DISCLAIMER: I don't own YYH (or any lyrics that I might use XD) but Mai and all my original characters are mine
a/n: Heh-heh…um…
PLEASE DON'T HURT ME! Kitkat has been very very busy this summer T.T I promise this update will be super long (since I'm combining episodes) if that counts as anything, at least…
But I was able to send in a picture to TOKYOPOP for Fruits Basket (it's also on too if any of you want to see it) I seriously hope they publish it—but then again there are probably thousands of other people trying to send in their pictures too T.T
Cookies to my reviewers!
XxXHellzFireAngelXxX: Yeah, I had a BIG debate with myself over that little incident…but I loved the original fights so much that I couldn't let Mai steal the spotlight from the others! (Heh-heh…let's just say Mai has crappy timing too…)
Little Sakura 87: HEEEY! Calm down! Calm down! I told you there was gonna be a sequel didn't, I? (Just remember kind of how the series worked out!)
Black Spell: Hehe, no problemo!
Shadowkitsune7: LoL, I understand, don't worry!
Umeko Saito: T.T I just wanted my cookies…Hehe, anywhos—yeah I thought that too after I started writing it…but Yusuke-kun deserves to get mushy every once in awhile (Yusuke: --;; no I don't)
Kirra White Tigress: EYAH! A new reviewer! LoL, welcome! (makes an extra batch of cookies) And for that question…you'll just have to wait like everyone else—sorry!
Sarah1281: LoL…that would be a very interesting interpretation of that scenario. (THE NEW FRUITS BASKET CAME OUT! OOOOOO SPOILERS! AND SO DID IMMORTAL RAIN! (but there are still more volume though!) and WHY HAVEN'T YOU UPDATED, MISSY? LoL, just kidding!
Thoughts
Forever Fornever II
:The Beast Within:
"Master Genkai! Master Genkai!"
The pink-haired woman turned to find Kira racing after her down the hall. She was panting, but she didn't let that slow her down as she came upon the deceased psychic.
"What the hell do you mean 'Mai will have to die'?" she demanded breathlessly, "You can't just say something like that and leave!"
Genkai watched her calmly, "You should go back and watch the tournament, Miss Kira…"
The former guardian frowned angrily while the woman remained so casually standing before her, "No…dammit, I'm not just going to sit back and watch knowing that she's going to die! I've been a part of her for over fourteen years—for all I care, she's like a daughter to me; I'm not going to stay here let her die!"
At this however, the older woman snorted softly, "Good luck with that…seeing as though you and I are both dead; a lot of damn good we would do…"
"It's not funny, Master Genkai!" she shouted and her fists clenched at her side. Tears of anger welled up into her eyes furiously as she glared at the psychic, "It's…it's not funny…"
"I never said it was, Kira…" she replied rather quietly and stared off down the hall before her gaze returned to the former guardian, "…I'm not in favor of it either, but that still doesn't stop it from happening. Death is a natural way of life…but sometimes the way we go is unnatural…or unfair…"
Kira shook her head, "But how can you be so calm about it?" she wondered, "…You can't possibly be calm about her dying—not after what she and Yusuke have gone through!"
Genkai only looked at her, "…That's exactly why I'm so calm…" she told her quietly, "…I know what Mai has struggled to conceive lately…and I also know, that when the time comes, she'll realize what it all was for…"
She sighed heavily.
"Mai will know soon enough…that the ultimate sacrifice must be made…"
-:-
"BEGIN!"
Karasu's eyes glinted with the smirk he hid behind his mask, "I must say, Kurama-kun…you're either extremely brave, or just unbelievably foolish; it's rare for anyone who has seen my powers to step into the ring with me…"
Across from him, the akage narrowed his eyes fiercely, "…I would advise you not to underestimate me…" he returned.
But even Kurama seemed uncertain of the words coming from his own mouth…
"Hey, Kurama…do you think you'll use that medicine that Suzuka gave you?" the other redhead wondered as they waited in the shadows of the tunnel.
He smiled hollowly, "As a matter of fact, I took some of it two minutes ago. I've ran some experiments and have found that it takes some time for the potion to kick in," he paused a moment as he placed his hand inside of his pocket, "I'll only be able to stay in my demon form for fifteen minutes, however…
"…But that should be more than enough."
He had to be careful; in his human form, Karasu would easily dominate their match. All he had to do was be careful until he would revert once again into Yoko…
However, knowing what powers his opponent possessed created the feeling that it was easier said than done.
Kurama's hand folded into his palm slowly, and in the same sweeping motion he spread his arms outward. There were rose petals suddenly swirling in the air around him and he narrowed his eyes towards his opponent daringly.
Behind his lips, the redhead gritted his teeth, at least there's some sort of barrier between us…
His thoughts wandered off suddenly when he realized that Karasu was moving towards him. The petals breezed past him harmlessly…until one of them gently grazed the side of his exposed cheek.
Karasu stopped a moment and his eyes moved towards the side of his face. There was a pause before a tiny sliver of blood stretched along his cheek and a crimson stream trickled across his flesh.
But the apparition seemed unfazed by the scratch, and once again, his eyes lit up into a taunting smirk.
"Really, Kurama-kun, what's with the weak defenses? They really are lacking good substance…"
Kurama narrowed his eyes furiously and drove the petals towards his opponent. The apparition stood calmly as they began to swarm around him in a crimson cyclone—
But without warning, his eyes lit up.
There was suddenly a pause; as if nothing would happen. But then, the petals surrounding him began to burst into flames while the sounds of tiny explosions filled the air.
The redhead stepped back slightly out of surprise; he…he didn't even need too touch the petals to destroy them—
Suddenly, he sensed someone beside him. He whirled—only to find his opponent standing calmly next to him. The apparition's violet eyes flashed dangerously.
"Surprise."
Kurama stumbled clumsily out of the way as the demon hurled his fist towards him. He staggered for only a moment before he launched himself into the air. Dammit…he's fast…the akage thought to himself as he fumbled for his whip beneath his hair.
He saw Karasu watching him from below. The redhead gritted his teeth as he flung the weapon towards him.
But hardly the instant after it recoiled from his hand, there was another explosion. Kurama's eyes went wide slightly as he watched the other half of the whip dropped uselessly to the ground below him. He landed only a moment after and tossed the rest of his weapon away from him.
"It's really a shame that we couldn't have met under better circumstances, Kurama-kun…" his opponent began casually, but then he smirked, "You know you can't stop me but you continue to try all the same. That's what's so appealing about you."
Both fighters squared off on either side of the ring. Kurama refused to let his defenses down, but Karasu appeared ready to change that.
"Besides," he continued slowly, "I've found that there's no greater rush than taking the life of someone you care for. The intimacy that murderer and victim share is unparalleled…" his eyes flashed suddenly, "And then again…there is also the intoxicating feeling of taking the life of the one they care for…"
Kurama's eyes widened and the apparition noticed the redhead's hands balling fiercely into fists.
"Where's that lovely flower of yours, Kurama-kun…? You're not trying to hide her from me, are you?" Karasu wondered rather cockily.
The akage gritted his teeth, that—
"—Now, now, Kurama…you should know better than to weaken your guard…"
He jumped when he suddenly realized that Karasu was in front of him. Kurama cried out slightly as he jumped backwards just as his opponent swiped at him again. The redhead landed a few feet away and skidded to a halt.
But his eyes grew wide suddenly as an explosion ripped at his arm.
Kurama cried out in pain as he clutched his now-bleeding arm and crumpled to his knees. He gritted his teeth furiously as he slowly and shakily tried to make it back to his feet.
Dammit, he needed to transform now!
He switched his stance; he was getting no where trying to defend himself, he needed to go on the offensive—
Suddenly, he screamed again as another explosion tore at his knee; pulling him back to the ground. The redhead panted heavily as beads of sweat appeared along his brow and his body began to tremble. He fiercely shut his eyes while his fingers dug into his bleeding arm.
"…Perhaps I should explain how my power works," Karasu began as he casually walked towards his victim; as if savoring Kurama's pain, "It's the same as yours—in the idea that you manipulate things with your energy that already exist. I manifest my thoughts into tangible items," a smirk glinted in his eyes, "For example the object of which I am holding, you can't see it but it is real and very deadly…"
The apparition held his hand aloft in front of him from which an orb of light, glowing green, crackled in his palm. And although Kurama could not see it, in his other hand Karasu held another bomb shaped eerily like the head of a skull.
The raven-haired fighter narrowed his eyes suddenly as he hurled the bomb towards his opponent.
"Heads up."
-:-
Mai saw the shadows dancing before her…swirling eerily as if they had been veiled within a silver mist. She heard cries of pain that echoed around her as well as the occasional eruption of some sort of bomb…
It was only then that she recognized a familiar cry amidst the noise…
"…Kurama…"
The guardian stirred and her brow furrowed weakly.
"…kun…"
-:-
The explosion lit up the entire stadium while the smoke and dust swirled furiously around the arena. The Urameshi team shielded their eyes with their hands as the blast whipped past them in a furious wind.
But as the gale began to settle, the ring still remained surrounded by a cloud of smoke…
Yusuke gritted his teeth, "KURAMA!"
Along the arena, Karasu nimbly landed back onto the tile flooring…he paused however, when he noticed something falling to the ground beside him.
He glanced downwards to find several droplets of blood dripping onto the tile below him. The apparition calmly raised his hand—only to find that a rose had impaled his palm, and had been the cause of his abrupt loss in blood.
The raven-haired demon narrowed his eyes slightly, "How cute…"
In front of him however, the smoke swirling around the ring had suddenly begun to meld into a silver mist. Karasu gazed upwards as the haze began to swirl rapidly around a single figure standing amidst the fog.
A pair of golden eyes glinted back from within the mist, and a deep-throated laugh rang through the stadium…
"Ah…Yoko is back, they cry!"
Urameshi unexpectedly took a step backwards; what the hell? This guy's power is unbelievable!
The silver-haired kitsune stepped out from the veil of fog and smirked calmly towards the apparition in front of him, "I'm sorry to say that Suichi wouldn't have survived that blast…being human and all; so it was fortunate that I came when I did…"
"Wait a second!" Urameshi said abruptly, "Who the hell is this?"
Hiei smirked from beside him as he folded his arms over his chest, "Meet Kurama's demon counterpart…Yoko Kurama…"
The fox demon eyed his opponent in anticipation and not without the smirk that curled at his lips, "You belong to a class of demons that I believe are worthy to fight, Karasu…" He paused as he glanced down at his bloody hand and he raised it to his face. His tongue darted out and licked at the crimson liquid while his eyes narrowed, "…But also worthy to die…"
But the raven-haired apparition only appeared amused by this statement—and also by his opponent's new transformation, "But you do realize…that we are still not equals…"
Yoko's eyes glinted and he smiled sadistically, "Wholly assured Karasu, I fully agree…"
His golden eyes darted briefly to the air around the apparition before him. He smirked inwardly as he noticed the flying creatures hovering around the raven-haired demon. Their eyes stared at him, unblinking as they flapped in the air.
So it was these useless creatures that were causing so much trouble…
Karasu seemed to sense that Yoko was now able to see his little creations and smirked. He stretched out his hand—and almost instantly, the bomb-like creatures hurled themselves towards the silver-haired kitsune waiting for them.
Yoko flicked his fingers briefly…causing a pair of roses to materialize in his hand. In one motion, he clicked his wrist and the flowers shot through the air.
Like bullets, they shot through Karasu's minions…until every last one of them had detonated.
But the raven-haired fighter merely let out a dark laugh. Around him, dozens more of his flying bomb creatures appeared flying around him and without being commanded, drove towards the kitsune. Yoko quickly maneuvered around them and continued to dodge…but Karasu continued to laugh.
"They're quite useful really…and if you come from the class of demons that I'm from, you can create all sorts of things…" the apparition smirked, "These are my Trace-Eyes—came up with them all on my own—and quite devious actually; once they set their sights on you, they will follow you forever…"
The kitsune returned the grin as he eyed the bombs now surrounding him, "Well then…I guess it's only fair to introduce you to the Ojigi…" he drawled calmly as he raised his hand to reveal a single seed, "It's a plant very sensitive to movement and can only be found in certain regions of South America. When it senses movement it can be quite deadly, especially wraps around its prey; it never lets go..."
Around him, the Trace-Eyes flapped in anticipation and steadily began to close in on the fox apparition.
Yoko narrowed his eyes however and lifted his arm.
Without warning, another explosion resounded through the stadium…only this time, it was not from Karasu. A cyclone of energy erupted from where Yoko had been standing and spiraled upwards towards the ceiling. The Trace-Eyes that were closest to him were instantly eliminated—and with the strength of his energy growing, the rest quickly followed and detonated.
A veil of mist once again surrounded the arena…
But Yoko was not alone this time.
Shadows swirled from within the fog…and as the smoke cleared, those in the stadium were able to make out the fierce shapes that hovered in the air. Leaves rustled and angry hisses emitted from the fanged mouths of the Ojigi plants.
Karasu narrowed his eyes darkly towards the foliage towering above him. On instinct, he took a small step backwards—but the Ojigi swayed dangerously and shifted ominously towards the apparition; as if daring him to make another move.
The silver-haired kitsune closed his eyes calmly and folded his arms over his chest. Around him, more of the Ojigi plants began to blossom and rose into the air.
There was a pause and a death-like silence as the possessed foliage hissed furiously above the arena.
But without warning, Karasu suddenly dodged towards the side. His hand quickly formed around a hand grenade as he continued running. The Ojigi roared furiously and dive-bombed towards the apparition, but when the first one came into range, he whipped the grenade at its head.
The plant erupted into flamed and withered to the ground…but there were still many more to take its place; especially now that Karasu had killed one of their comrades.
Hissing, the Ojigi opened their jaws and beams of energy shot out furiously towards the opponent. But he continued to withdraw many more explosives to deal with them.
Yoko smirked in amusement, "They respond to aggression; the more you attack, the more vicious they'll become…" he informed the other fighter calmly and then raised his index finger to the side of his head, "So you'd better find a quick way to kill them or else…BANG."
Even as he was talking however, the Ojigi plants hissed in fury and threw themselves at the apparition.
Karasu made a move to dodge them, but his eyes grew wide suddenly. It was then, and only then, that he abruptly realized that one of the creatures were just inches in front of him. In an instant, it had wrapped itself around the raven-haired apparition and dragged him into the air.
The leaves of the Ojigi constricted without any sign of letting up. Karasu's eyes grew wide while he struggled for any breath of air that would come to him—but the creature imprisoning him had no intention of giving him that chance.
He let out a strangled cough and gagged, his mouthpiece suddenly ripping away from his face followed shortly by a spurt of blood.
An instant later, the other branches of the Ojigi tackled the other and continued to until Karasu was no longer visible.
A silence rang through the crowd while the possessed foliage rustled quietly.
Yoko narrowed his eyes towards the ball that now entrapped his opponent. His gaze darted quickly to Juri who stood, petrified, beneath the Ojigi plant; sweating with fear.
He pointed towards her, "You…unless you want to be plant food, I wouldn't move…"
The announcer nodded shakily as the kitsune began to make his way off of the arena floor, "Uh-uh huh…"
"JURI!" Koto shouted irritably to the ring from the stands, "What's you decision already?"
After she had made sure that the Ojigi plant was no longer interested in any other moving creature, she carefully rose to her feet and backed away from the creature.
She gulped slightly, "Uh, well since…since it doesn't look as though Karasu is getting out of this one anytime soon…I think it's safe to say that Kurama is—!"
Abruptly, she was cut off as the ball above her began to quiver. Juri blinked and watched it nervously as slowly made its way to the floor of the ring; instantaneously taking a step backwards in the process. And curious about the announcer's delay, Yoko turned back towards the arena and narrowed his golden eyes dangerously.
The ground shook suddenly as another explosion ripped through the stadium. Smoke spiraled up towards the ceiling furiously as a wave of energy whipped over the floor of the ring…
And from within the clouds, Karasu calmly emerged.
"Now look what you've done, Kurama-kun…" he drawled out slowly, "…You really must be more careful next time…"
Toguro suddenly cocked an eyebrow in amusement when he noticed that their teammate was no longer wearing his mouthpiece…and obviously his brother knew it as well…
"Things should get interesting now, don't you think, brother?" the elder Toguro wondered gleefully.
Karasu smirked across the arena at his opponent, and there was something in his eyes that made it feel as though somehow, he had just gotten crazier…
He suddenly narrowed his eyes however, and began to suck in the air around him. Streaks of his black hair melded suddenly into gold…until his entire head had been warped into the same yellow color. But in the same movements, the air around him throbbed with an enormous energy the overpowered his old strength by a dozen or more…
Hiei's gaze darkened suddenly—not because of the sudden power boost Karasu had gained—but because he realized that without his mask…Karasu had internalized his power and as a result, made himself a giant time bomb.
"For all of you who need to step back…I'd do so now…" he muttered to his teammates without letting his eyes leaved the ring, "He's going to blow."
A loud, maniacal laughter echoed eerily through the stadium as Karasu flung back his head and cackled into the air. He raised his hands out in front of him, and almost instantly energy began to crackle between his fingertips. It built up until it resembled a glowing orb in his hands—and continued to grow even after that.
Toguro smirked, "He really is insane, isn't he? Without any loyalties, he'll blow up everyone in this stadium if he thinks it will help…"
As the orb of energy continued to grow, Yoko raised his hand in front of him to shield his eyes from the piercing light. Karasu laughed again as he suddenly jumped into the air; surrounded still by the blinding aura as it wavered around him with a foreboding power.
"He's…turning himself into a human bomb!" Koenma exclaimed suddenly as it occurred to him.
Yoko's eyes narrowed darkly as he glared up through the light resonating from above. The look in his opponent's eyes was completely fanatical while a glint, resembling a lust for blood, continued to flash over his gaze.
But then, his maniacal laughter let out once again as he turned his head towards the silver-haired kitsune below him.
"READY OR NOT, KURAMA—I'M COMING FOR YOU!"
Team Urameshi cried out suddenly when Karasu went into a spiral as he dive-bombed towards the stadium…yet more specifically, towards Yoko.
The fox demon gritted his teeth and braced himself—
--She held out her hand and grinned, "Kurama-kun!"--
Yoko's eyes widened for the briefest instant—but he was suddenly no longer visible.
The explosion ripped furiously through the stadium as Karasu collided with the ring. There was a blast from one side of the arena where nearly half the wall exploded away; taking many of the tournament's spectators with it. Dust and smoke shielded the ring from view, but those who could see could only make out the crumbling remains of the arena floor.
While the smoke continued to clear, Karasu's shadow hovered alone on top of the remains of the ring. Giant boulders of rubble stood around him from the ceiling that had been blasted away.
Karasu's eyes flashed as he tucked his hand into his pocket, "Oh no…look what I've done; I've lost my favorite toy…"
But the apparition's gaze flickered suddenly towards the outer barrier of the arena. His eyes narrowed slightly when he noticed a certain pile of rubble shifting
Koto gripped her microphone excitedly, "Oh-hoh! What's this everyone? That foxy fox Yoko has disappeared once again—and we're left with our original Kurama!"
The akage shoved a large hunk of rock away from him with a grunt. He panted heavily as he shakily made it to his feet. There was a brief pause, but he soon staggered before he was able to regain his balance once again.
"Wait just a damn minute!" Kuwabara shouted suddenly from the sidelines, "That potion was supposed to last fifteen minutes! Dammit, I'll beat the punk Suzuka to the ground the next time I see him!"
Kurama gritted his teeth as he tried to take a step forward. A shot of pain raced through his arm and caused him to cry out. He winced while his eyes continued to glare at Karasu still standing inside the ring.
…He had calculated wrong somehow…
The redhead narrowed his eyes; the effects must have weakened each time I tested Suzuka's potion…damn, that's what I get for not being more careful—
Karasu suddenly laughed, "Sorry to disturb your train of thought…but, shouldn't you be praying? After all, you are about to meet your creator!" he cackled again, "You can ask him why he flawed you so, Kurama-kun!"
He gritted his teeth and growled softly under his breath. And on instinct, his hands clenched into fists angrily.
Kurama then slowly reached behind his head and whipped his hand forward; revealing a single rose that he held delicately between his fingers. His hand trembled violently as he held it out to his side.
Energy trickled along his arm towards the flower and beads of sweat formed along the redhead's brow.
Ahead of him, his opponent smirked, "Be careful Kurama-kun, you've become weak; even you're most basic attacks are useless…You'll hurt yourself if you keep trying this…" his grin widened when he saw the redhead grit his teeth furiously, "Now, now…you should just make it easy on yourself and for the both of us and give in…"
The rose in his hand glowed dimly with his energy and the energy it had gathered from its surroundings—but without warning, the petals burst from the stem and fluttered to the ground. The akage's eyes grew wide as he stared, nearly horrified, at the twig he held in his hand.
"What…?"
…So he really was that weak…
He gritted his teeth again and roughly tossed the stem aside. In the same swift motion, he suddenly charged towards the stage.
Karasu blinked in surprise, but not without a hint of amusement as well.
The redhead jumped into the air and flipped back on the arena. Without hesitating, he raced towards the apparition and looped around him; instantly throwing a kick at his face. The apparition jumped backwards to avoid the blow and lifted off into the air.
Kurama clenched his fist and quickly followed after; slicing at his opponent with his hand. Karasu was just barely able to maneuver out of the way of the attack…but not quickly enough that the redhead wasn't able to cut several strands of his hair.
Both fighters landed back on the arena floor and hopped backwards several paces to steady themselves. But only a short second later, the akage went after another assault on his opponent.
He threw punch after punch at him, but Karasu continued to dodge his attacks. The redhead swiped his leg at him, but the apparition easily jumped back out of its reach.
"Aw man!" Koto cheered through the microphone excitedly, "Kurama's launching a full blown assault on Karasu but blondie's dodging each punch! I can't take it anymore—I need some blood!"
"Dammit, he's not getting one hit out of him!" Kazuma shouted angrily.
But Hiei narrowed his gaze, "Because he has a plan, baka…he's moving in a calculated manner; he's not trying to hit him…"
Karasu smirked in amusement at his opponent's attempts. And stepping out of the way of another one of his attacks, the apparition raised his hand just inches away from the akage. Kurama however, realized what he was beginning to do and clenched his fists fiercely.
Then he suddenly charged again.
"I will not be afraid of something I cannot see!" he shouted furiously.
The apparition suddenly hurled the force of invisible energy towards the redhead…but Kurama somehow found a way to avoid the blast and jumped away from it. He hurtled over the orb of energy and directly in front of Karasu.
He blinked in surprise at the redhead's agility—but had no time to react however, when Kurama suddenly blew him backwards with the palms of his hands.
Karasu skidded backwards from the force. It finally came to the point where he had to make himself stop several yards away from where he had started.
The redhead was breathing heavily by now as he lowered his arms.
His opponent however, did not seem amused now by his little trick. The apparition glanced down at his chest where a tiny bubble of blood began to form at the tip of a single pinprick in his flesh.
"Really, Kurama-kun…" he began slowly, "Must you stoop to such a low form of attack?" slowly, he withdrew the seed hiding within his chest and held it between his fingers to show to the redhead, "You're really losing your tact with tricks like these…"
The seed in his hand suddenly combusted and his gaze darkened.
"…I think I'm done playing games…"
Kurama gritted his teeth and took a voluntary step backwards—
Only to suddenly have a trap spring up around his leg.
His eyes widened in horror as his head snapped backwards. What the hell? His mind raced frantically while Karasu chuckled darkly from in front of him
"You should really watch your step, Kurama-kun…"
The redhead furiously gritted his teeth as he attempted to free himself from the trap, but he froze in horror suddenly when he realized that one of Karasu's bombs was hovering dangerously close to his knee…
It didn't even occurred to him that he was now able to see his opponent's weapons again—
But he suddenly screamed in pain as the bomb exploded. Kurama's eyes grew wide as he staggered forward; a spray of blood shooting out from his leg and smoke billowing up around him. The trap released him and he fell to the arena floor; sprawled out almost lifelessly.
His breaths came out in gasps as he shakily pushed himself off the ground. The redhead shuddered dangerously as he arms threatened to give way to his weight, but by some way or another, he carefully raised himself off his knees.
"Dammit, Kurama!" Yusuke suddenly cried towards the ring, "Be careful!"
The akage blinked weakly as he glanced around him. He felt a sudden sense of foreboding race through him when he realized that Karasu's bombs were now hovering around him. There was no means of escape; as far as anyone was concerned, he was trapped.
Karasu was laughing beside himself now…
"Like I said, Kurama-kun…I'm tired of playing games…"
And with the flick of his wrist, another explosion erupted into the air.
Kurama screamed again as one of Karasu's bombs blew up directly on his abdomen. But even that wasn't enough. Over and over again, the bombs drove themselves at the akage until he was almost no longer visible beneath the veil of smoke and blood that materialized around him…although his cries of pain were most definitely audible over the explosions
But the bombs were relentless. Driven by his opponent's will, they thirsted for his blood…and would not let up until Karasu had quenched that thirst. Kurama staggered while the explosions continued; he felt blood running along his legs and arms, and the horrible burning sensation that ripped at his flesh.
Smoke billowed out from his wounds as he swayed dangerously on the spot. The redhead's body reeked of scorched flesh and the constant flow of blood…and his cries of pain were frozen in a silent scream.
Blood dripped onto the ground below him, creating a crimson pool as he suddenly dropped to his knees. Kurama's arms fell out in front of him to steady himself, but by now his breathing was ragged almost to the point where he was unable to breathe at all…
Karasu watched the akage with a glint flashing in his eyes, "Your hair is a bit damaged Kurama-kun…" he told him softly as he took several steps closer towards his opponent, "…Human bodies are so frail…"
He was breathing heavily now, but the apparition appeared to take great delight in watching him suffer.
His gaze wandered to his opponent's head, "Your hair…it's like that fiery spirit I admire. That's why I left your beautiful face unharmed…" his eyes never left his little victim, "I may not be able to keep you, but I will always have the memory of your face to give me comfort…"
The apparition paused a moment, as if a thought had just occurred to him, and he smirked again, "…Although…she had that same fiery spirit too, didn't she Kurama-kun?" he wondered suddenly and took pleasure in watching the akage's reaction; knowing already how he would respond, "It would have done my soul wonders to watch her fight as you have…to struggle and fight to live. I did mean what I said before; she had such an erotic cry…I just wanted to make her scream myself…"
Kurama clinched his teeth furiously, "Shut…shut up…"
"Oh…don't worry Kurama-kun…" Karasu assured him softly, "…I still adore you the most…"
The redhead's fists clenched beneath him and his eyes flashed dangerously, "DON'T USE YOUR TWISTED WORDS FOR HER!"
Shakily, Kurama suddenly rose back onto his feet; eyes glaring at the apparition standing in front of him. His gaze flickered briefly towards the tiny wound on Karasu's chest where his blood was slowly beginning to dry…
But it was all he needed…it was more than enough for a blood-thirsty plant…
His gaze became hooded all of a sudden…one more…one more plant should do it, the akage glanced down at his bloody hands, but that might be easier said than done…
The redhead gritted his teeth a final time, "…I believe that you couldn't have been more wrong about my lack of tact, Karasu…"
The blonde-haired demon eyed him in amusement—but that soon turned to malevolence as he held out his hand in front of him, "…And I believe, Kurama-kun…that this match should end."
Kurama's eyes darted frantically around himself where the bombs were immediately closing in on him.
Explosion after explosion erupted along his body. The akage's screams of pain dying away beneath the blasts that filled the air. Blood splattered around him and onto the ground below while the horrifying sensation of burning flesh stretched over his body.
His entire front side became drenched in the crimson liquid and steam hissed from his open wounds.
In another instant, Kurama suddenly fell forward; streams of his blood trailing out behind him…
He felt his body collide with the arena floor…
…But there was nothing else…
As if the pain was so intense that it felt as though there was none at all.
…He was simply drifting…
"Three!" the announcer's voice seemed distant from him… "Four!"
--"Kurama-kun!"--
Kurama saw her smiling at him…and waving, as if there was nothing wrong…
--"Kurama-kun, we're all waiting for you!" she laughed and smiled again, "You're so lazy, you know that?--
The akage groaned suddenly and his fingers folded weakly into his palm.
"SEVEN!"
He couldn't delay…he couldn't hesitate any longer. And at a painstaking speed, he raised himself off the ground with his arms. The redhead gritted his teeth in determination as his eyes glared fiercely towards Karasu.
…He had to kill him…
…Even if it was at the cost of his life…
Inwardly, the redhead smiled to himself bitterly, "Now…" he whispered, "…at least I won't leave her alone…"
He closed his eyes slowly…
…Live, Mai…
But then Kurama's eyes suddenly shot up towards the apparition in front of him. His fingers dug deep into the arena floor below him and his eyes narrowed dangerously.
Karasu's eyes glinted maliciously as he raised his hand out in front of him. Sparks of energy crackled between his fingers until another green orb pulsed within his palm.
"Farewell, Kurama-kun…"
Something suddenly flashed over his gaze as he hurled the attack towards his opponent.
"NOW DIE!"
Kurama gritted his teeth furiously—but now an enormous amount of energy exploded out around him. There was a blast of air that erupted with it and whipped around the akage as the fierce aura swirling around him pulsed wrathfully.
He gripped the arena floor beneath him; letting out a rage-filled cry.
And all of a sudden, from the aura surrounding him, a plant suddenly burst forth; charging dead on towards Karasu.
It drilled through the apparition's attack, causing it to implode on contact, but the plant continued to race forward. The akage watched uncertainly while his pain seared through him, and blurred his vision.
I may die…but at least it will end in a draw—
Karasu's eyes suddenly grew wide in agony…
…His face froze into a silent scream of horror as he stared down towards his chest…
And protruding from his previous wound, pumped a single plant; drinking deeply from the blood of the apparition's heart.
Karasu's hands shook above it; as if he was trying to pull it out…but his body would not allow him to move any further…
As the plant continued to suck out his very blood, the rest of it slowly began to creep forward towards the blonde-haired demon. And ever so steadily, its leaves quietly wrapped themselves around his body; constricting little by little until there was nothing left beating within his body…
The apparition fell backwards onto the arena floor…his eyes staring blankly up at the ceiling…
…And a single trickle of blood seeping down the corner of his mouth…
…But Kurama wasn't moving either…
An eerie silence swept over the stadium. Juri stood uncertainly near the center of the ring; glancing between the two fighters as if unsure whether or not to count.
"It looks like both Karasu and Kurama have taken each other out!" Koto exclaimed through her microphone, "I guess this match really will be a—wait a minute!"
The redhead's hand twitched slightly; his fingers testing themselves carefully. His eyes opened slowly…and he waited for his vision to clear. He saw the tile floor beneath him and the fuzzy outline of his hand; blinking, he shifted to a new position to lift himself off the ground.
He blinked again in confusion; realizing suddenly that he was alive.
But…how…? He wondered weakly to himself, I gave up all my life energy for that attack…
His eyes widened suddenly when a thought had occurred to him. Suzuka's potion…
Each time he had taken it, more and more of his original state came back to him…giving him more power. It was the reason he had survived, then; the power he had gained from his demon form had given him enough strength to endure his attack…
"Well I guess Kurama really is the winner for this match!" Koto declared while the akage lifted himself weakly off the ground.
Hiei however, narrowed his eyes as he caught sight of the opposing team across from them…
…It made him suspicious that neither of them seemed worried about their defeat…
"Kurama! You crazy son of a bitch!" Urameshi called to his teammate as he ran into the ring to help him, "Jeeze, thank God you didn't die out there—!"
"I…I'm sorry, Yusuke…"
The detective blinked, "What? Why the hell are you apologizing?"
He winced as he raised himself to his feet and then shook his head slowly, "…I should have lifted myself sooner…"
Yusuke grinned reassuringly, "Ah, don't worry about it; you won, didn't you?"
The akage lowered his gaze for a moment, "…That I'm not too sure about…"
Juri jumped in the center of the ring and raised her hand above her head, "Winner of the first match…
"Karasu!"
…
Urameshi's eye ticked dangerously, "Excuse me?" he demanded as he swiftly confronted the announcer. Juri eyed him distastefully as he threatened her with his fist, "Mind telling me how the hell a dead guy can win a frickin match?" he shouted in her face.
She placed her hands on her hips irritably and pointed towards Kurama, "He was down for ten seconds before Karasu was killed!" she informed him bluntly.
The detective clenched his fist, "Then why the hell didn't you stop the match then?" he ordered angrily.
Juri puffed out her cheeks, "Why you little—!"
Along the sidelines, Kuwabara gritted his teeth, "What kind of twisted ruling are they giving here? I don't remember Kurama being down for that long—that bastard Karasu was dead long before that!"
"Eh…?" Koto blinked as someone placed a videotape in front of her, "Hold on just a minute, folks! It looks like we have our evidence right here!"
She quickly popped the tape into the VCR in front of her and pressed a button. Above the stands, the giant screen flickered as scenes from the fight began to flash across the monitor. It replayed Kurama being bombarded with explosions—then swiftly fast-forwarded to where he was along the ground. A timer appeared at the top of the screen and began to count down.
As the time began to run low, Kurama was seen sending his final attack spiraling towards Karasu. And the instant the plant made contact with the apparition, the clock stopped:
10.14 seconds.
"Wow, this is a first, everyone!" Koto said through her mic, "For the first time in the history of the Dark Tournament we a have a winner who's dead and a loser who's…not…" she finished, suddenly sounding uncertain of herself.
Toguro smirked smugly as he folded his arms over his chest. Along his shoulder, his elder brother cackled under his breath at team Urameshi's misfortune.
"BULLSHIT!" Yusuke shouted furiously and whirled back towards Juri. He was clenching his fist, "Fine," he growled, "You just keep going by your stupid rules…because next time we're going to make sure we win…"
He went back to Kurama and helped him to his feet. As they were walking back towards the sidelines, Juri's face turned a bright red.
"Err…JERK ASS!"
-:-
a/n: eh, I'm done for right now…(I've basically been at it for three days straight to finally update…)
I'M SORRY IT TOOK SO LONG! I've had summer reading to do and my cousin was just over last week so I had absolutely NO time for this…
Hopefully all my other updates will come much quicker; I'M ALMOST DONE WITH THIS FIC! T.T
Then it's on to the next one!
Hehe anyway…
Karasu always weirded me out in the series, so that kind of explains why I had him call Kurama 'Kurama-kun' since it's a more affectionate term since Karasu has that little 'crush' on him…
ANYWHOS! Until next time, mi amigos!