Dark Tournament: Twist of Fate
Narrator: Yusuke.Kuwabara.Hiei.Kurama.and the mysterious shinobi girl, Kayal.Have all become the nineteenth team in the Dark Tournament. All five members of Team Urameshi head off toward the island, accompanied by other teams and their closest friends. With little knowledge of what lies in wait, and the threats of danger to come, will they survive the trip, let alone the tournament?
Four strange individuals approached the edge of the boat. A man in a leafy shirt, and pants that looked like bark, stood in front of him. "Hoji, are you sure you want to do this?" said a woman with huge lightening bolt earrings.
"Shura, are you sure you and the other three can defeat them?" Hoji asked. Shura flashed a smile, stepping up next to Hoji.
"ATTENTION ALL THOSE ON BOARD!!" Hoji shouted at the top of his lungs. "WE'VE DECIDED TO START THIS TOURNAMENT EARLY WITH THE ELIMINATION OF TEAM URAMESHI!"
Episode 4
Short Comings
Hoji pointed toward Shura with his hand. "The leader of team Phalanx, Shura!!" Hoji shouted. Most of the people on the ship had come to watch Hoji's loud announcements. Other demons slowly came to watch the fight that would unfold.
Shura had two loopy earrings that resembled lightening bolts. She looked very young, in her black shirt and pants, with red streaks. She was some what short, with black hair and black heels. Her eyes glowed from underneath her nearly invisible glasses and matched her sparkling red gloves.
"SCYTHE!" Hoji shouted. The determined figure next to Shura was six feet tall with a reserved attitude. He looked like a punk with his black jacket hanging over his shoulder, and a shiny two handed scythe that was pulsing with energy.
Scythe stomped his boots on the ground, "Sea' hell try and stop me."
"I'm Oni Saber, someone who's going knock your block off, and kick you between the yea.. eyes!" Oni said. She was more refined, but nearly as tall as Scythe. Her midnight black hair was perfect to mix with the setting and her black choker on her neck. With black pants and a bright green tank top, she gave an odd presence.
The last figure next to them extended his arm outward. Two small scythes, red in color, glowed like burning embers in his palms. He wore a set of blue shoes, with a blue outfit. He was average height, and seemed to be the calmest out of all them. "Name's Frost." he murmured from his lips.
Garland's eye rose slightly, while it rested next to Botans'. "This looked like trouble," Yusuke said watching the four figures step up.
"So Hiei, do you think we should intervene?" Kurama asked.
Hiei's eye twitched, "Why don't you let that bumbling idiot take them all?"
"What did you call short stuff?" Kuwabara shouted.
"THERE THEY ARE!" Hoji said pointing at four of Team Urameshi's members. "We, representing team Phalanx, will kill you all."
The four fighters poised themselves ready to attack. Hoji noticed Kalinka who was looking their way. His eyes enlarged, while he winked at her with the right one. Kalinka's face twisted, "That son of a."
Hoji pointed at Yusuke, "Now let's show them how to fight, attack!!" Before they proceed to attack a loud thud sounded, along with the crash of a broken bottle.
"Did I hear one you blokes say fight?" came a familiar voice. Yusuke smiled at the figure that stood above him, with a bottle in his hand. Breathing through the green strip on his nose, Chu towered above them.
"Who's this drunk?" Shura asked. Kalinka's face had turned red. Lea was in the process of restraining her.
"Where alo there Urameshi," Chu said looking his way. "Long time no see."
"Likewise," Yusuke said. "What are you here for?"
"For the tournament, o' course." Chu turned his attention back to Shura. "So, we gonna fight?"
Shura smiled at the chance for the fight with the big man. A strange shadow stepped up next to Chu, with a cigarette hanging from his fingers. "Well looks like another person has stepped up for a fight?" Oni Saber spoke. "This could be fun, got anything to say?"
Chu stared at the figure, "Well I didn't actually think you would show, I'm surprised you did Marionette."
Marionette was covered by his trench coat. The only light coming his way was from the lit cigarette which he puffed lightly. The cigarette dangled from between his index finger and pointer finger. A large sword handle hung from above his dark trench coat, to which he was the same height as Chu.
"Short on words big-boy?" Frost said.
Botan, who was now restless, had gotten up, along with Garland, to observe the situation. "Well are you going to step up?" Botan asked.
Garland shook his head with a plain expression, "No need to. My remaining team mates have arrived to take care of it."
Before the four fighters could make their moves, two sturdy figures landed in front on them. Hoji fell backward, but was caught by Shura's extended left arm. "What the heck is it?"
A woman with transparent sleeves on a short Chinese style shirt, held a firm grip on a staff in her right hand. A glove rested on her hand, while her left hand was bandaged up. Monk beads hung from around her neck, giving off a weary presence. Loose white colored pants clung to her tighs, while her ankles were wrapped in tape. Her flat style Chinese shoes tapped incessantly on the ground, in impatience. The main thing that stood out was the awkward tattoo on her shoulder; not to mention her few small scars near her eyes.
"That one's Charl," Garland spoke unevenly, while pointing at the older woman.
Next to her, stood a girl with flashy little eyelashes and a set of dark sapphire eyes. Compared to the other woman, she was much younger, but still held an odd staff, that christened a ruby upon the top of the base. The girls stood about the same height, around five foot seven, with curious ambition. Loose navy pants and a green shirt tied in the front fit her persona, especially with her high ranged fox ears.
Her comfortable shoes, made no noise when tapped on the ground. "That one's Saluna," Garland said with a smirk. Charl's right ear held a stunning earring that clung fiercely to her.
Hoji folded his arms, "Well now isn't this fitting. Four versus four, makes this much more interesting, don't you think so? HAhahaha."
Shura pulled her earrings off, which transformed into enormous whips surging with electricity. "This one's mine," Saluna spoke.
"I'll kill the quiet one," Chu said walking toward Scythe.
"I'm an expert martial artist, you know?" Scythe said sinisterly.
Frost never moved his eyes off of Marionette. Marionette never moved his eyes off of Frost. Frost waved his scythe that was on fire, in the air. "Play time is over, oh frail one."
Oni Saber fixed her hair slightly, giving a quick smile. "Let's duel, then?" she asked Charl. They both approached each other, weapons in full view.
"Well now, I guess this is what they call a preview of what's to come?" Saiyuki said standing inside the ship. His eyes glared around, though the window, to watch the on-coming fight. "Don't you think so?"
A person resting in a brown coat never stirred from their seat. Loki, the old man, whirled his pocket watch, like a hypnotizing chain, back and forth in a fluid motion. He spoke under his breath, muttering chants and reminiscing of something or other. "Freak," spoke the resilient voice under the brown coat.
"THAT'S ALL YOU HAVE TO SAY?" Saiyuki asked. "Some secret weapon you are, all you do is insult people from the shadows." Saiyuki turned his attention to Loki, "And you, all you do is predict things, and speak gibberish. Hell I could do you job." Saiyuki was cut off.
Loki's right eye had whirled around, watching Saiyuki dodge the image of a sword. "What was that?" Saiyuki said brushing back his hair. "Did you do that?" Saiyuki questioned Loki who continued his chants.
Saiyuki clutched his chest, "I'll crush you, if you ever do that again." Her adjusted his tie, and went back to his glaring at the approaching fight. "Well it seems they are beginning to square off, four versus four. Hoji, that bumbling idiot, won't survive the fight. Chu, an odd man in black, and two women with staffs, versus a bunch of criminals."
"Y' supposes you could take them all, fat lips?" came the shrouded voice from under the brown raincoat.
"WHAT THE HELL!!" Saiyuki said turning around.
Loki stopped his chanting and began to laugh and wheez, "Heh ha, heh ha! Fat lips suit you so well."
Hoji waved his hands, "We'll slaughter this bunch of mutants! HA!"
Marionette flung his cigarette in the air. Everyone watched the cigarette's slow burning embers. It was to act as the starting gun for the fight that was at hand. Team Urameshi watched from the distance, as did all the other demons. The cigarette flopped to the ground, and Hoji's voice erupted, "KILL THEM ALL!"
Shura's two large lightening whips, acted like two snakes in her control. Saluna's staff, continued to sparkle, with the ruby reflecting a red light at the top. "I don't want to kill you, nor will I, unless you step down." Shura whipped past Saluna, to demonstrate her awesome power. "Now join us to stop Yusuke and kill his friends."
Yusuke rubbed his nose, while Kurama made a sarcastic comment, "Look it's your fan club."
Saluna shook her head, "why?"
Shura whipped both of her whips in the air, slicing at Saluna's clothes. Saluna blocked easily with her staff. "Because it's people that Yusuke, who screw up the demon's world. We'll be famous if we kill him and win the tournament."
"Personal justification for dislike of friends?" Saluna asked.
Shura flashed her whips out again, striking Saluna's staff and pulling her closer toward her. Shura smiled, "I don't need friends, only associates to help me win this tournament. Justification through power is more like it! Your friends aren't really your friends, just plain people using you for their benefit!"
Saluna clasped one of the lightening whips, and was given a fierce jolt from it. She soared backward, but managed to ram her staff into the ground to her position. "Loyalty is key to friendship, for me, they are all I've got! Though I strongly dislike humans still."
"Then join me, and ignore your foolish talk of friendship!" Shura said. Shura slid across the ground, pulling her whip upward and wrapping themselves around the bars at the side of boat. She pulled forward, propelling herself and her whip directly at Saluna.
Saluna's mind raced, while she thought quickly in her head. 'She has no idea of what filthy humans have done to me. Chasing me out of my village, but I'm still loyal to my friends!' Saluna thought her moves through, kicking from behind her, to boost herself upward. She cried out briefly, which seemed to light up her staff in a blinding light.
Shura looked upward, stopping with the force of her lightening whips. Saluna aimed her staff directly at Shura, and shouted loudly, though it was muffled. A blast of electricity surged toward Shura. Shura twirled her whips around in the air, and snagged one of the decks, pulling herself upward. She turned her head, noticing Saluna was following her, while speeding faster at her from the sky.
"Uh-oh!" Shura said, watching a lightening blast strike in her direction. Shura dodged it easily, and stood smugly at Saluna, who was now ground level. Shura laughed, waving her whips at Saluna, "Electrify this you witch!"
Saluna watched the electricity blast that Shura had avoided; strike her whips, causing a chain reaction explosion. The entire right side of the ship shook, allowing a hole to spread widely below them. Shura's body disappeared in a blinding rush, while Saluna landed next to Lea and Kalinka.
"Well that was using your head," Kalinka said. Hoji, who had found his way around the fights, found himself next to Kalinka.
He winked at her, "Hi there good looking!" Kalinka never turned; but only moved her fist two inches backward, smacking Hoji across the jaw. He collapsed into a heap on the ground.
"UGH! Men!" Kalinka said in a frustrated manner. "Bunch of pigs."
Lea, who was completely distracted by watching Garland and Botan, stepped on Hoji's crumpled body. "Um.. Lea," Saluna tried to get her attention. "LEA?"
"I'll kill her if she touches him," Lea said. She turned around, red in the face, "Uh, hi?"
Chu squared off opposite of Scythe. Scythe swung his giant scythe, but Chu faded into the night's air, flowing like a rush of water. "Ya think you could hit me?" Chu said in his English tongue.
Scythe watched Chu's movement, and swung his scythe. "Just try and keep up," Scythe said. He swung miraculously at the same spot, missing completely. Chu's speed and movement weren't easy to track.
Scythe's eyes brightened up, when he let go of the scythe. The scythe began to follow Chu's odd movements. "Hmm, seems you think your toy will beat me. Nothing but a git," Chu said dodging the swinging blade.
The blade turned in mid-air, coming straight for Chu, who hit the deck. Chu's riveted boots swayed in the cool night's air. Chu turned his head, getting the blunt side of the scythe in the face. He flopped backward, landing on his back foot. Pressing against the ground, he ran head first at scythe who met him head on.
Scythe's barrage of punches kept Chu occupied, but Chu couldn't return the punches because of the continuous movement of the scythe. Chu dodged its huge blade, which nearly hit him head on. Chu ducked just in time, to get Scythe's boot to the chin. Chu vanished in a flash, and kicked Scythe's back.
"Bloody 'ell," Chu said rubbing his chin. "Me and me big mouth."
Scythe noticed Chu regain his footing. The scythe hovered above Chu's head, just in synch so Scythe could take advantage of the situation again. Scythe jumped the barrage of Chu's punches, grabbing a hold of the scythe's end.
Chu's twisted expression changed with Scythe's full front double-kick to Chu's chest. Chu fell backward, missing the scythe's flaming tip yet again. Chu turned around to catch the receiving end of another set of kicks to the stomach.
"Had enough?!" Scythe asked swinging from the scythe, which was coming back. "Your dead!"
"Quite wrong again, eh mate!" Chu said. Chu's entire skin color changed to a dark skin coated by a light pink. A small orange energy ball had formed in his hand. Chu leaned back and let the ball out of his hand, aimed at Scythe. With a mighty blast, Scythe and his scythe disappeared in the eruption.
"Two down, two to go," Saiyuki relayed the message. "So, what do you think?"
"I think you talk to much!" the person under the coat spoke.
"WAS I TALKING TO YOU?!" Saiyuki asked.
Loki, who had put his pocket watch back around his neck, had appeared next to Saiyuki. "Those two are of Team Mibu and the other two are of team Hasho. Interesting competition."
"WHY ISN'T ANYONE TALKING TO ME?!" Saiyuki shouted.
Oni Saber shouted loudly, while Charl watched in anticipation. A large eye had suddenly appeared above her. Charl stepped back, with her solid staff to watch. The giant eyeball, was disgusting from appearances alone. "That's sick!" Charl shouted.
The large eye blinked, in Charl direction. "Are you ready to face my wrath?" Oni Saber asked.
Charl held her hands out, "So what, you can summon an eye. A lot of good that can do, you going to sick it on me, like a dog?"
Oni Saber smiled, "No, because it can kill you!" The eye sent off a blast from the center of the eye. The blast hit Charl's left hand, burning through the tape. She shook her hand lightly, staring at the mark on her hand.
"You jerk!" she shouted charging the eye.
"Your very last words, how suiting."
Marionette continued to stare at Frost. Frost continued to stare at Marionette. "Judging by the look, I'd say your nothing more then a criminal? Am I right?"
Marionette's nose twitched. "You the strong silent type?" Frost asked. "It's people like you that I hate!" Frost whipped out a small scythe, that was blazing on fire.
Marionette's nose twitched again. Frost swished his scythe in the air. "My scythe is manipulated by my burning hot spirit energy."
Marionette reached into his pocket. "Finally, some action!" Frost said. Marionette pulled out a cigarette from his pocket and held it out. Frost's face grew red, "AH!" He charged at Marionette who hopped out of the way of Frost's slashing.
Marionette pulled his cigarette toward his mouth, which was now lit at the end. Frost smirked, "So you are good, you just been hiding it, huh."
Marionette just blew a puff at Frost. Frost coughed, "Second hand smoke kills, Haha!" Frost swung his scythe, while Marionette dodged it gracefully. "That's it, now you die!"
"Fool." Marionette said with a smirk.
Oni Saber waved her hands in the air. The eye in front of her, shot energy blast after energy blast at Charl. Charl dodged a few blasts, but took one of them across the shoulder. She swore under her breath, holding up her staff.
"Can't seem to put up a fight, huh?" Oni Saber said.
Charl spit out a speck of blood. "I'm sorry, what did you say?"
"I said your nothing, but a weak girl!" Oni Saber shouted.
"One more time."
"YOU A LOUSY CHICK!"
Charl's eyes flashed a starry color, "Now you die!"
Hoji strugged to stand up. He reached up, grabbing a hold of Kalinka's thigh. "Well hello, hello, sweet thing. You know you can't keep me down!"
Kalinka's face turned red, "Aaaahhhh!" She twirled around and kicked Hoji across the stomach. She twirled around again, and snapped her hand down on his neck.
Hoji crumpled to the ground, leaving Kalinka smiling. She dusted off her hands, "Yuck, men!"
Chu ran his hand along his mo-hawk. "So Urameshi, thinking we might meet again in the ring?" Chu said.
Yusuke smiled, "I'll be waiting."
"Rippa," Chu said triumphantly.
Frost raced at Marionette, "NOW YOU DIE!!"
Marionette stepped back, and reached down his back, pulling out his sword. He pushed off his back heel, and raced onward at Frost. Marionette slashed in a blaze with his sword. The flurry of the flashes left it nearly impossible to see only lights.
Hiei and Kurama communicated to one another, 'Fifteen, impressive.'
Marionette stepped back, and kicked his foot up in the air, sending Frost straight up in the air. "Geki Tenryu Zansatsu!"
Geki Tenryu Zansatsu
Marionette stuck his hand in the air, watching Frost come down, and become impaled upon it. The blotches of blood, skattered everywhere on the ground.
Charl's staff shot out aimed at Oni Saber. It stabbed right through the eye, while missing Oni Saber. "Missed me!" she shouted at Charl.
"I never miss," Charl said, flickering her wrist. This caused the staff to change shape quickly, whipping around, and stabbing Oni Saber. She collapsed to the ground.
Charl walked over to Saluna, who resting next to Lea and Kalinka. Hoji struggled to get to his feet. He crawled away, while Kalinka whirled around. "Where did that pig of a man go?" Kalinka asked. Hoji struggled, standing on his injured foot.
Marionette let out a puff of smoke, walking away. Chu shrugged, "I guess this is the closest he gets to interaction with others."
Hiei and Kurama nodded at one another. "Interesting competition, don't you think so Hiei?" Kurama asked.
Hiei sniffed the air, "They'll all fall eventually." Charl and Saluna made their way inside the ship, and found a place to relax. Yusuke, Kuwabara and the others, separated themselves from everyone else.
Hoji, who had stopped crawling, had found his way onto the main deck. Saiyuki's sinister face, took a cruel smile upon it. "Well, nice work Hoji," Saiyuki said sarcastically.
"Ugh," Hoji said trying to stand.
Loki snickered, "I guess this would make the tournament fall back to eighteen teams, eck."
Saiyuki shook his head, "Too late to change the tournament line-up, it's already set for nine teams to make it pass the first round. Though three of those teams get byes, just so it would work out."
Loki nodded, "What to do with this one?"
Saiyuki straightened his face, turning to the figure in the brown coat. "Well, are you going to take care of it?"
The person under the coat coughed, and threw a glass at Saiyuki's head. Saiyuki's face turned red, "I thought you were an awesome fighter!!!"
The person coughed again, and the brown coat ruffled a little. Saiyuki went over to a bar stand, and took a gulp of scotch from an already full glass. Hoji frowned, "Now what?"
Saiyuki pushed Hoji, "You better leave, or else I'll kill you, that well enough?"
Hoji shook his head, and left under his own power. Saiyuki turned to watch Loki stare at his watch and pull it back into his shirt quickly. Loki stared at Saiyuki, "He.."
"He?!" Saiyuki asked impatiently.
"He will die now."
Hoji wandered along a secluded part of the deck. He looked past the over hang, and noticed the large island that was coming into view. "Looks like we're almost there," Hoji said.
The knocking of metal was heard behind Hoji. He spun around, only to see nothing, but metal pipes and the railing. "Odd," Hoji murmured to himself.
The gust of wind, brushed past his cheek. He changed his viewing, to the direction of the wind, but was left with nothing, but a cool breeze and footsteps. Hoji turned his head around the corner, but came up with nothing.
A sudden rush of wind, whirled past his head. He creaked his neck to the side, noticing a strange arrangement of shadows. He proceeded with caution, until he stopped, right before the figure that had appeared. "Well, well it's just you," Hoji said.
Hoji intended to walk past the person, but was stopped. The figure had blocked off Hoji, by walking in his way. Hoji held up his arm, "Some kind of joke, right?"
The figure moved to the side, blocking off Hoji's path again. Hoji smiled, "Oh let me guess, your not to happy with my policies on saving the earth?" The figure didn't even move, let alone let out the smallest breath.
"You hate tree huggers?" Hoji asked. Hoji meant to push the person with his hand, but the figure stepped aside quickly. "You shouldn't be messing around with me, I've got business to attend to."
Hoji frowned, "Get the hell out of my way." The figure stepped aside, to let Hoji pass. Hoji walked past the person, and turned around. "Don't you thinks to do? The tournament starts tomorrow. Why don't you do practice and talk with your team? Meet them when the boat docks in a minute or two."
The figure let out a wisp of air that sounded like a snake. Hoji tried to cry out, but couldn't make a noise. The figure raised the hands, and stuck Hoji in two quick flashes. He spit out blood and collapsed to the ground. The figure strode away into the night air.
Hiei and Kurama both turned their heads. "What's wrong Kurama?" Yusuke asked noticing the island coming into full view.
Kurama shook his head, "I thought I sensed."
".A body flung into the water?" Kayal said.
Kurama nodded, "Perhaps we should improve our view from up top? Everyone made their way up to the top, only to find Keiko, Botan, Lea and Garland up top watching the island brighten up in the night air.
"Well now, what brings you guys up here?" Botan asked. Shizuru, followed by Atsuko, came up the path behind everyone.
"Did we miss something?" Atsuko asked.
"Mom, why did you have to come?" Yusuke asked.
Atsuko smiled and hit Yusuke on the head, "I'm your mother, I have every right to come with and watch you fight demons. Don't you think so Keiko?"
"Don't answer that Keiko!" Yusuke shouted.
"YUSUKE!" Keiko shouted slapping Yusuke.
Everyone had a good laugh, with the exception of Hiei who was preoccupied with the body in the water floating by. "No doubt that was Hoji," Kurama said.
Hiei nodded, averting his eyes to Kuwabara. "What on earth on you doing?" he asked. Kuwabara was standing on the edge of one of the high railing poles. "I'm watching the night air!" he said taking a long deep breath. "Ah, looks at that island."
"Isn't it a beaut," Garland said plainly. The dark island came into view. It looks massive, dark, and yet the lay out made it looks marvelous.
"Certainly puts it in a category of it's own," Kayal said standing next to Hiei.
Lea, who was slowly sneaking up behind Botan, had one hand outstretched. Botan stood close to Garland, who was marveling at the island. "That island holds our fate, don't you think so Botan?" Garland asked.
Garland turned to notice Lea, who was now standing up smiling and waving. She was attempting to look innocent and yet please Garland so he would turn away. "Hi Lea," Garland said.
Lea waved, turning red in the face. Garland turned around, noticing Keiko arguing with Yusuke, while his mother held them both back. "Sound like an old married couple, Haha," Botan laughed.
Lea stood up, next to Botan. Botan turned and smiled awkwardly at her. While Botan turned her head, Lea nudged her on the side, and Botan went over the edge of the boat, right into the water. It wasn't too deep, because the island was very close to the boat.
Everyone turned toward the sound of the splash. "Oh no!" Kayal shouted. She ran to the side, "Botan fell over!"
Kalinka shook her head, glaring at Lea, "Yea, fell." Keiko pushed Yusuke back, "What do you mean you didn't want to go to the movies with me anyhow?" Yusuke nearly went over the same edge as Botan, but grabbed a hold of Keiko's arm. He pulled forward, causing Keiko to dart forward, right over the edge.
"You idiot, Yusuke!" Kuwabara said. "Look what you did Urameshi!"
Garland smiled, setting down his trench coat. He stood next to Yusuke and nudged him in the ribs. "Go get your girl, heh."
Garland waved his hand slightly behind him, jumped on the rail, and then jumped down, into the icy water. Hiei glared at Kurama, watching Yusuke do the same action. "That's my boy!" Atsuko said shaking her fist.
Kurama laughed, "Might as well join the others, right Hiei?" Kurama jumped down into the water, where Garland was paddling next to Botan. Yusuke was being dunked in the water, by a laughing Keiko.
Kalinka stood behind Lea, "You know people tend to fall in easily." Kalinka pushed Lea, who went feet first into the rush of waves and cold water.
Lea screamed, hitting the water, with Kalinka right behind her. "YAHOO!" she shouted hitting the water.
"HAhaha," Lea began to laugh, when Kalinka surfaced with her hair standing on end.
Kuwabara dove next to Yusuke, rubbing his shoulders when he surfaced. "BBBrrrr.. It's cold!"
Yusuke dunked Kuwabara's head, "Hahaha. Look alive, loud mouth!" Keiko laughed, noticing Botan who had gotten on Garland's shoulders.
Hiei stood, staring down at the other, with the boat almost about to land in the docks. Kayal smiled down at the others, "Now that looks like fun."
Hiei sneered, "Child's play."
Kayal tugged on Hiei's shoulder, "Come on! Let's jump down. It looks like fun."
Hiei stared down at the water, and then back at Kayal. "You're kidding me, right? It's cold, and we're almost at the island."
Kayal smiled, "PLEASE!!" Hiei shrugged, and then shook his head. She edged near him, and then edged her way next to him. "It would be.. So much fun.if." she leaned against Hiei, who went sailing down into the waters below. Kayal smiled, "Oooppss.. I'm so clumsy!" She looked both ways, and jumped down into the waters, followed by Atsuko, doing a flip.
Hiei floated with his hands at his side. "I'm all wet, ugh."
Kayal smiled hanging onto him, "This was a great idea Hiei!"
Hiei frowned, walking out of the water. Hiei shook himself to dry off a bit. Everyone stared up at Hiei, whose hair had flung downward over her eyes. The others began to laugh at his awkward looking hair.
Kuwabara pointed at Hiei, "Shorty looks ridiculous!"
Hiei frowned, "Don't make me kill you moron!"
Kayal smiled at Hiei. She ran a quick thought her head, while walking to shore, 'Isn't he cute when he's angry.'
The night was in full force, and most of the others had found their rooms. Yusuke and the bunch eyed the rich businessmen and elegant looking people as they walked by the hall. A strange man guided the bunch in the right direction. "Your rooms are that way," the man said.
"Enjoy your stay, and good luck." The man walked away quietly, while everyone else dumped their stuff in their rooms.
"Well, then let's unpack, shall we?" Kurama said.
Else where..
Else where two figures stared at the outside of the room. "Is this the room, Raiyu?" the small girl asked.
Raiyu, the strange looking man, spoke up, "Black Dragon, this is the room. All five are relaxing within." The large door opened, with Kurama looking around.
"Odd, I could have sworn I heard voices," Kuwabara said. He drank his can of juice, "Well now, we're facing Team Soruisen tomorrow, right?"
Kurama closed the door, and sat back down, on the brown couch. Kayal fiddled her thumbs, Hiei sat rubbing his sword with his hand, and Yusuke had his eyes closed; fast asleep. "You don't think he's going to sleep for an entire day, this time?" Kurama said with a smile.
"I hope not, it wouldn't make your deaths any fun," spoke a voice from behind them. Everyone's focus changed direction, meeting up with the two figures perched up on a night chest.
"Bunch of meager jerks!" Hiei said under his breath.
Black Dragon, the girl with light red eyes, and her tied in a bun, turned toward him. "Cheap words from a guy who thinks his one move will defeat all."
Raiyu's eyes rose, "Don't haste, tense as a rat. We only want to introduce ourselves."
"You could have simply said so!" Kuwabara said. "Would make tomorrow much easier."
"Especially for you," Raiyu said walking over gracefully. Yusuke's eyes blinked, but remained closed. "I'm sure you all can hear me, but tomorrow you guys will not last more then three matches. I wish you luck."
Raiyu walked away, pushing the door open. Black Dragon followed him closely, with her eyes glaring at Hiei. Kayal clutched her fist, almost ready to pounce on the other girl.
Yusuke smiled, "Well now, if that isn't an introduction, then what is?" He closed his eyes, and went back to his deep slumber.
Kuwabara shrugged, "Well we should all get some sleep, to be ready for tomorrow; don't you think so?"
Kurama agreed, "Yes, that is a good idea. Let's turn in Hiei." Hiei glared and stormed out of the door. Kayal was quick to follow.
In the cool air, Garland stared at the night air, on top of the roof. A pitter patter of footsteps, followed behind him. Botan brushed her hair and smiled, "What are you doing out here?"
Garland kept his eyes on the sky. Botan walked up next to him, while Garland grabbed a hold of her hand. Botan smiled, "Say, I was wondering, can I ask you a few things?"
Garland sighed, "Go ahead."
"Why haven't you really talked about yourself? Why do you like being with me? And why did you come to this tournament?" Botan asked eagerly.
"Well now, I guess I deserve to answer those." Garland sighed again, "I don't talk too much about myself, but if you ask, I promise to answer. I like being with you because I like you a lot."
"Oh," Botan said embarrassingly. "I didn't mean to."
".As for why I'm here, I have personal reasons. Being with you is just an added bonus," Garland said. He leaned down and kissed Botan's cheek, "Better get some sleep, tomorrows going to be a long day."
Garland walked away, while Botan turned to watch the night air.
Hiei stood behind Kayal with his arms around her. He seemed distracted, fidgeting with his hands. Kayal held a firm grasp on them, so that it was nearly impossible for him to get away. Kayal smiled, "It's beautiful and peaceful out. It's so romantic. What do you think Hiei?"
Kayal looked up at Hiei, who was biting his lip. She nudged him, and Hiei halfway smiled, "its okay."
Kayal twitched, "What do you mean its okay?" Kayal pulled on Hiei's arms, "You really know how to screw up a romantic moment, you know that Romeo?"
Hiei turned his head, "I'm not good at this kind of thing." Hiei shrugged, while Kayal stood up, still holding his arms.
Kayal smiled, "Well, we're working on that, alright?" She leaned up, kissing him on the cheek lightly. "Then you can introduce me to all your friends, and your family, and the group. and."
Hiei's lip quivered, "Uh-oh."
Kayal faded into the night air, "Then we can go on walks on the beach. Get married in a mansion. Have about five kids."
Hiei looked shocked, "AAAH!!" Hiei threw his sword down, knocking out one of the lights.
The morning came early, with the bursting of fireworks as an early morning wake-up call. Teams scoured the area, and met amongst themselves for the big tournament.
Saiyuki threw a piece of paper at Loki, who was whispering something in Vorea'sesaki's ear. "You sure about that?" Vorea'sesaki asked. Loki whispered something else in his ear, and Vorea'sesaki nodded. He blew a puff of smoke from his pipe, and tapped the opposite end on his right boot. Vorea'sesaki sat cross legged, in a secluded room.
Saiyuki tapped his fingers on the large black table in the center. "The tournament match-ups are set; I gave Team Urameshi, Team Soruisen."
Vorea'sesaki smiled, "This should be interesting, since they are well known for their special techniques." He blew a puff of smoke, "We should be off then."
The figure in the brown coat, sat quietly. "And that?" Saiyuki asked.
Saruji turned his head from behind his chair, "Is our big secret weapon."
~1st Round~
Team TaiHaiTai vs. Team Leastinae
Team Vorea'sesaki vs. Team Ichirou
Team Bouruga vs. Team Riyuki
Team Dodo vs. Team Kuzuite
Team Hasho vs. Team Phalanx
Team Soruisen vs. Team Urameshi
Team Nataku vs. Team Mibu
~Bye~
Team Yokuzaki
Team Alack
Team Cegoria
Koto shook her tail in the air, "Welcome all to the Dark Tournament!" Fireworks shot up from around everyone. The large gray stadium was studded with stone, making it seem simple and yet complex. The sturdy seats were filled with dark demons, all shouting for their favorite teams.
The large numbers of teams were lined up all around. Most of the teams were in the stand awaiting their turn for fighting with the exception of the two teams that were to begin.
Koto turned around with her bright and starry smile. "Once again, welcome to the Dark Tournament! All you lovely demons are set for the most brutal, the most hardcore slaughter fest, from this side of the apparitions!!"
Demons from all around cheered. "BRING ON THE HUMANS!!" one demon shouted.
"WE WANT THE FIGHTS TO BEGIN!" a group of demons cheered.
A very silent, group with two humans and three demons stared around them. "Well now, we have the fifth match," Kurama said.
Kuwabara scratched his head, "Well I won't sit through too many of these fights."
Yusuke had his eyes closed in deep thought. He thought back to training that would hopefully pay off.
Melee smiled, holding her hands in front of her, "By concentrating your energy on one target, you can charge your spirit energy to contract, and repel certain spirit energy. Now this a special spirit shield, though only use it on certain occasions, understand?"
Yusuke stuck his finger in his ear, "Yea, yea, I know."
Melee turned toward Yusuke, raising her hands in an odd fashion. She sad something under her breath, and sent off a short of energy at Yusuke. "This will kill you," Melee said.
Yusuke took a deep breath, holding out his hands. 'Concentrate Yusuke!' he said to himself. Yusuke held his hands out, forming a small barrier around him, blocking off the hit from Melee. Yusuke collapsed to one knee, while Melee clapped her hands.
"What's the clapping for?" he asked.
"You mastered the basics of this unique spirit shield, congrads moron!" Melee said.
Yusuke shook his head, and the ring and the enormous number of demons came back into view.
Megumi struggled along, glaring up and down the outside isles. Jorge walked next to her, reassuring the small Koenma, who rested on her shoulders. "You know your heavy for a baby," she said.
"It's all just baby fat," Koenma said. "There it is!" he shouted pointing at a section of the stadium. They walked in, and Jorge unloaded the food, while Koenma hopped up onto his seat. "Oh goody!"
Koto twirled around, "Nineteen teams have been chosen to compete in this year's competition, and it's going to be heck of a tournament!!"
"YEA!" came shouts of demons all around.
Koto smiled, "Let's kick this tournament off with a bang!" The loud bursts of fireworks continued to sound off. "Let's get this first match underway!"
Narrator: Team Urameshi has entered into the Dark Tournament, with hope of escaping with their lives. The Dark Tournament is about to get underway, with no chance of turning back. What mysteries await those who have entered into the tournament, with their lives on the line? Nineteen teams will participate..
Team TaiHaiTai
A Tai, with a kitty headband stands in front of four other fighters. A woman with two different eye colors leans against a woman with cat ears and claws. A man whose eyes seemed caught on Hiei yawns, next to a woman with
a scar on her jugular.
Team Soruisen
Raiyu and Black Dragon, stand between a man with a jewel, and two
unfriendly looking women.
Team Phalanx Marionette is putting out his cigarette in front of a sign that had 'Team
Phalanx', but now reads, 'Team Hasho's Marionettes' smoke house'
Team Riyuki
One figure in a joker mask, the other four dressed as circus freaks.
Team Mibu Garland, being pulled down by Lea, and Kalinka fixing her hair. Saluna and
Charl are balancing on staffs.
Team Urameshi Yusuke leaning against Kuwabara, while Kurama has his hand behind his back.
Hiei and Kayal stand together in the front.
Team Alack
Five cloaked figures.
Team Yokuzaki Cloud is next to a girl with wolf ears, pieced three times. Aside they are
three others who are distracted.
Team Ichirou
Sign that says, 'Out to lunch'
Team Vorea'sesaki
Vorea'sesaki stands next to Saiyuki, in a trimmed Armani suit.
Team Leastinae
Two old demons next to three very young figures.
Team Cegoria
Four short figures wearing capes & one average height figure, wearing
another cape, each one an odd color.
Team Dodo
Five diverse figures, one innocent woman with ice blue eyes in front.
Team Kuzuite
Five social misfits who look like they are lost.
Team Nataku
Five evil looking figures with dark energy covering them.
Team Hasho Chu with one foot in the air, holding down Marionette, struggling around,
and three other odd figures.
Narrator: What lies in wait for these coming fights? What will fate deal for these fighters and their dreams?
Preview: {Images: Man in a general outfit laughing, girl with a bladed staff, demon insects flying everywhere, a large bowl dropping on a creature's head, girl hugging everyone, Koto running around, Koenma trying kung-fu moves, one large figure killing demon guards in front of Vorea'sesaki, and one large beast snoring}
Reika: Well now, when you fight with Team TaiHaiTai, you should know professional assassins when you see them. Talk about luck, we're going to try out some new powers and techniques on these amateurs. But then again, cheating and dirty fighting is against my honor code, but.. oh yea, I forgot to introduce myself, I'm Reika Mitsurugi, second in charge of the greatest team of assassins in the world. Hey, don't take my word for it; just watch the next episode of Yu-yu Hakusho!
Narrator: Yusuke.Kuwabara.Hiei.Kurama.and the mysterious shinobi girl, Kayal.Have all become the nineteenth team in the Dark Tournament. All five members of Team Urameshi head off toward the island, accompanied by other teams and their closest friends. With little knowledge of what lies in wait, and the threats of danger to come, will they survive the trip, let alone the tournament?
Four strange individuals approached the edge of the boat. A man in a leafy shirt, and pants that looked like bark, stood in front of him. "Hoji, are you sure you want to do this?" said a woman with huge lightening bolt earrings.
"Shura, are you sure you and the other three can defeat them?" Hoji asked. Shura flashed a smile, stepping up next to Hoji.
"ATTENTION ALL THOSE ON BOARD!!" Hoji shouted at the top of his lungs. "WE'VE DECIDED TO START THIS TOURNAMENT EARLY WITH THE ELIMINATION OF TEAM URAMESHI!"
Episode 4
Short Comings
Hoji pointed toward Shura with his hand. "The leader of team Phalanx, Shura!!" Hoji shouted. Most of the people on the ship had come to watch Hoji's loud announcements. Other demons slowly came to watch the fight that would unfold.
Shura had two loopy earrings that resembled lightening bolts. She looked very young, in her black shirt and pants, with red streaks. She was some what short, with black hair and black heels. Her eyes glowed from underneath her nearly invisible glasses and matched her sparkling red gloves.
"SCYTHE!" Hoji shouted. The determined figure next to Shura was six feet tall with a reserved attitude. He looked like a punk with his black jacket hanging over his shoulder, and a shiny two handed scythe that was pulsing with energy.
Scythe stomped his boots on the ground, "Sea' hell try and stop me."
"I'm Oni Saber, someone who's going knock your block off, and kick you between the yea.. eyes!" Oni said. She was more refined, but nearly as tall as Scythe. Her midnight black hair was perfect to mix with the setting and her black choker on her neck. With black pants and a bright green tank top, she gave an odd presence.
The last figure next to them extended his arm outward. Two small scythes, red in color, glowed like burning embers in his palms. He wore a set of blue shoes, with a blue outfit. He was average height, and seemed to be the calmest out of all them. "Name's Frost." he murmured from his lips.
Garland's eye rose slightly, while it rested next to Botans'. "This looked like trouble," Yusuke said watching the four figures step up.
"So Hiei, do you think we should intervene?" Kurama asked.
Hiei's eye twitched, "Why don't you let that bumbling idiot take them all?"
"What did you call short stuff?" Kuwabara shouted.
"THERE THEY ARE!" Hoji said pointing at four of Team Urameshi's members. "We, representing team Phalanx, will kill you all."
The four fighters poised themselves ready to attack. Hoji noticed Kalinka who was looking their way. His eyes enlarged, while he winked at her with the right one. Kalinka's face twisted, "That son of a."
Hoji pointed at Yusuke, "Now let's show them how to fight, attack!!" Before they proceed to attack a loud thud sounded, along with the crash of a broken bottle.
"Did I hear one you blokes say fight?" came a familiar voice. Yusuke smiled at the figure that stood above him, with a bottle in his hand. Breathing through the green strip on his nose, Chu towered above them.
"Who's this drunk?" Shura asked. Kalinka's face had turned red. Lea was in the process of restraining her.
"Where alo there Urameshi," Chu said looking his way. "Long time no see."
"Likewise," Yusuke said. "What are you here for?"
"For the tournament, o' course." Chu turned his attention back to Shura. "So, we gonna fight?"
Shura smiled at the chance for the fight with the big man. A strange shadow stepped up next to Chu, with a cigarette hanging from his fingers. "Well looks like another person has stepped up for a fight?" Oni Saber spoke. "This could be fun, got anything to say?"
Chu stared at the figure, "Well I didn't actually think you would show, I'm surprised you did Marionette."
Marionette was covered by his trench coat. The only light coming his way was from the lit cigarette which he puffed lightly. The cigarette dangled from between his index finger and pointer finger. A large sword handle hung from above his dark trench coat, to which he was the same height as Chu.
"Short on words big-boy?" Frost said.
Botan, who was now restless, had gotten up, along with Garland, to observe the situation. "Well are you going to step up?" Botan asked.
Garland shook his head with a plain expression, "No need to. My remaining team mates have arrived to take care of it."
Before the four fighters could make their moves, two sturdy figures landed in front on them. Hoji fell backward, but was caught by Shura's extended left arm. "What the heck is it?"
A woman with transparent sleeves on a short Chinese style shirt, held a firm grip on a staff in her right hand. A glove rested on her hand, while her left hand was bandaged up. Monk beads hung from around her neck, giving off a weary presence. Loose white colored pants clung to her tighs, while her ankles were wrapped in tape. Her flat style Chinese shoes tapped incessantly on the ground, in impatience. The main thing that stood out was the awkward tattoo on her shoulder; not to mention her few small scars near her eyes.
"That one's Charl," Garland spoke unevenly, while pointing at the older woman.
Next to her, stood a girl with flashy little eyelashes and a set of dark sapphire eyes. Compared to the other woman, she was much younger, but still held an odd staff, that christened a ruby upon the top of the base. The girls stood about the same height, around five foot seven, with curious ambition. Loose navy pants and a green shirt tied in the front fit her persona, especially with her high ranged fox ears.
Her comfortable shoes, made no noise when tapped on the ground. "That one's Saluna," Garland said with a smirk. Charl's right ear held a stunning earring that clung fiercely to her.
Hoji folded his arms, "Well now isn't this fitting. Four versus four, makes this much more interesting, don't you think so? HAhahaha."
Shura pulled her earrings off, which transformed into enormous whips surging with electricity. "This one's mine," Saluna spoke.
"I'll kill the quiet one," Chu said walking toward Scythe.
"I'm an expert martial artist, you know?" Scythe said sinisterly.
Frost never moved his eyes off of Marionette. Marionette never moved his eyes off of Frost. Frost waved his scythe that was on fire, in the air. "Play time is over, oh frail one."
Oni Saber fixed her hair slightly, giving a quick smile. "Let's duel, then?" she asked Charl. They both approached each other, weapons in full view.
"Well now, I guess this is what they call a preview of what's to come?" Saiyuki said standing inside the ship. His eyes glared around, though the window, to watch the on-coming fight. "Don't you think so?"
A person resting in a brown coat never stirred from their seat. Loki, the old man, whirled his pocket watch, like a hypnotizing chain, back and forth in a fluid motion. He spoke under his breath, muttering chants and reminiscing of something or other. "Freak," spoke the resilient voice under the brown coat.
"THAT'S ALL YOU HAVE TO SAY?" Saiyuki asked. "Some secret weapon you are, all you do is insult people from the shadows." Saiyuki turned his attention to Loki, "And you, all you do is predict things, and speak gibberish. Hell I could do you job." Saiyuki was cut off.
Loki's right eye had whirled around, watching Saiyuki dodge the image of a sword. "What was that?" Saiyuki said brushing back his hair. "Did you do that?" Saiyuki questioned Loki who continued his chants.
Saiyuki clutched his chest, "I'll crush you, if you ever do that again." Her adjusted his tie, and went back to his glaring at the approaching fight. "Well it seems they are beginning to square off, four versus four. Hoji, that bumbling idiot, won't survive the fight. Chu, an odd man in black, and two women with staffs, versus a bunch of criminals."
"Y' supposes you could take them all, fat lips?" came the shrouded voice from under the brown raincoat.
"WHAT THE HELL!!" Saiyuki said turning around.
Loki stopped his chanting and began to laugh and wheez, "Heh ha, heh ha! Fat lips suit you so well."
Hoji waved his hands, "We'll slaughter this bunch of mutants! HA!"
Marionette flung his cigarette in the air. Everyone watched the cigarette's slow burning embers. It was to act as the starting gun for the fight that was at hand. Team Urameshi watched from the distance, as did all the other demons. The cigarette flopped to the ground, and Hoji's voice erupted, "KILL THEM ALL!"
Shura's two large lightening whips, acted like two snakes in her control. Saluna's staff, continued to sparkle, with the ruby reflecting a red light at the top. "I don't want to kill you, nor will I, unless you step down." Shura whipped past Saluna, to demonstrate her awesome power. "Now join us to stop Yusuke and kill his friends."
Yusuke rubbed his nose, while Kurama made a sarcastic comment, "Look it's your fan club."
Saluna shook her head, "why?"
Shura whipped both of her whips in the air, slicing at Saluna's clothes. Saluna blocked easily with her staff. "Because it's people that Yusuke, who screw up the demon's world. We'll be famous if we kill him and win the tournament."
"Personal justification for dislike of friends?" Saluna asked.
Shura flashed her whips out again, striking Saluna's staff and pulling her closer toward her. Shura smiled, "I don't need friends, only associates to help me win this tournament. Justification through power is more like it! Your friends aren't really your friends, just plain people using you for their benefit!"
Saluna clasped one of the lightening whips, and was given a fierce jolt from it. She soared backward, but managed to ram her staff into the ground to her position. "Loyalty is key to friendship, for me, they are all I've got! Though I strongly dislike humans still."
"Then join me, and ignore your foolish talk of friendship!" Shura said. Shura slid across the ground, pulling her whip upward and wrapping themselves around the bars at the side of boat. She pulled forward, propelling herself and her whip directly at Saluna.
Saluna's mind raced, while she thought quickly in her head. 'She has no idea of what filthy humans have done to me. Chasing me out of my village, but I'm still loyal to my friends!' Saluna thought her moves through, kicking from behind her, to boost herself upward. She cried out briefly, which seemed to light up her staff in a blinding light.
Shura looked upward, stopping with the force of her lightening whips. Saluna aimed her staff directly at Shura, and shouted loudly, though it was muffled. A blast of electricity surged toward Shura. Shura twirled her whips around in the air, and snagged one of the decks, pulling herself upward. She turned her head, noticing Saluna was following her, while speeding faster at her from the sky.
"Uh-oh!" Shura said, watching a lightening blast strike in her direction. Shura dodged it easily, and stood smugly at Saluna, who was now ground level. Shura laughed, waving her whips at Saluna, "Electrify this you witch!"
Saluna watched the electricity blast that Shura had avoided; strike her whips, causing a chain reaction explosion. The entire right side of the ship shook, allowing a hole to spread widely below them. Shura's body disappeared in a blinding rush, while Saluna landed next to Lea and Kalinka.
"Well that was using your head," Kalinka said. Hoji, who had found his way around the fights, found himself next to Kalinka.
He winked at her, "Hi there good looking!" Kalinka never turned; but only moved her fist two inches backward, smacking Hoji across the jaw. He collapsed into a heap on the ground.
"UGH! Men!" Kalinka said in a frustrated manner. "Bunch of pigs."
Lea, who was completely distracted by watching Garland and Botan, stepped on Hoji's crumpled body. "Um.. Lea," Saluna tried to get her attention. "LEA?"
"I'll kill her if she touches him," Lea said. She turned around, red in the face, "Uh, hi?"
Chu squared off opposite of Scythe. Scythe swung his giant scythe, but Chu faded into the night's air, flowing like a rush of water. "Ya think you could hit me?" Chu said in his English tongue.
Scythe watched Chu's movement, and swung his scythe. "Just try and keep up," Scythe said. He swung miraculously at the same spot, missing completely. Chu's speed and movement weren't easy to track.
Scythe's eyes brightened up, when he let go of the scythe. The scythe began to follow Chu's odd movements. "Hmm, seems you think your toy will beat me. Nothing but a git," Chu said dodging the swinging blade.
The blade turned in mid-air, coming straight for Chu, who hit the deck. Chu's riveted boots swayed in the cool night's air. Chu turned his head, getting the blunt side of the scythe in the face. He flopped backward, landing on his back foot. Pressing against the ground, he ran head first at scythe who met him head on.
Scythe's barrage of punches kept Chu occupied, but Chu couldn't return the punches because of the continuous movement of the scythe. Chu dodged its huge blade, which nearly hit him head on. Chu ducked just in time, to get Scythe's boot to the chin. Chu vanished in a flash, and kicked Scythe's back.
"Bloody 'ell," Chu said rubbing his chin. "Me and me big mouth."
Scythe noticed Chu regain his footing. The scythe hovered above Chu's head, just in synch so Scythe could take advantage of the situation again. Scythe jumped the barrage of Chu's punches, grabbing a hold of the scythe's end.
Chu's twisted expression changed with Scythe's full front double-kick to Chu's chest. Chu fell backward, missing the scythe's flaming tip yet again. Chu turned around to catch the receiving end of another set of kicks to the stomach.
"Had enough?!" Scythe asked swinging from the scythe, which was coming back. "Your dead!"
"Quite wrong again, eh mate!" Chu said. Chu's entire skin color changed to a dark skin coated by a light pink. A small orange energy ball had formed in his hand. Chu leaned back and let the ball out of his hand, aimed at Scythe. With a mighty blast, Scythe and his scythe disappeared in the eruption.
"Two down, two to go," Saiyuki relayed the message. "So, what do you think?"
"I think you talk to much!" the person under the coat spoke.
"WAS I TALKING TO YOU?!" Saiyuki asked.
Loki, who had put his pocket watch back around his neck, had appeared next to Saiyuki. "Those two are of Team Mibu and the other two are of team Hasho. Interesting competition."
"WHY ISN'T ANYONE TALKING TO ME?!" Saiyuki shouted.
Oni Saber shouted loudly, while Charl watched in anticipation. A large eye had suddenly appeared above her. Charl stepped back, with her solid staff to watch. The giant eyeball, was disgusting from appearances alone. "That's sick!" Charl shouted.
The large eye blinked, in Charl direction. "Are you ready to face my wrath?" Oni Saber asked.
Charl held her hands out, "So what, you can summon an eye. A lot of good that can do, you going to sick it on me, like a dog?"
Oni Saber smiled, "No, because it can kill you!" The eye sent off a blast from the center of the eye. The blast hit Charl's left hand, burning through the tape. She shook her hand lightly, staring at the mark on her hand.
"You jerk!" she shouted charging the eye.
"Your very last words, how suiting."
Marionette continued to stare at Frost. Frost continued to stare at Marionette. "Judging by the look, I'd say your nothing more then a criminal? Am I right?"
Marionette's nose twitched. "You the strong silent type?" Frost asked. "It's people like you that I hate!" Frost whipped out a small scythe, that was blazing on fire.
Marionette's nose twitched again. Frost swished his scythe in the air. "My scythe is manipulated by my burning hot spirit energy."
Marionette reached into his pocket. "Finally, some action!" Frost said. Marionette pulled out a cigarette from his pocket and held it out. Frost's face grew red, "AH!" He charged at Marionette who hopped out of the way of Frost's slashing.
Marionette pulled his cigarette toward his mouth, which was now lit at the end. Frost smirked, "So you are good, you just been hiding it, huh."
Marionette just blew a puff at Frost. Frost coughed, "Second hand smoke kills, Haha!" Frost swung his scythe, while Marionette dodged it gracefully. "That's it, now you die!"
"Fool." Marionette said with a smirk.
Oni Saber waved her hands in the air. The eye in front of her, shot energy blast after energy blast at Charl. Charl dodged a few blasts, but took one of them across the shoulder. She swore under her breath, holding up her staff.
"Can't seem to put up a fight, huh?" Oni Saber said.
Charl spit out a speck of blood. "I'm sorry, what did you say?"
"I said your nothing, but a weak girl!" Oni Saber shouted.
"One more time."
"YOU A LOUSY CHICK!"
Charl's eyes flashed a starry color, "Now you die!"
Hoji strugged to stand up. He reached up, grabbing a hold of Kalinka's thigh. "Well hello, hello, sweet thing. You know you can't keep me down!"
Kalinka's face turned red, "Aaaahhhh!" She twirled around and kicked Hoji across the stomach. She twirled around again, and snapped her hand down on his neck.
Hoji crumpled to the ground, leaving Kalinka smiling. She dusted off her hands, "Yuck, men!"
Chu ran his hand along his mo-hawk. "So Urameshi, thinking we might meet again in the ring?" Chu said.
Yusuke smiled, "I'll be waiting."
"Rippa," Chu said triumphantly.
Frost raced at Marionette, "NOW YOU DIE!!"
Marionette stepped back, and reached down his back, pulling out his sword. He pushed off his back heel, and raced onward at Frost. Marionette slashed in a blaze with his sword. The flurry of the flashes left it nearly impossible to see only lights.
Hiei and Kurama communicated to one another, 'Fifteen, impressive.'
Marionette stepped back, and kicked his foot up in the air, sending Frost straight up in the air. "Geki Tenryu Zansatsu!"
Geki Tenryu Zansatsu
Marionette stuck his hand in the air, watching Frost come down, and become impaled upon it. The blotches of blood, skattered everywhere on the ground.
Charl's staff shot out aimed at Oni Saber. It stabbed right through the eye, while missing Oni Saber. "Missed me!" she shouted at Charl.
"I never miss," Charl said, flickering her wrist. This caused the staff to change shape quickly, whipping around, and stabbing Oni Saber. She collapsed to the ground.
Charl walked over to Saluna, who resting next to Lea and Kalinka. Hoji struggled to get to his feet. He crawled away, while Kalinka whirled around. "Where did that pig of a man go?" Kalinka asked. Hoji struggled, standing on his injured foot.
Marionette let out a puff of smoke, walking away. Chu shrugged, "I guess this is the closest he gets to interaction with others."
Hiei and Kurama nodded at one another. "Interesting competition, don't you think so Hiei?" Kurama asked.
Hiei sniffed the air, "They'll all fall eventually." Charl and Saluna made their way inside the ship, and found a place to relax. Yusuke, Kuwabara and the others, separated themselves from everyone else.
Hoji, who had stopped crawling, had found his way onto the main deck. Saiyuki's sinister face, took a cruel smile upon it. "Well, nice work Hoji," Saiyuki said sarcastically.
"Ugh," Hoji said trying to stand.
Loki snickered, "I guess this would make the tournament fall back to eighteen teams, eck."
Saiyuki shook his head, "Too late to change the tournament line-up, it's already set for nine teams to make it pass the first round. Though three of those teams get byes, just so it would work out."
Loki nodded, "What to do with this one?"
Saiyuki straightened his face, turning to the figure in the brown coat. "Well, are you going to take care of it?"
The person under the coat coughed, and threw a glass at Saiyuki's head. Saiyuki's face turned red, "I thought you were an awesome fighter!!!"
The person coughed again, and the brown coat ruffled a little. Saiyuki went over to a bar stand, and took a gulp of scotch from an already full glass. Hoji frowned, "Now what?"
Saiyuki pushed Hoji, "You better leave, or else I'll kill you, that well enough?"
Hoji shook his head, and left under his own power. Saiyuki turned to watch Loki stare at his watch and pull it back into his shirt quickly. Loki stared at Saiyuki, "He.."
"He?!" Saiyuki asked impatiently.
"He will die now."
Hoji wandered along a secluded part of the deck. He looked past the over hang, and noticed the large island that was coming into view. "Looks like we're almost there," Hoji said.
The knocking of metal was heard behind Hoji. He spun around, only to see nothing, but metal pipes and the railing. "Odd," Hoji murmured to himself.
The gust of wind, brushed past his cheek. He changed his viewing, to the direction of the wind, but was left with nothing, but a cool breeze and footsteps. Hoji turned his head around the corner, but came up with nothing.
A sudden rush of wind, whirled past his head. He creaked his neck to the side, noticing a strange arrangement of shadows. He proceeded with caution, until he stopped, right before the figure that had appeared. "Well, well it's just you," Hoji said.
Hoji intended to walk past the person, but was stopped. The figure had blocked off Hoji, by walking in his way. Hoji held up his arm, "Some kind of joke, right?"
The figure moved to the side, blocking off Hoji's path again. Hoji smiled, "Oh let me guess, your not to happy with my policies on saving the earth?" The figure didn't even move, let alone let out the smallest breath.
"You hate tree huggers?" Hoji asked. Hoji meant to push the person with his hand, but the figure stepped aside quickly. "You shouldn't be messing around with me, I've got business to attend to."
Hoji frowned, "Get the hell out of my way." The figure stepped aside, to let Hoji pass. Hoji walked past the person, and turned around. "Don't you thinks to do? The tournament starts tomorrow. Why don't you do practice and talk with your team? Meet them when the boat docks in a minute or two."
The figure let out a wisp of air that sounded like a snake. Hoji tried to cry out, but couldn't make a noise. The figure raised the hands, and stuck Hoji in two quick flashes. He spit out blood and collapsed to the ground. The figure strode away into the night air.
Hiei and Kurama both turned their heads. "What's wrong Kurama?" Yusuke asked noticing the island coming into full view.
Kurama shook his head, "I thought I sensed."
".A body flung into the water?" Kayal said.
Kurama nodded, "Perhaps we should improve our view from up top? Everyone made their way up to the top, only to find Keiko, Botan, Lea and Garland up top watching the island brighten up in the night air.
"Well now, what brings you guys up here?" Botan asked. Shizuru, followed by Atsuko, came up the path behind everyone.
"Did we miss something?" Atsuko asked.
"Mom, why did you have to come?" Yusuke asked.
Atsuko smiled and hit Yusuke on the head, "I'm your mother, I have every right to come with and watch you fight demons. Don't you think so Keiko?"
"Don't answer that Keiko!" Yusuke shouted.
"YUSUKE!" Keiko shouted slapping Yusuke.
Everyone had a good laugh, with the exception of Hiei who was preoccupied with the body in the water floating by. "No doubt that was Hoji," Kurama said.
Hiei nodded, averting his eyes to Kuwabara. "What on earth on you doing?" he asked. Kuwabara was standing on the edge of one of the high railing poles. "I'm watching the night air!" he said taking a long deep breath. "Ah, looks at that island."
"Isn't it a beaut," Garland said plainly. The dark island came into view. It looks massive, dark, and yet the lay out made it looks marvelous.
"Certainly puts it in a category of it's own," Kayal said standing next to Hiei.
Lea, who was slowly sneaking up behind Botan, had one hand outstretched. Botan stood close to Garland, who was marveling at the island. "That island holds our fate, don't you think so Botan?" Garland asked.
Garland turned to notice Lea, who was now standing up smiling and waving. She was attempting to look innocent and yet please Garland so he would turn away. "Hi Lea," Garland said.
Lea waved, turning red in the face. Garland turned around, noticing Keiko arguing with Yusuke, while his mother held them both back. "Sound like an old married couple, Haha," Botan laughed.
Lea stood up, next to Botan. Botan turned and smiled awkwardly at her. While Botan turned her head, Lea nudged her on the side, and Botan went over the edge of the boat, right into the water. It wasn't too deep, because the island was very close to the boat.
Everyone turned toward the sound of the splash. "Oh no!" Kayal shouted. She ran to the side, "Botan fell over!"
Kalinka shook her head, glaring at Lea, "Yea, fell." Keiko pushed Yusuke back, "What do you mean you didn't want to go to the movies with me anyhow?" Yusuke nearly went over the same edge as Botan, but grabbed a hold of Keiko's arm. He pulled forward, causing Keiko to dart forward, right over the edge.
"You idiot, Yusuke!" Kuwabara said. "Look what you did Urameshi!"
Garland smiled, setting down his trench coat. He stood next to Yusuke and nudged him in the ribs. "Go get your girl, heh."
Garland waved his hand slightly behind him, jumped on the rail, and then jumped down, into the icy water. Hiei glared at Kurama, watching Yusuke do the same action. "That's my boy!" Atsuko said shaking her fist.
Kurama laughed, "Might as well join the others, right Hiei?" Kurama jumped down into the water, where Garland was paddling next to Botan. Yusuke was being dunked in the water, by a laughing Keiko.
Kalinka stood behind Lea, "You know people tend to fall in easily." Kalinka pushed Lea, who went feet first into the rush of waves and cold water.
Lea screamed, hitting the water, with Kalinka right behind her. "YAHOO!" she shouted hitting the water.
"HAhaha," Lea began to laugh, when Kalinka surfaced with her hair standing on end.
Kuwabara dove next to Yusuke, rubbing his shoulders when he surfaced. "BBBrrrr.. It's cold!"
Yusuke dunked Kuwabara's head, "Hahaha. Look alive, loud mouth!" Keiko laughed, noticing Botan who had gotten on Garland's shoulders.
Hiei stood, staring down at the other, with the boat almost about to land in the docks. Kayal smiled down at the others, "Now that looks like fun."
Hiei sneered, "Child's play."
Kayal tugged on Hiei's shoulder, "Come on! Let's jump down. It looks like fun."
Hiei stared down at the water, and then back at Kayal. "You're kidding me, right? It's cold, and we're almost at the island."
Kayal smiled, "PLEASE!!" Hiei shrugged, and then shook his head. She edged near him, and then edged her way next to him. "It would be.. So much fun.if." she leaned against Hiei, who went sailing down into the waters below. Kayal smiled, "Oooppss.. I'm so clumsy!" She looked both ways, and jumped down into the waters, followed by Atsuko, doing a flip.
Hiei floated with his hands at his side. "I'm all wet, ugh."
Kayal smiled hanging onto him, "This was a great idea Hiei!"
Hiei frowned, walking out of the water. Hiei shook himself to dry off a bit. Everyone stared up at Hiei, whose hair had flung downward over her eyes. The others began to laugh at his awkward looking hair.
Kuwabara pointed at Hiei, "Shorty looks ridiculous!"
Hiei frowned, "Don't make me kill you moron!"
Kayal smiled at Hiei. She ran a quick thought her head, while walking to shore, 'Isn't he cute when he's angry.'
The night was in full force, and most of the others had found their rooms. Yusuke and the bunch eyed the rich businessmen and elegant looking people as they walked by the hall. A strange man guided the bunch in the right direction. "Your rooms are that way," the man said.
"Enjoy your stay, and good luck." The man walked away quietly, while everyone else dumped their stuff in their rooms.
"Well, then let's unpack, shall we?" Kurama said.
Else where..
Else where two figures stared at the outside of the room. "Is this the room, Raiyu?" the small girl asked.
Raiyu, the strange looking man, spoke up, "Black Dragon, this is the room. All five are relaxing within." The large door opened, with Kurama looking around.
"Odd, I could have sworn I heard voices," Kuwabara said. He drank his can of juice, "Well now, we're facing Team Soruisen tomorrow, right?"
Kurama closed the door, and sat back down, on the brown couch. Kayal fiddled her thumbs, Hiei sat rubbing his sword with his hand, and Yusuke had his eyes closed; fast asleep. "You don't think he's going to sleep for an entire day, this time?" Kurama said with a smile.
"I hope not, it wouldn't make your deaths any fun," spoke a voice from behind them. Everyone's focus changed direction, meeting up with the two figures perched up on a night chest.
"Bunch of meager jerks!" Hiei said under his breath.
Black Dragon, the girl with light red eyes, and her tied in a bun, turned toward him. "Cheap words from a guy who thinks his one move will defeat all."
Raiyu's eyes rose, "Don't haste, tense as a rat. We only want to introduce ourselves."
"You could have simply said so!" Kuwabara said. "Would make tomorrow much easier."
"Especially for you," Raiyu said walking over gracefully. Yusuke's eyes blinked, but remained closed. "I'm sure you all can hear me, but tomorrow you guys will not last more then three matches. I wish you luck."
Raiyu walked away, pushing the door open. Black Dragon followed him closely, with her eyes glaring at Hiei. Kayal clutched her fist, almost ready to pounce on the other girl.
Yusuke smiled, "Well now, if that isn't an introduction, then what is?" He closed his eyes, and went back to his deep slumber.
Kuwabara shrugged, "Well we should all get some sleep, to be ready for tomorrow; don't you think so?"
Kurama agreed, "Yes, that is a good idea. Let's turn in Hiei." Hiei glared and stormed out of the door. Kayal was quick to follow.
In the cool air, Garland stared at the night air, on top of the roof. A pitter patter of footsteps, followed behind him. Botan brushed her hair and smiled, "What are you doing out here?"
Garland kept his eyes on the sky. Botan walked up next to him, while Garland grabbed a hold of her hand. Botan smiled, "Say, I was wondering, can I ask you a few things?"
Garland sighed, "Go ahead."
"Why haven't you really talked about yourself? Why do you like being with me? And why did you come to this tournament?" Botan asked eagerly.
"Well now, I guess I deserve to answer those." Garland sighed again, "I don't talk too much about myself, but if you ask, I promise to answer. I like being with you because I like you a lot."
"Oh," Botan said embarrassingly. "I didn't mean to."
".As for why I'm here, I have personal reasons. Being with you is just an added bonus," Garland said. He leaned down and kissed Botan's cheek, "Better get some sleep, tomorrows going to be a long day."
Garland walked away, while Botan turned to watch the night air.
Hiei stood behind Kayal with his arms around her. He seemed distracted, fidgeting with his hands. Kayal held a firm grasp on them, so that it was nearly impossible for him to get away. Kayal smiled, "It's beautiful and peaceful out. It's so romantic. What do you think Hiei?"
Kayal looked up at Hiei, who was biting his lip. She nudged him, and Hiei halfway smiled, "its okay."
Kayal twitched, "What do you mean its okay?" Kayal pulled on Hiei's arms, "You really know how to screw up a romantic moment, you know that Romeo?"
Hiei turned his head, "I'm not good at this kind of thing." Hiei shrugged, while Kayal stood up, still holding his arms.
Kayal smiled, "Well, we're working on that, alright?" She leaned up, kissing him on the cheek lightly. "Then you can introduce me to all your friends, and your family, and the group. and."
Hiei's lip quivered, "Uh-oh."
Kayal faded into the night air, "Then we can go on walks on the beach. Get married in a mansion. Have about five kids."
Hiei looked shocked, "AAAH!!" Hiei threw his sword down, knocking out one of the lights.
The morning came early, with the bursting of fireworks as an early morning wake-up call. Teams scoured the area, and met amongst themselves for the big tournament.
Saiyuki threw a piece of paper at Loki, who was whispering something in Vorea'sesaki's ear. "You sure about that?" Vorea'sesaki asked. Loki whispered something else in his ear, and Vorea'sesaki nodded. He blew a puff of smoke from his pipe, and tapped the opposite end on his right boot. Vorea'sesaki sat cross legged, in a secluded room.
Saiyuki tapped his fingers on the large black table in the center. "The tournament match-ups are set; I gave Team Urameshi, Team Soruisen."
Vorea'sesaki smiled, "This should be interesting, since they are well known for their special techniques." He blew a puff of smoke, "We should be off then."
The figure in the brown coat, sat quietly. "And that?" Saiyuki asked.
Saruji turned his head from behind his chair, "Is our big secret weapon."
~1st Round~
Team TaiHaiTai vs. Team Leastinae
Team Vorea'sesaki vs. Team Ichirou
Team Bouruga vs. Team Riyuki
Team Dodo vs. Team Kuzuite
Team Hasho vs. Team Phalanx
Team Soruisen vs. Team Urameshi
Team Nataku vs. Team Mibu
~Bye~
Team Yokuzaki
Team Alack
Team Cegoria
Koto shook her tail in the air, "Welcome all to the Dark Tournament!" Fireworks shot up from around everyone. The large gray stadium was studded with stone, making it seem simple and yet complex. The sturdy seats were filled with dark demons, all shouting for their favorite teams.
The large numbers of teams were lined up all around. Most of the teams were in the stand awaiting their turn for fighting with the exception of the two teams that were to begin.
Koto turned around with her bright and starry smile. "Once again, welcome to the Dark Tournament! All you lovely demons are set for the most brutal, the most hardcore slaughter fest, from this side of the apparitions!!"
Demons from all around cheered. "BRING ON THE HUMANS!!" one demon shouted.
"WE WANT THE FIGHTS TO BEGIN!" a group of demons cheered.
A very silent, group with two humans and three demons stared around them. "Well now, we have the fifth match," Kurama said.
Kuwabara scratched his head, "Well I won't sit through too many of these fights."
Yusuke had his eyes closed in deep thought. He thought back to training that would hopefully pay off.
Melee smiled, holding her hands in front of her, "By concentrating your energy on one target, you can charge your spirit energy to contract, and repel certain spirit energy. Now this a special spirit shield, though only use it on certain occasions, understand?"
Yusuke stuck his finger in his ear, "Yea, yea, I know."
Melee turned toward Yusuke, raising her hands in an odd fashion. She sad something under her breath, and sent off a short of energy at Yusuke. "This will kill you," Melee said.
Yusuke took a deep breath, holding out his hands. 'Concentrate Yusuke!' he said to himself. Yusuke held his hands out, forming a small barrier around him, blocking off the hit from Melee. Yusuke collapsed to one knee, while Melee clapped her hands.
"What's the clapping for?" he asked.
"You mastered the basics of this unique spirit shield, congrads moron!" Melee said.
Yusuke shook his head, and the ring and the enormous number of demons came back into view.
Megumi struggled along, glaring up and down the outside isles. Jorge walked next to her, reassuring the small Koenma, who rested on her shoulders. "You know your heavy for a baby," she said.
"It's all just baby fat," Koenma said. "There it is!" he shouted pointing at a section of the stadium. They walked in, and Jorge unloaded the food, while Koenma hopped up onto his seat. "Oh goody!"
Koto twirled around, "Nineteen teams have been chosen to compete in this year's competition, and it's going to be heck of a tournament!!"
"YEA!" came shouts of demons all around.
Koto smiled, "Let's kick this tournament off with a bang!" The loud bursts of fireworks continued to sound off. "Let's get this first match underway!"
Narrator: Team Urameshi has entered into the Dark Tournament, with hope of escaping with their lives. The Dark Tournament is about to get underway, with no chance of turning back. What mysteries await those who have entered into the tournament, with their lives on the line? Nineteen teams will participate..
Team TaiHaiTai
A Tai, with a kitty headband stands in front of four other fighters. A woman with two different eye colors leans against a woman with cat ears and claws. A man whose eyes seemed caught on Hiei yawns, next to a woman with
a scar on her jugular.
Team Soruisen
Raiyu and Black Dragon, stand between a man with a jewel, and two
unfriendly looking women.
Team Phalanx Marionette is putting out his cigarette in front of a sign that had 'Team
Phalanx', but now reads, 'Team Hasho's Marionettes' smoke house'
Team Riyuki
One figure in a joker mask, the other four dressed as circus freaks.
Team Mibu Garland, being pulled down by Lea, and Kalinka fixing her hair. Saluna and
Charl are balancing on staffs.
Team Urameshi Yusuke leaning against Kuwabara, while Kurama has his hand behind his back.
Hiei and Kayal stand together in the front.
Team Alack
Five cloaked figures.
Team Yokuzaki Cloud is next to a girl with wolf ears, pieced three times. Aside they are
three others who are distracted.
Team Ichirou
Sign that says, 'Out to lunch'
Team Vorea'sesaki
Vorea'sesaki stands next to Saiyuki, in a trimmed Armani suit.
Team Leastinae
Two old demons next to three very young figures.
Team Cegoria
Four short figures wearing capes & one average height figure, wearing
another cape, each one an odd color.
Team Dodo
Five diverse figures, one innocent woman with ice blue eyes in front.
Team Kuzuite
Five social misfits who look like they are lost.
Team Nataku
Five evil looking figures with dark energy covering them.
Team Hasho Chu with one foot in the air, holding down Marionette, struggling around,
and three other odd figures.
Narrator: What lies in wait for these coming fights? What will fate deal for these fighters and their dreams?
Preview: {Images: Man in a general outfit laughing, girl with a bladed staff, demon insects flying everywhere, a large bowl dropping on a creature's head, girl hugging everyone, Koto running around, Koenma trying kung-fu moves, one large figure killing demon guards in front of Vorea'sesaki, and one large beast snoring}
Reika: Well now, when you fight with Team TaiHaiTai, you should know professional assassins when you see them. Talk about luck, we're going to try out some new powers and techniques on these amateurs. But then again, cheating and dirty fighting is against my honor code, but.. oh yea, I forgot to introduce myself, I'm Reika Mitsurugi, second in charge of the greatest team of assassins in the world. Hey, don't take my word for it; just watch the next episode of Yu-yu Hakusho!