A.N. I can't even begin to describe the exhausting process of writing this chapter. I wrote and rewrote it about five times, staying up til the early hours of the morning until I was satisfied. Honestly, I'm still scared it's not up to scratch.

ANYWAY. I think we've waited long enough for this, but I truly don't know how people are going to feel about the events of this chapter. Before you read, all I ask is that you trust me. Everything has been done with the most meticulous of planning.

Good luck. I'll be right there with you.

DCD Gojira/Starrat/Wolfs child/Sakura-chan: Here you go. Enjoy!

Lady Amazon: Thanks! It's a little overwhelming!

Hina714: No need to say sorry. :) Yes, it's all about to happen, starting now.

Ghost of Magic: It was pretty incredible. Thanks, Halloween only just started getting big here in Australia in the last five years or so. I feel like I missed out...

hw0134160: I think you're about to hate him even more after this chapter. Sorry in advance. It has to happen. And please don't be sorry, we're only human after all. I need to remind myself of that more. I've been pushing myself way too hard lately. And yes, hard to believe it's been a whole year! It blew my mind when I realised, but I wouldn't change a thing. Good luck getting through this chapter. I'll see you soon.

Huntersteinitz331: It was excellent advice, and he had a lot more. Mr Huber is an incredibly warm and generous artist. Not to mention utterly hilarious. He had me in stitches every lesson. I'm glad Sakura let me share her story with you all as well. Thankyou!

Guest 2.0: Another juicy chapter is here for you! The cave sequence is truly about to begin. It's going to be huge, and I can't wait to share it all. I've been planning it for so long.

Deadly Writer: Welcome aboard, and thankyou so much. Your love of my work means more than I can say. Yes, not a lot of people know about that class I did with Chuck, but it was worth every cent. I'm working on doing more voiceover gigs thanks to it.

PrincessKakashi287: You'll probably be able to figure it out at the end of this chapter.

I don't own YYH, just my OCs.

Chapter 19

"Kura? Come on, we have to go help the others,"

Sakura felt Kurama pulling her upright, but she kept staring after Yusuke. "Kuwabara… " she choked. "I… I was right there, but I…"

"It's alright, my love," Kurama began, but Sakura shook her head.

"I have to go after them,"

She took a single step forward when hands pulled her back. Sakura whipped around expecting to see Kurama, but to her surprise she found herself looking at Keiko.

"Kura, you'll never catch up to them now. We need to go back to the apartment,"

Sakura closed her eyes as more tears fell. "But Kuwabara…"

Kurama took Sakura's face in both hands. "Botan and Shizuru are waiting for us," he said firmly. "We need to regroup before we follow,"

She gasped. "That's right, the girls!"

Sensui had sent his Reiku-Resshuuken straight into their home. Genkai and Koenma had gone back, but what if another psychic had been waiting for them? Yusuke was pursuing Kuwabara. The rest of her friends needed help.

I can't afford to worry about Yusuke. He can take care of himself.

"Come on!" Sakura grabbed Kurama's hand and the three of them started racing back to the Urameshi apartment.

The Game Master was giggling while he shifted gears and swerved around the traffic into the opposite lane. Kuwabara realised what was going on and almost died of fright.

"You're driving on the wrong side of the road you half-pint loony!" he yelled.

Nobody replied. Amanuma kept driving like a maniac, causing more car accidents than Grand Theft Auto. Kuwabara could hear the horrific screeching and crunching of metal, the shattering of glass, the screams of all the drivers and pedestrians.

"I can make a right on red, can't I?" the kid said suddenly. "Hold on!"

The truck made a sharp right turn, almost tipping over before speeding off again. They were leaving the town behind.

Amidst the most recent smouldering car pile-up, onlookers heard a maddened scream.

"Hey, stupid rubber-neckers! GET OUT OF MY WAY!"

Yusuke cycled down the road at top speed after the truck. Sparks were almost visible from the bike tyres.

He was going to catch up to Sensui if it was the last thing he ever did.

From the alleyway, two pairs of eyes watched Yusuke flying past.

Haruki chuckled softly. "Mr Sensui was correct. The Spirit Detective is indeed going after Kuwabara alone. Now it's your turn,"

Sniper glanced sideways at his colleague. "You sure you'll be ok?"

"Of course. Only the Spirit Fox remains, and he's no threat," Haruki smirked. "It's simply a matter of timing,"

Sniper revved his engine. "Let's roll,"

"Good luck, Sniper,"

The motorcycle pulled out of the alley after Yusuke. Haruki waited for another minute to ensure they were truly gone before making his way back behind the wheel of the car.

With Yusuke gone, this will be much simpler.

Genkai and Koenma found the apartment block surrounded by a crowd of people staring in disbelief at the destruction.

"What was that?" a bystander asked. "A gas explosion?"

Judging by the smoke and damage, Sensui's blast seemed to have hit the balcony outside Yusuke's room, and as far as they knew, the girls and Mitari were still in there on impact. The two of them pushed through the crowd and began racing up the smoke-filled stairwell to the third floor. Neither of them wanted to consider what they might find inside the apartment.

"That Reiku-Resshuuken sure packs a wallop!" Koenma exclaimed.

"Yes, too much for Yusuke even if he is on a serious binge!" Genkai growled. "So what's his strategy? Why aim for the apartment when Yusuke was standing right there?"

"Must've been targeting Sea Monkey. Again! Sensui certainly is persistent and goal-oriented, I'll give him that. Just two of the many qualities I avoided when I hired Yusuke!"

They reached the Urameshi apartment. Genkai pulled the door open, and Koenma coughed at the clouds of smoke that rushed out.

Genkai rolled her eyes. "Drama Prince!"

She raised her hands and shot a wind tunnel that cleared the hallway and the apartment in a few seconds.

Koenma blinked. "You do know a lot of tricks,"

"Hiding in a compound can do that to you," Genkai deadpanned.

They hurried down the hall. The door to Yusuke's bedroom had been blown off in the explosion, to say nothing of the rest of the room. Mitari was leaning up against the opposite wall, trembling like jelly. The ancient bookshelf that had once stood by the window was now on the floor, and under it was none other than Botan herself.

Koenma's eyes widened. "Oh my… Botan!"

Genkai leapt over and flung the shelf off her. Koenma gathered Botan up in his arms.

"Hey, are you alright?"

No response. She was limp as a dishrag.

"I think we should take that as a no," Genkai said while turning to address Mitari directly.

"Ok wallflower," she glared. "You just sat there on your sorry ass watching this poor girl suffer? What's wrong with you?"

Mitari seemed at a loss for words. "But what if…" he spluttered. "I don't know, I thought I was your enemy!"

Genkai snorted and turned back to Koenma. "Set her on the floor. Face down, gently,"

Koenma obeyed. Genkai gently pulled Botan's shirt up to reveal the damage to her back. Koenma flinched at the sight, but Genkai concentrated and channelled her healing energy into the area.

Mitari sat up slightly and put a hand to his ribs. "I'm sorry. I'm so confused, I work for Sensui!"

"Does he know that?" Koenma raised an eyebrow. "From where I've been standing it looks like he's trying to terminate more than your employment,"

Mitari fell silent. His heart clenched.

Kurama kept moving as they approached the building at top speed, but Keiko stopped to catch her breath for a second. Sakura fell back and stared up at her home with a mix of disbelief, anger and sorrow.

He trashed it.

From what she could see, it looked like Yusuke's room had taken the most impact, but that didn't mean the rest of the apartment had been unscathed. Her room was next door after all. It had probably gotten the shockwaves. And the floors above hadn't escaped damage either.

Sakura pressed a hand to her forehead. How in the world were they going to explain this to Atsuko? Not to mention the authorities. Surely someone had called the police by now…

"Puu! Puu!"

The sound of her brother's soul beast caused Sakura to look up. Puu had struggled out of Keiko's hold and was flapping down the road.

"Puu!" Keiko called after him.

Kurama turned around. "What is it?"

"He flew off!" Keiko pointed.

Sakura was already following him. "Oh no!" she cried suddenly.

A few metres from the building, Puu was hovering over a severely wounded Shizuru. The trail of blood in her wake showed the path she'd taken, dragging herself out of the building in an attempt to warn them all.

Sakura dropped to her knees beside the older girl. "Shizuru? Shizuru, can you hear me?"

She didn't move.

There you are, Sakura.

Haruki observed the scene from a safe distance, out of sight and with energy suppressed. The sight of Sakura caused him to shiver with elation. Her form-fitting outfit, her shiny black hair, her luscious brown eyes that would soon gaze upon him again…

No more games. He was playing this round for keeps.

Haruki watched Kurama bend down and pick up Shizuru in his arms. He heard Kurama tell the girls to find Genkai. He watched Sakura seize Keiko's hand. He saw them run upstairs. He watched Kurama hurry after them with the injured girl.

Perfect. You're right where I want you.

His moment had nearly arrived, but he only had one chance to time it exactly right.

Koenma and Mitari watched Botan's back heal before their eyes in silence. Little by little, the blood and bruises vanished until there was no trace of any damage.

"All better," Genkai replaced Botan's clothing just as Keiko and Sakura rushed into the room.

Keiko was breathless. "Oh, Genkai! Thank goodness, I'm so glad you're here!"

"Why might that be?" Genkai enquired.

Sakura went white as she saw Botan's condition. "No, Botan! What happened?"

"Hold off the waterworks," Genkai said calmly. "She'll be conscious in a minute,"

"Master Genkai?" Kurama stepped into view. "I hope there's strength for one more,"

Everyone looked down at Shizuru's unconscious and bleeding body in Kurama's arms.

"Shizuru!" Koenma breathed.

"This whole rag-tag team is falling into pieces, aren't we?" Genkai sighed. "Just put her down on the bed,"

Kurama did as she asked. Genkai rolled up her sleeves and went to work. Sakura wiped at her streaming eyes while praying for Botan to come around.

"Come on Botan. Please wake up…"

Kurama wrapped his arms around Sakura and started combing through her hair.

Stay with me, Kura.

Just then, Botan sat up and looked around in surprise. "I'm up! Hey, when did all of you get here?"

Sakura pulled away from Kurama. "Oh Botan…thank God!" She threw her arms around Botan and started sobbing again.

"Kura?" Botan was utterly bewildered by this display. "What's the matter?"

"She's just glad you're ok," Koenma sighed in relief.

Botan blinked. "And why wouldn't I be?"

"Your formerly fractured back is one good reason I can think of," Genkai looked over from where she was healing Shizuru.

"When we came in, we found you lying under this very heavy bookshelf," Koenma explained.

Botan laughed. "That's a silly place for me to be!"

"You don't remember how you were crushed?" Koenma asked incredulously. "Seems like that would make an impression,"

A voice broke through. "She got trapped while she was trying to save me!"

Sakura looked over. Mitari cowered against the wall, staring in utter disbelief. "When the bookshelf started to topple, she shoved me out of the way and she got crushed instead of me,"

He squeezed his eyes shut. "I don't understand. It's not how he said…" Mitari was starting to shake while wrestling with the inner conflict. Finally he jumped to his feet.

"First Kuwabara and now you do it!" he burst out. "Why do you people keep saving my life?! It's not how he said. Why?!"

"...Because that's just what people do?" Botan cocked her head. "Ooh, but I think I'm starting to remember! First an explosion, then that bookcase falling over…"

Botan nodded slowly as she recalled the moment she'd pushed Mitari aside. "So that's what happened. I just acted without thinking!" she said cheerfully.

Koenma gave her a side-eye look. "I'd believe that," he said dryly.

Sakura privately agreed. Botan was no fighter, but she certainly wouldn't hesitate or consider the danger if someone else needed saving.

"I like to think it's a good trait not to overthink everything," Botan laughed again.

Kurama stepped forward. "I'd say it is like that for a great many people, when another being's life is put into jeopardy,"

"Well that's never been the case in my experience growing up," Mitari retorted. "And not on that video tape!"

"Chapter Black is a one-sided argument," Koenma said seriously. "It's part of a set, never meant to be seen alone,"

Sakura's jaw dropped, but nobody seemed to notice.

Mitari shook his head wildly. "No, that's all a big lie!" he yelled, but Kurama put a hand on his shoulder.

"Mitari, I understand your dilemma," he said gently. "You've witnessed the worst mankind has to offer, in life and on tape. But if your eyes remain open, you'll see the best all around,"

The boy looked at the floor. Several moments of silence passed before Koenma spoke.

"Speaking of, has anybody seen Yusuke?"

Sakura leaned up against the wall and slid to the floor. "He went after Kuwabara," she said hopelessly before burying her head in her hands. "I was right there. I should've stopped it,"

She felt Keiko's arm slip around her shoulders, but nothing could calm the storm brewing in her soul.

Kuwabara, I'm sorry. I was so caught up worrying about Yusuke that I didn't think to protect you…

Failure after failure. She'd let so many people down.

I couldn't stop Hiei from taking Keiko. I couldn't stop Yakumo from taking Botan, or Kaito from getting Yusuke… and now I've failed Kuwabara.

There was no telling what Sensui might do to Kuwabara now. Would he force the boy to watch Chapter Black, attempting to sway him to their cause?

The thought turned her stomach. Sakura clutched at the Hiruseki stone around her neck and closed her eyes while thinking about Koenma's words about the tape.

I have to know.

"Koenma?" Sakura's voice cracked slightly.

He looked over at her. "Yes, Sakura?"

"If Chapter Black is part of a set…" Sakura took a breath and forced herself to speak calmly. "Do you mean to say…that a complete opposite tape exists? One that shows the very best of humanity?"

Koenma paused, then nodded slowly.

Sakura's mind whirled with the implications. "Great to hear," she whispered. "Did you, I don't know, ever consider telling Sensui that?"

Kurama immediately moved towards her. "Kura…"

Sakura ignored him. "No, really. I'm curious," she drove her eyes into the prince. "Go on, Koenma. Answer me,"

Koenma didn't reply.

Sakura stood up. "Maybe it just slipped your mind," her voice was getting higher, more agitated. "Maybe you were too busy sucking on that pacifier to mention it! But of course, it was a small oversight. Sensui's only using Chapter Black as justification for destroying the damn planet!"

Koenma swallowed. "Sakura, you don't know Sensui like I do. I don't think it would've made much difference,"

"Well, I guess we'll never know, will we?" Sakura threw up her hands. "I mean, the world's about to end. What does it matter? What does ANYTHING matter anymore?!"

"That's enough, Missy," Genkai warned, but Sakura wasn't listening. Her rage had spilled over. Koenma had given them almost nothing to work with, despite what he'd known. Sensui had caused so much damage in this short amount of time, and the tunnel wasn't even opened yet.

"You knew Sensui was probably behind this!" she shouted. "And you didn't say a damn word! We could've stopped this a week ago if you'd just been straightforward, but no! You just had to keep us in the dark!"

Kurama took her shoulders. "Kura, calm down -"

"I will NOT calm down!" Sakura screeched. She wrenched away from Kurama and started advancing on Koenma.

"Even after all the times Yusuke's put his life on the line, Prince Pacifier couldn't even man up long enough to tell us the truth! What, were you just hoping the problem would go away on its own? Is that it?!"

Koenma's face was ashamed. "I… I'm sorry, Sakura. I really am,"

"Oh, you're sorry?!" Sakura laughed wildly. "Well, that just makes everything better! I'm sure that'll save Kuwabara and my brother from that psychopath!"

Kurama turned her around. "Kura, this isn't going to help,"

Sakura opened her mouth to continue shouting, but as she looked into Kurama's eyes, the walls shattered and tears began streaming down her face instead.

"Kuwabara… oh God… it's all my fault! I left him behind!"

Keiko put a hand on Sakura's back. "No it's not, Kura. It happened so fast. Even Yusuke couldn't -"

Sakura shook her head. Her eyes were wild and glassy. "Keiko, I ran ahead of him. I didn't think about what might -"

"Kura, you can't blame yourself for this," Kurama stroked a hand down Sakura's face in an attempt to calm her.

She was almost hyperventilating. "I was there, Kurama!" she wailed while clutching at her hair. "I should've stopped it. It's my fault!"

SMACK!

A blow to the face silenced Sakura. Everyone gasped.

"Get a hold of yourself, Missy!" Genkai snapped. "We don't have time to start pointing fingers and getting hysterical!"

Sakura rubbed her stinging cheek. She was speechless.

Kurama glared at the old woman. "Was that really necessary, Genkai?" he asked in a voice of forced calm.

"In short, yes," Genkai dusted off her hands. "You have to pull yourself together, Sakura," she said firmly. "It doesn't matter who's fault it is. What matters is stopping this threat,"

Kurama cupped Sakura's face. "She's right, my love,"

Sakura pressed a hand over her mouth and closed her eyes.

Puu flapped over to nuzzle her cheek. "Puu…"

Numbly, Sakura stroked his soft fur. As much as she hated to admit it, the shock of what Genkai had just done actually had cleared her mind.

What am I doing?! After all the work I've done, the progress I've made… I can't fall apart like this. Not now. Kuwabara needs me!

The weight of what she'd just said to Koenma slammed into her like a wrecking ball.

"Koenma," she whispered. "I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have said that to you,"

Koenma shook his head. "No, Sakura. You were right," he sighed. "This is my mess. I should've known…"

"Forget it," Genkai snapped. "Sakura, come on. I need you to focus. We all do,"

"Sorry, everyone. I'm OK," With a deep breath, Sakura squared her shoulders and looked up. "So now what?"

Just then, Shizuru started to move.

Yusuke didn't let up. He'd passed countless vehicles and had somehow managed to keep the truck in his line of sight. They were out of the city, driving along a winding mountain road, but he was gaining on them.

The bike was groaning in protest, but Yusuke barely registered it with the rage thundering through him.

Sensui, you made a big mistake messing with one of my friends. And I'm gonna kick your ass twice as hard for it!

"Hold on to what you got!" Amanuma turned the wheel and barely made the turn without rolling the truck.

He grinned at Gourmet. "Driving a real car's pretty much like a racing game at the arcade,"

"YOU'VE NEVER DRIVEN BEFORE?!" Kuwabara yelped from the back of the truck.

"Of course not, dumbass. I'm only eleven years old!"

Gourmet laughed. "Give the poor backseat driver a break, Game Master. He's probably just a little on edge because his seatbelt's fastened too tight!"

With a smirk, he tightened those deadly tentacles that kept Kuwabara restrained. Kuwabara was yelling in agony, but that only seemed to make Gourmet happier.

"I wanna see his full power, even if I gotta squeeze it out of him like the last stubborn glob of toothpaste in the tube,"

Sensui watched Kuwabara struggling with mild interest. "Please, Gourmet. Give him a break. You're torturing my ears as well,"

At last, the pressure eased slightly. Kuwabara turned to Sensui and addressed him fiercely. "Why don't you just kill me?"

Sensui looked at his captive for a long moment before answering.

"You fail to see your destiny, Kuwabara. You're going to help us put our cursed race to an end,"

"Didn't you understand who I am? I'll never help you!" Kuwabara spat.

"But you're meant to. Don't you see? That's why you've been given these powers," Sensui's eyes glittered. "The universe wants human atonement just as badly as I,"

Kuwabara turned away in disgust. "You're pitching the same crap you did to Mitari, but I don't bend!"

Sensui chuckled. "Silly me. I must've given you the false impression that we need your consent to help us. We have other ways of making your power ours," His face twisted into a terrifying smirk. "Just ask your friend Elder Toguro,"

That got Kuwabara's attention. "Huh? What do you mean? That freak's been dead for months!"

"Look down at your bondage. Don't those fingers bring back memories?"

Kuwabara nearly had a heart attack when he realised what Sensui meant. "I do remember!"

How could he ever forget? Just looking at them was enough to evoke the memory of Elder Toguro's voice. Kuwabara stared at his restraints with horror. He might as well be back at the Dark Tournament.

"Oh man, I knew those creepy fingers were familiar. But how can your guy have Toguro's hands?!"

"Because he swallowed him," Sensui said calmly. "The same way he's going to swallow you Kuwabara, as soon as your power is completed,"

Kuwabara went pale. "NO! I won't let you! You crazy freak!"

Another laugh from Gourmet, and the tentacles constricted. Kuwabara collapsed face-down on the truck bed.

"Let me go!"

"Oh it's mouthwatering…" Gourmet was practically drooling as he listened to the boy's cries. The bindings tightened even further. "He's getting tenderised!"

"Uh-oh!" Amanuma said suddenly as he noticed who was now visible in the side-view mirror. "Is he a world champion cyclist or what?!"

The collective attention was momentarily diverted. Yusuke was actually gaining on them.

Gourmet scowled. "Damn it!"

"HELP!" Kuwabara wailed. "I'm in a pickup truck full of psychic cannibals!"

Yusuke kept pedalling as fast as he could. Hold on, Kuwabara. I'm coming for you.

"Urameshi?!" Kuwabara suddenly noticed who was coming to his rescue. And more importantly, how.

The road started going downhill which allowed Yusuke to speed up further. He was now only a few metres behind.

"He's got some kind of iron man guts, chasing us on a bicycle," Gourmet leaned out the window to get a good look. "Hey boss, think we should shake this loon?"

"That's not necessary. He's playing into my contingency plan," Sensui still looked thoroughly entertained. "Just let him continue to follow us. He will be dealt with,"

Kuwabara hauled himself up. "What, you couldn't find a little girl's scooter?" he yelled to Yusuke.

"I don't know!" Yusuke shot back. "You couldn't go a week without getting snagged by the forces of evil?!"

He forced the bike further ahead, up beside the passenger window.

"Consider this your first and only chance to get out of this alive," Yusuke warned. "Now pull this thing over before I run you off the road!"

Amanuma looked nervous at the threat. "He can't possibly do that with a bicycle, can he?"

"I don't know," Gourmet growled. "But if we don't lose him quickly he'll follow us back to the cave,"

Sensui shook his head dismissively. "I told you, I have it under control. Besides…" he added slyly. "Yusuke's sister isn't with him. Unsurprising, given the incident at the hospital,"

"What?" Kuwabara gasped. "What's Kura got to do with this? Are you the freak who went after her in the basement?!"

Sensui laughed softly. "No, Kuwabara. That wasn't me," he lowered his voice so only Kuwabara would hear. "But this new development will certainly make things more interesting where she's concerned. You'll see,"

Kuwabara's blood went cold. Was Sensui planning to do something to Sakura again?

He opened his mouth to call out to Yusuke, to warn him, when a revving motorcycle sped down the hill.

Yusuke spotted the psychic from the corner of his eye, but it was already too late. Sniper raised his hand. The tiny projectile struck the bike, smashing it to pieces underneath him.

Yusuke was flung through the air. In the chaos, he reached out in a desperate attempt to grab the truck, only to catch empty air as it sped away into the distance.

Yusuke bounced along the road for a few seconds before coming to a halt and realised that he'd lost his t-shirt in the crash. He turned to see that Sniper was still coming for him.

"Prick!" Yusuke growled under his breath. Whoever this freak was, he wasn't going to let him get away with it…

Sniper pointed at Yusuke as he roared past and skidded to a halt. There it was again. That ultraviolet flash, the sudden drop in temperature.

A psychic's territory!

Yusuke felt a curious sensation on his torso. When he looked down, there were strange markings on his body.

"Weird…" Yusuke muttered. He stood up and glared at Sniper. "What did you do to me?"

"I just marked my territory, Yusuke," Sniper deadpanned. "Death print: Bullseye. I've placed targets on you. Targets I never miss,"

So saying, he tossed a few stones into the air. They immediately locked onto the targets covering Yusuke's body. Only his quick reflexes stopped them from making contact.

"Nice moves," Sniper looked slightly impressed. You'll need them. I can strike anytime, from anywhere, with any ammunition I choose,"

Yusuke dropped the rocks. "Freak," he spat.

"Let's not resort to name calling," Sniper sighed. "My proper name is Kaname Hagari. But my victims call me Sniper,"

He kicked the motorcycle back into gear.

"From now on, you'll never be able to go anywhere without looking over your shoulder. Enjoy living in fear, Yusuke. While you still can!"

With a final smile, Sniper sped off.

"Hey, get back here!" Yusuke started running. "You don't scare me!"

Too late. He was already gone.

Shizuru slowly opened her eyes to see most of her friends standing over her in relief. Genkai, Koenma, Kurama, Keiko, Botan and Sakura…

"Welcome back," Genkai smiled.

Shizuru sat up. "What about Kazuma?" she asked urgently.

Kurama looked down. "I'm afraid he has been captured by Sensui and his men,"

Shizuru closed her eyes and took a deep breath. The pain she felt was obvious to everyone.

"I'm sorry," Kurama sighed. "We made a valiant effort, but could not stop them,"

Sakura ran a hand through her hair. Her eyes were still red from crying. "Shizuru. I'm so, so sorry. I should've -"

"Don't beat yourself up over it," Shizuru said immediately. "If I hadn't been standing under falling debris, I could've warned all of you that Kazuma was the one they wanted this whole time,"

Sakura looked down so nobody could see her eyes welling up again. She forced herself to breathe. Kurama put a hand on her back.

Kura, stay with me.

"But why is Kuwabara on everybody's A-list now?" Koenma wondered out loud. "Not that I'm jealous,"

"Because of what he can do," Mitari's voice chimed in. "Sensui needs him to carry out the plan,"

Everyone turned to him. Mitari was sitting in the corner, facing the wall. Only his eye was visible.

"Kuwabara's a lot stronger. A lot more important than any of you seem to give him credit for. After all, he beat me. And in that fight he awakened a new power. The power to cut down territories and psychic barriers. The very power Mr Sensui was seeking,"

Mitari glanced around to nod at Sakura. "You know what I'm talking about, Miss Urameshi. You saw it too,"

Sakura's throat tightened, but she nodded back. Now that Mitari had explained, it was all too obvious. That sword from last night had definitely felt different. She'd just never realised how different in the midst of the chaos.

How did I miss that? Her eyes started stinging again.

"You're killing me!" Koenma breathed. "If Kuwabara can do that, and they've got him… they can crack the Kekkai barrier we raised to seal off the demon world. Then all hell will break loose, literally. There'll be nothing stopping the A-Class or - heaven forbid - S-class demons from destroying mankind,"

Sakura's head started spinning again, and she sat down heavily on the bed.

Oh God…this is bad. This is REALLY bad…no, come on Sakura. Get a grip. There's no time to panic!

"I trust Yusuke with a lot these days," Genkai said grimly. "But not this,"

Kurama's face hardened. "Then we must come to his aid,"

"If we can find him," Genkai growled.

Sakura looked up. "Leave that to me. As long as he's not in a territory, I should be able to track him down,"

Kurama frowned. "Can you connect with Yusuke's mind from such a distance?"

"Depends how far away he is. Even if I can't now, I should be able to as we get closer,"

"Good," Genkai gave her a small, encouraging smile. "We'll round up Kaito and Yana while we're at it. Keiko, Shizuru. You stay here in case Yusuke comes back looking for us,"

"What about me?" Mitari asked unexpectedly. "Is there anything I can help you do?"

There was silence as Kurama considered the boy for a moment.

"You should search your soul for the answer to that," he said at last. "You are free to go with us, or you are free to be our foe. But if you choose the latter, the next time we meet I'll show you no mercy. You must choose what you believe, and make your stand,"

"Let's go," Genkai was the first to leave. Everyone started filing out of the apartment behind her.

At the end of the hall, Kurama paused and took Sakura aside. "Kura, are you sure you're alright?"

She took a deep, shuddering breath and nodded. "I'm really sorry about that. I was doing so well…"

"You are doing well," Kurama corrected. "It's been a considerable amount of time since I saw you have a panic attack of such severity. And you were able to pull out of it much faster than you could before. Don't forget how far you've come,"

Sakura touched the pendant around her neck. It calmed her. "That's true. I guess I can thank Genkai for that as well as my…oh…"

Her eyes widened, and she flushed slightly. "I just realised. I haven't taken my medication today,"

Kurama was already making a move to her room. "That would explain a few things. I'll go get it,"

"Hey, lovebirds!" Genkai called. "Get a move on!"

Sakura nudged Kurama towards the door. "Go on, I'll meet you downstairs in a minute,"

"My love, I'm not leaving you,"

"No, really," Sakura insisted. "It'll only take a second, assuming my room is still intact. And…" she glanced towards Yusuke's room. "There's something I need to ask Mitari before we go,"

Kurama was hesitant. He looked down at her, trying to decide what to do. Even if all the psychics were gone, he didn't want to leave her alone.

Then again, he still needed to ask Koenma if he'd gotten any news from Spirit World about Haruki. They needed to know for sure before storming the cave. Sakura needed to know, but in the right way if they were looking at a worst-case scenario.

If she hears Haruki's name, she might panic again. That wouldn't help anyone.

"Quickly now," Kurama said quietly while kissing her forehead. "We cannot afford to delay,"

Sakura smiled at him. "I'll be right there, promise,"

It's time.

Haruki pulled out of the connection. He'd seen enough to know that this was it. The moment he'd been waiting for had finally arrived.

Sensui had told him exactly what to do. They'd gone over the plan countless times. And thanks to his reconnaissance the night before, he'd already mapped the route out in his mind.

Haruki took one more moment to remember the words Sensui had spoken after the hospital…

"She's certainly no human, as you suspected," Sensui's face was solemn. "I cannot be sure what Miss Urameshi is, but it seems that she herself is also unaware of her origins,"

Haruki gasped. "Mr Sensui, what do you mean?"

"I mean that her true self has been masked somehow. She doesn't remember. I suspect the Spirit Fox is responsible,"

Haruki ground his teeth together. "The Spirit Fox?!"

It wouldn't be surprising. The fox demon was cunning, ruthless. But how was he ever going to get answers from her now?

Sensui smiled at his minion. He seemed to know what the boy was thinking.

"You'll have to be the one to enlighten her. Perhaps being closer to the tunnel's epicentre will help,"

Haruki reached into his pocket to ensure the canister was ready to be used at a moment's notice. It was primed, so now he just had to let his body take over for the next few minutes.

As he prepared to move, Haruki's heart was full of excitement and determination. Sensui was right. He was the only one who could open Sakura's eyes to the truth.

Remember the plan. In and out in ten seconds.

Mitari was left on the floor in Yusuke's room. He couldn't stop shaking. "Oh God…what am I supposed to do with this?"

"How about you pretend for a second that you're a man," Shizuru snapped. "And hurry it up,"

Mitari stared at her.

"Make your choice," Shizuru went on. "Are we that bad?"

Before Mitari could answer, someone else had reappeared.

"Kura? What is it?" Keiko asked.

Sakura bit her lip. "I just… wondered. Mitari, were you the one who told Shizuru that Sensui wanted Kuwabara?"

The boy swallowed. "Yes," he whispered.

"I see," Sakura carefully approached and knelt down in front of him. "Interesting. I think you've underestimated yourself. A lot,"

Mitari blinked. "What do you mean?"

"You tried to save Kuwabara, even though you knew what Sensui was capable of,"

For the first time that day, Sakura smiled in spite of herself.

"Call me crazy, but someone who really hated all humans, who actually wanted them gone, wouldn't have done that. I think you're a lot stronger than you realise,"

Kurama stood still. He could hear everything from the hallway.

Mitari's mouth fell open. "I…"

He hesitated. Sakura could see the gears and levers shifting while he made up his mind.

At last, Mitari looked up at her with a new resolve. "Miss Urameshi, I think I know what I want to do,"

"Hey, none of that," Sakura shuddered slightly. "Only teachers and enemies call me Miss Urameshi. I really prefer Kura,"

He nodded and reached for his hoodie. "Ok, Miss Kura,"

Keiko tugged at her arm. "Kura, everyone's waiting. You don't have much time,"

Sakura took a breath. "You're right, but there's something I need to do first,"

"What's that?" Shizuru asked around her cigarette.

"My meds," Sakura whispered. She looked a little embarrassed. "Just realised I didn't take them this morning. Probably why I got so worked up,"

Keiko nodded. "I'll get you some water,"

"No, I've got it," Sakura said quickly. "Could you do something else? Grab a clean shirt for Yusuke and take it down to Botan. If I know my brother, he'll need it once we meet up,"

Keiko giggled. "Sure,"

Sakura stepped out into the now-empty hallway and took a moment to compose herself before walking over to her own room.

My meds should still be in the drawer… I should probably grab a jacket too.

Her hand froze on the doorknob. She felt afraid.

Whatever you find in there, you can handle it. She told herself firmly. Kuwabara needs you. Hurry!

She pushed open the door and looked at the damage within.

By now, the others had made it outside the apartment.

"Koenma," Kurama muttered so only the prince could hear. "Has there been any word from Spirit World on that matter we discussed,"

Koenma checked his communication mirror. "Should be any minute now. They were making progress when I left a few hours ago,"

Kurama shook his head. "I'm not sure we can afford to wait much longer,"

"I know, and I agree. But first…" Koenma looked up "Which way are we supposed to go?"

"Beats me," Genkai sighed. "Until Sakura joins us, we have no idea which way Yusuke went,"

"Wait up!"

They all looked to see Mitari stumbling down the stairs after them. He was panting from the effort, and still looked very shaken.

"Please wait for me!" he pleaded. "Or is it too late for me now to come along with you guys?"

A hand was extended towards him. "It's never too late to reform one's ways. Trust me," Kurama smiled. "Welcome to our team,"

Mitari took his hand gratefully. "Miss Kura said she'll be here in a second,"

Kurama glanced back at Koenma. "Actually, there's something I needed to ask you…something very important,"

Yusuke pushed through the trees until he came to a clearing. He stopped running and looked around, straining his ears for any sound.

Where are you, Sniper?

Silence.

He's around here somewhere. I can feel his eyes on me.

A sudden screeching made Yusuke jump. He whipped around, but it was just a flock of birds flying away.

Yusuke gritted his teeth. His heart rate hadn't slowed much.

"STUPID BIRDS!"

This was ridiculous. How was he supposed to fight against someone he couldn't see?

"Where's Kura when you need her?" Yusuke groaned. The image of her face as he'd shoved her away floated into his head. It made his insides twist. It was his own fault that Sakura wasn't with him. He'd made her stay behind.

At least she's with Kurama. He'll keep her safe.

The anger inside Yusuke was reaching boiling point. He looked up at the sky and shouted out his fury for the world to hear.

"Show your face, you big son of a bitch!"

No answer. Yusuke stormed off in another direction. He couldn't wait to get his hands around Sniper's throat.

Yusuke had been right about one thing. There were eyes on him. Three of them.

"Hmm…"

From high in the treetops, a small figure was watching the scene with a mix of scorn and entertainment.

The boy is truly a fool.

Hiei shook his head and went to follow, out of sight.

It wasn't as bad as Yusuke's room, but the sight still caused a pang in Sakura's heart. The walls were cracked, the window was broken, and a number of her belongings had been scattered over the floor in the blast.

Sakura went to her nightstand and retrieved the pill bottle inside. Her hands shook as she opened the lid. She swallowed the tablet and washed it down with the water bottle that she always kept in the drawer.

You'll feel better in a few minutes. Now get your jacket and head outside.

Her heart was still pounding. She took another deep breath and looked around towards her closet. The door had slid open, but it seemed most of that side of the room was reasonably intact. Even so, there was glass everywhere.

Sakura picked her way across the room. She wanted her most comfortable hoodie. It would help settle her while the medicine kicked in.

It was halfway off the hanger. Sakura reached out to take it when she heard soft footsteps behind her.

"Yeah, I know, Keiko. I'm coming," Sakura said wearily while pulling the sweater on. But instead of a reply, the door quietly closed, followed by the clicking of a lock.

"It's been a long time, Sakura,"

She slowly turned around.

Mitari got to his feet. "What is it, Mr Kurama?"

"It's best to bring it up now, before Kura gets here," Kurama said slowly. "We know the names of Sensui's team, but there's one member we aren't sure of. Kura fought him at Mushiyori Hospital, but never saw his face,"

Mitari's grateful smile faded into fear. "It wasn't me, if that's what you mean. It was Ghost,"

"I know it wasn't you," Kurama shook his head. "But what can you tell me about him?"

Mitari straightened up. "I don't know much. He was Sensui's first recruit, but he didn't really interact with us. Mr Haruki was supposed to be working on the final defenses,"

"Haruki?" Kurama's voice was alarmed. "You're certain his name is Haruki?!"

Koenma froze. His communication device had just begun to sound a warning signal. Spirit World must have finished going through the records.

Mitari nodded. "That's right. Why?"

"What did he look like?" Genkai asked sharply.

Koenma took one look at the words flashing on the tiny screen and felt his blood go cold.

RECORDS CHECKED THOROUGHLY. SOUL NEVER PASSED THROUGH THE GATE OF JUDGEMENT.

Koenma locked eyes with Kurama. "You were right,"

"He's tall," Mitari stammered. This sudden panic from everyone was disconcerting. "Brown hair, has a serious scar above his eye,"

Kurama's heart stopped. "Kura!"

Without another word, he spun around and raced up the stairs two at a time. Koenma hurried after him.

The apartment door was now in eyesight, but Kurama felt nothing except panic flooding through him. He'd been correct.

Haruki was alive. He was working with Sensui. And Sakura was all alone…

A terrified scream split the air in two. "Kurama! Help!"

No!

He was still a hundred metres away from his flower. "Kura!" he shouted. "I'm coming!"

Kurama heard a deafening bang, followed by Keiko's hysterical cries and the shattering of glass. He burst through the front door and sprinted down the hallway. He had to get to her, he had to stop this from happening…

"Kurama, it's Kura! I can't get in there!" Keiko frantically pounded at Sakura's door. Puu was flapping around, shrieking incessantly.

Kurama didn't waste time in kicking the locked door open. Thick clouds of white mist engulfed everything. He held up his arm to shield his face while Koenma started coughing.

"Kura?!" Keiko went to run inside. "Kura, where are you?"

Kurama flung out his other arm to stop her. "Stay back!"

He couldn't be sure what this smoke was, but it seemed to be clearing quite rapidly. Within seconds, he could see why. The window had been smashed to pieces, along with the mirror. There was no sign of anyone in the room.

Sakura was gone.

"No! NO!" Keiko cried out. "KURA!"

Koenma recovered from his coughing fit long enough to realise what had happened. "Oh my God, Sakura!"

Tyres screeched outside the building. Kurama ran to the broken window in time to see a black car speeding out of sight. His heart constricted. There was no way he could catch up to it.

"This can't be happening…" Keiko's voice was little more than a choked whisper. She knelt down to pick something up. Sakura's treasured Hiruseki pendant was lying on the ground amongst the shards of glass. The chain was broken, as if it had been carelessly torn from her neck.

Kurama noticed the fresh drops of blood beside it, and gritted his teeth. Even without confirmation, he knew exactly who was behind this. The utter rage spreading throughout his body was paralysing.

Haruki…you will not live long enough to regret what you've done.

"Oh no… please don't tell me…" a voice pleaded from the door. It was Botan. She'd arrived along with the others.

Keiko looked at her friend with tears pouring down her face. "Botan…"

She couldn't say anything more. All Keiko could manage to do was hold out the broken necklace, and Botan dissolved into sobs as well.

"Kurama, look..." Koenma's face was pale. He was pointing to a folded piece of paper on Sakura's bed. "I... I think it's for you,"

It was indeed addressed to him. Kurama unfolded the note. He read the words, and crushed the paper in his hands as they started to shake.

Too slow, Spirit Fox.

A.N. About halfway through writing Book One, I began to map out the Dark Tournament saga. Because I'm a very audio-visual oriented person, I started by imagining Team Urameshi arriving on the island. In my head, I saw an image of Sakura and Yusuke standing in the ring with Sakyo and Toguro watching from the VIP box. But behind Sakyo, I saw something else. A muscular demon with scruffy brown hair and a scar on his face, glaring down at Sakura. This was followed by an image of Sakura recognising him later in the Chapter Black saga.

That image was burned into my mind. I had to know who he was. And that's how Haruki appeared. His actions might be unforgivable, but he is truly a gift of a character, and I'm so grateful he shared his story with me.

From here, we're in a very complex part of the story. And unfortunately, I'm going to need to give myself more time to write the next few chapters. I'm sorry to make you all wait, but I've literally lost sleep while trying to get this chapter out, and I can't keep that up indefinitely.

Chapter 20 will be published by November 28. I will do my utmost to have it out by the 17th, especially because I know you'll all be extremely worried about what will happen next.

In the meantime, you can help me write by leaving a review, and making sure you follow/favourite. We'll see you in the next installment.

Next chapter: The journey to Demon's Door Cave