*Okay okay....I have to let you in on something besides the simple fact that
don't own Yu Yu Hakusho, which I am pretty sure you guys already know. I
am assuming that all of you have already seen the beginning of the Dark
Tournament, because this next part of the story happens after Kuwabara took
a savage beating for those human's that were taken over by that troll of a
doctor and the masked fighter helped them. When this story takes place Hiei
and the masked fighter are enthralled in Enchantress's hut, and the first
fight has just commenced. Everything that happens in the show still
happens with out any changes. This, I guess you would saw happened, behind
the scenes. ENJOY, please R&R!!!!!!!*
Kurama took a deep breathe and glanced over at Yusuke, then over his shoulder at Kuwabara. Now that Hiei and the masked fighter were stuck in enchantress's little trap He and Yusuke were the only ones still able to fight. Kuwabara was too hurt at this point to even move, let alone fight.
/If I can take out their first three fighters, and then let Yusuke take on their last two fighters then we might have a chance to win. But, that's only if I can take on their first three fighters./
Kurama stepped forward blocking Yusuke from stepping out on to the ring. "Think about it Yusuke. They took Hiei and the fighter because they are weak enough to not be able to escape her grasp, but yet still strong enough to fight. That's why she didn't take Kuwabara. However, she doesn't understand how much she is actually helping us. Yusuke, let me go first and take out who ever I can until I get to week to fight, then you take over."
"Kurama! You better not die up there, you here me!" Yusuke shouted as he turned around at all of his fallen comrades. This was the only way. Yusuke nodded in approval, as Kurama jumped on to the ring as though nothing was wrong. His hands were in his pockets and he kept his face towards the ground until reach center ring. The first of the ninja's came forward in a blast. He was a weird looking being, blue skin lanky, and paint brushes in hand. Kurama took notice of his every detail. He was trying to find a weakness among this being, but was having a hard time doing so.
"You're playing a dangerous game Kurama," Hiei said aloud, allowing the fox demon to hear him.
Kurama however seemed not to take notice as the blue demon started to explain his technique. "Humans wear makeup to enhance their features, forgetting about the true power behind makeup." The demon named Gama said as he finished putting on his violet lip stick, completing his design. Kurama's eyes went low trying to understand what Gama was planning will all the makeup tattooing his body. "This makeup is my power."
Suddenly Kurama felt a huge surge of energy coming from Gama that he had not felt before, and a large aura of energy surrounding him.
/So the makeup gives him energy. How is that possible?/
Kurama got into a got into a fighting stance wondering what the demon's first move would be. Gama smiled at his opponent and in a blink he was standing next to Kurama about to punch. Kurama quickly dodge, being ready for his attack.
For the next few minutes that's how it was. Gama would punch and kick while Kurama simply dodged as though it were nothing special, and to him it wasn't. He had, had many years of practice at the art of combat, but he still was not fully willing to let down his guard to Gama, unsure about the tattooed demon.
The crowd around them roared with words of anger and hatred towards the traitorous demon Kurama, and all wanted Gama to kill him. Kurama however forgot about them at the moment. He had to find Gama's weakness, and he had to find it quickly. He could not waste all his energy with Gama, he had two other member of team Masho to take care of before Yusuke entered the ring.
Once again the punching and dodging commenced. Gama would punch and kick while Kurama darted out of the way with ease.
"You are giving him to much time to think Gama." One of the team members of team Masho stepped forward still cloaked.
Gama spared a glance at him, but quickly returned back to the battle at hand, not taking much of his comrades advice. However he stopped his ruthless assault and smiled as Kurama fixed back to his fighting stand.
Gama smiled and pulled out his two paint brushes and glared at Kurama, who got lower to the ground ready for anything the blue demon would throw at him. Suddenly, Gama started up, and like before Kurama moved quickly out of the way, but this time he didn't move fast enough. Gama had painted a simple on his left leg, and Kurama became unable to move.
The demon laughed with delight at his opponents plight. "Having problems Kurama?"
Kurama's face became worried as he tried to move his leg. What ever Gama had done to him had stopped him from dodging what ever attack the demon could and would inflict on him. Again Gama ran towards Kurama who was only have to move slightly, and marked the rest of his limbs with the same symbol that covered his ankle.
Kurama was now unable to move any limb no matter how hard he tried. "What have you done to me?"
"Having a hard time moving?" Gama gave a sinister laugh.
"Kurama! Get out of the way," Yusuke screamed unaware of the fox's problems.
"He can't," Gama informed. "He has been marked with the "Makeup of Chains. Each one of him limbs feels like it has a thousand pounds holding him down, making him unable to move, and open to all my attacks."
Yusuke and Kurama's face both turned nervous, both thinking the same thing. How was he going to get out of this one? Gama smiled and slipped his paint brushes back into their holsters at his sides.
Quickly Gama ran up to Kurama ready to attack, but Kurama was ready for him, and suddenly, in amazement from both sides of the teams and the crowd, Kurama's vine whip appeared and sliced throw Gama, but Gama had been ready as well. He had splashed his makeup across Kurama's chest. Everyone went silent.
"I am sorry you had to die like this." Kurama said, his rose whip entwined in his hair.
Gama lifted his head from the ground and smiled. "You really are dangerous. You never asked what was the special about my makeup. The main ingredient is my blood." Kurama took a deep breath and glanced down at his chest then back at the dieing Gama. "I have locked your spirit energy deep inside of you, rending it useless. My death does not go in vein."
Kurama's face turned to shock as he watched Gama fall into the world of the dead.
/This could be bad. What am I going to do if I can't get to my spirit energy?/
* * *
Serenity shot her head up in fear, before remembering that she was in school. All the students and the teacher glanced at her in suspicion. Serenity smiled and stood grabbing her books and bag and ran out, knowing something just didn't feel right. Something had happened. Something had happened to Kurama. She could not feel his spirit energy. It was like all of a sudden he was gone. She thought maybe Toguro had really pulled through on his threat.
There was no more time to wait. She couldn't stand the suspense.
*Koenma better be listening*
"Koenma! I know you can hear me. Botan! Where are you woman?" Serenity ran out of the school doors and out in field. No one was around at the time. That was a good thing. "Koenma, I know you are there. And I know you are trying to ignore me, but I have to get to the tournament. Do you hear me!"
Serenity looked at the blue sky, and wondered how such a beautiful day could be filled with misery. She gave a sigh. Koenma could hear her, but she knew he was more wrapped up in the tournament then her at the moment.
"Come on Koenma!" She shouted one last time.
The blue sky suddenly turned into a large baby, who looked rather angry at Serenity at the moment. "What do you want?"
"Something happened to Kurama's spirit energy, and I got worried. Look, if you bring me to the dark tournament I will leave you alone. I just have to be there. Please Koenma."
"Only if you promise to leave me alone. I want to watch it without interruptions!"
"Cross my heart." Serenity said.
"Then consider yourself there."
* * *
Kurama stood there as the next fighter stepped on to the ring. The fighter in a quick movement pulled off his costume. Both Kurama and Hiei's faces turned to shock. It was Touya the ice aberration.
"You death will not be in vein Gama. You died an honorable death." His eyes were tense staring Kurama down.
Kurama felt a surge of movement realizing that Gama's Makeup of chains was being to ware off. That was some what good news for him, but he had to stall. "Why are ninja's like yourselves coming forward after all this time?" Kurama asked.
"For light. We have been in shadows for so very long, with no place of our own. We have been offered this island to call our own if we win." Touya's eyes were still as strong as they were. But he chuckled to himself and shook his head at Kurama. "Trying to stall? That will not work with me Kurama. Unlike Gama I will not give you enough time to think. You are cunning. I give you that." The aberration's hand began to glow. "But I have more at stake here."
He opened the palm of his hand and blew, crystals appeared and flew through the air towards Kurama, who was able to dodge just in the nick of time, falling to the ground. Touya however didn't stop. He could give the fox time to come up with a plan. So again he opened his hand and blew more ice towards Youko, who just had enough time to dodge, but not with out getting hit.
Again and again Touya released ice crystals towards Kurama who dodge, but some still got him. "You can not dodge them all Kurama. I will not give you long enough to have Gama's spell ware off." Another set of ice crystals left his hand.
Kurama again moved out of the way, only getting hit by a few. Kurama glanced at Touya as he ripped open his shirt and smeared his blood across Gama's.
Touya again sprayed another set of crystals towards Kurama who did not move out of the way this time, taking every single hit. Touya looked towards him in surprise. "That was a direct hit! You should be unable to move." However Touya realized right away what Kurama had done. "You have been using other parts of your body to protect your vital area's. You truly are old and wise. You have noticed that your blood holds bits and pieces of your energy, but you will have to bleed yourself to death before you get enough spirit energy to defeat me!"
Kurama stood still watching the Ice demon intently. "I can not let you win."
"How do you plan on stopping me? I, like Gama, am willing to give my life for my cause. I have let you live too long already. Prepare to die."
Kurama noticed the determination in Touya's eyes and knew he had to do something and do it quick. Touya stayed on Kurama watching his as though he were a bug that need to be squashed. "I have more at stake." Touya lifted his arm as an aura of ice succumbed his arm, creating an ice sword. Kurama stepped into position to dodge.
Touya with such speed and dexterity ran towards Kurama, sword pointed towards Kurama ready to kill him. Kurama however had already moved out of the way, but barely. This continued.
/His speed matches my own. One false move and I am done. I have to do something. I can not afford to continue this./
Touya caught Kurama off guard and in that quick moment, Touya thrusted his sword forward slicing Kurama's arm. The fox demon fell back, blood dripping off his finger tips. He winced in pain as he rubbed his destroyed arm. Touya smiled thinking he had won out over the cunning fox, and won this battle for his team. He pulled his sword back and ran as fast as he could towards Kurama.
On the other hand, Kurama was ready for that too. It was only a moment, but that was all that was needed. Kurama stood his ground and stretched out his cut arm, as his secret weapon, his death plant, grew out from his arm piercing Touya's chest, and Touya was only inches away from shoving his sword into Kurama.
"You knew your blood held your spirit energy, so you infected your self with your death plant willing to give yourself up for a win. You truly are old." Touya fell to the ground unconscious giving Kurama the win.
Kurama fell to his knees taking in a deep breath taking in the scent of the world around him.
/I am sorry Serenity...protect her Hiei.../
Hiei's eyes shot up and became more consistent then they had been as he watched his comrade on the ring. He grew cautious and suspicious. Hiei continued to think about how he was to get out of Ruka's little spell. "Kurama!" Yusuke ran to the edge of the ring. Koto began to count down up to ten that truly gave team Urameshi the win
"Ten...and Kurama give team Urameshi the win!" The crowd began to roar with hatred, and praise.
Kurama's closed his eyes as his knees buckled and he fell forward unable to move. His own power consuming him trying to kill him.
Another member of team Masho stepped forward and ripped off his cloak. His body was covered in scars. He was also very muscular and well toned. Koto looked around then swallowed hard. She moved quickly out of the way allowing the fighter to step into the middle of the ring.
"Because of the rules, I have to consider the fighters who are currently on the ring as fighters for the next match."
"What! Come on lady! He's got a plant growing out of him. He is in no shape to fight," Yusuke shouted walking towards the ring ready to jump in the middle of the Kurama and the other member of team Masho.
"I'm sorry, but rules are rules."
"Stay down Kurama, let me take him."
"Let the battle began. Kurama vs. Bakken."
Bakken walked over to Kurama and picked him up by the ripped collar of his shirt. "Ah look he is standing." The brute smiled and raised his fist punching Kurama repeatedly in the face, and then punching hard enough to have him flying back.
Bakken smiled with great enjoyment as he walked over to Kurama once again lifting him off his feet. Blood trickled down Kurama's lip. Both Yusuke and Hiei's spirit energy grew as they watched their comrade being used as a punching bag and being able to do nothing about it.
The fighter pulled back his arm ready for to strike for a kill.
"Drop him outside of the ring." The last cloaked member of Team Masho stepped forward. His voice was stern and demanding. Yusuke and everyone in the crowd fell silent. "Gama's death will go in vein if you kill him like this."
Bakken was angry at the leader's decision, but he listened like a well trained dog, and dropped Kurama to the ground and walked away from the fallen hero. Koto swallowed hard and nodded, beginning to count down to Bakken's win.
Yusuke jumped onto the ring and picked up Kurama giving Bakken a look of hatred. Bakken's eyes grew nervous as the youth took Kurama from the ring laying him down on the ground. "How are you holding up?"
"I have a death plant growing out of my body, but I will be okay."
"I'll be right back." Yusuke said as he stepped back onto the ring.
"I am going to kill you."
Kurama took a deep breathe and glanced over at Yusuke, then over his shoulder at Kuwabara. Now that Hiei and the masked fighter were stuck in enchantress's little trap He and Yusuke were the only ones still able to fight. Kuwabara was too hurt at this point to even move, let alone fight.
/If I can take out their first three fighters, and then let Yusuke take on their last two fighters then we might have a chance to win. But, that's only if I can take on their first three fighters./
Kurama stepped forward blocking Yusuke from stepping out on to the ring. "Think about it Yusuke. They took Hiei and the fighter because they are weak enough to not be able to escape her grasp, but yet still strong enough to fight. That's why she didn't take Kuwabara. However, she doesn't understand how much she is actually helping us. Yusuke, let me go first and take out who ever I can until I get to week to fight, then you take over."
"Kurama! You better not die up there, you here me!" Yusuke shouted as he turned around at all of his fallen comrades. This was the only way. Yusuke nodded in approval, as Kurama jumped on to the ring as though nothing was wrong. His hands were in his pockets and he kept his face towards the ground until reach center ring. The first of the ninja's came forward in a blast. He was a weird looking being, blue skin lanky, and paint brushes in hand. Kurama took notice of his every detail. He was trying to find a weakness among this being, but was having a hard time doing so.
"You're playing a dangerous game Kurama," Hiei said aloud, allowing the fox demon to hear him.
Kurama however seemed not to take notice as the blue demon started to explain his technique. "Humans wear makeup to enhance their features, forgetting about the true power behind makeup." The demon named Gama said as he finished putting on his violet lip stick, completing his design. Kurama's eyes went low trying to understand what Gama was planning will all the makeup tattooing his body. "This makeup is my power."
Suddenly Kurama felt a huge surge of energy coming from Gama that he had not felt before, and a large aura of energy surrounding him.
/So the makeup gives him energy. How is that possible?/
Kurama got into a got into a fighting stance wondering what the demon's first move would be. Gama smiled at his opponent and in a blink he was standing next to Kurama about to punch. Kurama quickly dodge, being ready for his attack.
For the next few minutes that's how it was. Gama would punch and kick while Kurama simply dodged as though it were nothing special, and to him it wasn't. He had, had many years of practice at the art of combat, but he still was not fully willing to let down his guard to Gama, unsure about the tattooed demon.
The crowd around them roared with words of anger and hatred towards the traitorous demon Kurama, and all wanted Gama to kill him. Kurama however forgot about them at the moment. He had to find Gama's weakness, and he had to find it quickly. He could not waste all his energy with Gama, he had two other member of team Masho to take care of before Yusuke entered the ring.
Once again the punching and dodging commenced. Gama would punch and kick while Kurama darted out of the way with ease.
"You are giving him to much time to think Gama." One of the team members of team Masho stepped forward still cloaked.
Gama spared a glance at him, but quickly returned back to the battle at hand, not taking much of his comrades advice. However he stopped his ruthless assault and smiled as Kurama fixed back to his fighting stand.
Gama smiled and pulled out his two paint brushes and glared at Kurama, who got lower to the ground ready for anything the blue demon would throw at him. Suddenly, Gama started up, and like before Kurama moved quickly out of the way, but this time he didn't move fast enough. Gama had painted a simple on his left leg, and Kurama became unable to move.
The demon laughed with delight at his opponents plight. "Having problems Kurama?"
Kurama's face became worried as he tried to move his leg. What ever Gama had done to him had stopped him from dodging what ever attack the demon could and would inflict on him. Again Gama ran towards Kurama who was only have to move slightly, and marked the rest of his limbs with the same symbol that covered his ankle.
Kurama was now unable to move any limb no matter how hard he tried. "What have you done to me?"
"Having a hard time moving?" Gama gave a sinister laugh.
"Kurama! Get out of the way," Yusuke screamed unaware of the fox's problems.
"He can't," Gama informed. "He has been marked with the "Makeup of Chains. Each one of him limbs feels like it has a thousand pounds holding him down, making him unable to move, and open to all my attacks."
Yusuke and Kurama's face both turned nervous, both thinking the same thing. How was he going to get out of this one? Gama smiled and slipped his paint brushes back into their holsters at his sides.
Quickly Gama ran up to Kurama ready to attack, but Kurama was ready for him, and suddenly, in amazement from both sides of the teams and the crowd, Kurama's vine whip appeared and sliced throw Gama, but Gama had been ready as well. He had splashed his makeup across Kurama's chest. Everyone went silent.
"I am sorry you had to die like this." Kurama said, his rose whip entwined in his hair.
Gama lifted his head from the ground and smiled. "You really are dangerous. You never asked what was the special about my makeup. The main ingredient is my blood." Kurama took a deep breath and glanced down at his chest then back at the dieing Gama. "I have locked your spirit energy deep inside of you, rending it useless. My death does not go in vein."
Kurama's face turned to shock as he watched Gama fall into the world of the dead.
/This could be bad. What am I going to do if I can't get to my spirit energy?/
* * *
Serenity shot her head up in fear, before remembering that she was in school. All the students and the teacher glanced at her in suspicion. Serenity smiled and stood grabbing her books and bag and ran out, knowing something just didn't feel right. Something had happened. Something had happened to Kurama. She could not feel his spirit energy. It was like all of a sudden he was gone. She thought maybe Toguro had really pulled through on his threat.
There was no more time to wait. She couldn't stand the suspense.
*Koenma better be listening*
"Koenma! I know you can hear me. Botan! Where are you woman?" Serenity ran out of the school doors and out in field. No one was around at the time. That was a good thing. "Koenma, I know you are there. And I know you are trying to ignore me, but I have to get to the tournament. Do you hear me!"
Serenity looked at the blue sky, and wondered how such a beautiful day could be filled with misery. She gave a sigh. Koenma could hear her, but she knew he was more wrapped up in the tournament then her at the moment.
"Come on Koenma!" She shouted one last time.
The blue sky suddenly turned into a large baby, who looked rather angry at Serenity at the moment. "What do you want?"
"Something happened to Kurama's spirit energy, and I got worried. Look, if you bring me to the dark tournament I will leave you alone. I just have to be there. Please Koenma."
"Only if you promise to leave me alone. I want to watch it without interruptions!"
"Cross my heart." Serenity said.
"Then consider yourself there."
* * *
Kurama stood there as the next fighter stepped on to the ring. The fighter in a quick movement pulled off his costume. Both Kurama and Hiei's faces turned to shock. It was Touya the ice aberration.
"You death will not be in vein Gama. You died an honorable death." His eyes were tense staring Kurama down.
Kurama felt a surge of movement realizing that Gama's Makeup of chains was being to ware off. That was some what good news for him, but he had to stall. "Why are ninja's like yourselves coming forward after all this time?" Kurama asked.
"For light. We have been in shadows for so very long, with no place of our own. We have been offered this island to call our own if we win." Touya's eyes were still as strong as they were. But he chuckled to himself and shook his head at Kurama. "Trying to stall? That will not work with me Kurama. Unlike Gama I will not give you enough time to think. You are cunning. I give you that." The aberration's hand began to glow. "But I have more at stake here."
He opened the palm of his hand and blew, crystals appeared and flew through the air towards Kurama, who was able to dodge just in the nick of time, falling to the ground. Touya however didn't stop. He could give the fox time to come up with a plan. So again he opened his hand and blew more ice towards Youko, who just had enough time to dodge, but not with out getting hit.
Again and again Touya released ice crystals towards Kurama who dodge, but some still got him. "You can not dodge them all Kurama. I will not give you long enough to have Gama's spell ware off." Another set of ice crystals left his hand.
Kurama again moved out of the way, only getting hit by a few. Kurama glanced at Touya as he ripped open his shirt and smeared his blood across Gama's.
Touya again sprayed another set of crystals towards Kurama who did not move out of the way this time, taking every single hit. Touya looked towards him in surprise. "That was a direct hit! You should be unable to move." However Touya realized right away what Kurama had done. "You have been using other parts of your body to protect your vital area's. You truly are old and wise. You have noticed that your blood holds bits and pieces of your energy, but you will have to bleed yourself to death before you get enough spirit energy to defeat me!"
Kurama stood still watching the Ice demon intently. "I can not let you win."
"How do you plan on stopping me? I, like Gama, am willing to give my life for my cause. I have let you live too long already. Prepare to die."
Kurama noticed the determination in Touya's eyes and knew he had to do something and do it quick. Touya stayed on Kurama watching his as though he were a bug that need to be squashed. "I have more at stake." Touya lifted his arm as an aura of ice succumbed his arm, creating an ice sword. Kurama stepped into position to dodge.
Touya with such speed and dexterity ran towards Kurama, sword pointed towards Kurama ready to kill him. Kurama however had already moved out of the way, but barely. This continued.
/His speed matches my own. One false move and I am done. I have to do something. I can not afford to continue this./
Touya caught Kurama off guard and in that quick moment, Touya thrusted his sword forward slicing Kurama's arm. The fox demon fell back, blood dripping off his finger tips. He winced in pain as he rubbed his destroyed arm. Touya smiled thinking he had won out over the cunning fox, and won this battle for his team. He pulled his sword back and ran as fast as he could towards Kurama.
On the other hand, Kurama was ready for that too. It was only a moment, but that was all that was needed. Kurama stood his ground and stretched out his cut arm, as his secret weapon, his death plant, grew out from his arm piercing Touya's chest, and Touya was only inches away from shoving his sword into Kurama.
"You knew your blood held your spirit energy, so you infected your self with your death plant willing to give yourself up for a win. You truly are old." Touya fell to the ground unconscious giving Kurama the win.
Kurama fell to his knees taking in a deep breath taking in the scent of the world around him.
/I am sorry Serenity...protect her Hiei.../
Hiei's eyes shot up and became more consistent then they had been as he watched his comrade on the ring. He grew cautious and suspicious. Hiei continued to think about how he was to get out of Ruka's little spell. "Kurama!" Yusuke ran to the edge of the ring. Koto began to count down up to ten that truly gave team Urameshi the win
"Ten...and Kurama give team Urameshi the win!" The crowd began to roar with hatred, and praise.
Kurama's closed his eyes as his knees buckled and he fell forward unable to move. His own power consuming him trying to kill him.
Another member of team Masho stepped forward and ripped off his cloak. His body was covered in scars. He was also very muscular and well toned. Koto looked around then swallowed hard. She moved quickly out of the way allowing the fighter to step into the middle of the ring.
"Because of the rules, I have to consider the fighters who are currently on the ring as fighters for the next match."
"What! Come on lady! He's got a plant growing out of him. He is in no shape to fight," Yusuke shouted walking towards the ring ready to jump in the middle of the Kurama and the other member of team Masho.
"I'm sorry, but rules are rules."
"Stay down Kurama, let me take him."
"Let the battle began. Kurama vs. Bakken."
Bakken walked over to Kurama and picked him up by the ripped collar of his shirt. "Ah look he is standing." The brute smiled and raised his fist punching Kurama repeatedly in the face, and then punching hard enough to have him flying back.
Bakken smiled with great enjoyment as he walked over to Kurama once again lifting him off his feet. Blood trickled down Kurama's lip. Both Yusuke and Hiei's spirit energy grew as they watched their comrade being used as a punching bag and being able to do nothing about it.
The fighter pulled back his arm ready for to strike for a kill.
"Drop him outside of the ring." The last cloaked member of Team Masho stepped forward. His voice was stern and demanding. Yusuke and everyone in the crowd fell silent. "Gama's death will go in vein if you kill him like this."
Bakken was angry at the leader's decision, but he listened like a well trained dog, and dropped Kurama to the ground and walked away from the fallen hero. Koto swallowed hard and nodded, beginning to count down to Bakken's win.
Yusuke jumped onto the ring and picked up Kurama giving Bakken a look of hatred. Bakken's eyes grew nervous as the youth took Kurama from the ring laying him down on the ground. "How are you holding up?"
"I have a death plant growing out of my body, but I will be okay."
"I'll be right back." Yusuke said as he stepped back onto the ring.
"I am going to kill you."