Keaka awoke to find Kurama staring out the window at the rising sun. The rays fell upon his flawless pale features illuminating the color in his eyes and shimmering off of his crimson hair however his mouth was drawn down in silent contemplation marring his beauty. Keaka sighed and stretched her sore limbs as she stood and made her way to the bathroom. The warm water that spewed out of the shower head loosened her stiff muscles and calmed down the dull thud of her bruises. Showered and dressed Keaka made her way back out into the bedroom. Kurama hadn't moved. Keaka walked quietly over to him taking his hand in hers. He squeezed it a little relieving her s small bit.
'Well at least he's not catatonic.' Keaka thought to herself.
"What are you thinking about? She asked suddenly. Kurama sighed and shook his head as if clearing it of his thoughts.
"It's time to make our way to the stadium. We don't want to keep our fans waiting."
((((-----)))))
The tantai's walked out of the waiting area with Yusuke in the lead. Keaka simply followed behind her brother in a daze. She would have to face Karasu again. Her stomach clenched and knotted at the thought making her head swim. Kurama sensed her distress and gently laid a hand on her shoulder. Keaka eased somewhat leaning against him a bit for support.
"Koenma-tron!" Koenma's shrill voice declared triumphantly.
"I think we're in serious trouble!" Kuwabara retorted.
"Huh? When did Koenma get here kitsune?" Keaka asked looking up at Kurama. She nearly gasped to see his eyes a much darker shade then what they usually were changing his appearance drastically. She followed his gaze and shuddered.
"Karasu." She choked out as her legs trembled threatening to buckle out from under her and spill her onto the ground.. She watched as he brought his hand to his head in a mock gun and pushed his thumb down. Keaka gasped at the gesture and edged closer to Kurama. He placed both his hands on her shoulders and lowered himself to her level.
"I need you to be strong my girl. I swear, he will never lay a hand on you again no matter what." Kurama whispered softly in her ear. By the time Keaka nodded in acknowledgement Kurama was already in the ring staring down Karasu.
"It's rare for someone who has seen my power first hand to go through with fighting me. I'm curious to know, could it be something personal?" Karasu inquired.
"Don't flatter yourself Karasu, I'm here to beat you and by the way I advise you not to underestimate me." Kurama warned. Keaka could see Karasu smirk at him from under his mask as they continued to stare each other down. Kurama held out his hand as rose petals flew up and began circling in front of him. Kurama gracefully brought one arm up over his head and the other down near his side.
"Petals and thorns!" He declared strengthening his defensive maneuver. Karasu advanced undaunted by his action even when a small cut appeared on his cheek.
"It's incredible each petal is as sharp as a razor blade however they are also weak and lacking in substance traits they must have inherited from you." Karasu said continuing to advance towards Kurama. Karasu raised both his hands in front of him as the petals exploded into nothing. Keaka gasped as she clenched her fists digging her nails deep into the palms of her hands.
"Whoa those things just spontaneously combusted!" Kuwabara stated in awe.
"Be careful Kurama!" Yusuke shouted to him. Kurama's wide eyes stared from where his petals had been to Karasu.
"Poor Kurama, it seems you completely misjudged my power. It would seem I was underestimated by you. Still you try. Why don't you just surrender and give in?" Karasu asked vanishing from sight. Kurama moved quickly out of the way and jumped high into the air.
"Rose whip!" He yelled out. Kurama swung it down to strike only to have it explode at the base dangerously close to his hand. Kurama landed and glanced at it for a moment before tossing it aside. Karasu laughed darkly.
"Now do you see why this is pointless Kurama. No matter how hard you try you will not win. Neither this fight nor Keaka." Karasu said glancing over at her.
"I do not intend to allow you to win either one Karasu." Kurama replied.
"Don't worry Kurama, I won't keep her long." Karasu said bringing his full attention back to Kurama and charged.
"You see I've found that all things that start off beautiful die a horrible fate so I speed process. The intimacy that murderer and victim share, witnessing the soul dispatch from their body!" Karasu said his eyes turning red as he lashed out at Kurama repeatedly. Keaka noticed Hiei glance at her but ignored it as she continued to watch the fight.
'He wants me just to kill me?' Keaka thought to herself suddenly her trembling increasing ten fold. Karasu seemingly once again disappeared from sight. Kurama looked around himself moving out of the way just in time as Karasu tried to land an attack. No sooner did he land a small explosion went off next to Keaka's arm causing her to shriek at the sudden pain.
"The hell..?" Yusuke asked staring at her confused.
"How did he do that from way over there?" Kuwabara wondered aloud grabbing Keaka closer to him to examine her wound. Keaka stared in Karasu's direction with wide frightened eyes. Karasu laughed.
"You see I don't have to touch you, it's just one of the perks." He stated.
"You bastard." Kurama spat charging at Karasu only to yell out in pain and fall to the ground as his leg seemingly blew apart of his own accord. He placed his hand over the wound as sweat poured down his face in pain.
"Perhaps I should explain my power to you. You see our powers are unlike in many ways however you can only manipulate tangible things like your plants where as I draw my power from intangible things like this bomb I'm holding in my hand; it's not visible but it's still very deadly but words cant really do it justice it's just one of those things you have to feel so pay very close attention Kurama because I wouldn't want you to skip a beat,." Karasu said as a bright light formed in his hand. All eyes stared at his hand as a small bomb appeared from thin air. Karasu jumped up into the air.
"Detonary bomb." He stated tossing it down on Kurama.
"NO!" Keaka screamed as it fell on top of the fox and exploded. The explosion flashed brightly forcing everyone to cover their eyes from the after effects of it.
"Where is he?" Yusuke yelled. Karasu landed some feet away from the explosion staring at the dust cloud that refused to settle. Energy crackled and ricocheted off of the stadium sending questions flying through the arena. Keaka sighed relief knowing well who would be standing when the dust settled.
"Could it be? It is! The legendary Yoko Kurama!" Koto yelled excitedly into her microphone. Yoko glanced over at Keaka as if asking her she was alright. Keaka nodded and smirked at him letting go of her injured arm. Yoko turned his attention back to Karasu and smirked.
":To create a bomb out of nothing takes talent which means you belong to a worthy class of demons. Worthy to fight and worthy die." Yoko said thinking to himself more than actually talking to Karasu.
"That's flattering but you couldn't beat me then and you won't be able to beat me now but your welcome to try." Karasu stated dryly.
"I see. You create monster that act as invisible bombs." Yoko said grabbing two black roses from his hair and tossing them in front of him causing the bombs to explode.
"How very clever no wonder why I have such trouble fighting you while I was trapped inside. Lucky for me I found a way to break free from Shuichi Minamino just long enough to finish you." Yoko said.
"A loser's excuse. You couldn't beat me then and you won't be able to beat me now but your welcome to try." Karasu said as winged eye balls appeared around him Yoko quickly moved out of the way gracefully evading them.
"I like to call these little beauties trace eyes. Once they set their sights on you they will follow you forever." Karasu explained.
"Ever hear of ojigi? It's a rare plant found only in earth's South America. The ojigi reacts to movement and will quickly wrap it's leaves around it's pray." Yoko said.
"I have no interest in gardening." Karasu said as it he were bored. Yoko landed back to where he started.
"My, my looks like your surrounded. What's a boy to do?" Karasu asked mockingly.
"I'd think you'd know better than to corner an animal like a fox Karasu. We have a tendency to show our teeth." Yoko said vehemently. A burst of energy erupted from around him as pieces of concrete flew around and shattered. The four team mates on the side stared in awe as the giant plant loomed over head.
"The ojigi is especially sensitive to movement. You there, unless you want to be plant food don't move." He called over to his the tantai's. Yusuke, Kuwabara Koenma and Keaka simply stared and nodded theirs heads slowly. Ojigi instantly directed it's attention to Karasu.
"It seems to have zeroed in on you. All of your trembling must have caught it's attention." Yoko said as ojigi lashed down on Karasu. Karasu swiftly evaded it's attacks narrowly.
"How does it feel to be the one pursued?" Yoko asked darkly. Keaka stared at Yoko and shook her head.
'He's enjoying this too much.' She thought to herself. She watched as Karasu threw an explosive at the plant and stopped for a moment breathing heavily. Ojigi let out a strangled scream and snatched Karasu off the ground gripping tightly. His mask fell off as blood spurted out of his mouth. Keaka gasped as the plant devoured Karasu completely.
"How disappointing. I would have liked to play with him for a while longer." Yoko said through a smirk. He turned away from the plant and began walking back towards his team mates.
"Ummm, since Karasu can't compete without a body the winner of the match is Kurama! Hey stay back." Jury said as the plant lowered down to her. The explosion knocked the poor girl down roughly as Karasu stood before them once again with his hair a rich golden blonde.
:"You look surprised Yoko but you didn't think you'd be rid of me that easily now did you?" Karasu asked. Yoko remained silent only stared at him. Karasu inhaled deeply and held his breath jumping up into the air.
"Now what?" Keaka asked annoyed.
"It's an indication that his power has physically manifested itself basically making him one giant explosive and if I'm right he's about to detonate." Hiei replied.
"Are you serious?" Yusuke asked stunned.
"Yes. If I were you I'd take cover." The four let out startled gasps as they turned their attentions back to the ring. Karasu laughed maniacally as he dove down into the ring and landed next to Kurama. The explosion sent everyone flying as they attempted to shield themselves from the chunks of debris that followed.
"That idiot I should have him arrested." Koenma complained.
"Hey any of you guys see Hiei?" Kuwabara asked as Hiei jumped down to stand next to them again.
"Where's Kurama?" Keaka asked as Yusuke helped her up. Her heart pounded loudly in her chest as her eyes searched desperately for any sign of him but there was nothing. She wrung her hands quickly grabbing at the hem of her tank top twisting that as well. Kurama stood up from underneath the rubble to reveal that he had once again transformed into Shuichi.
"Oh crap Kurama's back in his human form. Now he's really gonna have to wing it." Yusuke said in dismay.
"I don't understand. Last night that stuff worked for at least fifteen minutes! If that Suzuka gave him some bad juice I'm gonna pound his face in!" Keaka said angrily gritting her teeth.
"Juice?" Yusuke asked confused.
"Would you like to use this time to pray? You are after all about to meet your maker, you can ask why he flawed with you!" Karasu stated erupting in laughter again as he approached Kurama. Slowly Kurama's hand shot out to his side with rose in hand. He fed his energy into it only to have it break in a million pieces. He looked at it startled.
"How do you expect to win when you can't even control the most basic of your attacks?" Karasu asked. Keaka clenched her teeth and breathed heavily.
"Why don't you just make this easy and give in?" Karasu asked.
"That's it." Keaka said softly and ran at the ring full speed.
"Keaka get back here!" Yusuke yelled. Keaka ignored him jumping into a full somersault into the ring and landing gracefully. She charged at Karasu throwing a punch that he easily evaded. She kicked and punched at him just barely missing him.
"Girl I think you've lost your mind. If you get close to me your dead." Karasu said amused.
"I will not be afraid of things I can not see!" She shouted at him landing in front of him. Karasu was startled to see Kurama standing behind her.
"Haa!" He shouted sending an attack that sent Karasu reeling back. Keaka took on a defensive stance and breathed heavily from her excursions.
"Well, well, well the two of you are just full of surprises. You really thought this would work didn't you? It's called tact Kurama you should really try using some sometime." Karasu said digging out the seed from his chest. Keaka's stomach dropped as he flicked it causing it to explode.
"Aahh." Kurama yelled out in surprise. Keaka turned to look at him noticing his ankle shackled down as a bomb appeared from the ground.
"I like to call that my mad bomb." Karasu said nonchalantly. Keaka stared at it stunned at it as it's fuse dwindled down.
"Out of luck now your…" The thing said.
"Keaka move!" Kurama yelled pushing her out of the way. Keaka flew backwards falling against Karasu. He quickly took her into his arms before she had time to react. Kurama pushed himself up off the ground slowly trying to regain his balance.
"Don't move another inch Kurama your surrounded by bombs!" Keaka yelled at him. Kurama froze where was and glanced around him. Karasu took Keaka by the hand and led her over to Kurama.
"You see my dear this has all been an exercise in futility. He's weak, he's tired, he's pathetic! Yet he still has a masochistic streak that wants indulging so here it goes." Karasu said commanding the bombs to attack Kurama. He yelled out in agony as they continuously tore at his flesh sending his blood flying to splatter in a million different directions.
"No Karasu! Stop it! I'll do anything you want me too do just please stop hurting him!" Keaka pleaded tears pouring down her face at the sound of her lover's screams. Karasu glanced down at her.
"Now, now my dear don't fret. See I've kept his beautiful face unharmed. You may not be able to keep him but at least you'll always have the memory of his face to keep you comfort." Karasu said as a condolence.
"No. Please…no…" She begged weakly sobbing.
"Alright let's end this." Karasu said suddenly as three bombs attacked Kurama's abdomen. The scream that escaped his lips was heart shattering as he fell to the ground in a bloody heap.
"NO KURAMA!" Keaka screamed out tugging at Karasu's grip to be by Kurama's side.
"If he's smart he'll stay down." Karasu said softly. Keaka stopped struggling and stared at Kurama begging him to stay down. Slowly though once again Kurama rose up to rest on his elbows.
"You should have stayed down but I guess that's not your style." Karasu said as he readied for the finishing blow. A plant sprung up from behind Kurama as he used the last of his spirit energy to grow it. Keaka gasped as it headed straight for Karasu and to her surprise Karasu pushed her out of the way. Keaka landed on the ground and stared up at Karasu as the plant sunk deep into his chest greedily draining his blood.
"Impossible, where did he find the strength to do this?" Karasu said weakly his gaze on Keaka. He fell backwards dead before he hit the ground. Keaka watched him for a moment afraid he would spring back up before her eyes fell back to Kurama. He lay pale and motionless on the ground.
"Oh no kitsune!" Keaka yelled out and scrambled to be by his side. She laid next to him holding into his hand tightly and brushing his bangs aside with the other.
"Please wake up kitsune. Don't leave me Kurama, Yoko please don't die. I love you so much…" Keaka sobbed and laid a light kiss against his lips. She buried her head against his shoulder sobs racking her body. She looked up startled as Kurama's hand twitched and his eyes opened slowly.
"I'm alive." He whispered. Kurama moved as if in a daze not even acknowledging that Keaka was next to him.
"But how, I gave all of my energy. Of course each time I take the potion the effects become shorter because each time I use it I retain some of Yoko's power." He said softly to himself standing. Keaka still sat on the ground sobbing and stared up at him. Kurama looked down at her and attempted to kneel next to her.
"Aah." He said falling into a sitting position.
"Take it easy kit. Your in rough shape." Keaka said taking him into her arms. Kurama rested his head against her shoulder and sighed.
"Your safe." He said tiredly. Keaka nodded.
"Yes I am. Not only that but you won the match." Keaka said happily kissing his cheek.
"It's unwise to make such predictions before the final ruling." He replied. Keaka loosened her hold on him and looked into his eyes.
"What do you mean?" She asked.
"You will see." Kurama stated simply.