A/N: I was unable to get lime in this chapter, but I did get some grapefruit. I'm not quite sure what that means, but Sage Twilight told me to put it, just think of it as 1st base. Thank you all you reviewers. You make me so happy. Thanks for everything. Ladies and Gentlemen: Act 6: Slash and Burn

Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-Yu Hakushou. So get off my back!

Chapter 6: Slash and Burn

Relapse: Liz speaking- In our last chapter we had a midnight attack. In short, everything went wrong. Injuries were acquired and unfortunately we lost our beloved Amani. Is Amani really dead? Are there new enemies on the horizon or just old ones with new tricks? Will our couples finally admit their love for one another? On with the show!

Curtains open.

Munin charged the bomb throwing cretin. "You're going to die you feminine vampire freak!"

The man's growled. "The name's Karasu and you would be best to remember it in death!"

Karasu raised his nailed hand and slashed at Munin. The nails glazed Munin's cheek as he rolled out from the attack. He shoved his talons into Karasu's side earning a high scream from demon. Karasu growled as he dug his hand into Munin's shoulder and shoved him away. Munin's smug expression turned to one of pain as blood blanketed his face. The liquid turned black against the night sky as pain throbbed through his arm as he looked up to see Karasu laughing.

"Silly little pigeon. My touch equals your death."

Munin let out a horrendous yell as his body began to shift. His pupils stretched into slits as the irises deepened to a dark brown. The bones in his hands cracked and popped as his fingers formed two long talons. His hair swirled then shrunk to his head. Clumps formed in the black mass. They twisted into long shafts before springing little hairs on each side. The end result was long feathers in place of hair. Munin stretched his wings outward as he yelled again, but this time it came out as a loud screech.

"It looks like the pigeon is mad. Temper, temper." Karasu taunted.

"Nice last words, freak."

**********

Tears threatened to fall down Dae's and Faen's cheeks as they watched their friend's last moments. Their screams for her to stop seemed muted as Amani continued to approach. It was suddenly there, the bomb. Forced to shield their eyes from the blast, they were unable to watch Amani's final moment. They looked back up to barely make out the bare, singed earth in the darkened sky. A tear trickled from Dae's lavender eye while Faen pounded the ground with her fists, her anger overriding her sadness. Faen snarled as the memory of Amani's terror-stricken face continued to play in her mind. Dae turned to see Faen struggling to suppress her anger. Faen's fists continued to pound the ground until a large crater threatened to swallow Dae and her. She didn't stop until Hiei placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Calm down." He whispered.

"Calm down. Calm down!" Faen said, her voice rising in volume.

"Instead of wasting your energy beating the ground, why don't you beat his face."

Faen growled again, but calmed as Hiei's words took affect.

"He'll pay for what he did. I'll smear his blood across the ground until the earth's thirsts for it is quenched!"

Hiei and Dae glanced at each other, but were drawn from each others gaze when sounds of movement reached their ears from the quiet battleground. Hiei's mouth had dropped as he watched Munin stagger to the place where Amani had been blown apart. His heart wrench as he watched Munin collapse and yell in anger. Hiei was about to walk to his friend when a chilling voice made the hair on the back of his neck stand at end.

"Forget about us?" a high squeaky voice chirped.

The three turned and were instantly attacked. The armored man immediately backed handed an unprepared Faen. The heavily armored hand struck her mid-temple with enough force to send her flying into a bounder.

Hiei watched the silver blur disappear into the darkness and winced at the sickening crack her skull made as it came in contact with the stone. Anger flared through him as he heard her fall limply to the ground. Once again donning his katana, he charged the over sized bully in front of him, madly slashing at the shielded warrior. The man simply laughed as he grabbed the blade. Hiei struggled to regain his sword, but stopped his movements when a crack reached his ears. Though his face was hidden, a smile was sure to be placed upon it as the armored man watched Hiei's face as he snapped the blade in two. The battle paused when a frightful scream rang through the air. Hiei turned to see the moonlight display Dae's face in complete horror. He followed her gaze to see none other than Older Toguro snickering.

**********

"Forget me already my little pet?" Older Toguro asked as he let out a loud peel of laughter. "I'm not surprised. You hit me really hard last time we met which you will be punished for."

Dae's bottom lip quivered as she scampered backwards on her hands and heals. She kept on until her hand slipped into Faen's crater. Her eyes widened as she began her descent. They snapped shut as she waited to hit solid ground, but another sensation occurred instead. Dae would have happily taken a hit to the ground over what happened next. Cold boneless fingers curled around her throat lifting her into the air. She let out a startled cry as the fingers tighten. Dae opened her eyes as she felt her body being pulled through the air. Dull gold eyes and grey hair met her gaze. Her eyes widened again before closing in pain as the fingers wrapped tighter.

"Don't worry pet. I won't kill you." He said softly then snarled as he noticed Youko's shirt on her. "Can't say much for the clothes though, I much preferred the ones you wore before. But I must thank the kitsune for healing your wounds that those bad soldiers inflicted on you. They were severely punished." He cackled again as he continued. "But we won't have to worry about you running away anymore will we, pet?"

Dae grabbed the fingers and tried to pry them off her throat, but they only tightened further. Unable to think of anything else she screamed.

"Youko!"

"He can't help you now pet. No one can help you." He sneered as clouds covered the moon.

*********

Youko's head shot up as he heard his name. He had been watching Munin's fight with Karasu, waiting for the moment to help when he heard it: a screamed version of his name. He turned to see two shadows fighting: one stood cackling while the other hung in mid-air. Youko instantly recognized the hanging figure as Dae. He glared at the other shadow unable to make it out. Moonlight shown in steady streams as the clouds moved, and the evil shadow was revealed as Older Toguro. His blood began to boil as he ran toward them. A low growl of possessiveness escaped his throat as he sped up.

**********

Hiei turned back to the armored man to meet a fist in the face. He stumbled backwards a couple of steps before feeling a plated fist plant itself in his stomach. Hiei crumpled to the ground as white splotches smeared across the cerulean sky. He raised himself to a sitting position only to immediately be struck with a wave of nausea. Ignoring the burning desire to throw up everything he had ever eaten, Hiei struggled to stand. A low chuckle made his stomach hurt even more.

"So easily defeated. But what's to be expected from such a puny waste of life."

Hiei growled as he squeezed the handle of his shattered blade.

"Listen you bastard, I might be short, but I can kick your ass any day!"

A deep throated noise, which somewhat resembled as growl, poured out from behind the mask.

"I would say from the way our battle is going now, you have no grounds to stand on. For I, Bui, am still standing unharmed."

Hiei's growl was cut short as he heard a soft whimper. He followed the sound to see Faen beginning to stir. Bui turned as well and laughed.

"Looks like your woman isn't down for the count after all." He raised his axe and began walking towards the semi-conscious Faen. "Guess I'll have to finish the job."

Hiei's eyes narrowed as he ran towards Bui. With the dagger of a blade in hand, he jumped. Moving quicker than the shadows around him, Hiei swiftly landed behind Bui. He jumped again and buried the blade in the back of Bui's shoulder. Bui reeled as Hiei sunk the blade deeper into the flesh. He bucked Hiei off his back; an angry scowl formed in his eyes as his fist began to glow grey. The grey light grew until the hand disappeared under it like smog in the city air. Bui turned and punched Hiei with all his power. The blow sunk into Hiei's stomach, cracking ribs and damaging organs.

Hiei felt himself be lifted in the air as he began his flight. The sight of the now awakening Faen drifted farther and farther away. Pain seared through his shoulders as it made contact with the earth below. His neck and back soon followed as he felt himself burrow into the dirt. He came to rest several feet away. Stars twinkled above him scarred with horrid grey smudges; the surviving moonlight glared into his irises. He attempted to raise his arm and shield his eyes, but nothing happened. Numb. Blessed loss of feeling. Hiei was forced to squint against the light that seemed so bright, but not for long. A dark silhouette soon moved over him.

Bui glared into the eyes of the fallen man.

"You're pathetic." He whispered as he grabbed Hiei by the collar. A small breathy groan escaped Hiei's lips as he remained still in Bui's merciless grip. "The weak shall perish under the strong's strength. That is the law of life. So hear this, die you weak little man!"

Hiei glared through half-lidded eyes at Bui. He watched Bui raise his arm as if to strike, but then the fingers flexed. Lights flared all around them as Bui's arched his back and collapsed to his knees. A yell of pain escaped from behind the mask as the glowing eyes widened. The grip on Hiei's shirt loosened enough for Hiei to fall form his grasp. Managing to land on his feet, Hiei watched Bui fall to the grass. The scent of burning flesh reached his nose and he looked up. There stood a very pissed Faen; a fireball ready to be thrown.

"No body touches my snuggles!"

**********

Older Toguro heard a low growl and looked up to see Youko running at him. Not done toying with his pet, he flung her into a near-by tree and wrapped the rest of his fingers around her body.

"Karasu! Don't let him get near me! I have business to attend to!" he yelled as he turned his attention backing to a frightened Dae.

Karasu glanced at Older Toguro and gave him a confused look. He turned forward just in time to feel duel talons rip down his face. Karasu shrieked as Munin ripped the flesh from his cheekbones. Munin smirked and slammed his other talon into Karasu's stomach. Karasu bent over the blow, burying the talon further. Blood seeped into between his teeth as he grabbed Munin's wrist. Munin screamed as heat gathered under his skin then burst outward. Munin stumbled backwards giving Karasu the time he needed to heave a bomb in Youko's direction.

"Look out Youko!" Munin yelled as he entered combat with Karasu again.

Youko turned in time to see the sparking wick of the hurling meteor. He ran with all his might then jumped. Heat pushed him forward as he cleared the bomb and continued to run. Youko's ears flattened against his head when he heard Dae scream in pain again.

**********

"This will teach not to run from me." Older Toguro growled as the finger around Dae's neck unwound itself. He stepped closer until they were a breath apart. "You will learn to respect my authority, pet." He growled, sharpening his finger to form a thin blade. Dae winced as the blade traveled down her right cheek and on down the side of her throat. Older Toguro smiled as he watched the blood flow down her skin. He leaned in to lick the crimson liquid when he was thrown away from the trapped demoness.

***********

Youko growled as he smelled and saw the dripping blood: black smeared against white. Seconds away from the sinister demon, Youko threw several seeds into the ground. Monstrous vines surged from the earth and coiled themselves around Older Toguro. He was immediately pulled to the ground and put in a choke hold. Youko instantly drew out his rose whip and slashed at the grounded man. He stopped only when he heard a whimper. Youko looked up to see Dae struggling against to unyielding fingers.

'What's going on?' Youko thought as he looked at the pieces of bloody flesh that used to be Older Toguro. 'He's dead.'

Youko walked to Dae and began slicing through her binds. Much to his horror, they reattached and squeezed harder. Dae's eyes widened as she stared at Youko.

"Get them off of me." Dae gasped.

Youko nodded. "Give me a second." He whispered as he pulled and snapped at the fingers only to have them reform.

Fire, pain. His chest burned as he watched several gray snakes shoot out. Hot blood began to build in his lungs; rising until it burst from his mouth. Youko arched his back as the fingers pulled out and wrapped around Dae again, coating her body in his body. Dae gasped as drops of hot liquid splattered across her face. Youko staggered then slumped against Dae, refusing to fall. Still coughing blood, he loosely wrapped his hand in hers before staggering to meet Older Toguro again. Dae whimpered as he left her side while Older Toguro cackled as Youko approached him.

"Stupid fox. I can't be defeated so why don't you give up and leave me to...enjoy the company of my pet." He laughed again as Youko scowled at him.

"You will never touch her again, you bastard." Youko snarled, raising his arm with whip in hand.

Older Toguro smirked again and squeezed until Dae was having to force her chest to move. Her breaths came out as horrible wheezing, catching Youko's ear.

"As you see, I am still touching her. What are you going to do about it?" Older Toguro snickered. It turned into a high-pitched laugh as Youko blindly charged him. His long grey fingers surged towards Youko who slashed them to bits. Older Toguro through his head back in laughter as the bits of tattered flesh formed large rings around Youko. The rings shrunk and constricted around Youko's chest and arms causing the already bleeding wounds to pour heavier. Youko gasped then choke as blood filled his throat. Older Toguro raised his fingers dragging Youko into the air with him. Youko made an odd gurgling sound before slouching forward.

Dae's eyes widened as she saw Youko stop moving.

"Youko?"

No answer.

"Youko?!"

Silence.

"YOUKO!" Dae screamed as she lowered her eyes; hair falling to shield her tear-filled face.-

"Don't waste you breath, silly pet. He is not going to answer." Older Toguro grunted as he dropped the body to the ground. "So weak. You'd-"

Older Toguro stopped as Dae's looked back at him. Her eyes glowed green while her face held the blank expression of a person would didn't care who they killed.

Her voice echoed throughout the night air as she spoke. "Die."

**********

Munin glared at Karasu as they began circling each other. Each of the men was bleeding from multiple wounds. Their battle had been near evenly matched. Matching blow for blow, they had fought with no prevail on either side.

Munin snarled as an image of Amani's face disappeared in the stars.

'For her.' He thought. His blood raged as he leaped onto the bomb throwing freak. He instantly landed on Karasu and began tearing a Karasu's throat. Karasu screamed as he pushed and tried to block the talons. Munin mercilessly slashed at the man below him, but with one blow turned the tables. He struck Karasu across the face knocking the ties loose on Karasu's metal mask. Munin raised his hand and slashed again taking the mask with his hand this time. Karasu lay still under him. Satisfied, Munin stood and began to walk away when he felt energy ripple down his spine. He turned to see a laughing Karasu stand as if he wasn't injured at all. His hair flashed twice before staining a highlighter blond.

"I must thank you for releasing me from those stupid binds. Now you will feel my true power." Karasu snickered as he raised into the sky. "You will die."

"You first bastard!" a new voiced yelled.

Munin's countenance dropped as he watched over twenty ice blades slice though Karasu's chest, arm, and legs. The blonde let out a horrid scream as he fell to the ground in a boneless heap. Blue hair glistened over the silhouette of the woman in mid-air. Her blue eyes shown with fury as she landed in front of Munin.

Munin's jaw still hung open until the smiling woman gently pushed it closed. He blinked several times and rubbed his eyes, still not believing who the person who was in front of him was. He stammered a couple of times before the name finally came out.

"Amani?"

Amani smiled "It's good to see you too, Munin."

**********

Faen and Hiei caught each others gaze.

Faen smiled. "Are you alright?" she said her eyes holding concern.

Hiei lowered his head to hide his blush. "I'm fine. How's your head?"

Faen lowered her head and placed a quick kiss on his cheek causing Hiei to blush harder. "Fine, thanks for caring." Faen's smile widened as he noted the flush upon the small fire demons face. The small disappeared though when she heard a moan and movement from the man below them. Faen growled and turned to Hiei with a new, more malicious smile. "What do you say we kick his ass together?"

Hiei returned the smirk. "With pleasure."

Faen looked down at the sword. "Broken?"

Hiei nodded.

"I can fix that." Faen reached out and grabbed the sword. Instantly, flames burst from the handle creating a huge flaming katana, an orange glow flickering on the surrounding ground around them.

"I could have done that." Hiei grumbled.

Faen smiled again. "But you didn't." Faen sang. She stopped when she heard another moan and saw Bui rise to his knees. "Hiei we should hit him now."

"But he's down."

"So, it makes it more fun." Faen hissed.

Hiei shrugged his shoulders and raised the fiery sword. Much to his surprise, he felt a pair of warm hands wrap around his. He looked up to see Faen holding the sword with him.

Feeling his hesitation, Faen looked down at Hiei and smiled. "We'll take him down together."

Hiei nodded as he through al his power into the blade. Faen mimicked his action until the blade rose several feet into the air. With hands moving together they lowered the sword.

Bui made it to his feet and shook his head. Feeling immense energy behind him, he turned to see the giant blade. His eyes widened. Faen and Hiei took the signal and drove the oversized dagger into Bui's midsection. His screams filled the air as he fell to the ground in agony.

"Done and done." Hiei said triumphly.

"Yep." Faen said as she kissed him on the cheek again.

Hiei looked away as he blushed beet red.

**********

The glow from Dae's eyes continued down her face and on down her body, burning the same intricate design as they had before. Older Toguro began to pull back his fingers when Dae grabbed them. Her hands dew into fists as they and her hair sparked with energy. Power began pull to her from every direction: the sky, the trees, the ground. Her hair fanned out around her as she walked toward the shaking man, his limbs held harshly in her clutch. A growl passed her lips as the building energy gathered in her hands. Older Toguro threw his head back in and released a pain-stricken scream as Dae threw wave and wave of pure energy coursing though his veins. Dae's whole body glowed bright green as her aura expanded. The energy gently encircled Youko as it soothed him while it tore and lashed at Older Toguro. Dae continued her entourage until Older Toguro's screams ceased to resound in her ears. Dae let the lifeless flesh slip through hr fingers as she ran to Youko's side. The glow and designs faded back into her skin when she kneeled beside him.

"Youko? Can you hear me?" she whispered as she pulled his head into her lap.

Youko groaned and opened his eyes to see a worried Dae above him. He smiled as he reached up and touched her face.

"Dae. Nice to see ya." Youko said. He struggled to sit up and groan at the stiffness in his back.

"Youko, stop. Lay down, you're hurt." Dae said as she pulled him back to her lap.

"What are you talking about?" Youko asked laughing. "I'm fine." To prove his point he removed his shredded shirt to show perfectly unmarred skin.

Dae's mouth dropped as she tenderly reached out and caressed the skin. "But I...I saw him stab you. For heaven's sake, I'm wearing half of your blood."

"Which I apologized for, but as you see I am perfectly unmarred."

"But...but how?"

"You." Youko said as held her hand. "You healed me."

"I did." Dae whispered as she leaned over his face.

"Yep, and I thank you for it."

Dae leaned forward more, but stopped when she heard a creepy gurgle. She and Youko looked up to see Older Toguro glaring at them both.

"I will have my revenge and my pet."

*********

Faen's and Hiei's moment was broken when a light as bright as a small star showed across the field. Recognizing it was Dae, Faen grabbed Hiei and ran towards the light.

**********

Munin and Amani turned their attention from one another to the bright light across the field. They looked back at each other, and nodded. Within a flash, they were sprinting toward the light.

**********

Dae looked up to see Faen and Hiei approach. A few moments later, Munin and, much to the surprise of everyone else, Amani arrived. Older Toguro growled as the six people surrounded him.

"Curse you." He snarled as he fell into a prone posture; his atoms yet to recover from the overcharge. "I curse you all."

"Yeah, yeah, heard it before." Faen said waving her hand in front of her.

"Boring." Munin added.

"So cliché." Amani hissed.

"Get something new." Youko growled.

"Yeah, instead of saying something stupid like you just did." Hiei snorted.

"Seriously." Dae finished.

"One will be betrayed for another." Older Toguro began.

"What?" Amani asked.

"One will die for the sake of their lover." He continued.

"Huh?" Dae questioned.

"One will suffer from the fire's burn." He snarled.

"What are you on?" Faen snapped.

"This is the lesson you'll all soon learn." Older Toguro finished before turning his he to the sky. "Brother, help me!"

The earth shook as power roared. Three barrels of energy burst from the ground taking Older Toguro and his nearly-dead companions with them.

"You will pay for shaming the Toguro name." A dark voice rang. The tubes of energy continued for a few seconds more before disappearing into the sky.

"Are they gone?" Faen asked hesitantly.

"I believe so." Munin answered.

"I don't sense them." Dae added.

"Me neither." Amani said.

"Good." Youko said smiling.

The entire group sighed and turned to the rising light. Dae pulled Youko to her chest as she leaned against the tree that she was bound to. Amani and Munin looked into each other's eyes and joined hands, turning back to the light. Faen and Hiei snuggled together as the group watched the sun rise. The first rays stretched over the horizon unconcealing the war-torn ground. But the posse paid no heed, as they enjoyed the peace of the new morning.

Curtains close.

A/N: See I wrote a little citrus and finished the battle. Damn, that battle was hard to write. It took me 2 all-nighters, but I wanted to get it done before I left. I'm sorry, but there will be no updates for at least a week or more due to the fact that I will be out of town. I promise to update as soon as I get home. Due to the curiosity of the people who these characters are based off of, I ask you this:

"Who is your favorite FEMALE character?" I really don't care who you pick, it's your choice and if you don't feel like answering that's your choice as well. If you do write your favorite person in, please tell me why you like that person as well.

Thank you all you wonderful reviewers. I wouldn't have the motivation to continue writing if not for you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Loyal reviewers: Sage Twilight, Toxic Tears1, Luraia Soul, ColdFang, AzureDragoness, cLuMzYaZnGrL106, Hotaru7, Amanithil, and Little/beautiful kitsune