Kurama slipped his hands into his pockets, listening to the simple
sound of his feet stepping on the boat deck followed by the sounds of
others walking next to him. This is what he had to do. He had to forget
about her for time being. He had to forget about his love you Hiei as
well. This was how it had to be.
Hiei flipped his cloak over his shoulder and slowly got in line with Kurama. "How did she take it?"
Kurama shot a look towards Hiei.
/Why would he wonder how she took the news? Although it's not like she took it wrong however, but why would he care how she took it? /
"She already knew. I guess you could say I just confirmed what she already knew." Kuwabara stopped suddenly in surprise as his words. They had been promised to keep their mouths shut and he went and told her.
"Kurama, what gives? I thought you didn't want her to know."
Kurama sighed and looked around the deck at all demons that began to surround them. "I didn't want her to follow, but she promised me she wouldn't. Makai is no place for her. Not this time around anyway."
Hiei glanced at the red head then turned his head towards the dark clouded sky. This kind of weather was exactly what the fire demon was ready for. After all this was good weather for Makai.
Kurama saw his sudden view change and was about to speak up. He wanted to speak up and make sure that he was alright. After all, Kurama did leave Hiei alone while he went and talked with Serenity.
"Hiei..."
"Welcome aboard, "cried the captain from the speaker. "Because this boat takes longer to get to the dark tournament, we'll be hold'n the pre- trial tournament aboard this ship here."
Suddenly the ground beneath all their feet began to rumble and shake like and earthquake. Kurama stepped back as the ship haul underneath him began to disappear and a large circular platform began to rise above the ship. It rose up in splendor and glamour. Kurama was not the only one to take notice at its wonder. All the others took notice as well. Hiei looked quit astonished in all actuality.
"One fighter from each team will step onto this ring, the last one left standing will bring their team victory here, and that team will proceed to the tournament. Teams, pick your victor!"
"She was right." Kurama said under his breath. He glanced at Yusuke, who, to his amazement, was still sound asleep.
"Guys, what happens if we lose?" Kuwabara said nervously.
"Then we will kill all the others aboard this ship and when we reach the island we will claim we were the winners. They will have to believe us."
"So which one of us is going up there. Yusuke is still sound asleep." Kuwabara glanced over at their fearless leader sound asleep on the ships haul, wondering how the ring coming up from beneath hadn't woken him up.
Suddenly the masked fighter that Yusuke had brought along to take Serenity's place stepped forward. Hiei glanced at the fighter with a slight look of shock. Kurama too looked shocked at his move.
"Looks like we have a volunteer." Hiei announced as the short fighter, who continued to keep his hands behind his back stepped towards the ring, and on to the ring.
Kurama laid his hands at his side and glanced at Hiei then back at the ring. "I am actually wondering what kind of abilities this fighter has."
"We'll see fox." Hiei said, his eyes watching the ring like at any minute it would disappear.
Kurama watched his look. He remember that look so well. That was the same look Serenity gave even well she sat in her cage. It was the look like anything could happen at any moment and she had to be aware of it.
/They are more similar then either one is willing to admit. Maybe even more then I myself am willing to admit./
Kurama turned away from Hiei then back as Yusuke. Something about him caught his eye. Even as he slept there, without a care in the world. There was something about him at the moment that reminded him of some one, but he couldn't for the life of him put his finger on it.
"They are all planning on ganging up on the masked guy." Kuwabara said bring Kurama back to the battle at hand.
"Of course they are. They don't want the Urameshi team going to the tournament." Hiei said.
Kurama looked back at the ring and realized what they were talking about, but there was something about the masked fighter that allowed him to hold hope that this was going to be their victory. For one, no fighter up there was all that strong, having fought them personally once before, and allowed them to live. Secondly, their fighter's spirit energy began to rise much higher then before, and it continued to grow.
Suddenly the masked fighter slide his hands into a fighting position and put all of his energy into a small ball then, by the look in his eye, Kurama knew something was up, and spirit energy that was nicely controlled in the fighter's hand became a large bomb of energy. He released it, allowing it to denigrate all the fighters on the ring.
"Wow! He killed'em all in one single blast of energy." Kuwabara shouted.
"That was incredible. No wonder Yusuke can sleep soundly on a ship full of demons." Kurama said as he glanced down at the sleeping youth.
Everyone in the Urameshi team suddenly became the target while all the other demons on the ship quickly advanced towards them. The masked fighter jumped down from the stadium and over with the rest of the team.
"Seems like that was everyone else's plan as well," replied Hiei as he got into a fighting stance. Kurama, Kuwabara and the fighter also got into fighting positions and the battle commenced.
Each member of the Urameshi team member had taken out three or four teams on their own as the battle died down, and only they were left standing amongst a boat full of dead demons.
"Well that was fun." Hiei said straightening his back. He glanced at Kurama who curled up him rose whip into his hand. Kurama nodded making sure that the other two were fine. Kuwabara was over at Yusuke, probably amazed how boy could sleep through all that ruckus.
"That Genki must of worked him hard for him to still be sleeping." Kuwabara stated.
"Yes, I agree." Kurama said sliding his hands back into his pockets.
"I would like to see what that woman has taught Yusuke. He seems like he might be an admirable opponent."
Kurama nodded in agreement but his mind started to travel as he walked over to the edge of the boat and watched the waves hit the haul of the ship, as it cut through the water. That small fight had refreshed his memory. And that part of his memory he wasn't to interested in remembering.
/Serenity was always like that. She will always have a fighting spirit, that she will./
As Kurama looked into the water, the waves began to take shapes, creating more leeks in his trapped memory. He saw Serenity stand, bare feet on the cold ground. Her clothing still singed from the fight. She was all alone. Scared, but dangerous.
He remember walked down the stairs after taking out a few guardsmen. They were easy pray. As he reached her cell he saw more scars along her legs and down her arms. These he had past over before with out notice. Of course she had sensed him coming. She had stood up her hands clinched into fists and her energy rising. Her hair however had not changed like before. It was still red, and her eyes were still green.
"So you are Serenity..." He remembered himself saying to her.
"So what's it to ya?" she spat back.
"If you are so strong then why have you not tried to free yourself?"
"Because, if you haven't taken the time to notice, this cell was created by an enchantress. It uses my own power to keep me in here. It doesn't matter whether in human form or demon form, it all matters about my spirit energy. The strong it is, the stronger the cell wall is."
Kurama nodded and smiled. "Have you every thought about turning demon to get yourself out of here? You are much stronger in that form, and even the strongest enchantress can't hold a fully powered demon under their will. Especially one that is as strong as you."
Serenity shot him an awkward look then quickly changed her view back to their stairs. "If I were you Youko I would get myself out of here before scar face comes down here and finds you. One of his henchmen is stronger then he appears. No matter your cunning and tactics he will destroy you."
"How do you know me?"
"I am not as ignorant as I look. Every one knows the best thief that Makai has seen, not to mention one of the best thief demons that became a trader."
"I am no trader." Kurama suddenly turned towards the stairs as well. "Look, what if I said I could help you out of here. You can come with me to the human world and live there. No more fighting, no more scars. No longer having to be scared."
"How can you help me?"
"I have my ways. I am not as ignorant as I look either."
Serenity's eyes filled with hope in the single second. Kurama knew that was what she wanted, and he was willing to do anything to get her that. She didn't need to be here, she shouldn't be here. "Alright, Youko. What can I do?"
"Kurama. We have reached the shore. Are you coming?" Hiei asked as he slipped his hands into his pockets and began to walk off the boat. Kurama took a deep breath and helped Kuwabara carry Yusuke off the boat.
Hiei flipped his cloak over his shoulder and slowly got in line with Kurama. "How did she take it?"
Kurama shot a look towards Hiei.
/Why would he wonder how she took the news? Although it's not like she took it wrong however, but why would he care how she took it? /
"She already knew. I guess you could say I just confirmed what she already knew." Kuwabara stopped suddenly in surprise as his words. They had been promised to keep their mouths shut and he went and told her.
"Kurama, what gives? I thought you didn't want her to know."
Kurama sighed and looked around the deck at all demons that began to surround them. "I didn't want her to follow, but she promised me she wouldn't. Makai is no place for her. Not this time around anyway."
Hiei glanced at the red head then turned his head towards the dark clouded sky. This kind of weather was exactly what the fire demon was ready for. After all this was good weather for Makai.
Kurama saw his sudden view change and was about to speak up. He wanted to speak up and make sure that he was alright. After all, Kurama did leave Hiei alone while he went and talked with Serenity.
"Hiei..."
"Welcome aboard, "cried the captain from the speaker. "Because this boat takes longer to get to the dark tournament, we'll be hold'n the pre- trial tournament aboard this ship here."
Suddenly the ground beneath all their feet began to rumble and shake like and earthquake. Kurama stepped back as the ship haul underneath him began to disappear and a large circular platform began to rise above the ship. It rose up in splendor and glamour. Kurama was not the only one to take notice at its wonder. All the others took notice as well. Hiei looked quit astonished in all actuality.
"One fighter from each team will step onto this ring, the last one left standing will bring their team victory here, and that team will proceed to the tournament. Teams, pick your victor!"
"She was right." Kurama said under his breath. He glanced at Yusuke, who, to his amazement, was still sound asleep.
"Guys, what happens if we lose?" Kuwabara said nervously.
"Then we will kill all the others aboard this ship and when we reach the island we will claim we were the winners. They will have to believe us."
"So which one of us is going up there. Yusuke is still sound asleep." Kuwabara glanced over at their fearless leader sound asleep on the ships haul, wondering how the ring coming up from beneath hadn't woken him up.
Suddenly the masked fighter that Yusuke had brought along to take Serenity's place stepped forward. Hiei glanced at the fighter with a slight look of shock. Kurama too looked shocked at his move.
"Looks like we have a volunteer." Hiei announced as the short fighter, who continued to keep his hands behind his back stepped towards the ring, and on to the ring.
Kurama laid his hands at his side and glanced at Hiei then back at the ring. "I am actually wondering what kind of abilities this fighter has."
"We'll see fox." Hiei said, his eyes watching the ring like at any minute it would disappear.
Kurama watched his look. He remember that look so well. That was the same look Serenity gave even well she sat in her cage. It was the look like anything could happen at any moment and she had to be aware of it.
/They are more similar then either one is willing to admit. Maybe even more then I myself am willing to admit./
Kurama turned away from Hiei then back as Yusuke. Something about him caught his eye. Even as he slept there, without a care in the world. There was something about him at the moment that reminded him of some one, but he couldn't for the life of him put his finger on it.
"They are all planning on ganging up on the masked guy." Kuwabara said bring Kurama back to the battle at hand.
"Of course they are. They don't want the Urameshi team going to the tournament." Hiei said.
Kurama looked back at the ring and realized what they were talking about, but there was something about the masked fighter that allowed him to hold hope that this was going to be their victory. For one, no fighter up there was all that strong, having fought them personally once before, and allowed them to live. Secondly, their fighter's spirit energy began to rise much higher then before, and it continued to grow.
Suddenly the masked fighter slide his hands into a fighting position and put all of his energy into a small ball then, by the look in his eye, Kurama knew something was up, and spirit energy that was nicely controlled in the fighter's hand became a large bomb of energy. He released it, allowing it to denigrate all the fighters on the ring.
"Wow! He killed'em all in one single blast of energy." Kuwabara shouted.
"That was incredible. No wonder Yusuke can sleep soundly on a ship full of demons." Kurama said as he glanced down at the sleeping youth.
Everyone in the Urameshi team suddenly became the target while all the other demons on the ship quickly advanced towards them. The masked fighter jumped down from the stadium and over with the rest of the team.
"Seems like that was everyone else's plan as well," replied Hiei as he got into a fighting stance. Kurama, Kuwabara and the fighter also got into fighting positions and the battle commenced.
Each member of the Urameshi team member had taken out three or four teams on their own as the battle died down, and only they were left standing amongst a boat full of dead demons.
"Well that was fun." Hiei said straightening his back. He glanced at Kurama who curled up him rose whip into his hand. Kurama nodded making sure that the other two were fine. Kuwabara was over at Yusuke, probably amazed how boy could sleep through all that ruckus.
"That Genki must of worked him hard for him to still be sleeping." Kuwabara stated.
"Yes, I agree." Kurama said sliding his hands back into his pockets.
"I would like to see what that woman has taught Yusuke. He seems like he might be an admirable opponent."
Kurama nodded in agreement but his mind started to travel as he walked over to the edge of the boat and watched the waves hit the haul of the ship, as it cut through the water. That small fight had refreshed his memory. And that part of his memory he wasn't to interested in remembering.
/Serenity was always like that. She will always have a fighting spirit, that she will./
As Kurama looked into the water, the waves began to take shapes, creating more leeks in his trapped memory. He saw Serenity stand, bare feet on the cold ground. Her clothing still singed from the fight. She was all alone. Scared, but dangerous.
He remember walked down the stairs after taking out a few guardsmen. They were easy pray. As he reached her cell he saw more scars along her legs and down her arms. These he had past over before with out notice. Of course she had sensed him coming. She had stood up her hands clinched into fists and her energy rising. Her hair however had not changed like before. It was still red, and her eyes were still green.
"So you are Serenity..." He remembered himself saying to her.
"So what's it to ya?" she spat back.
"If you are so strong then why have you not tried to free yourself?"
"Because, if you haven't taken the time to notice, this cell was created by an enchantress. It uses my own power to keep me in here. It doesn't matter whether in human form or demon form, it all matters about my spirit energy. The strong it is, the stronger the cell wall is."
Kurama nodded and smiled. "Have you every thought about turning demon to get yourself out of here? You are much stronger in that form, and even the strongest enchantress can't hold a fully powered demon under their will. Especially one that is as strong as you."
Serenity shot him an awkward look then quickly changed her view back to their stairs. "If I were you Youko I would get myself out of here before scar face comes down here and finds you. One of his henchmen is stronger then he appears. No matter your cunning and tactics he will destroy you."
"How do you know me?"
"I am not as ignorant as I look. Every one knows the best thief that Makai has seen, not to mention one of the best thief demons that became a trader."
"I am no trader." Kurama suddenly turned towards the stairs as well. "Look, what if I said I could help you out of here. You can come with me to the human world and live there. No more fighting, no more scars. No longer having to be scared."
"How can you help me?"
"I have my ways. I am not as ignorant as I look either."
Serenity's eyes filled with hope in the single second. Kurama knew that was what she wanted, and he was willing to do anything to get her that. She didn't need to be here, she shouldn't be here. "Alright, Youko. What can I do?"
"Kurama. We have reached the shore. Are you coming?" Hiei asked as he slipped his hands into his pockets and began to walk off the boat. Kurama took a deep breath and helped Kuwabara carry Yusuke off the boat.