A.N. After a week of agonising over how to make this finale work, I'm done. Here it is, the final act of Poltergeist Report!
DCDGojira: :)
Ghost of Magic: Sensui is definitely on the move. Hope you enjoy the finale, I worked so hard on it!
Sakura-chan: I wonder what you'll think. The date most definitely happens in this chapter...
Wolfs Child: I genuinely don't know what those translators were thinking. Please, Funimation, give Poltergeist Report the respect it deserves and end this madness!
hw0134160: There's a huge Sakura x Kurama section at the end of the chapter that I'm sure you'll be interested to read. I certainly hope the ending of Poltergeist report lives up to the hype. I really worried about whether I could do it justice. See you in the next chapter, you beautiful soul!
Hina714: It was very tempting to do that, believe me. But I did want to stick with the canon in this case, and show more of how much Sakura has grown from the Dark Tournament. She certainly has her badass moments in this installment. Hope you enjoy!
Clocking in at over 9700 words, this chapter is packed with action. Enjoy!
I don't own YYH, just my OCs.
Chapter 7
Yusuke gave Kurama an encouraging smile, and jerked his head. "Let's go,"
"Yes," Kurama shook off the lingering emotions and seized Sakura's hand, only to stumble.
Sakura gasped. "Kurama, you're hurt!"
Kuwabara and Yusuke hurried over. "Kurama!"
"It's fine," Kurama muttered. "Just a scratch,"
Kuwabara shook his head firmly. "Lean on me. We have to hurry,"
They began running as fast as possible towards the Netherworld shield. Out of the bamboo forest, through the construction site, over the bridge, under the overpass, down by the river.
The closer they got, the darker the night became, along with the eerie pink dominating the sky.
There had finally been a couple of victories in this whole sorry mess. Majari and the fake Kuronue had been eliminated, leaving only Raigo and Yakumo. Unfortunately, they were obviously going to be the hardest opponents in this mission. Sakura was beginning to wonder if their power rivalled that of the Toguro brothers.
On the outskirts of the shield, they paused and observed what they were about to walk into. Aside from the magenta Netherworld energy, bright white streaks flashed every few seconds.
Sakura shivered, though it wasn't cold. She could feel the pure evil at the centre of this creation. But the only way to save Botan was to plunge right in.
We're coming, Botan.
The only problem? The shield lay on the other side of the channel, and there wasn't a clear way across.
Kuwabara ran forward and slammed his fist on the fence. "Damn, what do we do?"
Hinageshi looked around and pointed. "We can cross at that flood gate,"
"Alright, let's go!" Sakura led the charge towards the bridge, with Yusuke at her side.
Suddenly Hiei paused and turned around. A jet of red light streaked over the twin's heads, destroying the bridge in a massive explosion.
Yusuke seized Sakura's wrist. "What the hell?!"
Another explosion appeared on the path in front of them.
"Kura, get back!" Kurama called frantically.
Sakura immediately raised her hands and created an energy shield. "Get behind me!"
Not a moment too soon, for a third blast erupted merely feet from where everyone cowered. Yusuke grabbed Sakura and pulled her to the ground.
The smoke cleared, and everyone looked up cautiously. Hiei alone had left the safety of Sakura's reflection shield, and he was glaring at the one responsible for the explosions.
Raigo was standing atop a lamp post on the overpass. He sneered at them all, laughing derisively.
"Who is that?" Kuwabara snapped.
Sakura gritted her teeth. "Raigo. What have you done with Botan?"
Instead of answering her question, he laughed harder. "You maggots are persistent, aren't you?"
Yusuke stepped up beside his sister. Everyone seemed ready to take Raigo on, but that only seemed to amuse him further.
"Are you planning to fight again?" he cackled. "It seems you won't learn until I crush you. Like that old lady, and that little girl in the temple,"
Kuwabara nearly exploded. "What? So you're the one who attacked Genkai and Yukina!"
"You can thank the telepath," Raigo nodded at Sakura. "She's the one who led me there,"
"Shut up!" Kuwabara began charging towards the demon. "You're about to learn what happens when you mess with Kuwabara, the warrior of love!"
Hiei stuck out his foot and Kuwabara fell head over heels.
"What are you doing, Hiei?" Kuwabara yelped.
Hiei's face was homicidally enraged. "Leave this scum to me," he hissed. "You have no chance without your spirit power,"
The Jagan on Hiei's forehead opened fully, and it glowed a bright, acid green at Raigo. Hiei glared at him with pure vengeance. "I will not let you live!"
Tossing aside his robe, Hiei sprang up onto the bridge where Raigo had taken up his vigil and drove his sword at the demon's heart. He was clearly charging at full speed, but Raigo vanished a split second before the blade slashed him.
He's faster than Hiei?! That's not good.
If Sakura didn't witness it, she wouldn't have believed it was possible. Raigo had ended up on the side of a nearby building, almost suspended in mid-air and smiling lazily at Hiei's shocked face.
"You cannot treat me like the others, Hiei," Raigo taunted while casting his own cloak aside. "You are no match for my Jagan eye!"
Hiei snarled. "We'll see about that!"
Raigo laughed, and his own Jagan opened slowly. Sakura winced, remembering the immense battle she'd fought to try and keep him from invading her mind. Though it still hadn't been enough to protect Botan…
I just hope Hiei has more luck beating him.
"Oh, no…" Hinageshi squeaked. "He's a Jagenshi demon,"
Yusuke frowned. "What's that mean?"
"It means that his Jagan eye is natural, and therefore Raigo can draw out hidden evil from his opponent's soul,"
Sakura felt the colour drain from her face. "You don't mean…"
Hinageshi nodded. "Hiei's going to become evil!"
The battle between Hiei and Raigo had resumed in earnest, and everyone looked up to see them meeting in the sky.
Hiei's steel sword crashed down onto the fire blade that Raigo had apparently fashioned for himself. The force of the stand-off sent them both spiralling backwards, and they simultaneously leapt off the buildings behind them to go in for a second hit.
Raigo had a ball of energy in his hand, but Hiei was ready with a familiar move of his own.
"Take this, hell-scum. Fist of the Mortal Flame!"
They met in the sky, and a colossal explosion shielded them from view. When the light from the clash faded and the smoke parted, it appeared that neither fighter was down for the count. Hiei was revealed standing the frame of the building window he'd crashed through, as was Raigo.
"Damn," Yusuke growled.
Raigo grinned down at Hiei and let out a deep, guttural laugh. "It is pointless to continue this facade, Hiei. Let your eyes open to the evil that dwells in your soul!"
With that, Raigo began chanting a strange incantation, and the air went ice cold. Tongues of white fire appeared around Hiei, who seemed mesmerised.
"What the heck is going on?" Kuwabara yelped.
Kurama's eyes hardened. "If he looks into that evil abyss too long, he'll be under their control!"
The fire demon seemed to lose his balance. His skin turned a pasty green colour. Piercing eyes leapt up all over his body.
"Hiei, no!" Sakura whimpered.
She'd only seen this once before, but it was engraved into her memory no matter how much time may have passed…
Hiei glared and threw off his robe. "Consider this a compliment. I've never transformed for a human,"
He concentrated and began to glow with energy. His skin turned a sickly green and the Jagan eye radiated a shockingly scarlet colour.
Sakura, barely able to stand, looked over at Botan and Keiko.
Botan cried out and pulled her hands back as though they'd been burned. The eye on Keiko's head billowed smoke and forced open further…
Sakura began to tremble, which didn't go unnoticed by Kurama. He pulled her back against him, close enough for her to hear his beating heart.
Stay with me, my love. He reminded her gently.
She took a deep breath and willed herself to stay grounded. I will.
Yusuke had also recognised Hiei's transformation. "Is that his true form?" he murmured.
"That's right, Spirit Detective," Raigo bragged. "And that means, Hiei is under my control,"
He turned back to Hiei. "Now, destroy your friends!"
Everyone gasped. The eyes all over Hiei's body glowed red and he began to emanate with his full demon energy.
Yusuke ran forward, fists clenched. "Hiei, no!" he called desperately.
There was no reply. Instead, Hiei gave them all a hideous grin. His bandaged arm erupted into otherworldly flames. The ground shook, windows exploded, and everyone knew exactly what was coming.
"He's going to summon the Black Dragon," Kurama confirmed. "Kura, get back!"
Kuwabara's jaw dropped. "If he uses it, we're doomed!"
"He won't attack us," Sakura said suddenly, and she ran out into the open.
An unearthly roar sounded from the fire, and Sakura knew the Black Dragon was emerging. Deadly flames shot in all directions, obliterating everything they touched.
Squirt, what the hell are you doing?!
Please trust me, Yusuke. I have an idea.
She had to act. It was the only option. Even if he'd hurt her in the past, even if he'd done some horrible things, Sakura's anger at the fire demon had all but evaporated. The open wounds between them had long healed, and only a tender scar remained. There was no way she was going to sit idly by and let him be controlled without a fight.
Hiei, listen to me. This isn't you. I know it's not. You're way too strong to be controlled by a moron like Raigo, and I know you wouldn't attack us of your own free will!
Even in the face of mind control, even confronted with the legendary Darkness technique, Sakura knew she wasn't afraid of Hiei anymore. She hadn't been since saving Yukina. She'd forgiven him long ago for the warehouse incident. He wasn't just an ally or a teammate. Sakura, along with Yusuke and the others, considered him a friend even if it defied all logic and reason. And Hiei could deny it all he wanted, but Sakura wasn't fooled. She knew he felt the same way about them, deep down.
You're an honourable demon, Hiei. That's a fact. Sakura's face was screwed up in concentration. You're better than this. Think of Yukina. She's still waiting for her brother to find her. You have to fight this for her sake!
A memory floated into Sakura's mind. A memory that didn't belong to her…
It was from years ago, when they were both children. Surrounded by softly falling snow, Yukina was smiling in the company of her animal friends when a sudden change in the wind made her pause.
Yukina stood up and gazed at the sky. "Another snowstorm is coming," she said to the fox, the rabbits and the birds. "You should find someplace warm. We have to say goodbye to each other now,"
High above in the trees, a much younger Hiei ducked out of sight as the birds flew by. Yukina was waving in farewell.
So that was his twin sister. Hiei longed to reveal himself, but he was held back by an all-consuming fear.
Sakura was pulled out of the memory at the sound of a roar. The scene was identical to the one at the Dark Tournament. The beams of black energy, detonations all around. The dragon spiralled into the sky on a path of destruction.
"Hiei, obliterate them all!" Raigo ordered.
Sakura gritted her teeth. I'm not giving up on you, Hiei! Yusuke, help me create an energy shield to protect everyone.
Yusuke nodded and moved up beside his sister. I'm on it, Kura. Keep trying to reach him!
The dragon was heading directly for them, but Sakura didn't waver.
Hiei! You want to watch over Yukina, right? So you can't let Raigo win!
It seemed Sakura's words hadn't made a difference. The dragon was bearing down upon them all. The twins kept focusing their energy, hoping it would be enough to deflect the worst of it, but that was a slim hope at best.
Raigo's triumphant laughter rang in her ears. "As I said, Hiei. You are no match for a true Jagan eye!"
"Don't underestimate me!"
Hiei's head snapped up, and he instantly morphed to his base form. The black dragon swivelled, avoiding everyone on the ground by millimetres. In their shock, the twin's shield fizzled out.
Yusuke pushed Sakura behind him. "Don't tell me…"
Raigo snarled. "What?! You deceived me!"
Those were his last words. Faced with the hellish ferocity of the dragon Hiei wielded, Raigo didn't stand a chance. The flames consumed him, and the building he was holding court on crumbled to ashes.
Amidst the chaos, Yusuke quickly dragged Sakura back to the rest of the group and restored his shield to protect them all from the fallout.
At last, it was quiet. Raigo was no more, and neither was most of the district after that display.
Hinageshi gripped Sakura's arm. "Look! Part of the shield is down!"
Sakura's face split into a grin. The collapsed building had sliced clean through the barrier blocking their way. "Hiei, you're incredible!"
The fire demon landed silently beside them. He was still concentrating hard, and they watched the rest of the dragon flames returning to his body. Once the markings had reappeared on his arm, the power had been contained again. Until next time, at least.
"That fool underestimated the power of my Black Dragon," Hiei flexed his wrist slightly, his voice laced with contempt. "As if it could be taken over by his pitiful technique,"
"Wait, what's going on?" Kuwabara looked bewildered.
Yusuke grinned. "Hiei wasn't tricked at all. He played along to create a path for us!"
Before they could do anything, Hiei's eyes slid shut. He swayed, and crumpled to the ground.
"Hiei!" Everyone ran forward.
Kurama frowned while supporting Hiei's body. "Using the Black dragon has exhausted all his energy," he explained.
Sakura nodded knowingly. Hiei looked exactly how he'd been after fighting Bui in the Dark Tournament.
"Will you be ok?" Yusuke sounded worried.
Hiei looked up wearily. "Don't worry about me. There's no time. You must hurry,"
He was right, and they all knew it. Yusuke got to his feet and took off. Hinageshi followed on her oar. But Sakura hesitated. She didn't want to leave Hiei behind. "Hiei…"
He didn't respond, but Kuwabara smiled. "For a little guy, you sure know how to cause trouble," he chuckled, watching Kurama replace the curse bindings onto Hiei's arm. When the job was complete, Kuwabara bent down and cheerfully hauled Hiei over his shoulder.
Kurama raised an eyebrow. "Kuwabara?"
"We're a team," Kuwabara replied. "We all have to see this through to the end,"
Sakura took Kurama's hand. "Come on, Yusuke's already halfway across the bridge!"
Kuwabara shook his head. "You go, Kura. We'll catch up. Urameshi's going to need your help,"
"Are you… sure?" Sakura paused. Hiei was worn out, Kurama was injured, Kuwabara had almost no spirit energy left…
Kurama gave her a quick kiss. "Go, love," he said softly. "Botan needs you,"
"Right," Sakura's face hardened, and she took off in a sprint.
She caught up to Yusuke and Hinageshi at the base of the skyscraper that radiated with that malicious power. From the roof, they could see the pulsing Netherworld energy, but it didn't feel any stronger than usual.
"Botan must still have the power sphere, somehow. We need to hurry," Sakura muttered.
Yusuke raced off. Hinageshi extended her hand to Sakura. "Climb up. There's not much time,"
Sakura swung up onto the oar behind Hinageshi.
Botan, we're almost there. Please hang on!
Yakumo looked out over the city with distaste. "So, Raigo and the others are dead,"
He smoothed his face into smug indifference and turned to view Botan, who was still floating unconscious, still at the mercy of the Power Sphere.
"It doesn't matter. If the Power Sphere of the Netherworld is returned, we can make the human world our own. Our years of pain shall finally end!"
Yakumo was done waiting. It was time for him to take what was rightfully his. He sauntered over to Botan, and removed his glove.
"Cease your resistance, and return the Power Sphere!" he ordered, holding out his hand to summon the orb from Botan's body. But it was not yielding to him, and his eyes narrowed.
"Even while unconscious, you're using your final bit of energy to resist," Yakumo had to admit he was mildly impressed underneath his annoyance. "It is useless. I am the only one who can wield the power sphere. You will only suffer with it!"
Yakumo could feel her resistance beginning to wane. The sphere was rising, and he reached out to take it.
"Botan!"
"STOP!"
Yakumo glanced at the new arrivals. Yusuke and Sakura were standing there defiantly, looking furious.
Hinageshi jumped off her oar and stood beside them.
"Get away from her!" Sakura growled. Her hands were crackling with Spirit Energy.
Yakumo's face became a sneer. Those stupid children were back for more. "You just don't learn!" he snarled, and flung out his free hand.
The resultant ki wave knocked the three of them off their feet. Sakura managed to right herself in the air and land safely, while Yusuke quickly took hold of Hinageshi and they landed with a thud.
Yakumo was resuming his attempt to take the power sphere from Botan.
"Don't fight me!" he hissed, clearly straining with the effort.
Just then, Botan's eyes flew open. She managed to reach out and seize his wrist, forcing it back.
"What?!" Yakumo roared.
Sakura and Yusuke jumped up. "BOTAN!"
"I'll never… let you… have it!" Botan gasped.
Yakumo growled. He lifted Botan up to his eye level as the Power Sphere finally became visible. "I told you, resistance is USELESS!"
He hurled Botan away. She landed hard on the ground and rolled a few feet before coming to a halt. The twins and Hinageshi ran to her.
Yusuke gently lifted Botan up while Sakura stroked her hair.
Hinageshi was tearful. "Botan…are you ok?"
"I'm sorry… Hinageshi," Botan said weakly. She was still seriously afflicted by the ordeal. "For getting you involved…"
"Don't be ridiculous," Hinageshi clutched at Botan's hand. "I should've realised sooner. Sakura was the one who reached you,"
Botan reached out to Sakura. "You got my message. I knew you'd understand…"
"I wish I'd figured it out quicker," Sakura wiped her eyes. "But now, he's going to pay,"
Botan smiled one more time, but she was fading. "Yusuke… I couldn't protect the Power Sphere. Get it back… destroy it…" She fell unconscious again.
Yusuke laid Botan down and looked at his sister. "Kura, you have to keep everyone safe, got it?"
"What are you going to do?" Sakura's eyes widened.
Yusuke had that look in his eye, the one that preceded the annihilation of whoever stood in his way, and it was trained firmly on the Netherworld King.
Yakumo's maniacal laughter echoed around them. He was staring at the Power Sphere in triumph. As far as he was concerned, he'd unquestionably won.
Sakura clenched her teeth. She wanted to help, but without the others present, Yusuke was right. She had to protect the girls.
"Kick his ass, Yusuke,"
He gave her his signature cocky smile. "Right,"
It felt like a repeat of Maze Castle. Yusuke and Sakura were up the top fighting to save the world, Kurama and Kuwabara were racing up the building as fast as they could to assist, with the still-unconscious Hiei in tow.
A fleshy, red substance began growing out of the walls and spreading over every surface. Kuwabara and Kurama came to a halt and looked around in astonishment.
"What is this?" Kuwabara asked in revulsion. "What's going on?"
Kurama's eyes narrowed. "Yakumo's power is growing. We must hurry,"
Hold on, Kura. We're nearly there!
Sakura watched Yusuke advancing on Yakumo, who was still cackling madly over the Power Sphere.
"I won't let you do whatever you want with that power sphere," Yusuke said loudly while removing his jacket. He nodded back at Sakura. "Neither of us will!"
Yakumo held up his prize and waved it teasingly. "With the Power Sphere, I will rebuild the Netherworld right here, Spirit Detective!" he howled. "From here, I AM GOD!"
The air itself seemed to ignite. Sakura could hear the sounds of chaos and destruction in the distance, but she couldn't do anything except maintain the shield around herself and the girls.
Yakumo's smile widened. The energy from the power sphere began swirling around them, creating a kind of battle arena on top of the building.
"Hinageshi, what's going on?" Sakura breathed.
"It's a re-imagining of Yakumo's throne room from the Netherworld," Hinageshi whimpered. "I suppose he wants to fight in his own territory, as it were,"
"That's correct, little girl,"
Yakumo stepped out of the smoke and was striding towards Yusuke. He'd apparently undergone a costume change during the transformation, now clad in some kind of armour.
He stopped at the top of the staircase and looked Yusuke up and down. "Humans seem to be quite stupid creatures. Do you think you can match me?"
"Give me a break," Yusuke snorted. "You think we fight because we know we can win?"
"I see," Yakumo simpered. "So you protect this world from a sense of justice? You really are an incomprehensible species,"
He raised his hand and shot a ki blast directly into Yusuke's chest. The boy was knocked down and he moaned in pain. Yakumo laughed and pressed his foot into Yusuke's back to prevent him from getting up again.
Sakura's temper flared. "Yusuke, NO!" she cried. "Hinageshi, I need you to take over the shield. I have to help him,"
Without waiting for an answer, Sakura ran into the fight with her hands out.
"DOUBLE BLAST!"
As expected, Yakumo batted them away, but that was exactly what Sakura was counting on. She took advantage of his distraction to get closer, and flip over his head.
"Think fast, Yakumo. Spirit -!"
BAM!
Sakura didn't even see it coming before she went flying. Yakumo had sent her own attack into her torso in the blink of an eye.
Sakura smacked violently against the stone columns encircling the room, and she slid to the ground with the metallic taste of blood in her mouth.
Sakura faintly heard Yusuke's yells over the ringing in her ears, only to feel Yakumo's enormous hand grab a fistful of her hair and pull her upright.
"KURA!" Yusuke was frantic. "Yakumo, stop!"
Yakumo paid no attention. "Stupid girl," he hissed. "You just don't learn!"
He dragged Sakura back to the centre of the room, where Yusuke was struggling to get up.
"You don't scare me," Sakura spat viciously.
Yakumo scowled. "Shut UP!" he bellowed, and dealt a blow across Sakura's face. She fell backwards onto the floor.
"Kura! Get back!" Yusuke cried. Under the influence of Yakumo's otherworldly power, he seemed almost glued to the ground.
Sakura began backing away as Yakumo loomed over her. "I told you to learn your place, human girl!" he growled. "Once the Netherworld is restored, everyone will bow at my feet where they belong,"
Sakura made a move to send another energy blast, but she too found herself pinned down by Yakumo's strength. Thanks to the Power Sphere, he was the one in control.
"Urameshi! Kura!" a furious voice called out.
Sakura looked around and felt relief at the sight of Kuwabara and Kurama rushing into the room along with Hiei.
Kuwabara knelt beside Botan. "Hinageshi, what happened?"
"She's ok, just passed out," Hinageshi tried to sound reassuring while maintaining her barrier. "But I'm afraid Yakumo got his hands on the Power Sphere,"
Kurama glared at Yakumo, but with his injury he wasn't in a state to do much more. "You will not touch her again," he vowed.
The Netherworld King didn't seem at all bothered by their arrival. He was still on a roll with his monologuing.
"I am going to create my own world," he said to the twins. "Why do you object to that?"
"You want the long list, or the short one?" Sakura snapped.
Yusuke managed to raise himself up slightly. "Why the human world?" he demanded, then fell over again.
"Yusuke…" Sakura whimpered.
Yakumo's eyes glittered at Sakura's despair. "Because the Ningenkai called me,"
Everyone gasped. "What?!"
"King Enma may have banished us into the cold darkness of space, but I waited patiently for an opportunity," Yakumo continued smoothly. "Every time Spirit World sent an evil human into the realm, I collected their dark energy until I had enough to break the seal. In other words, your souls set me loose!"
Kuwabara's jaw dropped. "Oh crap, this is bad!"
"What's… happening?" Hiei chose that moment to open his eyes, which widened as he saw what was going on.
He understood all at once. The increase in Netherworld energy, the odd structure that had been set up on the roof of the building, and the Urameshi twins, apparently frozen.
Yakumo was towering over Sakura, hand raised for a killing stroke. He seemed to be debating which of the twins to kill first.
A growl hovered at the back of Hiei's throat. With Kurama injured and Kuwabara drained of power, the fire demon had a feeling that he alone could change the course of this fight. Even if he'd used the power of the Dragon.
Hiei readied himself to move. He knew what the detective would want, along with Kurama.
Yakumo's finger extended towards… Yusuke. "Now I shall let you taste the power of human's wicked hearts!" he declared, and flicked a deadly orb at the boy.
"Yusuke!" Sakura screamed, but she suddenly realised the tremendous weight pinning them down had lifted.
Hiei had already reached her with his incredible speed, and next thing Sakura knew, she was back on the side with the rest of the team.
Kurama's arms went around her. "Kura, are you injured?"
"I…uh…no," Sakura stammered. She was in complete shock at the swiftness of Hiei's actions.
With his sister out of the way, Yusuke seized his chance. An instant before the attack hit, he sprang from the ground, flipping over Yakumo's head like Sakura had, and went to strike him from behind.
Yakumo whirled around, but Yusuke was too quick and began attacking with a flurry of punches. Yakumo recoiled, but quickly recovered and repelled Yusuke with another blast.
"He's just playing around," Kurama breathed. "It's no match!"
Yusuke dodged to the left and the ki orb only succeeded in destroying one of the pillars that hemmed them all inside. He landed on his feet and immediately went in for another hit.
Yakumo vanished from sight, only to appear behind Yusuke a split second later. Yusuke avoided the next punch by the skin of his teeth, but Yakumo didn't let up.
"NO!" Sakura shrieked, and she threw herself forward. Yusuke found himself face to face with his enemy, about to take a blast head on when Sakura's barrier exploded between them.
"REFLECTION SHIELD!"
Yakumo brushed some ash from his shoulder and turned to glare at Sakura. "You think you can defeat me with that pitiful defence, girl?"
Sakura gritted her teeth, but didn't reply. She could hear everyone calling her name, but it was muted due to her intense concentration.
I can do this. I know I can summon the Spirit Flame. It's dangerous, but it might be the only way.
She tried to recall the maddening urge to obliterate her adversary during that final wildcard round.
Come on, Sakura. You've done it before. You can do it again!
She raised her hands, but the fire wasn't strong enough. It was merely a faint, glowing ember below the surface, nowhere near able to eliminate this evil.
Yakumo was almost upon her when Yusuke screamed out.
"GET AWAY FROM MY SISTER, YOU ASSHOLE!"
He was barrelling towards Yakumo, his face alive with anger. Yakumo smirked, and with a flick of his hand, Sakura was propelled back across the room where she landed several metres from the others.
"Kura!"
The boys hurried over to her, but Kurama reached her side first.
"That's it!" Yusuke snarled, and with a yell he began to power up.
He became engulfed with Spirit Energy, powered by his righteous fury. Yakumo had done far too much damage. He wasn't going to let him get away with it anymore.
Even though Yusuke was gearing up for a monstrous Spirit Gun, Yakumo merely laughed.
"You should not waste your remaining dregs of spirit energy," he taunted.
Yusuke lowered his hands and dodged the next blast Yakumo hurled at him. The resultant explosion rocked the entire building. Cracks appeared in the floor and debris was flung in all directions.
"Everyone, get back!" Kurama pulled Sakura to her feet and out of harm's way.
Sakura held up an arm to shield her face. Yusuke was bouncing off the stone slabs floating in the air just like in his match with Toguro. He was now directly above his target. A perfect shot.
Kura, whatever happens, I need you to keep everyone safe. Got it?!
Yusuke, what do you - ?
"SPIRIT GUN!"
Sakura hit the ground along with everyone else. Her eyes were blinded with the light of Yusuke's power, her ears heard the deafening roar and her body trembled in the shockwaves. She'd never felt anything like this from her brother before. Was this identical to the blast that had finally taken Toguro down?
An eerie silence followed. Sakura cautiously opened her eyes and looked up in time to see the silhouette of a limp body slam to the floor.
Her heart skipped a beat. Was that Yusuke, or Yakumo?
Kuwabara was the next to look. He blinked the dust from his eyes and squinted. "What happened?"
"My compliments on such a valiant effort," an evil voice laughed. "But I'm afraid the only one you succeeded in damaging with that move was yourself, boy!"
Sakura's stomach dropped. Yusuke was lying motionless on the ground after his Spirit Gun, but Yakumo was still very much on his feet.
"Have you finally realised that you cannot beat me? Have you finally accepted that I am your god?"
He pointed one last time at Yusuke, clearly ready to kill him once and for all.
"Urameshi!" Kuwabara yelled.
"This is the end!" Yakumo roared. As his deadly projectile headed for her twin, Sakura went to intervene but something huge knocked her out of the way.
Her jaw dropped. "Kuwabara?"
Despite having no spirit energy to speak of, their giant friend flung himself between Yusuke and certain death, arms outstretched to prevent any more bloodshed at the hands of this monster.
Kurama reached out. "Kuwabara! He's going to get himself killed!"
Yet somehow, that didn't happen. Kuwabara had managed to contain the huge orb, even though it was pushing him backwards. With a yell, he heaved it away where it destroyed another pillar.
Yakumo looked outraged. "You dare to try and stop me as well, fool?"
"Idiot," Kuwabara spat. "Urameshi isn't your only opponent. Or did you forget that I'm still here?"
He was there, but it was clear that Kuwabara didn't have much left after that heroic move.
Yakumo glared, and began stalking over to them. "And what do you, a human being without spirit energy, possibly think you can do?"
Sakura noticed that Yusuke had finally come around, and as Kuwabara fell to his knees in exhaustion, Yusuke was rising. Yakumo raised his right foot and kicked Kuwabara square in the chest, pitching him backwards.
This is our chance. Sakura's fists clenched. If Yusuke and I can work together, we might just be able to destroy the power sphere!
Kurama nodded. That's correct. You two should concentrate on weakening his defenses. Hiei and I will wait for the moment to strike. Go, Kura!
"Kuwabara!" Yusuke bent over his loyal sidekick. "Get back, ok? This is my fight!"
Kuwabara shook his head and tried to pull himself up. "No, Urameshi. We're a team. I…"
It was no use. He collapsed again.
"Stay down," Yusuke said quickly. "I'll handle it,"
Yakumo threw back his head and laughed uproariously. "Are you protecting each other?" he sneered.
"What are you laughing at, freakshow?" Yusuke spat.
"Face it, Spirit Detective. The reason you are weak, is because you rely too much on those pitiful friends,"
Yusuke ground his teeth. "Shut up!"
Sakura landed beside her brother, ready to fight. "Funny, Toguro said the same thing. Right before Yusuke destroyed him!"
No, Squirt! Get back, it's too dangerous -
She didn't even look at him. Package deal, brother. That's how it is. It's clear that he's stronger than we realised, so we need to fight him as a team.
Yakumo looked the twins up and down derisively. "Don't you know the meaning of fear? Your body should be feeling the disparity in our power,"
Cracks were beginning to form in the ground beneath their feet with his radiant energy.
Sakura drew closer to Yusuke. Soon, it would be time to act.
Come on, body. I need you to work with me. The Spirit Flame is the only thing that might work!
She could summon nothing more than those crackling embers in her fingertips. It still wasn't enough.
"It is time to restore the Netherworld, here in the Ningenkai!"
Yakumo raised the Power Sphere above his head. The clouds split and the energy from the glass orb filled the air.
"I won't let you!" a tiny voice squeaked.
Something whizzed past Sakura's ear. To her astonishment, she realised it was Hinageshi, zipping towards Yakumo on her oar to get the Power Sphere.
Hinageshi launched herself off the oar and seized Yakumo's muscular arm. She was fighting tooth and nail to grab the Sphere.
"Give it back!" she was screaming, even while Yakumo tried to throw her off. Finally, her tiny hand made contact with the orb's surface, but she cried out as her flesh was seared.
"Hinageshi!" the twins yelled.
Kurama and Hiei sprang into action.
"Rose Whip!"
The whip curled around Yakumo's arm, and Kurama pulled with all his might. Hiei brought his sword crashing down, but it shattered on contact. However, the impact was enough to send Hinageshi spinning through the air with the Power Sphere clutched tightly in her hands.
The impact from the fall caused the Power Sphere to go flying across the battlefield. Yusuke ran to catch Hinageshi while Sakura looked around for the Power Sphere.
Hinageshi clawed at Yusuke's shirt. "Yusuke… use… the power sphere. It's the only way," she croaked.
Before the twins could react, Yakumo took advantage of the distraction to fire shots at Hiei and Kurama. In their weakened state there was little they could do in their own defence. The twins watched helplessly as the two demons went flying.
"Kurama! Hiei! NO!"
Seeing Kurama lying inert on the ground caused something inside Sakura to snap.
She forgot about the Power Sphere, and about fighting alongside Yusuke. That uncontrollable rage, the maddening desire to settle the score, everything she felt exploded into a raging inferno.
Spirit Flame or not, Sakura started running as fast as her legs could carry her, ready to give it her best shot.
"YAKUMO!" she shrieked, and crossed her hands above her head. "DOUBLE BLAST!"
It was all the energy she had left, but if the Spirit Flame wasn't going to work, then Sakura figured she might as well put her back into this move.
For the first time, genuine fear flickered across the villain's face. He raised his hands to deflect the attack, but Sakura's desperation had taken on a life of its own. Yakumo's chest plate cracked under the strain.
Fear turned to fury. With a roar of rage, Yakumo appeared in front of Sakura and seized her neck.
"You are either the most stubborn or otherwise stupid human I've encountered, girl," His enraged face was inches from her. "But despite your bravado, I know the truth,"
Sakura's eyes flashed with hate, but even that couldn't completely conceal her rising terror. "Truth? About what?"
"You know exactly what I'm talking about," Yakumo snarled. "Raigo told me everything. Thanks to his Jagan, I know how afraid you are, and I can sense the scars you're so desperate to rid yourself of,"
He pulled her closer. "But get this through your head. You'll never be free of those memories,"
Toguro smiled. "Look at your twin, Yusuke. No matter what, none of you can ever go back now that you all know the truth about her mind and her past. It's all over for her, and you know it. It would've been better if you'd just let Akumu put her out of her misery,"
Sakura shut her eyes tightly.
Don't listen to him. Don't let it cloud your mind. You've survived so much. You can find a way to beat him, even if you can't summon the Spirit Flame… wait, that's it!
Just like that, the answer came to her. Sakura raised her left hand. "Maybe I won't be free of my scars, but I'm going to make sure this world is free of your evil!"
Yakumo never saw it coming. The girl's fingernails swiped down his sneering face, powered with the cinders of her Spirit Flame. The fire didn't spread, but it was enough to leave deep, smouldering scratches behind. His hold slackened, and Sakura delivered a kick to his jaw, allowing her to flip away and out of his reach.
"Yusuke, catch!" Sakura's telekinesis found the Power Sphere, which soared into Yusuke's outstretched hand.
"Nice move, Kura!" he grinned, then turned his attention to Yakumo. "You may be strong, but if I can beat Toguro, then I can sure as hell beat you,"
Yusuke placed the Power Sphere on the ground.
Come on, Kura. Let's send this asshole to hell!
Sakura raced up beside her brother, and put her hand on top of his.
One… Two… Three!
"It's useless," Yakumo had realised what the twins were trying to do. "Even King Enma couldn't handle the power sphere. I am the only one who can control it!"
Yusuke and Sakura were surrounded by the intense, all-consuming energy locked inside the Power Sphere.
Kuwabara finally heaved himself up. "Urameshi! Kura! What are you doing?!"
His cry roused Hiei and Kurama. They looked over to see what was happening and caught a glimpse of the twins before they were shrouded in a thick cloud of smoke.
"Of course!" Kurama gasped. "Yusuke is converting that power sphere into pure energy. Kura must be taking the excess in order to stop him from being overcome!"
Yakumo took a step back. This wasn't supposed to happen. "What? Impossible! I alone can wield the Power Sphere of the Netherworld!"
"Kick his ass, Urameshi!" Kuwabara yelled.
Sakura was straining under the pressure to keep Yusuke from absorbing too much.
Kurama, Hiei, Kuwabara…We need backup. Come on!
"You got it, Kura!" Kuwabara was already running over. "Here, let me help!"
Hiei and Kurama followed Kuwabara's lead, arriving to stand alongside the rest of their team. With the five of them sharing the load, Yusuke smirked at Yakumo.
"Alright guys. Let's do this!"
"It can't be!" Yakumo cried. "Does he really have the strength to convert the power sphere into spirit energy?"
Sakura's eyes glittered with the strength filling her entire body. The thought of creating the Spirit Flame now, with the combined power created by all of them and the sphere seemed not only achievable, but positively easy.
"I'd say you underestimated all of us, Yakumo!"
The last dregs of the energy was absorbed into Yusuke's body, and he yelled his best hope at the top of his lungs.
"SPIRIT GUN!"
Yakumo was finished, and he knew it. The blast coming for him contained the essence of all their strongest moves. Sakura's Spirit Flame, Hiei's Black Dragon, Kuwabara's Spirit Sword, Kurama's Rose Whip and Yusuke's Spirit Gun.
Such a blend was enough to vaporise every cell in his body. Yakumo opened his mouth and screamed a final roar, one of anger, disbelief, defiance and defeat.
That deadly attack slammed into him. The sound of Yakumo being driven down through the building, floor by floor to his ultimate doom was the last proof anyone needed to hear.
Finally, everyone could pause. The sky cleared, the cloud of Netherworld energy dissipated, and the Power Sphere died down. Only an empty glass orb remained at their feet.
"Did we do it?" Kuwabara's voice broke the silence.
Everyone visibly relaxed. "It's over…" Yusuke sighed, then pulled his sister into a fierce hug. "You were amazing, Kura,"
Sakura smiled and looked around. "Is everyone alright?"
"My love…" Kurama turned Sakura to face him and gazed deep into her eyes.
You fought well. I'm so very proud of you.
She leaned up against his chest. It's done.
Kurama stroked a hand down her back. "Let's find Hinageshi and Botan,"
"You go ahead…" Sakura had noticed the now empty Power Sphere rolling away. "Botan said to destroy the sphere first,"
Yusuke watched Sakura hurry to catch the glass orb, which had nearly reached the edge of the hole where Yakumo had fallen.
She stooped to pick it up when the hair on the back of Yusuke's neck stood up at attention.
Wait, what's that?!
Yusuke's heart stopped. He lurched forward.
"Kura, LOOK OUT!"
Sakura turned, her dark hair flying across her confused face just as an unexpected blast rocked what was left of the structure. Hiei, Kurama and Kuwabara were knocked to the ground.
"GUYS!" Yusuke yelled.
The next moment seemed to happen in slow motion. Sakura stumbled, just managing to hold onto the orb. A giant hand shot up from beneath her and attempted to seize her ankle.
Yakumo was alive!
"NO!" Yusuke roared, and used all the speed he could muster to knock his twin out of reach.
Yakumo's thick fingers wrapped around Yusuke's leg, and he was dragged below the surface, free-falling in a death spiral.
Sakura stared in horror. "YUSUKE!" she screamed.
Yakumo appeared behind Yusuke and instantly had him in a bone crushing grip. The boy struggled out and aimed a hard punch at the demon's face. Yakumo dodged, and gripped Yusuke's neck, hard.
Struggling for air, Yusuke knew he only had a small amount of energy left. It was time to make it count. He raised his free right hand, knocked Yakumo away and aimed from above.
"This is where you die, Yakumo! Spirit Gun!"
Screams, explosions, yells and the sound of a life being snuffed out. Sakura desperately looked down into the hole and could just make out her brother being blown around in the chaos.
"YUSUKE!" she reached out her hand. "LIFT!"
He soared upwards thanks to her telekinesis, and just managed to grab her hand.
"Nice catch," he grinned.
Sakura could hardly see through her tears, but she blinked them away and began hauling Yusuke out of the hole.
They both fell backwards onto the concrete and watched the clouds that obscured the sky melting away. Yusuke heaved himself up, and reached out a hand to his sister.
"Yusuke, where is everyone?!"
Yusuke looked around quickly, scanning the debris for signs of their friends. He spotted Botan lying a few metres away, and the twins ran to her.
Yusuke cradled her in his arms. "Botan! Hang in there, you'll be ok! Botan!"
She didn't respond, but something strange began to happen. Tiny sparkles that looked like stardust rained gently on top of the trio.
Both twins recognized the power behind it, but Sakura was the one to say it out loud.
"Koenma? That must mean…"
The sound of shifting rubble caught their attention. Hiei and Kurama appeared from the carnage, whole and undamaged.
"Kurama! Hiei!"
Sakura burst into tears and started running towards them, tripping over her own feet in her haste before collapsing into Kurama's chest.
"Oh, thank God," she sobbed. "You're ok!"
Kurama kissed the top of her head. Yes, my love. We're fine. He kept his tone gentle. Or did you think I'd forgotten that we're supposed to go on our date?
Sakura looked up at him with a watery laugh. "Of… of course," she said thickly, through the tears.
"Are… are we still alive?" Kuwabara hauled himself out of the wreckage, along with Hinageshi.
She looked around at the delicate stardust, still raining from the heavens. "Has the Raekai been restored?"
Botan's eyes slowly cracked open. "Yusuke…?"
His shoulders slumped in relief, and he smiled. "Yeah, we did it, Botan. Those Netherworld jerks are history,"
"Oh…" Sakura looked down at her hand. She was still holding the depleted Power Sphere. "There's just one last thing to take care of,"
She gingerly put it on the ground, and smashed it under her foot. Everyone watched as Sakura meticulously reduced it to little more than crystal powder.
"Thank you… Sakura…" Botan reached out weakly.
Sakura picked her way over to Botan and took her hand. "Botan, I know this is hardly the most pressing matter, but… isn't it about time you started calling me Kura?"
Botan laughed faintly, but the effort to do that was enough to drain what little stamina she had left. The sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon, spreading a warm golden light across the scene.
Sakura lay back and stared up at the sky. She was exhausted, but the relief flooding through her easily overpowered any other emotion.
Sensui pointed at the image on the screen. "Haruki, play that one more time,"
The tape began to rewind, and Haruki pressed play. Sakura had just been declared the winner in her match against Akumu, and she was now holding the knife. Even though she had the perfect opportunity for revenge, she dropped the knife and kicked it aside.
"Sakyo is right. You've done more than enough to deserve death, Akumu. But I won't do it. I'll never sink to your level,"
Akumu smiled with glee. "Just as I thought. You're still that scared little girl, crying to be saved. And now everyone knows just how pathetic you are,"
Sakura looked stricken, but shook her head. "You're wrong, Akumu. You're incapable of compassion and mercy. I'm not. And that's what makes us different. Honestly, I pity you," she looked up at the surviving members of Team Toguro. "All of you,"
"Stop it right there," Sensui ordered. He turned to Haruki, who was staring at the TV in what looked like awe.
"That confused you, didn't it Haruki?"
The boy nodded. "How could she pity us? It makes no sense,"
"Perhaps not, if she was truly human," Sensui agreed. "But you're too clever to be fooled. You saw, nobody else,"
Haruki didn't say anything. He just continued to gaze at Sakura's frozen image.
"I told you that we were brought together under divine purpose, Haruki," Sensui continued. "If anything, this is more proof that you were meant to help me correct the wrongs of this world. You alone realised that Sakura Urameshi is not human. Don't you see?"
Haruki nodded. "Yes, Mr Sensui. But…" he hesitated. "I'm curious. Once I get my answers, then what do I do? What is the next step? I don't want to be left with nothing again!"
"You won't be," Sensui replied calmly. "I'll tell you exactly what to do, when the time is right. First, we need to continue your training. Your new powers must be at their maximum when they come to us,"
Haruki took a last look at the screen before following Sensui out by the lake.
Soon, Sakura. I'll learn everything about you. And once I make you tell me…
The thought of her falling at his feet, revealing all her secrets made his lonely heart feel ever so slightly warmer.
…Once I know, I'll finally be free. I'll be alive, truly alive, for the first time in my life.
Sakura glanced at her watch. 7:59. Just one minute to go, assuming he was on time. She was standing by the lake near her apartment block, hidden under a dark sky. Kurama had said to wait there for him, and promised to arrive at 8pm on the dot.
It may have taken an extra week, but Sakura was sure it was going to be worth it. At last, Kurama's promised date was about to happen.
The clock hit 8pm, and Sakura felt his presence behind her. His soft hands gently turned her around, then slid from her shoulders, all the way to her hips.
"Hi," she breathed. Kurama was wearing a brown leather jacket, black pants and a white button up shirt. His green eyes sparkled.
"You look beautiful," he whispered, taking in the sight of Sakura's own outfit. A dusty blue dress with a handkerchief hemline. She'd put her hair up in an elegant bun, and of course, the Hiruseki pendant was around her slender neck.
She was the most beautiful sight on earth, or the demon realm. No jewel could ever compete.
"Are you ready?" Kurama smiled at her.
Sakura nodded. "Yes," her voice was laced with barely-concealed excitement.
"Close your eyes,"
Even though she had a sense of what was coming, Sakura obeyed. Her suspicions proved to be well founded, as a soft piece of fabric obscured her face.
"Another blindfold?" Sakura couldn't resist. "Is this going to be a recurring theme with you?"
Kurama's lips cut off any further speech. Sakura gasped, and clung to the front of his jacket. His mouth began moving, working around her small lips in a slow, deliberate manner. It was so sensual, Sakura's legs felt weak.
His lips left hers, and he slowly kissed all the way down her throat, teeth gently scraping her skin. Sakura whimpered. She wanted him so badly. She wanted to experience so much more than what he was already doing, despite the possibility that it would trigger a flashback. Did he feel the same?
I love you, my precious flower.
Kurama continued his path right down to her shoulder, taking great care to monitor her reactions. The very sight of her was enough to cause a hormonal response in this human body, and he didn't want to get carried away.
Control yourself. Don't frighten her.
He broke away, and without giving Sakura a moment to ask him for more, he swept her off the ground and kissed her again while walking towards the place he'd prepared for them both.
"Like a thief in the night," he smirked at her blushing face.
Sakura's heart was pounding. He'd awakened such desire in her. It was almost too much.
"Is that right?" she whispered. "There's no need to carry me off like one of your ancient treasures, Kurama. You've already stolen my heart,"
He lowered her to the ground. "I was under the impression that you offered it freely,"
"I think…" Sakura hesitated. "I think it always belonged to you, even before we met,"
Another kiss, and the blindfold was whipped away. Sakura blinked, then looked around in wonder. Kurama had set up a candlelit picnic on the other side of the lake under a weeping willow. The branches were adorned with fragrant, heart shaped flowers.
Sakura slapped a hand to her mouth and willed herself not to cry. "Oh Kurama… it's just… it's so beautiful,"
"It's not nearly what you deserve, my hana," he took her hand and gazed into her eyes.
Sakura stared at him for a moment, then she flung her arms around his neck and kissed him again. Kurama couldn't get enough of how good she tasted. It was absolutely intoxicating.
At last, they paused, and Kurama smiled. "Tonight will be one of discovery,"
Sakura laughed and took the drink he passed over. "What kind of secrets will we be unearthing?"
"For one," Kurama's eyes danced. "What is your favourite colour?"
"Hmmm… violet," Sakura replied thoughtfully. "Yours?"
He shook his head. "I'm the one asking the questions, love," he grinned mischievously. "Favourite book?"
"To Kill a Mockingbird. We had to read it once in literature. I think I was about the only one in class who enjoyed it,"
Kurama looked even happier. "Favourite flower?"
"It sounds like a cop-out, but I really do love sakura flowers," she admitted. "It was about the only thing I liked about myself as a kid, being named after something so pretty. Although…"
Sakura reached out to smell one of the flowers on the willow tree. "I think these might be second on my list,"
The questions came thick and fast. Other books she'd read, movies she'd liked and hated, manga preferences, places she'd visited, places she wanted to go…
After a few hours, Sakura stopped to wonder why she was answering so freely. Nobody had really asked her those things. Atsuko likely didn't care much, and Yusuke and Keiko, well… they already knew.
Kurama was different. He was asking because he was interested. He didn't just want to know surface level information. She knew that he wanted to learn everything there was to know about her. Why?
Because he loves me.
The thought made Sakura's heart ache with happiness, but she was getting tired. Kurama noticed, and pulled her into his lap.
"You can go to sleep, my love," he said softly while combing through her hair. "Don't worry about anything,"
He held her close until she finally drifted off before bringing her back to the apartment complex. Sakura had thankfully left her window open, saving him the trouble of having to pick the lock or wake up Yusuke by knocking.
He laid her in bed and tucked the blankets over his lover, all the while desperately wishing he could crawl in beside her.
I want to spend every possible moment with you.
With one final kiss, Kurama forced himself to leave. He'd see her tomorrow, but that wasn't enough.
"Well done, Sakura. Well done. It seems my instincts were quite correct,"
That voice… he was back. That ancient, wise, powerful figure who had visited in her dreams, who'd spoken to her in the forest…
Sakura could see his shadowy form across the chasm, but he was still out of reach.
"What instincts? What do you mean? Please, tell me!"
His smile was audible. "I could tell you would find a way to prevail. There is still much you need to learn, but your strength is growing,"
"Who are you?" Sakura called. She didn't want to let him leave without giving her the answers. "You say you're part of me, but I don't understand!"
The stranger laughed. "You'll know when the time is right, child. It won't be long now. The first danger may have passed, but another one approaches,"
Lightning illuminated the darkness. It wasn't enough to reveal the mysterious stranger, but Sakura caught a glimpse of his face, and the tattoo under his left eye. Everything else was concealed by the mop of long, white hair.
"We'll meet soon, Sakura,"
He was fading. Sakura reached out. "Don't go!"
A forest. A red sky. An expansive desert. Those innumerable armies, ready for war…
"We'll meet soon,"
Sakura jolted awake to see sunlight spilling through the window and onto her bed.
As her heartbeat slowed, she rolled over and curled up into a tight ball. She must've fallen asleep under the willow during their date, and Kurama had obviously brought her back to the apartment.
That strange figure had returned once more, but that wasn't what gave her pause. No, she was stunned by something else entirely.
I didn't have any nightmares.
That was the first night since she couldn't remember when. Sakura flopped an arm over her eyes and allowed the tears of relief to spill freely.
It was a small victory, but one that she was going to savour.
A.N. Poltergeist Report is officially done! The threads for Book 4 are ready for when we arrive there (even if it's not for a while). As difficult as it was, I had a lot of fun with this part of the story and I hope you did too!
Chapter 8 will be released by August 16th. My eternal thanks to everyone who has followed/favourited and left a review. In the midst of this hideous lockdown, you are all the ray of sunshine I need!
Please make sure you've followed/favourited, take a moment to leave a review, and we'll see you in the next episode!
Next Chapter: Life seems to have settled for everyone, but when Yusuke is challenged to a street fight, things will turn upside down...