Yusuke crossed the room with cautious steps, his face tight with dread. I didn't blame him for feeling uneasy. After the previous rooms had sprung traps around us, there was no way to move within the castle without fearing what one step might wake.
Hiei pushed open the heavy door and stepped into the hallway. Sunlight streamed through the windows lining the dark hall. I stepped around Yusuke to glance out one of the windows, and found myself gazing down at the ground.
"Somehow we've made it to the top floor."
Hiei followed my gaze. "Your friend is very efficient in building a prison."
"Yes. This castle was created with our demise in mind."
"Look, I don't know about you guys but I would like to get out of here before another Razel sets off another trap," Yusuke interrupted.
Hiei turned away from the window and started down the hall. "Wait, how do you know that's the right way?" Yusuke asked, hurrying to Hiei's side.
"Neither is."
"What?"
"Hiei's right. Razel would not have left either way free of traps. Inside this castle there is no right way," I explained, shaking my head slightly.
"Great. You sure know how to make enemies, Kurama."
"You have made quite a few of your own, detective. It would be wise not to forget that," Hiei said without glancing back.
Yusuke sighed and glanced at me. "I guess he's right. Sorry, Kurama. I didn't mean that the way it sounded."
"No. You were right. I have made many enemies, and they are usually very powerful because most of them started out as partners. Razel's family aided me in times of need. They fought with me in battle at times. It is no surprise that Razel has become as powerful as he is."
"You should know his weakness, Kurama." Hiei said and stopped to face me.
"His family was extremely powerful. They had multiple skills. Shape shifting, speed, power...."
"How do we stop him?" Yusuke interrupted.
"I don't know. I've never fought one of them before now."
Hiei shrugged and resumed walking. The hall curved to left and revealed a dark door. Yusuke stepped back as Hiei pulled it open. Nothing shot out at us so Hiei stepped inside followed by Yusuke.
"Another dark room. I'm getting sick of this," Yusuke murmured.
I drew a rose from my hair and transformed into my Rose Whip. Hiei's sword appeared in his hand as mocking laughter spread throughout the room. Yusuke stiffened, his hands clenching into fists at his side.
"Come out, Razel. You want me dead, so why not kill me yourself? Enough of these games. It's time to finish this once and for all," I called, stepping in front of Hiei.
"Kurama, so eager to fight me, aren't you? Have I made you mad?"
Razel appeared from the darkness, revealing his true form. Pale blonde hair streamed around his shoulders as two long tails wrapped around his waist. He crossed his arms over his chest and smiled mockingly at me.
"Poor Kurama, the world is against you, isn't it? So sad. Betrayers like you often die alone, so you're lucky. You'll die with your friends," he said, sneering as he said 'friends.'
"Razel, you're quarrel is with me, not them. You should have left them out of this."
"No, that just wouldn't have worked. I want you to hurt as I did. I want you to die in misery!"
"What would your parents think of this, of what you're doing now? Do you think they would be pleased?" I asked, watching Razel's furry ears twitch in anger.
"It's too late for that, Kurama. My parents are dead because of you. You can't make me feel guilty."
"I don't want to kill you, Razel, even after what you've done. We were friends once, remember? Do you really believe that I would allow harm to come to you and your family if I could have stopped it?"
Razel glared at me, his dark orange eyes flashing with annoyance. He flexed one hand, exposing his claws.
"It doesn't matter. You failed them."
"Razel, you must listen to me. All this hate and rage will destroy you."
"Maybe that's true, but I can assure you that I will destroy you long before that happens. You're words mean nothing to me. I won't rest until your blood is spilled and my claws rip you apart. It's time to die, old friend."
Razel lunged at me, slashing out with one clawed hand. I leapt to the side, expecting Razel to follow me, but instead he continued with his attack. Too late, I realized that he hadn't planned to strike me. Yusuke cried out as claws slammed into his chest.