A.N. *Me posting the last chapter* "They're all going to kill me for this."

I know you've been waiting with bated breath after the cliffhanger, so now let's find out what the real story is.

Hina714: Yeah, I know it was kind of shocking, but as you'll soon see, it was necessary in more ways than one. Sorry about the cliffhanger.

Ghost of Magic: I know, my heart was pounding the whole time. That MIGHT have been partly to do with the music I was listening to while writing though. It was "Heroes vs. Villains" from My Hero Academia. Listen to it and you'll see why. Thanks for commenting, I always look forward to it. And I'm so glad you'll be checking out Arielle's work; she's absolutely incredible and SO inspiring!

KarinaGuardian: Well, you're about to find out. Some great ideas, let's see if any of them were right. Let me know what you think!

IloviendoNoshi: Enjoy!

hw0134160: AHH! My angel is back! I've missed you! I'm sure you weren't expecting that to happen, and frankly I was hoping that would be the case even though it's been planned since I knew who Haruki was, but I promise everything happened for a good reason. Several, actually. You'll see.
Yes, it really sucks that they aren't used as much. Hiei also doesn't get a solo fight in this arc either, which is a little strange. As I said, I'll definitely have all three of them return in Book 4 and 5.
In my personal life, things are slowly improving. Losing my job again was awful, and even though I spent so much time at college studying, I've decided to leave that industry. I just can't do it to myself again, being told every day what a useless, stupid and terrible human being I am.
I hope you enjoy this chapter...in a way. See you soon! xx

Chapter 34

This can't be happening…not again…not again!

Sakura's lifeless form collapsed at the same time Yusuke fell to his knees.

"No…no…Sakura…!"

He felt his own soul rip out of his body and float away. His heart, though torn asunder, somehow kept thumping painfully against his chest.

What the hell have you done, Hiei?

How could his ally, his friend, who everyone knew cared for Sakura as much as any of them, so callously slit her throat? And how could Kurama just look away and let it happen?

"Kura…no, no…"

It was all over. The world had ended already. The moment she had taken her last breath, everything inside Yusuke shattered beyond all hope of repair. It was a miracle he didn't just crumble into pieces on the spot…

"No blood. As I suspected," Hiei threw the body aside with contempt. "I knew from the start, you bastard."

Yusuke looked up. Hiei was right. Despite the brutal injury to his sister's neck, there was no sign of any blood. At all.

That doesn't make sense!

"She would never allow the likes of you to take over her mind," Hiei went on. "Her strength is beyond that. And her obstinance."

"What?" Yusuke stared between Hiei and Kurama for an explanation. "What the hell is going on?"

In lieu of answering, Hiei raised his sword once more. To the amazement of everyone, fire appeared from the tip.

Haruki snarled at the sight. No! Technique Zero timed out already?! I must be lower than I thought…

"Sword of the Mortal Flame!"

Without hesitation, Hiei plunged the smouldering blade directly into Sakura's heart.

"Hiei!" Yusuke shouted.

Hiei stared down at his sword as the flames swirled and engulfed the body lying at his feet.

The dark hair and porcelain flesh of Sakura burned away, revealing nothing more than the charred remains of a twisted Shadow Puppet.

At last, Kurama turned around, stone faced and hands clenched.

Genkai looked down at her feet so nobody would see the utter relief she felt. Kaito, Yana, and Mitari gasped.

"No, this can't be!"

"Impossible! I don't believe it!"

"Was it all a lie?"

Comprehension finally dawned on Yusuke. "Oh my God…" he choked out. "It wasn't her!"

"Of course not, Detective," Hiei spat. "For one, you clearly haven't realised that these irritating Puppets have no shadow of their own. That was the first hint. For another," he turned to Haruki with a savage look, "The girl's true spirit energy is far too pure. No matter what, no genuine possession would be able to corrupt it the way you pretended. And finally…" he paused. "Under no circumstances would she ever permit you to call her Kura."

Kurama's whole body trembled. He seemed unable to speak, or even look anyone in the eye.

Thank you, Hiei.

Haruki bared his teeth. "Very clever of you, Hiei. But what exactly are you going to do about it?"

"You…asshole…" Yusuke breathed. "You…crazy…asshole…you won't even go to hell by the time I'm finished with you…"

Haruki smiled. "She spoke the truth, Spirit Detective."

"THAT WASN'T HER, YOU BASTARD!"

A hatred such as he had never known rose up inside Yusuke. It roared, screaming for vengeance, howling to punish the deranged monster he was staring at now. This madman who had dared to harm his twin, who had the audacity to taunt them all and expect to walk away unscathed…

"Yusuke, calm down!" Genkai called. "This isn't over yet!"

Yusuke didn't respond. He advanced on Haruki, as close as he could get with that shield in the way. He couldn't waste power trying to dispel it. Not before Sensui.

"If you think for a second that I'll let you get away with any of this, you've got one more screw loose than I thought," he said. "You're already dead, asshole."

"Not from where I'm standing," Haruki said. "You'd have to defeat Sensui first, and that's never going to happen."

Yusuke opened his mouth again, but stopped when the ominous presence of Kurama and Hiei loomed up either side of him.

"Your pitiful Technique Zero has already failed," Hiei flexed his arm. "You know what that means, don't you?"

Haruki smirked. "Do I look like I care?"

"You won't have time to care," Yusuke snarled. "Not once I've snapped your damn spinal cord!"

"You haven't managed to yet, Spirit Detective. And I can't see that changing anytime soon."

Kurama stepped in front of them both. He had not made a sound this whole time, but the incandescent, unfiltered fury that radiated from him should have made anyone haul ass.

Not Haruki. He was smug as ever.

"Is that supposed to scare me, Fox? You can't get to me behind this shield and you know it."

Kurama was already reaching into his hair again, still completely silent.

"I hope you don't think one of your flowers is going to help you out. Because that's not going to-"

For the second time since they entered the cave, Hiei's monstrous blue flames unleashed around them, swirling and crackling before they set upon Haruki's shield.

The fire roared, glass shattered, stalactites crashed to the ground. Yusuke held up his arms to protect his face while the blaze died out and the dust cleared.

When the chaos had settled, Haruki was revealed standing calmly among the ashes of his destroyed shield. He no longer had protection from their combined rage, but his deranged grin hadn't faded in the slightest.

"I wonder," he said. "What exactly do you plan to do now?"

"Well, you like riddles, so here's one for you to solve," Yusuke said with a crack of his knuckles. "What has brown hair, no brains, and lies on the floor covered in blood?"

Haruki chuckled and shook his head.

"Go on, whack job. I'll give you three guesses. Hell, why wait? I'll even give you a hint. It's you, after we kick your ass to kingdom come."

"Are you sure that's wise, Detective? Time is not on your side."

His shield is down. He's got no way of blocking our attacks now. Yusuke ground his teeth together. But he's not worried at all. What's with this maniac?!

There was only one good explanation as to why Haruki wasn't scared.

Kurama took a single step closer to Haruki. His pupils contracted and emanated with that same ice cold fury.

This monster was marked for obliteration.

Alright, Fox Boy. Do your thing.

Yusuke took a breath and backed away. His moment would come.

"Is this what it will come down to, Spirit Fox?" Haruki sneered. "Just you and me?"

Kurama's emotionless face stared down at him, and Yusuke winced. On one hand, it was almost impressive that this nutcase could face Kurama's wrath without running for dear life. On the other, it was a phenomenally stupid thing to do. And he had a feeling that Kurama was about to demonstrate why.

"You aren't doing anything, Spirit Fox. Because you're afraid to, isn't that right? Afraid of me? Or what might happen to her?"

Without saying a word or breaking eye contact, Kurama hurled a seed through the air and brought it to life. A shimmering purple plant appeared and spat corrosive liquid straight into the target's face.

Haruki let out a yell and clutched his head. "My eyes! My eyes!"

In a split second, Hiei used his terrific speed to cross the room. His sword rammed straight through Haruki's torso and out the other side.

Blood gushed from Haruki's mouth and he slumped.

"Oh my God…" Yana squeaked from behind.

Instead of relief, Yusuke was overtaken by a sudden panic. Mitari had told them that Sakura was likely being held in some secret den in Sensui's lair, but what if she wasn't? She could be hidden anywhere in this giant cave, and would surely be unable to free herself or escape. If they killed Haruki now, they might never find her!

"Wait!" he shouted. "We still need him to-!"

"Shut it, dimwit!" Genkai ordered. "It's ok!"

Hiei shoved his face into Haruki's. "Your arrogance infuriates me to no foreseeable end," he snapped. "And you still aren't fooling me. You're nothing but a copy. A fragile duplicate,"

He twisted the blade further. "Regardless, seeing any of your blood spilled is a small consolation. Next time, it will be real."

Yusuke sank to his knees again, simultaneously outraged and relieved.

It's not him either. It's just one of his clones again.

The cowardice was astounding. This unhinged freak of nature still didn't have the guts to show his real face.

But something was different this time. When Yusuke had tried to punch Haruki's clone before, his hand had simply phased through. Hiei had actually drawn blood, even if it was just a double.

Did this mean Haruki's Binary ability had different versions?

Maybe his real body is taking damage too.

"That was your final warning," Hiei said, and yanked his sword from Haruki's stomach. "Now, tell us where the girl is!"

Haruki slid down the wall. He pressed his hands over the wound and wheezed, "Not a chance."

There was no remorse on his face. No shame or repentance. And it was this, more than anything, that caused the wrath Yusuke battled inside to explode.

"BASTARD!"

He had no memory of moving, but he suddenly found himself on his feet, pushing past Kurama, swinging his arm back and punching Haruki's scarred face with all his might.

BAM!

"I don't care if you're just a stupid clone! I got more where that came from, so TALK! Where's Kura?!"

Haruki spat out a mouthful of blood. "You can ask as many times as you like, Detective. You'll get the same answer. None."

Yusuke heard a furious roar behind him, and in an instant, Kurama was there. He seized Haruki and pinned him against the stone wall by his throat.

"I'll break you in half…"

"Like you killed Amanuma?" Haruki whispered. "He was just an innocent kid."

Kurama's eyes became dark slits as he growled, "I'm through with your games. What have you done to my Sakura?!"

Somehow, Haruki's duplicate was still smiling, even with a hole in his stomach and a face full of acid.

"I haven't done anything to her. She's completely unharmed."

"I can smell your lies," Kurama said. "And what is more, I smell her blood. What did you do to her?"

Haruki's smile widened. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"You goddamn LIAR!" Yusuke shouted. "You-!"

His words died on his tongue when he realised what was happening. Deep purple cracks sprang up all over the clone's arms and legs.

"What is this?"

Haruki snickered at Yusuke's expression before dissolving into a coughing fit.

"This clone body doesn't have long left, so I'm going to say it plainly," He locked eyes with Kurama. "She - is - mine. I'm not letting anyone take her from me, Spirit Fox. Least of all you. After everything that's happened, I've more than earned it. She belongs to me."

"Never!" Kurama snarled.

"Only I can protect her, Fox," Haruki said. "Only I deserve to love her!"

Kurama's fingers tightened. "Holding her captive is your way of loving her?!"

"Interesting to hear that from the demon who secretly erased her memories."

The grip on his neck slackened.

"Oh yes, Spirit Fox. She knows. And it broke her heart."

Kurama's own heart jumped. If Sakura knew, then that could be nothing short of disastrous.

His mind flashed to the night before in Sakura's bedroom, which felt like years ago now. Keiko had told him Sakura suspected what he'd done. He'd asked if she wanted to talk about anything. At all. She had insisted there was nothing further to discuss, but there had been.

We should have talked about it.

He should have pressed further. He should have insisted. He should have given himself the chance to explain, and given her a chance to respond. If he had, then this wouldn't have become another way for Haruki to hurt and manipulate Sakura…

He's lying, Shuichi. About her feelings. You know this. You know her.

Yoko was right.

It's not important right now. Finding her is all that matters.

Kurama growled again, forcing himself to calm down and pushed Haruki further into the wall. Clone or not, he wouldn't let this opportunity slip through his fingers.

"That situation was your doing," Kurama said. "You were the one who trapped her in the basement. You were the one who placed your depraved hands on her. I was not going to allow her to be tormented further by that memory. I will not ever let that happen."

Haruki's breathing had become even more laboured. The cracks in his clone body were widening before their eyes. His mocking voice was hardly above a whisper as he said, "You don't have control over that anymore, Spirit Fox."

Kurama hissed and started reaching into his hair for another plant seed.

"Kurama!" Hiei called. "It's pointless here."

No response.

"Fox Boy," Yusuke put a restraining hand on his shoulder. "Don't bother wasting your power on a clone. We have to move."

Kurama didn't take his eyes off Haruki, or relinquish his grasp.

"You'll have your chance, ok?" Yusuke said. "We all will. But we gotta get there first. She's waiting for us. She's waiting for you."

Kurama didn't move, but Yusuke saw his eyes flicker.

"Come on. Get it together, man."

It was at this moment Kurama noticed the tears swimming in Yusuke's eyes. Those brown eyes, identical to Sakura's.

Enough.

At last, Kurama released his enemy and stepped back. Haruki's clone collapsed on the floor.

Genkai nudged Kaito. "So, are you starting to understand now?"

"Understand what?" Kaito asked.

"I told you not to take Sakura when you captured Yusuke," Genkai nodded at Kurama. "That's the main reason why."

Yana gulped. "Yeah, I get it now."

Kaito shivered a little. Good thing I never took her soul. I'd be dead.

"Grandma," Yusuke said. "You three need to go, now. We can take it from here."

From the look on Yana's face, he didn't need to be told twice. In fact, he'd apparently already started backing up towards the door during all the commotion. Likewise, Kaito quickly scooped up Amanuma's body and made his own move to leave. But Genkai quietly stepped forward and looked Haruki up and down.

She sounded on the verge of tears as she said, "There is truly nothing left of you."

"That pathetic little boy died a long time ago," Haruki glared at her. "Along with his friends."

Genkai closed her eyes for a moment. When she opened them, her face was calm.

"Let's move."

They left, and Yusuke focused his ire on Haruki.

"Sensui won't be using her telepathy. And you're not taking Kura to Demon World, or anywhere else. Let's get that out of the way first."

"You can't stop me, Detective. Me and my bride are going to have the new life we both deserve."

"Shut it!" Yusuke shouted. "You think you can control her heart? Well, you're dead wrong about that. You've underestimated how strong she is. And that's the worst thing you could have done. I should know."

He took a breath; tears were threatening to appear.

"I'm not making that mistake again. So you better get ready, asshole. Because as soon as we catch up to your real body, you won't need to duplicate yourself again. You'll be in a million pieces."

Haruki burst out laughing. "Quite the speech for such a dumb kid. Too bad it won't help you in the slightest. She's coming with me the moment the tunnel is stable."

Kurama surged forward again.

"Even if you managed to escape with her to the Demon World, I'll follow you to the ends of hell," he hissed. "You cannot hide from me, filth. I will rescue my beloved, no matter where you've imprisoned her. And the moment she is safe again, you will pray for the sweet release of death."

More cracks formed on the clone body, now spreading down his hands and over his face.

"Nothing you say matters to me, Spirit Fox. It's already too late," he shook his head in mock sorrow. "You failed, Legendary Bandit. You killed a child in cold blood. And nothing you say…or do…can…ever change that."

Those were the clone's last words before Kurama leapt onto him and snapped his neck with a sickening crunch.

The corpse keeled over and for a moment the four boys merely stared at it.

"Huh. It's about time," Hiei said. "I was worried he'd bore us all to death."

Again, the group looked collectively at Kurama. His head was down and he wasn't moving at all.

"Kurama?"

No answer.

"It's…it's not your fault," Yusuke began, but stopped himself when he saw Kurama's clenched fists start to shake.

"Look, I'm sorry, but I need to ask this in case it, you know, helps later," Yusuke hesitated. "Um…before, when he shoved you against the wall…what did he say to you? About Kura?"

As soon as he asked, he wished he hadn't. Kurama slowly raised his head, and Yusuke involuntarily jumped. It might not be directed at him, per se, but Kurama's expression was the very embodiment of the phrase if looks could kill.

"It does not bear repeating."

He took a deep breath, and started moving off again. Hiei sent a final contemptuous growl at Haruki and went to follow.

"Hiei?"

He stopped.

"Thanks," Yusuke mumbled. "You…did what had to be done."

Hiei snorted. "Who else was going to?"

Yusuke smiled a little. "Good point."

He wasn't fooled. Hiei was normally brilliant at concealing his true emotions, but not this time. A hint of pain lurked just below the surface. He was just as concerned about Sakura's safety as they all were.

"Now, are you planning to stand here all night? Or actually do something productive like facing Sensui?"

Without waiting for a response or even cleaning his weapon of Haruki's blood, he stalked after Kurama.

Yusuke looked from Haruki's clone body, and the Shadow Puppet that had impersonated his sister.

I can't believe he did that.

Haruki was unhinged. Completely beyond reason. That sick obsession with Sakura would never stop. No matter what, he had to get his sister as far away from Haruki as possible, even if it meant Sensui might escape. As long as Haruki lived, Sakura would never truly be safe.

Yusuke swiped a hand across his eyes and another gentle hand squeezed his shoulder.

"We'll find her, Mr Urameshi," Mitari said. "Don't worry."

Yusuke nodded. And with that, they continued the last stretch of their journey.

Hang on just a little longer, Squirt. I'm almost there.

Genkai stopped walking. "Wait…"

"What is it?" Kaito asked.

"Listen. Do you hear that?"

They strained to hear, and Yana went white again.

"Is that…is that someone running towards us?!"

"Sure seems that way," Genkai said. "I just hope it's who I think it is."

Ten seconds later, the mysterious footsteps arrived, and Genkai relaxed her fighting stance.

"Koenma. I'm not surprised you showed up. What took you so long?"

"Genkai," Koenma paused to catch his breath. "I had to make some arrangements back home. What's the latest?"

"Yusuke, Kurama, Hiei and Mitari have continued to Sensui's hideout. We were just heading back."

"I see. Well in that case…wait," Koenma caught sight of Kaito. Or more specifically, who he was holding.

"What in the world…?"

Genkai shook her head sadly, and said, "Amanuma. One of Sensui's many victims."

Koenma's eyes widened. "No…"

"There's something else you should know," Genkai continued. "We saw Haruki. And he's…beyond reaching."

Koenma swallowed hard. "What about Sakura?"

"We don't know. He claimed she hasn't been harmed, but if you ask me there's a snowflake's chance in hell that he's telling the truth."

Koenma nodded. "Look, I've made a…contingency plan concerning him. One of my staff is on standby now."

"Wait, surely you don't mean-?"

"Only if absolutely necessary. I'm well aware of the risk. But you mustn't breathe a word of this, Genkai. We're probably being watched."

He turned back to Kaito and gazed at the tiny boy he carried. So tiny in death. So vulnerable.

"Kaito, lay him down."

Though confused, Kaito obeyed.

Koenma removed his pacifier and aimed it at Amanuma.

"Lost soul, now retrieve!"

An uneasy hush hung over the group as they walked on through the rest of the cave. The only sound from anyone was footsteps, until Mitari was brave enough to break the silence.

"Up here we'll turn right."

Yusuke sneaked a sideway glance at Kurama. He'd been silent and impassive ever since they resumed their journey.

What am I meant to say? It wasn't his fault the kid died? Real lot of good that would do.

There was only one person who might be able to provide some insight.

"Hey Hiei, you've known him a lot longer than I have. You're not worried about Kurama at all?"

"You think that's the first child Kurama has killed in his day?"

Yusuke paused. "Yeah, but unlike some demons, his view on that has changed-"

Mitari came to an abrupt halt.

"Why are we stopping here, pal?" Yusuke asked.

"Just around that bend is the final corridor that will take us to Sensui's lair. I just wanted to make sure we're all ready to face it."

Understanding surrounded them all, thicker than even the demon energy that flowed from the nearby tunnel. Without words or movement, Kurama, Hiei and Yusuke all reached their silent agreement. There was no turning back.

"Like I said," Yusuke muttered. "Why are we stopping?"

They rounded the corner, and covered the final fifty metre stretch that stood between them and the entrance.

Almost there, Kura.

Yusuke kept his eyes to the ground until the light told him they had finally crossed the threshold. He looked up and immediately, his eyes widened.

An underground lake stretched halfway across the giant chamber. At the water's edge, with his back to them all, was Sensui, literally lounging around in front of a television. A teal haired man stood beside him, who Yusuke vaguely recognised as Sensui's assistant Itsuki.

But the main attraction of this ominous setting was the giant portal looming a few feet above the centre of the lake. Just below it, a small wooden boat was anchored in the lake centre. And in the boat, tied from head to foot, was Kuwabara.

"Urameshi, you're late!" he called through his gag.

Yusuke gasped. "We're coming, Kuwabara!"

His friend was being guarded by a man who could only be Gourmet. But much to Yusuke's relief, Kuwabara did in fact look uninjured.

He's ok. That's something.

With one hostage accounted for, Yusuke's eyes darted around the lair for any sign of his missing twin.

That maniac definitely has her somewhere. Come on Kura, where are you?

There was nothing, nor could he sense her presence nearby. Of course, there might be any number of explanations for this.

Yusuke momentarily stopped the search and instead glared at the tunnel which pulsed and undulated even as they watched.

"That's some welcoming party you've got in this cesspool, Sensui!"

His stomach twisted at the grotesque sight, especially the horde of lower class demons salivating behind the seal.

This place definitely has a spooky vibe. Like the aquarium from hell. Like I could reach out and touch them except for a thin sheet of glass between…

Yusuke jumped. Red fissures started snaking along the blockade, revealing just how paper thin it really was.

This is not good!

"It's a beautiful view, isn't it?" Sensui said. "I tell you, you can keep your sunsets and your crystal blue oceans and snow-capped mountains. Just give me a view to the dusk of human civilization, and I'm the happiest man alive. The mark of true art. It has a profound impact on those around it. You're witnesses to history, my friends,"

He turned around.

"And trust me, you couldn't ask for better seats to the end of the world."

Yusuke gave a low growl. At last, they had made it to Sensui's lair, but the battle to save the human race was just beginning.

I don't know what power he's hiding, but I have to win. I have to!

The world was counting on him, and so was Sakura.

A.N. At last, we've made it to Sensui's lair. The next chapter is again halfway written and I'll have it out soon.

Let me know what you think of this chapter, and I'll see you soon!

Rosentic xx

Next Chapter: Kurama's rage unleashes.