-Tricked-
-------------------------------------------------
Chapter 17 - Fighting For Life
-------------------------------------------------
Botan carefully chose her steps. She stood, facing him. Every moment felt like an eternity to her. She bit her lip and remembered all she had been taught. Her gaze moved to her teacher, Hiei. He was standing there, his arms crossed, his eyes narrowed, and his distrustful gaze on Gonshiro. Jin and Touya seemed to be interested. The last time the Urameshi Team fought, Genkai was in there. She wasn't now, though. Botan was.
"Damn." Botan cursed herself under her breath. She sent a glare to the ref., waiting. The match began and Botan didn't hesitate to attack. She drew her katana and jumped forward. She could tell she was going to have a problem with this one. She got kicked in the back and bit her lip, resisting the urge to cry out. She turned it into an attack and rolled back onto her feet, using a spring in her step to leap forward faster. She gave him a small cut on his leg. If she got him in the leg then that should slow him down. He brought his leg up and kneed her in the stomach. She felt the wind being knocked out of her. She fell but got back on her feet as quickly as she was able.
"Come on, girl. Is this the best you got?" She smirked.
"No, I'm just warming up." She put her palm on the blade of her katana and stared at him. She frowned then leaped forward. She drew the edges of the blade across her soft skin. She felt it penetrate. She swung downward when she was above him. He had no time to run or to dodge. He was hit in the chest. She felt it penetrate his skin. She heard the sickening scream as she was throw off him. She pulled her weapon with her and landed on one knee. She put her uninjured hand on the ground, the katana hitting the ring.
"You.." Gonshiro fell forward, into the dark red puddle of his blood. She knew it was over. There was no way he would ever move without someone moving him.
"And Botan wins the match!" The ten count had been successful, that much was clear. Botan stood up, some of her long, cerulean blue locks falling from her ponytail. She looked over at her team. She had not failed them after all. Her profile looked pretty, Kurama noticed. She had a certain defiance showing in her eyes. It was as if she were inviting them to fight her and lose.
-------------------------------------------------
They won their first fight and got to sit in a small room and bandage their wounds. Botan simply wrapped both of her hands in the medical tape they provided. Other than two huge bruises, one on her back and one on her stomach, beside the soreness.
"I'm fine, I already told you." She glared at Kurama and Keiko. They were fussing over her. Yuusuke gave her a proud grin and put his hand on her shoulder.
"You did really good out there." He said softly. She smiled. "I can tell you tried really hard. The match didn't last all that long, but it was good to see you fight. Good to know that you can really protect yourself in future battles."
"Yes." Kurama agreed. His gaze went to her. He stared into her eyes. "These will be very dangerous battles and you know it. Take careful measures and do not play games out there. Sometimes it may be necessary, but avoid it. As much as you can."
"Okay." She wanted to get off the depressing subject of dangerous battles and get their minds from the stress. "Let's go watch the fights." They nodded and went to go and watch up on one of the balconies. "How fast do you think these will go?"
"They usually do not last long." Hiei answered with a shrug. "You should know."
"But you know a lot more than I do about fighters when looking at them." She said with a frown. He looked over at her.
"With all that fighting instinct, figure it out yourself." She glared at him and crossed her arms.
"Just watch their speed, their fighting style, and the looks of their strength." Kurama said in a playful tone, teasing Hiei. Her mentor would not tell her, but he will.
"Nicely spoiled, Kurama." Hiei commented.
"Thank you." Hiei snorted. "Besides, she needs to know." Botan enjoyed watching the friends fight. They weren't as hostile as Kuwabara and Yuusuke, which was really surprising. Demons are usually more hostile than humans. In fact, Kurama and Hiei's bickering sounded more playful and teasing. Hiei's wasn't by voice but it was intentionally.
-------------------------------------------------
Kurama chewed on his lower lip in anticipation. The dice fell to the ground.
"And it will be.. Kurama versus Yoshino." The two fighters exchanged glances. They stepped into the ring. Kurama could tell this wouldn't be quick and easy. There was something about that man that intrigued him. It curved his interest.
"Let the match begin!" The crowd roared, waiting to see more fighting. Yoshino began, being swifter than any of Kurama's previous opponents. He dodged the attack, trying to test out the feel of the man's spirit energy. He couldn't exactly grasp it. He felt a stinging sensation on his back. He hit the ground but got back up. He pulled his rose whip from his hair and lashed out. He could feel the intense silence, rather than hear it. His heart pounded in his ears. He saw his opponent, who moved out of the way of the whip with skill and precision.
"Damn.." He was going to have more problems than he first thought. It was as if Yoshino could read his every move, calculate his every attack to the last centimeter. He was growing nervous. He looked around, searching. Finally, he hit where the demon was supposed to go. He only scratched the demon's arm. It was a better injury than nothing, but it wasn't enough. He closed his eyes and focused. He could feel the demon approaching him from behind. Two cries pierced the silence. Yoshino's and Kurama's. Kurama had gotten him with another rose vine from his hair but had gotten severely wounded by the man's spirit attack. He heard someone shouted. He couldn't make out the words, nor the voice.
"Kurama!" Botan was frantic. She saw him waver on his feet and stumble around. She felt someone's arm around her. Yuusuke held her back. She felt a tear roll down her cheek. Trails of blood followed Kurama. Yoshino wasn't much better. He had been pierced right through the right shoulder and he had staggered, causing the vine to slice to the left. He panted. They were both fighting for their lives. Kurama saw red. He blinked. Blood was running into his eyes. He felt numb. No pain. He couldn't stand and he knew that. He slouched, feeling a zap of pain run right up his spine. He fell on one knee and looked up. He saw Yoshino regain some control. He lashed out with his whip. It struck and hit him. The demon staggered again. Kurama winced from the use of his arm. He was starting to feel the effects of the pain. Yoshino's spirit blast must've drained him. It had to be big enough to engulf him and wound him all over.
"This doesn't look good at all." Kuwabara mumbled. Yoshino fell flat out and struggled to get up. He supported himself with his hands. Blood dripped down from his chest and he clutched his wound.
"No, it doesn't." Botan bit her lip worriedly. She wanted to look away. So badly. Only she couldn't tear her gaze away from the gruesome sight. Kurama struggled to get to his feet. He stumbled a little but still stood. Yoshino smirked.
"I.. haven't had a.. challenge in a long time.." He winced. He rose to his feet. Kurama could clearly see that he wouldn't stand another attack. That was the hardest part. Kurama couldn't either. If he got hit again, he doubted he would be able to get up.
"Neither.. have I." He smirked back. They both stood there, the puddles of blood under them growing with each passing moment. Blood dripped from Kurama's face and his hands.
"This is growing increasingly beautiful." Koto said, her tail wagging slightly in excitement. "What will happen next?" Kurama lifted his arm, trying not to show any signs of pain as he did so. He lashed out and hit Yoshino, who fell, not caring at all if he died. He had found someone stronger. It was his goal. He let out his last breath and then all was black. He was out of pain. Not Kurama, however. Juri checked a pulse. Koto and Juri were announcing for this tournament.
"There doesn't seem to be any reason to take a ten count, seeing as though he's dead." She paused. "Kurama is the winner. Please update the scores." Kurama wavered and looked tipsy as he went over to the edge of the ring. Botan, Hiei, Kuwabara, and Yuusuke were there waiting for him; ready to help him down.
"Kurama-kun, I swear, I'm going to kill you when you heal."
"Gee, thanks, Botan." He said weakly, collapsing against her. It was Hiei's turn to battle. Botan set Kurama down on the grass and kneeled next to him, holding him. She had tears of relief and concern shining in her eyes. She was still worried. Just because he was out of the battle, did not mean he couldn't die from his injuries. She was covered in his blood, but she didn't care to notice. Her eyes roamed over his inuries. She could see half of them or tell where they were. He was covered in blood. His breathing was labored. She feared this was the biggest battle for his life.
She knew this was his battle for life.
-------------------------------------------------
-Sorry for the long delay. ^^; I had to delete a lot of scenes and rewrite them in order to get them to the way I wanted. In fact, not all of it turned out exactly the way I wanted.. oh well. I think it looks good anyway. I tried to make it exciting.. y'know, the kind of on-the-edge-of- your-seat excitement. Doubtful.-
Lil Drowned One - Glad you like!
kuramafangrl4eva - Aww, thanks. These good reviews push me on. If not for these reviews, this fic might have died a while ago.
jaded image - You know, I agree. More guys should have better manners and be sweet. But, hey, *shrugs* who am I to judge?
ame-ryuu - Wasn't it exciting? I thought so. ^^; Lol.
KitsuneGirl - I try. Hard.
Galandria the Vampire Queen - A lot of encouragement. Thank you.
DietyofRoses - Yes, I do. I really like writing these fics for you guys. You're so great!
l-Steph-chan-l - I aim for cuteness, but not too much.
Garnet7 - Thank you for this wonderful review. =)
That's it for now! You people are lovely. Until the next update!
-Jess-
-------------------------------------------------
Chapter 17 - Fighting For Life
-------------------------------------------------
Botan carefully chose her steps. She stood, facing him. Every moment felt like an eternity to her. She bit her lip and remembered all she had been taught. Her gaze moved to her teacher, Hiei. He was standing there, his arms crossed, his eyes narrowed, and his distrustful gaze on Gonshiro. Jin and Touya seemed to be interested. The last time the Urameshi Team fought, Genkai was in there. She wasn't now, though. Botan was.
"Damn." Botan cursed herself under her breath. She sent a glare to the ref., waiting. The match began and Botan didn't hesitate to attack. She drew her katana and jumped forward. She could tell she was going to have a problem with this one. She got kicked in the back and bit her lip, resisting the urge to cry out. She turned it into an attack and rolled back onto her feet, using a spring in her step to leap forward faster. She gave him a small cut on his leg. If she got him in the leg then that should slow him down. He brought his leg up and kneed her in the stomach. She felt the wind being knocked out of her. She fell but got back on her feet as quickly as she was able.
"Come on, girl. Is this the best you got?" She smirked.
"No, I'm just warming up." She put her palm on the blade of her katana and stared at him. She frowned then leaped forward. She drew the edges of the blade across her soft skin. She felt it penetrate. She swung downward when she was above him. He had no time to run or to dodge. He was hit in the chest. She felt it penetrate his skin. She heard the sickening scream as she was throw off him. She pulled her weapon with her and landed on one knee. She put her uninjured hand on the ground, the katana hitting the ring.
"You.." Gonshiro fell forward, into the dark red puddle of his blood. She knew it was over. There was no way he would ever move without someone moving him.
"And Botan wins the match!" The ten count had been successful, that much was clear. Botan stood up, some of her long, cerulean blue locks falling from her ponytail. She looked over at her team. She had not failed them after all. Her profile looked pretty, Kurama noticed. She had a certain defiance showing in her eyes. It was as if she were inviting them to fight her and lose.
-------------------------------------------------
They won their first fight and got to sit in a small room and bandage their wounds. Botan simply wrapped both of her hands in the medical tape they provided. Other than two huge bruises, one on her back and one on her stomach, beside the soreness.
"I'm fine, I already told you." She glared at Kurama and Keiko. They were fussing over her. Yuusuke gave her a proud grin and put his hand on her shoulder.
"You did really good out there." He said softly. She smiled. "I can tell you tried really hard. The match didn't last all that long, but it was good to see you fight. Good to know that you can really protect yourself in future battles."
"Yes." Kurama agreed. His gaze went to her. He stared into her eyes. "These will be very dangerous battles and you know it. Take careful measures and do not play games out there. Sometimes it may be necessary, but avoid it. As much as you can."
"Okay." She wanted to get off the depressing subject of dangerous battles and get their minds from the stress. "Let's go watch the fights." They nodded and went to go and watch up on one of the balconies. "How fast do you think these will go?"
"They usually do not last long." Hiei answered with a shrug. "You should know."
"But you know a lot more than I do about fighters when looking at them." She said with a frown. He looked over at her.
"With all that fighting instinct, figure it out yourself." She glared at him and crossed her arms.
"Just watch their speed, their fighting style, and the looks of their strength." Kurama said in a playful tone, teasing Hiei. Her mentor would not tell her, but he will.
"Nicely spoiled, Kurama." Hiei commented.
"Thank you." Hiei snorted. "Besides, she needs to know." Botan enjoyed watching the friends fight. They weren't as hostile as Kuwabara and Yuusuke, which was really surprising. Demons are usually more hostile than humans. In fact, Kurama and Hiei's bickering sounded more playful and teasing. Hiei's wasn't by voice but it was intentionally.
-------------------------------------------------
Kurama chewed on his lower lip in anticipation. The dice fell to the ground.
"And it will be.. Kurama versus Yoshino." The two fighters exchanged glances. They stepped into the ring. Kurama could tell this wouldn't be quick and easy. There was something about that man that intrigued him. It curved his interest.
"Let the match begin!" The crowd roared, waiting to see more fighting. Yoshino began, being swifter than any of Kurama's previous opponents. He dodged the attack, trying to test out the feel of the man's spirit energy. He couldn't exactly grasp it. He felt a stinging sensation on his back. He hit the ground but got back up. He pulled his rose whip from his hair and lashed out. He could feel the intense silence, rather than hear it. His heart pounded in his ears. He saw his opponent, who moved out of the way of the whip with skill and precision.
"Damn.." He was going to have more problems than he first thought. It was as if Yoshino could read his every move, calculate his every attack to the last centimeter. He was growing nervous. He looked around, searching. Finally, he hit where the demon was supposed to go. He only scratched the demon's arm. It was a better injury than nothing, but it wasn't enough. He closed his eyes and focused. He could feel the demon approaching him from behind. Two cries pierced the silence. Yoshino's and Kurama's. Kurama had gotten him with another rose vine from his hair but had gotten severely wounded by the man's spirit attack. He heard someone shouted. He couldn't make out the words, nor the voice.
"Kurama!" Botan was frantic. She saw him waver on his feet and stumble around. She felt someone's arm around her. Yuusuke held her back. She felt a tear roll down her cheek. Trails of blood followed Kurama. Yoshino wasn't much better. He had been pierced right through the right shoulder and he had staggered, causing the vine to slice to the left. He panted. They were both fighting for their lives. Kurama saw red. He blinked. Blood was running into his eyes. He felt numb. No pain. He couldn't stand and he knew that. He slouched, feeling a zap of pain run right up his spine. He fell on one knee and looked up. He saw Yoshino regain some control. He lashed out with his whip. It struck and hit him. The demon staggered again. Kurama winced from the use of his arm. He was starting to feel the effects of the pain. Yoshino's spirit blast must've drained him. It had to be big enough to engulf him and wound him all over.
"This doesn't look good at all." Kuwabara mumbled. Yoshino fell flat out and struggled to get up. He supported himself with his hands. Blood dripped down from his chest and he clutched his wound.
"No, it doesn't." Botan bit her lip worriedly. She wanted to look away. So badly. Only she couldn't tear her gaze away from the gruesome sight. Kurama struggled to get to his feet. He stumbled a little but still stood. Yoshino smirked.
"I.. haven't had a.. challenge in a long time.." He winced. He rose to his feet. Kurama could clearly see that he wouldn't stand another attack. That was the hardest part. Kurama couldn't either. If he got hit again, he doubted he would be able to get up.
"Neither.. have I." He smirked back. They both stood there, the puddles of blood under them growing with each passing moment. Blood dripped from Kurama's face and his hands.
"This is growing increasingly beautiful." Koto said, her tail wagging slightly in excitement. "What will happen next?" Kurama lifted his arm, trying not to show any signs of pain as he did so. He lashed out and hit Yoshino, who fell, not caring at all if he died. He had found someone stronger. It was his goal. He let out his last breath and then all was black. He was out of pain. Not Kurama, however. Juri checked a pulse. Koto and Juri were announcing for this tournament.
"There doesn't seem to be any reason to take a ten count, seeing as though he's dead." She paused. "Kurama is the winner. Please update the scores." Kurama wavered and looked tipsy as he went over to the edge of the ring. Botan, Hiei, Kuwabara, and Yuusuke were there waiting for him; ready to help him down.
"Kurama-kun, I swear, I'm going to kill you when you heal."
"Gee, thanks, Botan." He said weakly, collapsing against her. It was Hiei's turn to battle. Botan set Kurama down on the grass and kneeled next to him, holding him. She had tears of relief and concern shining in her eyes. She was still worried. Just because he was out of the battle, did not mean he couldn't die from his injuries. She was covered in his blood, but she didn't care to notice. Her eyes roamed over his inuries. She could see half of them or tell where they were. He was covered in blood. His breathing was labored. She feared this was the biggest battle for his life.
She knew this was his battle for life.
-------------------------------------------------
-Sorry for the long delay. ^^; I had to delete a lot of scenes and rewrite them in order to get them to the way I wanted. In fact, not all of it turned out exactly the way I wanted.. oh well. I think it looks good anyway. I tried to make it exciting.. y'know, the kind of on-the-edge-of- your-seat excitement. Doubtful.-
Lil Drowned One - Glad you like!
kuramafangrl4eva - Aww, thanks. These good reviews push me on. If not for these reviews, this fic might have died a while ago.
jaded image - You know, I agree. More guys should have better manners and be sweet. But, hey, *shrugs* who am I to judge?
ame-ryuu - Wasn't it exciting? I thought so. ^^; Lol.
KitsuneGirl - I try. Hard.
Galandria the Vampire Queen - A lot of encouragement. Thank you.
DietyofRoses - Yes, I do. I really like writing these fics for you guys. You're so great!
l-Steph-chan-l - I aim for cuteness, but not too much.
Garnet7 - Thank you for this wonderful review. =)
That's it for now! You people are lovely. Until the next update!
-Jess-