A.N. Here's Part 2 of Poltergeist Report. I hope you're all enjoying it. Even though it's technically a non-canon film, I still love putting my own spin on it, as well as fixing the problems it has. Aside from that unforgivable dub, Hinageshi is really only there to spout exposition and there's some inconsistencies with certain characters (Genkai, anyone?). I'm doing my utmost to change that, and make this part of the story work. It's been so much fun!

DCD Gojira: :D

hw0134160: You really know how to make me get emotional, don't you? I can't tell you how touched I am by what you said. That you think my version is better than the original, and everything else. I worked so hard trying to make this flow smoothly will the new elements. Thank you. Thank you so very much.

Having this fic is keeping me sane in lockdown. Things are sadly getting worse and worse here, but I'm staying safe. I always thought my apocalypse outfit would be more badass than leggings and an over-sized t-shirt, but oh well. I hope this nightmare pandemic ends soon.

Sakura-chan: Yeah, it sucks that the date was delayed, but hopefully that will make it all the more special when it finally happens. Yes, Kuronue is in this movie. Your comment about my writing makes me want to cry with joy. I just want to make people happy, and I guess I am.

Ghost of Magic: It's intense. I just wish Funimation would give it a proper dub. Hope you like this chapter.

Hina714: Yes, I was originally planning on having it at the end, but I decided against it for several reasons. For one, after Chapter Black Yusuke is so strong that I felt he could easily defeat the Netherworld. For another, the film is much longer than the Golden Seal, and I didn't want to cram it all into one chapter. That wouldn't have satisfied me. I'm glad this was a nice surprise. It seemed the best way to establish the time skip after the Dark Tournament. As for why Sakura's powers are affected, there's an explanation. And she'll have a reaction to Kurama's past. You'll see...

Wolfs Child: Enjoy!

Hope you like this chapter. I loved writing it.

I don't own YYH, just my OCs.

Chapter 5

Sensui's eyes scanned the arcade. It was packed to the rafters with gamers, mainly teens and adults. But that wasn't the kind of candidate he was looking for. No, he'd sensed another kind of lost soul somewhere inside this place. It was simply a matter of finding him…

There he was. The little boy sitting alone, playing Goblin City.

Sensui watched him for a few minutes. The child was deeply engrossed in the game, but a sense of extreme loneliness hovered around him.

Perfect. Sensui knew he was the one immediately. He arranged his features into a benign expression and approached the boy, leaning over the top of the console he was using.

"Way to go, kid," he complimented. "You're doing quite well with that game,"

The boy looked up, revealing sandy hair, a smattering of freckles and wide, curious eyes. He gazed at Sensui, apparently more astonished that someone was talking to him than anything else.

"You want to play with me?" Sensui asked.

"Sure, I guess," the boy shrugged. "But I warn you, I'm real good!"

Sensui took a seat at the adjoining console and smiled to himself. Befriending this boy was a game he would most definitely win.

"We'll see about that,"

"Hey, mister. What's your name?" the boy asked.

"Shinobu Sensui. What's yours?"

The boy grinned. "Tsukihito Amanuma,"

Sakura watched the sun begin to set over the water. Hinageshi had brought them to the docklands, and was floating beside them on her own oar as they ran towards the next elemental site. They were going to get there before the Netherworld. Sakura could feel it.

If we can just get there first, we have a chance. It's our only hope to save the Spirit World.

"I can't even repay Botan the kindness I owe her!" Hinageshi lamented, pulling Sakura out of her inner monologue.

"Kindness?" Yusuke and Sakura said simultaneously.

Hinageshi looked ashamed. "I always made mistakes and caused a lot of problems for Botan, and now I can't -"

"You're wrong," Yusuke said fiercely. He wasn't about to give up that easily. "We haven't lost yet,"

Sakura glanced at their guide. "Hinageshi, are we getting close?

"Yes. This way!"

Hinageshi led them into a back alley. She pulled out the map which gave the twins a few seconds to get their breath back.

Sakura looked around. She hadn't been to this part of town before. It was a seedy-looking place, clearly not somewhere for a teenage girl. The vibe made her shiver.

"I don't see any elemental sites," Yusuke said impatiently.

Hinageshi blushed. "Um, let's see. It's this way, up those stairs!"

Sakura caught Yusuke's arm. "Remember, we have to be careful,"

"Yeah yeah, sure thing. Now come on!"

Yusuke led the charge up the staircase, and towards the derelict parking lot that Hinageshi pointed out. Sakura skidded to a halt. She suddenly felt cold all over. "Yusuke, do you sense that?"

Before he could respond, the ground began to quake again. Hinageshi let out a small shriek and clung to Yusuke. The twins watched in horror as the parking lot containing the elemental site split apart and collapsed before their eyes.

"Reflection Shield!" Sakura immediately leapt in front and created her barrier to repel the debris flying in their direction. There was no way that structure fell on its own. There was something bigger behind this.

When half the building had been reduced to little more than rubble, Sakura removed the shield and they took a few cautious steps closer.

"Kura, get back!" Yusuke hissed suddenly. He'd spotted the assortment of demons crawling out of the wreckage. His face was the picture of fury.

"Netherworld demons…"

The crosses on their foreheads confirmed it. One waved his hand and they vanished from sight.

"They got here ahead of us again!" Hinageshi moaned.

Yusuke was the first to move. "Come on, we may still make it!"

Sakura glanced at Hinageshi, who was trembling all over. "Hinageshi, stay close to me, alright?"

The guide nodded, and the three of them followed the Netherworld demons into the one part of the building that hadn't been damaged. The trio remained hidden behind a pillar, and Sakura peeked out from behind Yusuke to get a good look. On one side of the wall, an unusual monument lay in wait and the netherworld demons were approaching it.

"Look!" Hinageshi whispered to the twins. "It's the elemental site of Fire!"

Sakura glanced at Yusuke. They may have gotten here first, but they're saving us the trouble of finding it!

"These guys are wimps. I'll handle them," Yusuke muttered, charging forward. Sakura stepped in front of Hinageshi, prepared to intervene at any second.

Yusuke hurled himself through the air. "Hold it!" he shouted.

The demons paused, inches from the elemental site. But they had no time to react, much less defend themselves. Yusuke was already upon them. He didn't even bother using Spirit Energy. His fists were more than enough to cut the netherworld demons down. As the last one burned into nothing, Yusuke landed on his feet and smirked at the Fire monument.

"It's over, Hinageshi. What do we do now?"

Before Hinageshi could reply, the only light source in the vicinity flickered out.

Sakura tensed. Someone's coming.

"Oh, give me a break!" Yusuke gritted his teeth. Sakura motioned for Hinageshi to stay back, then revealed herself.

"Who's there?" she called sharply, already preparing a Spirit Blast.

Instead of an answer, an explosion rocked the structure, and Sakura hit the ground. In the chaos, she heard Hinageshi screaming.

"Kura! Hinageshi!" Yusuke didn't get far before another explosion threw him backwards.

After a second, the dizziness subsided and Sakura raised her head.

"Sakura!" Hinageshi cried. She sounded petrified. "No! No! Stop, what is this?!"

Sakura looked over and saw the girl hovering in mid-air, but judging by the way she was thrashing, it was not of her own volition.

What the hell is going on? Sakura jumped up. Hinageshi was being engulfed by some kind of strange aura… Netherworld aura!

"I'm coming!"

Sakura charged forward just as an imposing figure in a long cloak emerged from the shadows. He held out a hand, and Hinageshi whimpered while the aura pulsed around her.

"No, this girl is not the one I seek," he muttered.

Sakura aimed her hands. "Let her go!"

The white haired man glanced in the girl's direction. "What's this? Another female?"

"Well spotted!" Sakura snapped. "I mean it. Leave her alone!"

The demon narrowed his eyes and smiled. "Perhaps you are the one I'm searching for," he purred.

Sakura felt her heart skip a beat. "SPIRIT BLAST!"

Her enemy didn't even flinch at the sight of Sakura's attack. He merely raised his hand and batted them away with the slightest effort.

Oh crap… he wasn't even fazed by that move!

Sakura took a step backwards, but the demon was advancing on her.

"KURA!" Yusuke had recovered from the explosion and was racing over as fast as he could.

The demon looked faintly amused. "It seems your friend is still here," he chuckled, then raised Hinageshi higher into the air before using her as a projectile to slow Yusuke down. Hinageshi was released from the aura and slammed into Yusuke, knocking him over.

The demon took advantage of the confusion to target Sakura. He sent a shot of netherworld ki towards her, and Sakura felt her feet leave the ground.

The world dissipated behind a veil of pink. Sakura cried out in alarm as she felt a strong, malicious presence invading her mind. It was like he was driving a stake inside her subconscious.

Sakura strained to close the connection. You're not reading my mind. You're not looking in there. Not a chance!

Unfortunately, such resistance only seemed to encourage her assailant. "You know something, don't you?" the demon hissed. "That's why you're trying so hard to repel me. Do you have what I need?"

"I… don't… know," Sakura choked. She might as well be in a mind-battle with an armoured tank. But she wasn't going to give up. There was still something that might work…

With tremendous effort, she raised her hand slightly. "Reflection Shield!"

Sakura's barrier exploded, and the Netherworld aura encasing her vanished. She fell to the ground but the demon swiftly picked her up and slammed her against the wall.

"Where is it, girl?" he snarled, eyes glittering with malice. "Tell me!"

Yusuke sprang at him, fist raised. "Get away from my sister!"

The demon released Sakura and gently sidestepped Yusuke's blow. The boy immediately whirled around and went in for another hit, only for the demon to sink a knee into his torso. Yusuke was sent flying straight through the windshield of a nearby car.

"Yusuke!" Sakura cried. "Spirit Snare!"

Without a word, the mysterious demon sent another energy blast, destroying Sakura's ki snare in its tracks. In the blink of an eye, he was towering over her again.

"Where is it?!" he demanded. "You know! You know!"

Sakura began powering up another shield. "I don't know what you're talking about!"

Yusuke pounded his way out of the car he'd landed in. The demon turned to glare at him, and Sakura was able to leap out of the enemy's reach.

"You are not normal humans, are you?" the demon growled. "You must be tools of the Spirit World,"

"Who are you?!" Yusuke spat. "Tell me!"

At last, the demon smiled. "I am Yakumo, King of the Netherworld,"

"Congratulations," Yusuke said sarcastically. "SPIRIT GUN!"

Sakura dashed over to Hinageshi. "Get behind me!" she yelled. "Reflection Shield!"

Not a moment too soon. Yusuke's monstrous Spirit Gun streaked past them, the force of it almost enough to knock the girls over even with Sakura's protective barrier.

However, Yakumo laughed at the sight. Just as the blast was about to collide, he created an energy shield that dissolved Yusuke's strongest move in a microsecond.

"What?!" Yusuke gasped. "It didn't even touch him!"

"Your spiritual power is nothing," Yakumo snorted. "Be gone, human!"

With a flick of Yakumo's hand, Yusuke was ensnared in a beam of netherworld ki. It crackled like electricity. He let out a scream, and collapsed face-first on the ground.

"Yusuke!" Sakura ran over with Hinageshi at her heels. "Yusuke, please say something!"

Hinageshi pointed frantically. "Sakura, the elemental site!"

Yakumo was nearly upon it, hand outstretched.

"No!" Sakura shrieked, and raced forward. "DOUBLE BLAST!"

Yakumo spun around and easily dodged the orbs. "Pathetic," he scoffed. "That's the best Spirit World can do? I expected more,"

"Get away from that elemental site!" Sakura warned. "Don't touch it!"

Yakumo laughed again. "You have no power here, girl!" he sneered, and before Sakura could respond he appeared in front of her again and seized her by the hair.

"Play dumb all you want, but sooner or later, I will find where they've hidden it!" he whispered dangerously. "In the meantime, my Netherworld gods will destroy the other sites,"

"Netherworld gods?" Sakura gasped. "Oh no…"

"That's right. You and your friends have no chance!"

Yakumo hurled Sakura across the parking lot, and she landed painfully on the ground next to her brother.

Sakura didn't even see exactly what Yakumo did to the elemental site, but the next thing she knew, it had split open by his hands.

A tremendous stream of Netherworld ki blasted upwards, spiralling into the sky in a deadly beam. And with a final look of contempt at them all, Yakumo vanished.

Yusuke punched the ground hard enough to leave a small crater behind.

"DAMN IT!"

"We can't sit around moping!" Sakura grabbed his shoulder. "He just told me that his minions are out searching for the rest of the elemental sites. We need to hurry and find the others!"

Yusuke stared at Sakura for a moment, then leapt to his feet. "Let's move. Kurama can take care of himself, but Kuwabara…"

Sakura didn't move. A sudden fear gripped her insides and twisted them tightly.

"Kurama," she whispered. "He needs me. I can feel it,"

"Kura…" Yusuke hesitated, on the verge of arguing, but suddenly yielded. "Go," he said firmly. "But you better be careful,"

Sakura squeezed his hand. "I will, promise,"

She turned on her heel and took off. Kurama, I'm on my way. Please, hold on!

Yakumo had melted away into the shadows outside, but he eyed Sakura carefully as she fled. He'd not expected to run into someone like her. He'd only been able to investigate a fraction of the way into her mind before her steel wall of determination banished him.

Nobody has ever been able to resist me like that. Even if she does know where the power sphere is, it's unlikely I can extract the information from her so easily.

"The power sphere, the source of our energy, plundered in the past by the Spirit World," Yakumo growled to himself. "The leaders of the Spirit World must have hidden it well. They would not let it be protected by such a small fry. Where is it? Where did they hide it?"

He gritted his teeth in frustration. It was the final piece of the puzzle he needed, the only thing left to restore the Netherworld to its former glory. But where to look next?

It was not in the Spirit World, he was sure of that. And as far as he knew, there was no-one left from that realm to interrogate.

Unless…

"You were great back there, Mr Sensui!" Amanuma bounced up and down beside Sensui in the street. His excitement levels were through the roof. "You're way cooler than other grown ups. You gotta show me how you did that thing in level six!"

Sensui barely reacted. "Sure, but wouldn't you rather play with kids your own age?"

The boy's face was instantly downcast. "Well, they're all dummies who'd rather play sports than video games," He admitted. "And between work and yelling at each other, my parents are always too busy to play with me,"

"As I thought," Sensui smiled. Everything was falling into place better than he'd hoped. "What other games do you like?"

Amanuma's mood brightened. Nobody had ever asked him that before, let alone someone as cool as Sensui. "There's so many!"

Despite the darkness, Kuwabara had made his way to the park Hinageshi sent him to without any trouble. His heightened spirit awareness confirmed that he was in the right place.

Kuwabara?

He jumped about a foot in the air. Damn it, Kura! You scared me!

Sorry! Sakura sounded a little sheepish. There's been… complications.

Complications? What do you mean by that?

We ran into the Netherworld king, and he said his minions were going to destroy the elemental sites. Are you close to the one in the park?

Kuwabara recognised the monument by the lake and raced over to examine it more closely. He'd gotten there first.

Found it, Kura. And it hasn't been touched.

I'm glad to hear it, but keep your guard up. Sakura warned. Make no mistake, these guys are dangerous. Yusuke's coming to find you now. I'm going after Kurama. Please be careful!

The connection closed. Kuwabara glanced around to make sure he was alone, then began cracking his knuckles.

"Just like Hinageshi said, the elemental site of the soul," he grinned. "And the manliest of men will open it up!"

Just then, the lake started bubbling.

Kuwabara paused. "What's that?" he muttered.

No sooner than asking, a geyser of water burst into the sky causing the orange-haired boy to jump back in alarm.

"Fools are amusing," a new voice drawled.

Kuwabara glared. "Who the hell are you?"

"I am Majari, one of the three demon gods of the Netherworld," A new demon emerged from behind the veil of water. "And I shall destroy that elemental site,"

Kuwabara clenched his fists and prepared for battle. "Not as long as I have anything to say about it!"

"You can try, but rest assured I shall kill anyone in my way!" Majari simpered. He looked like he'd just stepped from the pages of an avant-garde runway with his turquoise skin and purple lipstick.

"Don't underestimate me," Kuwabara warned. "Spirit Sword!"

Majari took one look at Kuwabara's weapon and laughed scornfully. "Looks interesting. Let me show you what I am known for,"

Kuwabara watched, stunned, as Majari fashioned his own identical Spirit Sword. "What the heck is this?"

"I can mirror my opponents," Majari explained. "I have copied your skills, and your ideas. You have no chance at victory, boy,"

"You'll be eating those words soon enough, pretty boy," Kuwabara growled. "Let's fight!"

The swords clashed, but Kuwabara's heart skipped a beat.

Something's wrong. My sword feels weaker!

Sakura came to a sudden halt on the empty bridge. She looked around, scanning for an energy signal. The elemental site of air wasn't far from here, according to Hinageshi's instructions to Kurama.

Where is it?

Kurama had definitely been heading in this direction, but Sakura couldn't feel his energy. He must be suppressing it to avoid detection.

She closed her eyes and looked into the void, but Kurama's door was sealed tight. No chance of any communication there.

Must be trying to protect me from something. That means I was right. He needs me.

Sakura clenched her teeth and channelled all her power into finding the traces of energy that would lead her to the elemental site. It was faint, but there was something promising below the bridge. Beyond the shipping containers. As far as she could tell, there were no Netherworld demons around.

Her heart leapt. Taking off at a run again, Sakura headed straight for the staircase that would lead her there.

I'm so close. Just a bit further, and I can make it there before Yakumo's men do…

"Looking for something, young lady?"

Just feet from the stairs, Sakura whirled around. Another apparition, clearly one of the Netherworld gods Yakumo had spoken of. He was a tall, muscular demon in a black cloak. His left eye was covered by a red lens attached to a bone-white visor. But most shockingly, there was a slit on his forehead. A slit identical to Hiei's Jagan…

Sakura immediately tensed up. "You're with Yakumo, aren't you?"

"Indeed," He leered at her with a sickening smile. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Raigo, King Yakumo's right-hand man. He sent me here to find you,"

"Is that so?" Sakura's heart was pounding.

Please, don't let this be another Suzaku situation!

Raigo took a step towards her. "Don't be afraid, my dear. I'm not here to hurt you. King Yakumo was most impressed with your mind defences, and wanted me to examine them more closely,"

"What for?" Sakura backed away as two more Netherworld demons appeared, flanking Raigo on both sides with sharp blades in their hands.

Raigo chuckled. "Nothing to be concerned about, I assure you. See, we're searching for something as well, and he's convinced you can help,"

"I already told him, I don't know anything!" Sakura said fiercely. "I only heard of you freaks yesterday. And even if I did know something, do you honestly think I would tell you?"

Raigo's smile became cold. "You don't have a choice, human girl," he hissed. "If you have the answers, my Jagan eye will find it!"

"Jagan?" Sakura gasped in fright.

The slit on Raigo's forehead opened. He hadn't been lying; there really was a green Jagan eye lying in wait.

Raigo nodded to his underlings, who smirked and surged forward to prevent Sakura's escape, though it was hardly needed. As soon as the Jagan eye glowed orange, Sakura went limp.

The demons restraining her laughed even harder at the girl's whimpering and forced her to kneel. Raigo placed a hand on her head. His Jagan eye glowed even brighter.

"What do you know, girl?" Raigo asked softly.

He began probing, pushing through the layers and into the deeper realm of her psyche…

Get out of my head!

Raigo was taken aback. "What is this?" he snarled. "How are you this strong? Nobody can prevent my Jagan, especially a human!"

He strained to pierce the iron curtain blocking his access, but Sakura was putting up a ferocious fight. Yakumo had been quite correct in his assessment. The girl's mind was like a ring of steel, protecting its secrets.

You… won't… win. Sakura was struggling to withstand this intrusion. It was even more painful than Yakumo's attempt. I won't… let you see!

"How did you learn such resistance?" Raigo demanded. "Tell me!"

I had… a great teacher… Sakura replied. He taught me well!

Raigo grit his teeth and doubled his efforts. "You cannot keep me out, human!"

An unexpected flash of steel broke Raigo's concentration, and the two demons holding Sakura retreated. Her eyes flew open. She was still on her knees, but someone was supporting her. Someone familiar.

"Kurama?" she murmured.

Raigo growled. "You dare interrupt, apparition? You, with your inferior Jagan implant?"

Sakura blinked and her vision refocused. Her saviour was standing beside her, katana unsheathed, and looking murderous.

"Hiei? What are you doing? I -"

Leave them to me. Kurama is near. You must get to him. Hurry!

Sakura knew better than to argue. Hiei had already begun exchanging blows with all three enemies. She shakily got to her feet and raced down the stairs. There was no time to be afraid for Hiei. She just had to take advantage of his intervention, and escape.

There it is!

Kurama knelt before the elemental site, arms outstretched and preparing to destroy it when the mist surrounding the area rippled. The sound of footsteps approaching made him turn around and prepare for a fight. He definitely didn't recognise that ki signal.

"Who's there?" he called. Someone was striding out of the mist.

"Who's there?" the stranger repeated mockingly. "I can't believe you would say that to your old partner,"

The apparition swung a red pendant back and forth. "Or do you mean to say you have forgotten your terrible past, Yoko Kurama?"

"Kuronue?" Kurama's eyes widened. "You're alive? But how can this be?"

The light from a passing train illuminated the scene. Kurama was stunned. It seemed impossible, but yet unmistakable. His old friend was standing before him, with that same red pendant.

Kuronue smiled. The pendant was swinging in an eerie, hypnotic fashion. "Try to remember that day, when we snuck into the palace of the demon world."

Kurama froze. Of course he remembered. How could he ever forget? No matter how many years passed, the memory was clear as day…

Another successful heist, and Yoko was leading the charge out of the stronghold. Beside him was Kuronue, his trusted partner, and they were easily outrunning the apparitions in pursuit along with the poison arrows being fired after them.

Only one obstacle remained before their escape. A bamboo forest. To others, it might be a challenge but Yoko didn't have a care in the world. With his speed, agility and power, it was no more than a puddle to cross.

Just as Yoko cleared the forest, an arrow sliced through the pendant Kuronue was wearing. With a gasp of horror, Kuronue immediately did an about-face and went to retrieve it.

Yoko reached for him in warning. "Don't, Kuronue!"

"I need it!" his partner cried. That pendant meant more to him than anything, though he'd never revealed why.

Kuronue snatched up the necklace, but it was too late. Deadly bamboo shards rained down on top of him. From where Yoko stood, he could see that Kuronue had already been fatally injured.

"Kuronue!" Yoko called.

Kuronue glared from the centre of his cage. "Traitor!"

"You were the one responsible for my demise, Kurama!" Kuronue spat. "You deliberately cut my pendant in order to trap me! You sacrificed me so that you alone could escape!"

"No, you're wrong," Kurama shook his head, trying to clear it. "That's not what happened!"

"How dare you say that after trying to kill me?"

Kurama pressed a hand to his forehead. He was positive that things had been different. "What are you talking about? That day, I… tried to save you…"

"You set a trap for me, then you left me to die while you saved yourself!" Kuronue hissed. His eyes were flashing with hate, and for once Kurama had no response.

Kuronue hurled something at him. "Take this!"

Thanks to the shock, Kurama couldn't evade in time, and the throwing star sliced through his torso.

"Kurama, NO!" a voice shrieked. "Reflection Shield!"

Kuronue was knocked backwards and Kurama looked up.

"Kura?! What are you doing here?"

Sakura didn't reply. With Kurama protected by her shield, she was descending on his assailant. "Spirit Blast!"

The magenta orbs rocketed forward and struck Kuronue in the face. He roared, but recovered quickly and wiped the blood from his lips.

"A human, defending a demon? What is this?"

"I won't let you touch him," Sakura was already clenching her fists in preparation. Above her, she could hear the sounds of Hiei's battle raging, complete with car pile ups and buildings being destroyed.

Kuronue smiled. "I have no quarrel with you, human girl, so I'll give you a chance to step aside,"

"Never!" Sakura yelled.

Without another word, Kuronue swung his sharpened hook straight at Sakura's heart.

"No, Kura!"

Sakura stood her ground until the last second when she jumped and went in closer for a solid punch - or at least, that was what she'd planned to do. But Kuronue had other ideas. He pivoted to the side, disappearing from Sakura's line of sight. Next thing she knew, he'd twisted her arm behind her back and slammed her hard on the ground.

"Kuronue, stop!"

Kurama was trying to get up, but his injury was bleeding profusely.

"She has nothing to do with this," he called. "Please, let her go!"

Kuronue's eyes shone. "I see. You must be Kurama's latest toy,"

He pulled Sakura up by her hair and whispered in her ear. "I was once naive like you. Take my advice. Run while you can, before he betrays you too!"

"Go to hell!" Sakura hissed.

Kuronue laughed. "Very well. I tried,"

So saying, he swung his blade and it sliced through the elemental site exactly as Kuronue desired. The Netherworld energy erupted like before, and Kuronue threw Sakura aside.

"My work here is done," he swung the pendant around and around in circles while giving Kurama a venomous look of triumph.

"Goodbye, old friend,"

Kuronue vanished from sight and Sakura hurried over to her lover.

"Kurama!" she cried. "It's ok, I'm here!"

He looked up and reached for her face. A bruise was already forming, along with some scratches.

"Kura, are you alright? Did he hurt you?"

"I'm fine," Sakura said quickly. "What did he do to you?"

Kurama pulled his jacket aside to reveal the laceration. Despite the blood, it looked fairly superficial.

"Nothing too serious," he muttered. "It could've been a lot worse,"

"That freak said you were friends," Sakura said carefully. "Is that true?"

"Yes, centuries ago. Kuronue was my second in command until that day he spoke of. But... I tried to save him," Kurama shut his eyes. "I'm sure of it, Kura. I -"

It was unnerving. Sakura had never seen such fear in Kurama's eyes. He looked tormented. She had to do something, anything. They needed him to fight these villains.

Without hesitation, Sakura leaned forward and kissed him.

"I believe you," she whispered. "We can worry about that afterwards, ok? But for now, I need you to stay with me. We have to help the others,"

"Yes," Kurama breathed. He kissed her back and stood up just as Hiei appeared beside them.

Sakura gasped. "Hiei? What happened?"

"I could ask you the same thing," Hiei frowned. "What was all that about before?"

Kurama's brow creased. "Kura, what does he mean?"

Hiei beat her to the punch. "Raigo, one of the Netherworld gods, was attempting to infiltrate her mind," he said haughtily. "He's a Jaganeshi demon, but he was clearly struggling thanks to your training. Or perhaps your stubbornness. Either way, you were lucky,"

Anger flashed across Kurama's face. "What? Why did he attempt such a thing on you, Kura?"

"I… he said King Yakumo asked him to," Sakura shook her head. "They're looking for something. I don't know what,"

Hiei scowled. "If they were referring to the elemental sites, it's been done. Raigo destroyed the water monument nearby and fled,"

"In any case, we should find Yusuke and the others as soon as possible," Kurama pulled Sakura into his arms and gave Hiei a grateful look. "Thank you, Hiei,"

"Tch. No time for that. Come on!"

Kurama took Sakura's hand. "Stay close to me, alright?" he murmured.

His head might be spinning with the appearance of Kuronue, but like Sakura said, that could wait. They needed to protect the last elemental site, and above all else, Kurama needed to protect his flower.

No matter the cost, he would not have a repeat of Maze Castle.

"You know, Amanuma, there are games more fun than arcades," Sensui smiled at the boy across the table.

Amanuma looked up from his dinner. "Come on! What could ever be more fun than Goblin City?"

"I'll show you," Sensui turned away and gazed out the window over the city. "After we've come to know each other a bit more,"

"Can't you give me one small hint?" the boy pouted.

Sensui smirked. "Let's just say it takes interactive gaming to the next dimension,"

Amanuma's face lit up. "That sounds like fun!"

Majari lowered his sword and grinned at the energy beams shooting from the various elemental sites, now visible despite the scattered geography.

"It appears that we have opened the other sites," he chuckled.

Kuwabara growled. "No way!"

But he didn't have time to ponder, as Majari was already advancing on him from the sky. Kuwabara blocked the aerial attack with his own sword, and the battle resumed in earnest.

"Kuwabara!" Yusuke had just arrived with Hinageshi.

"Wait!" Hinageshi stopped him from running into the fray. "Look at his weapon!"

Yusuke gawked. "Another Spirit Sword?"

"That demon is Majari, one of the Netherworld gods. He's able to mirror his opponent's techniques. You can't help. If you try, he'll steal your techniques too!"

Majari's green sword struck with brutal force. Kuwabara's energy fizzled out, and he went flying.

"Kuwabara!"

Yusuke turned around. "Kura!"

"Yusuke? Oh, thank God!" His sister wasn't alone. She was supporting Kurama, who looked injured. Yusuke dashed over. "Kura, what's happened?"

"Kurama's been hurt," Sakura explained. "It's not serious, but still,"

"I'm fine," Kurama insisted. "What about Kuwabara?"

Yusuke frowned. "Apparently this freakshow can copy techniques. I don't know how Kuwabara can beat him,"

Sakura looked over. Kuwabara, you can do this!

I know, Kura.

Kuwabara was bleeding from the shoulder, but he was far from giving up. He looked at Majari with defiance.

"Even if this is the end, I'll never let you have it. Here!"

In a move nobody had seen before, Kuwabara slammed his palm on the ground, and a shard of his spirit energy shot from underground. It caught Majari completely off guard, and he barely dodged it in time.

"Not bad, but it'll take more than that to beat me," Majari raised his sword. "And you don't have any more tricks, do you?"

Kuwabara staggered to his feet. "Idiot. Bet you didn't see this coming!"

With a roar, Kuwabara fired his remaining power in one lethal blast from his hands.

"Impressive," Majari complimented, firing back with an identical attack. "Thanks for the new move!"

Both blasts collided, and the onlookers were momentarily blinded by the light.

Sakura hung on to Yusuke. "Kuwabara!"

When the dust cleared, Majari was revealed, breathing heavily. "Pitiful human," he sneered at the rest of them. "Which one shall I kill next?"

Sakura and Yusuke nodded at each other and crouched, ready to fight, but the sound of Kuwabara's distinctive laughter came from the smoke. He was alive!

"Gotcha!" he chortled.

Yusuke's jaw dropped "What's he laughing at?"

"I knew you'd fall for it, Majari!" Kuwabara taunted. "You copied me without thinking, and now you're out of energy too!"

"What?!" Majari stared at his hand. Try as he might, no energy remained.

Kuwabara raced forward to end it. "It's over. In a true contest of guts, I have NEVER been beaten!"

Sakura would've given anything to capture the moment on tape. The look on Majari's face, the way Kuwabara's meaty fist sank into his scrawny physique, and the glorious sight of that effeminate demon soaring backwards and straight through the ground. He wouldn't be getting back up again.

Kuwabara clutched his shoulder and started swaying. "I win," he mumbled, and keeled over.

"Kuwabara!" Everyone gasped and began sprinting towards him.

Sakura got there first and knelt beside her friend. "Kuwabara, can you hear me?"

"Hurry, Urameshi…" Kuwabara gasped. "Unseal… the site…"

Of course!

Sakura jumped up. She and Yusuke rushed to the monument, but a voice rang out.

"Get down!"

An arm seized Sakura around the waist and pulled her to the ground. Both twins avoided the streak of light firing from behind by a hair.

Sakura looked to see who had saved her. "Hiei?"

"The final site, no!" Hinageshi cried.

The monument had been reduced to rubble, but none of them had time to react. All five sites were now emanating with Netherworld energy, and it was beginning to engulf the city in a giant wave.

Sakura looked helplessly at her brother. "What do we do?"

She never heard his answer, because the wave had reached them and everything went black.

This was just perfect. All five elemental sites were connected at last. Yakumo watched the city pulsing with the madness he'd unleashed, and howled with laughter.

"I have waited many years for this. The moment the Netherworld will be restored on new territory,"

"Lord Yakumo," Raigo appeared behind him and bowed. "Your suspicions were correct. One more female from the Spirit World exists,"

"Are you certain?"

"Yes, my lord," His smile made Yakumo feel more confident than ever. "The human girl's mind defenses were strong, but thanks to my Jagan, I saw exactly what I needed to know,"

Yakumo raised his hands to the sky. "Excellent. Come, Raigo. There is no time to waste,"

Had those fools really believed they could stop the might of the Netherworld? Either way, it no longer mattered. There was little they could do to stop him now.

And once the power sphere was in his possession, there would be no going back.

"Here, sweetheart. You look like you need it,"

Sakura gratefully sipped the hot tea. "Thanks, Shizuru,"

"Don't mention it," Shizuru sat down next to her. "Are you feeling ok?"

Sakura shrugged. "I'm just worried about everyone else,"

"Of course you are," Shizuru rolled her eyes. "They'll be fine after some rest,"

After waking up by the river, the group had little choice but to retreat back to Kuwabara's house, which was the closest, and the largest. Thankfully, only Shizuru was there so they were spared having to come up with a plausible cover story. Once inside, Kurama had patched everyone up, but nobody knew what they were meant to do now.

Kurama had wanted to talk, to know exactly what had happened to her, but Sakura knew he needed to recover and had all but forced him to get some sleep. He was still rattled by Kuronue's appearance, and that was more concerning than anything. Thankfully, with Shizuru's help, they'd managed to convince him that she was fine, and they could talk tomorrow.

Soon after, everyone else had succumbed to exhaustion. Everyone, except for Sakura. She was lost in thought, and trying to think of a solution to this seemingly impossible situation.

"It'll be ok, kid," Shizuru put her arm around the younger girl and took the now-empty cup from her hands. "You'll find a way to beat these punks. I know you will. But for now, you need to rest too. Ok?"

Mutely, Sakura nodded and tucked her legs up on the couch. The herbal tea was soothing, and now that she was finally seated, the exhaustion from the day was hitting hard.

Shizuru draped a blanket over Sakura before turning the lights down. "I'll wake you if something comes up," she said softly. "Sleep well,"

"Night," Sakura murmured, and closed her eyes. There would definitely be some new characters in her nightmares after today.

Amanuma's eyes went like saucers. "You'll really make all of this go away?"

"Yes," Sensui replied without looking at him. "But I can't do it without your power,"

Amanuma frowned. That didn't make any sense. "Look, I may be good at video games, but I don't know about any power,"

"It will be awakened soon," Sensui replied calmly. "You have the gift to become a great psychic, and I think when you do, you should help me rid this world of all those stupid people who infest it like the plague," His voice was becoming stronger, more animated. "Like your teachers, your classmates and your parents!"

Sensui turned to the boy. His face was alight with passion. "You do want to make them pay, don't you?" he pressed. "For the way they've treated you?"

"I… uh…" Amanuma didn't know what to say, and he stared at his shoes.

A gentle hand went on his head. "You have nothing to worry about, Amanuma," Sensui said softly, kindly. "I'll protect you,"

"You mean it, don't you?" The little boy smiled hopefully. He'd finally found a real friend, someone who cared.

He'd never felt so happy in all his life.

"Sakura, can you hear me?" Botan stretched out her hand desperately. "Please, I need you to hear. I need you to understand!"

Sakura reached out, only for Botan's hand to slip away. "I'm trying, Botan. I'm trying so hard!"

"You have to keep it safe," Botan pleaded. "You can't let them get their hands on it. You're the only one I can reach. Hurry…I'm running out of time!"

Sakura strained harder, but her friend was fading from view. It was almost too late…

"Botan!"

Sakura awoke with a start. Her teeth were chattering. She felt cold all over. The light flickered on.

"Kura? What's the matter?" Shizuru was still fully dressed and looked worried.

"Shizuru, where's Hinageshi?" Sakura pulled the blanket tightly around her and went to get up.

The older girl blinked. "Hinageshi? She's in the other room. Why?"

"I had a dream… well, more of a vision," Sakura explained quickly. "I need to get back to Botan. She's trying to tell me something important. Can you please get Hinageshi now?"

"No need," Hinageshi appeared in the doorway. "I heard you call Botan's name, Sakura. What happened?"

Sakura was already putting her shoes on. "Botan spoke to me in my dream. She sounded desperate. Can you take me back to Genkai's temple on your oar right now?"

"Uh, sure. I guess," Hinageshi stammered. "But what about the others?"

"Don't worry, I'll take care of it," Shizuru offered. "I'm sure they'll be back at Genkai's in the morning anyway,"

Sakura smiled gratefully. "Thanks, Shizuru,"

Hinageshi summoned her oar. "You'll need to hold on tight. I don't fly as much as Botan. It might be a bumpy ride,"

"I'm sure you'll be fine," Sakura climbed up behind her. "Let's go!"

The girls soared out the window into the night. The Netherworld energy from the elemental sites had merged into a single, immense pillar streaming into that eerie portal in the sky. The sight made Sakura flinch.

"Hinageshi, would I be correct in thinking that if we defeat the Netherworld gods, then the Spirit World can be restored?"

The guide hesitated. "In theory, yes, but that definitely won't be easy," she glanced at Sakura with tears in her eyes. "I'm scared, Sakura. After everything Botan did for me, I… I don't want to let her down!"

"Actually, do you mind if I ask you about that?" Sakura asked. "We have some time before we arrive, and I'd like to get to know you a bit,"

Hinageshi wiped her eyes. "There's not much to tell," she sighed. "Long story short, I was training to be a Grim Reaper just like Botan, but I… well, I wasn't very good at it,"

"What do you mean?"

"I made a lot of mistakes in training," Hinageshi admitted. "I won't bore you with all the details, but for a start, most trainees get their oar license in a week. It took me six months. And the first time I went on a solo trip to transport a lost soul, I got lost on the way and accidentally took them to hell instead of the Gate of Judgement. It got sorted in the end, but King Enma was furious," she shuddered at the memory. "If Botan hadn't stepped in, my punishment would've been unspeakable,"

Sakura nodded slowly. "That sure sounds like something Botan would do,"

"She convinced Enma to give me another position more suited for my skills. Being a Spirit World Guide isn't nearly as complicated as transporting souls. As long as I have my guidebook, I'm fine. And living in the Ningenkai means I don't have to worry about running into Enma or his staff. Plus, there's a lot less paperwork involved,"

Hinageshi smiled. "I'm much happier at Kasane Shrine, and it's all thanks to Botan's kindness,"

Sakura smiled. "Makes sense. Botan might be a bit scatterbrained at times, but she's about the sweetest person I've met. Brave, too. She never hesitates to help anyone. I'm proud to call her a friend,"

"See, you understand," Hinageshi's face fell. "When we get to Genkai's, you need to do whatever you can, Sakura. Botan has to live. The world needs people like her in it,"

"I will," Sakura promised. "I'll use all my skills to reach Botan. I won't give up on her. Cross my heart,"

Hinageshi's oar touched down at the estate a little after midnight. Sakura jumped off and turned back to the redhead.

"You should go back to the others, Hinageshi. They'll be working on a new strategy, and they'll need you,"

"Alright," Hinageshi agreed. "Good luck, Sakura. I hope you can get through to Botan,"

Sakura could sense Genkai before she opened the door. "Come in, Missy," she beckoned, and led Sakura to the room where Botan was.

"You were expecting me?"

Genkai nodded. "Shizuru called. Yukina's been waiting for you too,"

"Kura!" Yukina's eyes lit up when Sakura entered the room, but upon seeing the scratches and bruising on Sakura's face, she gasped. "What happened? Let me heal that for you!"

The ice maiden pressed her cold hand to Sakura's cheek, and the bruises vanished.

Sakura smiled. "Thanks, Yukina. How's Botan?"

Yukina's face fell. "The same," she said sadly. "Although, I'm sure I heard her say your name a little while ago,"

Botan was still lying on the futon with an icepack on her forehead. The fever hadn't broken, and there was a light sheen of sweat to prove it.

Sakura's heart ached to see her friend in such a state, but it only steeled her resolve. She knelt beside the mattress and took Botan's hand.

"I heard you, Botan," she whispered. "And I'm here. I'm going to reach you. No matter what it takes,"

With a deep breath, Sakura shut her eyes and entered the void.

A.N. So, what did you think? I worked so hard on this chapter, I hope it paid off. There's so much in Poltergeist Report that isn't explained or explored, and that gave me quite a bit of freedom to expand on the material. Let me know your thoughts!

Chapter 6 will be released by August 1st. I'm not getting out of lockdown anytime soon, so I'm just going to write as much as I can. I can say that your reviews really boosted my mood and made this chapter more fun to work on, so thankyou!

Make sure you follow, favourite, take a minute to leave a review, and we'll see you soon!

Next Chapter: Sakura finally deciphers Botan's message, but then, the unthinkable happens...