile at the boys. "Which of you strapping lads will I have the pleasure of fighting first?"

Sakura opened her mouth to reply, but Kuwabara shook his head firmly. "No way! You're a girl. We can't fight girls. It's against my code. Come on, Urameshi. Let's just walk past her,"

Miyuki rolled her eyes. "Oh, a gentleman," she sighed. "A pawn of insecure males seeking to own their women,"

Kuwabara raised his hands defensively. "Woah, woah, I don't know anything about that, ok? Guys just don't fight girls,"

"That rule doesn't apply to me, though," Sakura glared at Miyuki.

"Hang on, Kura. I'll fight with her!" Yusuke stepped forward.

Kuwabara looked stunned. "Urameshi, are you serious?"

"She's a fighter and she's trying to get in our way," Yusuke narrowed his eyes. "I don't care if she's a girl or a baby or somebody's grandmother. I'll still knock her out,"

Miyuki's smile widened. "I love your style," she purred and raised her arms to fight. "It's an equal playing field, and anything goes," She turned away from Sakura. "Looks like you'll have to wait your turn, sweet pea,"

"Well, let me check first to make sure!" Yusuke launched himself at Miyuki as she sprang towards him. The two met in mid-air. Sakura was shocked to see Miyuki's face go red.

"You pervert!" She landed on the ground, clutching her chest. "What was that?"

Yusuke dusted off his hands. "Now I know,"

Sakura looked at her brother furiously. "You didn't!"

"Hey, uh, I don't get it. What just happened?" Kuwabara looked totally lost.

"You've got no chance of winning this fight, lady!" Yusuke laughed.

Sakura ground her teeth together. "That's it, I'm joining in too,"

Miyuki eyed Sakura. "So I guess it's between us then, little girl?"

"Sure, if that's what you want," Sakura said harshly. "Kuwabara doesn't seem to have a problem with girl-on-girl battles,"

"First, I'll deal with you!" Miyuki carefully removed a strand of hair and swung it out with a flick of her wrist. The thread turned into a whip, not unlike the one Kurama wielded. She slashed it at Yusuke who leapt out of the way only to have the whip curl around his neck.

"You never would have done that if I were a man!" the demon hissed, pulling the rope. Sakura charged at Miyuki, but received a swift kick to the stomach that sent her flying backwards.

"What does she mean by that?" Botan was confused.

Sakura sat up, holding her torso. "Take a wild guess!"

Kuwabara's face dawned with comprehension which immediately became a snarl. "Oh my gosh, I'm pretty sure he…well it serves you right to get choked, Urameshi!"

As angry as Sakura was, she still had to fight. The girl ran up behind Miyuki and swept her foot to knock the demon's legs out underneath her. Without breaking her hold, Miyuki jumped up to avoid the attack. Sakura wrapped her hand around Miyuki's hair and went to deliver a punch, but again the nimble demon did a backflip which threw Sakura off balance. Miyuki then rocketed up into the air, dragging Yusuke behind her and punched a hole in the ceiling. She perched in the roof cavity and swung Yusuke back and forth like a piñata. Yusuke had a bit of leeway by pulling the noose slightly away from his neck, but it was obvious he had to do something, and quickly.

"Maybe he should try apologising!" Kuwabara said pointedly.

"Shut up!" Sakura leapt off the wall using spirit energy in her legs. Yusuke started swinging his body back and forth, quickly gaining momentum.

Yusuke, I've got this!

"Spirit Blast!" Sakura's attack sliced through the rope which freed Yusuke. He had managed to propel himself straight through the ceiling where Miyuki lay in wait. With the demon distracted, Sakura was able to grab the cut end of the tether in her free hand. Miyuki lost her balance, and she fell. Yusuke leapt into the air and as he landed on top of her, Miyuki came crashing through the ceiling to the ground next to Sakura. With a growl, Miyuki stood up and took a swing at Sakura, who caught Miyuki's arm and flung her towards Yusuke in time for him to land a solid blow in the centre of her chest.

Kuwabara stomped his feet in shock. "Urameshi, how can you keep hitting a girl like that?! I mean, you even hit her in the ta-ta's!"

"Give me a break!" Yusuke scoffed. "You want me to just stand still while she reams me?"

"I don't know!" Kuwabara yelled. "All I'm saying is that boys aren't allowed to hit girls!"

"Uh, earth to idiot, I'm hitting her too!" Sakura was bemused.

Kuwabara shook his head. "You're a girl, Kura. That's different,"

The twins looked at each other in astonishment. "HOW?"

"We're both fighters, why the hell does it make a difference?!" Yusuke was staring at Kuwabara in disbelief. "Kura, duck!" At that moment, Miyuki had recovered enough from the hit to rush for Sakura again. Sakura hit the ground. Yusuke turned and kicked Miyuki headfirst into the wall, hard enough to leave a hole.

"You yell way too much," Yusuke said to Kuwabara irritably.

Kuwabara raised his fists. "Ok, that's it. You and me have to duke it out right now so I don't get nauseous!"

"Kuwabara!" Sakura stepped in between them. "She's an enemy trying to kill us. And Yusuke taught me to fight. I don't remember you going crazy over that!"

"I don't care, Kura!" Kuwabara shoved her out of the way. "You could've fought on your own and that would've been fine. But no, Urameshi has to go be a jerk! Even if she was attacking you, you don't have to knock her head through a wall, you bully!"

Yusuke sighed. "Fine. I wasn't going to tell you this because I still don't think it matters, but it turns out our missus is a mister,"

Everyone turned to stare at him.

Kuwabara's jaw dropped. "But how did you know?"

"Yes, please enlighten us!" Sakura glared. She had a feeling the answer was going to seriously piss her off.

Yusuke was looking anywhere but Sakura. "Well…ok, I admit it. I was curious. Things didn't seem right up top, and well…you know…the family jewels have not been stolen," he said flatly.

Sakura closed her eyes. She was on the verge of losing her sanity.

Kuwabara cocked his head. "So, fighting girls actually does bother you, but you gave her a checkup instead of attacking her…you're kind of a weird person, aren't you?"

"Yusuke," Sakura drilled her eyes into her brother. "I swear to God…"

Miyuki extracted herself from the wall debris. "You think I'm a freak, don't you?" she hissed. "That's why you're attacking so violently. What, you're scared? Why can't you treat me as an equal?!"

"SHUT UP!" Sakura seized Miyuki by the hair. "Your gender isn't the issue, I couldn't care less about that! You're helping that scumbag Tarukane!" She flung the demon across the hall.

Yusuke stood over their enemy. "That's right. We're fighting you because you won't let us save that girl. It's got nothing to do with anything except kicking your ass!" He delivered a final punch to eliminate Miyuki as a threat.

"Look!" Botan pointed out a security camera aimed at them.

Sakura waved at the camera. "You can't hide forever, Tarukane,"

"Two more and we're coming after you!" Yusuke winked. The four of them smiled and flashed the peace sign, then resumed hurrying down the hall towards their goal.

"I've been thinking about what you did back there, Urameshi," Kuwabara said as they ran. "The way you checked Miyuki. What would you have done if it had turned out to be a girl you were touching?"

"Think about it, stupid!" Yusuke groaned. "Like I would've complained!"

Sakura glared daggers at both of them. "Do you two want to die?"

Kuwabara shot a cunning look at Sakura. "Keiko's not going to like hearing that, Urameshi!"

Yusuke skidded to a halt and grabbed Kuwabara by the collar. "You wouldn't dare tell Keiko that for real!"

"Well, there's this new CD I want and I haven't had enough money to buy it…"

"Oh, and you want me to buy it for you?!"

The boys began exchanging punches. With a sigh, Sakura stalked over and smacked their stupid heads together. The pair of them collapsed.

"Will you boys knock it off!" Botan hollered. "We're supposed to be rescuing Yukina!"

Kuwabara straightened up. "That's right! I don't have time for this!" He adjusted his headband and stretched out his pinkie. "Ok, here goes. By my Red Pinkie String I'm led to my heart's content!"

Yusuke glared at Sakura, rubbing his head. "What the hell was that for, you damn brat?!"

Sakura ground her teeth together. "Partly for being an idiot and partly for being a sicko!" she growled. "You're lucky I didn't put your head through a wall,"

"This way!" Botan called. With a sigh, Sakura followed, only to be thrown aside by Kuwabara.

"MOVE!" Whatever Kuwabara had sensed, it shot a thin ray of light out which narrowly missed all four of them, but the same could not be said for Kuwabara's ridiculous headband.

Sakura narrowed her eyes. "Someone's here,"

The air around them seemed to ripple. From out of nowhere appeared their next opponent. His face was obscured by a mask.

"Demon Two of the Triad. Inmaki," he said in a low voice. The blades wrapped around his hands glinted in the light. "I'm sorry I missed,"

Kuwabara was barely holding in his fury. "You just tore up the Great Fighting Headband of Love. You're dead!" He charged at Inmaki, who vanished in a flash of light.

Sakura took a defensive stance. "Can any of you sense where he's hiding?"

"Nope. He's too fast,"

Inmaki appeared behind Yusuke and raked his blades into Yusuke's shoulder. Sakura aimed a kick at the demon, but he evaded her easily.

"You ok?" Kuwabara yelled.

Yusuke rose, clutching his shoulder. "Let's run!"

Sakura grabbed Yusuke's hand, Botan climbed back on her oar and the four of them took off down the hall.

"Yes, the old cat and mouse!" he said eagerly. Inmaki's evil laugh sent shivers down Sakura's spine.

"Botan!" Yusuke called. "Take this next corner! Kura, follow her,"

Without hesitation, Sakura pulled Yusuke into the small corridor. He turned to face the only direction Inmaki could come at them from and stood protectively in front of Sakura. "Kuwabara, tell me when he comes!"

"There's nothing you can do!" Inmaki taunted, laughing.

Kuwabara's eyes widened. "Ok, he's here!"

"Shotgun!" Yusuke's spirit energy bullets rained down on Inmaki's shrouded face, throwing him against the wall without mercy. The wall had more holes than Swiss cheese and Inmaki was in no condition to do anything else. Yusuke grinned triumphantly.

Inmaki looked stunned. "What?"

"There was only one direction you could come from. It was easy," Sakura explained.

"I just had to sense your spirit energy around the corner," Kuwabara added.

"And taking my cue from Kuwabara here, I just fired a major shotgun blast to cover the whole stretch of the hallway,"

Inmaki collapsed. The teens and Botan waved at the next security camera. "One more!"

"Tarukane's probably wetting himself right now. I hope so," Sakura growled.

Yusuke turned to Sakura. "Do you think you might be able to talk to Yukina?"

Sakura nodded. "We're closer, and she seems receptive, so I'll try now," she closed her eyes, but the sound of an almighty crash combined with Botan's shriek of fear caused them to fly open again.

Something, or someone, had burst through the wall, but Yusuke had dived in front of Sakura to shield her from the flying debris. Botan was struggling in the grip of an enormous hand that was holding her aloft. When the dust cleared, they could all see it was a huge horned demon carrying a horrible spiked mace.

"The name's Gokumonki, third demon of the triad," he announced.

Yusuke was already aiming his Spirit Gun. "I'll write it on your gravestone!" he growled.

Gokumonki waved Botan in the air. "Are you sure you won't hit your friend?"

"Yes, good question!" Botan cried.

Yusuke lowered his hand and glared. "Dirty trick…"

"Oh, look who's such a tough guy, hiding behind a girl!" Sakura gritted her teeth.

Gokumonki laughed. "It's called using your head, young lady," He swung his weapon and brought it crashing down at the group. Sakura hit the ground and Yusuke landed on top of her, having thrown her out of harm's way.

"Spirit Sword!" Kuwabara ran forward to fight. His sword hit the mace and promptly broke. Kuwabara was horrified. "I was afraid of hitting Botan. I must've held back too much energy!"

The spiked mace caught Kuwabara in the stomach and he went flying. Yusuke and Sakura ran to him, dodging the weapon.

"Put her down or else!" Sakura was on her feet, fists clenched.

Gokumonki laughed. "Save your empty threats, little girl. You don't have the nerve to attack me as long as I have her," He raised the mace again. "Unless you have another plan, I'm going to start the crushing!"

Yusuke, I just realised, he's only holding Botan's jacket!

"Botan," Yusuke called. "Raise your arms!"

Looking confused, Botan did as she was told. Sure enough she slipped from her outer layer and landed safely on the ground. She hurried behind Sakura.

Kuwabara and Yusuke were grinning in Gokumonki's livid face. "Stupid!" they said together. Simultaneously, they jumped up and aimed spirit-powered kicks to the final demon, knocking him out.

"Oh yeah!" Yusuke high-fived his sister once he'd landed safely.

Sakura faced the next security camera. "That's the last one down, scumbag. And you're next!"

"Tarukane, we're coming to get you!" Kuwabara taunted.

Tarukane glared at the screen. He was shaking with anger. "You…! I never dreamed they'd be this strong,"

The Black Black Club was buzzing. "I'd say that about wraps up our bet on the Demon Triad,"

Sakyo smiled pleasantly. "Yes, and it appears I've won again. That brings my winnings up to fifty billion,"

"Wait!" Tarukane gestured to the Toguro brothers. "Who will win the final battle, the intruders or the Toguro brothers? All eyes are on you, Sakyo,"

Sakyo calmly drew on his cigarette. "Sixty-six trillion and two hundred million on the intruders' victory,"

Tarukane looked like he was about to faint. "That's more than Japan's gross national product. It's more than any country's product!"

"But by my calculations, that is your gross product if you include the hiruseki stone creator," Sakyo said coolly.

The Black Black Club began shouting at once.

"Interesting. So Tarukane really could pay,"

"He'd have to sell the fillings in his teeth, but he could do it!"

"And that means he has to accept the bet!"

"The rest of us won't gamble. We'll just watch as one of you is permanently ruined,"

Tarukane was sweating. This was worse than he'd ever imagined and there was only one fight to go. Did Sakyo know something he didn't? Impossible.

"Fine!" he spat. "I'll take your bet. You better not let me down!" he roared to the brothers.

"It's been ages since I've been contracted for such a fight," Younger Toguro couldn't have sounded more eager as he cracked his knuckles. "I might enjoy myself,"

Tarukane sidled up to his valet and spoke in a whisper. "Sakashita, have Yukina brought to me. But don't you let the Black Black Club know she's the one. We are going to have to play our cards very carefully now,"

The Demon compass began beeping madly. "What now?" groaned Yusuke.

Kuwabara shuddered. "I can definitely feel it. They're moving Yukina!"

"Shut it! Let me concentrate," Sakura hissed. She reached out in her mind. Yukina's door had finally appeared. It was the same colour as her beautiful hair, and at first glance appeared to be formed from crystal, but closer inspection revealed it to be made of ice.

Open! Sakura was so close, the handle turned and started to invite her in…

Yukina? Sakura thought with all her might.

Yukina's soft, hesitant voice came through at last. Who are you?

Yukina? Calling all Yukinas! Can you hear me? Yes, much to Sakura's irritation, Kuwabara was here too.

It's me, Kuwabara!

Kuwabara? Yukina sounded bewildered. Do I know you?

"She said my name!" Kuwabara squealed happily to the rest of the group.

Yusuke put his hand on Sakura's shoulder. Kuwabara had interrupted her tsunagu connection, and he could practically see the steam pouring from her ears. "Let him talk. You can do damage control when he's done,"

"Fine," Sakura growled and resigned herself to merely watching. This is so pathetic. He's going to confuse and possibly terrify the poor girl more than she already is.

Never fear! Spirit Sword in hand, Kuwabara spoke to Yukina in what he evidently imagined was a heroic and masculine voice with poses to match. I am Kuwabara. I have come here for you. And with my sensitive eyes and big shiny sword, I will save you! Then we can date, right?!

"I can't watch this," Sakura pressed her hands over her face, mortified by the display she was witnessing.

Please, go away! Yukina's response made Kuwabara fall over in shock.

What did you say?! Oh, the pain!

No-one must ever come near me. Yukina said flatly. You'll only be killed. They've hired terrible guards.

Yusuke and Sakura exchanged a look, but Kuwabara only laughed.

Don't worry, we've already taken care of them all.

No, you're wrong. Yukina replied sadly. The worst ones are standing right next to me.

Sakura could see the silhouette of the Toguro brothers walking in front of Yukina. She really was being moved from her cell. Elder Toguro turned around and smirked at the ice maiden.

I don't even sense their spirit energy. Kuwabara reassured Yukina. Look baby, we'll be there soon!

"Are you done?" Sakura hissed.

Kuwabara nodded. "I've got a definite lock on her now, and I don't care if she wants us to or not. We're saving my love!"

"Wait!" Sakura held up a hand. Yukina, can you hear me?

She heard Yukina gasp. You're not Kuwabara.

No. Sakura confirmed. My name is Sakura. I'm with Kuwabara and my brother Yusuke who's a Spirit Detective. We're here to get you out.

Sakura…Yukina repeated. Please, don't do it. You'll just die because of me.

Yukina, we were sent here by Spirit World. I've seen what Tarukane's done to you, and I know how long you've suffered alone. Please, let us help you!

I just don't want anyone else to get hurt for my sake, Sakura. Yukina pleaded.

Yusuke and Kuwabara are strong. And so am I. Just hold on, we're coming.

Sakura released the connection before Yukina could protest further. "They're sending those Toguro brothers out to fight us. You boys handle them. I'm going after Yukina myself,"

Yusuke blinked. "On your own? When you promised you'd stay with me the whole time?"

Sakura gripped Yusuke's hand. They didn't have time to argue. "Do you trust me?"

"Well yes, but -"

"Then let me do this," Sakura said evenly. "If those Toguro brothers are fighting you, it'll just be Tarukane and his human cronies with Yukina. I can handle them,"

Yusuke took a breath. "I know you can, but…"

"But nothing!" Sakura said fiercely. "There's only a small window of opportunity here. Hiei could arrive any minute and good luck getting him to listen to reason. I'm not leaving the castle. I'll still be here. I can do far more by getting Yukina out, hopefully before Hiei shows up slashing his sword,"

Yusuke swallowed hard and nodded. "You're right. Go on, Squirt. But be careful, ok?"

"I will, I promise," Sakura tapped her head. "You can check in at any point," Sakura ran in the other direction, towards Yukina.

Botan eyed Yusuke suspiciously. Something seemed off. "Yusuke, what's really going on here?"

"I don't know what you mean, Botan," Yusuke said innocently.

"I mean you just told Sakura to go off alone without an argument. That's not like you. Especially after everything with the Saint Beasts and the tokage!" Botan folded her arms and waited for an answer.

Yusuke tried to act casual. "It's just a few humans and Tarukane's ugly mug. She can handle that in her sleep. Besides, Kura's a big girl. She's grown a lot since training with Genkai. My sister can take care of herself,"

Kuwabara sighed. He saw through Yusuke in a second. "You just didn't want her fighting those last two demons, did you?"

Yusuke hung his head. "Please don't tell Kura. She'll kill me,"

"Remember that CD I mentioned?" Kuwabara smiled at Yusuke sideways.

"Ooh look, a basement. Let's go!" Yusuke laughed awkwardly and took off down the staircase, followed by Botan and Kuwabara.

In the hall, Sakura paused for a moment and searched for Yukina. She was no longer in her cell, but she couldn't be far from wherever Tarukane was. And with all the other demons out of commission, she'd only have to deal with a few human guards.

Tsunagu, show me where Yukina is now!

The ice maiden was being brought into a small observation room overlooking some sort of fighting arena. Tarukane was in the room with Yukina, and she was in the grip of two humans while a third stood nearby.

The Toguro brothers were waiting at one end of the arena, standing under screens displaying the greedy faces of the Black Black Club. Yusuke, Botan and Kuwabara ran inside just as the entrance doors slammed shut.

"I take it we have one more fight," Yusuke said darkly.

"Forget it!" Kuwabara chortled. "Their total spirit energy couldn't hurt a wingless fly!" he spotted Yukina through the glass. "There she is! Don't worry, we're coming for you soon,"

Both Toguro brothers faced the trio without fear. "Welcome. Try not to be too hard on us. We are fragile,"

Tarukane turned to his guards. "Wait a second…there were four intruders. Where'd the other one go? The broad with dark hair?"

Sakura stood up straight and put her shoulders back. She'd found Yukina. Now it was just a matter of crashing the party.

Don't you fret, Tarukane. You'll be seeing me again shortly.

The girl had no idea who else was about to join them. Sakura could never suspect that outside, Hiei stood on an outstretched branch. He was still a small distance away, but at last he'd found the compound where his sister was trapped.

"So this is her filthy prison," he spat in disgust. But that revulsion quickly turned to shock as he registered the spirit energy emanating from inside. The Toguro brothers. "I…can't believe they would be here!" he gasped, stunned. But knowing who guarded his missing sister only steeled his resolve. He crouched, ready to spring forward.

Sakura and Hiei, though separated by distance and mutual dislike, were united at that moment but neither of them knew. The human girl and the vengeful demon both had a single, simultaneous thought.

Yukina, hold on. I'm coming!

A.N. What did you think? I know this chapter was dense, but that's because what's coming next is going to be pretty crazy. The demon triad are down for the count. Now Sakura's trying to get to Yukina before Hiei while Yusuke and Kuwabara fight the Toguros. Will she succeed, or will she run into Hiei first? Will her telepathy help or hinder the mission? What did you like most about this chapter? What do you think will happen next?

The Dark Tournament Poll is now CLOSED. The votes overwhelmingly wanted Sakura to fight on Team Urameshi as well as helping on the sidelines, so that's what I'll be doing. I'm currently rewatching the entire arc while mapping out Book 2, so don't be shy about telling me what you want to see. Instead, please tell me in a review or DM who you'd like her to fight in the Dark Tournament. Whether it's a favourite opponent from the anime, or an OC, I want to hear it.

Please review if you're enjoying the story. It honestly helps me so much. Chapter 26 is coming first week of January!

Next Chapter: Sakura is trying to free Yukina, but Hiei's arrival may throw a spanner in the works. Will she be able to rescue the ice apparition and help her brother against the Toguro brothers?