* * * * *

"Hiei, wake up," A soft voice prodded.
"What is it?" I questioned groggily. I had gotten a good night's sleep, but I still felt sick. Seeing Yukina improved my mood, but not by much.
"The main event today is 'bands'. The boys were wondering if you could play bass guitar and sing," She explained. I blinked at her before sitting up.
"What time is it?" I questioned.
"Ten o'clock," She answered.
"Where are they?" I wondered.
"They're in the main theater. It has a big stage where the bands will be performing," Yukina explained.
"Fine, I'll go, but only because I have nothing better to do," I agreed. Yukina nodded and smiled.
"All right, see you later," My sister bade as she left the room. Tiredly, I got out of bed, looked at the map of the ship and took off for the main theater.
When I finally arrived in the large auditorium, I saw a couple of different groups with instruments that were turning and warming up. Too lazy to look around, I opened my Jagan eye and used it to find Yusuke, Kuwabara, and Kurama. The three were sitting in a far corner. Yusuke was warming up his vocals while Kurama strummed on his guitar and Kuwabara beat on the drums. Just as I was about to head towards them though, someone jumped into my Jagan vision. Startled, I tripped backwards, shutting my third eye abruptly.
I now faced a giggling Botan. "Kisama! What do you want? Unless you have a death wish, don't do that again!" I instructed grumpily. As I got to my feet Botan smiled and said:
"I'm judging the bands! Teehee. Hiei, I saw hat you and Kurama did yesterday. It was so sweet- I just had to take a picture!" She giggled. Eyes flashing, I pulled out my katana and placed it to her throat, causing her to gasp.
"Don't joke, or you die. If anyone finds out about that kiss, I'll kill you," I threatened. Instantly, the girl's eyebrows furrowed in confusion.
"Kiss? I was talking about the whole zipper thing. Koenma has cameras you know. What's this kiss you mentioned?" She asked curiously.
"Forget it," I seethed. Leaving Botan clueless, I made my way over to my companions. They looked up as I approached and greeted me.
"Hey Hiei! You came!" Yusuke stated happily.
"Yeah, we didn't think you'd want to," Kuwabara added.
"Hn," I replied. At this, Kurama looked to me, his expression troubled. I nodded to him to show I wasn't angry and he relaxed. Without direction, I walked over to my red bass guitar that the others had brought along. Putting the strap over my shoulder, I strummed a few chords with my bare fingers and smiled. Out of everything in the human world, only this guitar had ever interested me- that, and the sweet snow called ice cream. For some reason, this piece of metal and strings calmed me. I hadn't really come for Yusuke and the others- I had come to soothe my own soul. To forget about the events of the past few days...
"Earth to Hiei!" Yusuke exclaimed, interrupting my thoughts as I played a tune on my guitar.
"Huh?" I asked, looking to the others.
"He wasn't listening," Kuwabara sighed.
"We were discussing what song we should play," Yusuke explained.
"I think we should do something no one has heard, that way, our fans will enjoy it," Kurama suggested.
"Always thinking of our ningen fans," I muttered. Kurama glanced at me, but said nothing.
"I think it's a good idea," Kuwabara piped up.
"Well, then, I definitely think we should do something else. Kuwabara having a good idea is like saying a goldfish discovered how to fly," I retorted sarcastically.
"Just because you don't think it's good doesn't mean we shouldn't do it!" Kuwabara argued.
"Yeah, come on Hiei. Let's do something new," Yusuke persuaded.
"Whatever. Just don't expect much," I stated with a sigh.
"It's settled then! Well, let's get cracking," Yusuke announced. I could tell that this was going to be another long day.

* * * * *

By half past four, we were the only band left in the theater. Botan brought us some food, which was quickly devoured by the four of us. We had finished our song, and all that was left was to distribute the lyrics. Like usual, Kurama and Yusuke had partnered up to create the verses to the new tune. When Kurama handed me my piece, I stared at it quizzically.
"Why are you giving me the most lyrics?" I asked suspiciously.
"Trust me, the crowd will love you," Kurama assured me with a smile. I rolled my eyes at him to show my disapproval.
"I don't know who to trust anymore, but if you embarrass me, I'll rip out your voice box as a warning," I vowed.
"Haven't you said something like that to me before?" Kurama asked with a grin.
"Something like that," I agreed darkly.
"All right, go ahead and practice your parts. We perform at nine o'clock tonight," Yusuke stated. Immediately, we went our separate ways. I carried my guitar to the lower deck where no one could be seen. If I went back to my room, Kuwabara would be there as well, practicing on his drums. There was no way I could concentrate with all of his noise.
I practiced my part over and over until I could finally perform it perfectly without glancing at the music. The lyrics however, were another matter. "Kurama, what were you thinking?" I asked myself. We'd see if his ideas paid off.

* * * * *

The noise of the crowd was deafening as Botan addressed them. To my knowledge, five different bands had been permitted to compete due to time issues. Two groups I did not recognize would perform before us, and two after. The last band perked my interest- it was three girls. And then, as Botan explained further, I realized that it was none other than Tomoyo, Corri, and Kara. I couldn't help but laugh. What could those three possibly hope to accomplish?
Besides that, I knew none of the others, nor did I care about them. The four of us had all changed back into our costumes, and I did not feel like hanging around. We stood behind stage as the first band warmed up. The lights were dimmed and different color spotlights were pointed at the performers. Growing impatient, I turned to Kurama and said:
"I'll be back." He looked to me and nodded. Kurama knew better than to question me. While no one was watching, I jumped up into the rafters above me and walked along them till I was directly over the stage. I watched from the shadows and couldn't help but think to myself, I have the best seat any of those stupid ningens could ever hope for.
Finally, it was time to start. Botan came up to the microphone and introduced the first band before walking off the stage. The group consisted of five people, all of which were boys. They dressed in black and had spiked hair, chains, and other strange accessories. There were three singers, all whom played a different kind of guitar, plus a drummer and a keyboardist.
Although they played well, their lyrics were poor and barely audible. Yawning, I stretched out on my stomach and placed my head on the wooden beam as the next band got up to play. Strangely enough, this one was made up of all girls- tall, pale girls in bikinis that all played guitar. When they started to play, adding their own parts one at a time, I was surprised by their skill. As they started to sing though, I was astonished by their voices. These ningens could sing- and sing well. As they ended, I was filled with passion. The passion to defeat them. I would not be shown up by a group of ningen females.
I saw Kurama, Kuwabara and Yusuke step out underneath me, and the crowd roared in approval. Seeing that Kurama was holding my guitar, I dropped down beside him. The noise increased and I smiled smugly. Taking my instrument from Kurama, I slipped my strap over my shoulder and took my position on the left side of the stage. Kuwabara sat at the drums, and Kurama went with his electric guitar to the right. Yusuke took center stage and grabbed the main microphone.
Then, Botan came up and handed me, Kurama and Kuwabara head sets with their own individual mics. Quietly, I slipped mine on, tapping it twice to make sure that the sound registered in the speakers. Hooking up my guitar, I strummed a few chords and heard the note's hum out over the sound system. The others all tested their instruments and microphones as well. When everything had been checked, Yusuke began to speak.
"Hey everybody, we're going to rock your socks off! We created a new song just for you guys and worked our butts off, so enjoy!" As he finished, he looked to Kuwabara and nodded.
Immediately, Kuwabara began to set a beat on the snare, alternating with closed cymbal. It was a fast beat, with snare hitting every second, the third beat being the cymbal. Suddenly, Kurama began to play on his guitar, starting low and quickly climbing to high notes. After he had gone up and down a few different scales, he strummed the fast tune that served as the melody for our song. Two high notes, a low note, a middle note, and another high. The first notes went fast, and the next two were held longer- the last was strummed hard and held in the air. The beat kept on, but the there was now no guitar. As Yusuke readied to sing, I began my part, two alternating low notes that accompanied Kuwabara's rhythm.
"The darkness... it swirls all around me and I can't escape. The darkness... how can it be, when you're with me, there's no sun?" Yusuke sang. To answer, Kurama began to melody on his guitar while singing in reply.
"Don't lie to me, all I see is the light, is that your way of saying you hate me?" As Kurama's voice drifted thought the air, Kuwabara broke out.
"Maybe it wasn't meant to be..." Taking a deep breath, I stopped strumming and sang.
"If you're not sure, prove your love to me--... tonight."
Instantly, the stage lit up, and the beat got faster. Kurama and I began playing our harmony parts- his high, and mine low. Kuwabara was drumming on all of his percussion and just as we finished our pieces, he hit the hanging cymbal hard. Together, we sang while playing:
"Tonight may be the night. Who knows what it holds? Just come, hold me close, we can work it out. Each day our love grows. Prove it to me—tonight!" The drums faded as Kuwabara returned to the original beat. Kurama softly played the melody as I strummed the accompaniment on my guitar.
*Author's Note- I personally wrote this song*
"So what now? Will this darkness ever fade, will we see another day? Help me, I don't know what to do..." Yusuke exclaimed.
"We can do it. We must work together if we want to see forever, so please try. Grab my hand..." Kurama replied.
"Grab my hand," Kuwabara echoed.
"And fly," I finished as the beat kicked up again. At this time, Kurama and I moved to the center of the stage beside Yusuke, and while facing away from eachother, played the melody.
Kurama and I sang another version of the chorus together, saying: "Tonight may be the night. Who knows what it holds? Just come, fly with me. We can work it out, each day our friendship grows. Prove it to me- tonight!"
While we went on playing the main tune, Yusuke and Kuwabara echoed our words. Then, kicking up the beat once more, we started towards the end.

"I don't know what the future holds," Yusuke began,
"And I don't know about you," Kurama answered.
"But I want to keep going on," Kuwabara added.
"Fighting towards the end- Kurama stated.
"Fighting towards the end- Yusuke echoed.
"Fighting towards the end- Kuwabara exclaimed.
"Tonight- tonight-------------- I finished as the others joined in. Climbing up and down the scales, we reached the finale of our song. Kuwabara beat mercilessly on the drums and ended with a cymbal crash.
The crowd roared loudly in approval. I watched as the others bowed, but I remained motionless. Finally, we gathered our stuff and walked off the stage, allowing the next band to get up. I turned to leave, but before I got out of the room, Kurama grabbed my shoulder.
"We should stay Hiei, Tomoyo and the others have entered as well," Kurama pointed out.
"So? They're ningens as well, why should we watch them?" I asked stubbornly. Kurama smiled.
"Come on. We'll see if they're any good," He persuaded.
"Might as well. The judging happens after everyone performs, so I guess I'll stay and see who wins," I agreed in a bored tone. Kurama's smile brightened as he slipped off his guitar and turned to watch the upcoming band. Once again, I jumped into the rafters to watch. This 'band' was actually I duet- a boy and girl, both on electric guitar. I lost interest half way through their song. It was too slow, and their voices grated on my nerves. Finally, they finished and left the stage.
I saw Corri, Tomoyo, and Kara step up. To my surprise, Corri had a guitar, Tomoyo was carrying a harp, and Kara held a... harmonica? That's the strangest combination of instruments I've ever seen. I thought to myself. I watched curiously as Tomoyo went to the left, Kara to the right, and Corri to the center. They all had microphones set before them. Because the harp was as big as she was, Tomoyo pulled up a stool and sat down. Kara stood, as did Corri. Her guitar wasn't electric, but a black acoustic. This was pathetic. How did they expect to impress the crowd with that sort of ensemble?
"Hello everyone, I'm Corri, and these are my best friends, Kara and Tomoyo. We'll be performing one song for you tonight, and although we don't expect to win, we hope you enjoy it," Inu-ko said as she spoke into the microphone. With that, they began. First, Tomoyo plucked the strings on her harp, creating a soothing tune. Then, Corri jumped in, accompanying her with her own melody. Finally, Kara played her harmonica- a lively tune. That added onto both of the girl's previous melodies. While the music played, Corri began to sing.
*Author's Note- This song was written by my best friend, Kara*

"Here I stand, alone

As the music plays

While I watch you with her

I think, 'Things will never be the same'."
As Corri's soothing voice faded, Tomoyo picked up the slack.

"I catch your eye, you smile

You whisper over her shoulder
'Wait for me'
And you know I'll stay for eternity."
This time, both Corri and Tomoyo sang.

"If you'll

Save the last dance for me
Save the last dance for me
Please
Save the last dance for me."
Yet again, Corri started to sing, and I noticed that the girls were alternating verses with the exception of the chorus.
"I take your hand
Wondering if I should
You reassure me once more
What have I gotten myself into?."
"This feeling
It won't let me breathe
But I like it
So I'm asking you now-"
"Please save the last dance for me
Save the last dance for me
I'll do most anything if you
Save the last dance for me."
"The music has ended
And so has life, as I knew it
When the band restarts
You hold me and say, 'Again'."
"I murmur back, 'Not yet'
Even though I don't want to
I hear myself whisper, 'I can't'
And I run away, run away."
"I'm going against everything
I've ever wanted
Just because I'm afraid to be happy
I'm gonna turn back, I'm ready now."
"When I finally find you
You're with her again
But I'll wait patiently
For as long as needed."
"Because you promised that you'd

Save the last dance for me
Save the last dance for me
Please
Save the last dance
Save the last dance for me
You know I'll do most anything
So save your last dance for me."
"Soon enough, I'm in your arms
For the second time
Hoping that I won't ever have to leave
Happy in the one true fact that you
Saved the last dance for me..."
Although the song was fairly slow and mellow, it stirred my heart. The music was haunting and soulful. As the girls took a bow, the crowd cheered. Botan took the stage, and once things quieted down, began to speak.
"Well, that was quite a show! But as you know, there can only be one winner! This is how it works- I have a new gadget called an Approval Meter- the louder you clap or cheer, the higher the rating. We're going to narrow it down until we only have one band left," Botan exclaimed. "We'll start with our first two bands..." She trailed. Out of the first two groups, the crowd cheered loudest for the group of girls. Then, we were pitted against the fourth band. Of course, we won. Then, Corri's group and the second band were judged. Corri's group was the more popular, but only by barely, which surprised me.
Now was the real test- our group against the three girls. First, people cheered for Corri and her friends, then ours. We all watched in anticipation, curious to see who would be declared the winner.
"It's... a tie!" Botan said in surprise.
"Nani?" Everyone questioned in amazement.
"The meter reads even," Botan said helplessly. A moment later, the crowd was in an uproar. Even I was angry. How could she say we were both the champions? I would not share a title with a group of humans. Especially not female ningens! "All right, all right everyone, calm down!" Botan pleaded. "Let's settle this with a duel shall we?" She suggested. Grinning wildly, I dropped down from the rafters and onto the stage. I unsheathed my sword and said:
"Now you've got my attention. Which one of those ningens do I get to right?" As I said this, Kurama, Kuwabara, and Yusuke ran up beside me.
"Oh, not a physical duel Hiei! I mean a duel of musicians!" Botan explained. "Pick three people from your team to go up against the girls and then whoever wins the most duels will be declared the winner," Botan went on.
"Fine. But who is going to be the judge?" Yusuke wondered.
"Me of course!" A voice exclaimed. As Tomoyo, Kara, and Corri walked over to us, we all turned to see Koenma step onto the stage.
"A toddler is going to decide who the better musician is? Great!" Yusuke seethed.
"That's Mr. Toddler to you!" Koenma snapped as he turned into his teenage form. Cleaning his throat, he said: "Yusuke, we'll need Kuwabara, Kurama, and Hiei. You're not playing an instrument."
"All right, fine! I see how it is," Yusuke fumed as he stomped off the stage. Moments later, he disappeared into the crowd.
"Well then. Shall we begin? Hiei, you can go against Kara, Kuwabara, you can against Tomoyo, and Kurama, you're with Corri. All right, who wants to go first?" Koenma asked.
"I will," Kara and I both decided.
"Okay. Begin whenever you're ready," Koenma instructed. Strapping on my bass guitar, I waited till Kara was ready. I began with some basic chords- a small tune that had been stuck in my head. To my surprise, Kara mimicked my notes, only on a higher octave. This time, I played a more complex piece, but again, the girl matched me note for note. Taking on the offensive, Kara played her own piece After listening carefully, I put all three parts together to create one song. The crowd applauded loudly. Suddenly, Kara did the same, this time adding on, then she began again. I joined in with her and soon we were played a heated duet. We went on, letting the music flow between us. It appeared that we were both adept musicians.
Finally, we stopped, looking to Koenma for his verdict. Silence filled the theater until he said: "This battle is a draw." Although I wasn't happy, I said nothing. Kara was a worthy adversary... as a musician. The crowd seemed divided, but the decision had been made. I stepped away, allowing Kuwabara to drag his drums forward. As Corri backed off, Tomoyo took her place.
"Begin!" Koenma declared. Instantly, Tomoyo started to play on the harp, her small, delicate hands moving gracefully across the strings. The girl was impressive as well. Although she appeared shy and reserved, she had no problem performing in front of large crowds. The beautiful notes filled the air, and then suddenly stopped. A few seconds later, Kuwabara began to play the drums, creating a catchy beat. At least the buffoon was good at something, but in contrast to Tomoyo's performance, he was weak, not to mention mediocre.
"The winner is Tomoyo!" Koenma declared, causing the crowd to cheer.
"Hey! You didn't give me time to unleash my secret weapon!" Kuwabara protested. Koenma just shrugged. "Man, this is whack," He grumbled as he moved out of the way. Bowing to the crowd, Tomoyo did the same.
Now it would be Corri vs. Kurama. This would be interesting. I knew Kurama was highly skilled. He had been playing guitar longer than I had. I learned everything from him and it was highly unlikely that Corri would best him, but I had not seen her perform solo, so that remained to be seen.

"All right, this is the final round. The Yu Yu team needs to win one to tie. If they do win, we'll have a tiebreaker. Begin," Koenma instructed.

Kurama wasted no time in going through the many notes that he knew. His hands moved effortlessly up the guitar neck and back down. The electric flare of his guitar created a hard-hitting feeling that washed over the audience. When Kurama finished, I looked to Corri. She played something on her acoustic guitar that wasn't as extensive, but good in its own right. It was an impressive combination of notes that created a peaceful, relaxing mood.
Kurama answered, this time changing his approach. Instead of using his pick, he plucked at the strings freehand. He performed an intricate piece that only some of the best guitarists could perform. I knew Corri didn't stand a chance. Slowly, Corri replied, going up and down the neck of the guitar. Then, there was silence.
"And the inner is Kurama!" Koenma announced. The audience applauded excitedly, but now a new problem arose. We needed a tie breaker. Once the crowd finally settled down, Koenma began to speak.
"Well, it seems we must have a tie breaker. Botan, bring up the box," Koenma ordered. Immediately, Botan came forward, a small black box in hand. There was a hole on the top, but I could not see inside. "All right, everyone reach into this box and pull out a ball," Koenma explained. Botan passed the box around and we all did as we had been told. I wondered if this would decide our tie breaker. "Okay, now look at your ball. Does any of them say winner?" Koenma asked.
"Yes. mine does," Kurama agreed, showing his ball to Koenma for verification.
"All right, the winner is the Yu Yu team! Congratulations," Koenma declared.
"What?" We all demanded in disbelief. The winners had been decided by a drawing?
"This isn't fair!" Corri exclaimed angrily. Even though I favored our band, I had to agree. It was worst than playing Janken.
"Sorry, that's life. You'll receive your prizes later," Koenma explained as he left the theater. I assumed that he wanted to leave before angry onlookers attacked him.
"Wonderful performance ladies, I'm sorry that it ended like this," Kurama apologized.
"Don't worry Kurama, you guys deserved it. See you later," Tomoyo bade. In agreement, we all went our separate ways. Soon, the theater began to empty out. A few minutes later, I was back in my room and on my bed once again. Another day had passed. After tomorrow, I would finally return to Nihongo. Japan, don't sink into the sea... I can not live on this ship any longer...

* * * * *