"Are you ready, yet? At this rate, the finals will be over before we even get there." Sayomi leaned against the wall next to the doorway in the girls' hotel room. She kept her hands in her pockets as she watched Keiko scurry around the room to get ready.
"Why didn't you go with the boys, Sayomi?" Keiko asked as she brushed through her hair and laid out her outfit.
"Since it's the finals, we thought it would be safer if you girls had a proper body guard in case things get out of hand. I was the only viable option." Sayomi scrunched her nose as a strong fruity smell assaulted her senses.
"We can handle ourselves! No problem!" Atsuko grinned and held up a beer can. "Who do you think raised Yusuke, anyway?"
Shizuru took a sip of her own beer. "If Kazu can handle himself around these demons, then they can't be that tough."
Sayomi shrugged and said, "I don't have much choice in this either."
"Did the gift from Mr. Suzuki not help?" Yukina stood next to Sayomi, waiting patiently.
Sayomi shook her head once. "I'm not capable of using it, yet. I'd rather not take the risk."
"What does it do?" Shizuru asked, studying the cloak from her seat on the couch.
Sayomi chewed her lip as she recalled her attempt to use it. Then her mind flooded with the illusion that followed after. She shut her eyes and tried to banish the memory away. "Couldn't figure it out. Like I said, I'm not strong enough."
"Then why would he give it to you?" Keiko asked from the bathroom. She was getting dressed and putting on her make-up.
"Beats me. He did say he was looking for Kuwabara and Kurama, too. Maybe it's just his way of making peace." Sayomi crossed her arms impatiently. "Where's Botan, anyway? I'm surprised she's not taking forever to get ready, too."
"She mentioned she needed to speak to her boss about something. Probably about the tickets if I had to guess." Shizuru finished her beer and set the empty can on the table.
"I see." Sayomi scowled under her hood. Most likely about Master Genkai…
"Okay! I'm all set!" Keiko walked out of the restroom wearing a colorful button-up top and khaki shorts.
"This took you an hour?" Sayomi arched an eyebrow skeptically. "You look the same as usual."
Keiko scowled and said, "No, I added a touch of blush and eyeliner. There's some eye shadow, some mascara—"
"I have no idea what any of that is and I can't really say I care. It's too subtle to make any real difference. Now if you're ready, maybe we can make it before the first match." Sayomi kicked off the wall and walked out to the hallway with the girls trailing after her.
"What's got you in such a bad mood?" Keiko asked hotly with Yusuke's beast in her arms.
Sayomi sighed and said, "Sorry. I just want to get this day over with. I wanted to be ring-side, but instead I was told to protect you girls. I guess it just bothers me a bit."
"Ms. Sayomi?" Yukina asked quietly.
"Yeah?" Sayomi stopped and turned back to see the girls had stopped following her.
The ice maiden pointed at three metal doors in the hallway. "The elevators are here."
"I prefer to take the stairs. Don't worry, I'll meet you down there." She waved over her shoulder as she turned towards the fire exit stairs. She was about to push the door open, but a slender hand beat her to it. She turned and realized it was Kuwabara's older sister. "Yes?"
Shizuru smirked and said, "I don't mind taking the stairs. I could use the exercise."
Sayomi shrugged and led the way down. About midway down, Shizuru said, "So I take it Genkai's death has gotten to you too, right?"
Sayomi sighed and her shoulders slumped sullenly. "Yeah… Guess it shouldn't surprise me that you have an awareness like your brother."
"It has its ups and downs." Shizuru ran a hand through her hair and said, "I've known her for some time, and yesterday, her spirit dropped by to say goodbye. She didn't say anything about… the end, but she seemed content. Death's no big deal for her, I think."
"Yeah, I guess you're right about that. I just wish I could've been there in time to say goodbye to her properly."
Shizuru smirked and slung her arm across Sayomi's shoulders. "Hey, if it makes you feel any better, she told me to tell you to keep being yourself. Just because you're not as strong as the guys, that doesn't mean you can't kick ass."
Sayomi couldn't stop the smirk from creeping to the surface. "It actually does. Thanks, Shizuru. You're actually not as loud as the other girls seem to be, with the exception of Yukina."
Shizuru chuckled and said, "Growing up with a baby bro like Kazu required some stern discipline. Our mom passed and dad was always working."
"I see." Sayomi chuckled at the mental image. "That does explain a few things."
"Hey! You laughed." Shizuru smiled down at the hooded girl. "That's a lot better than the grumpy brooder I saw upstairs."
"Ha ha…" Sayomi smirked as they reached the bottom of the stairs. "Thanks, I needed a good laugh."
"I'll say. Now let's go watch the guys kick some Toguro ass." Shizuru gave Sayomi's shoulders a solid shake before exiting the stairwell.
At the stadium, they met up with Botan. She looked tired and her eyes were slightly puffy and red. She smiled when she saw the girls, but Sayomi saw the truth in her eyes. "Good morning." Sayomi raised an eyebrow at the reaper's blue demeanor. "I'm sorry. I'm afraid I was so preoccupied when I spoke with Koenma, I forgot to ask him about tickets. I'm afraid we won't be able to watch the finals today…"
Sayomi resisted the urge to sigh. Great. So we're stuck out here? Really regretting my decision right now. "So does anyone have any ideas?"
"Well…" Shizuru popped the knuckles on each hand and said, "Looks like there's only one way in."
"You're not going to jump the bouncer again, are you?" Keiko asked in worry.
"Do you have any bright ideas?" Shizuru asked, crossing her arms.
"Well, if we can't get tickets, then attack seems to be our only option." Yukina commented casually.
"'Atta girl!" Atsuko praised the girl. "If they won't listen to reason, give them a reason to listen."
Sayomi's eyes widened as she looked at Yusuke's mother. I guess that explains a couple things about Yusuke's attitude…
Shizuru smirked and draped her arm across Atsuko's shoulders. "Hey, follow my lead." She turned to the other girls and said, "We'll meet you in a few minutes. Just hang tight."
Sayomi arched an eyebrow in curiosity, but decided against action. I don't think I really need to worry about them. The only one I'm really worried about is…
She glanced over at the ice maiden. Yukina was conversing with Keiko and Botan with a carefree smile. Sayomi felt a pang in her chest and she turned away. Damn it. I don't belong with them. I should've just gone with the guys.
Before long, Shizuru and Atsuko came back with smug grins as they held up six tickets with their names written on them. Shizuru smirked and said, "Okay, we're all set. Let's hurry before the fights start."
"I haven't done that since my teenage years!" Atsuko grinned. "Now let's go cheer on the boys!"
Sayomi arched a brow curiously as she followed behind the group. There wasn't any commotion. What did they do to get so many tickets this late notice?
"Hello, everyone, and thank you for your patience! Sorry for the delay, but now… here's Team Urameshi!" Juri's voice blared through the speakers throughout the stadium.
"Ohhh! They're starting!" Atsuko exclaimed.
"Where do we sit?" Keiko asked looking down at her ticket.
"Second floor, section C, Row 7, seat 12." Botan read her ticket and led the way. "This way, ladies!"
They weaved through angry fans as the boys stepped out to the arena. Sayomi bit back to urge to growl as the demon crowd shouted insults at her teammates.
"The nerve of 'em even showing up!"
"Die, you bugs! Die!"
"Filthy humans!"
"My money's on you all buying it, so you'd better!"
"If you know what's good for you!"
"And presenting…" Juri stood at the center of the ring, her arm raised. "Team Toguro!"
The Toguro brothers stepped forward, along with their two other teammates. The demons all began to cheer and applaud the team of demons.
"You go, Toguro! Massacre 'em!"
"Give 'em such a thumping!"
"Huh? Only four on each team?!"
"What's the deal here?!"
Juri retrieved a tournament rule book and flipped through the pages. "Quiet please! According to Tournament Rules, the finals are strictly one-on-one! Whichever team takes out three out of five matches will be declared the winner! If a team suffers no fatalities, then a fifth member must be called in!"
Kuwabara leaned towards Yusuke and asked, "So who's our fifth, huh?! Jin? Chu?"
"Hope he didn't chicken out…" Yusuke muttered to himself.
Sayomi looked down to see the boys and Team Toguro staring each other down. When she noticed the boys without a fifth member, her eyebrows drew down in confusion. Only four? Didn't Yusuke say he would handle my replacement?
"We've already hit a snag, folks!" Koto announced from her booth. "No way to say just how things will go today!"
"C'mon, bring out your fifths! Now!"
"We're sick of waiting!"
"All right, we'll bring him out," Toguro said quietly. The doors behind him opened and a man in a black suit walked forward. He had long black hair with a long scar dragging down over one of his blue eyes.
"Hey! Isn't that the Team owner?"
"Think so… but can he fight?"
The human glanced up at the crowd, unaffected by their opinions. "Fighting's not my thing, actually. But I'll enjoy a close-up view of Team Urameshi's demise." He pulled out a cigarette and lit it. "Believe me, there's no chance I'll be needed."
"Sakyo's declaring victory already!" Koto exclaimed in shock.
"He's confident. That's nice."
Kuwabara turned around at the sound of the new voice. The prince of the Underworld flung his red cape over his shoulder in his teenage body. The young psychic jumped at the ruler's sudden appearance. "Koenma?!"
"Had to show off, huh?" Yusuke looked unimpressed by the dramatic entrance.
Sayomi paled when she saw Koenma standing in for her. Oh no… Is that bad? Is he going to blame me for having to step in like that? Damn it, Yusuke! Couldn't you have chosen anyone else?!
Koenma stared down at the boys and said, "Those who govern the Underworld should avoid getting involved in affairs like this, but current circumstances force me to step outside those bounds, and into this arena. In the unlikely event it comes down to me and whoever…" Koenma flipped his cape and turned to reveal booster rockets strapped to his back. "…I've got an escape plan all figured out!"
Kuwabara fell back in surprise while Hiei glared at the prince. Kuwabara got back to his feet and growled, "He serious?"
"Never needed him…" Hiei muttered as his eyes shifted up to the stands briefly.
"This is completely irregular!" Juri raised her hand to stop Yusuke. "According to the rules, your alternate cannot be brought up if Genkai's still alive!"
Sayomi felt a cold chill run through her at the mention of her teacher. She didn't even notice that they had found their seats.
Yusuke stared at Juri and said, "…Well, Genkai is…"
"It's all right," Sakyo said. Juri turned to Team Toguro curiously.
The demon dressed in black with the mask turned to the referee and quietly said, "Their new guy seems devoid of any aura. I expect he's a place holder, to fill their slate."
"Heh…" Koenma stared at the apparition. "Very perceptive of you."
"Yeah, very!" Kuwabara grumbled.
"Here are our ten finalists!" Juri announced excitedly.
The crowd erupted with cheers and shouts of approval. "It's starting at last!"
Kurama stared across the ring and locked eyes with the masked man. The apparition raised a finger to his head and said, "Bang!"
Kurama stepped forward and said, "I'll take him."
Juri raised her arm and announced, "First match: Karasu vs. Kurama! Forward!"
Sayomi watched as the two fighters stepped into the ring. She didn't miss the quick exchange between the red-head and Kuwabara. Suzuki said he was looking for them, too. I wonder if he gave them gifts to help them in the matches. Kurama was curious about Urashima's smoke. Did he give him something similar to use?
"Karasu!"
"Butcher 'im!"
"The opening match is about to start!" Koto exclaimed into her mic. "The stadium's erupting with wild cheering for Team Toguro's Karasu! Hey! There's Team Urameshi rooters here, too!"
"Nail 'im, Kurama!" Atsuko yelled as loud as she could.
Yukina turned to her, covering her mouth in worry. "Should we even be here? I hear it can get really rough during the finals."
"Tut tut…" Atsuko wagged her finger as she drank from a wine bottle. "The guys need our support. We can handle this crowd."
"How'd we get such good seats?" Keiko asked Shizuru curiously.
The older girl smiled and said, "Let's just say we ran into a generous scalper."
"Genkai… Where's Genkai?" Yukina asked quietly.
"I don't see her! Why isn't she in the ring?" Atsuko turned to Botan and asked, "Did she wear herself out in the semifinals? Whaddaya think, Botan?"
Botan looked as if she was in a daze until she heard her name. She smiled and said, "Huh? Me? I, uh… heard her say you can't fight old age." She got out of her seat and made her way to the exit.
Atsuko pointed down at the ring and said, "So where you goin'? It's about to start."
"Gotta… pick flowers… or something…" Botan scurried off to the nearest exit before anyone could stop her.
Keiko watched after her and said, "She's sure been acting odd."
When Shizuru got up to leave, Sayomi kept her eyes on the ring. She could tell the older girl was going to console the reaper. The other girls were still oblivious to the truth and she didn't have the heart to tell them.
When Kurama and Karasu made it to the center of the ring, Juri waved her arm and said, "Begin!"
Karasu lifted his hand as he began to manipulate his aura, causing short sparks to buzz in the air. He calmly stared at Kurama and said, "Is that how you want to face me? You're not here to just throw your life away, I hope."
"It's none of your business how I choose to face you… and defeat you." Kurama lifted a handful of rose petals and let them dance in the air around him. He flicked his hands to control the flurry of petals and sharpen their edges. Karasu casually advanced forward, despite the danger.
Koto's eyes widened at the scene before her. "Kurama seems to have raised a shield of… flower petals? Karasu's strolling right into the thick of it!"
As one of the petals sliced Karasu's cheek, he ignored the bleeding cut and focused on Kurama. "Flower petals as sharp as razors… How artful…" He weaved through the tiny razors with ease, avoiding anymore scratches. "…If a tad delicate."
Sayomi felt tense as she watched Kurama's opponent close in on him. Is he suicidal or that confident in his skills?
Kurama focused his aura on the petals so they honed in on Karasu. As they closed in, Karasu lifted his hands and all the petals exploded around him.
"Huh?!" Kurama's eyes widened in shock.
"Heh…" Karasu chuckled as he looked at Kurama through the smoking petals. "I see this comes as a surprise." He lifted his hands and said, "You figured my angle was projecting my demonic aura into the objects I touch, and destroying them from within." He seemed to smile as Kurama began to perspire nervously. "So you've got it completely wrong. Which shows that you and I are worlds apart. I'll ask again… Is that how you want to face me?"
Karasu dashed forward and swiped his hand at Kurama. Kurama dodged back, using his hand to lunge to the side. He skidded across the ring in a kneeling position, keeping his eyes on Karasu until his left arm exploded.
"Aah! Guuh…!" He slumped in pain as he tried to apply pressure on his wound with his other hand.
"Kurama!" Yusuke and Kuwabara shouted in worry.
"What the hell happened? Why is Kurama bleeding?" Sayomi gripped the armrests of her seat anxiously.
"Looks like Kurama miscalculated, and received a serious hit! But how'd Karasu do it?!" Koto exclaimed, just as confused as everyone else.
"See? I didn't have to touch you." Karasu stared down at the wounded red-head. He lifted his hand and said, "Would you like a hint? Just as you control plants, I control something as well… something I can also create."
"I don't get it! Kurama's not changing!" Kuwabara growled with clenched teeth. "Was Suzuki pulling a fast one on us after all?!"
"Would you like to see it?" Karasu asked. "Oh, but you can't… not in your current form. But talk is cheap, right? Would you like to see…" He began to manipulate his aura, causing Kurama to tremble under the pressure. "…How you're going to die? Of course you would. Let me bring it into your range of visibility…"
Kurama could only watch as Karasu unveiled his creation. It was three organic-looking dynamite sticks strapped together with a ticking clock. On one end of the sticks were demonic skulls while the other end had the fuses.
"What the…?" Kurama's eyes widened at the item.
"That's right… a bomb!" Karasu jumped and threw the bomb down at Kurama. There was a large blast and the ring began to become covered in smoke.
"Kurama!" Yusuke shouted angrily as he raised his arm to shield himself from the blast.
"No!" Sayomi shouted from her seat.
"Ow!" Karasu skidded back across the ring. Blood dripped from his hand where a red rose pierced through his palm. He stared down at the rose mournfully. "Last act of defiance…"
"Nearly the last." Karasu looked up to see a figure through the smoke. "Shuichi Minamino would've been vaporized…" The smoke cleared and Yoko Kurama stood in the ring, bleeding from various cuts on his arms and head. He licked blood from his fingers and said, "So you're a demon bomber, Master Class. Nice to meet someone else at my level now…"
"Whew! Just in time!" Kuwabara grinned triumphantly.
Sayomi let out a sigh of relief. "Damn, that was too close…"
Yoko smirked at Karasu and said, "…I'll kill you."
Karasu glared at Yoko and summoned more demonic bombs from thin air. "I'm not dying today."
"Kurama's transformed into the fox demon!" Koto announced excitedly. "Doesn't look like he weathered that blast unscathed, though!"
Yoko smirked and said, "A Master of explosives is not something Shuichi Minamino could handle at this stage."
"With Kurama back as the Fox Demon, this match has been blown wide open!" Koto cheered.
"Heh heh…" Karasu chuckled as he looked at Yoko. "Is that how you'll excuse losing? Because you're going to, even in that form! And here's how."
Karasu summoned more bombs from his aura, small demonic eyeballs with bat wings and a lit fuse on their heads. He pointed at the fox demon and sent his bombs flying towards the target with high pitched screeches.
"Tracer eyes: sub-organisms spawned by my demonic aura. As you know, what a master envisions, he can create." Karasu watched as Yoko jumped out of the way of a few of the bombs.
Yoko ran around the ring, avoiding contact with the small deadly threats. "Ever hear of the Humble Plant, by chance? It's a South American perennial that closes its leaves when touched by hand or fire."
Karasu stared down his nose at the fleeing fox. "Horticulture's not my thing. Note that you're hemmed in. In fact, I'd say you're in a bit of a fix."
Yoko ignored the bombs that surrounded him and addressed his opponent. "Perhaps. Back to the Humble Plant…" He began to chant in an ancient language until large thorny stems sprung up from beneath the ring, setting off the bombs and taking the damage for the former bandit. They had small buds with mouths that screeched in anger.
"Whoa!" Everyone's eyes widened and stared in surprise at the turn of events. The younger Toguro brother seemed interested at the very least.
Large-leafed demonic plants writhed around Yoko, growing larger as he fed them with his aura. He stood at the base of the botany with his arms crossed and said, "The Demon Plane variety has a vicious temperament. It'll attack anything that moves or emits excessive heat. That means you, woman. If you wish to live, stay still!"
He glared down at Juri who sat frozen in fear. She twitched as she fought to urge to move away. "You bet."
One of the plants mouths made a high pitched sound and Yoko narrowed his eyes on Karasu. "Well now, I'd say it's found an enemy." The large leaves advanced on the bomber, opening their leaves to reveal large hidden mouths with sharp teeth. Yoko smirked and said, "There's no escape, I'm afraid."
"Unh!" Karasu dodged as the leaves crashed into the stadium floor.
"The tables have turned – dramatically!" Koto shouted into her mic. "Karasu appears to be in a pretty pickle!"
"Hmph!" Karasu raised a hand and threw a bomb into one of the predatory plants. The large leaves burned and fell to the ring in ashes. Then another mouth closed in from his blindside. Karasu's eyes widened as he realized his situation.
"Partial attacks won't do much, I'm afraid." Yoko held his finger to his head like a gun and said, "Bang!"
"Gaah!" Karasu was caught by one plant first. Then they all began to close in from all sides, caging him in the air as the plants started to feast.
"Hmm…" Yoko watched the plants in disappointment. "All wrapped up. I thought he'd have more fight in him."
"Amazing!" Koto cheered. "Looks like this match goes to Kurama! As the Fox Demon, he's proved overwhelming!"
"Way t' go, Kurama!" Kuwabara praised with a clenched fist.
"That didn't even take the whole 15 minutes!" Yusuke cheered.
"Yeah! Way to show him, Kurama!" Sayomi grinned in relief.
Juri waved her arm towards Kurama and announced, "With Karasu out of commission, the match goes to –" She was cut off as Kurama's plants exploded to burning bits behind her. She and Yoko turned around to see Karasu still alive and unharmed.
Karasu landed on his feet with his hands in his pockets. His mask was missing and there was blood speckled on his face. "Who's out of commission?"
Juri grinned nervously and said, "No one, Karasu! Certainly not you! Let the match resume!"
Karasu stared at Yoko and smiled. "I've taken quite a liking to you, Kurama. I'll see you dead for sure!"
"His mask came off," The elder Toguro notified his brother.
"Not good." The Younger Toguro addressed his team owner. "Get behind me, Mr. Sakyo… quickly."
"Kaaah!" Karasu began to gather his aura, charging it until it visibly engulfed his body and changed his hair to a shocking blond.
Koto's eyes widened at the transformation. "Karasu's hair has changed color! Even from here I can see his aura building in strength!"
"He's drawing flammable elements in to fuel a whole-body explosion." Hiei watched the ring, unimpressed but preparing for the inevitable. "His hands are the fuses, I bet. Brace for a major shockwave."
Karasu smirked and raised his hands, charging them with his demonic aura. He continued to build it up until it was a large mass of electric energy. "Ha ha ha! Die!"
"Looks like a big one, guys." Toguro took a few steps back and said, "Better get further back."
Karasu jumped into the air and leapt straight for Yoko. The Fox Demon was caught off guard as the bomber made impact. There was a large explosion, bigger than any others so far. It blew a massive hole into the stadium wall, killing hundreds of demon fans.
"Ha ha ha!" Karasu laughed as debris flew through the air and demons screamed in agony from the heat.
"Whoo!" The boys jumped back, riding the shockwave as it sent them back. Kuwabara was unfortunate to lose his balance and flew through the air until he landed on his head.
Sayomi raised her cloak to shield herself from the heat and any debris that flew her way. When she checked on the girls, she sighed in relief that they were all okay.
Yusuke looked around himself to check on his team. "Everybody okay?!"
"Seems so…" Kuwabara sat up and rubbed the bump on his head. He got to his feet and frantically looked around. "But where's Kurama?!"
"Heh…" Karasu smirked in amusement.
"Huh?!" Yusuke gasped in shock. "Kurama?!"
Sayomi looked down at the ring and she paled when she saw the red-head kneeling in the ring. He was covered in blood and dirt and his clothes were torn in various places. "What happened? Why did he change back?"
"Kurama's been knocked out of his Fox Demon form!" Koto announced, surprised at the reversal. "And he looks quite a bit worse for wear!"
"He's changed back!" Yusuke exclaimed. "The potion must've worn off!"
"But it's only been 5-6 minutes!" Kuwabara countered in disbelief. "The potion was supposed to last 15!"
"Unh!" Kurama grunted in pain as he looked down to see he was back in his human body and seriously wounded. He glared up at his opponent in defiance as he tried to think of a plan.
"Sorry to intrude on your thoughts…" Karasu casually stalked towards the bleeding red-head. "But you might want to say your prayers. May you know a minimum of pain…"
"Rrgh!" Kurama swung his arm, channeling his aura into his hand. He gasped when his aura dispersed altogether.
Karasu smiled and said, "Your demonic aura is too weak to enable you to form plant weapons. I daresay you probably can't even perceive my aura at this point."
"Blast!" Kurama sprang to his feet and charged towards Karasu. When he closed in, he swung his leg in a strong kick. Karasu jumped over it and leaned back to avoid Kurama's hand. Kurama pursued Karasu with a series of punches and kicks while the bomber simply dodged.
"First time we've ever seen Kurama fall back on martial arts!" Koto observed. "Karasu just counters with tight, efficient moves!"
"Kurama's up to something." Hiei muttered quietly.
"I hope he has a plan." Sayomi watched the match intensely, absorbed in the action.
"Is pain fogging your brain?" Karasu asked with a sly smile. He raised his hand and gathered his aura. "Closing in on me is suicide!"
Kurama jumped up, dodging Karasu's bomb and continuing his advance. "As I can't see your aura, proximity hardly matters." He closed in and pushed Karasu across the ring.
Karasu regained his balance and opened his shirt to observe the cut on his chest. "A good, well-placed strike. However…" He reached into the wound and pulled out a seed. "…Was this your real purpose? To place the Deadly Vetch on me? I'm surprised you'd try that again."
Kurama glared at Karasu, guarding his emotions from his opponent.
Karasu set the seed on fire with a small explosion. "Still, you have managed two damaging hits on me. Congratulations."
Kurama prepared himself for whatever was coming next. He didn't expect the bomb that chomped onto his foot from the stadium floor. He gasped and looked down to see a small eyeball at the end of a long fuse. The eyeball opened to reveal a mouthful of sharp teeth. It laughed and said, "Gotcha."
Karasu smirked and explained, "That's my 'Muddy Bomb.'"
The bomb went off, blowing Kurama off his feet and making his leg bleed profusely. "Aaagh!"
Kurama was struggling to get back up when Yusuke shouted, "Freeze, Kurama! He's got you penned in!"
Kurama made it to his feet and stood still. Karasu began to walk towards Kurama as he said, "Does it matter? You can barely stand. You're out of options, I'd say. There's no summoning Demon Plane flora… or turning ordinary plants into weapons." Karasu reached out to Kurama, who glared at him in defiance. "I, on the other hand, could blow you to bits."
Kurama's left shoulder and right elbow were hit with small blasts. "Yaargh!" Kurama screamed in agony from the pain as he was brought down to his knees.
Karasu looked down at him and said, "But I won't. I wish to keep you with me. Well, your head, at least."
Kurama glared up at Karasu and slowly got to his feet again. Sayomi clenched her teeth as she fought the urge to go down to help. He's killing himself! At this rate, even if he wins, he won't survive much longer!
Karasu sighed and waved his arm. "I'll dismember you, bit by bit."
Two more blasts erupted on Kurama's side and his right thigh.
"Kurama!" Yusuke and Kuwabara shouted fearfully.
The red-head fell back down to the ring floor, groaning in pain as he bled from his wounds.
"He's down!" Juri announced.
"Woohoo! That's sweet, Karasu!"
"Bomb 'im!"
"Bomb 'im!"
"Bomb 'im!"
"Bomb 'im!"
"Bomb 'im!"
Koto grimaced as she announced, "The cheering's so loud I can barely think! From what I can tell, though, Juri's taking a count!"
Kurama made it to his knees with his eyes trained on Karasu. The bomber sighed and said, "I scarcely think that's necessary. For him it's simply life…" He raised his hand, charging for another attack. "…Or death!"
Just as Karasu released his aura, Kurama charged his aura and summoned a large demonic plant. The attack drained Kurama until he passed out on the ring. The plant's vines reached for Karasu and pierced his chest where his wound was still bleeding.
Karasu coughed up some blood as he looked down. "A… Vampire Plant…? I don't… He couldn't… have summoned…" Karasu became pale as the plant drained his blood. His body fell to the ring floor and the plant finished off the rest.
"Kurama!" Yusuke shouted, trying to rouse his teammate.
Kurama twitched as he slowly regained consciousness. His eyes slowly opened and focused as he slowly pushed himself to his feet. His body trembled from the effort and blood loss, but he was alive.
"Kurama's won!" Kuwabara cheered along with the rest of his team. "A mind-blowin' comeback!"
Sayomi slumped back into her seat and let out a big sigh of relief. "Thank goodness he made it through the match alive."