(Author's note: ok... I have the right Dark Tournament match-ups.. But please forgive me.. Since I haven't seen the fight with the Urameshi Team and Toguro team, the fight scenes will probably be wrong. Forgive me.)
White Rose Beauty and the Red Rose Beast pt. 7
The explosion sent Kizna falling into Kurama's arms locking her silver eyes with the Human's once more. Kurama held her close enjoying the warmth of her small frame. 'So warm,' he thought as he held her tighter. She buried herself in his arms loving his warm touch. Then, they locked eyes once more. Lightly, Kizna blushed.
"Forgive me," she said softly blushing as she pulled out of his arms.
"Nothing to be sorry for," he replied gently pulling her back into his arms.
They locked eyes for the third time that night never wanting to look away. Slowly, Kurama leaned down towards her as she leaned upwards. Behind them, someone cleared their throat. They turned towards the sound lightly blushing.
"Your Majesty," Kuronue began slightly bowing. "Forgive the intrusion, but it appears there are invaders attacking the castle."
"What?!" Kurama asked worried and shocked.
"They've broken through the front gate and the castle door," Hiei said walking up to him. "We suggest getting you and Kizna out of here quickly as possible."
"No," he replied shaking his head. "I'll stay and fight. Take Kizna and the other women and get them to a safe room in the castle."
"Your Highness---" Kizna began as she placed a worried hand on the Prince's arm.
"No," he began, cutting her off. "I cannot risk your safety.. Hiei, Kuronue get her and the other girls out of here."
"And gather the others into the War Room," Kuronue commanded as Hiei nodded.
"But–" she began worriedly again only to be silenced with his shaking head.
"I'll be all right," he replied gently holding her close.
Gently, he placed a kiss on her forehead and left her in Hiei's care. Hiei took her by the arm and began to lead her away. Worried silvers locked again with determined emeralds as she left the room leaving the human she loved behind not knowing if she would see him again.
"You care for her don't you?" Kuronue asked as his Prince turned to him.
"Yes," he began as he turned to stare forlornly after her. "I care for her very much."
"Come," Kuronue began. "General Hiei will take care of her and the other girls.. We must prepare..."
Hiei held a firm but gentle grip on her as they quickly wandered the halls looking for the other girls. He turned as he caught a sight of blue locks.
"Botan," he called as Botan and the other girls turned. "His Highness has requested you four hide."
"But we can't," she replied whining. "We must protect His Highness it is our duty."
"And it is your duty to follow His Highness's orders," Hiei replied sternly glaring at the three maids.
One by one, they nodded and dropped their swords at Hiei's feet. Quickly, Hiei led them to a room near the Prince's chambers and let them inside closing and locking the door behind him as he left. The four exchanged worried glances.
Kuronue, Kurama, Hiei, Yusuke, and Kuwabara stood in the War Room listening to what their comrades had to say. All wore armors and capes lined with bright colors. Hiei wore black armor with a black cape lined in red as Kurama wore silver armor with a cape lined in gold. Like Hiei, Kuronue wore black as well with a cape lined in violet. Like their Prince, Yusuke and Kuwabara wore silver armor and a cape lined in green and blue. Tied to Kuwabara's waist, a small sword handle stood. (Author's note: if you know the anime series "Sailor Moon" think of the armor Prince Endymion (or Prince Darien for the dub people) wears if you don't know it then ask for a pic in the review.)
"Hiei," Kuronue began looking towards the smaller human. "Where did you hide the girls?"
"Near his Highness's chambers," he replied as Kuronue nodded worriedly.
"They've come through the front door and have broken it down," said Kuronue as he, Kurama, and the others studied a blue print of the castle. "They seem to have four leaders.. Karasu, Toguro Ani, Toguro Otouto, and Bui.. Each have a small band of men about them."
"Their classes?" asked Kurama wondering about the strength of their enemies.
"The band of men," Hiei began as he looked around with determined crimson eyes. "Low class.. They'll be easy."
"The leaders?" asked Yusuke still studying the blue print.
"A far different story," Hiei replied. "Either class A or class S.. They won't be easy." (Author's note: does anyone know the classes for the Toguro Team? *sweat-drops*)
"Ah," Yusuke began haughtily. "They won't be so bad.. Me and Kuwabara can take them."
"Yea.. Me and Urameshi can do it!" Kuwabara cried arrogantly.
"Hm," Hiei replied glaring silently telling them not to underestimate the enemy.
Kurama and Kuronue sighed shaking their heads.
"Listen," Kuronue began as he formed a plan in his mind still studying the blue prints. "They're spreading through the castle.. Yusuke, Kuwabara, you two take the Toguro Brothers.. They're heading towards the East Wing."
Nodding, Yusuke and Kuwabara saluted their superior officers and their Prince and left headed towards the East Wing.
"You think we can trust them with the strongest demons of the four?" asked Hiei as he looked up towards Kuronue.
"We'll just have to," Kurama replied as the door closed behind Yusuke and Kuwabara. "We have no other choice."
"Hiei," Kuronue began making the smaller human turn toward him. "You and I will take Bui.. He's headed toward the gardens.. Your Highness take Karasu.. He's getting dangerously close to where the girls are hidden."
Determined and worried, Kurama nodded. Then, Kuronue and Hiei bowed to their Prince and left the room running towards the gardens. Quickly, Kurama left running as fast as he could to his private wing.
Yusuke fired his Spirit Gun and Shotgun as Kuwabara slashed his Spirit Sword. Dead demons fell at their feet quickly.
"SHOTGUN!" Yusuke cried sending another bunch of dead demons falling to his feet.
"SWORD GET LONG!" Kuwabara yelled skewing a line of demons on his glowing sword.
Then, the castle shook with the loud rumble of falling debris around them. As the smoke cleared, a large crater stood in the East Wing burying all the dead inside. An invisible breeze swirled around the room outlining two shadows of two demons, one large, one small. As the dust settled and the last of the debris fell, Yusuke and Kuwabara stared into the dead and dark eyes of the Toguro Brothers.
Scythes (Author's note: is that what Kuronue fights with? That's what I heard it was.) flew, and katanas flashed and slashed as another round of the dead fell at Hiei and Kuronue's feet. The full moon shown in the dark gardens as Hiei and Kuronue struggled to keep the demons at bay. Then, another round of low class demons ran their way with Kuronue and Hiei slowly growing tired and weary. Demons ran on top of and over their dead comrades splashing blood and intestines everywhere.
"Kuronue," Hiei panted as he prepared his sword for an attack. "We can't hold out much longer."
"Don't worry," Kuronue replied as he swung his scythe. "I think this is the last batch."
Quickly, the last round fell easily at their feet as Hiei and Kuronue panted and breathed tiredly. They looked up as they heard the soft taps of one final opponent making their way towards them. As the figure stopped, Kuronue and Hiei looked up into the dark shadowed face of Bui.
"ROSE WHIP THORN WHEEL!" Kurama cried as he swung his Rose Whip above his head sending the demons falling dead at his feet.
Another wave of demons came at him. He ran his hand through his hair and sent the seeds flying all around him. Inside the demons, the Death Plant took root sending the demons to a blooming death. Screeches and wails echoed through his private wing as the dead fell at his feet covering the ground with their blood and flower petals.
"ROSE WHIPLASH!" he cried as he attacked another wave of demons sending them to his feet in pieces.
Tired, he collapsed to his knees panting softly soaking his armor and whip in the demons' blood. Then, he heard it. It was the soft sound of mock clapping. He looked up.
"Not bad," Karasu hissed his violet eyes glaring over the top of his mask. "Now.. Where is my bride?"
"She's not yours," Kurama replied green eyes glaring.
"Very well," Karasu replied shrugging not caring. "If you insist on doing it the hard way."
Shakily, Kurama stood on his feet as he and Karasu prepared for the final battle.
Sitting on the large bed in the chamber room, Cristy, Kizna, Keiko, and Botan listened to the sounds outside the chamber room as they realized the demons were right outside their door. Then, it became quiet. All four girls exchanged worried glances as they listened to the soft murmurs outside the door.
"Karasu," Kizna murmured frightened. "He's come for me."
"Who?" Botan whispered to her friend.
"Karasu," Kizna said again still frightened. "He must think I've been kidnaped by the Prince.. He wants me to be his bride."
"Do you want to be his bride?" asked Keiko worriedly.
"No," Kizna replied her silver eyes tearing up. "I don't love him. I love.."
"Love who?" asked Cristy walking closer to Kizna. "Who do you love?"
Kizna turned away lightly blushing.
"Kurama," she whispered softly a small tear falling from her eyes.
Botan, Keiko, and Cristy exchanged shocked glances.
Muttering curses under his breath, Yusuke fired another Spirit Gun at the Toguro Brothers only to have no affect once again. Toguro Otouto smiled as he moved the shield his brother had changed into out of his face as Toguro Ani changed back into a gray sword. Desperate, the two humans devised a plan. Putting his Spirit Sword away and pulling out the sword handle from around his waist, Kuwabara and Yusuke prepared a new round of the battle.
"DIMENSION SWORD!" Kuwabara cried as he poured his Spirit Energy into the handle creating a new sword shining a bright orange and shimmering golds.
"Ready Kuwabara?" Yusuke asked confidently as his finger glowed with a blue aura.
"Oh yea," he replied as he prepared to charge.
Then, Kuwabara charged preparing to strike.
"SPIRIT GUN!" Yusuke cried triumphantly sending a wave of energy towards Kuwabara.
Kuwabara leapt up into the air as the Yusuke's energy pushed him forward sending him flying towards the Toguro Brothers. Quickly and many times, Kuwabara slashed his sword before the two brothers could act. Both brothers let out a painful cry as they fell apart sending their body parts, blood, and intestines to the ground. (Author's note: I know what you're thinking.. The Toguro Brothers are a Ba-zillion times stronger than that... but forgive me.. I'm running out of ideas. *sighs*) Behind them, Kuwabara landed smirking as Yusuke smiled triumphantly.
"Come," Yusuke said as he walked to Kuwabara's side. "We must help his Highness."
Gravely, Kuwabara nodded as the two of them quickly ran through the castle desperate to get to their Prince's side.
Bui swung his axe into the ground sending stones, plants, soil, Kuronue, and Hiei flying from the force. Both humans landed painfully in the garden's grass. They stood on shaky legs.
"Any ideas Hiei?" asked Kuronue still struggling to get up.
"None," Hiei replied panting as he held his katana with tired hands. "I need my Jagan."
"Can you get the axe out of his hands?" Kuronue asked again.
"I think so," Hiei replied smirking.
With a burst of speed, Hiei launched himself at the larger demon running around him a black blur placing quick cuts and slashes as he moved. Hiei landed smirking as he looked at a confused Bui through the corner of his eye.
"What the.." Bui asked confusedly only to be cut down into pieces at Hiei and Kuronue's feet sending his demon blood into the blood washed gardens.
"Not bad," Kuronue complimented as he surveyed the scene.
"Hm," Hiei replied as he made his way towards the castle. "You coming? His Highness might need our help."
Seriously, Kuronue nodded and ran to Hiei's side and into the castle.
Another bomb exploded in the hall shaking the Prince's wing throwing Kurama at Karasu's feet. Kurama cried out in pain. Tiredly, Kurama turned to a chamber room's door hearing Kizna's desperate and worried pleas and cries. 'Kizna,' he thought as he painfully stood. 'Don't worry.. I'll be with you soon.'
"My darling bride," Karasu hissed lustfully as he walked to the chamber door. "I'm coming."
Then, as Karasu reached for the doorknob, a whip of thorns stung the skin of his wrist.
"Leave her out of this," Kurama hissed angrily as he shakily stood. "Your fight is with me."
Karasu smirked beneath his mask.
"Stubborn human," Karasu sneered as he walked to face Kurama. "Your fight will end quickly."
Karasu ran quickly by Kurama barely leaving his touch on the Prince's armor. It exploded making Kurama cry out in agony as his silver armor flew around him exposing the burned skin. The dark haired demon send his bombs flying around the Prince exploding right by his side. Kurama screamed at the top of his lungs in pain and torture his blood running on the hall carpet soaked through with blood and ashes. He turned hearing Kizna's screams becoming louder and louder. 'Kizna,' he thought again as he painfully stood on his feet. '..Aishiteru.'
Kizna screamed and cried as she struggled with the door's lock and pounded the door wildly calling worriedly to the Prince. The other girls pulled her away from the door trying to calm her only to have her break free of their holds and continuing her pounding and screaming.
"KURAMA!" she cried as tears fell from her eyes still pounding on the door. "LET ME OUT! . . . KURAMA!"
"Kizna," Keiko said calmly as she walked up to her.
Kizna sent a deadly glare towards her making Keiko step back in fear. She continued pounding and screaming and crying for her dying Prince. Botan, Cristy, and Keiko exchanged worried glances.
'I have to get out of here,' he thought as he looked towards the chamber door. 'It's too dangerous.' As another bomb went off around him not seeing where it landed, Kurama stood on tired and hurting legs. Quickly, as he could he made his way to his chamber doors and quickly ran inside as the dark haired Karasu smiled evilly underneath his mask. 'Prolonging the chase eh human?' he thought as he slowly stalked his prey. 'Very cleaver... but she will be mine and mine alone.'
Tiredly and in pain, Kurama made his way around his broken and disheveled room quickly heading towards the large balcony and its doors. He took a quick glance at the rose and found it was getting dangerously low on petals. 'I have to keep going,' he thought as he stepped into the warm night air as dark clouds moved over the stars and moon filling the air with the scent of rain. 'She may not love me.. But she needs someone far better than him.'
"KIZNA LOOK OUT!" Botan cried as she pulled the fairy far from the door.
The stray bomb rocked the hall and blasted the door apart covering Kizna and her gown in soot along with the girls and their maids' gowns. Dark smoke and light dust filled the room making the girls cough and pant as their lungs burned.
"KURAMA!" Kizna cried determinedly as she ran through the smoke and dust headed for her Prince.
Kuronue and Hiei quickly met up with Yusuke and Kuwabara as they ran through the halls of the large castle.
"Do any of you know how the Prince is fairing?" Kuronue asked as he and the others continued running.
"No idea what's so ever," Yusuke began. "But with those explosions, it can't be good."
"Quit talking and hurry up!" Kuwabara cried as they continued running.
They quickly surveyed the Prince's damaged private wing and the broken chamber door. Hiei and Yusuke quickly and worriedly ran to look inside the room.
"CRISTY!" Hiei cried calling for his wife's name.
"KEIKO!" Yusuke cried after him worriedly. "BOTAN.. Are all of you ok?!"
"Yusuke?!" a weak and tired voice cried as Yusuke and Hiei ran inside.
"Hiei?" another voice called out as Hiei ran to Cristy's side.
"Keiko!" he replied as he ran to his wife's side. "Are you and the others all right?"
"We're fine.." she began lightly coughing from the smoke. "But Kizna went to his Highness."
Hiei and Yusuke looked up to the others worriedly.
"That stupid girl," Kuronue cursed as he and Kuwabara ran out of the room. "Tend to their wounds and come to aid his Highness as soon as you're done."
Hiei and Yusuke nodded as they tended to the girls.
Kizna fell to the floor in Kurama's chambers as another bomb shook the castle. She looked up and saw Kurama and Karasu fighting on the large balcony with Kurama looking desperate and in pain. Quickly, she ran to the door and outside heading towards the Prince's side not knowing what she would do when she got there.
Kurama fell to the balcony in pain from Karasu's touch his blood spilling onto the balcony and over its edges.
"Give up yet human?" Karasu sneered kicking Kurama in his stomach.
As he prepared another bomb to fly, he suddenly stopped as he watched Kizna step in front of the Prince covering his body with her own.
"Karasu stop please," she pleaded holding Kurama tightly.
"Get out Kizna," he replied sneering. "This is between us."
"No," she replied determined.
Kurama looked on with pain filled eyes towards the small fairy protecting him.
"Kizna," he whispered painfully as she turned to him. "Get out."
"No," she whispered back to him gently stroking his red locks. "I want to stay by your side."
"It's dangerous," he whispered again as she leaned down to kiss his soot ridden forehead. "I want you to live."
"It's worth the danger," she began lightly blushing. "When you're in love."
"What?" Kurama asked not understanding what she was saying.
"I love you," she answered still holding him close.
"But–" he began only to be interrupted.
"I don't care if you're human or not," she began tears shining in her eyes. "I love you."
He smiled and shakily tried to stand. Both turned as they heard the same sound of mock clapping.
"How touching," Karasu sneered as he mock clapped at the couple. "Too bad this production has to end."
He raised his hand and sent another bomb flying towards them. 'No,' Kurama thought worriedly as he stood quickly as he saw where the bomb was headed. 'Kizna.'
Kizna stood afraid as she watched Karasu's weapon coming towards her only to be pushed aside by her Prince.
"KURAMA NO!" she cried her tears falling from her eyes as she caught the Prince in her arms sending her to the ground unable to carry his weight.
Kurama reached up and wiped away a tear as he fell into unconsciousness. She looked up in fear to find Karasu slowly stalking towards her. Laying the Prince down as a gentle rain began to fall, she stood and slowly backed away from him only to find him coming closer and closer. Then, she backed into the edge of the balcony.
"Come my bride," Karasu hissed as he held his hand out to her. "Let us be wed.. tonight."
She stepped back another step only to almost send herself over the edge. The rain grew harder as the soft cracks of thunder and lightening echoed through the Makai forest. 'I can't fly,' she thought worriedly as she watched the lightening and thunder in the sky.
"You know you can't fly my darling," Karasu began still stalking towards her. "Your wings are wet, and you might get hurt in this storm.. Now I can't have that happening to my bride.. Can I?"
Slowly, Kurama stirred and watched the scene before him worriedly. Inside the castle, he heard the running footsteps of the others making their way towards him. He reached into his hair and pulled out one last seed. He threw it at Karasu and used the last of his energy to make it grow.
As Kizna watched over his shoulder, Karasu turned as he heard a growling behind him. Flying towards him was Kurama's last seed, the Death Tree. The tree's hungry mouths engulfed him burning him with their acid saliva. He screamed in agony. As he struggled with the tree, he stumbled towards the balcony not paying attention to where he walked. He screamed one last scream as he fell over the edge and down to an acidic death. Kizna watched as Karasu lay still and dead on the cold and wet forest floor the rain and lightening lessening. Remembering her Prince, she quickly ran to his dying side as Kuronue and the others burst out onto the balcony. As Yusuke walked forward, Kuronue stopped him shaking his head. Yusuke understood and stepped back into the small crowd.
"Kurama," she whispered as he held him and looked into his dying and tired eyes.
"Kizna," he whispered back to her as he brushed her tears away. "Did you mean what you had told me earlier?"
"Yes," she replied her eyes welling with more tears. "I love you with all my heart.. And I don't care what you are as long as you can love me."
Kurama placed a gentle hand on her cheek.
"I do love you," he whispered as she rested her hand on top of his. "From the very first moment I saw you."
Her tears began to fall. She placed a hungry kiss on his lips as he weakly kissed back. He caressed her face one last time as it fell limp by his side. Kizna looked up and began to cry loudly.
"I love you I love you," she said over and over into his ear as she held him close and rocked him gently only to receive no reply.
Kuronue and the others turned away all softly crying and grieving for their deceased master.
"I love you," she said again into his ears as the last petal on the rose fell to the floor.
Then, she felt it.
(Author's note: I hope you liked it! Karasu's dead and so are the others. Only one more chapter to go!)
White Rose Beauty and the Red Rose Beast pt. 7
The explosion sent Kizna falling into Kurama's arms locking her silver eyes with the Human's once more. Kurama held her close enjoying the warmth of her small frame. 'So warm,' he thought as he held her tighter. She buried herself in his arms loving his warm touch. Then, they locked eyes once more. Lightly, Kizna blushed.
"Forgive me," she said softly blushing as she pulled out of his arms.
"Nothing to be sorry for," he replied gently pulling her back into his arms.
They locked eyes for the third time that night never wanting to look away. Slowly, Kurama leaned down towards her as she leaned upwards. Behind them, someone cleared their throat. They turned towards the sound lightly blushing.
"Your Majesty," Kuronue began slightly bowing. "Forgive the intrusion, but it appears there are invaders attacking the castle."
"What?!" Kurama asked worried and shocked.
"They've broken through the front gate and the castle door," Hiei said walking up to him. "We suggest getting you and Kizna out of here quickly as possible."
"No," he replied shaking his head. "I'll stay and fight. Take Kizna and the other women and get them to a safe room in the castle."
"Your Highness---" Kizna began as she placed a worried hand on the Prince's arm.
"No," he began, cutting her off. "I cannot risk your safety.. Hiei, Kuronue get her and the other girls out of here."
"And gather the others into the War Room," Kuronue commanded as Hiei nodded.
"But–" she began worriedly again only to be silenced with his shaking head.
"I'll be all right," he replied gently holding her close.
Gently, he placed a kiss on her forehead and left her in Hiei's care. Hiei took her by the arm and began to lead her away. Worried silvers locked again with determined emeralds as she left the room leaving the human she loved behind not knowing if she would see him again.
"You care for her don't you?" Kuronue asked as his Prince turned to him.
"Yes," he began as he turned to stare forlornly after her. "I care for her very much."
"Come," Kuronue began. "General Hiei will take care of her and the other girls.. We must prepare..."
Hiei held a firm but gentle grip on her as they quickly wandered the halls looking for the other girls. He turned as he caught a sight of blue locks.
"Botan," he called as Botan and the other girls turned. "His Highness has requested you four hide."
"But we can't," she replied whining. "We must protect His Highness it is our duty."
"And it is your duty to follow His Highness's orders," Hiei replied sternly glaring at the three maids.
One by one, they nodded and dropped their swords at Hiei's feet. Quickly, Hiei led them to a room near the Prince's chambers and let them inside closing and locking the door behind him as he left. The four exchanged worried glances.
Kuronue, Kurama, Hiei, Yusuke, and Kuwabara stood in the War Room listening to what their comrades had to say. All wore armors and capes lined with bright colors. Hiei wore black armor with a black cape lined in red as Kurama wore silver armor with a cape lined in gold. Like Hiei, Kuronue wore black as well with a cape lined in violet. Like their Prince, Yusuke and Kuwabara wore silver armor and a cape lined in green and blue. Tied to Kuwabara's waist, a small sword handle stood. (Author's note: if you know the anime series "Sailor Moon" think of the armor Prince Endymion (or Prince Darien for the dub people) wears if you don't know it then ask for a pic in the review.)
"Hiei," Kuronue began looking towards the smaller human. "Where did you hide the girls?"
"Near his Highness's chambers," he replied as Kuronue nodded worriedly.
"They've come through the front door and have broken it down," said Kuronue as he, Kurama, and the others studied a blue print of the castle. "They seem to have four leaders.. Karasu, Toguro Ani, Toguro Otouto, and Bui.. Each have a small band of men about them."
"Their classes?" asked Kurama wondering about the strength of their enemies.
"The band of men," Hiei began as he looked around with determined crimson eyes. "Low class.. They'll be easy."
"The leaders?" asked Yusuke still studying the blue print.
"A far different story," Hiei replied. "Either class A or class S.. They won't be easy." (Author's note: does anyone know the classes for the Toguro Team? *sweat-drops*)
"Ah," Yusuke began haughtily. "They won't be so bad.. Me and Kuwabara can take them."
"Yea.. Me and Urameshi can do it!" Kuwabara cried arrogantly.
"Hm," Hiei replied glaring silently telling them not to underestimate the enemy.
Kurama and Kuronue sighed shaking their heads.
"Listen," Kuronue began as he formed a plan in his mind still studying the blue prints. "They're spreading through the castle.. Yusuke, Kuwabara, you two take the Toguro Brothers.. They're heading towards the East Wing."
Nodding, Yusuke and Kuwabara saluted their superior officers and their Prince and left headed towards the East Wing.
"You think we can trust them with the strongest demons of the four?" asked Hiei as he looked up towards Kuronue.
"We'll just have to," Kurama replied as the door closed behind Yusuke and Kuwabara. "We have no other choice."
"Hiei," Kuronue began making the smaller human turn toward him. "You and I will take Bui.. He's headed toward the gardens.. Your Highness take Karasu.. He's getting dangerously close to where the girls are hidden."
Determined and worried, Kurama nodded. Then, Kuronue and Hiei bowed to their Prince and left the room running towards the gardens. Quickly, Kurama left running as fast as he could to his private wing.
Yusuke fired his Spirit Gun and Shotgun as Kuwabara slashed his Spirit Sword. Dead demons fell at their feet quickly.
"SHOTGUN!" Yusuke cried sending another bunch of dead demons falling to his feet.
"SWORD GET LONG!" Kuwabara yelled skewing a line of demons on his glowing sword.
Then, the castle shook with the loud rumble of falling debris around them. As the smoke cleared, a large crater stood in the East Wing burying all the dead inside. An invisible breeze swirled around the room outlining two shadows of two demons, one large, one small. As the dust settled and the last of the debris fell, Yusuke and Kuwabara stared into the dead and dark eyes of the Toguro Brothers.
Scythes (Author's note: is that what Kuronue fights with? That's what I heard it was.) flew, and katanas flashed and slashed as another round of the dead fell at Hiei and Kuronue's feet. The full moon shown in the dark gardens as Hiei and Kuronue struggled to keep the demons at bay. Then, another round of low class demons ran their way with Kuronue and Hiei slowly growing tired and weary. Demons ran on top of and over their dead comrades splashing blood and intestines everywhere.
"Kuronue," Hiei panted as he prepared his sword for an attack. "We can't hold out much longer."
"Don't worry," Kuronue replied as he swung his scythe. "I think this is the last batch."
Quickly, the last round fell easily at their feet as Hiei and Kuronue panted and breathed tiredly. They looked up as they heard the soft taps of one final opponent making their way towards them. As the figure stopped, Kuronue and Hiei looked up into the dark shadowed face of Bui.
"ROSE WHIP THORN WHEEL!" Kurama cried as he swung his Rose Whip above his head sending the demons falling dead at his feet.
Another wave of demons came at him. He ran his hand through his hair and sent the seeds flying all around him. Inside the demons, the Death Plant took root sending the demons to a blooming death. Screeches and wails echoed through his private wing as the dead fell at his feet covering the ground with their blood and flower petals.
"ROSE WHIPLASH!" he cried as he attacked another wave of demons sending them to his feet in pieces.
Tired, he collapsed to his knees panting softly soaking his armor and whip in the demons' blood. Then, he heard it. It was the soft sound of mock clapping. He looked up.
"Not bad," Karasu hissed his violet eyes glaring over the top of his mask. "Now.. Where is my bride?"
"She's not yours," Kurama replied green eyes glaring.
"Very well," Karasu replied shrugging not caring. "If you insist on doing it the hard way."
Shakily, Kurama stood on his feet as he and Karasu prepared for the final battle.
Sitting on the large bed in the chamber room, Cristy, Kizna, Keiko, and Botan listened to the sounds outside the chamber room as they realized the demons were right outside their door. Then, it became quiet. All four girls exchanged worried glances as they listened to the soft murmurs outside the door.
"Karasu," Kizna murmured frightened. "He's come for me."
"Who?" Botan whispered to her friend.
"Karasu," Kizna said again still frightened. "He must think I've been kidnaped by the Prince.. He wants me to be his bride."
"Do you want to be his bride?" asked Keiko worriedly.
"No," Kizna replied her silver eyes tearing up. "I don't love him. I love.."
"Love who?" asked Cristy walking closer to Kizna. "Who do you love?"
Kizna turned away lightly blushing.
"Kurama," she whispered softly a small tear falling from her eyes.
Botan, Keiko, and Cristy exchanged shocked glances.
Muttering curses under his breath, Yusuke fired another Spirit Gun at the Toguro Brothers only to have no affect once again. Toguro Otouto smiled as he moved the shield his brother had changed into out of his face as Toguro Ani changed back into a gray sword. Desperate, the two humans devised a plan. Putting his Spirit Sword away and pulling out the sword handle from around his waist, Kuwabara and Yusuke prepared a new round of the battle.
"DIMENSION SWORD!" Kuwabara cried as he poured his Spirit Energy into the handle creating a new sword shining a bright orange and shimmering golds.
"Ready Kuwabara?" Yusuke asked confidently as his finger glowed with a blue aura.
"Oh yea," he replied as he prepared to charge.
Then, Kuwabara charged preparing to strike.
"SPIRIT GUN!" Yusuke cried triumphantly sending a wave of energy towards Kuwabara.
Kuwabara leapt up into the air as the Yusuke's energy pushed him forward sending him flying towards the Toguro Brothers. Quickly and many times, Kuwabara slashed his sword before the two brothers could act. Both brothers let out a painful cry as they fell apart sending their body parts, blood, and intestines to the ground. (Author's note: I know what you're thinking.. The Toguro Brothers are a Ba-zillion times stronger than that... but forgive me.. I'm running out of ideas. *sighs*) Behind them, Kuwabara landed smirking as Yusuke smiled triumphantly.
"Come," Yusuke said as he walked to Kuwabara's side. "We must help his Highness."
Gravely, Kuwabara nodded as the two of them quickly ran through the castle desperate to get to their Prince's side.
Bui swung his axe into the ground sending stones, plants, soil, Kuronue, and Hiei flying from the force. Both humans landed painfully in the garden's grass. They stood on shaky legs.
"Any ideas Hiei?" asked Kuronue still struggling to get up.
"None," Hiei replied panting as he held his katana with tired hands. "I need my Jagan."
"Can you get the axe out of his hands?" Kuronue asked again.
"I think so," Hiei replied smirking.
With a burst of speed, Hiei launched himself at the larger demon running around him a black blur placing quick cuts and slashes as he moved. Hiei landed smirking as he looked at a confused Bui through the corner of his eye.
"What the.." Bui asked confusedly only to be cut down into pieces at Hiei and Kuronue's feet sending his demon blood into the blood washed gardens.
"Not bad," Kuronue complimented as he surveyed the scene.
"Hm," Hiei replied as he made his way towards the castle. "You coming? His Highness might need our help."
Seriously, Kuronue nodded and ran to Hiei's side and into the castle.
Another bomb exploded in the hall shaking the Prince's wing throwing Kurama at Karasu's feet. Kurama cried out in pain. Tiredly, Kurama turned to a chamber room's door hearing Kizna's desperate and worried pleas and cries. 'Kizna,' he thought as he painfully stood. 'Don't worry.. I'll be with you soon.'
"My darling bride," Karasu hissed lustfully as he walked to the chamber door. "I'm coming."
Then, as Karasu reached for the doorknob, a whip of thorns stung the skin of his wrist.
"Leave her out of this," Kurama hissed angrily as he shakily stood. "Your fight is with me."
Karasu smirked beneath his mask.
"Stubborn human," Karasu sneered as he walked to face Kurama. "Your fight will end quickly."
Karasu ran quickly by Kurama barely leaving his touch on the Prince's armor. It exploded making Kurama cry out in agony as his silver armor flew around him exposing the burned skin. The dark haired demon send his bombs flying around the Prince exploding right by his side. Kurama screamed at the top of his lungs in pain and torture his blood running on the hall carpet soaked through with blood and ashes. He turned hearing Kizna's screams becoming louder and louder. 'Kizna,' he thought again as he painfully stood on his feet. '..Aishiteru.'
Kizna screamed and cried as she struggled with the door's lock and pounded the door wildly calling worriedly to the Prince. The other girls pulled her away from the door trying to calm her only to have her break free of their holds and continuing her pounding and screaming.
"KURAMA!" she cried as tears fell from her eyes still pounding on the door. "LET ME OUT! . . . KURAMA!"
"Kizna," Keiko said calmly as she walked up to her.
Kizna sent a deadly glare towards her making Keiko step back in fear. She continued pounding and screaming and crying for her dying Prince. Botan, Cristy, and Keiko exchanged worried glances.
'I have to get out of here,' he thought as he looked towards the chamber door. 'It's too dangerous.' As another bomb went off around him not seeing where it landed, Kurama stood on tired and hurting legs. Quickly, as he could he made his way to his chamber doors and quickly ran inside as the dark haired Karasu smiled evilly underneath his mask. 'Prolonging the chase eh human?' he thought as he slowly stalked his prey. 'Very cleaver... but she will be mine and mine alone.'
Tiredly and in pain, Kurama made his way around his broken and disheveled room quickly heading towards the large balcony and its doors. He took a quick glance at the rose and found it was getting dangerously low on petals. 'I have to keep going,' he thought as he stepped into the warm night air as dark clouds moved over the stars and moon filling the air with the scent of rain. 'She may not love me.. But she needs someone far better than him.'
"KIZNA LOOK OUT!" Botan cried as she pulled the fairy far from the door.
The stray bomb rocked the hall and blasted the door apart covering Kizna and her gown in soot along with the girls and their maids' gowns. Dark smoke and light dust filled the room making the girls cough and pant as their lungs burned.
"KURAMA!" Kizna cried determinedly as she ran through the smoke and dust headed for her Prince.
Kuronue and Hiei quickly met up with Yusuke and Kuwabara as they ran through the halls of the large castle.
"Do any of you know how the Prince is fairing?" Kuronue asked as he and the others continued running.
"No idea what's so ever," Yusuke began. "But with those explosions, it can't be good."
"Quit talking and hurry up!" Kuwabara cried as they continued running.
They quickly surveyed the Prince's damaged private wing and the broken chamber door. Hiei and Yusuke quickly and worriedly ran to look inside the room.
"CRISTY!" Hiei cried calling for his wife's name.
"KEIKO!" Yusuke cried after him worriedly. "BOTAN.. Are all of you ok?!"
"Yusuke?!" a weak and tired voice cried as Yusuke and Hiei ran inside.
"Hiei?" another voice called out as Hiei ran to Cristy's side.
"Keiko!" he replied as he ran to his wife's side. "Are you and the others all right?"
"We're fine.." she began lightly coughing from the smoke. "But Kizna went to his Highness."
Hiei and Yusuke looked up to the others worriedly.
"That stupid girl," Kuronue cursed as he and Kuwabara ran out of the room. "Tend to their wounds and come to aid his Highness as soon as you're done."
Hiei and Yusuke nodded as they tended to the girls.
Kizna fell to the floor in Kurama's chambers as another bomb shook the castle. She looked up and saw Kurama and Karasu fighting on the large balcony with Kurama looking desperate and in pain. Quickly, she ran to the door and outside heading towards the Prince's side not knowing what she would do when she got there.
Kurama fell to the balcony in pain from Karasu's touch his blood spilling onto the balcony and over its edges.
"Give up yet human?" Karasu sneered kicking Kurama in his stomach.
As he prepared another bomb to fly, he suddenly stopped as he watched Kizna step in front of the Prince covering his body with her own.
"Karasu stop please," she pleaded holding Kurama tightly.
"Get out Kizna," he replied sneering. "This is between us."
"No," she replied determined.
Kurama looked on with pain filled eyes towards the small fairy protecting him.
"Kizna," he whispered painfully as she turned to him. "Get out."
"No," she whispered back to him gently stroking his red locks. "I want to stay by your side."
"It's dangerous," he whispered again as she leaned down to kiss his soot ridden forehead. "I want you to live."
"It's worth the danger," she began lightly blushing. "When you're in love."
"What?" Kurama asked not understanding what she was saying.
"I love you," she answered still holding him close.
"But–" he began only to be interrupted.
"I don't care if you're human or not," she began tears shining in her eyes. "I love you."
He smiled and shakily tried to stand. Both turned as they heard the same sound of mock clapping.
"How touching," Karasu sneered as he mock clapped at the couple. "Too bad this production has to end."
He raised his hand and sent another bomb flying towards them. 'No,' Kurama thought worriedly as he stood quickly as he saw where the bomb was headed. 'Kizna.'
Kizna stood afraid as she watched Karasu's weapon coming towards her only to be pushed aside by her Prince.
"KURAMA NO!" she cried her tears falling from her eyes as she caught the Prince in her arms sending her to the ground unable to carry his weight.
Kurama reached up and wiped away a tear as he fell into unconsciousness. She looked up in fear to find Karasu slowly stalking towards her. Laying the Prince down as a gentle rain began to fall, she stood and slowly backed away from him only to find him coming closer and closer. Then, she backed into the edge of the balcony.
"Come my bride," Karasu hissed as he held his hand out to her. "Let us be wed.. tonight."
She stepped back another step only to almost send herself over the edge. The rain grew harder as the soft cracks of thunder and lightening echoed through the Makai forest. 'I can't fly,' she thought worriedly as she watched the lightening and thunder in the sky.
"You know you can't fly my darling," Karasu began still stalking towards her. "Your wings are wet, and you might get hurt in this storm.. Now I can't have that happening to my bride.. Can I?"
Slowly, Kurama stirred and watched the scene before him worriedly. Inside the castle, he heard the running footsteps of the others making their way towards him. He reached into his hair and pulled out one last seed. He threw it at Karasu and used the last of his energy to make it grow.
As Kizna watched over his shoulder, Karasu turned as he heard a growling behind him. Flying towards him was Kurama's last seed, the Death Tree. The tree's hungry mouths engulfed him burning him with their acid saliva. He screamed in agony. As he struggled with the tree, he stumbled towards the balcony not paying attention to where he walked. He screamed one last scream as he fell over the edge and down to an acidic death. Kizna watched as Karasu lay still and dead on the cold and wet forest floor the rain and lightening lessening. Remembering her Prince, she quickly ran to his dying side as Kuronue and the others burst out onto the balcony. As Yusuke walked forward, Kuronue stopped him shaking his head. Yusuke understood and stepped back into the small crowd.
"Kurama," she whispered as he held him and looked into his dying and tired eyes.
"Kizna," he whispered back to her as he brushed her tears away. "Did you mean what you had told me earlier?"
"Yes," she replied her eyes welling with more tears. "I love you with all my heart.. And I don't care what you are as long as you can love me."
Kurama placed a gentle hand on her cheek.
"I do love you," he whispered as she rested her hand on top of his. "From the very first moment I saw you."
Her tears began to fall. She placed a hungry kiss on his lips as he weakly kissed back. He caressed her face one last time as it fell limp by his side. Kizna looked up and began to cry loudly.
"I love you I love you," she said over and over into his ear as she held him close and rocked him gently only to receive no reply.
Kuronue and the others turned away all softly crying and grieving for their deceased master.
"I love you," she said again into his ears as the last petal on the rose fell to the floor.
Then, she felt it.
(Author's note: I hope you liked it! Karasu's dead and so are the others. Only one more chapter to go!)