AN: The song in this chapter is the English Translation of Embracing the Ice Knife. You can find the original Japanese Lyrics at anime lyrics . com. This chapter marks the official first round of the competition.

(Round One)

Chapter Six: Embracing the Ice Knife

For the next round one of us would have to sing a solo. We met and Yusuke and Kuwabara's apartment to decide who would sing the solo and which song we were going to perform. Surprisingly, it was Kurama who volunteered. "I have a song we could use," he said. "…the melody isn't complicated, I'm sure you could learn it in a short time Yusuke," "Great, I guess this means you'll do the solo," Yusuke responded. Kurama looked like a deer caught in the headlights. "…unless someone else wishes too…" Kurama said softly. Yusuke and Kuwabara both shook their heads and the handsome red head then looked to me hopefully." I thought you would have liked the chance to show off your voice," I said. His expression quickly changed to one of confusion. "…or is it you don't want more of those simpering human females chasing you around after hearing how well you can sing?" I teased. "Alright, I'll do it," he said with a defeated sigh. "Let's get started then," I said. "We don't have much time to prepare,"

We practiced long and hard to get everything right. Thankfully, rehearsals went smoothly. Kurama had been right, the music wasn't difficult and was easy to learn. We'd even made some improvements. As the days passed Kurama began to loose some of his earlier misgivings, becoming more comfortable with the idea of singing alone in front of a crowd.

The night of the first round of competition came quickly. Just like on the night of the qualifying round, Kurama was nervous. I didn't blame him. The crowd was twice as large as the audience we performed in front of last time. I slipped my hand over his and gave it a gentle squeeze, trying to reassure him without words. Kurama smiled at me in thanks and held my hand loosely in his.

The announcer was introducing us on stage, but it was hard to hear him over the roar of the crowd. I reluctantly let go of the fox's hand and got into place to await the familiar tapping of Kuwabara's drumstick against the top cymbal of his drum set.

Yusuke began the melody on his keyboard followed by a muted drum beat by Kuwabara and me on the lead guitar. Kurama began to sing, his soft voice perfectly fitting the gentle music

The bottom of my heart's lake is rimmed with ice,
yet my fate is to continue living.
Because of that, I'll fight to the end

Close to my heart, you call gently to me, but
I close my ears.
There is also a day I run to,
Embracing the ice knife

The music began to grow louder and stronger and so did Kurama's voice

But someday, this peace will warm the world.
My frozen soul will probably melt too,
setting a prism free.

Until that day comes, keep on going.
We are fighting. Don't stop.

The beat and the melody sped up as we came to the chorus

Fight to believe in the future,
because that's why we're alive.
Jump into believing in yourself,
in order to build an era. WOH HO HO

The song slowed back down as we came to the second verse

Surely, when the day comes
that the Earth changes into a paradise,
even my weapons will melt,
overflown in sunlight

Searching for that day, keep on running.
We are fighting. Go on.

The music picked up in tempo once more as we came to the second chorus

I'll cross the bridge to the future
Even if it's risking my life,
Even if it's a frozen bridge,
I'll run across it. WOH HO HO

Kurama glanced over at me as we began playing the instrumental. I gave a slight nod of my head and a small smile, letting him know he was doing just fine. He smiled back at me then returned his attention back to the crowd when the time came for him to begin singing again.

Fight to believe in the future,
because that's why we're alive.
Jump into believing in yourself,
in order to build an era. WOH HO HO

As he sang the next part I followed his words with wailing rock style notes on my guitar or as he called it "showing off "

Going to my dream
Fighting for my friends
Running to my dream
Fighting for my friends

The music slowed to a very brief end and the soft melody returned as Kurama sang his last line

'til I see a rainbow bridge built across my heart's lake

The crowd cheered and we took a bow and headed backstage to await our fate. Kurama glanced over at me as we watched the next band set up. I smiled at him and he returned it. Thankfully the next band was also the last and the wait wasn't unbearably long. The tension in the air was thick as the announcer returned to the stage to announce the night's winner. "Alright everyone, the moment you've all been waiting for,' the announcer cried. "The band that will be moving on tonight is …." He paused for a moment as he unfolded the card that had been handed to him and looked down at it. "…Sub Rosa…" He cried.