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Chapter Seven
Interlude

Yusuke whistled under his breath. "Shimatta! They've got guts, I'll tell ya that!" He turned to Kurama who nodded grimly. "They've also suffered several injuries. Like that internal pain that Mikagami was feeling, and Kirisawa was stabbed." Kuwabara sighed. "I hope Kirisawa's okay. I mean, it will be difficult to fight when you have a wound on your shoulder."

Yusuke grunted in agreement, and laced his fingers behind his head. "Imagine what kind of power our opponents have, ne?" He sighed. Keiko, it might be more difficult to keep my promise than I thought it would have been.

* * * * *

"Fuuko, are you sure you're okay?" Yanagi asked one last time.

Fuuko let out a sigh, "Hai, Yanagi, I'm fine. You're getting better and better at healing, you know?" Yanagi smiled, "I'm just glad you survived, Fuuko." She sighed. "But I was worried, you know. For you and Mikagami-sempai... for Recca..." She bowed her head as the backs of her eyes began to tingle.

Fuuko noticed Yanagi's concern for Recca and she patted her back, in comfort, "Hey Yanagi! Don't worry! Ol' sea monkey can take care of himself! Even if anybody else is immune to fire, he's got really quick reflexes and he's strong y'know! So don't worry!"

Yanagi smiled timidly at Fuuko, "Arigatou Fuuko-chan." They walked some more in silence. Tokiya walked ahead with Ganko and Kondo bouncing after him, Recca and Domon behind him, then she, Fuuko and Kagerou brought up the rear. "Ne, Fuuko?" Yanagi spoke up.

"Hm? Hai?" She replied absent-mindedly, flicking off dirt from her shirt.

"What did you do to Mikagami-sempai for him to start acting like that?"

She shrugged, "I didn't do anything! If you ask me, it was all overnight, y'know! That stupid Ice Boy woke me up too early this morning." She stretched her arms and yawned, and only recoiling when she felt a familiar twinge of pain.

All of a sudden, she felt someone bang into her left shoulder, causing her to yell in pain as she stumbled into Yanagi, who helped her carefully up. When she regained her posture, her eyes ablaze with anger, she found herself staring into a handsome face and hypnotic purple eyes.

"Gomen ne… daijobu ka?" he whispered politely in a soft voice. She felt her anger melt away and she bit her lip, "Daijobu desu..." She felt those purple eyes bore into her own blue-green ones. She gulped cautiously.

He was the most handsome boy she had ever seen in her entire life.

It wasn't that she hated boys, but she just didn't feel the need to go out with some of them, unlike most of her female classmates. She had enough on her hands like her schoolwork, her friends and training. Every once in a while, someone would invite her to go out for a bite to eat, but she always politely refused. Probably in a few years, she'd start thinking of having a boyfriend and such.

Of course she wasn't a lesbian! Heaven forbid! Just because she had short hair and talked like a boy didn't mean that she was one. Sure, she didn't have the refinement of Yanagi, or the charm of Ganko, or the maturity of Kagerou, but she was still a woman. A woman who would love to be romanced and be swept off her feet by her Prince Charming.

Over the years she had a few crushes, but none really serious. After all, none of them even paid any attention to her. She never hoped for anything to happen. If opportunities came, they would come. She wouldn't look for them. So for most of her life, she had just stayed courteous with most of the guys she knew.

But somehow, this young man with the violet eyes had made her palms sweat, her heart tempo rise several notches and her breath back up in her lungs. He stared at her so pensively… and his eyes… they were so captivating, like beautiful gems of lavender polished to shine brightly. He had rich black hair that fell on either side of his eyes. His lips were turned upward in an apologetic smile.

"Saitsu," a stern voice called out sharply. A similar looking man was staring at them, although his purple eyes were hard as steel and he was staring at Fuuko like she was a bug. Disgusted with his pride, Fuuko stared back with equal contempt. "Iku zo," he snapped, "Next time, watch where you're going, so you won't bump into clumsy fools anymore."

Fuuko glared and lunged at him, but a strong pair of arms held her back. "Kitsu," Saitsu told his triplet firmly, "Apologize." Kitsu rolled his eyes and walked onward. "Jerk..." Fuuko muttered. Yanagi's hand circled Fuuko's shoulders and dragged her away from Saitsu's arms.

"Again, I apologize, Kirisawa-san. My brother is somewhat hot-headed," he said in his soft voice. Fuuko felt like melting in his probing gaze. "Daijobu," she smiled, her voice slightly trembling. She saw him smile, a genuine smile of pure relief and she nearly had to lean back against Yanagi to keep on standing. "Arigatou," he murmured.

"I hope this does not affect our friendship, Kirisawa-san. If you still want to be friends after this unfortunate incident, that is." Fuuko's lips parted slightly from surprise, but managed to regain her composure and grinned. "Call me Fuuko," she said, blushing slightly.

He smiled again, wider this time. "Well, Fuuko, if you would not mind, I would like to take you up on that offer. How about dinner, 6:30, at the hotel restaurant? Would that be alright with you?" Fuuko clutched Yanagi's hand with her clammy one behind her back. Yanagi squeezed back, for she was as nervous as Fuuko was. "H-Hai... I'd love to..."

He bowed low, took Fuuko's hand in his and pressed it slightly to his lips. "It's a date then. Dewa mata, Fuuko." He rose, smiled at her and Yanagi, and then walked away. Fuuko stared at his disappearing form, while Yanagi giggled softly. "Looks like you have a date, Fuuko-chan."

"With who, I might ask?"

They whipped around and saw Tokiya's eyebrow quirked upward, "I'm waiting to hear your answer, Fuuko." Fuuko realized 'with who' exactly and squealed loudly. She jumped up and hugged Tokiya tightly. "Mi-niichan! I'm gonna have a date with my Prince Charming!" she whispered into his ear.

She drew away and smiled widely. She waved at Tokiya and raced up the path, eager to tell Domon and Recca what had happened. She skipped up the path, giggling to herself and smoothing down her hair.

Tokiya, on the other hand, did not like it one bit. It was apparent on the frown on his face. He did not trust anyone in this tournament except for his fellow team members, and that did not include Fuuko's 'date'. For all he knew, he was just trying to get some information on their team. And it wasn't a good idea for her to date at this crucial part of the tournament... it was certainly not.

Yanagi moved up next to him and smiled, "You're jealous, aren't you, Mikagami-sempai?" Tokiya glanced at Yanagi and scowled, "I possess no feelings of jealousy towards her admirer, if that's what you mean, Yanagi." She shook her head, "So you are going to let her go out, aren't you?"

"She can do whatever she wants. I can't stop her."

"Yes you can. You're the closest thing to a family she's ever had, you know. If you're against it, then tell her. I'm sure she'll understand and explain."

He lowered his head, "I just want her to be happy, Yanagi. She's been disappointed once. I'm not going to be the one to disappoint her again. I know how she feels. I know what it feels to be let down, and that's the last thing I want her to feel right now." He inserted his hands into his pockets.

Yanagi stared at him for a while, until she gasped sharply. "Kami-sama, why didn't I see it before?" She smiled brightly. "You like Fuuko. You like her!"

"Of course I like her as my sister," Tokiya replied coolly. Him? Like Fuuko? That was illegal right? Yanagi shook her head, "No no no! I mean, as more than a sister. Like... like..."

"You and Recca?" Tokiya finished slyly.

Yanagi reddened, "The point is Tokiya, this is the happiest I've seen you since... since... well, ever! I don't think I'd be wanting my source of happiness to get away from me too soon."

Tokiya shook his head. "Whatever you say Yanagi." She fell into step beside him and he listened to her chatter on about the details of Fuuko's encounter with Saitsu. 'Kami-sama,' he prayed silently, 'Just don't let him hurt her.'

* * * * *

"... sou da na... that would be in an hour... ahh..."

Yusuke, Hiei and Kuwabara peered thoughtfully at each other as Kurama talked to the head referee over the hotel intercom in Yusuke and Kuwabara's room. Yusuke was perched on top of the mahogany dresser, glancing at his watch from time to time. Kuwabara lay on his bed, running a hand through his wild carrot hair. Hiei stood outside, leaning against the sliding door that connected the room to the balcony.

"Nani? Oh he's here," Kurama suddenly looked at Yusuke. The Reikai Tantei leader raised an eyebrow at him, "Would you like to talk to him? Oh... well, ja." He hung up quickly, with a smirk on his face. Yusuke quirked an eyebrow, "What was that all about?"

Kurama smoothed his scarlet tresses back with a grin, "The head referee was asking for you. When I told her you were in, she stammered a no-thanks-gotta-go-bye, then put down the phone." He sat on the bed opposite to Kuwabara's. "If you ask me, she's got a crush on you Yusuke."

"Who has a crush on Yusuke?"

They all looked up. "Keiko! Where've you been?" Yusuke greeted her warmly. She replied with a raised eyebrow. "Kurama-kun?" The youko smiled, "We surmise the head referee has an attraction to Yusuke."

Yusuke stood up and grabbed Keiko by the waist, eliciting a yelp from her. "What can I say? I've got impeccable manly charm." Keiko rolled her eyes, "Aren't I the lucky one?" She eased her way out of Yusuke's embrace, who pouted visibly. She winked at him and giggled. Linking their hands together, she tugged him playfully towards the door, and swung it open. "Hey Botan-chan! We're leaving now," Keiko grinned.

"Well, don't do anything I wouldn't do!" a voice giggled.

Kurama looked up at the voice.

"Hey! Did I miss much?" Botan called out, entering the room. She tossed her hair back and grinned. Kuwabara sat up straight, "You… your hair's down…" Sure enough, Botan's long blue hair cascaded softly over her shoulders, and her eyes twinkled. "I thought it was nice for a change," she said, tucking it behind her ear. "And Yukina set it for me."

Kuwabara yawned, "Well, you look better. Not as beautiful as my Yukina, but passable." Botan smirked, "Thanks for the compliment, Romeo." She sat down at the edge of Kuwabara's bed. "So when's your match?"

"In an hour," Kurama replied quickly. His green eyes scanned her face. She did indeed look more beautiful with her hair down. They framed her delicate face and purplish eyes and her blue hair shone brightly. She was laughing at a joke Kuwabara had told them and her eyes shimmered from pink to purple, as she crinkled them with joy.

Hn. Seems like the fox has his eye on a certain Ferry Girl.

Kurama turned abruptly to Hiei and glared. Hiei stared back at him with a little smile on his face. Hn. I'm right.

Shut up, Kurama mentally retalitated, his green eyes narrowing dangerously.

Temper, temper, kitsune.

Kurama threw Hiei a dirty look. He, in turn, smirked and turned away. "I'll meet all of you in an hour's time at the arena." He disappeared instantly, leaving the others to blink after him. "What did he say again?" Kuwabara asked.

Botan laughed. "Baka Kuwa-kun!" She threw a pillow in his direction, hitting him squarely on the head. "Nani?!" Kuwabara exclaimed. "By the way, where are Yukina-chan and neechan sleeping?"

"Down the hall, third door from the last to the left--" Botan replied. Kuwabara disappeared in a cloud of smoke, giggling like a lovesick schoolgirl. Botan laughed merrily, falling on top of Kuwabara's messy bed. Kurama couldn't help but smile at his friend's kooky ways.

Botan turned to Kurama slightly and saw that he was smiling. She grinned. She liked it when he smiled. It made his face more handsome, and his eyes brightened up considerably. 'I wonder why he ties his hair back now,' she mused. 'I used to like it down… but I guess this is just as good because I get to see his eyes better.'

Abruptly, he turned to her and directed his smile to her. "Kuwa-kun is right, Botan-chan. You do look beautiful when your hair is down." She blushed down to the roots of her scalp, matching his hair color perfectly. "Arigatou, Kurama-kun." Then, she realized that she must have looked quite horrid when her hair was tied in a braid or when it was tied in the ponytail. Her face fell.

He noticed her sudden dismay and reached out to grasp her hand. "But that doesn't mean you looked less beautiful whenever your hair was tied. In fact, Botan-chan, you are very beautiful, hair up or down, inside out."

She blushed even more. "I feel like I'm not worthy of your compliments, Kurama-kun."

He smiled kindly at her, "Trust me, Botan. You are."

* * * * *

Hiei saw her, sitting on top of the building, squinting at the far-away building where he would soon be. Stealthily, he crept up to her, trying not to make any noise.

"You're late."

He sat down beside her, "We're leaving in an hour."

She lowered her head, "Sou ka… good luck."

Silence followed.

"Don't get yourself killed, Hiei."

He smirked and put his finger on her chin, making him face her. He then lowered his face so he could graze his mouth against hers. Instinctively, Mukuro closed her eyes. He drew away slightly. "Good enough?" he whispered hoarsely against her lips.

She smiled, "No." Then she pulled him closer and kissed him firmly. They stayed that way for several minutes. Finally, she pulled away and blinked. "I love you Hiei," she murmured.

He pressed his lips to hers one more time, "I love you too."

* * * * *

Domon stood out, facing the balcony, when a knock jolted him out of his reverie. Blinking rapidly, he looked around. Recca wasn't there. He was with Yanagi. So that meant he had to answer the door. Jogging towards the door, he flung it open.

"Hey Domon!" a familiar voice greeted him.

A smile spread across his face. "Fuuko." He stepped aside and let her in. "How's your shoulder?" She sighed, blowing her bangs away from her face, "I'm fine. I'm fine. Like I've been telling everyone for the past hour."

"Your injury was pretty bad," Domon pointed out.

She stretched her arms and grinned cheekily, "That won't stop me. You of all people should know that Domon." She looked at the bandage for awhile and let out a sigh. "Although this band aid is killing me! It's so itchy!" She scratched the surface of the gauze for a little while before giving up.

"Domon?"

"Hai?"

"Are you mad at me?"

He turned to look at her, "Why would I be?"

She shrugged, "I don't know. It's just that you haven't been talking much and I kinda guessed I was the reason." She punched her friend playfully on the shoulder, "And you've been keeping secrets from me. You never told me you and Inoko got together!"

Domon blushed, "Well, it was just very recently…"

She grinned sadly, "I'm happy for you…" She sighed. "Well, I guess I'll be spending my weekends alone now." She twiddled her fingers somberly. Domon raised an eyebrow, "Why is that?"

She shrugged, "Oh I don't know. First Recca spent less time with us, and now you'll be spending less time with me… I'll be a soloist." She forced herself to grin, "It's okay Domon! I know you'll make Inoko very happy. Good luck to the both of you!"

"You have Mikagami. I understand the both of you are very close now."

She looked up at him, "You're mad at Mi-neechan aren't you?"

He stood up abruptly, "Well, you can't say that I'm overjoyed, can you? You, my best friend, becoming all friendly towards the Fridge Boy when yesterday, you wouldn't even spend a minute with him! I'm not mad. I'm just confused."

"Hey, even I am," Fuuko said, "I don't know. He's just changed and I'm just happy for him. He told me that his sister wanted him to protect someone like a sister… and he chose me, and I'm, well, flattered. I've always wanted a brother, you know that Domon, don't you? He's doing me a great favor, and he's not all that bad actually. Please. Just try to get along with him."

He looked at her and sighed. "Oh all right."

Fuuko sighed, relieved. "Thank you Domon." She stood up and embraced her lumbering friend tightly. "Thank you." Domon smiled, "You're welcome, tomodachi." Carefully, he slid his hands lower.

"BAKA DOMON!!!!!!!!!!!"

* * * * *

Shizuru exhaled a cloud of smoke through her nostrils. It was really relaxing here, she thought, as she plopped down onto the lawn chair beside the balcony. She sighed happily. "No more stupid tournament organizer to bother me anymore." Her heart felt a pang of pain as she remembered Sakyo. Her eyes flickered over the lighter he had given her during the last Ankoku Bujutsukai.

She smiled sorrowfully, "How I wish I could have gotten to know you more, Sakyo-san." She rubbed her faithful lighter, Sakyo's lighter wistfully, before tucking it into the pocket of her jacket. She bit her lip as she remembered his kind blue eyes as he rescued her that time, when several youkai were on her trail.

She turned abruptly as a loud slam jolted her out of her reverie. "Nani? Yukina!" she called out worriedly, her heart pounding for the safety of her Koorime friend. She slid the door open and her eyes dulled. "Oh him."

Kuwabara grinned widely up at his sister, "Neechan! Don't mind me! Just go on ahead with your business!" He waved nonchalantly at her, while Yukina giggled softly at his child-like antics. "Kuwabara-san, konnichiwa," she greeted him, polite as always.

Shizuru sighed. She knew she could never concentrate with her brother around. She tossed her cigarette over the balcony edge, ignoring the person below's cry of pain, and went straight for the door.

Kuwabara didn't even notice she left. She sighed again. Sometimes it was hard being the older sister of a baboon. She went straight for the elevator and pressed the down button, waiting for the familiar ping that told her that the elevator had arrived.

"May I join you?" a familiar, smooth voice purred.

She whirled around and frowned, "Mikoda-san. It's you."

A rare smile broke out on Tomite Mikoda's face. "Why, we meet again, madam. I trust you are abiding by the 'no-smoking' rule we have set here?" He challenged her with that steel-blue gaze of his. She stared back coolly at him, "Of course I am. Excuse me, I think I'll take the stairs."

She brushed past him with nary a glance back. So what if it required going down twenty-five flights of stairs? At least she wouldn't be stuck with him. "Yamette," his smooth timbre voiced out, echoing throughout the halls. She realized, a bit too late, unfortunately, that she had obliged.

"Please, let's talk."

She froze. The first question that popped into her head was, "Why?" The next, an absurd thought made it's way through, "Sure!" Then she realized, "Baka, what if this bonehead disqualifies Team Urameshi?"

Sighing into the air, she whirled around and made her way back to him slowly. As she stepped beside him, the elevators arrived and they stepped inside, her hesitating slightly.

As the elevator doors glided shut, and the elevator made it's graceful descent downwards, she crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow at Tomite. "So what did you want to talk about?"

"I surmise that you are not fond of me," Tomite said carefully. He leaned casually against the wall of the elevator, and eyed her carefully. It was all she could do to not snort and retaliate snippily.

"Why do you surmise that?" She answered calmly.

He shrugged, "I just know. By the way, I never got to know your name. What is it?" She glanced at him, "Why would you even want to know? I'm just one of the guests of your players. What's the difference if you knew my name?"

"Because I like your attitude. You're spunky, outspoken and witty, yet calm and collected. Just like me. And even though you found out I was a very powerful man, you never even backed down. I admire you."

That time, she burst out laughing, "Well, Mikoda-san, are you expecting me to say that I admire you just as much? Don't hold your breath."

"No. If you must know, I know how your mind thinks."

She whipped around to face him, "Are you fooling with me?"

He smirked, "I assure you, I am not. You are very much like me, and that's what I would have done. Would it ever occur to you that I would just like to become friends?" She raised an eyebrow. He smiled, "Probably not. Well then, I guess I have to lower my pride a few more notches." He turned to face her and said, "I'm sorry."

At that moment, the elevator door slid open airily, and Shizuru stepped out quickly, leaving Tomite behind. She smirked, and chuckled. "Mikoda-san," she called out, twisting her head to face him.

"It's Kuwabara Shizuru."

* * * * *

Yanagi raised her eyebrow critically. "Iya Fuuko." She shook her head firmly, her hair waving around her face. She was busy helping Fuuko prepare for her date. She had just turned down the eighteenth green tank top that the wind-wielder had procured from the deep recesses of her duffel bag. She, in turn, was busy unpacking the last of her clothes into the wardrobe beside her bed.

Fuuko sighed and flopped onto the bed, throwing the shirt over her shoulder. "The hell Yanagi! What should I wear?" She blew the bangs away from her face and rolled across the bed, landing in front of Yanagi, looking at her expectantly.

"Fuuko," Yanagi explained calmly, "This isn't just any dinner. It's a dinner date! You don't wear fighting gear to dinner dates. You should look nice and presentable."

"I look presentable," Fuuko insisted. "And I don't want to look too eager for this thing. It'll make me look stupid. Fuuko Kirisawa does not look stupid in front of Saitsu… Saitsu… Saitsu whatever his last name is." She sat up and looked at Yanagi, "I just want to look okay! I just want to look like me!"

Yanagi smiled, "Yosh, Fuuko. I'm sure we'll find something." Yanagi sifted through the clothes in her suitcase and smiled, "Yatta! Here, Fuuko, try this on." She handed her friend a bundle of green raggy-looking things and waved her to the bathroom. Fuuko raised an eyebrow at Yanagi and shuffled into the bathroom.

A few minutes later she emerged, looking uncomfortable. "Yanagi, what the hell is this? I feel like Mary Poppins." Yanagi looked at her and grinned, "Well, Mary Poppins, you look quite beautiful." She got off the bed and turned Fuuko to look at the mirror. Fuuko looked at her reflection and gasped. "Whoa Kirisawa that ain't you at all."

She was wearing a pleated forest green skirt that ended at mid-thigh. She had grabbed one of Fuuko's better-looking halter-tops and combined it with the skirt to complete the ensemble. On Fuuko's curvaceous body, the outfit looked stunning.

Yanagi picked up a green clip and slid it over Fuuko's unruly hair. Fuuko turned to her and smiled. "Thanks Yanagi." She hugged Yanagi tightly. "For taking the time to turn me into something decent."

* * * * *

Yanagi carefully shut the door and smiled, "Hello Recca." The ninja looked sheepishly at her, "Ey Hime. I was wondering if you'd like to join me in watching the fight right now… at the Battle Arena, y'know… I mean… you wanna?" Yanagi laughed. Recca looked so adorable when he was nervous! "Sure Recca… who's fighting now?"

Recca scratched the top of his head, "There was this team that the others and I bumped into yesterday. I just wanted to see if they were as good as they claimed." He fell into step with Yanagi as they walked towards the elevator.

"Sou ka…" Yanagi nodded, as they stepped into the lift.

"Hey, Hime," he started, "Who is this guy Fuuko's dating? I mean… he looks okay, right? He won't hurt her in any way, right?" He anxiously awaited her answer. He wasn't romantically involved with Fuuko! Perish the thought! He already had his Hime and that was enough for him. It was just that they'd been through so much together and he knew Fuuko since they were both kids. One of the last things he'd want to see was for her to cry. It made him want to kick the ass of whoever did such a thing to her.

She smiled, "He's a sweet gentleman from another team. It seems that he might be very smitten by Fuuko, and I certainly hope so. I wouldn't want her to get her hopes up. She's very excited about it in fact." The beep signaled the conclusion of their short descent downward and they both stepped out of the elevator at the same time, making for the exit.

She sighed, pushing her hair away from her eyes. "Recca, do you really?"

"Nani?" Recca shook his mane of black hair frivolously. It itched terribly, and it was all he could to start yelping around and screaming bloody murder.

"Love me?"

Stopping in his tracks, he looked at her. "Of course Hime." He took her hand gingerly and entwined his fingers with hers. "I've loved you since the moment I swore my life to defending you. You are my princess, and you know that I'll give my life for you. Everything that I've gone through, everything was for you, and I have no doubts about it."

Yanagi blushed, "Hontou ni?" She bowed her head as the familiar tingle behind her eyes returned. This time, however, she didn't deny it and a tear trickled down her cheek. Recca noticed this and furrowed his brow worriedly, "Hime? Doushita no? Anything I did?"

She sniffed and shook her head. "Iie Recca… I was just…" She looked up at him and smiled. He smiled back, and carefully lowered his head to hers and kissed her gently. Her eyes widened before fluttering close. Her arms slowly circled his shoulders and pulled him closer instinctively.

It was their first real kiss.

Recca slowly pulled away and brushed the tear streak away. "Don't cry hime. I love you…" She smiled and laced their fingers together. "You know that I love you too." Together they walked to the Arena. Hand in hand. Ninja and Princess together.

* * * * *

"Keiko?"

"Hm?"

"Aren't you going to wish me luck?"

"You think you'll need it?"

"Maybe I'll need a kiss…?"

"Baka Yusuke. Just don't get killed."

"You're jealous, aren't you?"

"Of who?"

"That referee. You're jealous…"

"There are Kuwabara-kun and the others. You've got to go now."

"Keiko?"

"Hm?"

"Aishiteru."

"I know. Now get your butt up there next to the others and whip their asses into shape."

"I will."