When the others caught up with Hiei, he was standing at Saiko's door, just standing there. They looked into Saiko's room. Everything was a wreck.
"Oh God… Saiko…" Yuske walked into the room. He looked around and found blood smeared on a wall and the carpet. "Saiko!" He collapsed to his knees. "Damn it! I failed! I couldn't keep my promise. I'll never forgive them…"
"Yuske?" The others asked.
"I met Saiko in the 1st grade. Back then, I was a scrawny little kid who couldn't do anything. I was always being picked on. Keiko was always laughing. Saiko helped me out, and the three of us became friends. She was always there for us. She could take out 5th graders in one punch. I promised that one day, I would be strong enough to protect her… and I've failed." Yuske slammed his fists into the ground. "I won't accept it! Keiko would never forgive me, and I'd never forgive myself… Koenma… were is that address?"
"You can't be thinking about going, Yuske. It's probably a trap, and they'd kill you." Koenma objected.
"I don't care. You're the one who's always sending me out on deadly missions, now that I actually want to go, you're going to stop me? Since when did you care about me, pacifier face?!" Yuske jumped to his feet. If you don't give it to me, I'll just go out and bring them to me." He threatened. Kurama placed a hand on Yuske's shoulder. "Not you too Kurama."
"No… I'm with you. Koenma, give us the address. It will be safer for us if we all go together. And we might be able to bring Saiko back." Kurama looked at the others. Kuwabara and Hiei both agreed. "Now, Koenma… hand over the address."
"Isn't this mutiny?" Koenma fished the address from his pocket. "If you die, I'll be laughing at you, Yuske."
"And than I'll just have to haunt you forever, won't I? Come on everyone, let's go!"
The team stopped outside a battered gray building. The windows were broken in and the walls were crumbling to dust.
"What is this place?" Yuske asked as he touched the rusty metal doors. As he lay his hand on it, the door fell in. "I guess they know we're here now, huh?"
"Stealthy, like a ninja… stealthy… ninja." Kuwabara was saying. The others looked at him in confusion. "…ninja…ninja… I am like the ninja…"
"O…kay… he's lost his mind. Come on guys. We have to rescue Saiko." Yuske stepped in through the open doorway. The others followed quickly.
"This looks like an old shipping company…" Kurama walked over to some dusty forklifts. "I wonder why it was abandoned… and all this equipment was left…" they heard soft laughter. "Who's there!?"
"Ahh… so the mighty spirit detective came after all… and he brought those treacherous dogs with him… Hmm? There are 4 of you? Interesting."
"Hey!" Kuwabara yelled into the heavy darkness from where the voice came.
"No matter. It won't help you much. Please, come. I hope you will find this all… most entertaining."
"Show yourself!" Yuske called. "I like to see my opponents before I beat them." Mocking laughter ensued Yuske's challenge.
"You think you can beat us? Very well then. I'm sure my brother's and sisters will be glad for the exercise. But first…" a light appeared. In the center of the light, the boys could see a cross.
"That's…"
"My God… You demons are cruel." They all stared in horror. Saiko was chained to the cross, her body completely limp.
"S…ai…ko…" Hiei murmured. "What did you do to her? Show yourself damn it!"
"Brother, this is the mighty Hiei? Please, don't make me laugh." A girls voice piped up. "I bet I could take on all 4 of them and be done with them all in a matter of moment. Let me fight first, brother!"
"Easy Ruby. I think It's time we showed ourselves. This is all well and good, but there is no challenge when they can't see us. Allow me to introduce my family." A light struck off to their right. There was a small girl standing there. Her red eyes flashed in anger. The light almost made her look invisible. Her red hair was cropped short.
"My name is Ruby. I will make you all pay for what our father did to us!" she screamed. A light struck to the left. A young boy stood there. His eyes were shaded by his green hair.
"I'm Emerald. While I believe in civility, I shall show none to the likes of you. Then, that wench will pay." He smiled at them from under his hair. Another light hit further up, closer to Saiko on the cross. The woman standing there had long, dark purple hair.
"I'm called Amethyst. I will enjoy hearing your lovely screams of agony in a symphony of pain." She laughed.
"Is it just me, or are they crazy?" Kuwabara asked softly.
"Crazy? Hardly!" A light flickered on opposite Amethyst. "Kurama, next time you try and kill someone, make sure they're dead! This time, I know your little trick, and I won't be caught off guard. Your years with the humans has made you soft. I demand a rematch!" Sapphire stood in the shallow pool of light.
"And now that you have met my siblings, allow me to introduce myself." A light turned on next to Saiko. There was a man sitting on top of a crane. He brushed back his red-black hair. "I'm Sardonyx. I make it a point to always have my family introduced…especially when they will be the ones who are going to kill you. What's say we make a game out of this, hmm? Seraph's life will be in the hands of the winner. What do you say?"
"Seraph?" Yuske asked.
"Ah… you don't know her real name. You call her… Saiko?" Sardonyx grinned widely at Yuske. "I think… It's time we got started… don't you?"
"Wait a moment. There are 5 of you, and 4 of us." Yuske pointed out. "Hardly fair teams for a game, don't you think?"
"You must be Yurameshi. I've heard so much about you. But I assure you not to worry. I will only fight if I must. The last person standing will decide her fate."
"Like we have a choice? Alright then… let's do this. Saiko! We're coming, so just hang tight." Yuske looked around at the shadows. "So, who's going to fight with me?"
"I will. I've wanted to see if what they say about you is true, detective." Amethyst stepped forward. "I hear you're not afraid to hit a girl… this I have to see. I will enjoy ripping you apart with my bare hands." Yuske smiled.
"Alright… Is this like a tournament, where we go rounds, or is it 4 fights at once?" Sardonyx thought a moment.
"Let's make this an all-out 4-way battle."
"Very well then. I have a score to settle with you, Sapphire. Come, we shall see if you can live through this round." Sapphire smiled.
"I won't be so foolish this time, now that I'm ready for you." Sapphire sneered. Hiei looked around. He took a step towards Emerald.
"Hiei! You're sword shall cross with mine. I alone will have the pleasure of killing you. That is, if you're as good as your reputation says." Ruby challenged. Hiei just smiled and drew his sword.
"Then that just leaves us I guess." Kuwabara looked over at Emerald. "Geeze, you don't look all that strong." Emerald scowled at Kuwabara. "Heh… you're actually kind of scrawny. I hope I don't break you…" Emerald charged at Kuwabara and punched him in the jaw. Kuwabara fell backwards.
"Looks can be deceiving. I suggest you not underestimate me." Emerald warned as he lunged towards Kuwabara again. Emerald ground his heel into Kuwabara stomach. He let out a loud, painful howl. The sound was enough to bring Saiko around. She wearily opened her eyes and looked around.
"…Where… am I now?" Saiko's eyes fell on the fighting down below her. It then dawned on her that her hands and feet were bound. She struggled a moment.
"So, Seraph… You finally woke up. You're just in time, too. Look down around you… You see your pathetic little friends? They had some strange idea that they could rescue you… foolish isn't is?" Sardonyx floated over to her.
"What's going on? Who are you?!" Sardonyx grabbed Saiko's face in both his hands and looked into her eyes.
"I am Sardonyx. Now, little sister… I want you to enjoy the show." Saiko's eyes widened in horror. She moved her eyes to look at the battle. She saw Yuske fire off his spirit gun. Saiko didn't know what to make of what was going on now. She watched the battles for a few long moments. Then, she couldn't take it anymore as she watched her friends get beaten. Sardonyx started laughing triumphantly.
"I didn't think they would be able to beat us. Those puny humans lasted longer then I thought though. Now…" He turned to Saiko. "How should I torture you? You were the one who sent the rest of us through countless pains. And for that, I'll never forgive you… Let me think… what would be fitting…"
"Hey! You should take a better look. We still have someone standing."
"Hiei!?" Saiko called as she watched him stagger to his feet. Hiei was badly wounded, and his blood was all over himself. "Hiei, don't do it… I don't want any of you hurt… please… give up and let him kill me if it will save you all." Hiei stared up at Saiko through a haze of blood.
"I can't." He said simply. "We've all come so far, and fought so hard. We can't give up now. And… who would continue our training." He smiled at her. "Hey, Sardonyx! Let Saiko go, now!"
"Isn't this interesting?" Sardonyx slowly descended to the ground. "You're hurt so much, and yet you still wish to fight me? If I didn't know better, I'd say you were in love with that whore." Hiei slowly turned his eyes back up to Saiko.
"Then you don't know better. Yes… I love her." Saiko and Sardonyx both gasped. "And I'd give my life to make sure she was safe." Sardonyx couldn't hold back his scornful laughter.
"You are quite the fool. Love…" Sardonyx glared at Hiei. "Then, let's get this over with, shall we?" Hiei tossed his sword away. "You think you can beat me with out your weapon? You're more foolish then I thought."
"I don't need my sword when I have something better." Hiei's white bandana slowly burned away, revealing his Jigan eye. Sardonyx burst into laughter.
"That eye… The Jigan eye… Hiei, do you really think that will help you beat me? The Jigan eye grants demons a shadow's power. And even still, it's hardly able to compare with a real shadow's power. I doubt you even know the extent of your eye's power. But, let's find out shall we?"
"Hiei! Don't do it… You'll be killed…" Saiko cried. But Hiei ignored her. His attention was focused back on Sardonyx.
"Ok, let's see what you've got. Give me your best shot…" Sardonyx pointed to his own chin, inviting Hiei's attack. Hiei grinned.
"You're a fool." He held his hand out. "Dragon… of the Darkness Flame!" Hiei held the attack in his hand. Sardonyx looked at Hiei in shock. "You see, I do know what the eye is capable of. And, I've become able to control it. So, are you ready to die?" Sardonyx grinned.
"You're dumber then I thought. Do you think such a pitiful attack will faze me? Let me show you a real attack. Are you ready? Dragon of the Dark Inferno!" Sardonyx held a monstrous attack in his hands. "Shall we see who's is stronger? Go ahead. Let me see it." Sardonyx mocked. Enraged, Hiei launched his attack… and stared in horror as his attack was absorbed into Sardonyx's attack.
"No way… It… It's not possible. How…" Sardonyx threw his attack at Hiei. It hit him square in the chest. Hiei cried out in agony.
"HIEI!!" Saiko screamed. Sardonyx turned back to Saiko.
"So, how should I kill you? Should I rip you apart slowly? Should I make you bleed to death? Hmm… Or should I…"
"Brother… I have a better idea." Sardonyx turned and saw Sapphire staggering over. "I have a much more painful way for her to die." Sardonyx raised an eyebrow at Sapphire.
"And what would that be?" Sapphire stepped aside, and standing there was Kurama. "Why don't we use him? He is fully under my control."
"You are truly evil." Sardonyx grinned. "A puppet master of the truest sense. I love it."
"K…Kurama… Kurama!" Saiko screamed.
"I saw we stand back and see what he is capable of doing, shall we?" Sapphire stepped away. "Why don't we reunite these two…?" Sardonyx nodded. He waved his hand and slowly Saiko was freed. The cross disappeared just before she hit the ground. Saiko stumbled to her feet.
"Kurama… please… Help them… get out of here." But Kurama didn't seem to hear. Instead, he pulled a rose from his sleeve. "Kurama?"
"Rose whip!" Kurama flung his whip out and hit Saiko across the cheek with the thorny whip. Saiko fell backwards. She pulled herself to her knees and looked at Kurama in disbelief.
"Kurama? What are you doing? Kurama?!" Kurama flung his whip out again and struck Saiko. She fell over with tears in her eyes.
"I'm enjoying this, Sapphire." Sardonyx grinned. "Very nice. Better then what I could have thought of." Kurama wrapped his whip around Saiko's neck. She was struggling against it as Kurama pulled it tighter. Saiko slowly struggled to her feet and looked at Kurama.
"This isn't… something you… would do… Please! Snap out of it…" Kurama jerked the whip back, pulling Saiko closer. He grabbed a fist full of her hair.
"I will kill you." Kurama said grimly. Saiko's eyes filled with tears.
"Ok. If that's what it will take to free you… Kill me now, and end everyone's suffering." Kurama loosened his whip from Saiko's throat. He glanced around and spotted Hiei's discarded sword. He flung his whip out and was able to snatch the sword up. He held the sword close to Saiko's stomach. "Do it, Kurama. Kill me." Kurama hesitated.
"Now my puppet! Kill her! End this torment inside of you. You hate her, she's caused you nothing but pain." Sapphire coaxed. "She must die."
"Kurama…!" Saiko pulled forward and kissed him as Kurama ran the sword through her stomach. She slowly staggered backwards. "…I'm…so sorry… everyone." Saiko slid from the sword onto the ground in a heap. She stared blankly ahead. "Kurama… … I… love…y…o…" And she was silent. Kurama stood there a moment in surprise. He looked at the blood that dripped from the sword he held, and looked at Saiko laying in her own blood.
"Sai…ko…" He murmured. "What… have I done?" Sapphire's control was slowly fading. Sapphire saw this and started to twist his magic a little. Some faint blue threads wrapped around Kurama and faded into his body. Kurama's eyes glazed over and he just stood, staring blankly ahead.
"What have you done?" Yuske was helping Hiei back to his feet. Kuwabara was standing behind them, holding his left shoulder. "You monster. What have you done to Kurama?" Yuske demanded.
"Oh? You're not dead yet? None of you are? But… how?" Sardonyx asked in shock. "There… there's no way. It's impossible."
"Clearly, you've underestimated us. We can't be beaten like that." Hiei grinned. "We've been though worse. And, apparently, you've been through a lot as well." Sardonyx looked at Hiei questioningly. "Yes… I've figured it out. Why you decided not to fight us. You're obviously the strongest… but… You let your brothers and sisters fight instead. Why? Because you're too wounded to fight us yourself."
"What?"
"Yes. It makes sense. Saiko hurt you when you came to take her away. The blood wasn't Saiko's, it was yours. She was unhurt until you made Kurama fight her, but your too weak. Your attack, your 'Dark Inferno,' showed your pain and weakness. You were only trying to buy time for yourself to heal. Now, you will have to fight with us."
"None of you are strong enough to win now. Even if I am wounded, I still have enough power to kill you… but, what would be the fun in that? Sapphire! I think we should test your puppets full power now. What do you think?" Sardonyx smiled.
"Yes. I think it's time we gave him a workout. Yes… it's time for you all to die." Sapphire started weaving a spell. Kurama turned to face his friends.
"Kurama?" Kuwabara asked. "I thought you were on our side. What's going on?"
"He's not the same demon you knew. He's ours now. Our little puppet." Sapphire beamed. "Marvelous, isn't it? I can't tell you how long it took me to perfect this technique. Now! Go kill them!" Kurama tossed Hiei's sword aside and held his whip ready to attack. The others started to run. Sapphire made Kurama to go after them one at a time. Kuwabara was the first target. Once Kurama snared his foot, it wasn't long before Kuwabara was crying out in pain. Kurama mercilessly beat Kuwabara until he lay limp and bleeding on the floor. Yuske looked back at them.
"Alright. Since this is how you're going to play things, I might as well start playing seriously. I'll kill you, Kurama… if I must." Yuske quickly checked his spirit gun. "And look, I even have a few shots left. So, are you ready to play?" Kurama turned to face Yuske.
"No… d…don't do it. Yuske." Everyone looked to see Saiko had pulled herself to her knees. She was looking at them through a mass of hair as she was slouched over, her hand over her bleeding stomach. The blood was spilling over her fingers and she was breathing hard. "Yuske…"
"You're ok! But how…" Yuske shook his head. "Saiko, it's the only way to get through this. I'll fight him, and save us all."
"No! … I… I won't let you." Saiko slowly tried to stand up. After a few failed attempt, she was standing weakly, hunched over in pain. "To win… we have to hit… the source." She looked at Sardonyx. "I'll … I'll kill you, Sardonyx. I will be the one you will fight."
"Saiko! No… You…"
"That's enough Yuske!" She snapped. "I haven't forgotten how to fight…" She stood a little taller. Already, Yuske saw visible beads of sweat on her face.
"You're not strong enough."
"You don't know that, Yuske. I can beat him. Sardonyx! What do you think?" Saiko looked at the shocked demon.
"I think you're foolish, and have a very strong death wish. But, I can see where this could make things easier."
"Right. If you win, you'll kill me, and be rid of me forever. But, if I win, you, and your family will leave us all alone. I don't ever want to hear about or see you ever again."
"Agreeable."
"And, no matter what, I want you to leave the others out of this. They should never have gotten involved in the first place. Let them go. They will not interfere." She shot a sharp glance over at her friends.
"We will be keeping this traitor… Kurama until the end of the fight… as insurance that the others don't try anything." Sardonyx said.
"Agreed."
"Then, shall we get started?" Sardonyx crouched down, ready to spring into action at any moment. Saiko prepared herself to fight. Everyone could see the pain on Saiko's face. She had a hand pressed tightly over her wound. Blood was spilling out between her fingers. Sardonyx grinned. "You're in no condition to fight. You were stupid to challenge me. This will be to easy." Saiko started to sway a little. Sardonyx saw this and charged. Saiko swiftly dodged and punched Sardonyx in the nose. He stumbled back a little.
"You should never underestimate me." Saiko warned.
"You're losing so much blood. You won't last long. … But I know now that I have to keep my distance. I'll finish this quickly, that way, you're friends won't have to watch you bleed to death. Dragon! Of the Dark Inferno!" Saiko gasped.
("What now? I…I can't beat that…") Saiko felt a strange power envelop her as she watched Sardonyx prepare his attack. Then, everything was different. She was no longer in the old building, rather, she found herself standing on a beach. There was no sign of Sardonyx or the other shadow demons, nor were her friends here. As Saiko looked around, she realized that it looked like there was no one at all here but her. "Where am I? … I'm not dead yet… right?" Saiko didn't know who she was trying to talk to, but the sound of a voice, even her own, made the lonely silence seem less oppressive.
"Saiko…" A voice called to her. Saiko looked around, but still saw no one. A light fog rolled over the water. "Saiko…"
"Who are you? … Where are you?" A hand touched her shoulder and Saiko screamed. She turned around and was looking at a tall woman. She had long, bright platinum-blond hair, and bright, light blue eyes. She smiled at Saiko.
"My name is Shio." Saiko just stared at her. "…I'm… your mother."
"No way. You can't be…" Saiko seemed to stop herself, and looked away ashamed.
"I'm sorry, Saiko. I can understand you're not wanting to believe me."
"No… it's not that. So many things have happened recently, I do believe you. And, I can see it in your eyes that you're not lying… not just your eyes, I can see it in everything about you. I know that I look like you, at least, a little." Shio smiled.
"I see… and, you must hate me… and Kage."
"Kage?"
"I broke the rules of the sirens, and I fell in love… with a demon."
"So, Kage.. was he, a shadow demon? … My father perhaps?" Shio blushed and turned away. "I see. I hope you realize that Kage's other children are angry with me because he spent time searching for me… Now that I think about it, I have so many questions for you. … Starting with where we are, and how I got here."
"I had a feeling you would ask that. To make it short, we're in your mind… and my mind. You haven't left the battle yet. And don't worry, time is different here. Nothing will be different when you go back to the reality of the fight. I brought us here so I could help you. Those demons… they aren't really Kage's children… not anymore at least." Saiko didn't understand. Shio tried to think about how to explain it. "I guess, to put it simply, they're possessed. Or rather, they don't have control over themselves anymore. Someone, somewhere is controlling them. You have to beat that person before you can save them, and your self. You have to keep safe if you're too…"
"I… I don't care what happens to me. I want to protect my friends. I know that if I die now, they'll be in danger. I don't trust the words of those demons. Please! I have to go back and protect them!" Shio looked at Saiko with compassion.
"You're strong. But, you know you must be stronger. You'll have to be able to reach into your powers… those of the shadow within you." Saiko nodded. "And… maybe the powers of a siren will be of use to you also."
"Tell me what to do."
"As a siren, you have a strong ability with the emotions. Those of love, and hate. Trust and deceit. Those aspects of life can be most powerful, however, I don't know how you're demonic side will affect those powers. I… I'm afraid I can't really tell you anything about what to do."
"Then, this was a waist of… no… what am I thinking? You gave me a chance to win, and I know what I have to do, if not how. But I swear, I will be the one to free those poor souls. Now, send me back."
"Oh God… Saiko…" Yuske walked into the room. He looked around and found blood smeared on a wall and the carpet. "Saiko!" He collapsed to his knees. "Damn it! I failed! I couldn't keep my promise. I'll never forgive them…"
"Yuske?" The others asked.
"I met Saiko in the 1st grade. Back then, I was a scrawny little kid who couldn't do anything. I was always being picked on. Keiko was always laughing. Saiko helped me out, and the three of us became friends. She was always there for us. She could take out 5th graders in one punch. I promised that one day, I would be strong enough to protect her… and I've failed." Yuske slammed his fists into the ground. "I won't accept it! Keiko would never forgive me, and I'd never forgive myself… Koenma… were is that address?"
"You can't be thinking about going, Yuske. It's probably a trap, and they'd kill you." Koenma objected.
"I don't care. You're the one who's always sending me out on deadly missions, now that I actually want to go, you're going to stop me? Since when did you care about me, pacifier face?!" Yuske jumped to his feet. If you don't give it to me, I'll just go out and bring them to me." He threatened. Kurama placed a hand on Yuske's shoulder. "Not you too Kurama."
"No… I'm with you. Koenma, give us the address. It will be safer for us if we all go together. And we might be able to bring Saiko back." Kurama looked at the others. Kuwabara and Hiei both agreed. "Now, Koenma… hand over the address."
"Isn't this mutiny?" Koenma fished the address from his pocket. "If you die, I'll be laughing at you, Yuske."
"And than I'll just have to haunt you forever, won't I? Come on everyone, let's go!"
The team stopped outside a battered gray building. The windows were broken in and the walls were crumbling to dust.
"What is this place?" Yuske asked as he touched the rusty metal doors. As he lay his hand on it, the door fell in. "I guess they know we're here now, huh?"
"Stealthy, like a ninja… stealthy… ninja." Kuwabara was saying. The others looked at him in confusion. "…ninja…ninja… I am like the ninja…"
"O…kay… he's lost his mind. Come on guys. We have to rescue Saiko." Yuske stepped in through the open doorway. The others followed quickly.
"This looks like an old shipping company…" Kurama walked over to some dusty forklifts. "I wonder why it was abandoned… and all this equipment was left…" they heard soft laughter. "Who's there!?"
"Ahh… so the mighty spirit detective came after all… and he brought those treacherous dogs with him… Hmm? There are 4 of you? Interesting."
"Hey!" Kuwabara yelled into the heavy darkness from where the voice came.
"No matter. It won't help you much. Please, come. I hope you will find this all… most entertaining."
"Show yourself!" Yuske called. "I like to see my opponents before I beat them." Mocking laughter ensued Yuske's challenge.
"You think you can beat us? Very well then. I'm sure my brother's and sisters will be glad for the exercise. But first…" a light appeared. In the center of the light, the boys could see a cross.
"That's…"
"My God… You demons are cruel." They all stared in horror. Saiko was chained to the cross, her body completely limp.
"S…ai…ko…" Hiei murmured. "What did you do to her? Show yourself damn it!"
"Brother, this is the mighty Hiei? Please, don't make me laugh." A girls voice piped up. "I bet I could take on all 4 of them and be done with them all in a matter of moment. Let me fight first, brother!"
"Easy Ruby. I think It's time we showed ourselves. This is all well and good, but there is no challenge when they can't see us. Allow me to introduce my family." A light struck off to their right. There was a small girl standing there. Her red eyes flashed in anger. The light almost made her look invisible. Her red hair was cropped short.
"My name is Ruby. I will make you all pay for what our father did to us!" she screamed. A light struck to the left. A young boy stood there. His eyes were shaded by his green hair.
"I'm Emerald. While I believe in civility, I shall show none to the likes of you. Then, that wench will pay." He smiled at them from under his hair. Another light hit further up, closer to Saiko on the cross. The woman standing there had long, dark purple hair.
"I'm called Amethyst. I will enjoy hearing your lovely screams of agony in a symphony of pain." She laughed.
"Is it just me, or are they crazy?" Kuwabara asked softly.
"Crazy? Hardly!" A light flickered on opposite Amethyst. "Kurama, next time you try and kill someone, make sure they're dead! This time, I know your little trick, and I won't be caught off guard. Your years with the humans has made you soft. I demand a rematch!" Sapphire stood in the shallow pool of light.
"And now that you have met my siblings, allow me to introduce myself." A light turned on next to Saiko. There was a man sitting on top of a crane. He brushed back his red-black hair. "I'm Sardonyx. I make it a point to always have my family introduced…especially when they will be the ones who are going to kill you. What's say we make a game out of this, hmm? Seraph's life will be in the hands of the winner. What do you say?"
"Seraph?" Yuske asked.
"Ah… you don't know her real name. You call her… Saiko?" Sardonyx grinned widely at Yuske. "I think… It's time we got started… don't you?"
"Wait a moment. There are 5 of you, and 4 of us." Yuske pointed out. "Hardly fair teams for a game, don't you think?"
"You must be Yurameshi. I've heard so much about you. But I assure you not to worry. I will only fight if I must. The last person standing will decide her fate."
"Like we have a choice? Alright then… let's do this. Saiko! We're coming, so just hang tight." Yuske looked around at the shadows. "So, who's going to fight with me?"
"I will. I've wanted to see if what they say about you is true, detective." Amethyst stepped forward. "I hear you're not afraid to hit a girl… this I have to see. I will enjoy ripping you apart with my bare hands." Yuske smiled.
"Alright… Is this like a tournament, where we go rounds, or is it 4 fights at once?" Sardonyx thought a moment.
"Let's make this an all-out 4-way battle."
"Very well then. I have a score to settle with you, Sapphire. Come, we shall see if you can live through this round." Sapphire smiled.
"I won't be so foolish this time, now that I'm ready for you." Sapphire sneered. Hiei looked around. He took a step towards Emerald.
"Hiei! You're sword shall cross with mine. I alone will have the pleasure of killing you. That is, if you're as good as your reputation says." Ruby challenged. Hiei just smiled and drew his sword.
"Then that just leaves us I guess." Kuwabara looked over at Emerald. "Geeze, you don't look all that strong." Emerald scowled at Kuwabara. "Heh… you're actually kind of scrawny. I hope I don't break you…" Emerald charged at Kuwabara and punched him in the jaw. Kuwabara fell backwards.
"Looks can be deceiving. I suggest you not underestimate me." Emerald warned as he lunged towards Kuwabara again. Emerald ground his heel into Kuwabara stomach. He let out a loud, painful howl. The sound was enough to bring Saiko around. She wearily opened her eyes and looked around.
"…Where… am I now?" Saiko's eyes fell on the fighting down below her. It then dawned on her that her hands and feet were bound. She struggled a moment.
"So, Seraph… You finally woke up. You're just in time, too. Look down around you… You see your pathetic little friends? They had some strange idea that they could rescue you… foolish isn't is?" Sardonyx floated over to her.
"What's going on? Who are you?!" Sardonyx grabbed Saiko's face in both his hands and looked into her eyes.
"I am Sardonyx. Now, little sister… I want you to enjoy the show." Saiko's eyes widened in horror. She moved her eyes to look at the battle. She saw Yuske fire off his spirit gun. Saiko didn't know what to make of what was going on now. She watched the battles for a few long moments. Then, she couldn't take it anymore as she watched her friends get beaten. Sardonyx started laughing triumphantly.
"I didn't think they would be able to beat us. Those puny humans lasted longer then I thought though. Now…" He turned to Saiko. "How should I torture you? You were the one who sent the rest of us through countless pains. And for that, I'll never forgive you… Let me think… what would be fitting…"
"Hey! You should take a better look. We still have someone standing."
"Hiei!?" Saiko called as she watched him stagger to his feet. Hiei was badly wounded, and his blood was all over himself. "Hiei, don't do it… I don't want any of you hurt… please… give up and let him kill me if it will save you all." Hiei stared up at Saiko through a haze of blood.
"I can't." He said simply. "We've all come so far, and fought so hard. We can't give up now. And… who would continue our training." He smiled at her. "Hey, Sardonyx! Let Saiko go, now!"
"Isn't this interesting?" Sardonyx slowly descended to the ground. "You're hurt so much, and yet you still wish to fight me? If I didn't know better, I'd say you were in love with that whore." Hiei slowly turned his eyes back up to Saiko.
"Then you don't know better. Yes… I love her." Saiko and Sardonyx both gasped. "And I'd give my life to make sure she was safe." Sardonyx couldn't hold back his scornful laughter.
"You are quite the fool. Love…" Sardonyx glared at Hiei. "Then, let's get this over with, shall we?" Hiei tossed his sword away. "You think you can beat me with out your weapon? You're more foolish then I thought."
"I don't need my sword when I have something better." Hiei's white bandana slowly burned away, revealing his Jigan eye. Sardonyx burst into laughter.
"That eye… The Jigan eye… Hiei, do you really think that will help you beat me? The Jigan eye grants demons a shadow's power. And even still, it's hardly able to compare with a real shadow's power. I doubt you even know the extent of your eye's power. But, let's find out shall we?"
"Hiei! Don't do it… You'll be killed…" Saiko cried. But Hiei ignored her. His attention was focused back on Sardonyx.
"Ok, let's see what you've got. Give me your best shot…" Sardonyx pointed to his own chin, inviting Hiei's attack. Hiei grinned.
"You're a fool." He held his hand out. "Dragon… of the Darkness Flame!" Hiei held the attack in his hand. Sardonyx looked at Hiei in shock. "You see, I do know what the eye is capable of. And, I've become able to control it. So, are you ready to die?" Sardonyx grinned.
"You're dumber then I thought. Do you think such a pitiful attack will faze me? Let me show you a real attack. Are you ready? Dragon of the Dark Inferno!" Sardonyx held a monstrous attack in his hands. "Shall we see who's is stronger? Go ahead. Let me see it." Sardonyx mocked. Enraged, Hiei launched his attack… and stared in horror as his attack was absorbed into Sardonyx's attack.
"No way… It… It's not possible. How…" Sardonyx threw his attack at Hiei. It hit him square in the chest. Hiei cried out in agony.
"HIEI!!" Saiko screamed. Sardonyx turned back to Saiko.
"So, how should I kill you? Should I rip you apart slowly? Should I make you bleed to death? Hmm… Or should I…"
"Brother… I have a better idea." Sardonyx turned and saw Sapphire staggering over. "I have a much more painful way for her to die." Sardonyx raised an eyebrow at Sapphire.
"And what would that be?" Sapphire stepped aside, and standing there was Kurama. "Why don't we use him? He is fully under my control."
"You are truly evil." Sardonyx grinned. "A puppet master of the truest sense. I love it."
"K…Kurama… Kurama!" Saiko screamed.
"I saw we stand back and see what he is capable of doing, shall we?" Sapphire stepped away. "Why don't we reunite these two…?" Sardonyx nodded. He waved his hand and slowly Saiko was freed. The cross disappeared just before she hit the ground. Saiko stumbled to her feet.
"Kurama… please… Help them… get out of here." But Kurama didn't seem to hear. Instead, he pulled a rose from his sleeve. "Kurama?"
"Rose whip!" Kurama flung his whip out and hit Saiko across the cheek with the thorny whip. Saiko fell backwards. She pulled herself to her knees and looked at Kurama in disbelief.
"Kurama? What are you doing? Kurama?!" Kurama flung his whip out again and struck Saiko. She fell over with tears in her eyes.
"I'm enjoying this, Sapphire." Sardonyx grinned. "Very nice. Better then what I could have thought of." Kurama wrapped his whip around Saiko's neck. She was struggling against it as Kurama pulled it tighter. Saiko slowly struggled to her feet and looked at Kurama.
"This isn't… something you… would do… Please! Snap out of it…" Kurama jerked the whip back, pulling Saiko closer. He grabbed a fist full of her hair.
"I will kill you." Kurama said grimly. Saiko's eyes filled with tears.
"Ok. If that's what it will take to free you… Kill me now, and end everyone's suffering." Kurama loosened his whip from Saiko's throat. He glanced around and spotted Hiei's discarded sword. He flung his whip out and was able to snatch the sword up. He held the sword close to Saiko's stomach. "Do it, Kurama. Kill me." Kurama hesitated.
"Now my puppet! Kill her! End this torment inside of you. You hate her, she's caused you nothing but pain." Sapphire coaxed. "She must die."
"Kurama…!" Saiko pulled forward and kissed him as Kurama ran the sword through her stomach. She slowly staggered backwards. "…I'm…so sorry… everyone." Saiko slid from the sword onto the ground in a heap. She stared blankly ahead. "Kurama… … I… love…y…o…" And she was silent. Kurama stood there a moment in surprise. He looked at the blood that dripped from the sword he held, and looked at Saiko laying in her own blood.
"Sai…ko…" He murmured. "What… have I done?" Sapphire's control was slowly fading. Sapphire saw this and started to twist his magic a little. Some faint blue threads wrapped around Kurama and faded into his body. Kurama's eyes glazed over and he just stood, staring blankly ahead.
"What have you done?" Yuske was helping Hiei back to his feet. Kuwabara was standing behind them, holding his left shoulder. "You monster. What have you done to Kurama?" Yuske demanded.
"Oh? You're not dead yet? None of you are? But… how?" Sardonyx asked in shock. "There… there's no way. It's impossible."
"Clearly, you've underestimated us. We can't be beaten like that." Hiei grinned. "We've been though worse. And, apparently, you've been through a lot as well." Sardonyx looked at Hiei questioningly. "Yes… I've figured it out. Why you decided not to fight us. You're obviously the strongest… but… You let your brothers and sisters fight instead. Why? Because you're too wounded to fight us yourself."
"What?"
"Yes. It makes sense. Saiko hurt you when you came to take her away. The blood wasn't Saiko's, it was yours. She was unhurt until you made Kurama fight her, but your too weak. Your attack, your 'Dark Inferno,' showed your pain and weakness. You were only trying to buy time for yourself to heal. Now, you will have to fight with us."
"None of you are strong enough to win now. Even if I am wounded, I still have enough power to kill you… but, what would be the fun in that? Sapphire! I think we should test your puppets full power now. What do you think?" Sardonyx smiled.
"Yes. I think it's time we gave him a workout. Yes… it's time for you all to die." Sapphire started weaving a spell. Kurama turned to face his friends.
"Kurama?" Kuwabara asked. "I thought you were on our side. What's going on?"
"He's not the same demon you knew. He's ours now. Our little puppet." Sapphire beamed. "Marvelous, isn't it? I can't tell you how long it took me to perfect this technique. Now! Go kill them!" Kurama tossed Hiei's sword aside and held his whip ready to attack. The others started to run. Sapphire made Kurama to go after them one at a time. Kuwabara was the first target. Once Kurama snared his foot, it wasn't long before Kuwabara was crying out in pain. Kurama mercilessly beat Kuwabara until he lay limp and bleeding on the floor. Yuske looked back at them.
"Alright. Since this is how you're going to play things, I might as well start playing seriously. I'll kill you, Kurama… if I must." Yuske quickly checked his spirit gun. "And look, I even have a few shots left. So, are you ready to play?" Kurama turned to face Yuske.
"No… d…don't do it. Yuske." Everyone looked to see Saiko had pulled herself to her knees. She was looking at them through a mass of hair as she was slouched over, her hand over her bleeding stomach. The blood was spilling over her fingers and she was breathing hard. "Yuske…"
"You're ok! But how…" Yuske shook his head. "Saiko, it's the only way to get through this. I'll fight him, and save us all."
"No! … I… I won't let you." Saiko slowly tried to stand up. After a few failed attempt, she was standing weakly, hunched over in pain. "To win… we have to hit… the source." She looked at Sardonyx. "I'll … I'll kill you, Sardonyx. I will be the one you will fight."
"Saiko! No… You…"
"That's enough Yuske!" She snapped. "I haven't forgotten how to fight…" She stood a little taller. Already, Yuske saw visible beads of sweat on her face.
"You're not strong enough."
"You don't know that, Yuske. I can beat him. Sardonyx! What do you think?" Saiko looked at the shocked demon.
"I think you're foolish, and have a very strong death wish. But, I can see where this could make things easier."
"Right. If you win, you'll kill me, and be rid of me forever. But, if I win, you, and your family will leave us all alone. I don't ever want to hear about or see you ever again."
"Agreeable."
"And, no matter what, I want you to leave the others out of this. They should never have gotten involved in the first place. Let them go. They will not interfere." She shot a sharp glance over at her friends.
"We will be keeping this traitor… Kurama until the end of the fight… as insurance that the others don't try anything." Sardonyx said.
"Agreed."
"Then, shall we get started?" Sardonyx crouched down, ready to spring into action at any moment. Saiko prepared herself to fight. Everyone could see the pain on Saiko's face. She had a hand pressed tightly over her wound. Blood was spilling out between her fingers. Sardonyx grinned. "You're in no condition to fight. You were stupid to challenge me. This will be to easy." Saiko started to sway a little. Sardonyx saw this and charged. Saiko swiftly dodged and punched Sardonyx in the nose. He stumbled back a little.
"You should never underestimate me." Saiko warned.
"You're losing so much blood. You won't last long. … But I know now that I have to keep my distance. I'll finish this quickly, that way, you're friends won't have to watch you bleed to death. Dragon! Of the Dark Inferno!" Saiko gasped.
("What now? I…I can't beat that…") Saiko felt a strange power envelop her as she watched Sardonyx prepare his attack. Then, everything was different. She was no longer in the old building, rather, she found herself standing on a beach. There was no sign of Sardonyx or the other shadow demons, nor were her friends here. As Saiko looked around, she realized that it looked like there was no one at all here but her. "Where am I? … I'm not dead yet… right?" Saiko didn't know who she was trying to talk to, but the sound of a voice, even her own, made the lonely silence seem less oppressive.
"Saiko…" A voice called to her. Saiko looked around, but still saw no one. A light fog rolled over the water. "Saiko…"
"Who are you? … Where are you?" A hand touched her shoulder and Saiko screamed. She turned around and was looking at a tall woman. She had long, bright platinum-blond hair, and bright, light blue eyes. She smiled at Saiko.
"My name is Shio." Saiko just stared at her. "…I'm… your mother."
"No way. You can't be…" Saiko seemed to stop herself, and looked away ashamed.
"I'm sorry, Saiko. I can understand you're not wanting to believe me."
"No… it's not that. So many things have happened recently, I do believe you. And, I can see it in your eyes that you're not lying… not just your eyes, I can see it in everything about you. I know that I look like you, at least, a little." Shio smiled.
"I see… and, you must hate me… and Kage."
"Kage?"
"I broke the rules of the sirens, and I fell in love… with a demon."
"So, Kage.. was he, a shadow demon? … My father perhaps?" Shio blushed and turned away. "I see. I hope you realize that Kage's other children are angry with me because he spent time searching for me… Now that I think about it, I have so many questions for you. … Starting with where we are, and how I got here."
"I had a feeling you would ask that. To make it short, we're in your mind… and my mind. You haven't left the battle yet. And don't worry, time is different here. Nothing will be different when you go back to the reality of the fight. I brought us here so I could help you. Those demons… they aren't really Kage's children… not anymore at least." Saiko didn't understand. Shio tried to think about how to explain it. "I guess, to put it simply, they're possessed. Or rather, they don't have control over themselves anymore. Someone, somewhere is controlling them. You have to beat that person before you can save them, and your self. You have to keep safe if you're too…"
"I… I don't care what happens to me. I want to protect my friends. I know that if I die now, they'll be in danger. I don't trust the words of those demons. Please! I have to go back and protect them!" Shio looked at Saiko with compassion.
"You're strong. But, you know you must be stronger. You'll have to be able to reach into your powers… those of the shadow within you." Saiko nodded. "And… maybe the powers of a siren will be of use to you also."
"Tell me what to do."
"As a siren, you have a strong ability with the emotions. Those of love, and hate. Trust and deceit. Those aspects of life can be most powerful, however, I don't know how you're demonic side will affect those powers. I… I'm afraid I can't really tell you anything about what to do."
"Then, this was a waist of… no… what am I thinking? You gave me a chance to win, and I know what I have to do, if not how. But I swear, I will be the one to free those poor souls. Now, send me back."