Disclaimers- I still don't own Yuyu Hakusho or Weib Kruez but I still wish I do.
Blood
It took three days for the cravings to stop and another three days for the three to incorporate the blood in their system and use it to their extent. They were down with 6 days of training and there was still a lot to be done. Yusuke and the others did increase the levels of their powers and moreover they were able to increase their senses. They were now able to match the guardians with their skills and their training seemed to be lighter than before.
Kurama and Aya had tried everything to talk to Yuko who had locked herself inside her room. Kurama had tried to pick the lock on the door but he was expelled when he had hit a click. Aya on the other hand tried to talk to her through telepathy. It took him a whole exhausting, no sleep week to convince her that there was nothing wrong with what she had and what she did not know. After convincing her she came out of her room in her Youko form and looked at Aya and hugged him tenderly, crying as she uttered the words I am sorry.
A week before the tournament opens Yuko felt the sudden drop of the barrier. She checked it out and found that the trackers had retreated and went back to the palace. She completely dropped the barrier and felt the complete exhaustion of keeping it up. She ignored this and continued to search the database for the tournament players. Mamomi had helped her most nights when they were not training. She would frequently fight with the others and teach them some few maneuvers to help each other in times that the other is thrown out of the ring. She also stressed the importance of not underestimating the opponent. At night, she trains with the guardians, sometimes talking to them about strategies and about the hidden powers that must be awakened.
"It's the last week... We can't let them train on the last two days before the opening. It's time to awaken the demons then?"
"We find no problems with the three but Kurama poses as a problem."
"What do you mean Momi kun?"
"Well from my observations, Yusuke posses the blue aura, Kuwabara the gold, Hiei the red and Kurama the violet. If we try and awaken them it would mean that each of them would be assigned to us but... Kurama..."
"I still don't get it Momi kun."
"What Mamomi is trying to say is that if you'd remember your history lessons the wind god has always despised princesses, considering them
weak and useless. Kurama possesses the wind god's seal, awakening that seal awakens the wind god as well as it's rage upon you."
"What are the risks that I am up against then?"
"Being out of control, losing one of the fights in the tournament, making him go against you and the worst is of course death."
"Can we take or handle these risks?"
"We are not sure. Kurama is your soul mate... It might change everything or worsen it."
"I'll handle the risks we need to awaken those seals."
"As you wish princess."
It had been easy enough to awaken the seals and teach the others to use the new powers but when they had awakened Kurama's seal he disappeared and a scream filled the room coming from Yuko's room. When they were able to get there they saw Kurama, his hands around Yuko's throat squeezing the air out of her. Yusuke and the others tried to pull Kurama away while Aya and the others tried to help Yuko. When Kurama finally let Yuko go; Yuko looked at him in the eye and said,
"I know you want to kill me because you despise me but I challenge you in a duel. Tomorrow night at 10, if I win you leave me alone and try to work with me but if you win then I'll kill myself. Agreed?"
"Agreed."
Kurama left the room and all they heard was the slamming of wood on wood. When Kurama was gone Yuko fell on her knees holding on her neck and massaging it slowly.
"Are you all right?"
"Yeah just a little out of air."
"You are really going to fight him?"
Yuko looked up at Yusuke and smiled. "I have too. If we want to win this tournament I need to make sure the seal is awakened and usable for the fights. Don't worry nothing would go wrong. Hopefully nothing would go wrong."
Aya helped her up and they left her in her room. She had readied her weapons, her plants as well as herself. She could not and would not lose. Too much was depending on her and the outcome of the battle they were going to have. She can not lose.
She was searching the database that morning when she came upon something she thinks would help them in the tournament. It took her about half the day to crack the codes and decipher the message on the laptop but when all was done she sighed and smiled to herself. She prepared her things and went out the room making sure that she left a message for the guardians to know where she went. She looked out the window to find the others training and Kurama looking intently at her window. She ignored this and went on making her preparations. In a matter or minutes she was able to sneak out the hotel and head to the place she found in the laptop.
Aya came back from the training three hours before Yuko was to fight Kurama. He went to his room to rest when he heard complete silence on the other room. He became worried and listened even more, after making sure that he could not detect any movements he went out and knocked on Yuko's door. When no one answered him he opened it to find a note on the bed and the laptop on the table. He quickly went inside and opened the note. Reading it he looked at the laptop and opened it. He scanned the files she was looking at and finding the one he needed he copied it on a diskette that was laying around and placed it in his pocket then proceeded to the sitting room where the other guardians were resting and talking among themselves.
"So you think Yuko would be able to feel the pain?"
"I'm not sure, she is not anymore fighting Kurama but the wind god."
"True Mamomi but then he is still using Kurama's body."
"Oi Rairan I thought you're going to meditate in your room... Wait, what's wrong?"
"The princess is gone. She said she'd go to a place where she can find something that could be of use to her."
"Wait, don't tell me she hasn't stopped researching the database."
"She did and she found a very interesting piece of document. I think she's going to retrieve it. Here's a copy I got from her laptop."
Omi went to the laptop that was located at the sitting room and plugged the diskette Aya gave him. He browsed it and shook his head. He typed a few things and hit the enter button, information flooded the screen and Omi was looking at it with amazement then worry.
"Good news is she had hit jackpot, bad news is she's heading to the palace alone."
"Can't be reach her to stop this?"
"I'm afraid we can't. She's the only person that can sneak inside and open the sealed doors. Let's just hope everything is all right."
Omi closed the window as well as the information and gave Aya the diskette back. Outside he could feel the change in weather and the change in the direction of the wind. Something was about to happen.
Kurama had gone to the rendezvous point ten minutes before the allotted time. He did not know why but he was battling himself again about fighting Yuko, the princess of Subete. A part of him wanted so much to kill her and let her blood run down his hands while another part wanted so much to protect her that he was going to give up his life. He punched the tree he was leaning on and it toppled down crashing to the ground just as the guardians and the other guys arrived at the place. There was still a few minutes left. Kurama looked among them and found the princess not with them. Aya had gone near him and spoke,
"The princess left a few hours ago but I reassure you she will be back before the allotted time."
"Make sure that she does guardian because my wrath will not tolerate her tardiness."
"Nor will I tolerate you speaking to my guardians in that manner."
They turned to see a figure emerge from the shadows wearing a smile on her lips and a black plug suit. She pulled something from the shadows and positioned herself in front of Kurama. Aya looked at the watch he had brought and at exactly ten 'o clock pm they had started their assault on each other. Aya and the others watched as Kurama delivered attacks and punches accurately and Yuko evaded them with the same accuracy. She spun the thing she was holding around and brought it in front of her. It did not do anything but stay still and it gave Yuko enough time to jump land behind Kurama and plant something behind him.
Kurama felt Yuko plant something and with that he spun around and brought his hand upward sending a gust of wind towards Yuko sending her to a tree. When her back collided on the tree all she could do was smile and stand up. She powered up and rushed towards Kurama. She delivered a variety of punches and kicks, she was moving so fast even Hiei could not keep up on her. When they landed a few feet away from each other their surrounding seems to shift and explosions and fallen trees surrounded the two but they did not care.
Yuko's arms were bleeding while Kurama's side started to get red. Yuko had let the blood fall to the ground and summoned her staff towards her. Upon reaching her hand Yuko seemed to struggle to lift it and at this Kurama looked at her with a triumphant smile. He powered up, gathering energy around him, creating a vortex where the wind was blowing the dust away from him. Yuko did the same but the staff remained on her hand standing in front of her. He was emitting a violet aura while she was emitting a green one.
The ground cracked around them and Aya knew it will all come down to this one last attack. He looked at the watch and thought that it was about time they finished the fight, they were already fighting for two hours. He backed away and the others followed his lead, sensing the amount of power being released by the two beings in front of them. They anticipated the release of power and put up barriers that would protect them as well as the hotel that stood vulnerable behind them.
They had released the power at the same time, hitting each other with accuracy and speed. Dust and dirt covered the place and when it had lifted they saw Kurama had his plant pointed directly at Yuko's throat as Yuko had her staff's sharp end on Kurama's. Aya was about to declare it as a draw when vines started coming out of Kurama's back and slowly bind him in place. Yuko eased her position when she saw that Kurama could not move anymore. She smiled to Kurama and spoke,
"I win wind god, you can't harm me now. By the way not all princesses are liabilities; some of them are even capitals."
With those words Yuko had let the plants die and watched as Kurama fall to his knees, coughing. She powered down and walked towards Aya and smiled up at him. When she had passed him she felt the darkness come and the pain slowly drift away, she was losing consciousness and the other guardians were able to catch her before she fell on the ground. When she opened her eyes all she saw were blurred images and incoherent sounds. She tried to touch a face but before she could even move exhaustion had taken her.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I am proud to announce that the first ever Subete Tournament is about to start in a few minutes. Please present your tickets and follow the guidelines the ushers are saying. Thank you."
"Who do you think are fighting for the spirit world?"
"Who knows Koenma could be so secretive. I heard the metaworld had picked five very poisonous beings from the real world to play for them."
"Well who would have thought Subete would enter two teams."
"There is a rumor the princess is also fighting for the spirit world."
"Impossible, would she really defy her own father?"
Botan felt out of place with the conversations going around the stadium. She was trying to find Koenma sama when she saw Yusuke and the others in one corner. She quickly went to them and saw that they were all very serious and different. Just as she was about to turn around
Koenma placed his hand on her shoulder.
"They have certainly changed."
"Everything seemed to have changed."
"True. It's good to see you're in good health."
"And the same goes for you Koenma, I'm glad you could make it this time."
"I would not miss this for the world."
"I'd advice you get to your seats, the opening ceremonies are about to start and I would like to keep my identity hidden for a while."
"I'd like to see you fight... I will talk to you later."
Koenma turned to the other warriors as Yuko, in her hood went to the shadowed part and conversed with Aya. After a few minutes she went to Kurama and whispered something. He stood up and followed Yuko to the shadowed part of the lobby and pushed back his hood. Worry was visible in his eyes as well as his words.
"You can't change back to a vixen. How are we going to make them believe you are our fifth member?"
"My identity was placed as a shifter. My name is Yukiko and that I am a Cerenian only by title and not by blood. I explained it to Rairan and Momi, they are already tapping the database system to correct that. I only took you aside so that you can tell Yusuke and the others, also to ask a favor of you."
"Ask me anything and it will be granted."
"I'd like you to pair up with Hiei for the first round. Yusuke would be paired with Kuwabara. I took the liberty of checking our first opponents and I believe Hiei and you would be perfect to fight Yuako and Teiko. Teiko wields the same powers as Kenren and Yokan while Yuako wields the sword. Hiei can take care of Yuako while you take care of Teiko. They are tricksters so be careful."
"And you?"
"I would be staying at the benches watching you guys fight. If you are able to handle this without my help then we are certain the training worked but if not then we must find a way to increase that power you have. We will be introduced, I'd be staying by your side then."
"You have seemed to plan everything out."
"I have to deceive my father as well as the people. If anyone finds out that I am the princess the bouts would be bugged and we would have the disadvantage."
"I understand. What can you tell me about the second round?"
"Yusuke and Kuwabara would be battling Teiyo and Tonu. They are both martial artists as well as telepaths. Yusuke would not have any problems with them but Kuwabara might be in for a surprise. Tell Yusuke to focus on impaling Teiyo since he would be the most dangerous between the two."
"Ladies and gentlemen please proceed to the stadium for the opening ceremonies, warriors are requested to go to their respective quarters until they are called."
Yuko looked at Kurama and nodded towards him. She turned to leave when Kurama pulled her back and kissed her passionately on the lips, making the hood fall back revealing her silver hair and fox ears. When Kurama pulled away Yuko smiled up to him and kissed him softly on the lips. Then she turned, pulled back the hood to her face and headed for the direction of the quarters as Kurama followed her pulling the hood lower on his face.
"Good afternoon to all and welcome to the first ever Subete tournament. I am your host for today, Yumiko Taneshi. The Subete tournament was organized to seal the fate of the real world and the spirit world. Here the rules are simple, you fight, you win or lose. And now we are proud to present the warriors competing for this tournament. Coming from the north gate, the Silence warriors. The Silence warriors are composed of Yuako as acting captain, Teiko the element weaver, Tranka the sorceress and the famous martial twins, Teiyo and Tonu. The Silence warriors are the first group from the world of Subete. The silence group came from the Dreamers Academy and is noted to be the best students the academy has to offer."
Whispers and roars of claps erupted in the stadium as the warriors entered and positioned themselves on the green circle. Koenma noted the faces of these so called warriors and he found nothing in them, as if they were already dead. Meanwhile the next team was being announced.
"And from the west gate, the Poison warriors. The poisoned warriors are composed of Drex, the blue ringed menace; Trex, his twin brother, the spiker; Glenx the poison maker; Flyn the venom hunter and Rynnette the poison Venus. Rynnette acts as the captain of the group and is rumored to be a Venus from the metaworld. These warriors represent the metaworld and the complete destruction of the real world. The poison group is famous for the slow deaths they seem to give their opponents, also their landslide victory in the metaworld by poisoning the contestants as well as the officials of the elimination round."
Silence ensued around the stadium at the description of the group that came out of the west gate and positioned themselves on the yellow circle. They had looked menacing enough and threatening enough but there was not enough energy coming from them that pronounce trouble, or so Koenma thought.
"From the south gate, from the prestige unit of the King's guardians, I give you the Grim Reapers."
The shouts and the claps echoed throughout the stadium as the Grim Reapers came out of the gate but there were no descriptions or names given to get any information on them. They were just characterized as five men with a strong built, wielding different staffs but with the same colors, the royal colors of the palace. When they positioned themselves on the red circle it slowly changed into black.
"And last but certainly not the least I give you the representatives of the Spirit world, coming from the east gate, the Mysterious elite."
The people that were in the stadium had not been as quiet as this that even some of the warriors turned to the gate. They know very well the title given to the prestigious four that was picked as the princess' guardians and they were none other than the mysterious elite. They knew they could not participate in this tournament and they were all curious as to who this mysterious elite is. Four cloaked figures came out and stood around the circle and then another four came out also cloaked but one of them had a vixen following him.
"The mysterious elite are composed of Yusuke Urameshi, the son of Raizen, a demon by blood and wield the rei gun. Kazuma Kuwabara, the only human in the group and wields the lightning sword. Hiei, the fire demon that came from the land of ice that wields the black dragon, Kurama, the Youko that wields the infamous rose whip and lastly... The princess Yuko."
At that last statement every single pair of eyes were at the warriors positioned on the blue circle. They tried to find the princess but could not find a single Cerenian among them. The four figures that was standing around the circle looked at each other and then to the vixen. They shook their heads and looked at the screen that flickered alive after the introduction.
"You can not hide who you are now daughter. Surrender and let the others fight this tournament for you."
The vixen pawed at one of the cloaked figures inside the circle and it in turn took off the collar on her neck and she began to change. In front of everyone she changed into the princess they knew. However after changing into the Cerenian she was, she changed again into a Youko and looked at the screen.
"You had made me as the prize father. Can't I fight for my own freedom? I am merely fighting to keep it and try to win my freedom as well."
The king laughed and then turned to the other warriors. He then cleared his throat and began speaking.
"I welcome all of you to the first tournament Subete had hosted. I am the one responsible for organizing this tournament, I am King Trewhan the fourth and on behalf of the royal family I wish everyone luck and good day."
Claps echoed around the stadium but their eyes were still fixed on the girl that had been the princess disguished as a vixen. After the introductions and the picking of the first fights Yuko had seen that everything they had worked on the database was useless. The fights were reversed, when they had been informed that they would be fighting the Silence warriors now they were fighting the poison warriors. Inside the quarters Yuko was in deep thought.
"We can't hack our way to the database anymore. They had corrupted everything."
"Momi kun it's not your fault and its better you stop hacking it. Whatever you do it would not do us any good. They will just keep changing the things we put in. Even Yuko's identity was changed."
"Rairan, Mamomi, Kenren, Yokan, this is not your fault, don't blame yourselves, you have done the best you could do we were just not able to take into consideration my father's technical personnel as well as his dementedly ingenious brain."
"So what's the game plan now?"
"Well we are fighting the poison group and it's hard to determine how they fight since I have not seen them fight. But there is something I know about them. We can send Hiei and Yusuke to battle Glenx, Flyn or Rynnette but I will have to battle Drex and Trex with Kurama. The poisons they wield are the most dangerous and it would only take a couple of minutes for the poison to get all around the body, that I can prevent. However the wind god might pose as a problem."
"I'll try to hold him in until the fight is over."
"Even when you hold him at the fight there is still the big possibility of him appearing. He doesn't like to be outshined."
"So your going through this?"
"Yes Yokan kun. I must."
"Then take extra care okay Yuko?"
"I will Kenren. Any wise words Rairan, Momi kun?"
"Just one Yuko chan, Good luck!"
"Thank Momi kun."
"Don't put to much pressure on yourself, remember the grim reappers are our destiny. Conserve the power you have."
"I will, thanks Rairan."
The bell echoed through the room announcing that the first fight was about to start. Yuko stood up and with the others and they made their way towards the stadium where they were going to fight. When the doors opened the light burst out before them, they saw that there was a ring in front of them and the people watching were shouting and clapping. They had shed their cloaks since there was no need to hide their identities anymore.
As they positioned themselves in front of the ring the second group was announced and they entered the stadium across Yuko's group. When they were positioned the rules were laid down on them and agreeing on them Yuko and Rynnette came forward bowed to each other and went back to their teammates. Since Yuko was facing her group mates she pulled a small needle from her neck. She gave this to Omi who in turn ran it in his portable laptop. He whispered something to Yuko and she smiled and nodded towards Omi.
"First fighters please approach the ring."
Yusuke and Hiei went up the ring as Glenx and Flyn jumped into the ring. They positioned themselves facing each other and bowed. They then jumped backward and positioned themselves for the assault they were going to deliver. Yuko watched as Flyn pulled several needles from his back and threw this towards Hiei. Yusuke was delivering punches towards Glenx and Hiei evaded the needles by using his speed. Flyn seeing the disadvantage he had with Hiei's speed concentrated in sending his needles towards Yusuke. He was able to evade the first few throws but then Glenx had seen what Flyn was doing and distracted Yusuke as Flyn took aim. Hiei seeing this jumped in front of the rushing needles and tried to block them with his sword.
Hiei seemed to block all of them but after a few more minutes Yusuke fell to his knees and Glenx delivered punches and kicks to the vulnerable warrior. Yusuke wasn't able to move but he was able to gather enough energy and in blocking one of Glenx's kicks he froze him into a statue. When the statue fell on the ring's floor it shattered sending pieces of ice shattered in the floor. Yusuke then fell on the ring's floor unconscious. Hiei was still blocking the needles when ice started scattering the floor. Hiei jumped evading the needles and looking at Yusuke he found that he was now coughing blood. Hiei was about to call out the black dragon when he felt the sting of a needle on his neck. Flyn smiled evilly towards him and slowly walked towards him.
Flyn kicked Hiei and he was sent to the wall. When he fell on the stadium's floor the referee raised his hand and announced that the poison warriors won the first match. Aya quickly went to Yusuke and Omi to Hiei, they brought the two towards Yuko who then held two cups in her hand. She gave it to Aya and Omi.
"You know what to do. If they do not seem to be better in a few minutes after drinking that bring them to the clinic but look for a nurse called Helluna. She's the only one that must treat them understand?"
"Yes princess. Good luck."
"Thank Momi kun. I'll try not to use too much energy on them."
With that she turned to Kurama who was waiting for her and she walked towards him. They nodded to each other and at the same time jumped unto the ring to face their opponent. Drex and Trex also jumped unto the ring landing exactly where they should be. They bowed to each other but before they could look up again Yuko moved her hands to stop three needles as Kurama moved to evade three as well. They looked at the two and they were smiling at them.
"It seems that we are with capable fighters."
"I am honored to fight with you princess but I extent my heart felt grief that I must kill you."
"Don't hold on that. Don't ever hold on that."
Yuko threw the needles on the floor and jumped backward as Kurama did the same. They conversed for a while and then looked at the twins. Yuko could easily distinguish Drex from Trex. Drex was five feet, ten inches tall while Trex was a few inches shorter. Drex had blue hair, pale skin with bright blue rings tattooed all over his body; he had dark violet eyes and always grins. Trex on the other hand had orange hair, tanned skin and light violet eyes and seems to be the serious one between the two. Drex was wearing white pants; a black cloth tied around his waist with blue cloth tied vertically around him and only wears a black cloth diagonally on his body clearly exposing the blue rings. Trex had the same outfit but there was no cloth dangling from his waist and the color of the cloth on his body was brown.
"I'll take Drex Kurama while you take Trex. Please be careful, the poisons they wield are fatal and as much as possible wound them enough to draw blood. I'm going to use the blood plant."
"Be careful as well, they'll be targeting you most of all, now that they know you are the princess."
"I'll take care."
Drex and Trex started the assault and to block it as well as Kurama Yuko pulled the cloth on her waist and used it to catch the needles they threw and threw it beside her. She rushed forward going after Drex, Trex was about to block her when Kurama appeared in front of him and kicked him to the side giving Yuko a clear path towards Drex. However Drex was waiting for her with five needles on his hand. When Yuko was a few inches away from him he threw it to her direction but Yuko jumped evading the needles and have more room for her attack. She pulled something from her hair and it stretched into the rose whip. She brought it down on Drex who jumped to evade it.
She rushed towards him and Drex in turn threw three needles in her direction. She evaded it but looking back it was headed straight for Kurama. Yuko turned around and changed her direction. She swept Kurama's legs causing him to fall and be missed by Trex's attack. Yuko had caught him and she sighed in relief. Kurama nodded towards her in gratitude and stood up again to continue fighting Trex. Yuko then stood up and got in the way of Drex's kick, she had let go of the whip and landed a far distance away from Kurama. The slight pain that shot through her body was bearable but the broken rib that was making her breath shallowly was posing a problem.
Kurama sensing the problem when Yuko was standing up pulled his rose whip and wrapped it around Drex's feet and pulled causing him to fall painfully on the floor. Trex then was able to punch Kurama sending him a few feet near Yuko. He turned towards Yuko and looked at her. Her breathing was shallow and she was growing a little pale.
"Are you all right?"
"I will be, buy me time to mend the broken rib. I can't breath well."
"I can hold them for a few minutes."
"That would be enough."
With that Yuko looked up as needles rained on them. She outstretched her left arm and a barrier appeared around the both of them stopping the needles and keeping them safe. When the needles fell Kurama rushed to the two of them pulling one of his plants and letting it battle for a while. He looked back at Yuko who was emitting a silver aura and had one hand on the floor. When he heard explosion he turned to his plant that was slowly withering and dying. Needles were coming his way and he jumped to evade them coming in the direction of Trex's kick.
"Why don't you fight like you should?"
"You're buying time for your lady friend aren't you?"
"It's none of your business."
"Whoa... Hey Trex go and kill the girl I'll keep fox boy busy."
"Good thinking Drex."
Drex kicked Kurama and threw enough needles for him to move backward a fair distance away from Yuko. Trex on the other hand slowly made his way towards Yuko who had her eyes closed, silver aura still around her and unknown to what was happening around her.
"Yuko!"
"Shut up!"
Drex sent a ki blast towards Kurama who blocked it with a wind attack. He sent another to confuse Drex and rushed towards Trex. Trex pulled three needles and when he was a few inches away from her and was about to throw it, branches seemed to grow in front of her, then they moved and bloomed. Trex was captivated with this that he did not notice the other branches making their way towards him. Kurama stopped when he saw the plant and backed away, smiling. He turned to Drex who was standing up and pulled a seed from his hair. He punched, kicked and finally pushed his hands into his chest, planting the seed unnoticed. Kurama turned to Trex and watched as the plant dug its roots into his skin, drinking his blood as it uses it to make it's flowers bloom. When Drex saw this he picked up the needles Trex had dropped and threw this between the gaps of the plant and had hit Yuko on the arm. Kurama felt the slow move of the poison as it made its way towards her heart. Drex then turned to him and smiled.
"I lose a brother, you lose a friend. We are even."
"No you are wrong."
Kurama emitted a red aura and slowly Drex felt the growth of the plant inside him. In a matter of seconds flower buds, leaves and flowers started coming out of his body, killing him, using his bodily fluids as the source of water. Kurama turned to Trex who was still suffering from the plant. He knew how slow the plant kills a victim and it knows how painful it is as well. He made his way towards the plant that seems to acknowledge his presence and opened a path towards Yuko. Yuko opened her eyes as Kurama kneeled to look at the needle. Her arm was slowly turning black and looking at Yuko, he knew she couldn't lift it. He pulled the needle off her arm and looked into her eyes.
"I'll be all right. I just need time."
"Ladies and gentlemen in the event that there is a tie breaker the captains of each team would then fight to decide the outcome of the match. May we call on Rynnette and Princess Yuko to move forward and acknowledge this."
"Yuko you can't fight in that condition."
"I'll be all right Kurama."
Yuko stood up just as the plant was opening its bud revealing a giant flower much like a rose but with the color violet. Yuko held on to her injured arm and seem to plant something in it. She closed her eyes to the pain as she made her way towards the center of the ring. She looked at Rynnette and then to the referee.
"Princess, the tie breaker would consist of a ten minute bout. Whoever is still standing between the two of you wins. Do you agree to these terms?"
"Yes I do."
"Referee do you think it wise to let the princess fight with an injured arm?"
"I am sorry Miss Rynnette but that decision lies completely to the fighter. If she or he wishes to fight even if he or she is injured it is accepted by the judges."
"Do not think Rynnette that because I am injured I am not anymore capable of fighting. I'll show you something to think about when I send you back to the metaworld as a wandering spirit."
"I'd love to see you try."
Yuko and Rynnette then bowed and walked away form each other to their respective sides. When Aya told Yuko that the two was all right now and resting it seemed to take some of the pain away but Yuko felt the dizziness come and with that she was a little worried. However she did not let the others see that instead she looked at the ring that was being cleaned. Kurama had helped in the uprooting of the blood plant since it seemed to want some more blood to feed on. When the ring was cleared Yuko jumped towards it and proceeded to go to the center. She bowed again to Rynnette and positioned herself in a stance. Rynnette on the other hand had stayed standing looking at her.
"Don't you feel dizzy right now?"
"What are you talking about?"
However in the instant she said it Yuko felt the dizziness increase and her surrounding seemed to swim around her.
"Oh no... Don't you think the poison is already coming near your heart? Slowly the toxins attacking the nervous system, causing you to be paralyzed."
At that instant Yuko couldn't move her body, nor can she breathe normally. However she felt the plant growing in her arm, she smiled to herself at that. She channeled her energy in putting enough ki on the plant to grow a little faster.
"Princess do you want me to show you something?"
Yuko was paralyzed on the spot and the moment Rynnette said those words the stadium turned into a dark room, its walls slowly dripping with blood. Yuko was able to close her eyes but the pain that was running inside her was so powerful it was taking her so much strength to push it away. She knew it was an illusion that Rynnette was putting up to confuse her. She felt the unmistakable feeling of a punch on her stomach, then a kick to her side. She opened her eyes as well as her mouth that has seemed to be full of blood. She was on the ring's floor looking at the feet that was slowly making it's way to her.
"I can't believe this, the princess seemed to be in a trance of some sort that could not make her move. She's in trouble ladies and gentlemen."
This was the comment of Yumiko as Yuko was being beaten inside the ring. Kurama bore the pain exploding through his body and his heart. Yuko was helpless out there and he couldn't help her. It slowly breaks his heart but he could not let them lose a battle because of that. Yuko could move a little now and she silently thanked her plant for the help. She watched as it grew slowly out her arm, she could see the poison in its leaves and she knew she could use them.
Rynnette was having much fun with the princess that could not even fight. She had sent her to oblivion where she wouldn't be able to escape. However fear gripped her when she saw her move a little but when she had stopped Rynnette went back to enjoying the fight that she had on her hands. She had sent the princess coughing blood and kneeling on the floor. She kneeled beside her and pulled her head up by her hair. With that movement she had a clear view of Kurama watching her. She smiled towards him and saw the worry covering his face as well as the other guardians. Rynnette seemed to notice her looking at them that she whispered these words with so much sweetness Yuko found her strength to break free from the trance.
"When I'm finished with you I'll kill them one by one but first I'd let that fox boy sleep with me before I kill him with your own bones."
With those words Yuko saw Kurama sleeping with Rynnette then being stabbed to death with a bone and her guardians were being killed in front of her, poisons administered to them and left to deteriorate inside the stadium. Rynnette had let her head fall back and with the force Yuko's head had hit the floor drawing blood from her temple. Silver aura surrounded Yuko and when Rynnette saw this she kicked her again sending her towards the edge of the ring. Rynnette looked up at the clock and saw that she had three more minutes to play with the princess.
Yuko slowly sat up from the edge when she was going to fall forward she used her hands to support her. Blood dripped down her face and from her body but they were not important to her at the moment. The poison was out of her system and the plant was blooming wonderfully on her arm. She pulled this out, her wound closing slowly when she did. She hid this inside her hand just as Rynnette pulled her head up again by her hair. This time she was standing up and by pulling her hair Yuko found herself half suspended towards the outside of the ring.
"So princess you still think you'd send me to the metaworld as a spirit?"
"Nothing had changed Rynnette, you will die. Nothing will change."
"So you say princess, so you say."
Rynnette had let her go and as she fell the plant in her hand stretched in a matter of seconds and holding on to it Yuko had pierced Rynnette's heart and saved herself because the plant had stretched so much it had dug unto the stadium's floor, keeping her suspended between Rynnette and the floor. She pulled herself up and jumped away from Rynnette landing on the center of the ring just as the timer erupted announcing the victory of their team. Yuko watched as the others ran towards her. She smiled towards them as she fell towards the floor, completely exhausted and drained. She had lost too much blood, her body had undergone too much torture, and she was surprised that her legs were still supporting her until she finally felt the change of her body and the fall she was in. She smiled as she saw her silver hair streaked with red blood...
They had won...
Blood
It took three days for the cravings to stop and another three days for the three to incorporate the blood in their system and use it to their extent. They were down with 6 days of training and there was still a lot to be done. Yusuke and the others did increase the levels of their powers and moreover they were able to increase their senses. They were now able to match the guardians with their skills and their training seemed to be lighter than before.
Kurama and Aya had tried everything to talk to Yuko who had locked herself inside her room. Kurama had tried to pick the lock on the door but he was expelled when he had hit a click. Aya on the other hand tried to talk to her through telepathy. It took him a whole exhausting, no sleep week to convince her that there was nothing wrong with what she had and what she did not know. After convincing her she came out of her room in her Youko form and looked at Aya and hugged him tenderly, crying as she uttered the words I am sorry.
A week before the tournament opens Yuko felt the sudden drop of the barrier. She checked it out and found that the trackers had retreated and went back to the palace. She completely dropped the barrier and felt the complete exhaustion of keeping it up. She ignored this and continued to search the database for the tournament players. Mamomi had helped her most nights when they were not training. She would frequently fight with the others and teach them some few maneuvers to help each other in times that the other is thrown out of the ring. She also stressed the importance of not underestimating the opponent. At night, she trains with the guardians, sometimes talking to them about strategies and about the hidden powers that must be awakened.
"It's the last week... We can't let them train on the last two days before the opening. It's time to awaken the demons then?"
"We find no problems with the three but Kurama poses as a problem."
"What do you mean Momi kun?"
"Well from my observations, Yusuke posses the blue aura, Kuwabara the gold, Hiei the red and Kurama the violet. If we try and awaken them it would mean that each of them would be assigned to us but... Kurama..."
"I still don't get it Momi kun."
"What Mamomi is trying to say is that if you'd remember your history lessons the wind god has always despised princesses, considering them
weak and useless. Kurama possesses the wind god's seal, awakening that seal awakens the wind god as well as it's rage upon you."
"What are the risks that I am up against then?"
"Being out of control, losing one of the fights in the tournament, making him go against you and the worst is of course death."
"Can we take or handle these risks?"
"We are not sure. Kurama is your soul mate... It might change everything or worsen it."
"I'll handle the risks we need to awaken those seals."
"As you wish princess."
It had been easy enough to awaken the seals and teach the others to use the new powers but when they had awakened Kurama's seal he disappeared and a scream filled the room coming from Yuko's room. When they were able to get there they saw Kurama, his hands around Yuko's throat squeezing the air out of her. Yusuke and the others tried to pull Kurama away while Aya and the others tried to help Yuko. When Kurama finally let Yuko go; Yuko looked at him in the eye and said,
"I know you want to kill me because you despise me but I challenge you in a duel. Tomorrow night at 10, if I win you leave me alone and try to work with me but if you win then I'll kill myself. Agreed?"
"Agreed."
Kurama left the room and all they heard was the slamming of wood on wood. When Kurama was gone Yuko fell on her knees holding on her neck and massaging it slowly.
"Are you all right?"
"Yeah just a little out of air."
"You are really going to fight him?"
Yuko looked up at Yusuke and smiled. "I have too. If we want to win this tournament I need to make sure the seal is awakened and usable for the fights. Don't worry nothing would go wrong. Hopefully nothing would go wrong."
Aya helped her up and they left her in her room. She had readied her weapons, her plants as well as herself. She could not and would not lose. Too much was depending on her and the outcome of the battle they were going to have. She can not lose.
She was searching the database that morning when she came upon something she thinks would help them in the tournament. It took her about half the day to crack the codes and decipher the message on the laptop but when all was done she sighed and smiled to herself. She prepared her things and went out the room making sure that she left a message for the guardians to know where she went. She looked out the window to find the others training and Kurama looking intently at her window. She ignored this and went on making her preparations. In a matter or minutes she was able to sneak out the hotel and head to the place she found in the laptop.
Aya came back from the training three hours before Yuko was to fight Kurama. He went to his room to rest when he heard complete silence on the other room. He became worried and listened even more, after making sure that he could not detect any movements he went out and knocked on Yuko's door. When no one answered him he opened it to find a note on the bed and the laptop on the table. He quickly went inside and opened the note. Reading it he looked at the laptop and opened it. He scanned the files she was looking at and finding the one he needed he copied it on a diskette that was laying around and placed it in his pocket then proceeded to the sitting room where the other guardians were resting and talking among themselves.
"So you think Yuko would be able to feel the pain?"
"I'm not sure, she is not anymore fighting Kurama but the wind god."
"True Mamomi but then he is still using Kurama's body."
"Oi Rairan I thought you're going to meditate in your room... Wait, what's wrong?"
"The princess is gone. She said she'd go to a place where she can find something that could be of use to her."
"Wait, don't tell me she hasn't stopped researching the database."
"She did and she found a very interesting piece of document. I think she's going to retrieve it. Here's a copy I got from her laptop."
Omi went to the laptop that was located at the sitting room and plugged the diskette Aya gave him. He browsed it and shook his head. He typed a few things and hit the enter button, information flooded the screen and Omi was looking at it with amazement then worry.
"Good news is she had hit jackpot, bad news is she's heading to the palace alone."
"Can't be reach her to stop this?"
"I'm afraid we can't. She's the only person that can sneak inside and open the sealed doors. Let's just hope everything is all right."
Omi closed the window as well as the information and gave Aya the diskette back. Outside he could feel the change in weather and the change in the direction of the wind. Something was about to happen.
Kurama had gone to the rendezvous point ten minutes before the allotted time. He did not know why but he was battling himself again about fighting Yuko, the princess of Subete. A part of him wanted so much to kill her and let her blood run down his hands while another part wanted so much to protect her that he was going to give up his life. He punched the tree he was leaning on and it toppled down crashing to the ground just as the guardians and the other guys arrived at the place. There was still a few minutes left. Kurama looked among them and found the princess not with them. Aya had gone near him and spoke,
"The princess left a few hours ago but I reassure you she will be back before the allotted time."
"Make sure that she does guardian because my wrath will not tolerate her tardiness."
"Nor will I tolerate you speaking to my guardians in that manner."
They turned to see a figure emerge from the shadows wearing a smile on her lips and a black plug suit. She pulled something from the shadows and positioned herself in front of Kurama. Aya looked at the watch he had brought and at exactly ten 'o clock pm they had started their assault on each other. Aya and the others watched as Kurama delivered attacks and punches accurately and Yuko evaded them with the same accuracy. She spun the thing she was holding around and brought it in front of her. It did not do anything but stay still and it gave Yuko enough time to jump land behind Kurama and plant something behind him.
Kurama felt Yuko plant something and with that he spun around and brought his hand upward sending a gust of wind towards Yuko sending her to a tree. When her back collided on the tree all she could do was smile and stand up. She powered up and rushed towards Kurama. She delivered a variety of punches and kicks, she was moving so fast even Hiei could not keep up on her. When they landed a few feet away from each other their surrounding seems to shift and explosions and fallen trees surrounded the two but they did not care.
Yuko's arms were bleeding while Kurama's side started to get red. Yuko had let the blood fall to the ground and summoned her staff towards her. Upon reaching her hand Yuko seemed to struggle to lift it and at this Kurama looked at her with a triumphant smile. He powered up, gathering energy around him, creating a vortex where the wind was blowing the dust away from him. Yuko did the same but the staff remained on her hand standing in front of her. He was emitting a violet aura while she was emitting a green one.
The ground cracked around them and Aya knew it will all come down to this one last attack. He looked at the watch and thought that it was about time they finished the fight, they were already fighting for two hours. He backed away and the others followed his lead, sensing the amount of power being released by the two beings in front of them. They anticipated the release of power and put up barriers that would protect them as well as the hotel that stood vulnerable behind them.
They had released the power at the same time, hitting each other with accuracy and speed. Dust and dirt covered the place and when it had lifted they saw Kurama had his plant pointed directly at Yuko's throat as Yuko had her staff's sharp end on Kurama's. Aya was about to declare it as a draw when vines started coming out of Kurama's back and slowly bind him in place. Yuko eased her position when she saw that Kurama could not move anymore. She smiled to Kurama and spoke,
"I win wind god, you can't harm me now. By the way not all princesses are liabilities; some of them are even capitals."
With those words Yuko had let the plants die and watched as Kurama fall to his knees, coughing. She powered down and walked towards Aya and smiled up at him. When she had passed him she felt the darkness come and the pain slowly drift away, she was losing consciousness and the other guardians were able to catch her before she fell on the ground. When she opened her eyes all she saw were blurred images and incoherent sounds. She tried to touch a face but before she could even move exhaustion had taken her.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I am proud to announce that the first ever Subete Tournament is about to start in a few minutes. Please present your tickets and follow the guidelines the ushers are saying. Thank you."
"Who do you think are fighting for the spirit world?"
"Who knows Koenma could be so secretive. I heard the metaworld had picked five very poisonous beings from the real world to play for them."
"Well who would have thought Subete would enter two teams."
"There is a rumor the princess is also fighting for the spirit world."
"Impossible, would she really defy her own father?"
Botan felt out of place with the conversations going around the stadium. She was trying to find Koenma sama when she saw Yusuke and the others in one corner. She quickly went to them and saw that they were all very serious and different. Just as she was about to turn around
Koenma placed his hand on her shoulder.
"They have certainly changed."
"Everything seemed to have changed."
"True. It's good to see you're in good health."
"And the same goes for you Koenma, I'm glad you could make it this time."
"I would not miss this for the world."
"I'd advice you get to your seats, the opening ceremonies are about to start and I would like to keep my identity hidden for a while."
"I'd like to see you fight... I will talk to you later."
Koenma turned to the other warriors as Yuko, in her hood went to the shadowed part and conversed with Aya. After a few minutes she went to Kurama and whispered something. He stood up and followed Yuko to the shadowed part of the lobby and pushed back his hood. Worry was visible in his eyes as well as his words.
"You can't change back to a vixen. How are we going to make them believe you are our fifth member?"
"My identity was placed as a shifter. My name is Yukiko and that I am a Cerenian only by title and not by blood. I explained it to Rairan and Momi, they are already tapping the database system to correct that. I only took you aside so that you can tell Yusuke and the others, also to ask a favor of you."
"Ask me anything and it will be granted."
"I'd like you to pair up with Hiei for the first round. Yusuke would be paired with Kuwabara. I took the liberty of checking our first opponents and I believe Hiei and you would be perfect to fight Yuako and Teiko. Teiko wields the same powers as Kenren and Yokan while Yuako wields the sword. Hiei can take care of Yuako while you take care of Teiko. They are tricksters so be careful."
"And you?"
"I would be staying at the benches watching you guys fight. If you are able to handle this without my help then we are certain the training worked but if not then we must find a way to increase that power you have. We will be introduced, I'd be staying by your side then."
"You have seemed to plan everything out."
"I have to deceive my father as well as the people. If anyone finds out that I am the princess the bouts would be bugged and we would have the disadvantage."
"I understand. What can you tell me about the second round?"
"Yusuke and Kuwabara would be battling Teiyo and Tonu. They are both martial artists as well as telepaths. Yusuke would not have any problems with them but Kuwabara might be in for a surprise. Tell Yusuke to focus on impaling Teiyo since he would be the most dangerous between the two."
"Ladies and gentlemen please proceed to the stadium for the opening ceremonies, warriors are requested to go to their respective quarters until they are called."
Yuko looked at Kurama and nodded towards him. She turned to leave when Kurama pulled her back and kissed her passionately on the lips, making the hood fall back revealing her silver hair and fox ears. When Kurama pulled away Yuko smiled up to him and kissed him softly on the lips. Then she turned, pulled back the hood to her face and headed for the direction of the quarters as Kurama followed her pulling the hood lower on his face.
"Good afternoon to all and welcome to the first ever Subete tournament. I am your host for today, Yumiko Taneshi. The Subete tournament was organized to seal the fate of the real world and the spirit world. Here the rules are simple, you fight, you win or lose. And now we are proud to present the warriors competing for this tournament. Coming from the north gate, the Silence warriors. The Silence warriors are composed of Yuako as acting captain, Teiko the element weaver, Tranka the sorceress and the famous martial twins, Teiyo and Tonu. The Silence warriors are the first group from the world of Subete. The silence group came from the Dreamers Academy and is noted to be the best students the academy has to offer."
Whispers and roars of claps erupted in the stadium as the warriors entered and positioned themselves on the green circle. Koenma noted the faces of these so called warriors and he found nothing in them, as if they were already dead. Meanwhile the next team was being announced.
"And from the west gate, the Poison warriors. The poisoned warriors are composed of Drex, the blue ringed menace; Trex, his twin brother, the spiker; Glenx the poison maker; Flyn the venom hunter and Rynnette the poison Venus. Rynnette acts as the captain of the group and is rumored to be a Venus from the metaworld. These warriors represent the metaworld and the complete destruction of the real world. The poison group is famous for the slow deaths they seem to give their opponents, also their landslide victory in the metaworld by poisoning the contestants as well as the officials of the elimination round."
Silence ensued around the stadium at the description of the group that came out of the west gate and positioned themselves on the yellow circle. They had looked menacing enough and threatening enough but there was not enough energy coming from them that pronounce trouble, or so Koenma thought.
"From the south gate, from the prestige unit of the King's guardians, I give you the Grim Reapers."
The shouts and the claps echoed throughout the stadium as the Grim Reapers came out of the gate but there were no descriptions or names given to get any information on them. They were just characterized as five men with a strong built, wielding different staffs but with the same colors, the royal colors of the palace. When they positioned themselves on the red circle it slowly changed into black.
"And last but certainly not the least I give you the representatives of the Spirit world, coming from the east gate, the Mysterious elite."
The people that were in the stadium had not been as quiet as this that even some of the warriors turned to the gate. They know very well the title given to the prestigious four that was picked as the princess' guardians and they were none other than the mysterious elite. They knew they could not participate in this tournament and they were all curious as to who this mysterious elite is. Four cloaked figures came out and stood around the circle and then another four came out also cloaked but one of them had a vixen following him.
"The mysterious elite are composed of Yusuke Urameshi, the son of Raizen, a demon by blood and wield the rei gun. Kazuma Kuwabara, the only human in the group and wields the lightning sword. Hiei, the fire demon that came from the land of ice that wields the black dragon, Kurama, the Youko that wields the infamous rose whip and lastly... The princess Yuko."
At that last statement every single pair of eyes were at the warriors positioned on the blue circle. They tried to find the princess but could not find a single Cerenian among them. The four figures that was standing around the circle looked at each other and then to the vixen. They shook their heads and looked at the screen that flickered alive after the introduction.
"You can not hide who you are now daughter. Surrender and let the others fight this tournament for you."
The vixen pawed at one of the cloaked figures inside the circle and it in turn took off the collar on her neck and she began to change. In front of everyone she changed into the princess they knew. However after changing into the Cerenian she was, she changed again into a Youko and looked at the screen.
"You had made me as the prize father. Can't I fight for my own freedom? I am merely fighting to keep it and try to win my freedom as well."
The king laughed and then turned to the other warriors. He then cleared his throat and began speaking.
"I welcome all of you to the first tournament Subete had hosted. I am the one responsible for organizing this tournament, I am King Trewhan the fourth and on behalf of the royal family I wish everyone luck and good day."
Claps echoed around the stadium but their eyes were still fixed on the girl that had been the princess disguished as a vixen. After the introductions and the picking of the first fights Yuko had seen that everything they had worked on the database was useless. The fights were reversed, when they had been informed that they would be fighting the Silence warriors now they were fighting the poison warriors. Inside the quarters Yuko was in deep thought.
"We can't hack our way to the database anymore. They had corrupted everything."
"Momi kun it's not your fault and its better you stop hacking it. Whatever you do it would not do us any good. They will just keep changing the things we put in. Even Yuko's identity was changed."
"Rairan, Mamomi, Kenren, Yokan, this is not your fault, don't blame yourselves, you have done the best you could do we were just not able to take into consideration my father's technical personnel as well as his dementedly ingenious brain."
"So what's the game plan now?"
"Well we are fighting the poison group and it's hard to determine how they fight since I have not seen them fight. But there is something I know about them. We can send Hiei and Yusuke to battle Glenx, Flyn or Rynnette but I will have to battle Drex and Trex with Kurama. The poisons they wield are the most dangerous and it would only take a couple of minutes for the poison to get all around the body, that I can prevent. However the wind god might pose as a problem."
"I'll try to hold him in until the fight is over."
"Even when you hold him at the fight there is still the big possibility of him appearing. He doesn't like to be outshined."
"So your going through this?"
"Yes Yokan kun. I must."
"Then take extra care okay Yuko?"
"I will Kenren. Any wise words Rairan, Momi kun?"
"Just one Yuko chan, Good luck!"
"Thank Momi kun."
"Don't put to much pressure on yourself, remember the grim reappers are our destiny. Conserve the power you have."
"I will, thanks Rairan."
The bell echoed through the room announcing that the first fight was about to start. Yuko stood up and with the others and they made their way towards the stadium where they were going to fight. When the doors opened the light burst out before them, they saw that there was a ring in front of them and the people watching were shouting and clapping. They had shed their cloaks since there was no need to hide their identities anymore.
As they positioned themselves in front of the ring the second group was announced and they entered the stadium across Yuko's group. When they were positioned the rules were laid down on them and agreeing on them Yuko and Rynnette came forward bowed to each other and went back to their teammates. Since Yuko was facing her group mates she pulled a small needle from her neck. She gave this to Omi who in turn ran it in his portable laptop. He whispered something to Yuko and she smiled and nodded towards Omi.
"First fighters please approach the ring."
Yusuke and Hiei went up the ring as Glenx and Flyn jumped into the ring. They positioned themselves facing each other and bowed. They then jumped backward and positioned themselves for the assault they were going to deliver. Yuko watched as Flyn pulled several needles from his back and threw this towards Hiei. Yusuke was delivering punches towards Glenx and Hiei evaded the needles by using his speed. Flyn seeing the disadvantage he had with Hiei's speed concentrated in sending his needles towards Yusuke. He was able to evade the first few throws but then Glenx had seen what Flyn was doing and distracted Yusuke as Flyn took aim. Hiei seeing this jumped in front of the rushing needles and tried to block them with his sword.
Hiei seemed to block all of them but after a few more minutes Yusuke fell to his knees and Glenx delivered punches and kicks to the vulnerable warrior. Yusuke wasn't able to move but he was able to gather enough energy and in blocking one of Glenx's kicks he froze him into a statue. When the statue fell on the ring's floor it shattered sending pieces of ice shattered in the floor. Yusuke then fell on the ring's floor unconscious. Hiei was still blocking the needles when ice started scattering the floor. Hiei jumped evading the needles and looking at Yusuke he found that he was now coughing blood. Hiei was about to call out the black dragon when he felt the sting of a needle on his neck. Flyn smiled evilly towards him and slowly walked towards him.
Flyn kicked Hiei and he was sent to the wall. When he fell on the stadium's floor the referee raised his hand and announced that the poison warriors won the first match. Aya quickly went to Yusuke and Omi to Hiei, they brought the two towards Yuko who then held two cups in her hand. She gave it to Aya and Omi.
"You know what to do. If they do not seem to be better in a few minutes after drinking that bring them to the clinic but look for a nurse called Helluna. She's the only one that must treat them understand?"
"Yes princess. Good luck."
"Thank Momi kun. I'll try not to use too much energy on them."
With that she turned to Kurama who was waiting for her and she walked towards him. They nodded to each other and at the same time jumped unto the ring to face their opponent. Drex and Trex also jumped unto the ring landing exactly where they should be. They bowed to each other but before they could look up again Yuko moved her hands to stop three needles as Kurama moved to evade three as well. They looked at the two and they were smiling at them.
"It seems that we are with capable fighters."
"I am honored to fight with you princess but I extent my heart felt grief that I must kill you."
"Don't hold on that. Don't ever hold on that."
Yuko threw the needles on the floor and jumped backward as Kurama did the same. They conversed for a while and then looked at the twins. Yuko could easily distinguish Drex from Trex. Drex was five feet, ten inches tall while Trex was a few inches shorter. Drex had blue hair, pale skin with bright blue rings tattooed all over his body; he had dark violet eyes and always grins. Trex on the other hand had orange hair, tanned skin and light violet eyes and seems to be the serious one between the two. Drex was wearing white pants; a black cloth tied around his waist with blue cloth tied vertically around him and only wears a black cloth diagonally on his body clearly exposing the blue rings. Trex had the same outfit but there was no cloth dangling from his waist and the color of the cloth on his body was brown.
"I'll take Drex Kurama while you take Trex. Please be careful, the poisons they wield are fatal and as much as possible wound them enough to draw blood. I'm going to use the blood plant."
"Be careful as well, they'll be targeting you most of all, now that they know you are the princess."
"I'll take care."
Drex and Trex started the assault and to block it as well as Kurama Yuko pulled the cloth on her waist and used it to catch the needles they threw and threw it beside her. She rushed forward going after Drex, Trex was about to block her when Kurama appeared in front of him and kicked him to the side giving Yuko a clear path towards Drex. However Drex was waiting for her with five needles on his hand. When Yuko was a few inches away from him he threw it to her direction but Yuko jumped evading the needles and have more room for her attack. She pulled something from her hair and it stretched into the rose whip. She brought it down on Drex who jumped to evade it.
She rushed towards him and Drex in turn threw three needles in her direction. She evaded it but looking back it was headed straight for Kurama. Yuko turned around and changed her direction. She swept Kurama's legs causing him to fall and be missed by Trex's attack. Yuko had caught him and she sighed in relief. Kurama nodded towards her in gratitude and stood up again to continue fighting Trex. Yuko then stood up and got in the way of Drex's kick, she had let go of the whip and landed a far distance away from Kurama. The slight pain that shot through her body was bearable but the broken rib that was making her breath shallowly was posing a problem.
Kurama sensing the problem when Yuko was standing up pulled his rose whip and wrapped it around Drex's feet and pulled causing him to fall painfully on the floor. Trex then was able to punch Kurama sending him a few feet near Yuko. He turned towards Yuko and looked at her. Her breathing was shallow and she was growing a little pale.
"Are you all right?"
"I will be, buy me time to mend the broken rib. I can't breath well."
"I can hold them for a few minutes."
"That would be enough."
With that Yuko looked up as needles rained on them. She outstretched her left arm and a barrier appeared around the both of them stopping the needles and keeping them safe. When the needles fell Kurama rushed to the two of them pulling one of his plants and letting it battle for a while. He looked back at Yuko who was emitting a silver aura and had one hand on the floor. When he heard explosion he turned to his plant that was slowly withering and dying. Needles were coming his way and he jumped to evade them coming in the direction of Trex's kick.
"Why don't you fight like you should?"
"You're buying time for your lady friend aren't you?"
"It's none of your business."
"Whoa... Hey Trex go and kill the girl I'll keep fox boy busy."
"Good thinking Drex."
Drex kicked Kurama and threw enough needles for him to move backward a fair distance away from Yuko. Trex on the other hand slowly made his way towards Yuko who had her eyes closed, silver aura still around her and unknown to what was happening around her.
"Yuko!"
"Shut up!"
Drex sent a ki blast towards Kurama who blocked it with a wind attack. He sent another to confuse Drex and rushed towards Trex. Trex pulled three needles and when he was a few inches away from her and was about to throw it, branches seemed to grow in front of her, then they moved and bloomed. Trex was captivated with this that he did not notice the other branches making their way towards him. Kurama stopped when he saw the plant and backed away, smiling. He turned to Drex who was standing up and pulled a seed from his hair. He punched, kicked and finally pushed his hands into his chest, planting the seed unnoticed. Kurama turned to Trex and watched as the plant dug its roots into his skin, drinking his blood as it uses it to make it's flowers bloom. When Drex saw this he picked up the needles Trex had dropped and threw this between the gaps of the plant and had hit Yuko on the arm. Kurama felt the slow move of the poison as it made its way towards her heart. Drex then turned to him and smiled.
"I lose a brother, you lose a friend. We are even."
"No you are wrong."
Kurama emitted a red aura and slowly Drex felt the growth of the plant inside him. In a matter of seconds flower buds, leaves and flowers started coming out of his body, killing him, using his bodily fluids as the source of water. Kurama turned to Trex who was still suffering from the plant. He knew how slow the plant kills a victim and it knows how painful it is as well. He made his way towards the plant that seems to acknowledge his presence and opened a path towards Yuko. Yuko opened her eyes as Kurama kneeled to look at the needle. Her arm was slowly turning black and looking at Yuko, he knew she couldn't lift it. He pulled the needle off her arm and looked into her eyes.
"I'll be all right. I just need time."
"Ladies and gentlemen in the event that there is a tie breaker the captains of each team would then fight to decide the outcome of the match. May we call on Rynnette and Princess Yuko to move forward and acknowledge this."
"Yuko you can't fight in that condition."
"I'll be all right Kurama."
Yuko stood up just as the plant was opening its bud revealing a giant flower much like a rose but with the color violet. Yuko held on to her injured arm and seem to plant something in it. She closed her eyes to the pain as she made her way towards the center of the ring. She looked at Rynnette and then to the referee.
"Princess, the tie breaker would consist of a ten minute bout. Whoever is still standing between the two of you wins. Do you agree to these terms?"
"Yes I do."
"Referee do you think it wise to let the princess fight with an injured arm?"
"I am sorry Miss Rynnette but that decision lies completely to the fighter. If she or he wishes to fight even if he or she is injured it is accepted by the judges."
"Do not think Rynnette that because I am injured I am not anymore capable of fighting. I'll show you something to think about when I send you back to the metaworld as a wandering spirit."
"I'd love to see you try."
Yuko and Rynnette then bowed and walked away form each other to their respective sides. When Aya told Yuko that the two was all right now and resting it seemed to take some of the pain away but Yuko felt the dizziness come and with that she was a little worried. However she did not let the others see that instead she looked at the ring that was being cleaned. Kurama had helped in the uprooting of the blood plant since it seemed to want some more blood to feed on. When the ring was cleared Yuko jumped towards it and proceeded to go to the center. She bowed again to Rynnette and positioned herself in a stance. Rynnette on the other hand had stayed standing looking at her.
"Don't you feel dizzy right now?"
"What are you talking about?"
However in the instant she said it Yuko felt the dizziness increase and her surrounding seemed to swim around her.
"Oh no... Don't you think the poison is already coming near your heart? Slowly the toxins attacking the nervous system, causing you to be paralyzed."
At that instant Yuko couldn't move her body, nor can she breathe normally. However she felt the plant growing in her arm, she smiled to herself at that. She channeled her energy in putting enough ki on the plant to grow a little faster.
"Princess do you want me to show you something?"
Yuko was paralyzed on the spot and the moment Rynnette said those words the stadium turned into a dark room, its walls slowly dripping with blood. Yuko was able to close her eyes but the pain that was running inside her was so powerful it was taking her so much strength to push it away. She knew it was an illusion that Rynnette was putting up to confuse her. She felt the unmistakable feeling of a punch on her stomach, then a kick to her side. She opened her eyes as well as her mouth that has seemed to be full of blood. She was on the ring's floor looking at the feet that was slowly making it's way to her.
"I can't believe this, the princess seemed to be in a trance of some sort that could not make her move. She's in trouble ladies and gentlemen."
This was the comment of Yumiko as Yuko was being beaten inside the ring. Kurama bore the pain exploding through his body and his heart. Yuko was helpless out there and he couldn't help her. It slowly breaks his heart but he could not let them lose a battle because of that. Yuko could move a little now and she silently thanked her plant for the help. She watched as it grew slowly out her arm, she could see the poison in its leaves and she knew she could use them.
Rynnette was having much fun with the princess that could not even fight. She had sent her to oblivion where she wouldn't be able to escape. However fear gripped her when she saw her move a little but when she had stopped Rynnette went back to enjoying the fight that she had on her hands. She had sent the princess coughing blood and kneeling on the floor. She kneeled beside her and pulled her head up by her hair. With that movement she had a clear view of Kurama watching her. She smiled towards him and saw the worry covering his face as well as the other guardians. Rynnette seemed to notice her looking at them that she whispered these words with so much sweetness Yuko found her strength to break free from the trance.
"When I'm finished with you I'll kill them one by one but first I'd let that fox boy sleep with me before I kill him with your own bones."
With those words Yuko saw Kurama sleeping with Rynnette then being stabbed to death with a bone and her guardians were being killed in front of her, poisons administered to them and left to deteriorate inside the stadium. Rynnette had let her head fall back and with the force Yuko's head had hit the floor drawing blood from her temple. Silver aura surrounded Yuko and when Rynnette saw this she kicked her again sending her towards the edge of the ring. Rynnette looked up at the clock and saw that she had three more minutes to play with the princess.
Yuko slowly sat up from the edge when she was going to fall forward she used her hands to support her. Blood dripped down her face and from her body but they were not important to her at the moment. The poison was out of her system and the plant was blooming wonderfully on her arm. She pulled this out, her wound closing slowly when she did. She hid this inside her hand just as Rynnette pulled her head up again by her hair. This time she was standing up and by pulling her hair Yuko found herself half suspended towards the outside of the ring.
"So princess you still think you'd send me to the metaworld as a spirit?"
"Nothing had changed Rynnette, you will die. Nothing will change."
"So you say princess, so you say."
Rynnette had let her go and as she fell the plant in her hand stretched in a matter of seconds and holding on to it Yuko had pierced Rynnette's heart and saved herself because the plant had stretched so much it had dug unto the stadium's floor, keeping her suspended between Rynnette and the floor. She pulled herself up and jumped away from Rynnette landing on the center of the ring just as the timer erupted announcing the victory of their team. Yuko watched as the others ran towards her. She smiled towards them as she fell towards the floor, completely exhausted and drained. She had lost too much blood, her body had undergone too much torture, and she was surprised that her legs were still supporting her until she finally felt the change of her body and the fall she was in. She smiled as she saw her silver hair streaked with red blood...
They had won...