A.N.It's going to be a long night. Our team is about to enter the mansion. I didn't intend for the chapter to be as long as it became, but to be honest I absolutely love this handful of episodes and the words seemed to flow out of me. Let us not delay any further. It's time for Nerd Violence.

DCD Gojira: :)

Ghost of Magic: It's here. I love that scene.

Hina714: Hey, it's not an issue. Yusuke wasn't thinking when he made that comment. It's simple as that. He's actually really proud of his sister for going to therapy. Two steps forward, one step back. It was really intense, writing the scene with Kaito. Hope you enjoy.

Lady Amazon: Chapter Black is one of my all-time favourite anime arcs. It's a joy to finally write all these ideas out. They've been in my head for so long.

hw0134160: If there's a chance for a cute moment with those two, I will be taking advantage of that. Yes, Yusuke is an idiot. He really didn't use his head (big shock). He's lucky Kurama wasn't there, or Kuwabara. You're like me, the youngest girl in the family. Sometimes you need someone to save you from their teasing. Oh, I'm glad you mentioned Hiei being a no-show. I have plans for him and Sakura. :) All the things that have been building up since the Spirit Detective Saga are going to start paying off here and I'm so excited with where the story goes in Chapter Black.

And yes, I'm really glad that I reached out to that fellow author too. I've actually really enjoyed editing someone else's work, and knowing I'm helping out. Please stay safe, the Delta variant is no joke. You only have to look at my hometown of Sydney to know how quickly things can get out of hand.

Wolfs Child: Here you are. Enjoy!

Sakura-chan: Yeah, let's just say I took a little inspiration from my older brother and another friend from high school. Actually, it wasn't Kaito who knocked Sakura out. It was actually Kido, since he needed to keep stepping on her shadow so she wouldn't intervene. As for Kaito using Sakura, read on. You'll see!

I don't own YYH, just my OCs.

Chapter 9

Sakura opened her eyes and shook her head. "Nothing," she confirmed through gritted teeth. "I can't get hold of Hiei,"

Kuwabara growled. "Damn it…"

"Kura, you said something was wrong with your telepathy before," Botan said breathlessly. "Could that be why you can't get through?"

"I don't know. Maybe…" Sakura rubbed the back of her neck, right where the blonde boy had struck. "But it was more like something was jamming the signal before, not a full blockade. I could hear bits and pieces of what Yusuke was saying,"

Kuwabara caught Sakura's wrist. "Try talking to me," he said seriously. "See if your power's back to normal now that those guys are gone,"

Sakura nodded and closed her eyes. Kuwabara's door appeared immediately, and opened without the slightest effort.

Is this working?

Loud and clear from my end. Kuwabara confirmed.

"Thank God," Sakura breathed a sigh of relief and wiped at her still-damp eyes. "Well, I don't know what happened before, but things seem to be working as normal again,"

Botan squeezed her hand. "That's one less thing to worry about, I guess. Come on, we have to track down our favourite demon pair,"

Sakura glanced at her watch in the fading light as they ran towards Meiou. 6pm. They'd been warned to appear at the mansion by 11, but coming with Hiei in tow was going to be a real problem.

"Attention, remaining students. The janitors are locking up for the day. Please make your way home. We'll see you in the morning,"

Despite this final call over the PA system, the biology club leader wasn't going anywhere.

"Come on, Shuichi! You have to, you're a genius! And with you as captain, our team could finally win,"

Kurama put down the beaker he was holding and turned back to the pleading faces of the biology club.

"As exciting as a biology meet sounds, my weekends are full,"

"But you're a prodigy!" The student insisted. "Top scores every week, and the girls love you, don't they?"

The other members nodded like obedient bobble-head dolls while their leader got more animated.

"You'll turn this whole club around," he told Kurama. "We start winning contests, we get more funding, then we get girlfriends! Please?"

"Please?" the others chorused.

Kurama had to admire their passion, but they'd already taken up enough of his time with Sakura.

"You've certainly thought this out," he conceded awkwardly, "But I can't,"

He started heading for the door. The leader gasped and hurried over to stop him.

"Oh no you don't!" He planted himself between Kurama and the exit. "I've waited too long to get my chance. You join this team, or face our wrath!"

Kurama sighed ruefully. "Nerd violence…"

Just then, a voice bellowed from down the hall.

"KURAMA!"

"Don't tell me…" Kurama's heart sank.

"HEY! WHERE ARE YOU?!" Kuwabara hollered at the top of his lungs. "OH, KURAMA?!"

A mortified Botan tugged at his sleeve. Everyone was staring at them.

"Do you think you could be a bit more discreet?"

"Hey, don't distract me," Kuwabara retorted. "I'm having enough trouble without my energy. And YELLING HELPS ME KEEP FOCUS!"

At this point, Sakura was about ready to deck him. "Kuwabara, just let me -"

Kura? Is that you?

Yes, where are you? I'm here with -

Before Kurama could answer, the biology nerd was in his face again.

"Sorry, Shuichi. I'm not really mean, just desperate. Please?"

Kurama held up his hands in an act of self-preservation. "Yes, well, you did have me scared,"

The nerd looked hopeful. "So…will you join?"

"AHA!" Kuwabara kicked the door down right on top of the nerd. "There you are, Kurama!"

The other students in the room were literally slack jawed at the sight of this odd trio. Sakura pushed past everyone else and hurried over to her lover.

Kurama caught her arms and peered at her intently. "Kura? What happened?"

Something was seriously wrong. His flower was just barely holding herself together.

"You could've just come into the hall, you know…oh," Kuwabara suddenly realised everyone else was staring at the broken door, on top of the nerd.

Botan winced. "Oh dear,"

The other club members finally found their voices. "Hey, what did he just call you?"

"Who's Kurama?"

Kurama looked over with an exaggerated smile. "Oh, just a meaningless nickname, there's no need to remember it!" he said hastily, before turning back to Kuwabara. "Yes, isn't that right?"

Kuwabara blinked. "Huh?"

"Please, be mindful," Kurama lowered his voice. "I'm Shuichi here,"

"Oh," Kuwabara realised his mistake. "Oops,"

Kurama looked back at Sakura and moved a strand of hair from her face. "Is there a reason you've all come?"

"I'll say," Kuwabara handed the note to Kurama. "Take a look at this,"

"Any ideas on who could've written it?" Sakura asked. She was trying to keep her voice steady, but the thought of what might be happening to her brother was making her sick.

I have to stay focused. For Yusuke.

Kurama read the threatening words, but betrayed no outward emotion. "Smells human,"

"Yeah, that's what's weird," Kuwabara growled. "He left with school kids. We've only got five hours to find Hiei, and Kura can't get through to him,"

Kurama nodded slowly and gave Sakura a reassuring look. "Well, he should be somewhere in the city. Although his criminal record has been cleared, Koenma still confines him here. I haven't seen him lately though,"

Botan groaned. "Too bad Hiei's not here. He could use his Jagan eye to find himself!"

"That's right!" Kuwabara agreed. A second later, the paradox of that statement hit them.

"Logic is panic's prey," Kurama said helpfully.

For the second time that day, Sakura had an overwhelming urge to bang her head against the wall, when she gasped.

"Uh, guys?"

Everybody looked at the floor. The nerd was still underneath the door Kuwabara had knocked down.

"Can I get some help?"

Amidst the fuss of helping him up, the other biology club members still looked dazed as they approached Kurama rather gingerly.

"Shuichi, who is this girl?"

"And what the heck are you guys talking about? What's a Jagan?"

Sakura composed herself and smiled at them. "I'm Sakura Urameshi,"

"My girlfriend," Kurama's voice was laced with pride.

The students' eyes widened. "So the rumours were true,"

"As for the conversation, let's just say we all take Dungeons and Dragons a little too seriously," Sakura explained quickly. "Come on, Shuichi. The Dungeon Master is waiting!"

She could see Kurama fighting the urge to laugh, but followed them all without comment until they were a safe distance away.

"I didn't realise you were into Dungeons and Dragons, my love,"

Sakura made a face. "I've never played it in my life. Now come on, I have to tell you what happened…"

Koenma's patience had finally come to an end. "Yusuke's kidnapped?!" he snorted. "What is this, April Fools Day?"

"It's the truth, Koenma sir. Look at Botan's report," Jorge waved the papers in front of him.

Koenma smacked him over the head. "Very clever, Ogre. Did you forge that yourself?"

Jorge pulled away and rubbed his head. "Would you listen to me for once?!" he moaned. "Someone's really kidnapped him, and we still don't know who they are or what they want,"

"Fine, I'll play along," Koenma sighed. "What else?"

Jorge scanned the report. "Uh, Botan says Yusuke was last seen leaving his junior high with three apparently normal human teens. Miss Sakura witnessed the incident, but was unable to prevent it,"

"WHAT?" Koenma screeched. "Humans, of course! The strange blips of human energy popping up on the radar. It must be linked!"

Koenma leaned forward on his desk, deep in thought.

Something doesn't make sense, though. If Sakura was there, why would they leave her behind?

Kurama was grave following Sakura's account of Yusuke's abduction. "Your telepathy was affected?"

"Yes. It was like white noise from the wrong TV channel. But as soon as they were gone, it started working normally again,"

He slipped his fingers through hers. "That is most troubling. As for the culprits, you didn't recognise them?"

Sakura shook her head. Tears were welling up in her eyes again. "I only got a good look at the purple-haired guy. Although I think one of them might have been blonde…"

She started rubbing the back of her neck. "He said he was sorry, then I… I don't remember anything else. I blacked out,"

Kurama took her in his arms and held her close. It'll be alright, sweetheart.

He was unquestionably concerned for Yusuke, but inside Kurama was mostly relieved that his flower hadn't been taken hostage as well. Though that in itself was strange…

"So what now?" Kuwabara broke Kurama's train of thought.

Kurama looked around at them all. "It's hard finding Hiei when he doesn't want to be found,"

Sakura squeezed her eyes shut. "He could be anywhere,"

"Can't Koenma find him for us?" Kuwabara groaned.

"Now, now," Botan interjected. "Koenma wouldn't waste his efforts on making Spirit Detectives if he still had to do all the work…AHHH!"

Her face lit up, and with it, so did Sakura's sense of hope. "You have an idea?"

Botan grinned. "That's right, Yusuke's detective items!"

"What the what now?" Kuwabara frowned.

"Koenma made them for Yusuke when he first started," Botan explained. "That's when we were tracking down you and Hiei, Kurama. But then he broke the compass with Rando…"

Botan's face fell when she remembered the other incidents.

"Then he lost the Communication Mirror with the Saint Beasts, so I refurbished them all. But after that I forgot when I left them in my pink kimono, since we all know I never wear that anymore!"

Botan laughed awkwardly.

Kuwabara leaned down to Sakura. "I think she's gone crazy…"

"You're hardly the standard for wild outbursts," Kurama reminded him.

Botan clasped her hands. "I'll need a little time to fetch it all,"

"Very well," Kurama nodded and squeezed Sakura's hand. "We'll reconvene at the park in an hour,"

Botan hopped on her oar. Sakura tugged at Kuwabara's sleeve.

"Kuwabara, I'd say we should be ready for a fight,"

"Right," Kuwabara nodded darkly, and dashed off in the direction of his house.

Sakura put a hand over her eyes and tried to calm down.

"Kurama, I need to get back to my apartment. There's a high chance that things could get dangerous at this mansion, and I'm not about to fight in my school uniform," she sighed. "You should probably drop home too,"

Kurama gently moved Sakura to face him. "I'm not leaving you," he said firmly.

"But your mother, she'll worry -"

"No," Kurama shook his head. "There's every chance that whoever kidnapped Yusuke might be waiting to target you as well,"

Sakura took a breath. He had a point. "Come on,"

They hurried off towards the apartment.

"We should be fine. Mother usually goes out on Friday night…"

"Puu! Puu! Puu!"

The second Sakura opened the door, she was greeted with a shriek followed by a fuzzball slamming directly into her chest.

"Puu?" The little soul beast looked up at her with his eyes full of questions.

Sakura shook her head and hugged him tightly. "Sorry, Puu. There's no update yet. I'm just here to get out of my uniform,"

Puu flapped into the air and nuzzled her cheek. "Puu…" he said glumly.

"Well, at least there's something we can say for sure," Kurama said quietly. "Judging by the condition of his Spirit Beast, Yusuke remains unharmed,"

Sakura felt as if the air had been sucked from her lungs again. Kurama reached out to steady her as she lost her balance, having gone weak with relief.

"That's right," she gasped out. "I hadn't even thought of that,"

Kurama guided her over to a chair. "The boys who took Yusuke, did they say anything to you? Anything at all?"

"Not much," Sakura admitted. "They didn't seem all that concerned about me, to be honest. And…"

A single tear rolled down her cheek.

"That's what I don't get, Kurama," she whispered. "I was completely helpless. My telepathy was all messed up and my body was paralysed. There was no way I could've fought back. But they said they didn't need me. What could that mean?"

Kurama stroked his hand up and down her back. "I don't know, my hana," he said softly. "All I know is that if anything had happened to you…"

He never finished the sentence, but Sakura knew what he was thinking. If they'd taken her as well, Kurama wouldn't have shown any mercy to those boys, human or not. His actions towards that woman at the Dark Tournament probably would've likely scratched the surface of his anger by comparison. The memory caused a shiver to go down Sakura's spine, and she shuddered.

Kurama kissed her forehead, and Sakura suddenly remembered that they had to get back to the park soon.

"We don't have much time," Sakura muttered. She stood up and headed for her bedroom down the hall. "I'll go change. You should probably call your mother,"

Kurama didn't want to let her out of his sight. But she was correct. He crossed to the phone next to the couch and dialled his home number. Shiori picked up just as he heard Sakura turn the shower on.

Sakura felt the hot water spilling over her body, and she methodically scrubbed herself clean. Part of her knew this was kind of pointless, but she buried the feeling. Sitting around doing nothing was just going to heighten her panic, and she needed to stay focused.

I'll save you, Yusuke. I don't care what I have to do.

Sakura turned off the water, towelled herself dry and dressed in the outfit she'd chosen. Black leggings and a mint green t-shirt with a light coloured hoodie on top for warmth.

She brushed her hair into that half-ponytail and headed back to the couch where Kurama waited. He smiled at the sight of her and opened his arms.

It's going to be alright, my love. I promise.

I know. Sakura immediately found her way into his embrace. I may be scared, and I may not know what's going on, but I won't give up.

Kurama's fingers combed through her hair in a soothing rhythm. Sakura snuggled deep into his chest, and they stayed entwined until it was time to leave.

"And bingo. All the gadgets of the Spirit Detective!"

Botan proudly opened the suitcase, revealing what lay inside.

"Wow!" Kuwabara marvelled. "Like a real secret agent!"

Sakura looked over the equipment, the majority of which she'd never seen before.

"So…which device will find Hiei?"

"Oh… right," Botan pulled out a familiar item. "Let's see… um… ah! The superbly improved Demon Compass. A fresh take on a classic style for tracking down any demon!"

Kurama frowned. "But can't Hiei simply deceive it by manipulating his energy?"

"Not anymore, thanks to this cleverly installed sample chamber," Botan explained brightly. "By placing his DNA inside, such as from a strand of hair, we can find him regardless of his energy,"

Sakura could already see the gaping hole in that plan, but Kurama beat her to it.

"It's too bad I don't carry around a locket of his hair," he pointed out.

"Uh…yes, good point," Botan admitted, quickly searching for something else that Sakura recognised. "How about the psychic spyglass? We can see through brick walls and search the entire city,"

Kuwabara ground his teeth together. "We have a few hours, Botan. Not centuries!"

"Ok, forget seeing through walls," Botan said hastily, although judging by her facial expression even she knew this was grasping at straws. "We'll use the concentration ring to blow them up!"

Sakura facepalmed. "This is getting us nowhere…damn it, Hiei. Why can't you just leave our connection open for this kind of thing?!"

"Let me see this stuff," Kuwabara seized the suitcase and began rummaging through it himself.

"Careful!" Botan cried in alarm. "I'm accountable for that!"

Kurama alone seemed to have kept a cool head. "Perhaps it's the wrong approach. Instead of finding him, is there an item that will make him find us?"

"Get real," Kuwabara snorted. "Botan would've mentioned it if we had something like that!"

Botan perked up. "We DO!" she said excitedly, producing said item. "The Mystic Whistle. I never had much of a reason to show Yusuke this darling, but it's really quite neat. Sort of a dog whistle for apparitions. It shoots out a soundwave only they can hear. The stronger your spirit energy, the louder the sound. I can make it go at least sixty miles!"

She glanced at them all. "You'd better cover your ears; it's rather annoying,"

Everyone did as she suggested. Botan raised the whistle to her lips.

"Here goes,"

The whistle made a shrill, piercing wail that seemed to fill the air.

Kurama winced. "It penetrates my brain!"

"Really?" Kuwabara blinked. "I'm not hearing anything but the birds,"

"Consider yourself lucky," Sakura groaned. "If Hiei doesn't hear this, he's officially deaf,"

At last, Botan stopped. "There. Now we wait for Hiei. Hopefully he shows up,"

Right on cue, something fell from the tree behind them and landed with a thud on the ground. They all looked around. Sure enough, Hiei had arrived.

Kuwabara grinned. "That was fast,"

"What repulsive creature makes my eardrums bleed?" Hiei growled while rubbing his head.

Sakura stepped forward. "Nice of you to drop in,"

Hiei looked up in surprise. Whatever he'd been expecting, it clearly wasn't them.

"Thanks Hiei," Botan smiled sweetly. "I thought you'd come if we called,"

Hiei picked himself up off the ground. "I didn't know it was you. I only came to find the source of that vile noise, and kill it,"

Sakura rolled her eyes. "Wouldn't have been necessary if you'd answered the first time, Short Stack," she said pointedly while tapping her head.

"Here," Kurama quickly handed over the threatening note. "You'd better read this,"

Hiei took the paper and read it, his smile becoming wider with each sentence.

"So, the detective's been ensnared," he laughed. "Wish I'd been around to see it. Must've been too cocky to realise his own weakness,"

He thrust the ransom note back into Kurama's hands and started strolling off with a smug look.

"Just tell the kidnappers I turned it down. I'm finished babysitting,"

Sakura opened her mouth to protest, but Kurama shook his head a fraction to each side. He was better equipped to handle this.

"You must be curious, Hiei," Kurama said carefully. "Someone strong enough to overcome Yusuke must surely provide a challenge,"

Hiei chuckled. "Nice try. But I no longer care,"

"How can you even think of walking off, Hiei?" Botan called after him. "If you don't come, Yusuke could be killed!"

"Not my responsibility," Hiei said over his shoulder, though not meeting Sakura's gaze. "You should've learned by now. This is a kill-or-be-killed world. If you're too weak to help yourself, you deserve to fall,"

Sakura crossed her arms. And if I'd been the one taken, Hiei?

Hiei's face was impassive. You weren't. Irrelevant.

"Then what if stopping these people protected your own interests?" Kurama said calmly with his hands in his pockets. "The culprits are likely human, and we both know what powerful humans like to hunt. If they're allowed to kill Yusuke, perhaps you will be next,"

"Fighting humans…" Hiei mused. "That nearly piques my interest, but not quite,"

Sakura clenched her fists. The fire demon was as stubborn as ever.

Botan seemed to finish debating with herself and spoke up. "I wonder, Hiei. How have you liked being stuck on probation, bolted down to one human city?"

"What do you think?" Hiei retorted.

"Well, if you help bring back Yusuke alive, I'll have Koenma cut your sentence to time served," Botan said calmly. "You'll be free,"

Kuwabara jumped. "Are you sure you want to do that?!" he squeaked

"There's no other choice. We're almost out of time," Botan muttered. "Make your call, Hiei,"

Sakura held her breath. A few seconds passed while Hiei considered Botan's offer.

"Fighting humans to win my freedom?" A slow, eager smile spread across his face. "Yes, sounds like a deal,"

The group seemed to breathe a collective sigh of relief. Sakura's whole body almost slumped from the tension.

"Then come on," Botan said while packing up the suitcase. "This is one house party we can't be late to,"

"I'm going to kick so much tail," Kuwabara chortled. Hiei laughed scornfully, much to Kuwabara's annoyance.

"Stop laughing, Hamster Legs!"

Sakura suppressed the urge to roll her eyes. I have a feeling it's going to be a long night.

Kurama took Sakura's hand and the five of them began the short walk towards Rokurokubi Estates as directed.

Hold on, Yusuke. We're coming for you.

"Is this the place?" Kuwabara cocked his head. "Looks deformed,"

"Well, it's the only old mansion on the block," Botan glanced up and down the street to confirm.

Sakura shivered at the sight of the mansion where Yusuke was supposedly being held. It looked like something out of a B-grade horror film from the 80s. And her brother was trapped inside…

Kuwabara set his jaw. "Maybe you should stay here, Botan. Whatever this house is, it's definitely not safe for non-fighters,"

"That's sweet I guess, but I'm going," Botan said flatly. "With Yusuke out, and you missing your spirit energy, I'm the one best equipped to use the detective tools,"

"She's right," Kurama said quietly. "Our strength lies in numbers,"

Sakura nodded. "Botan, stay close to me, ok?"

They walked up the path towards the front door, only to find another note on the door.

The House of Four Dimensions

Once entered, this do not,

Ever utter the word, 'hot'...

Sakura repeated the words under her breath. "So, we can't say the word hot?" She turned back to Kurama with a brow raised. "Am I reading this right?"

"Is this some kind of riddle?" Kuwabara wondered out loud.

Kurama's eyes narrowed. "No. It is a warning. There's no way to know if it's real. We may as well take precaution,"

He stepped forward and pulled the handle. The door slowly swung open.

"Right," Kuwabara nodded. "Nobody say hot,"

"Shh!" Botan clutched Sakura's trembling hand tightly and they filed inside.

Sakura's heart was pounding, but determined. There was no way of knowing what they might face tonight, but she'd walk over burning coals and swim through a river of acid to rescue her twin from this place.

Yusuke's entire body was completely unresponsive. He stood, frozen in a shadowy room full of strange doors and bathed in an eerie light. Behind him, a small but powerful spotlight shone relentlessly. In front of him, Kido lounged against a pillar in the centre of the room. Try as he might, his body refused to yield.

"Damn it…" Yusuke hissed. He'd taken down Toguro, stopped the Netherworld, yet here he was being used as bait. His mind was teeming with a mixture of rage and unanswered questions.

Kido snickered. "Your friends have come to visit you, Yusuke,"

"What are you poser bastards up to?" Yusuke demanded. "How come I can't move? And hell, why do your doors look so stupid?"

"You've entered my territory," Kido explained smoothly. "Space and time follow different rules. See how I'm stepping on your shadow? Here, it's as binding as a straitjacket,"

Yusuke clenched his teeth. That explained the paralysis, but there was another intense fear gnawing away at him.

Kura.

The last thing he remembered was the sound of her panicked cry before being knocked out. And he'd been unable to contact her through telepathy ever since waking up in this bizarre place.

"What about my sister?" Yusuke snapped. "I heard her screaming. What did you assholes do to her?"

Kido smirked. "Wouldn't you like to know?"

"What's that supposed to mean?" Yusuke growled in an attempt to hide his rising panic. "You better tell me where she is right now or -"

Kido laughed and shook his head teasingly. "Patience is a virtue, Yusuke. Now try to relax. Our night's about to begin,"

Sakura clutched Botan's hand even tighter. "What is this place?"

They looked around the room in wonder. This was, quite simply, the strangest house Sakura had ever set foot in.

The room was hot, with humidity levels that gave one pause. Everything from the lighting to the decor was unsettling, mismatched. There was an array of tropical plants, a glowing fish bowl, a bar fridge standing next to a strange sculpture that vaguely resembled a pyramid, crooked bookshelves filled to the brim, and steam pulsing steadily from the light fixture in the ceiling.

At the other end of the room, Sakura could see five stairs leading towards a door, but they were built on odd, juxtaposing angles. Overall, the room looked like MC Escher had designed it with an Etch-A-Sketch, but what really made it eerie was the energy signal surrounding them. It felt like an entirely different world. One that was dark and ruthless.

"It looks all twisted up," Kuwabara muttered.

Botan wiped her brow. "And that steam! It's like an oven, it's so ho-"

Kurama quickly put his hand over her mouth before she could finish her sentence.

"Remember the word we're not saying," he said darkly. His eyes were scanning every inch of the room.

Hiei glanced at him. "Kurama, did you feel that?"

"Yes," Kurama breathed. "When we entered, the energy schematic changed. It feels as though we've been transported to a different space,"

"Or a different space time,"

Sakura's head snapped up at the sound of a new voice. Someone had entered the room. She could see his silhouette standing at the foot of the stairs.

"Welcome to the house, everyone," the speaker continued, stepping into the light. "I'm so glad you made it,"

Glasses, curly black hair and surveying his guests as if they were books in a library. And maybe it was a trick of the light, but he seemed to be wearing an oddly familiar school uniform.

Sakura was taken aback by how utterly normal this boy appeared. How in the world had someone like him managed to subdue Yusuke?

Kuwabara scowled. "Yeah, that's him. One of the guys Urameshi left with,"

Sakura noticed Kurama's reaction to the boy, though she had a sense that she was the only one who did. His eyes narrowed by a few millimetres and his muscles tensed ever so slightly. Something inside Sakura told her that she should stay quiet, and out of sight for now.

The strange boy chuckled. "Recognition. I just love how that feels,"

"Listen, dork!" Kuwabara pointed a threatening finger. "I don't know who you think you are, but we're no normal school kids!"

"His name is Kaito," Kurama said unexpectedly. The group turned to look at him.

"Hold on," Kuwabara goggled. "How on earth do you know that?"

"He is a classmate," Kurama stepped forward, slightly in front of Sakura to hide her from view. "All of his test scores are second only to mine. Remarkably bright for his age,"

Though he gave no obvious sign of emotion, Sakura could sense he was preparing himself for anything. "I've never spoken to him personally, and naturally I've never told him about you,"

Kurama looked at Kaito's smug face with authority. He had never expected to find one of his classmates involved in this.

"Kaito! Where have you gotten your information? And why have you kidnapped Yusuke?"

In response, Kaito merely laughed again. "It's a real grip-your-seat mystery, isn't it? I hear your team won something called the Dark Tournament, and I hear that's quite a feat. My congratulations,"

He crossed the room to a nearby chair and sat down.

"But really, I was most surprised about you, Shuichi. Try to put yourself in my shoes. Learning my school rival can also do the funniest things with plants…"

Sakura couldn't see from behind Kurama, but the cold chill emanating from him told her plenty. She could only imagine the vengeful look he might be wearing, but for some reason, Kaito didn't seem the least bit intimidated.

"Ooh, that's a scary look," Kaito complimented. "I don't remember you ever making that face in the classroom. Then again, we both keep things from our peers. You see, I've learned that I have a talent, too. And being such great champions as you are, I was hoping I could test them out on you,"

"Enough of this talk already," Sakura pushed past Kurama to glare at Kaito. "Where's Yusuke?!"

Kurama immediately reached out and put a warning hand on her shoulder, but Kaito's face lit up at the sight of this petite brunette.

"You must be Sakura. At last, I get to meet Shuichi's mysterious girlfriend,"

He looked her up and down with a smirk.

"Reports of your beauty were not exaggerated. It's a pleasure, Miss Urameshi. I'm sorry we had to get so rough with you before,"

"Save your empty apologies," Sakura's eyes narrowed further. "Where's my brother? What have you done with him?"

Kaito shook his head in amusement. "Apparently sharp tongues are something of a family trait," he smiled. "You can relax. Urameshi's just fine,"

Kurama quickly pulled Sakura closer before she could do anything else. "Stay right here," he muttered.

"Ok, this is ridiculous," Kuwabara spluttered. "We've been through stuff you couldn't even dream about-!"

"I'll take him," Hiei had already unsheathed his katana. "You'll agree my impatience for human fools will be an asset. NOW!"

Hiei leapt forward, blade at the ready. Clearly, he didn't think this human was worth using his full speed or strength.

"You'll be sorry," Kaito warned.

Hiei was almost upon him. "I doubt that!"

The sword came down, but Kaito didn't even flinch. An energy shield bubbled up around him, and Hiei's weapon broke on impact. Sakura's jaw dropped.

"How the heck did he do that?!" Kuwabara squeaked. "Energy came right out of nowhere! It looked weird!"

"As you see, this is a very special room where brute strength cannot exist," Kaito explained. "Only your words have power here. Just make sure you follow my one posted rule,"

Botan's hand tightened around Sakura's wrist with fear. "He must mean the note on the door,"

Kaito looked down at Hiei's furious face. "As a child playing pretend, I would make my own rules but I've learned I can do it for real,"

He threw out his hand dramatically. "Growing up as a bookworm I guess it was inevitable what I would decide to rule out: violence!"

A snarl ripped through Hiei's teeth.

"I see why that disturbs you, Hiei," Kaito sneered. "In the world of fighting, your skills let you bully anybody you want. But in my territory, you're just a tiny swordless man!"

Hiei got to his feet, and Sakura felt a stab of fear. "Hiei, don't do anything stupid!"

Kurama obviously sensed it too, because he called out to him. "Control your temper, Hiei! He wants you to act out of anger!"

Hiei ignored him. "Any buffoon can make a shield," he said to Kaito. "How do we know your other claim isn't just a bluff?"

"There's only one way," Kaito conceded.

"No three letter word can rule my fate," Hiei declared rashly. "Hot!"

There was a crackling sound and a blinding white light surrounded Hiei who stood frozen in the beam. Everyone watched in horror.

"Hiei!" Sakura cried.

The light spiralled upwards, and shot towards Kaito. A few seconds later, he was holding what looked like a glass marble. A strange purple fire was crackling inside.

"I told him not to doubt me," Kaito simpered. "But that's what happens when you say the taboo word. Your soul becomes part of my territory,"

Hiei's entire body had gone grey and lifeless. Botan and Kuwabara ran over to him.

"Wake him up!"

"He's ice cold,"

Sakura felt the steel in Kurama's hand as it closed around her arm. He didn't want her anywhere near Kaito. She was utterly speechless, but her fists clenched with anger.

What kind of power was this? One second, Hiei had been standing there and now his very soul was in Kaito's hand.

It was time to level the playing field, and get into his mind.

"You lose a point. Now we've taken two hostages," Kaito eyed Kurama and Sakura. "Urameshi's having his fun upstairs. So what's your next move? Go home, or play through the round?"

Kurama glared, but Sakura's face was hardened. She was in the void, but the door to Kaito's mind was out of reach, along with Yusuke's. The others in her gallery opened with a push. She selected Kurama's, and concentrated.

Kurama, can you hear me?

Almost immediately, the connection was tenuous. White noise crackled in the background. Sakura gritted her teeth. So it hadn't just been a one-off. Something, or someone, was affecting her telepathy, and likely more.

Kura, I hear you. Kurama's reply was faint. But you were right, the connection is poor. I suspect it's something to do with the energy in the room.

"It's a kick, your lifestyle," Kaito was monologuing again. "Secrets, duelling opponents with special powers… I only started last month, but I've worked hard. My first challenge was learning how to control my power,"

He grinned. "The guys and I call it manifesting our territory. So far, I've gotten to a ten metre radius. As long as I concentrate, everything inside has to follow the rules I've set. Imagination turned to physical law,"

Kurama locked his eyes with Kaito's. "So by that logic, if we incapacitate you the rules will cease and Hiei's soul will return to his body,"

"I don't know," Kaito shrugged. "Maybe. No-one's beaten me yet, so it hasn't come up,"

Kaito's gaze swept over Sakura again. Kurama growled softly, which only seemed to make Kaito happier.

"Judging by the look on your face, Sakura, I'm guessing that you're trying to find a way into my mind, correct?"

Sakura jumped. "You want to run that by me again?"

"You're trying to establish a connection," Kaito sneered. "Hoping that if you do, you might just be able to sniff out an advantage. Tell me, are you getting a clear signal? I doubt it, somehow,"

Sakura froze, considering her options. Kaito knew about her abilities, so perhaps he was behind this. Even if Kurama's wrath was swelling, she couldn't see any point in lying.

Kaito likes the sound of his own voice. Maybe I can use that to my advantage.

"Alright," Sakura said finally. "I'll cave. Yes, I was trying to look into your mind. But it seems I've run into a problem,"

Kaito's smile widened. "I appreciate the honesty, Sakura. Please, do go on,"

"It happened earlier on as well, this strange white noise in the background. Almost like I'm trying to find the right radio frequency," Sakura cocked her head. "I don't suppose you could explain?"

Kaito nodded. "Ah, a side effect of our territories," he mused. "It's only a guess, but it appears this change in energy is causing some technical difficulty in your abilities, Sakura. Perhaps interference would be a better word,"

Sakura's heart jumped and she looked at Kurama in a panic. Interference? Oh damn, if I can't use my training, then how are we going to communicate effectively?

Stay close. I can hear you better this way. Kurama still hadn't taken his eyes off his classmate.

"Oh, and before you even ask, no, there is no way on earth you're going to be able to speak with your twin," Kaito said lightly. "The upper floors of the house are especially interesting. I won't bore you with the details,"

Kuwabara leapt to his feet. He looked enraged. "That's it! I can't take anymore of this rookie and his ego trip!"

"How do you stand these friends of yours, Shuichi?" Kaito sighed. "They can't handle one smart conversation. It must get lonely. Still, you haven't chosen. Will you challenge me, or go home?"

"Wait, you're forgetting the third option," Kuwabara interrupted. Kurama and Sakura exchanged a look.

Kaito raised an eyebrow. "Really? I'm drawing a blank. What do you mean?"

"We forget about Hiei for now and move on," Kuwabara declared. "That's my vote!"

Botan nearly fell over. "I never expected to hear that from you, Kuwabara. Hiei's your teammate!"

"It's his own code," Kuwabara snapped. "Right?! You had to bribe him to help Urameshi, cause he said weak men deserve to fall. Then he turns around and says the wrong thing on purpose just to be cool! Let's save him for after we're through. That'll teach him a lesson!"

"You have a brain after all!" Kaito sounded pleasantly surprised. "Of course, it's not a very good one. That option isn't valid,"

"Why not?" Sakura called. "You can't hold us back!"

"No," Kaito agreed. "But you can't get through a doorway… if you don't have the proper key,"

He indicated the door on the other side of the room just as the purple-haired boy from before stepped through it.

Sakura's eyes flashed. "You!"

Purple Hair smiled at her. He carefully locked the door behind him and dropped the key into his pocket.

"Is Yusuke in there?" Sakura demanded.

"Let's just say that door is your first step," Kaito said slyly. "But Yanagisawa has the only key,"

Kuwabara slammed a fist into his palm. "Now this I can handle. Just leave it to me, Kura,"

He stalked over to Yanagisawa. "Alright, Mr Hairspray. Hand over the key while I'm asking you nicely,"

"Kuwabara…" Sakura hesitated. "Somehow I doubt it'll be that easy,"

Yana chewed the gum in his mouth, and slowly blew a bubble which popped in Kuwabara's face.

"No dice," he laughed.

Kuwabara growled. "Listen, I'll give you one last shot just in case you don't know who I am. Give me the dumb key,"

"Alright," Yana smirked. He pulled the key from his pocket and waved it in front of Kuwabara. "Why don't you come knock me out and take it, man? Come on, or did you lose your strength too?"

Veins were already popping up all over Kuwabara's face and neck, but that final taunt was the last straw.

"You… little… SHUT YOUR HOLE!"

He swung his massive fist towards Yana's grinning face, only to have it blocked by another energy shield.

Sakura rolled her eyes while Kuwabara howled in pain. "I told him…"

"You gotta get a better memory," Yana laughed and started patting Kuwabara's head in a very patronising manner. "We're still inside Kaito's territory and you know he doesn't like violence. We've gotta play gently, ok?"

"How about I gently shove my foot down your throat?" Kuwabara hissed.

Yana snickered and tucked the key back into his pocket again.

Kaito turned back to Kurama, who had stepped in front of Sakura again. "So, you finally decide?"

"I'll play by your rules, Kaito," Kurama said quietly. "Whatever they are,"

Kaito chuckled softly. "Good,"

Sakura knew that look in Kurama's eyes. It was the look he only wore when backed into a corner. A look that meant his lethally cold and calculating nature was in charge. And they were going to need it.

Kido hadn't moved from his position against the pillar. He grinned at Yusuke, who was still trying desperately to move. Naturally, he couldn't.

"I heard you were headstrong," Kido laughed. "That's a nicer way to say you're stupid. I already told you, struggling isn't going to do you any good,"

"Shut up!" Yusuke snapped.

Kido shrugged. "Well, while you've been fighting here for no reason, one of your friends has fallen victim to Kaito's territory,"

Yusuke's heart skipped a beat. "You're full of crap!" Had they done something to one of his friends, or his sister?

Kido leaned back against the pillar, hands in pockets. "You'll see what I mean soon enough,"

Sakura couldn't see any way forward from here. Without physical force, and with Hiei's soul quite literally in the palm of Kaito's hand, they were stuck until further notice.

By now, they were sitting in a semicircle around Kaito, who had his nose in a book. Kurama was glued to Sakura's side, and she strongly suspected he would remain that way. Not that she was complaining. This place gave her the creeps. And with the interference blocking easy communication, there was little chance of them strategizing in secret.

Sakura resigned herself to being patient for now. Kurama was thinking of a plan. She could tell, even without words or communication from him.

For quite a while, the only sound was the incessant ticking of the antique clock on the wall. Botan was fanning herself in the humidity. Kurama was staring blankly at Kaito.

"I'm tired of this," Kuwabara burst out suddenly. "We're allowed to talk, right?"

"In theory," Sakura said dryly. "As long as you don't say the wrong thing,"

Kuwabara snorted. "That's nothing tough,"

He turned around and continued to talk about Kaito as if he wasn't even in the room. "So, Kurama. You said you had school with this dork. What other stuff do you know about him?"

"Yu Kaito," Kurama said in a low voice. "My classmate, as we've said. He has garnered much attention at my school in light of his IQ results. His intellect is ranked at the genius level, with some of his scores the highest since the school's inception,"

"Well, that's a roundabout way of bragging, isn't it Shuichi?" Kaito said without bothering to look up. "If I'm such a prince, you must be the king since you always beat me on tests,"

Sakura was all too aware of the underlying edge of resentment in his voice, and she suppressed another eye roll.

"Cumulatively, yes. My grades are superior," Kurama agreed. "But in certain subjects, such as language and literature, you far surpass me. You've even published essays on literary theory,"

Kuwabara glared at Kaito. "So he's a young genius writer, huh? I bet we're cooler than anything you've read in a book!"

Kaito turned the page. "Not really,"

Sakura hung her hoodie on the back of the chair. The heat was causing her to sweat. "Guess the AC must be broken, right?" she snipped.

Kaito smiled faintly, but didn't reply.

"It's so obvious what you're trying," Kuwabara spat while ripping open the top few buttons on his jacket. "Making us sweat it out in this room so we'll say your magic word. I mean, it must be a hundred degrees!"

"Eighty, actually," Kaito corrected. "With eighty percent humidity. I keep my room like this so I can raise my tropical plants. My tribute to Shuichi," He nodded at Kurama. "But if the conditions are making you thirsty, I've plenty of drinks in the fridge. I even have glasses,"

Kuwabara stood up and took a step towards the fridge. Kaito turned another page, but he was laughing quietly.

"What are you chuckling at, bookworm?" Kuwabara demanded in suspicion. "Did you poison them or something?"

Kaito laughed even harder. "Waste all my talent to poison you? That's brilliant," he snorted. "You know, you're a very intelligent guy,"

"And you bark a lot, for a weenie dog!"

Sakura facepalmed. Insults weren't going to help them get out of this one. Still, the thought of a nice cold drink was more than a little appealing.

Botan squeezed Sakura's hand and hurried over to the fridge. "I'll get them. Sitting still is driving me crazy,"

The door opened, and Botan peered inside. "Ok, looks harmless enough. And quite a selection. How about orange juice?"

Sakura nodded. "Sure. It's better for you than soda,"

"That's fine," Kuwabara was busy unbuttoning more of his outer layer. "Just pour it over ice and we can share with each other as long as we have two straws,"

No sooner had the words left his mouth did Kuwabara's entire body seize up. Everyone watched, helpless, as he was caught in that same energy beam as Hiei.

"Kuwabara!" Sakura cried.

Botan gasped. "That can't be!"

Kuwabara's yellow-toned soul flew through the air and into Kaito's outstretched hand.

"Good. Victim two,"

Kurama whirled around to Kaito and spoke sharply. "But why?"

Even Kurama was visibly rattled. Now Kuwabara's grey, lifeless form was frozen solid next to Hiei's.

"You're cheating, Kaito!" Botan cried indignantly. "He never came close to saying 'hot'!"

Sakura's hands went over her mouth in horror. "Botan!"

"Oh… uh…" Botan was done for, and she knew it. "I goofed!"

Kurama got to his feet and pulled Sakura into his chest. There was nothing either of them could do but watch Botan's blue soul leave her body.

"That's three," Kaito examined the captive souls with a despicable smile. "I can't believe that was so easy!"

Blue, yellow and purple. Three souls, three friends trapped along with Yusuke.

Sakura's head whirled. Botan's mistake was obvious, but Kuwabara? He hadn't said the taboo word. Unless…

He said, we can share with each other… wait… share with… each…other! The spelling!

Sakura made a furious move towards Kaito even as Kurama shot out a hand to stop her.

"Talk, Kaito. There's more to this taboo business than just saying the straight up word, isn't there? Why don't you tell us the truth?"

Kaito nodded, never taking his eyes off the souls for a moment. "Forgive me for not explaining the specifics. I didn't think your friends could handle it. In my territory, you can't say the letters H, O and T in a row, even if they are parts of different words. It's no simple child's game. It's a puzzle of diction, and I can't bend the rules,"

"That's fair enough," Kurama said quietly. He guided Sakura back over to the chair she'd abandoned.

"Sit down, Kura,"

She heard the unspoken command loud and clear. Sit down, and don't say a word.

"Souls are so pretty," Kaito said fondly. "I like the girl's best. Speaking of which…"

He turned his head very slowly to leer at Sakura. "How long will you last, Sakura? Will I soon be adding your soul to my growing collection?"

Sakura shivered, not just at the threat but also the waves of cold fury radiating from Kurama.

"That is not going to happen," she said as fiercely as she could manage.

Kurama shot her a warning look, and Sakura fell silent.

I need to stay quiet. If I accidentally say the wrong thing and lose my soul then I can't save everyone else!

"An admirable declaration," Kaito purred. "But that sharp tongue of yours is quite famous. I imagine it's gotten you into a world of trouble in the past. Isn't that right?"

"Leave my Kura out of this, Kaito," Kurama growled.

"Too late, Shuichi. She's in this as deep as anyone else. I wonder how you'll be able to concentrate when your pretty girlfriend's soul is in my grasp?"

Sakura kept her mouth shut and tried to calm her pounding heart. She knew the only thing stopping Kurama from destroying Kaito was the risk of what might happen to their friend's souls.

Keep looking at Kaito, my love. Kurama's instructions were faint, but came through regardless. Not at me.

Kaito's lip curled. "Souls are the only thing you can't make stronger by training. You can only make them darker,"

His words were making Sakura's skin crawl. Kurama stared at him, but remained silent and otherwise calm.

"What do you say, Shuichi? Should I darken mine by breaking these? It feels so strange, having this kind of power over people!"

He grinned up at Kurama. "Yes, maybe I'll just make a little scratch -"

"You can try," Kurama's voice turned soft and dangerous. "But that would violate my Taboo. You harm those souls in any way, and you will not live. Those are the rules of my territory,"

Sakura felt her blood turn to ice, but again, Kaito seemed more amused than afraid.

"Interesting," He smiled and adjusted his glasses. "You'll have to show me how to talk like that once I beat you,"

Kurama raised an eyebrow. "How long can you afford this brazen façade?"

Sakura almost fell off her chair in shock. Kurama was holding up the very key that Yana had supposedly tucked away in his pocket. But how? Was this some kind of trick?

"What the-?" Kaito's voice was furious. "How did you get that key?!" He got up from his own chair and looked over at his colleague. "Yana!"

"He's bluffing you, man," Yana said dismissively. "I got it here in my pocket…"

Yana's face went white as he realised his pocket was empty. "It's gone! But he never even came in the hall!"

Kaito glared at Sakura. "Did your telekinesis have anything to do with this?!"

Sakura shook her head and silently pointed upwards. Kaito and Yana looked up.

A long green vine had snaked its way along the ceiling, and was hanging in wait above Yana's head. Further inspection revealed that it was actually one of Kaito's tropical plants, no doubt manipulated by Kurama.

"I was not stopped, since I refrained from violence," Kurama said calmly. "With gentle discreteness, I merely borrowed the key from your coat pocket,"

Kurama's chair was engulfed with the plant he'd grown, and it was surrounding Sakura in a protective fashion as well.

"Seems we can use our powers in your territory, as long as we follow the rules,"

Sakura smiled in spite of the situation. He never ceased to amaze her.

"So you picked my pockets with some greenery?" Yana snapped. "You are a first class freak…"

Kurama ignored Yana's words. He only had eyes for his classmate. "Keep those souls in perfect condition, Kaito," he warned. "You've found yourself in over your head,"

Kaito's shock morphed back into a sneer. "You can't intimidate me. I still have the upper hand. You have to beat me at my game,"

"Tell me, is it possible to change your Taboo?" Kurama stared Kaito down without a trace of fear. "Naturally, none of us will say the word. Thus we are locked in a stalemate, and I was hoping we could increase the challenge,"

"Of course, Shuichi," Kaito smirked. "I've been planning that all along. I don't want to beat my great adversary with a simple word gag. I want a true battle of wits. I can change the rules whenever I please,"

"Then let me determine the rules of the game," Kurama offered. "And I assure you, I will force you to speak the Taboo within forty-five minutes, and thereby free our friend's souls,"

Sakura stared at him following this profound statement. Whatever he was thinking, Sakura knew the best way to help was to stay quiet and let Kurama handle this.

"Oh?" Kaito said, amused. "You're that confident you can outwit me?"

Kurama gave a small smile in response, which intrigued Kaito even further. "Alright, and what if you cannot get me to break the rules in forty five minutes?"

Kurama looked at Kaito for a long moment before tilting his head slightly. "Then you may have my soul as well,"

"No!" Sakura gasped, without thinking.

If Kurama lost his soul by default, where would that leave her? She'd no doubt lose her temper, and then who would rescue everyone?

It's alright, Kura. Trust me.

The plant surrounding her chair stroked her back in a reassuring manner, but Kaito had already latched onto her moment of panic.

"Oh my…" He glanced at Sakura's white face with shining eyes. "It seems your own girlfriend doubts you, Shuichi. How does that make you feel?"

Kurama shrugged, apparently unconcerned. "So, are you in? Or will you cower from a game in which you clearly have the advantage?"

Kaito leaned back in his chair to ponder the offer. His rival stared back, unwavering, next to his clearly terrified girlfriend. The minute Shuichi lost, getting her soul would be like taking candy from a baby.

Brilliant! Arrogant Shuichi… I have more advantage than you think! Since I found my power, I've obsessed over every word puzzle in print. You can't beat me. Yet here you are, strolling into my trap like it's your idea!

"I accept your challenge," Kaito's eyes shone. "Will the lovely Sakura be playing as well?"

Kurama's eyes narrowed. "Under no circumstances,"

"I wasn't asking you, Shuichi," Kaito looked sly. "What do you say, Sakura? You're supposed to be more intelligent than your brother, after all,"

"That depends," Sakura said carefully. "We don't know the rules yet,"

Kaito paused, then nodded. "Very true. Let's hear the Taboo that ended Shuichi's life,"

"It starts as one letter," Kurama explained. "But as time moves forward, we eliminate more. There are twenty-six letters in the English alphabet, and forty-five minutes to play. Thus, every one hundred and four seconds, we will lose another letter we can say, starting from the end at Z, and moving backwards,"

"Yes, and at the end of the game, every letter will be Taboo!" Kaito's face lit up. "Fascinating imagination. This will be fun,"

He glanced over at the clock. "Let's see…it's fifty minutes after midnight. Why don't we start neatly at one?"

"Sounds perfect,"

The rules were simple enough to Sakura, but she honestly didn't have a clue as to how Kurama planned to win. And if he lost…

"One more thing…" Kaito's voice jolted Sakura back into reality. He was looking at her impatiently.

Sakura raised her head. "Yes?"

"Move over there," Kaito said, pointing. "Next to Yana. No funny business, either,"

The plant guarding Sakura's chair immediately began to fan around her like a shield while Kurama's eyes flashed dangerously.

"No."

"It's only fair, Shuichi," Kaito said silkily. "This is a game between two rivals. If your girlfriend isn't a participant, she needs to stay out of the way,"

Kurama opened his mouth, but Sakura spoke up. "Sure. Makes sense to me,"

She stared at Kurama, pleading internally. The interference will probably get worse as I move away. You're our best chance at saving everyone. Just play along. I'll be alright.

Kurama looked back at her. His face was impassive. "Very well,"

At last, the plant fell back, and Sakura stood up slowly. "Like you said, Kaito. Neither of us are playing,"

One more instruction from Kurama floated into her mind.

Trust me, love. I'll win. Just don't say a word, and keep your eyes forward.

Sakura glanced back to indicate she'd heard, and understood. With a smile that looked more confident than she felt, Sakura slowly walked over to stand by the door.

Kurama's dangerous gaze fell on Yana. "This is your only warning. Touch one hair on her head and no territory will be able to stop what I do to you,"

"Please, Shuichi. You're overreacting," Kaito sighed. "No violence, remember? She'll be quite safe, for now…"

Kurama fixed him with a deadly stare, which made both Yana and Kaito laugh.

"Kaito, do you get the sense that we took the wrong twin?" Yana chuckled. "Seems like you've touched a sore spot,"

Kaito pushed his glasses further up his nose. "The night is far from over, Yana. Much can still happen,"

Sakura ground her teeth together. Kaito was trying to bait her in order to trap Kurama, but there was something Kaito didn't know.

You think you can control me, Kaito. You think I'll slip up and lose my soul if you keep pushing my buttons. You think I won't be able to hold my sharp tongue, and that will give you the advantage to beat Kurama. But thanks to Iwamoto and Akashi… I've had plenty of practise at keeping my mouth shut.

For the next ten minutes, the clock ticked away. With every stroke, Kaito and Kurama were a moment closer to the ultimate battle of words.

A.N. Sorry for the cliffhanger! ;P What did you think? Kurama and Kaito are about to engage in their standoff, and with interference from the territory, Sakura's telepathy is borderline useless. What do you think will happen next?

Chapter 10 is on the way. The plan is to release it by August 26th. I'm going to be spending the next few days writing as much as I can because I'm FINALLY booked in for my first Covid vaccine (the roll-out has been a nightmare - long story!) next week. I'm not expecting it to be pleasant for a few days after with the potential side effects, and I want to make sure the chapters are released as scheduled.

Anyway, please follow/favourite, leave a review telling me your thoughts, and we'll see you soon!

Next Chapter: A battle of words, a mysterious staircase and many strange traps await the team in the mansion...