Devious Demons

The tune was haunting but was nothing compared to the hell that it had unleashed. Dark clouds flooded the sky bringing forth dragons and shadows creatures. From these poured poisonous winds that could not be abated. Thinking this was all, Yusuke prepared himself for a war. However he was stopped by something. That tune…That haunting tune that played endlessly in the background. Swinging his eyes back to Rydia he found the source.

Seconds before he was swallowed by his attackers, he screamed, "Rei Kou Dan!"


In the forest nearby, Hoshi tore through the trees. He was focused solely on finding his twin. But this task was becoming increasingly difficult as her presence faded. Growling in frustration, he sped up yet again. He had to find out why she had vanished from his side. Then it was gone.

Screeching to a halt, he tried with every fiber of his being to find her. It was to no avail. Defeat claimed his mind as he fell to his knees. Soon fists were beating the ground while cries of anger passed from his lips. She would die if he didn't find her. Lifting his eyes to the sky, he attempted to calm down. In the back of his mind he could hear her voice. Softly, it echoed over and over.

'Don't try to find me, brother.' Shoving this aside, he severed his link to Bara. If she didn't wish to be found then that was the first thing that he would do. Once again he was sweeping past the world.


The entire arena waited in awe for the result of the fight. Then, as if a prayer had been answered, a single ray of light landed in the ring. Everyone held their breath in anticipation waiting for more to be revealed. When every cloud was gone, Kaze brought her microphone to her lips in shock. Slowly she formed the required words.

"And it looks like we have a winner," she began, "Since Yusuke is nowhere to be found and Rydia remains standing, by default…"

"She hasn't won yet," a voice interrupted as the said loser leapt out of the crowd, "In fact, I'm sure that I'll be the victor in just a few seconds."

With that said, Yusuke dove forward. Before his opponent could defend herself, she was on the ground next to the remains of her smashed flute. Rising to his feet effortlessly he challenged the judge to deny him his victory again. Blinking in amazement at the sight before her Kaze started the countdown. At the end, she lifted her free arm into the air.

"And it's a winning point for Team Urameshi along with a losing point for Team Taihen. Let's begin the next selection!"

Strolling back to his team, the leader awaited the following results not realizing just what they were in for. With the arrival of the names a new meaning of disaster was shown. For there was a member of the team that was not present.

Hoshi Minamino vs. Seni Yammia

The judge grinned as she turned to the unfortunate team. "Oh, how sad! Looks like you now have two losing points as well! So let's try that again and see if we can find you an actual opponent this time!"

Kuwabara frowned as he controlled his anger. They were being played with and held the power to do nothing about it. Breathing heavily, he watched the board. All they could do now was hope that the next names that were shown were names of people they had. If not, then their team would lose this round without a fight. Luckily, fortune chose to be their companions.

Kurama vs. Seni Yammia

The man nodded in acknowledgment. Instantly he had vanished from sight to appear once more in the ring. Once there, he found himself face-to-face with the hebi of Team Taihen. But what he found to be more interesting was the striking resemblance he held to a former opponent of his. Shifting his eyes to the light blue orbs he found all the answers he needed. Staring back at him were lakes of vengeance. Letting out a sigh, he indicated his readiness to begin. Not that he could refuse anyways.


High in the stands, a well-tailored man licked his lips. Finally there was something to hold his interest. Removing his sunglasses, sapphire eyes studied the elegant body below. Yes, simply divine. Something he had to have as his own. Glancing at the board he memorized the name. Kurama. Well, it looked like joining this tournament wasn't a complete waste of his time after all.


Seni had already detached a three-foot tall shuriken from his back. The black tank he wore rustled with the motion. His skill with the weapon was clear due to the fluid movements he created. It was enchanting...hypnotic even. But the kitsune refused to allow this trick to capture him. Using a simply summoning, his favored whip was in his hand.

A long tongue licked the serpent's lips as he grinned. Revenge for his brother would be sweet. Soon this creature would be nothing more than a few bloody pieces. To emphasize this, he tossed the blades into the air. Not long after they had escaped his hands, the hebi followed with the iron spikes of his gloves unsheathed. That whip would only be able to stop one attack. In that moment, when the opening had been exposed, he would have a bloodied human.

On the other side of the ring, time had seemed to come to a slow march. Emerald eyes watched as the whirring blades sliced through the air towards him. Not far behind was a striking reptile. He only had a manner of seconds to decide what to do. And while this was his specialty, one false move would spell nothing but death. Calmly he poised his body. Behind him a cloud of petals began their gentle envelopment of his lithe body.

He could sense his opponent screech to a halt. Confusion was flooding his aura as the shuriken vanished into the floral fog. Moments later several clangs of metals echoed through his ears. Growling, Seni watched as the petals parted to reveal his weapon in pieces; Kurama merely stood there without so much as a drop of sweat. His growl turned into a hiss at the sight. So, running into this fight was foolish. A smile slowly grew upon his features. Very well. Tricks were his specialty.

Once again he dashed forward with death written in his eyes. The curtain was being drawn up. Smirking, he unhinged his jaw. Instantaneously, venom poured out and slammed into his victim. When he was done, he stood back. One by one the flowers fell until all that was left was a kneeling man.

"Yes," he spat, "now our fight can truly begin."


Next Time on Past Tricks:

Hoshi here, and while I'm not present for this battle I can tell you that my father is already struggling. From the looks of it, he is going to have to rely on tricks he used during his Youko days just to survive. But survival won't win him this battle. Yet, is it even possible for him to win against a vengeful serpent?