Sayomi looked down at her reflection in the Void. It looked back up at her curiously. When she tilted her head, it mimicked the motion. She stared at it and said, "It's strange that I'm still able to see in the Void. At first, I thought I was still gonna be blindfolded, but that wasn't the case. Not that there's anything I really need to see..."
She looked around at the Void then redirected her eyes to the reflection below. "Unless I'm supposed to be watching this thing, but how would that help me?"
She slipped her hands into her pockets and started walking. "It's already been six weeks since Master Genkai sealed the blindfold. I've gotten used to fighting and living in the dark, but I still can't seem to get her. Although..." She smirked. "I think I'm getting close."
She reached for the jewel hidden under her shirt and stared into it. "Strange that this is here but the blindfold isn't. I don't think anyone has really noticed it yet. The one I really need to watch out for is Yukina. She doesn't watch us train too often, but she does always come by for meals. I always have to make sure it's hidden, otherwise I'd have to lie to her."
Sayomi frowned at the thought. "If Hiei made this oath for the Evil Eye, then I guess it makes sense now. Though Shigure seemed willing to give him the freedom to tell her the truth, Hiei was steadfast in his decision to keep his word. The least I can do is keep this hidden so I won't need to explain."
She smiled before tucking the stone away again. "I'm actually kinda surprised he loaned it to me. Although, I didn't tell him I would be training at Master Genkai's. I figured he'd want to keep it since he finally got it back."
As she walked, Sayomi watched her reflection below her. Aside from the ripples, nothing seemed abnormal about it. "It certainly gives me a reason to be strong enough to keep from losing it, but it's not my reason to keep fighting."
When she thought of her friends, she smiled. She admired Yusuke's growing resolve and natural charisma that could even befriend the most dangerous demons. "He grew up fighting, but he didn't have any real friends or goals. Keiko told me stories of how they grew up and everyone else's view of him. Yet, when Kuwabara faked his death, it pushed Yusuke into a corner and he was able to break through to his true power. It inspired him to sacrifice himself against Sensui because he believed in us. All this time, he's been fighting for us or the world. Now, he's fighting for something more personal.
"I'm sure the others have their own reasons to fight, otherwise they wouldn't be here." Sayomi's smile started to slip. "Kuwabara's always been transparent with his reasons. He's very loyal to his friends and family, even if it means putting his life on the line. He never backed down from a challenge and always worked hard to prove himself. Though he did his best to keep up with everyone, he knew he couldn't come with us to the Demon Plane. Instead, he seemed to find his own path in the Human World. I hope he's doing well."
When Kurama crossed her mind, she felt curious. "He went out of his way to ensure his mother's safety before accepting Yomi's invitation. While I was training in Alaric, he managed to get into contact with the guys from the Dark Tournament. Specifically, the ones who ended up liking Yusuke. Yomi thinks they want revenge, but he's still watching Kurama closely. They may have history together, but they're lacking trust. If Kurama does have something up his sleeve, then I better keep my head down and follow his lead. I know he wouldn't let someone like Yomi do anything to his human family."
She closed her eyes and chuckled as she thought of Hiei. "His reasons seem to vary depending on the situation and what he can get out of it. I'm sure he wants to fight Yusuke again, but I doubt he wants to kill him. Hiei's also made it clear that it's unwise to fight against Kurama, so I don't think there's any worry there. He's always been focused on getting stronger, but I don't know if that's his only goal."
Sayomi looked up from her reflection and gasped. There was another reflection in front of her. Unlike the one rippling at her feet, this one was shrouded in darkness. It reminded her of her Shade, except it was unnaturally calm and she couldn't make out any features. She raised her hand and reached out to touch the figure, but she only felt a cold surface like glass. "They all have their reasons for coming here. So what's my reason?"
She remembered Yasuhiro's face. The last time she saw him was when she and Hiei snuck out of the fortress for a bit. "He was furious when he saw us together. If we hadn't escaped, would he have lost control again?"
She recalled the night she ran away. His sadistic laughter followed her through the trees as she fled. "He used their worst fears against them. If I stayed with him, would I have ended up like that, too?
"Oh..." Sayomi stared at the figure with wide eyes. Her face, covered with dark markings, glared at her from the hood. The sadistic smile on her face reminded her of Yasuhiro. "Is that it? I don't want to end up like my brother?" She thought of Yasuhiro locked away in Mukuro's dungeon. "If I can master my power, then I won't be afraid of it anymore. That was the whole point, wasn't it? That's what started it."
Her hand closed into a fist as she stared at her brother's eyes. "I don't want to end up like him. If I lose control and hurt my friends, I wouldn't be able to face them again in the afterlife."
She smirked bitterly. "If I hadn't met Yusuke and the others, I probably would've lost myself a long time ago. I owe it to them, as well as myself, to control my power. Then maybe I won't need to leave."
Gradually, her friends' faces started to overshadow hers. She saw Yusuke's taunting smirk, Kuwabara's cheesy grin, Kurama's warm smile, and Hiei's smug look. "When I think of home, they all come to mind. In a way, they've become like my family." Tears slid down her cheeks unnoticed. Though her smile stayed in place, it didn't reach her eyes. "More so than my him."
Sayomi tried to imagine a future with her brother instead of her friends. With Yusuke and the others, she felt free, warm, and safe. With Yasuhiro, she felt trapped, cold, and afraid.
"When Yasuhiro brought me to Mukuro's fortress, I was on edge until I saw Hiei." Her smile tilted up into a smirk and she chuckled. "So, is that my reason now? I'm fighting so I can stay with them?"
Sayomi turned her back to the mirror and sat down. As she leaned her head back, she closed her eyes and sighed. "I guess that's it, then..."
She opened her eyes and stared into the black abyss. "It's kinda funny how the thought of my brother evolved into a nightmare I can't wake up from. If I can't master my power, then I might have nowhere else to go but with him." She looked down at her black nails and clenched her fist. "Then I better not fail."
When Sayomi opened her physical eyes, she still couldn't see. Instead, she focused on the sounds of sparring demons in the room. She caught a whiff of sweat and body odors as two fighters breezed by in front of her. The heat of the room was suffocating as she wiped her sweaty palms on her pants and got to her feet. She turned to her left when she heard a grunt.
"You're finally done?" Genkai asked.
"Yeah," Sayomi answered. "I'm ready this time."
"Hmph! Guess we'll find out." Sayomi imagined the old hermit's smirk. Then the master raised her voice for the boys. "Cool down and eat! One hour, then we'll head outside. Try not to choke before then."
Sayomi heard the door open and her nose picked up an assortment of familiar smells that she associated with food at Genkai's. She made her way to the center of the room where the meal was set out and accepted a plate from Yukina's cold hands. "Thanks."
"You're welcome." Sayomi imagined the ice maiden's polite smile. "How is your training so far?"
"Not bad." Sayomi took a bite of the herbs before continuing. "But I need to hurry up and finish."
"What's the rush?" Rinku asked from across the low table.
"Shadow demons have to live on the very line between life and death," Toya explained. "The faster she can overcome its dangers, the better off she'll be. At least, that's what I've gathered between her and Suzuki."
"It's not just for my sake," Sayomi said. "My aura tends to rub off on the people I fight, regardless if it's a serious match or not. The sooner I complete this training, the safer everyone around me will be."
"If practice is what you need, then I'm willing to fight," Jin said from Sayomi's left. "Can't be much more dangerous than you going crazy on everyone, right?"
"You can think of it as a curse. My aura tends to have negative effects on my opponent, even if it's just sparring. The scary thing is that it doesn't happen immediately. It slowly starts to take effect the more I fight with any given opponent. We could train for months before you even realize you've been afflicted. That's why I don't spar with the rest of you." Sayomi did her best to not voice her concern for Master Genkai. She would probably brush it off like Hiei does.
"Does this curse turn on you at all?" Suzuki asked.
Sayomi shrugged. "My Shade used to make appearances, but now that we've merged, I'm not sure."
"Sounds like it might be a natural defense for Shadow demons. After all, they usually keep to themselves. You tend to not follow the norm for your kind," Toya reasoned.
"I never thought of that," Sayomi muttered.
"Now that you mention it, she is pretty different from my old acquaintance," Suzuki mused. "Sure, he would come and go, but he was always by himself. When I asked him about it, he just shrugged and said it was normal."
"Well I didn't really grow up like a normal Shadow demon." Sayomi set her plate and chopsticks down and sighed. "But even if it is a natural defense, I'd like to have some say on when to use it."
"The hardest battle is the one you fight against yourself," Toya agreed. "When it's as literal as your case, I can only imagine how hard it must be."
"That doesn't sound fun at all," Jin sighed. "It'd be a shame if I lost control of my wind. Then it'd be that much harder to enjoy a good fight."
"When I'm smashed, I lose all control of m' moves. If you don' wanna get hurt, you bess stan' clear." Chu chugged down a drink and let out a loud belch. "If ya can't control it, then use it till ya can. Isn't that how it works?"
"That's typically the case, but it's not easy to control a subconscious act," Toya explained. He turned to Sayomi and said, "That's why you're always meditating when you're not fighting. You're trying to tap into that part of you that does control it."
"I thought that's what my Shade was." Sayomi heaved a sigh and said, "Apparently, there's more to it than I originally thought. Unlike before, I'm not fighting myself. There are these reflections that look a little different from me."
"Different how?" Suzuki asked curiously.
"Well, one rippled at my feet, but there wasn't any water. There was a new one today that just stood in silence and it was covered in shadows so I couldn't make out any details. At least, not at first."
"What do you mean?" Rinku asked quietly.
"As I stared at it, faces started to form in the shadows. At first, I saw my face, but it was different. Then, I saw Yusuke and the others." Sayomi frowned at the thought. "I don't know what it means, but I'll find out soon."
"Is there something troubling you?" Yukina asked. The ice maiden handed Sayomi a small bowl of strawberries and touched her forehead. "You don't have a fever, but you look a little pale."
"Sorry." Sayomi smiled and accepted the fruit. After eating one, she savored the flavor and let herself relax. "I'm just a little... conflicted at the moment."
"Are you sure you should be pushing yourself like this?" Toya asked worriedly.
"You don't have to force yourself to do this, you know," Suzuki scolded.
"If I don't do this, then what's the point?" Sayomi asked the room of fighters. "What was the point in enduring everything else if I don't finish what I started? If I don't do this, then everything I've done until now would be pointless."
"And what would be the point if you end up seriously hurting yourself or dying in the process?" Suzuki asked quietly.
"Then it wouldn't be a problem anymore," Sayomi answered easily. "I won't know for sure unless I take this seriously."
"Nothin's worth doin' if it ain't for keeps," Chu agreed with a hiccup. "If yer not ready, then why'd ya start in th' first place?"
"Because I thought I was?" Sayomi shrugged. "I took the first chance I could to start training. It was my ticket to freedom and once I started, I couldn't stop."
"Do you regret becoming a fighter?" Toya asked.
"I think I'd regret it more if I hadn't." Sayomi ate another strawberry and smiled. "For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to know how to fight. At first it was just for fun, but then it became necessary to survive. It was the only way to get to where I am today."
"So you'll risk your very existence to keep fighting?" Suzuki asked.
"No." Sayomi set the empty bowl on the table. "I'm gonna keep fighting so I can exist."
Sayomi stared down through the blindfold in mild shock. So I can exist with everyone…
The room slipped into momentary silence until Genkai got to her feet. "If everyone's finished eating, let's head outside. The sooner we start, the more we'll get done today."
Sayomi stood up and followed the sounds of heavy footsteps through the mountain path. She waited patiently as the master instructed each fighter their task for the day. Then without warning, she followed Genkai to a more private training arena.
"So you found your reason, huh? It took you long enough."
Sayomi smirked and said, "There's a little more to it, but that is the simplest reason."
"Don't think because you've figured that out the rest of your training is going to get easier." Genkai's voice echoed from every direction. "That was only your first task and it took you this long to finish it. It's only going to get harder."
"Good." Sayomi settled into her fighting stance.
She listened to the wind howling through the mountains and the birds flying through the sky. She felt the temperature drop as the clouds drifted across the sun. Then, she caught a whiff of smoke. There!
Sayomi blocked Genkai's kick, then followed through the motion with a pivot. She punched, using the master's leg to guide her aim. Before it could land, Genkai blocked and jumped out of range.
Sayomi clicked her tongue and settled into her stance. Once she jumps away, she could be anywhere. I can block and counter, but that's useless if she slips away.
When Sayomi felt a fist touch her stomach, she quickly did another pivot and grabbed her teacher's arm. She pulled it, forcing Genkai forward into Sayomi's elbow. Genkai ducked and swept her leg under her student's feet.
Sayomi heard cloth brushing the dirt and pebbles. She jumped and landed behind Genkai, twisting the woman's arm into a lock. Alright! Now just –
"Hah!"
Sayomi felt a strong pull that lifted her off her feet. She felt like she was flying through the air until she landed hard on her back. She gritted her teeth and groaned in pain. "Nnngh!"
By the time Sayomi got back to her feet, Genkai was gone again. She calmed her breathing and focused on her surroundings.
When she smelled smoke, Sayomi turned and blocked another kick. She stepped in and trapped the leg against her side. She held on and dropped to the ground, landing on her side with Genkai pinned beneath her. Now!
Sayomi used her shadow to freeze Genkai in place. Kido's technique is pretty handy. The hard part is just catching Master Genkai. Now that I got her… She closed her eyes and used her aura to cover her and the master completely. Then she dived into Genkai's subconscious memories.
The first thing she noticed was the interior of a dojo. Two humans were fighting a couple demons in the center of the room. One of the humans was a tall male with short dark hair and serious eyes. The other human was a familiar short girl with large brown eyes and braided pink hair.
"Master Genkai?" Sayomi's voice didn't reach the young woman. When she looked down at her hands, she realized why. "Oh..." Her body, covered in shadows, was slightly transparent. "So this is a memory and I can't interfere."
She looked up to see the young man punch a demon in the stomach. Then Genkai kicked the other demon's chin, knocking him off his feet and unconscious. The two fighters stood side-by-side as they stared down at their opponents.
"We're now at the height of our powers," the young man said. He had a deep voice that sounded too familiar to Sayomi. "I would have time stop because I'm afraid..." The man turned to face Genkai. "Not of anyone more powerful than us coming along..." He clenched his fist. "But that when they do, my body will be aged and withered. I hate that idea. Being human is... annoying."
Genkai smiled up at the man and said, "We'll both grow old, Toguro... together. What's wrong with that?"
The scene faded to black. Sayomi blinked, trying to process what she saw. "So they used to be that familiar with each other? Their techniques were practically in sync with each other."
Then a door slid open, revealing a hulking silhouette in the doorway. Its voice was rough like gravel when it spoke. "Toguro..."
"Who are you? What's your business here?" Toguro questioned the intruder.
"I am the demon, Kairen. I have heard tales of your power and I'd like to extend an invitation to you as a special guest."
"'Special guest'?" Toguro glared at the demon, ignoring the low murmurs and whispers from his students. "To what?"
The demon smiled, baring his large teeth with a chuckle. "Ku ku... The Dark Tournament. It's for demons who enjoy fighting for the pleasure of a good kill and greedy humans with dark intentions."
"And if I refuse?" Toguro asked.
"Attendance is mandatory." Kairen dashed into the room and ripped through five of the students, splattering the dojo with their blood.
As Kairen started to eat one of the corpses, the dojo broke into chaos. Students screamed while teachers tried to fend off the demon. One by one, Kairen killed and devoured whoever got in his way.
"Ahhhhh!" Toguro charged Kairen, but was knocked back down repeatedly.
"Haaahhh!" Genkai fired off a blast, but the demon was too quick.
By the end of the slaughter, only Toguro and Genkai were left alive. They were cut and beaten all over as they were forced to watch Kairen wipe out the rest of the school.
Sayomi's vision blurred with unshed tears as she watched the carnage unfold. "Is this what happened to them? So then why did he become such a monster himself?"
The scene changed and Sayomi found herself in a forest with Genkai, the elder Toguro brother, and two other humans. They looked anxious, as if they were waiting for something. They turned when they heard heavy footsteps behind them.
Sayomi gasped when she saw Toguro's face. He looked grim and his eyes were devoid of emotion. She ignored the tightening in her chest and whispered under her breath, "He looks... broken. Like his soul's been irreparably scarred."
The scene changed again to the Dark Tournament stadium. The crowd was loud with cheering from the demon fans. Toguro and Genkai stood in the ring with the elder Toguro brother. It didn't look like the rest of their team survived.
The referee walked up to the team and spoke into her mic. "The winners of the Dark Tournament: Team Toguro!" As the crowd chanted his name, she held out her mic and said, "As the winners of the tournament, you each get one wish. What would you like?" She held the mic for Genkai to answer first.
Genkai glared up at the committee booth and said, "I wish to never come back to one of these tournaments again."
The referee smiled and said, "That's a simple enough request. "And you?" She raised the mic to the young Toguro brother. "What would you like?"
Toguro glared down at the referee and said, "I would like to become the strongest demon."
Genkai glared up at him silently as the announcer moved on to the older brother.
The screams of the fans faded away with the stadium. Sayomi stared into the darkness as she blinked back her tears. "That was the last time they saw each other before... So why did she join Yusuke's team when I could've been the alternate?"
Sayomi soon found herself in Genkai's dojo with the Ogre Triad. They were wounded, but on their feet and in decent health.
Miyuki, the feminine demon, stepped forth to speak for the group. "Genkai... We extend an official invitation to you to be a guest at the Dark Tournament."
Genkai took a sip of her tea, without bothering to face them, and said, "My prize for winning 50 years ago was permanent disqualification. Toguro knows that. Go back and remind him."
"An invitation has also been extended to Yusuke Urameshi. Do you still refuse yours?" Miyuki asked.
Sayomi glared at the demons while Genkai scowled. I guess that explains the bandages. They came here after we saved Yukina.
"Master Toguro has long craved to face opponents worthy of him. So you know, Kurama and Hiei have been invited, as well. Master Toguro is quite pleased. He says 'This'll be the best lineup since we were guests 50 years ago.'"
Sayomi watched the scene change again. She saw a familiar location and a shiver ran down her spine. Oh no...
Toguro stood in the center of a large crater with his arm raised. Smoke sizzled out of his hand, but he was otherwise unharmed. "This is your best?"
Looking down from the edge of the crater was Genkai. She looked exhausted. Her legs were cut and she was bleeding from a hole in her shoulder.
"It was a mistake to leave this until you'd gained a student," Toguro continued and lowered his arm. "I should've ended your life long ago... while you were still strong and beautiful. You're not Genkai... Just her fading echo."
Genkai clenched her fists and said, "I am Genkai. And you won't kill me!"
"Oh, but you will die." Toguro flexed and got ready to strike.
As Toguro charged towards her, Genkai's voice seemed to echo around Sayomi. "I summon strength! A strength he doesn't know! If I die... so be it!" As Genkai charged up to shoot, her body reverted to its prime youth. "I want that strength to grab him and open his eyes!"
There was a bright flash when Genkai fired. Sayomi had to shield her eyes from the light. When it died down, Sayomi found herself in a strange place.
Different paths crossed over and under her feet, each one leading to a different door or another path. Some of them were steps floating between stone platforms while others were solid trails of clay and dirt. Clouds breezed by all over, obscuring some of the pathways from sight.
Sayomi stood in the middle of one of the paths with a young Genkai, as if waiting for someone. She looked down at Genkai, then followed her gaze to the empty path before them. "So is this the Underworld? Who is she waiting for?"
A minute passed when Sayomi noticed a silhouette through the fog. Her eyes narrowed slightly when she saw the young Toguro brother. Though she knew their past, she couldn't bring herself to really forgive him.
Toguro stopped walking just over a couple meters from Genkai. He met her gaze through his shades while she turned to face him.
"How did you know I would choose this path?" Toguro asked casually.
"Just a feeling." Genkai glanced down, then back up at him. "Is this the one you really want? You've more than atoned for what happened. And it was hardly your fault. Kairen was, at the time, too much for any of us. But you held onto your guilt, even after the tournament, so isn't it time to let it go?"
"You still don't get it," Toguro said. "That incident opened my eyes. It enabled me to pursue the power I'd craved. I don't regret that opportunity."
"You're lying!"
"Genkai..." Toguro continued his walk past her. "Just forget about me, okay? I'm through, but you... you're still needed. Most of all, Yusuke Urameshi needs you. His growth will be a wonder to all worlds. But without your guidance... well, look at me. That should open your eyes, I think."
Genkai stared down at the ground quietly, listening to his footsteps. "Your stupidity still amazes me." She turned to face Toguro with a smile. "Even death can't cure you of it."
Toguro stopped walking. He took off his sunglasses and returned her smile. "Sorry to have been so much trouble..." He folded his shades and slipped them into his pocket before turning away.
Genkai watched him leave. She stared after him even after he was gone. "Why must men be such morons?"
As the scene faded away, Sayomi felt her chest tighten again. She stared into the Void as she tried to gather her thoughts. "They really loved each other, and yet..."
When she felt something warm slide down her cheek, she reached up to feel the wet trail of a tear. "Even after everything that happened, they still love each other."
Sayomi felt a sudden pull and she found herself back in her physical body. She let go of Genkai and got back to her feet. "That was..."
"So that's the emotion you followed." Genkai's voice sounded distant. It was as if she was somewhere else completely. "It's a very personal attack to the heart."
"Master Genkai?" Sayomi felt as though she had crossed a line she shouldn't have. "Are you—?"
"You're done for today," Genkai interrupted. "Go back to the dojo before you take off the blindfold. You don't want to blind your real eyes." Sayomi listened to Genkai's retreating footsteps. "Now that you understand the basics, we can move on to the actual training."