A.N. Hold on tight. This chapter is another one that's been in the planning since the Dark Tournament.
Hina714: I'm super excited for Sakura and Raizen too! I already have quite a bit of their relationship drafted.
Ghost of Magic: Wait no more. Good luck, and thank you for the lovely comment
Chibi Leo: Thanks, it turned out ok. I ended up seeing my grandfather the next day. He had cake from our favourite patisserie and my favourite movie on. He's the best. It was even nicer once my friends came over later in the week. I made dinner for everyone and we all just chatted about anime. Super fun! Thank you so much for your kind words, it means the world to me.
Firemadein789/WolfsChild, IloviendoNoshi, B Martinez: Here you go!
Ukitakeitalialover: I did have a nice one in the end. It was so odd being all alone but I ended up having a good week.
I know, right?! Haruki really, REALLY shouldn't be hitting her when they can hear him, but he sadly is too far up his own ass to think about it. This fight...is indeed something. He's about to make even worse mistakes. Thank you so very much for your support. I ALWAYS love to hear what you think.
Keyworldlf: I blame my love of Harry Potter. Those books are just...wow. The momentum is definitely picking up from here, I've already got the next chapter half written.
Nyac Silver Fang: Well...let's just say things are about to get messy. And thanks!
Good luck everyone. Please trust me, there is a purpose behind everything I write, and know that I'm right there with you!
Chapter 33
The very sight of Haruki's silhouette was enough to enrage and disgust them all. Even Kaito and Yana, who had never laid eyes on him, recoiled in his presence. Several people growled.
"I'm sure we can all appreciate that time is tight, so why don't we skip the pleasantries and get to work?"
Haruki emerged into the dim light and Yusuke cracked his knuckles.
"Start talking, you asshole," he said before anyone else had a chance to speak. "Where's Kura?!"
"Sorely lacking in manners, aren't we? A simple please wouldn't go amiss."
"Screw you! What the hell have you done with her?!"
Haruki looked at Yusuke for a long moment, then his face split into a horrible smile.
"That…is my little secret."
Yusuke's rage ignited, but it was nothing on the wrath emanating from Kurama, or the sound of Hiei's growl.
"You bastard-!" Yusuke started, but stopped when a hand went on his arm. He turned, expecting to see either of his demon companions, but it wasn't.
"So, you're Haruki."
Genkai stepped forward into his scornful gaze. "The lone survivor of Shin's class. One of his most promising students. After all these years, his endless searching, it finally happens,"
She looked him up and down with a mix of anger and grief.
"Unbelievable. I never would have expected this."
"What's your point, old hag?" Haruki snorted.
"Shin always hoped, always dreamed that one of you was still alive," Genkai said. "No matter what anyone told him, he kept looking until his last breath. But now?"
"I'm not interested in any of the old man's lies!"
"Now that I stand before you…" Genkai continued as if he hadn't spoken, "I'm glad he never got to see what you've become."
Haruki glared down at Genkai with utter contempt. "Your words mean as much to me as the old man does. Nothing."
Genkai glared right back at him. Such childish denial. Refusing to see reason.
Her old eyes narrowed and she asked, "What have you done with Sakura?"
Haruki smiled again, but said nothing.
"Release her, Haruki. She's innocent in all this."
"Of course she is, old woman. But that has nothing to do with why I've taken her into my protection. She has a purpose to fulfil before we start our new life together."
Kurama's eyes narrowed.
"Protection?!" Yusuke repeated. "Is that what you call it, you sick bastard?!"
"Of course, Detective. She'll be perfectly safe with me while the demons destroy those filthy humans. And then…my little porcelain doll will come with me to Demon World, where we both belong."
Yusuke's stomach churned at the revolting nickname. "Freak! She's not going anywhere with you!"
Kurama growled again.
Haruki raised a brow. "Something wrong, Spirit Fox?"
"You won't take her from me." Kurama whispered.
"Funny, I was under the impression I already had."
Kurama bared his teeth just as Hiei pointed his sword at Haruki.
"We know Sensui plans to manipulate her telepathy into calling the S-class demons," he said. "Don't deny it. The child confirmed our suspicions."
"Ah, so the little twerp talked, did he? Fair enough."
"You are a fool if you think we will allow such a thing," Hiei said. "Or the girl, for that matter. She's not easily swayed."
Haruki laughed. "Itsuki will take care of that."
"I won't let that happen!" Yusuke shouted. "You won't touch my sister, and you sure as hell won't be taking her to Demon-!"
"Your denial is beginning to irritate me, Detective. She is not your sister."
Yusuke went scarlet with anger, but then…
"Where is she, you filth?" Kurama's voice was colder than ice.
The only response was another smug grin that turned Kurama's stomach.
"Tell us where you're hiding Kura!" Yusuke demanded again. "I swear, if you've hurt her, if there's even a scratch on her…!"
"She's fine, Spirit Detective," Haruki said. "Not a mark."
Kurama's green eyes flashed gold. "You're lying."
"You think so? Well, whether I am or not is frankly none of your business, Spirit Fox."
"Mr Haruki, please!" Mitari said. "Miss Kura doesn't deserve this. Just let her go!"
"Don't talk to me, traitor!" Haruki shot back. "You're here for the bonus round, not to discuss-"
"The only bonus round we're gonna have is taking turns to kick your crazy ass," Yusuke said while his aura skyrocketed. "Which bone do you want me to break first?"
"Remember how I said you'd have to earn the privilege of fighting me, Spirit Detective? In case you hadn't noticed, this is all about challenges. If you can win, perhaps I will grant your request."
"You son of a bitch…I'm gonna rip out your lungs!"
Yusuke's temper flared. Kurama seized his shoulder.
"Yusuke, not yet," he muttered. "It's too dangerous. For now, we have no choice but to comply."
Of course, Kurama wanted nothing more than to tear Haruki to shreds. But as long as Sakura was in the monster's clutches, cold logic was the only way forward.
"Very good, Spirit Fox. At least one of you has remembered what's at stake," Haruki smiled. "Mr Kaito, would you care to come closer? It's time we discussed the rules."
When nothing happened, Haruki glanced down at the tiny figure Kaito was carrying.
To everyone's revulsion, Haruki made no indication of sadness, regret or pity at the child's death. He merely said, "Oh, and you'll need both hands for this."
Kaito hesitated for only a moment before he carefully laid Amanuma's body on the ground and stepped forward.
"Good. That's very good. Now…the quickest way to Sensui's lair is through that door."
They looked, and saw the latest giant door blocking their path. It looked even more impenetrable than the one from Goblin City.
"Is Kura inside?" Yusuke asked. "Did you put her in there?"
Haruki slowly tilted his head. "Perhaps she is…perhaps she isn't. The only way you'll find out is by opening it. And before you even ask, Detective, your fists are not going to help you. You'll need the right keys. Or more to the point, you have to earn them. The first challenge is over there. Take a look."
Just as he said, a table waited nearby with a lamp and what seemed to be a locked safe resting on top.
"The safe you see there is made of a very special material. Only I can open it, and I suggest you don't test me on that," Haruki said. "Inside, you'll find what you need to progress to the next stage. And that, my friend," he nodded at Kaito, "is where you come in."
"And what exactly do you want me to do?" Kaito asked.
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves, Kaito. All in good time. Let's start the bonus round," Haruki flashed a grin at them all. "The first step is quite straightforward. Answer my riddles, and I'll let you into the safe."
"Puzzles, codes, keys, why do we even need to do this crap?" Yusuke groaned.
"Because that's just how it's going to be, Yusuke. Admittedly, if you'd gotten to play against the puzzle goblin in Goblin City, my challenge wouldn't have been necessary. But you didn't, so here we are. It's only fitting that I pay homage to my favourite level."
"Spare us," Hiei said. "Your insufferable nonsense won't change the outcome."
"You may end up regretting your arrogance, Hiei. But for now…"
When Haruki turned to Kurama, the two of them locked eyes. Piercing blue drilled into bright emerald with unadulterated loathing.
Neither spoke. Neither moved.
"You're going to solve the first puzzle, Spirit Fox."
The very air seemed to crackle between the two demons while they stared each other down. It was impossible to say which gaze held more hatred.
"None of this is going how you expected, is it?" Haruki whispered. "The Legendary Bandit, so used to taking what doesn't belong to him, always in control, lost the treasure he never deserved. She belongs to me. She was meant to from the beginning."
Kurama's ki began to swell. His hair glowed silver, then back to red.
"Filth. You are delusional. No puzzle will prevent me from reaching her."
"I can't wait to see you fail her, again," Haruki said. "But let's see if you can answer my first riddle. And I do mean only you. Should any of your friends try to answer, there will be…consequences."
Now it was time for Yusuke's ki to spike.
"Come now Detective. Shouldn't you be saving your strength for Sensui?"
The ki signal wavered, then Yusuke pulled back.
I gotta trust Kurama. He's smart. He's gotten out of crazy tight spots before. He can do it again.
"That's a good boy," Haruki sneered. "See, you're learning. Now, Spirit Fox…"
Kurama's face darkened, but he seemed to have calmed down enough to prevent a transformation.
"First riddle," Haruki smirked. "What is broken when it's not held?"
Kurama knew the answer immediately and barely avoided gritting his teeth. Apparently the game was going to be just as he suspected.
Everything he asks will be some kind of attack or taunt. Even the answers.
"What is broken when it's not held?" Haruki repeated. "Come now, this should be easy for the Legendary Bandit."
To be honest, it was. But saying it would be more difficult. Kurama knew exactly what Haruki was playing at. Giving him the satisfaction was infuriating, but he had no choice.
"A promise," Kurama said. "The answer is a promise."
"Congratulations, that's correct! Of course, the meaning of a promise has very different connotations for you, doesn't it Spirit Fox?"
There was no verbal reply, but Kurama's red hair glowed white for a split second. Everyone behind him held a collective breath.
"One riddle down, two to go," Haruki smiled. "Tell me, what is it that you can keep after giving it to someone else?"
Another taunt.
Maddeningly, it made sense. They were so close to the goal. Haruki would do anything to throw them off.
You have to play along, Shuichi. You're almost there.
Kurama swallowed his nausea and answered.
"What you can keep after giving it to someone else, is…your word."
Haruki's laughter reverberated around the cavern.
"Very good, Spirit Fox! But as we know, keeping your word is not something you're particularly good at."
"Oh my God," Yusuke huffed. "And people say I'm a pain in the ass!"
Even Genkai didn't bother telling him off. They were all just as fed up with Haruki as Yusuke was.
"I thought I told you not to interrupt," Haruki said without looking at Yusuke. "Your turn will come, Spirit Detective, but for now this is between us."
Yusuke folded his arms tightly and growled, "Fine…"
"I hope so. Now, my final riddle. Answer this and you'll advance to the next round. Are you ready?"
"Always." Kurama whispered.
"Very well," Haruki's eyes sparkled. "I can sneak up on you, or be right in front of you without knowing. But when I reveal myself, you will never be the same. What am I?"
Kurama closed his eyes for just a moment. Again, the answer was quite simple and another twist of the knife.
"Don't tell me you're stumped by such a basic riddle, Spirit Fox. Not the Legendary Bandit."
Kurama looked Haruki dead in the eye and said, "Betrayal."
The sound of Haruki's slow and sarcastic applause confirmed the correct response. "That's right. Betrayal. And you'd know all about that, wouldn't you?"
When nobody responded, Haruki's crazed laughter echoed through the cavern.
"Anyway, that was excellent work, Spirit Fox. You've passed the first hurdle. Though to be fair, it only makes sense that you would. All those answers are things you're very familiar with."
"Why don't you shut the hell up and let us in?!" Yusuke snapped. "He gave you the answers; open the damn safe!"
Haruki rolled his eyes. "So demanding. But I'll admit you have a point. Therefore…"
He waved his hand. The safe opened with a soft creak and another lamp switched on.
Yusuke made a move towards the table, but Haruki's next words stopped him.
"No, Detective. That's not yours. I have something else in mind for you," Haruki chuckled. "Mr Kaito? Your moment has come."
Reluctantly, Kaito came forward. Even in the dim light, everyone saw how pale he was. Scared.
"This second round is something I came up with just for you," Haruki said. "Are you familiar with the concept of a cipher?"
"Of course I am!" Kaito bristled.
"Wonderful. Then you'll have no trouble at all with my little test."
Haruki laughed at some private joke as everyone gave him caustic looks.
"Ciphers?" Hiei scowled. "What human nonsense is this?"
"A kind of word puzzle," Kurama said. "Usually a code that spells out a secret message once deciphered."
"That's correct, Spirit Fox. Kaito, would you like to reach inside the safe?"
Kaito hesitated. Haruki laughed again.
"Relax, there's nothing inside but the necessary items."
Hiei's Jagan lit up to scan the safe. "It's clean. He's telling the truth…at least about this."
When Kaito still didn't move, someone else pushed his way to the front and stuck his hand into the safe without hesitation.
"Oh, look who's being all brave," Haruki scoffed. "As if that changes anything. You pathetic, weak, cowardly-"
"I'm not afraid of you," Mitari said. "And I don't care what you think of me. I've made my decision."
He pulled something out of the safe and placed it on the table, all the while maintaining eye contact with his former teammate.
"Miss Kura showed me that I wasn't alone. That I'm stronger than I gave myself credit for," he paused. "Has she said anything like that to you, Mr Haruki?"
Some kind of emotion flashed across Haruki's eyes, but in the darkness it was hard to interpret.
"It's not weak to admit you were wrong," Mitari said. "It's not cowardly to change your mind. True cowardice is abducting an innocent girl and using her to hurt other people. True weakness is blaming everyone else for your own actions. I'm not doing that anymore."
Haruki narrowed his eyes. "You are nothing, traitor. Nothing. And you'll pay dearly for your betrayal."
Mitari glowered back at Haruki, refusing to look away.
"Mr Kaito?" Haruki said after a moment. "Your task is there. Pick it up."
A pen and a sheet of notebook paper waited on the table. Kaito adjusted his glasses and peered down at the codes.
"Ah, I see," he said. "A basic Caesar cipher. Substituting each letter for another in a fixed numerical order," he smiled a little. "Quite straightforward. And here I was thinking it would be a real challenge."
Yana visibly winced. "Don't jinx yourself, man!"
"Quite correct," Haruki snickered. "Surely you didn't think a single cipher was the end of it. Take a closer look."
Kaito did so, and he frowned. There wasn't just one sheet of paper; there were three. Two with writing, one blank.
"Why are there six different ciphers?"
"Good question, but it's one you'll have to work out yourself."
Kurama held out a hand. "May I?"
Kaito handed the pages over. Kurama studied each of them carefully.
FVB DPSS ULCLY MPUK OLY
UJG DGNQPIU VQ OG
DTZ KFNQJI
BWW ATWE
PA'Z AVV SHAL
KV'U AQWT HCWNV
"Standard ciphers," Kurama muttered. "Straightforward, if a little excessive…"
Yusuke rubbed his forehead. Just looking at the puzzle sent his mind into a tailspin. "Reckon you got this, Kaito?"
"I believe so. Word puzzles are my specialty."
Behind them, Haruki laughed again. "Alright Einstein. Better get cracking!"
"And what the hell are we meant to do?" Yusuke asked. "Just stand here looking pretty while you spout your BS?"
"No, Detective. I'll get to you in a minute. See, the six ciphers are only the half of it. I think it'll be far more interesting if we make this a little race."
Kaito blinked. "Excuse me?"
"You heard me," Haruki smirked. "When I say so, you'll have a grand total of twenty minutes to solve all six codes. If not…well, I think you can figure out how that would go."
"Twenty minutes?!" Yusuke spluttered.
"Wait…" Kaito faltered. "If there's six codes…does that mean they each have a different cipher to crack?"
Haruki's evil grin confirmed it, and the colour drained from Kaito's face. He could definitely solve multiple ciphers, but in just twenty minutes? With the fate of humanity and the lives of his two friends at stake?
It was impossible. Utterly impossible. If he lost…if Sakura and Kuwabara died because he failed…
"Figure it out, genius," Haruki said. "I don't care what you use or try in order to win; do anything you like. You'll fail, of course. But I'll relish every moment of it."
While everyone stood in shocked outrage, Genkai snapped her head towards the only one who might make a difference.
"Yana!"
He jumped about a foot in the air. "Hold up, me?!"
"Yes, you. Get your ass in gear, now."
"Wait a sec!" Yana looked desperately between everyone. "I've never done one of these cipher things in my life! If I try to do anything we're screwed!"
"Have you forgotten about your Copy technique?" Kurama said unexpectedly.
"I'm a puzzle whiz." Kaito added.
Yana paused. "Oh. Right."
He touched Kaito's skull and instantly transformed into his double, voice and all.
"Well, that's absolutely fascinating," Haruki sniffed. "As for the rest of you…I can see you're just itching for a fight."
More silver threaded through Kurama's hair. Hiei crouched, ready to spring. Yusuke clenched his powerful fists. He couldn't wait to introduce them to Haruki's face…
"You may want to reconsider attacking me when you hear what I have to say next."
"Oh yeah?"
"You still have to earn the privilege of fighting me, gentlemen. Rest assured, we're being watched. And if anything happens to me, something unpleasant might just happen to a certain someone. It could be Kuwabara, it could be my little porcelain doll-"
"Stop calling her by that stupid nickname!" Yusuke shouted.
"Either way, you'll need to finish off the first wave," Haruki continued. "Let's begin."
"If it's those ridiculous Shadow Puppets from before, I would strongly recommend you give up now." Hiei said.
Haruki fell silent, then his face lit up with demented joy.
"Oh, that's right. There's one more thing I have to do before we start. So…" he raised his hand. "Hitei suru!"
Nobody knew or understood what was going on, but a second later, one fighter collapsed to his knees.
"Hiei!" Yusuke turned to him in alarm.
"What…is this?" Hiei clutched his torso while his whole body shook uncontrollably. Whatever it was, Haruki's incantation didn't cause pain or visible damage. Just a deathly cold sensation flooding his veins.
"What's going on?" Yusuke cried. "What the hell just happened?!"
"Relax, Detective. It's nothing serious," Haruki's eyes shone. "Just a very special move I only use when necessary."
Still trembling, Hiei glared daggers at Haruki. "What did you just…do to me?"
Haruki smirked. "Levelling the playing field."
"Is that so?" Hiei growled while forcing himself to stand. "I don't suppose you'd care to explain?"
"I just demonstrated one of my favourite moves on you, Hiei. I call it Technique Zero."
Yusuke ground his teeth together. "Well that's original. What the hell does it do?"
"The base is a technique I learned as a child, combined with the enhanced powers I gained from the tunnel. It's not perfect, but when used correctly, Technique Zero blocks the ki of a target. In this case, a demon traitor."
Genkai made a sound of outrage. "Was it kowarenai? Did you bastardise Shin's technique for Sensui's twisted purpose?!"
Kurama growled.
"Yes, Genkai. That's exactly what I did," Haruki breathed. "I can't have Hiei's irritating fire power ruining my fun."
Hiei's exuding fury more than made up for his lack of energy. "Very clever. Is this technique how you captured Kura?"
Again, Haruki only laughed. "I guess you'll never know, will you? Now, that's quite enough talk. You…" he nodded at the group crowded around the table. "Have twenty minutes, starting now. And gentlemen? We'll begin too."
The real Kaito immediately started muttering very fast. "Yana, take the bottom three. In this pair of ciphers, those two words are three letters with an apostrophe. There's very few options as to what they could be. The logical assumption is they are code for 'it's', which provides two consonants and a crucial vowel…"
Mitari took advantage of the temporary silence to hurry forward and get Amanuma's body out of the way.
And not a moment too soon. The shadows shifted, and the boys knew what was coming.
"Mitari, get away from here!" Yusuke yelled. "We'll handle this. Kaito, put your Territory around just you guys. Quickly!"
As soon as the words left his mouth, six Shadow Puppets swarmed out of the darkness. This time, they did not attack immediately, but giggled madly while waiting for orders.
"Six puppets, six ciphers," Haruki said. "Have fun!"
The Shadow Puppets sprang into action. Yusuke was the first to throw himself at the creatures, and the fight began.
Mitari shivered as the temperature around him dropped a few degrees. The world flashed in ultraviolet light for a millisecond.
It's a Territory.
He shook his head to regain his senses and stepped protectively in front of the others at the table.
"Don't worry," Genkai muttered. "Kaito's Territory prevents violence. As long as we stay within the boundaries, we'll be fine."
"Oh," Mitari blinked in surprise. "I see, but…"
He stared at the already chaotic scene. With Hiei's power negated, was there any hope of winning?
"Master Genkai, what can they possibly do?"
Judging by Genkai's face, she didn't know either.
Yusuke seized a Shadow Puppet by the wrist and sank his fist into its stomach. The puppet squealed and flew backwards onto the ground. Almost immediately, it jumped up and came back for more.
"Rose Whip!" Kurama's weapon circled over the heads of his companions, slicing through the faceless entities. Above him was Hiei, swinging his blade so fast, all that could be seen was a glint of silver. Without his ki to assist, his melee attacks were only driven by pure rage.
"Just fifteen minutes!" Haruki said. "Haven't you managed to solve a single cipher yet?"
Yana and Kaito didn't even look up. With eyes darting between pages, they just kept scribbling notes, comparing results and working without hesitation.
Punch. Kick. Kick. Backhand. Punch.
From the safety of Kaito's Territory, Mitari could only watch helplessly while his other friends weaving and ducking around the hideous Shadow Puppets.
The creatures were small, but seemed unstoppable. As fast as the boys made contact and splintered the puppets into pieces, they would instantly reform. It was utterly maddening to witness, and Mitari couldn't imagine how it must feel to experience. How he wanted to run in and assist! But with his injury, it was impossible.
Punch. Kick. Dodge. Slide. Kick.
"I wonder," Haruki called over all the commotion. "How exactly do you plan to defeat creatures of darkness without Hiei's fire?"
"Serious question!" Yusuke shot back while he dealt a few more savage kicks to the Puppets who had tried to jump him together. "Were you born crazy, or did it develop over time?"
Hiei circled through the air and brought his blade crashing down on the nearest Shadow Puppet. "Don't waste your breath, Detective!"
Kurama whirled around, swinging his whip straight through a Puppet as he did so.
"Hiei, behind you!"
The fire demon reacted just in time. His sword swung and took care of the Shadow Puppet leaping towards his back. A second later, he realised one of the Puppets had leapt off the top of another and was coming at them from above. Like lightning, Hiei stabbed upwards. The monster gave a horrid screech as it was skewered.
"Ten minutes left, Mr Kaito!" Haruki taunted. "Tick tock, tick tock. Will you solve them in time?"
No direct response, but…
"So if this cipher is based on seven, this letter here corresponds to the letter L."
"Yes, and the solution to this cipher must be 2, again. I've got it, you keep going on with…"
Judging by the hushed conversation, Kaito and Yana were making progress, and that gave some sense of relief.
"Rose Whip Thorn Wheel!" Kurama called.
Three Shadow Puppets fell to the weapon at once. Moments later, they reformed and charged at him. Kurama slammed the whip into the stone floor, hard enough for a shock wave to send the puppet trio flying backwards and into the wall.
"It's not enough, Spirit Fox!" Haruki called. "That old whip is no match for them. Seems your transformation at the Dark Tournament was nothing more than a fluke!"
Kurama's head whipped towards Haruki.
A fluke?
Cracks formed inside his fused soul. The fool…he dared taunt the Legendary Bandit, after snatching his priceless jewel?
This will not stand!
"Damn it!" Yusuke threw another fist at the puppets. "There's just too many of these things!"
Haruki threw back his head and unleashed his insane laughter. It bounced around the cave, echoing ominously and striking at everyone's very heart.
"It's all over. You can't win, Spirit Detective. Accept your fate and surrender!"
White hot rage blinded Yusuke. This complete and utter maniac was relentless. Taunting them, testing them…as if abducting his twin wasn't enough.
That's it!
He aimed his hands as three Shadow Puppets converged on him. His ki started gathering, and light sparked around the puppets. They squeaked and twittered with what sounded almost like fear.
"SPIRIT-!"
At the same moment, Genkai shouted, "No, dimwit! You'll drain yourself!"
She's right!
Yusuke pulled his energy back. He couldn't waste a single Spirit Gun. Sensui was still waiting for him.
What the hell do I do now?! Damn it, where's Kura when you need her?
But then Yusuke realised something. Those three puppets had been on the verge of attacking him, but they recoiled in the light cast by his ki, even if it had been brief, and faint.
What's going on?
The answer came to him like a jolt of electricity. These things are creatures of darkness. We don't have fire, but we can use light!
He had the perfect move up his sleeve, one that would give them plenty of light, wouldn't significantly drain his power and likely give the others an idea of how to fight back. The only danger would be accidentally hitting one of his friends.
Most of them are safe in Kaito's Territory. Kurama and Hiei can take care of themselves.
"Hey, Haruki!" Yusuke drew his fist back. "It's time for an old favourite. SHOTGUN!"
Hiei and Kurama both leapt aside to avoid the spray of ki bullets. The Shadow Puppets on the other hand, screeched while ducking for cover. Of course, there was no hope of this, and they roared as they all suffered significant hits from Yusuke's attack.
"Would you look at that! You have a brain after all," Haruki said. "But I'm afraid it'll take more than a little light to stop my Shadow-"
"You are blinded by your own arrogance," a husky voice interrupted. "Unable to see past your own stupidity long enough to realise you've already lost."
Yusuke and Mitari gasped. Hiei smirked.
Kurama stood a few inches taller. His ki emanated with undiluted menace. His hair, a glowing silver that faded to red halfway down, and the tips of Yoko's fox ears protruding through the top. His eyes pulsed between sparkling emerald and ominous gold.
Haruki's grin only widened. "Only halfway there, I see. What's the matter, Spirit Fox? Can't complete the transformation anymore?"
The guttural snarl from Kurama made his friends flinch. Oh, he could indeed transform. He could unlock that glorious power in a second and tear this monster to shreds. He could easily ensure it ended in the most painful way…
Don't do it, Shuichi. It's what he wants.
Kurama's human and demon sides wanted vengeance. Craved revenge. It would be so simple. So fast to become what he needed to in order to destroy the evil creature in front of him.
But cold logic told him that if he did, he would be playing right into the enemy's hands. Draining their power, as Genkai said. And possibly more.
The time will come soon. But not yet.
He couldn't do it. Not now. He had to calm down. Had to stay in control. For her.
"You shall see soon enough," Kurama hissed. "But for now, I will not take your bait."
And with that, he morphed back into his human body.
Losing control and attacking him would certainly cause Kura great harm. Maintain focus. You already know what to do.
Yoko was right. And with the Shadow Puppets starting to rouse themselves for the next round, his moment to act had come.
Hiei and Yusuke crouched, preparing to fight. Kurama threw an arm out to stop them.
"Yusuke, Hiei, get inside Kaito's Territory. Leave this to me."
"Kurama…" Yusuke hesitated.
"Now! This is going to get dangerous."
"Move, Detective!" Hiei snapped. "There's no time!"
Haruki shook his head in amusement. "Try it, Fox. For all the good it will do. There's only seven minutes left!"
Kurama pulled a seed from his hair while he stared at Haruki. "That is more than enough time."
The crimson flower edged in yellow bloomed in his hand. Kurama locked his gaze onto the puppets that were about to descend on him all at once.
"It usually takes a few minutes to prepare this plant. I merely needed to fight until my ki had sufficiently channelled," he said with dangerous calm. "But now, I'm afraid there is no going back for your creatures of the night."
The petals shot from the flower towards all six Shadow Puppets, reaching them faster than a bullet from a gun. None of them had time to get away before the petals ignited on contact. One by one, the Shadow Puppets burst into shrieking pillars of fire.
"Oh HELL yeah!" Yusuke cheered.
The inferno rivalled anything Hiei could do. The heat from the blaze was so intense, almost everyone had to shield their faces to avoid being scalded. But Kurama? He refused to look away, as did Hiei. They watched, unwavering while those unworldly creatures melted away, disintegrating and crumbling into fine ash until nothing remained at all.
"Hmm…"
Haruki stared at the charred remains. He went rigid, then slowly raised his head towards the boys.
"Well that was unexpected, wasn't it?"
In his overconfidence, Haruki hadn't anticipated that the battle would end so quickly, especially with Hiei's power negated. He was so sure the fear for Sakura's safety would prevent them from doing anything too drastic.
But this small victory on their part didn't mean they won. Not by a long shot.
"Even so, this is not over," Haruki said. "Only five minutes to solve those ciphers, boys. Five minutes til you admit defeat!"
Kaito and Yana did not respond, but Yusuke slammed his fist into his palm. They had no way of knowing if this was really Haruki or one of his clones, but Yusuke was too incensed to care.
"Alright, freakazoid. This is your last chance to tell us where you stashed Kura, or I'll beat it out of you."
Haruki chuckled and shook his head. "You certainly act like she's your real sister. I'll give you that."
Yusuke gave an animal-like roar. "SHUT UP!"
"Well, we still have five minutes left. What to do now? We could do three on one, or by all means, take turns."
Hiei stepped forward, his eyes ablaze with vengeance. Taking his ki was the worst kind of insult. He wouldn't allow it to go unpunished.
"I'll rather enjoy carving that smile from your face."
"Oh Hiei," Haruki rotated his shoulder joint. "Without your power, I can't wait to see you try."
"No more of this!" Kurama shouted. "ROSE WHIP!"
"Mitari, Grandma!" Yusuke called. "Whatever happens, stay right there!"
Haruki vanished from sight. A second later, his first energy blast burst forth. The three boys jumped aside and the attack bounced harmlessly off Kaito's Territory. It reversed back into the opposite wall and left a giant crater beside the locked door.
When the dust cleared, the boys had no time to breathe or look for their enemy. The rubble left by the blast had already risen into the air.
"He's using telekinesis!" Yusuke yelled. "Look out!"
The rock shards hurled directly at the boys. Again, they dodged and the projectiles drove straight into the cavern walls, roof and ground like a knife through butter.
Haruki reappeared in the cavern's centre. "I hope you don't think that's the extent of it!"
"If it was, I'd consider it even more of an insult."
Hiei sprang from his vantage point, sword at the ready. He spiralled through the air and struck Haruki's right shoulder from a side angle. Blood splattered onto the ground.
Haruki barely flinched. "Oh please, that's not even a paper cut to me!"
"Consider yourself lucky. That was just the beginning!"
Hiei came at him again from the opposite direction. Haruki stood his ground, then swung his giant hand at the last second and Hiei was forced to flip away. Haruki took advantage of that to deliver a hard kick that sent Hiei into the wall.
"Hiei!"
"Don't feel left out, Spirit Detective. There's plenty more where that came from. Tornado Air Blades, magnitude 5!"
For one brief moment, Yusuke thought the attack would be identical to Jim's Tornado Fist at the Dark Tournament, but he couldn't have been more wrong.
Silver discs appeared from Haruki's hands. They flashed ominously, vibrating with power.
"This move and I have quite the history," Haruki smiled. "Careful, they're sharp."
The attack soared upwards and demonstrated their power by slicing two giant stalactites clean off. Yusuke barely managed to throw himself out of the way in time.
"Yusuke, quick!"
Kurama's warning alerted Yusuke with a microsecond to spare. He dived to avoid the blades a second time. They circled around and came back at him with unbelievable ferocity.
Haruki giggled as Yusuke dodged a third time. "Quite persistent, these things. Like they have a mind of their own."
A flash of movement, a glint of metal, and the blades split in two at the hands of Hiei's katana.
"How?!" Haruki gasped, and for the first time he looked almost afraid. "Just a sword, and with Technique Zero in effect? Those blades are meant to be unstoppable!"
Hiei landed on the ground and faced Haruki.
"Do you think for a moment that my sword is made of mere human steel? That it wasn't forged in the depths of the Makai, using the most secret techniques of the craft? You may have suppressed my ki, but the material in this blade can rise above that."
With a yell, Hiei charged at Haruki while Yusuke and Kurama rushed up from either side.
Haruki lazily batted Hiei into the ceiling. He blocked Yusuke's right hook and sent him flying through the air with another ki shot. Those two could wait. His true target sorely needed some attention.
"Don't think I've forgotten about you, Spirit Fox!"
Sure enough, that green vine came at him and curled around his neck. Kurama yanked on the whip to ensure it was secure before he propelled himself towards the monster in a clothesline. He drew back his hand, ready to release the venomous plant.
Haruki pressed down on the rose whip and Kurama lost his momentum. That single moment was all Haruki needed to hurl him to the floor.
"Kurama!"
Haruki picked up the fox demon with one hand and shoved him into the wall. "How I've longed for this, Spirit Fox."
"Put him down!" Yusuke yelled.
Haruki ignored him and leaned in closer. He seemed to be whispering something in Kurama's ear.
It was inaudible to everyone, but the visceral, animalistic snarl Kurama responded with turned the whole group's blood to ice.
"Never!" Kurama hissed. "I will never allow that!"
"Oh, Spirit Fox," Haruki sneered. "You have no chance of stopping me!"
Yusuke was about to leap into the fray when a metallic sound followed by a whoosh caught his attention.
Is that what I think it is?
It was. Hiei had pitched his sword across the cave like a javelin where it sank into Haruki's shoulder blade.
Haruki finally dropped Kurama and whirled around, clutching his injured shoulder. "Impressive, Hiei. I wasn't expecting that."
"Nor did I," Hiei snapped. "I was aiming for your spine."
Haruki yanked the sword out with some difficulty and tossed it at Hiei's feet. "Quite the weapon you have there. And the skill to back it up."
Now's my chance!
Yusuke leapt off the balls of his feet, crossing the cavern in the blink of an eye for a solid hit to Haruki's face.
His enemy only shook his head momentarily. "You call that a punch? It wouldn't knock out a child, let alone me."
Yusuke hurled his other fist. Haruki caught it. "That was surprisingly half-hearted, Spirit Detective. I, on the other hand…"
His knee crashed into Yusuke's stomach. The boy flew several metres, but he didn't collapse on the ground as expected. He righted himself as soon as he made contact with solid ground and vaulted straight back towards his enemy.
Haruki blocked the attack and both their forearms pressed against each other.
"Oh please, this isn't a fight; this is barely arm wrestling. Are you even trying?"
"Don't you ever shut up?!" Yusuke shouted, throwing another fist that Haruki caught in his free hand.
"I know why you're holding back, Detective," he hissed. "All of you are, because you're afraid of Sensui punishing her if anything happens to me. You're worried about Kuwabara's safety. And that is why you will lose!"
He threw Yusuke off him. "Speaking of, there's only a minute left to solve those codes!"
"Moot point. We're finished."
The movement ceased. Everyone looked over to see Kaito holding the papers. The original ciphers had been scratched out once solved, and the blank sheet was covered in ink splatters, untidy scrawls and six hastily written solutions.
Haruki raised a brow. "You actually did it?"
"Of course, and with two minutes to spare, no less."
Haruki squinted, and they saw he was impressed against his will. "Gentlemen, looks like this battle is going to be postponed."
"WHAT?!" Yusuke cried.
"You heard me. It's time to move on to the next puzzle."
"Hold up. You can't just-!"
"Watch me," Haruki leapt back and raised his shield. "You're in no position to make demands. Besides…" a sly grin curved up his mouth. "I think you should all go and see what Mr Genius uncovered."
Genkai had already looked at the paper. Her face twisted with anger at what she saw.
Hiei crouched in front of Haruki, ready to attack. "Go, Kurama. I'll ensure he stays put."
"I'm not going anywhere, fire demon. And neither are you!"
Yusuke and Kurama barely registered Haruki's malicious laughter or physically arriving at the table. They just knew that they had to read these ciphers.
"Shuichi, I'm sorry," Kaito said. "I had to."
Kurama took the page. It had been divided into columns. One indicated numbers, the other showed the decoded phrases. He and Yusuke read the answers together.
(7) You will never find her
(2) She belongs to me
(5) You failed
(8) Too slow
(7) It's too late
(2) It's your fault
Kurama did not react in any way. He simply stared at the papers while a deadly calm settled over him.
Nausea swirled in Yusuke's stomach. "You bastard. You sick bastard…"
Still behind his barrier, Haruki smiled at their revulsion and said, "Congratulations on solving those ciphers. I'm genuinely impressed. Ready for the final challenge?"
"More of these insufferable games?" Hiei gritted his teeth. "It will make no difference to your fate."
"Might I remind you, Hiei, that without your power, or frankly even with it, you are about as intimidating to me as a mouse," Haruki sighed. "I advise you to keep your mouth shut and do exactly as I tell you."
Yusuke winced. Of all the insults to call Hiei, mouse was likely in the top ten most dangerous.
Haruki waved his hand again. Another lamp switched on and illuminated the door that blocked their path.
"You've gotta be kidding me!" Yusuke groaned when he saw the keypad on the door. "What, are we just meant to guess the password? Where's Kura when you need her?!"
"Do you really want me to answer that, Spirit Detective?"
Yana, who had returned to his body, went pale. "Are we gonna have to solve another puzzle to open it?"
"You might say that," Haruki said. "Fortunately for you, I've given you everything you need for this one. So work it out."
Kurama's eyes narrowed to slits. His lips moved without sound as he scrutinised the possibilities.
"Kaito, you figured it out already," he said at last. "It's the numbers."
Kaito blinked. "The numbers?"
"What do you mean by that?" Mitari asked.
Kurama ran his finger down the column of numbers. "As Kaito said before, Caesar ciphers work by shuffling the alphabet, alternating each letter in accordance with a predetermined number. In this case, there were six codes and each used a different pattern. That is our code," He sent a lethal stare at Haruki. "You are a fool if you think I don't see what you've done here."
Haruki merely gave a smug look. "I've no idea what you're talking about."
"Huh? What's the deal?" Yusuke looked bewildered.
Kurama left him to wonder and marched over to the door. His aura flared menacingly.
"Kurama," Genkai called sharply. "Even for you, this seems a little too easy. Be careful."
"I will. Stay inside the Territory, all of you."
Kurama clenched his fists, then uncurled them and punched in the code.
725872
This had to be it. On a standard keypad, the sequence spelled SAKURA.
Yet another sin that Haruki wouldn't live long enough to regret.
The lock beeped, accepting the passcode. Haruki clapped slowly, mockingly as the mechanism clicked and the door cracked open with a soft creak.
Hiei frowned. Kurama solved the code so quickly. Why isn't he worried?
Kurama stepped back to open the door completely, and just as he did so, something fell out.
Kurama took another step back in surprise and they all looked to see what they were dealing with. Or rather, who. Lying on the ground was a small dark haired figure, face down, with her wrists bound tightly behind her back.
Everyone gasped, but nobody did so louder than Yusuke.
"Kura? Oh my God, Kura!"
He dashed over even faster than Kurama could react and pulled her into his arms.
"Hey Squirt? Can you hear me? It's Yusuke!"
Kurama knelt beside them.
Is this real? Is it her?
He wasn't sure, but the words had already left his mouth before he could even think about it.
"Kura? Love, can you hear me? Are you alright?"
She didn't respond.
"Kura?" Kurama tried again. "I'm here, sweetheart. It's alright now, you're safe."
Everyone else hurried forward except Hiei, who was still pointing his sword at Haruki and glaring suspiciously.
Yusuke was already untying her hands. "Kura? Come on, wake up, please wake up!"
She didn't respond.
"Master Genkai, what's happened to her?" Kaito asked.
Genkai frowned. "I'm…not sure. Just stand back."
"Didn't I tell you?" Haruki called from behind his shield. "See, I haven't laid a hand on her. She's absolutely fine."
Nobody paid any attention to him. Yusuke carefully rolled Sakura onto her back. She did seem largely unscathed, except for one thing on the right side of her face
"So I guess the bruising is just decoration then?" Yusuke snarled.
"Wouldn't have happened if she'd just been a good girl like I asked."
The angry shouts of the group were muted to Kurama's ears. He only had eyes for her beautiful face.
Is this real?
Was she truly back in his arms again? His heart wanted to believe it. His mind did too. But cold logic would not allow it. This felt too good to be true.
Even so, he couldn't resist reaching for her.
My precious flower. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.
He placed a hand on Sakura's cheek. But the relief he expected did not come.
Something's wrong.
He could tell the moment he made contact. Her skin felt clammy. Her heartbeat was much faster than it should be while unconscious. And there was something else.
Her ki signal is strange. It almost feels…corrupted, somehow.
If anyone else noticed, they weren't indicating so.
My beautiful Sakura, what have they done to you?
"Yusuke…"
They looked quickly. She was feebly stirring.
"Kura?!" Yusuke's voice was saturated with relief. "Kura, it's ok. I've got you. It's all gonna be ok now."
She moved slightly again. "Yusuke…?"
"Yeah, Squirt. It's me. We're here now. You're safe."
"You…you came." She blinked slowly. "You finally showed up…"
Yusuke brushed his wet eyes and said, "Sorry about that."
She blinked again and went to sit up.
"My love?" Kurama used his gentlest tone. "It's alright, my hana…"
He reached for her. She slapped his hand away.
Everyone gasped, but Kurama honestly didn't blame her. She had every right to be angry with him…
And that's when he saw her eyes.
Kurama's stomach dropped. Those luscious brown eyes, normally so gentle and loving, had turned a cold and empty onyx. Her face was blank. Not a trace of her warmth and kindness remained. No hint of her shy smile.
"Kura, what's wrong?!" Yusuke took her shoulder.
She slapped him away too.
Is she just rattled? Confused?
"Everything is wrong, Yusuke. Everything."
Even her voice sounded a shade lower. Harsh. Angry. She threw another punch and he caught her wrist.
"Kura, listen-"
Her spirit blast burst from her free hand. Yusuke was forced to let go and dodge.
"Squirt, what the hell are you doing?!"
"What I have to do, Yusuke. It's only right."
He caught sight of her blank face, her black eyes, and his jaw dropped in horror. Kurama went rigid and everyone else gasped.
"Oh my God…what the hell have they done to you?!"
Haruki burst out laughing. "She's not exactly on your side anymore, Spirit Detective."
"They…they're controlling her!" Yana whimpered. "But how?"
Kurama's breath caught in his throat. "Controlled?"
Sakura raised her hands and gave a wicked smile. "Spirit Blast!"
Her powerful magenta orbs flew at them, and everyone jumped out of the way.
"Kura, stop!" Yusuke shouted.
"But I don't want to, Yusuke. I know the truth now. Don't you see? It's what has to happen,"
She took a step towards them. "All humans need to die. Starting with you."
"Kaito, Yana, Mitari! Get back inside the Territory, now!" Genkai shouted.
Kurama fixed his murderous stare on Haruki and growled through clenched teeth. "What have you done?!"
"She belongs to me now, Fox," Haruki said simply. "She's mine."
Realisation seeped like acid through Kurama's veins. This was a nightmare. The worst case scenario. Never in his wildest dreams did he ever imagine he would be facing this.
How did this happen? Can this be real?
Cold logic had no answer for him. However, deep inside he knew something wasn't right. But he didn't have a clue what it was.
"Kura, honey?" Haruki simpered. "Why don't you show these fools exactly what you think of them?"
Itsuki opened his eyes. The portal above his head pulsed as if it were alive, but it no longer felt volatile. It was like a hatching egg, about to be pecked open from the inside. There was nothing more to be done on his end.
"Mr Sensui, it seems my task is complete."
"Well done, Mr Itsuki," Sensui looked hungrily at the demons still swarming at the entrance. "We are closer than ever to our goal."
"Yes. If all goes well, the tunnel should open before Yusuke and his friends arrive."
Sensui laughed and shook his head. "Wishful thinking, I'm afraid. From this point, it won't take them much longer to make it here. An hour, maybe?"
"In that case, may I…?"
"Go right ahead."
Itsuki closed his eyes again, and suddenly the boat he was sitting in started moving without him doing anything. Almost as if it were being pushed along from behind.
It reached dry land in less than a minute. Finally, Itsuki stood up and stepped out. Both he and Sensui stared in awe and pride at what they had accomplished, and what they were about to accomplish.
"You've done well, Gatekeeper. Now is the time to reserve your energy for when it is needed next."
"Ah yes," Itsuki smiled. "Our lovely mouthpiece."
Kuwabara's muffled shouting drew their attention away from the hole.
"Oh, that's right," Sensui said. "Gourmet, the detective should arrive very soon. Take your position."
"Sure."
Gourmet seized Kuwabara and dragged him over to the lake edge. Kuwabara's strangled yelling and resistance proved useless as Gourmet pushed him into the boat.
What is this?
Kurama was frozen, along with Yusuke. This could not be happening. It just couldn't be. Sakura was far too strong and stubborn to be controlled…wasn't she? Something else had to be going on.
Kurama's heart pounded while he tried to assess the situation.
Why does her energy signal feel so strange? What did they do to her?
She certainly looked possessed. Her ki felt the same way too.
But there was no time to think. Sakura came at them with a fist alight with spirit energy. She swung it with wild abandon, almost as if she didn't care who took the hit.
Genkai shot a reflection shield out that knocked Sakura off her feet. But she only stayed down for a split second before hurling herself forward a second time.
Amidst the collective panic, Hiei was the only one of the group to remain relatively calm. "Don't just stand there, Detective!"
But Yusuke didn't move.
Hiei shot a final, blood-thirsty scowl at Haruki and leapt over to join everyone. He swung his sword in Sakura's direction as she approached. Her blank eyes narrowed, and she jumped, spinning through the air towards the wall.
The Jagan eye blazed on Hiei's forehead. "Kurama, move!"
At last, Kurama came to his senses. He reached into his hair for a seed. Even if he didn't know what was going on, he couldn't fall apart. He just couldn't. Whatever might be at play here, he had to get to her. Somehow.
"Kura!" Yusuke said desperately. "It's ok, it's me. It's Yusuke!"
Sakura smiled again and sprang from her perch. She slammed into him and the momentum flung him across the cavern.
"I know, Yusuke. I've been waiting for you."
She somersaulted through the air and pushed him up against the wall. "Don't know why you're so surprised. All this is your fault."
His eyes widened.
"You've never seen me as an equal, have you?" Sakura seized his arm and hurled him over her head where he slammed into the ground. "All my life, I've just been your pathetic little sister. Isn't that right?"
"No!" Yusuke choked. "No, Kura, I never-"
"That's RIGHT!" she shrieked. "You've NEVER cared. You weren't there when I needed you. And you acted like nothing I went through mattered! It was always about you. Your life. Your next case. Your happiness. Never thought of anyone else. NEVER!"
Yusuke jumped up and blocked the next hit.
If she's under his control, I've gotta try and reach her!
He dragged her into a tight hold. "Kura, you're being controlled. You gotta fight this! I know it isn't really you, or what you want-"
"I've seen the truth, Yusuke. I know now that this world is doomed. And it should be!"
Yusuke pulled her around to face him. "I know this isn't you, Squirt. I know that you'd never-!"
"You're still holding back, Detective!" Haruki taunted. "Mr Sensui said you would. Can't bring yourself to hurt her, can you?"
Yusuke fell silent, hearing the blood pounding in his ears. He knew Haruki was right. Even when she was attacking him, even with hatred pouring out of her, he couldn't do it. No matter what, the one thing he'd absolutely never be able to do was harm his twin.
Oh no…
Kurama's head started spinning as he remembered something. When the Netherworld had attacked, he'd made a casual comment that had taken on a horrible new meaning now.
"Seems like the one opponent Yusuke can never defeat is you, my love."
At the time, she'd laughed. Everyone had. But now? It seemed his theory was about to be proven correct.
"It was so easy to take over her mind, you know. Once she understood the truth, there was no going back."
"You bastard!" Yusuke's rage nearly choked him. "How could you do this to her? All because you wanted to get back at your old teacher?!"
"I did what I had to do!" Haruki shot back. "I'm saving her from your fate, Spirit Detective. She's not human!"
"Where the hell do you get off saying she's not human?! What is WRONG with you?!"
"She spared me, she pitied me after everything that I did during the tournament. No human could do that!"
"OPEN YOUR EYES, YOU FREAKING PSYCHO!" Yusuke shouted. "She's too kind for her own good!"
Behind the safety of Kaito's Territory, Yana and Kaito stared at the pandemonium with absolute disbelief. Neither knew what to say, or do.
But beside them, Mitari called out, "Miss Kura! You have to break free, you're stronger than this!"
"Like you're one to talk!" Sakura retorted. "Who's the one who attacked me? Who was too stupid to realise Sensui needed my power?!"
Mitari bit his lip, but he didn't give up. "You helped me see the truth, Miss Kura! Don't you remember? I wouldn't have changed my mind if you hadn't-"
"You're just a naive child, Mitari. You can't even commit to the cause."
Sakura broke free from Yusuke's grip, but not for long.
"Rose Whip!"
Kurama quickly snared Sakura and yanked her into his arms. "Kura, love…"
Her face contorted. "Get your hands off me!" she spat. "What right do you have?!"
He pulled her closer, not saying a word.
"Where were you when I called out?" Sakura hissed. "I screamed for you. I trusted you. And you didn't come for me. It's your fault I was taken. You know it's your fault."
Kurama swallowed hard. "You're right. I failed you."
"Yes. And that's not all," A grin appeared on her face. "You killed that boy. A child. What had he done to deserve death?"
Kurama ignored the stab of pain in his heart and focused on the seed he held. A simple but useful one that would sedate her long enough to stop this.
"It's alright, I understand. I know this isn't what's in your heart, my love. This energy I sense doesn't reflect your beautiful soul. Let me help you."
"NO!"
Sakura aimed and fired. Her attack sliced the rose whip apart, just enough for her to slip free and escape.
"I won't let you use one of those plants on me. Never again!"
Haruki gave his loudest laugh yet. "That's right, honey. Can't let him erase your memories again!"
Left, right, ceiling, wall, floor, in front, behind...she vanished and reappeared in a new spot faster than anyone could see, hurling ferocious waves of energy attacks that nobody could imagine.
That power!
Kurama dodged again. She was attacking too fast for anyone to counter. Too fast for him to examine the situation.
It doesn't feel like hers. Where did it come from?
"Kurama, Yusuke, step back!"
A flash of movement followed by a wave of anger signalled Genkai running into the fray.
"Kura, you can't let them win! Remember your promise. You have to fight!"
"Promises? What use are they? When it comes down to it, they don't mean a damn thing!"
Sakura leapt to Genkai's level and the two began trading blows. Or rather, Genkai dodged each one Sakura sent her way.
"Kura! You said nobody would ever control you again. Don't let yourself be taken over!"
In another time, Genkai would have used her Spirit Wave Orb to break the spell, but without it she could do nothing but try to break through with words alone.
"Didn't you train her for a time, Genkai?" Haruki called. "Tell me, what do you think of my bride's combat skills?"
Bride. Everyone reacted with varying levels of shock and abhorrence, but Genkai's tiny body almost exploded.
She managed to evade Sakura's next hit and bent down, kicking the possessed girl's legs out from under her. As Sakura crumpled to the ground, Genkai leapt directly towards Haruki's shield.
"How dare you!" she said in a voice distorted with suppressed rage. "How DARE you! Sakura's not your puppet!"
Haruki merely giggled. "She belongs to me now, old hag."
"Shin would NEVER have stood for this!" Genkai shouted. "He'd be so ashamed of what you've done. You contaminate his memory!"
"I hope so!" Haruki roared back. "I reject him, the same way he abandoned me so easily!"
"You FOOL! He never abandoned you! He died searching for you!"
"He abandoned all of us! I only wish I could've watched him die, or killed him myself!"
Without thinking, Yusuke aimed at the shield. "You've gone completely insane!"
"Sure have! Funny how that happens when everything is ripped away from you!"
Amid Haruki's howls of crazed laughter, Yusuke caught sight of something that made him lower his hands.
How did he get all those scars? There's like, a million of them!
"Yusuke, over here!"
Yusuke spun around. Sakura was back on her feet and heading for Kurama.
"It's your fault this happened to me. It's ALL YOUR FAULT!"
"I know, my love." Kurama's face was wiped clear of all emotion as he sidestepped every attack she sent his way.
It's alright. I'm going to fix this. I'm going to save you. I'm going to heal your mind.
Kurama threw a seed to the ground. Thick blue vines sprouted and headed for Sakura. She evaded easily.
The vines came again. And again. And again, from all directions, trying to subdue her, but Sakura's speed was simply greater than the plant.
"You can't stop this, Yusuke. None of you can. One way or another, that tunnel will open."
She curled around one of the giant stalactites hanging from the ceiling and continued, "Kuwabara will slice the Kekkai. And I'll call the S-Class demons. The judgement of all humans is coming!"
"Kura!" Yusuke called again. Tears pricked at his eyes. "I know this isn't you! I know you're stronger than this! Snap out of it, please!"
"No more, Detective!"
Hiei appeared from seemingly nowhere, sword at the ready.
"This nonsense has gone on long enough. My patience has long reached its end."
He looked back at Haruki with homicidal enragement. "You've made many mistakes, but this? Your death knell has already rung."
"I'll allow these delusions, Hiei," Haruki said. "If it makes you feel better, knowing you all failed her."
Hiei snorted. And without another word, he rocketed upwards to meet Sakura.
"Oh, so you're up next, Hiei?" she gave a laugh that again, didn't belong to her. "I've been looking forward to our rematch."
She twisted to avoid his initial attack. Hiei's blade plunged into the rock, mere centimetres from Sakura's head. The stalactite cracked from its position and Sakura let go a second before it crashed several metres to the floor. She did a backflip and landed Spiderman style.
"Squirt, come on-!"
"Stay back!" Hiei said. "All of you! This fight is mine!"
He came at her again from above. Sakura laughed scornfully.
"Oh please, not this!"
She stood her ground while Hiei slashed his blade. Yusuke flinched, but it never made contact. Sakura's shield swelled around her fist as Hiei's katana crashed into it.
They pressed down against each other, unflinching. Sparks flew. Both faces exchanged death glares. Everyone stared. Who would give way first?
"Pathetic, Hiei. I thought you'd at least give me a real challenge."
"Give up," Hiei growled. "It's over. You've already lost!"
"You'll have to kill me," Sakura whispered. "But you don't have the guts!"
With a yell, she fired her Spirit Blast into Hiei's stomach. The force pitched Hiei head over heels. Everyone expected him to leave a crater in the wall, but Hiei had other plans. He regained control in mid air, landed momentarily against the rock face, then sprang off using the recoil.
He careened straight into Sakura and knocked her to the ground. They both tumbled over before finally coming to a halt, where he pinned her down on the floor.
"Hiei!" Yusuke yelled frantically. "Don't, you'll hurt her!"
"That is the least of my worries," Hiei said.
Sakura struggled in Hiei's grip, hissing and biting at his arm. He flipped her over with ease, wrapped her hair around his free hand and wrenched her head back.
Kurama gasped. "Hiei?!"
His friend's red eyes flitted over to him, and Kurama's heart jumped.
"Hiei, let her go!" Yusuke screamed.
"Is this it, Hiei?" Sakura smiled a little. "Going to finish the job you started at the warehouse? I know it's what you always wanted."
"SILENCE!" Hiei shouted. "I will tolerate no more of this!"
Kurama turned away. There was no time left. He couldn't watch.
"What are you doing?!" Yusuke cried. "What the hell are you-?"
Hiei glanced up at Yusuke, then Kurama, and simply said, "What's necessary."
And his sword sliced across her throat.
"HIEI, NO!"
A.N. *peeks out of shelter* Before you all kill me, there's a small bit of trivia I wanted to share, especially for those of you who have not read the YYH manga.
It may surprise you to learn that when the boys face Amanuma in said manga, Yusuke doesn't participate in any level of Goblin City. Instead, Yana copies Kaito in order to beat the Puzzle Goblin. Its all very interesting, but sadly it's on a single page. I assume this was why the anime changed it to Yusuke beating the hell out of Battle Goblin, but meh, I could be wrong.
Either way, I took it upon myself to expand this concept with Yana and make it work with my story, as well as giving poor Kaito some more love. I've always liked Kido, Kaito and Yana and wish they had been utilised more, especially Kaito. He only uses Taboo once, for Shenron's sake. No disrespect to Togashi of course, I just would've loved to see them get more air time. And rest assured, I'm planning to have them reappear in Book 4 and 5.
ANYWAY.
MASSIVE chapter this time. Where shall we go from here? Hmm ;)
I'm fully expecting some colourful reviews, but good or bad, I still want to hear your thoughts. To be honest, it took me forever to come up with some good codes and I ended up taking inspiration from Deltora Quest (one of my favourite fantasy series as a child!), Harry Potter and a true crime documentary. My lips are sealed on which one, though. Tee hee.
One more thing before I leave you all. My dear, dear friend Arielle1406 has written not one, but two Kurama x OC fics that I urge you to check out. The first, Liebestraum, is complete and she's in the process of publishing Consolation, the sequel.
Both are very different from my work, but it is honestly one of the most beautiful stories I've ever read with a stunning OC called Asuka. I love her relationship with Kurama and the rest of the gang so damn much. Plus, you get to enjoy plenty of talk about music, and I'm always down for that.
I've sprinkled a few minor tributes to Liebestraum in Book 2 and 3, and there's a few references to my Sakura series in Consolation. These beautiful books deserve so much more love than they're currently getting, so go on over to her page!
The next chapter, we're back to the canon and you can expect regular updates from me again. We're almost there guys! See you soon!
*ducks out of sight* Now you may commence the slings and arrows.
Rosentic xx
Next chapter: The boys arrive at Sensui's lair, and they're thirsty for vengeance.