A.N. Are you all ready for the final push? I know I am, and we're here with a HUGE chapter, so let's go!
Princess Kakashi287: Good question. Raizen's followers have been instructed to observe out of sight, and only intervene if necessary. Bare minimum, too. Lots of different options for that. We'll have to see which one!
Ghost of Magic: Lol. I'm going to go with hair, because Raizen doesn't have sleeves.
Hina714: Oooh, Haruki seeing Raizen face to face in his last moments...wouldn't that be something? I hear you, Haruki's past may explain his behaviour but it does not justify it. I'm so ready to finish Chapter Black, and I'm crazy excited for the explosive stuff I have planned. Enjoy!
Karina Guardian: Prisoner of Azkaban is definitely my favourite book in the series. I struggle with Order of the Phoenix because of Sirius and because I hate Umbridge more than any character I've ever read. I wanted her dead more than Voldemort. But Deathly Hallows? Oh boy, Fred Weasley almost ended me. I will never get over that one.
B Martinez: Enjoy!
Keyword LF: We're here! I know it's been a long hard slog but we're about to get the payoff. Thanks for that beautiful compliment, it made me cry.
I've got some ideas for original fiction novels as well. Hopefully I can get to work on them soon.
Have fun everybody. See you on the other side!
Chapter 43: The Atavism
Kurama, Hiei and Kuwabara charged at Sensui, who made no move or attempt to defend himself. Even outnumbered and with their power levels exploding, he had nothing to fear.
"This is not something I usually do, fighting opponents who I know have no chance of beating me. But I'm making an exception for you, to offer some modicum of peace that you at least tried to avenge your friend's death before your own."
His seikoki flared, and the boys were forced back. They couldn't get close like this. But Kuwabara shielded his face and stood his ground.
"Oh come on now! Is that supposed to impress us?"
He ran forward again to start the fight, but Sensui's power ignited. The sheer force pitched Kuwabara head over heels, and they were all blinded by the light.
In trepidation, they waited. What was Sensui up to now?
The light flickered out, and he was revealed in full armour, complete with a helmet.
"Sacred Energy Armour!" Sensui said.
Privately, the boys couldn't help thinking that the design could've used some work. He looked like a 70s cosplay gone wrong. But that was beside the point.
"Am I the only one not doing a costume change?" Kuwabara muttered.
"The great thing about this armour is that it not only strengthens my defences, but boosts my offence as well," Sensui crowed. "You can't stand up to me. I'm a living breathing sentient tank!"
Kurama grinned and said, "Well, I think you might want to consider spinning your turret around."
Sensui did, and there was Hiei, powering up. The fury and grief exploded out of him with the force of a bomb while he gathered all his energy.
He concentrated on his right arm where the dragon lay in wait. Rings of black ki snapped and crackled like electric currents, and with an almighty yell, the beast emerged and spiralled into the air.
"The Dragon? Another one?!" Kuwabara gasped.
Kurama watched the display in awe and grim understanding.
This may be the first time Hiei has ever been willing to die for anyone but himself.
The Black Dragon opened its mouth and crashed down on Hiei from above. Once the dust cleared, he was revealed, Jagan eye open and glowing. The dragon's power had infused his entire body.
Hiei let out a roar, and set upon Sensui in a blinding rage. Punch after punch after punch bounced harmlessly off that armour, and Sensui took it all with that infuriating smile. At least, until he retaliated with a ki-powered blow of his own, and followed up with a kick that sent Hiei flying across the battlefield.
Kurama and Kuwabara launched themselves at Sensui next.
"You're just adding more debts to your tab!" Kuwabara shouted.
Kurama clenched his fist as deadly tendrils wrapped around it. Light blazed in Kuwabara's hand.
"The Binding Fist of the Demonic Vine!"
"And I think you know this sword!"
Kuwabara reached Sensui first and slashed his blade. But this time, Sensui didn't stand there and take it. He straight-up dodged the sword. Before Kuwabara could even attempt another strike, Kurama swooped down from behind.
Sensui spun around, and at the same time, Kurama did too. Sensui had unleashed a new attack; some kind of ki tornado that engulfed Kurama and whirled him around with unbridled power.
"Twisted Twister!"
Sensui smirked at the sight and sent three energy shards that sliced deep gashes all over Kurama's body. Blood streamed and he hit the ground hard.
"KURAMA!" Kuwabara shouted.
BAM!
Sensui's foot swung out of nowhere, straight into Kuwabara's stomach. As soon as he keeled over, Hiei hurled himself forward again.
"Now you are really starting to piss me off!"
Sensui crouched, ready to attack, but Hiei vanished. For a second, all that could be heard was the distant commotion at the portal.
Then Hiei appeared from thin air, sword alight and directed at Sensui's neck. With a loud yell, he connected with the target.
Nothing happened.
Sensui gave another smile, then casually kicked Hiei aside. He collided with the ground hard enough to send debris flying as he hurtled backwards to join his friends.
In the silence, all three of them got up as much as they could, and Kuwabara voiced what they were all thinking.
"Sensui really is invincible now."
"Nothing worse than being strong, but not strong enough," Sensui taunted. "It only prolongs the inevitable conclusion. But be sure…this will be your inevitable conclusion no matter how long it takes us to reach it."
Kurama, Hiei and Kuwabara shot death stares at him. But there was no denying it. They had him outnumbered, but he had the three of them overpowered. Their utter hatred for Sensui was burning hotter than ever, but it didn't matter. Hate alone would not suffice, as much as they wanted it to.
This was one foe they might not be able to defeat, but they'd sooner die than give up. Not with everything they were fighting for. Revenge for the unspeakable abuse that Sakura had endured. Ending Haruki, who was still racing towards the fight. And Yusuke's dead body, lying on the cave floor with his dying wish hanging over them.
But with victory seeming unreachable, it looked as though they'd be joining him soon.
The door to the throne room swung shut behind Botan. She was shaking a little. Could this crisis get any worse? Would the SDF be able to make a difference against Sensui? And what did Enma's cryptic words mean?
"My son made a very grave error when he recruited that Spirit Detective."
If he wasn't referring to Sensui, he had to mean Yusuke. But why?
"If only we had known earlier. The mage must have concealed it."
The mage Enma spoke of could only mean Master Shinsuke. But he'd hardly had anything to do with Yusuke. So…did that mean Sakura was somehow included in this? Botan didn't know, but she gripped her oar tightly and started towards the nearest exit.
I have to get back there.
Even if she couldn't help, she needed to be with the others. She had to be…
Botan turned the corner. The exit was in sight when she heard someone call her name.
"Botan, you're back!"
Botan's head whipped around. "Ayame? What are you doing there?"
Ayame looked around to ensure they were alone before waving Botan into the standby room.
"I heard the sirens. What's happening?"
"King Enma just sent the SDF out," Botan said. "He said it was the only option."
Ayame winced. She might still be in training, but everyone in Spirit World knew that the SDF meant things were dire.
"You're not normally in the standby room," Botan said. "Why are you here? Did you have an upcoming mission?"
Ayame hesitated. She looked around again and spoke in a low whisper. "Koenma has a…contingency plan for one of Sensui's men. A last resort. If I get the signal, I'm to carry out the order immediately."
"Contingency plan? What do you mean?"
"I can't give the details; I've been sworn to secrecy, but…it's big, Botan. Absolutely crazy. There's never been an operation like this before. Never."
Botan frowned. "Koenma wouldn't take drastic measures unless he thought it would help."
"I know, Botan. He said it would only be used if absolutely necessary. But it's so, so dangerous. A lot could go wrong and if it does…"
"Hopefully, it won't come to that," Botan said. "But if it does, I know you'll do the right thing."
She turned to go.
"Wait!" Ayame caught her arm. "Where are you going?"
"Back to the cave. The fight is still going on."
"But Botan, you can't, it's not safe!"
"I have to," Botan's eyes sparkled with tears. "I might not be able to do anything, but I can't just stay here and wait."
She crossed to the door and took a final look at Ayame.
"Good luck, Ayame. I believe in you."
She left, and Ayame stood there, wondering what was going to happen.
Just then, her communication mirror beeped.
Is this it?
With shaking hands, Ayame answered. "Koenma, sir. What do you need?"
"Ayame, the situation has deteriorated." Koenma muttered. He'd walked a safe distance so Sakura wouldn't have to listen to the call. "Yusuke is…he's gone."
"What? Sir, how?!"
"Sensui killed him," Koenma sighed. "And to make matters worse, the tunnel is open, and so is the Kekkai barrier."
"No…no, that can't be!"
"Unfortunately, yes. Does my father know about this?"
"Yes, I believe so. Botan just left the throne room. She's on her way back to the Living World now."
"Right," Koenma said. "Well, that's something. Now listen carefully -"
"Lord Koenma, there's something you should know. Your father has sent for -"
"Whatever my father has done, I don't have time to worry about it," Koenma said, cutting her off. "I need you to listen, Ayame. This is more important."
"Of course."
Koenma closed his eyes. "The rest of the Spirit Detective Squad has chased Sensui and one of his only remaining minions into the Demon Realm. Once I take care of Yusuke's sister, I'm going after them."
Ayame gasped. "But Lord Koenma, that's beyond dangerous!"
"I know, but I'm going." Koenma said flatly. "As for the contingency plan, there's a chance that I might need to move the location to Demon World instead of this cave."
She stared at him. "Demon World? Is that even possible?"
"Yes, but again, it's high risk and only a last resort. Stay on standby until you either hear the signal, or an official word from me that the plan is off. Understood?"
"I do, sir." Ayame still looked a little dazed. "Good luck. Everything is ready to go on your command. I'll be here, waiting."
"Thank you Ayame."
They hung up, and Koenma made his way back to the twins. The sight of them made his chest ache.
Mitari was kneeling beside them, but Sakura still hadn't moved. She simply lay there, arms locked protectively around her brother. Guarding him.
It was such a lonely tableau. So utterly tragic.
But they weren't out of danger yet. Not at all. Koenma stole another glance at the tunnel with eyes full of apprehension.
We're running out of time.
It seemed quiet, and he couldn't sense anything approaching. But that didn't mean much. Haruki could suppress his power, and if he managed to escape the boys, he'd return. He'd take Sakura with little resistance.
There might only be a small window of opportunity here. A short time to get her to safety. He knew they had to go, and they had to go now. But something was stopping him. Something was wrong.
Yusuke's ghost hasn't appeared. Why?
"Puu? Puu!"
Keiko kept shaking him, calling his name over and over, but the little soul beast remained motionless.
"What's the matter with him? Why won't he wake up?"
Shizuru examined Puu closely. She didn't trust herself to say anything at this point.
"He's cold," Keiko said. "But…if that's really true…then Yusuke is…!"
"That's not what it means!" Shizuru said quickly. "I…I'm sure he's just fine!"
Then they paused. Light started emanating from Puu's body. Soft at first, but then brighter and brighter until he was encased in a bubble of light. Keiko's grip tightened as he began rising into the air.
"What's happening?" Keiko gasped.
Puu's silent body pulled up and up, as if drawn by invisible magnets. He slipped further from Keiko's hand until she could only hold him in her fingertips.
"He's moving on his own. I..I can't hold onto him much longer!" Keiko cried. "Don't go away, Puu! I can't…lose you too!"
It was no use. Puu's body floated high out of reach. "NO!" Keiko sobbed.
Shizuru looked up at him, then back at Keiko. "How tough can it be to trail him?"
Hand in hand, they sped off.
It should've happened by now.
Koenma could no longer push the thought away as he knelt beside the twins again. Sakura still hadn't moved or uttered a sound, but that wasn't what confused Koenma.
He forced himself to look over Yusuke's body, though it was difficult with Sakura lying across his chest.
No sign of it at all. What's going on?
He didn't know.
Unless…
Could it be? Was there actually a chance, a small chance, that hope wasn't lost?
Even in his mind, Koenma knew how it sounded. But still. He had to be absolutely sure. And there was only one way to check.
Koenma motioned for Mitari's attention, then took a deep breath and said, "Sakura?"
No answer.
"Listen, do you think you could just move aside and let me look for a moment?"
Sakura lifted her head by about three centimetres and glared at Koenma through the gap in her bangs. Koenma recoiled. He might as well be facing a sabre-toothed tiger protecting her cubs.
"I promise I'm not going to do anything to him, alright?" Koenma said gently. "I just want to check something. That's all."
She lowered her gaze, hesitating.
"Please, Sakura? It'll only take a second."
She paused for one more moment, then slowly shifted aside.
"Thank you." Koenma put his ear to Yusuke's chest and listened intently.
"Miss Kura?" Mitari said. He reached over to give her hand a comforting squeeze, but the moment his fingers brushed hers, she flinched. Mitari immediately pulled back.
Stupid. That was stupid of me. After what Mr Haruki's done…and we don't know the half of it…
Koenma finally sat upright and frowned. "I don't get it."
"He's too young to be dead." Mitari murmured.
"No, what I mean is that even though his heart's stopped, his ghost has yet to rise out of him."
Sakura looked up again.
"And that's not…normal?" Mitari asked.
Koenma nodded. "It usually emerges immediately, and the last time Yusuke died his ghost popped right out of him."
Mitari's eyes widened, and without thinking, he exclaimed, "Wait, if he's come back before, maybe he's not really dead!"
Koenma winced as Sakura's body went rigid.
"No. Trust me kid, he's dead as a doornail. His soul is just MIA."
For the first time since being pulled from the lake, Sakura finally spoke.
"Stop," she choked out. "Please, I can't…I can't bear it…"
With another quiet sob, she threw Koenma's red cloak off her and collapsed on her brother's chest once more.
Koenma picked up his cloak and put it on in silence. "Sakura…"
She shook her head. She didn't want to hear anything they had to say. It wouldn't make a difference.
Why? Her soul cried out. Why did you have to take him from me?
Yusuke was gone, Kurama and her cherished friends had chased Sensui into the Demon World, and powerful demons that her power had called were bound to arrive any second.
What am I supposed to do now?
If Kurama didn't come back…if Kuwabara and Hiei were killed…she'd have nothing left. Nobody.
Koenma and Mitari watched, helpless in the face of her grief. They had to do something, say something. They had to…
But just as Koenma opened his mouth again, a sudden spike of energy caught his attention.
"Hmm?"
It wasn't coming from the tunnel. And that meant it had to be from the outside.
Blinding white light streaked into the giant cavern, right over their heads. Sakura didn't even react, but Koenma and Mitari watched the light come to rest in front of the portal before separating into individual beams.
"Do you think that could be Mr Urameshi's ghost?" Mitari asked.
But Koenma knew it wasn't.
One by one, the beams of light touched down and nine people emerged. They each wore the same grey and blue uniform, decorated with gold lines running around a red circle. They stared up at the pulsating tunnel entrance, stone-faced and silent.
"Who are these people?" Mitari asked. "Are they on our side?"
"They're called the Spirit World Special Defense Force," Koenma said. This must have been what Ayame wanted to tell him. "They're the best of the best, and Spirit World's last line of defence. My father only calls upon them in the most desperate of situations, and I guess this hole qualifies. He depends on them unequivocally to get the job done. Which means my father has given up faith in my ability to do so."
Infuriating as that was, Koenma couldn't help feeling some sense of relief at this arrival. They might be late, very late, but they were nothing if not efficient.
As if to prove this, the man at the head of the group immediately began barking orders.
"I need three of you to start sealing up this hole right now. Saito, Sorai, Oho, how long will that take you?"
Black haired Saito stepped forward. "Sir, with the three of us working together, it should take at least ten days."
"You've got a week. Is that understood?"
"Yes, sir!"
"That's what I like to hear," the Captain said. "Now get on with it."
Without another word, the three selected SDF members flew over to the lake edge and started surging their aura at the tunnel.
The Captain eyed them for a few seconds, then turned back to the rest of his team and said, "As long as that hole is open, anybody can get out. Ryohi, Rinbai, Shunjun. Kill anything that passes through."
"Sir! Of course, sir."
The next trio soared through the tunnel, towards the Kekkai barrier.
Now only three SDF soldiers remained. The captain nodded at his two subordinates and they in turn started making a beeline for the small group huddled around Yusuke's body.
Koenma didn't seem worried, but Mitari felt a shiver go down his spine as he looked at them. None of their faces were friendly.
I'm getting a bad feeling from these guys.
Maybe it was the sheer intensity of their presence, maybe it was their decidedly cold aura. Whatever it was, the alarm bells started ringing, and Mitari stepped in front of Sakura.
I'll keep her safe, Mr Kurama. Like I promised.
Kuwabara struggled to his knees, still glaring at Sensui. "So…anyone got an idea?"
Sensui eyed all three of his opponents with a smirk, but there was a hint of what looked like genuine pity.
"I'm sorry you feel so much dedication to your misguided cause. It pains me, for your hearts are noble," he said. "I used to be a pawn, like all of you. It's not too late to save yourselves."
"You know, I gave up worrying about dying a long time ago, Sensui," Kuwabara hissed. "And I care even less about the pain it's gonna involve getting there, as long as I take your hide with me when I go! So you better be ready to meet your doom!"
With tremendous effort, the Jigen-tou materialised again and the battle resumed.
Kuwabara descended on the enemy first, sword raised for a killing stroke. Sensui phased out of sight while the Jigen-tou brought destruction to the earth. Kuwabara looked up just in time to see Sensui's spin kick aimed at his face.
BAM!
While Kuwabara stumbled from the hit to the jaw, Sensui landed on the ground and socked him again.
One fighter down, two to go.
Kurama came at him from above again, whip swinging and face alive with pure rage.
"Why waste this on me, Kurama?"
Sensui easily caught the whip in his hand and yanked Kurama closer.
"Best to save what little strength you have. That is…if you want any chance of saving the girl from Haruki."
Kurama hissed just as Sensui dealt a heavy blow to his stomach.
Only one left.
Hiei was almost upon him, and Sensui moved swiftly. He slammed Kurama into the ground and swung the rose whip straight for Hiei. It curled around the black ki weapon he wielded and pulled tight.
"Damn it!" Hiei said as he too went down.
Koenma stepped forward as the SDF leader approached. "Captain Ootake."
"Koenma, sir," the Captain bowed. "Are you alright? Are you hurt?"
"Yes, but I'll mend."
"You can leave this to us," Ootake said. "Return to Spirit World at once, where you can recuperate."
"I'm not going anywhere," Koenma said immediately. "This is my mess, and I'm going to clean it up."
"Forgive me Your Highness, but I'm afraid that I must insist, for King Enma has declared this a state of martial law. Meaning, for now, my jurisdiction supersedes yours. I'm sorry about this, sir."
"I know what martial law is, Captain. I'm no idiot. But you are if you think for a second I'm going to back off without a fight."
"If you refuse to vacate, you'll have to witness something very painful." Ootake said.
Koenma paused. "Are you…threatening me now, Captain?"
"Not at all, sir. But in any event, King Enma has ordered you to return."
Mitari couldn't take his eyes off the soldiers looming behind Ootake. They had yet to say a word, but they seemed to be peering behind Mitari. Towards Yusuke and Sakura.
The taller of the two squinted slightly, then said, "Captain?"
"What is it, Hiroshi?"
"Look sir, it's both of them."
"The Urameshi twins," Ootake's gaze flitted over them. "So, the girl lives. Just as well."
Mitari's eyes flashed with suspicion. The words might be harmless enough, but Ootake's underlying tone spelled danger.
What are they up to?
"Yes," Koenma swallowed. "Yusuke is…beyond help, but as you can see, Sakura has been severely injured. So, you two?" he nodded at Hiroshi and the as-yet-unnamed soldier behind Ootake. "Make yourselves useful and get her out of here immediately. Take her to Botan, or Master Genkai. They should still be outside."
The SDF didn't make a single move to obey Koenma's order. Sakura didn't move either.
"I believe Prince Koenma is right, sir," Hiroshi said. "The girl is definitely in poor condition. What shall we do?"
Ootake took another careful step towards the twins and looked them over while stroking his moustache. Sakura hadn't made a single indication that she'd even noticed the new arrivals. The only thing she did was tighten her hold on Yusuke's body.
"Hmm…we should deal with her first. Koshinuke, do you have it?"
The shorter soldier nodded and produced something from his pocket. Both Mitari and Koenma gasped. The soldier now held a device with a long needle at the end and sickly yellow fluid inside.
"Stop! What in the world is that?" Koenma asked.
"It's merely a mild analeptic, Your Highness," Ootake said. "It won't last long, but it should partially counteract her condition and ensure she's alert for interrogation."
That word made Sakura tense up. With obvious effort, she looked over her shoulder at Ootake, only to shrink back in fear when she saw the needle.
"Interrogation?!" Koenma repeated. "What for?"
"This girl is responsible for calling the S-Class demons from the pits of Demon World, is she not? Such treachery cannot go unpunished."
"What?!" Koenma and Mitari said together. Sakura's eyes widened.
"Are you crazy?" Koenma demanded. "That wasn't her fault; she was kidnapped!"
"Miss Kura didn't want to call the demons! Mr Itsuki invaded her mind and forced her to!" Mitari snapped.
"She shouldn't have allowed it to happen in the first place!" Ootake shot back. "As the only remaining student of the great Master Shinsuke, she should have-"
"Didn't you hear what I said?" Koenma glared. "It wasn't her fault. Sensui abducted Sakura and brought her here for the purpose of hijacking her power. She put up a ferocious resistance against him for hours!"
"Exactly!" Mitari said. "Take one look at her. You think she got all those injuries because she was jumping up and down to help them?! It's insane!"
"Regardless of your opinion, we must take the girl to Spirit World for further questioning." Ootake said. "The great King Enma will decide her fate."
"No," Sakura whispered. She'd gone even whiter than before, which only threw her battered physique into greater relief. "No, I won't-"
"That's not happening!" Mitari said fiercely as he took a protective stance. "You're not taking her anywhere!"
Ootake scowled at him for a moment before nodding at his minions. "You know what to do."
Koshinuke aimed his hand at Mitari and said, "Hey Goldilocks. Get out of the way!"
Mitari had no intention of moving, but the SDF didn't give him a chance either way. Koshinuke's energy attack hit him square in the chest and sent him flying.
Sakura slapped a hand to her mouth in horror. "Mitari!"
"Stop! He's just a kid!" Koenma yelled.
"It's necessary, sir," Ootake said. "Koshinuke. Hiroshi. As discussed."
"Yes, sir!"
The pair marched over to Sakura. "Come, girl. Sit up."
Mitari raised himself from the ground in fury. "Don't you touch her!"
"No!" Sakura began. "No, not again, not more drugs-"
Ignoring her protests, Hiroshi held her steady while Koshinuke prepared the injection.
"Stop!" Sakura cried. "Please, stop it! I don't want-!"
SMACK!
Koenma knocked the device from Koshinuke's hand. "What do you think you're doing?! Get away from her!"
The SDF looked like they wanted to argue, but under Koenma's livid face, they released Sakura and backed off.
"Koenma," Sakura trembled all over. This was too much. "Don't let them. I can't…I can't take this anymore…"
"It's ok Sakura, just stay right there." Koenma said, stepping in front of her himself. "Captain, this is disgraceful. Sakura has done nothing wrong!"
"Your Highness, as I told you, King Enma has authorised me to-"
"I don't care!" Koenma rounded on Ootake. "Talk straight, Ootake. What's this really about?!"
"No-one will stand in the way of our mission," Ootake said. "We must kill Detective Urameshi."
"What?!" Koenma gasped. But Yusuke was already dead!
"I…I don't understand," Sakura whimpered. "Wh-what's going on? What are you saying?"
"Silence, girl!" Hiroshi growled. "You're in enough trouble as it is!"
"Ootake, explain yourself!" Koenma ordered.
"Very well." Ootake closed his eyes and began to recount what Enma had told him.
*~*~*
"Your High Majesty, King Enma, sir…I'm not certain I understand your orders."
"I'm authorising all acts done by necessity in defence of the commonwealth of the Living World," Enma said from his great height. "Your prime objective is to terminate Yusuke Urameshi."
"Pardon my impudence sir, but doesn't Detective Urameshi fight for our side? And win? In fact, his track record is most impressive. For a human, that is."
"Oh, but that's where you are wrong. He has the half-breed's blood coursing through his veins."
"A real half-breed?" Ootake gasped. "No!"
"I'm afraid so." Enma said gravely. "I trust that answers your question?"
"Yes, but…if you'll permit me sir, I have one more. Doesn't the detective have a sister? A twin? What about her?"
Enma didn't answer for a moment, or change facial expressions. "She must be brought in for interrogation, alive and unspoiled," he said at last. "I have questions only she can answer."
*~*~*
"Spirit Detective Yusuke Urameshi is a direct descendant of the Mazoku." Ootake said.
Koenma's mouth hung open. "You're…out of your mind!"
How long have we been running for?
Keiko couldn't even guess. She and Shizuru kept moving forward, one foot in front of the other as they chased the floating creature through the city. Thankfully, the streets were almost deserted thanks to the explosion, so the girls didn't encounter any obstacles or curious onlookers during their mad dash. Where was Puu going? And why?!
"This way!" Shizuru called. Keiko followed her into the alleyway, past upturned bins and wire fencing, and when they burst onto the main road, the girls skidded to a halt.
Puu was now levitating in mid air, still inside that strange flickering bubble.
"He's finally come to a stop." Shizuru said.
"But why would he stop here?" Keiko asked.
They soon found out, for just then the soft light surrounding Puu began to blaze brighter than the sun.
An ear splitting frequency filled their ears and a huge wave of energy swept over everything in the vicinity. Keiko and Shizuru shielded themselves from the sight. What in the world was going on?
The light died out, and while the girls blinked to help their eyes adjust again, they heard another unworldly screech and a giant shadow loomed over them.
Keiko and Shizuru looked up just in time to see the massive creature flapping away.
Keiko was utterly speechless. Was that Puu just now? But this doesn't make any sense!
"Now that's something you don't see every day." Shizuru muttered.
Keiko stared after the creature. "Yusuke…"
For a moment, Koenma was too stunned and outraged to speak.
"That is a vile accusation!" he breathed. "And to level it in front of his corpse? His twin?! It's ridiculous! Their mother may act like a monster, but their parents are human! I had an ogre do a background check."
"True. As were his grandparents and great-grandparents," Ootake agreed. "But if you continue back much further…"
Koenma went chalk white. "The atavism…of the Mazoku…" he whispered.
"That's affirmative, sir. As you know, only A-class demons and higher can genetically reproduce with humans. It's through that rare phenomenon that we think Urameshi inherited his demon blood. And if we're right, which by all signs we are, he's a genetic time bomb just waiting to trigger."
Sakura's head started spinning from the implications.
She'd heard of an atavism once in science class, where a genetic trait could reemerge after skipping several generations, but demon blood? That didn't make any sense!
This can't be right. It can't be! How could that even be possible?! We…no, this has to be a mistake…
Koenma looked like he'd been smacked in the face with a brick, but Ootake was far from finished.
"The Mazoku can deliberately transmit its DNA recessively until it reaches an heir strong enough to succeed it, creating a Demon Sleeper," he said. "However, demons that mated with humans mainly did so out of curiosity, so it's unlikely they saw this as a way to destroy humanity from within. Demons have even been known to fall in love with humans, but this is very rare. Regardless, the demon progenitor's identity was well hidden."
Disgust filled Ootake's voice as he continued.
"The first time Urameshi died, he wasn't strong enough to awaken the beast within him, which is why he came back as a human when you revived him. Inadvertently though, through his training as a Spirit Detective, we've…amended that deficiency. Now there's nothing to stop that Mazoku gene from rearing its ugly head, except for us. And if King Enma hadn't detected trace amounts of the same Demon Energy shooting out from Urameshi and the tunnel…well, we could have defeated one rogue Spirit Detective only to give rise to another, more powerful one. Thank goodness we arrived in time to prevent it."
Koenma looked at the twins, apparently dazed. But the look of utter shock on Sakura's face must've roused something in Koenma, because he found his tongue again.
"Yusuke is one thing, but…what about Sakura?"
Ootake glowered at Sakura and said, "If they were identical twins, there would be no question of it, but as such, there is uncertainty over whether fraternal twins can possess the same Mazoku gene. There could be a dangerous mutation where she is concerned, as female Mazoku demons are…virtually non-existent."
"You're wrong," Sakura said. "You're wrong about this…about him…"
"You'd be wise to hold your tongue, girl!" Ootake snapped. He turned back to Koenma and kept talking about Sakura like she wasn't even there.
"It's possible she was spared from that contamination. But should the Mazoku gene exist inside the girl, there's a chance we can suppress it completely. Another reason we must take her into custody. Further testing will determine what she is."
Terror shot through Sakura. This can't be happening…it just can't be!
"Hold on!" Koenma said. "Is my father certain about this?"
"Yes. Forty-four generations ago, before the Kekkai separated the Living and Demon Worlds, that's when the Mazoku planted the seed of evil that's now ready to bloom within him. Which is why we must destroy his corpse!"
"You'll have to do it over my dead body!"
Everyone turned around. Mitari had risen, clutching his injured arm, ablaze with anger as he made his way over.
"You should all be ashamed of yourselves. Insinuating that he's a monster, or a traitor, or anything other than what he really is: a hero. Who do you think he's been fighting for? Who do you think he selflessly gave his life for? And this is how you reward him?! It doesn't matter what's in your blood. All that matters is what's inside your heart! The same goes for Miss Kura. And if you think for a second I'll let you touch her after what she's been through-!"
Koshinuke appeared behind Mitari. Before anyone could react, he'd shocked Mitari so violently that the boy fell unconscious.
"Yeah, like we're going to trust you as a good choice of character," Koshinuke sneered. "We know all about the last Spirit Detective you got involved with. And as far as I'm concerned, you're still an enemy of this mission."
"Mitari, no! Get your hands off him!" Sakura cried. Koshinuke ignored her and dragged Mitari off to the side.
"Get your men in check, Captain!" Koenma snapped. "I know the severity of the situation. That's why cooler heads must prevail. And regardless of your thug's opinion, Mr Mitari has proven himself an honourable ally of my Spirit Detective outfit! And as for Yusuke…if what you're saying is true, it's my fault for missing it. I won't let him suffer for that. Or Sakura. You're not touching either of them. What's more, Kuwabara and the others who've worked alongside Yusuke are still in the Demon Realm with Sensui. Are you just going to seal the tunnel up and leave them there?!"
"You don't get to decide that, Your Highness," Ootake said. "Our mission is clear: Yusuke Urameshi must be eliminated."
"Fuck you."
If Koenma hadn't seen Sakura's mouth move, he might not have believed his ears. He didn't think she even knew such language.
Ootake's eyes narrowed. "What did you just say to me?"
"I said fuck you, shithead," Sakura spat. "I don't care if you're captain of this force. I don't care if you're king of the human race. What right do you have, prancing in here and playing the big hero now?"
Ootake went red with anger. "You…how dare you!"
"Don't give me that!" Sakura shouted. "How come you've never shown up before?! Where've you been, on Mars?"
The Hiruseki stone around Sakura's neck began to vibrate as she got to her feet.
"Where were you when we were fighting for our lives in the Dark Tournament, asshole? What about when the Saint Beasts invaded? The Netherworld?"
Ootake's face grew redder and redder; he looked like he was being filled with boiling water. But there was no stopping Sakura now. She was on a roll.
"Why didn't you show up when we faced Rando, or Toguro?" she yelled. "And where the hell have you been all this time while Sensui was carving out the tunnel?! Were you taking a nap, or does King Enma just pull you out of his stupid ass when he feels like it?"
"Half-breed wench!" Hiroshi snarled. "You dare question the great King Enma?!"
"Absolutely, and he can go fuck himself too as far as I'm concerned," Sakura said before glancing over at the prince. "Sorry, Koenma. I know he's your dad and all, but fuck him."
If Koenma was offended, he made no indication of it. He was too busy staring at her in utter disbelief.
Sakura's pendant glowed brighter. Every pulse of the stone seemed to both calm and strengthen her.
"Demon heritage, human heritage, whatever. I don't care what you think we are, and I could give even less of a damn what you do to me, but I won't let you touch my brother. If you try, I'll kill you myself!"
Ootake surged forward and seized Sakura's wrist as if he meant to break it.
"Treasonous half-breed snake! You will pay dearly for that!"
Sakura gave him the filthiest look she could manage. "Go fuck yourself."
SMACK!
Ootake slapped Sakura's face with all his might and she fell backwards onto the ground. He raised his hand for another hit when Koenma ran over and grabbed his shoulder.
"Captain, STOP!" Koenma pulled Ootake to face him. "You're not laying another hand on Sakura! She's helped the Living and Spirit Worlds as much as Yusuke. And after the ordeal she's been through? I won't allow any more harm to come to her. We will find another solution, Captain, because that is what civilised people do-!"
"Forgive me, sir."
Ootake put a hand on Koenma's torso and shocked him with another electric current. Koenma's face screwed up in pain, and he too collapsed like Mitari.
"Koenma!" Sakura cried. "What did you do to him?!"
"This is treason…" Koenma mumbled.
Ootake started dragging Koenma out of the way. "As a leader, I'm sure you appreciate the difficult choices I have to make. But this is in the best interest of the Living World."
As soon as Koenma was propped up against the stone wall, Ootake pointed at Hiroshi and Koshinuke, then Sakura.
"Control this girl and take her into custody!"
"Yes, sir!"
The SDF soldiers converged on Sakura. She threw herself on top of Yusuke again, shielding him from further harm.
Hands seized Sakura and started pulling. "Get off him, girl. You're coming with us!"
"No, NO! I won't let you!"
Sakura clung to Yusuke's body with all her remaining strength, determined to fight them to the very end.
"Stop resisting, you brat! You're only making it worse for yourself!"
"She's stronger than I thought. Hey, Koshinuke, her shoulder! Get her shoulder!"
Whatever Koshinuke did, Sakura screamed in agony as the ki bullet wound in her shoulder spasmed with pain. Her grip slackened, and that was all the SDF needed to haul her off Yusuke. They dragged her back along the ground, but Sakura did not go quietly.
"Let go of me! Let GO! Yusuke!"
"Shut up!" Koshinuke pulled Sakura up by the hair and slapped her again. "Stupid girl…just you wait til interrogation…wait til I get my hands on you…"
Sakura spat at him and hissed, "Fuck you!"
Koshinuke bared his teeth. Sakura was bracing herself for the next blow when Hiroshi spoke sharply.
"Captain, look at Urameshi. He's glowing!"
Sakura gasped. It was true. Her brother was levitating about a foot off the ground, his whole body illuminated in a familiar red light.
Yusuke? What is this?!
"No, it's time!" Ootake shouted. "That's not Spirit Energy he's emitting - it's Demon Energy. The transformation has begun!"
Every SDF member in the cave snapped to attention. Those working on the tunnel stopped and hurried over. Koshinuke threw Sakura at Hiroshi and flew over to assist.
Four pairs of hands raised, aiming at Yusuke's floating body.
"NO!" Sakura screamed. "NO! GET AWAY FROM HIM!"
"FIRE!" Ootake roared.
The ground began shaking. An otherworldly screech sounded from above and something huge, something obscured in shadow, broke through the ceiling.
"Oh my…!" Sakura choked. What was that thing? And why did she have the strangest sense that she'd seen it somewhere before?
The SDF looked up in a panic. "We're gonna die!" Koshinuke wailed.
"Stop pissing your pants and FIRE!" Ootake bellowed.
The SDF composed themselves and obeyed. A shower of deadly ki attacks hurtled towards Yusuke.
"NO!" Sakura shrieked. The arms holding her back steeled. She wasn't going anywhere.
Another screech sounded. The mysterious creature floated to the ground and covered Yusuke's body with massive wings.
"KEEP ON FIRING!"
Bang bang bang bang bang!
They converged on the creature and pelted it with deadly ki waves until it was obscured in light. Blast after blast fired out of the SDF's hands. Trying to break through. Determined to obliterate Yusuke's corpse.
"STOP IT!" Koema shouted.
The final threads of Sakura's control snapped. Her vision went white with rage and her body turned numb.
She'd truly had enough. Being kidnapped and terrorised, the beatings and abuse, having her mind invaded, watching her twin die, all this talk of atavisms and demons, and now the SDF waltzing in to destroy Yusuke's body? It was the last straw.
"That's right. He's gone, so now you better hold still," Hiroshi hissed in Sakura's ear. "Prince Koenma won't stop me this time…"
Sakura barely heard him, and she hardly even flinched when he pricked her with the needle.
I'm not doing this. I won't let this happen. Not again.
Sakura's pendant turned a traffic-stopping red, and she could have sworn the white-haired stranger flashed before her eyes…
"YUSUKE!"
With that almighty scream, bright gold and red flames exploded from all over her body.
The needle ripped out of Sakura's arm as Hiroshi went flying, waving his hands as if he'd been burned. He hit the wall and slid to the ground. Beside him, the injector was still three-quarters full. He hadn't managed to administer the complete dose.
Sakura got up. She had no idea what just happened and quite honestly she didn't care. She was barely conscious of her legs moving. Running towards Yusuke. He was the only thing that mattered.
The cartoon birds flapping around Hiroshi were almost visible as he sat up. He shook his head a few times and shouted over the commotion, "Look out! The girl's energy, it's awakening!"
Nobody responded. They just kept firing. Again and again and again and again until there was nothing left to give.
Sakura pushed past the SDF soldiers, screaming for her brother, when her vision blurred and she collapsed in a heap.
Her pendant had stopped glowing.
"No…no…"
More ki blasts streaked over her spinning head. That momentary burst of power had been just that: momentary.
This isn't right.
Couldn't they just let Yusuke rest in peace? Didn't he deserve any dignity after what he'd done for the world?
Kurama, where are you? I can't…I'm not strong enough…
The bombardment of energy attacks finally ceased. In the silence, they waited for the dust and smoke to settle.
At last, a familiar voice rang out. "Puu, that's enough. I'm alright."
Sakura raised her head slightly. She'd know that voice anywhere.
The dust cleared, and out stepped none other than Yusuke, whole and undamaged. Beside him, a gigantic blue bird with a tuft of black hair and long yellow beak waited happily.
"Man, you people sure know how to make a guy feel welcome." Yusuke said.
Everyone stared, some with horror, some with amazement.
Tears filled Sakura's eyes. Yusuke…?! Is this…is this a dream?
"We're…too late," Ootake breathed. "The Mazoku is alive!"
"Puu! Puu!" The bird chirped and leaned down to nuzzle Yusuke.
"Hey there, little buddy," Yusuke petted him with a tiny smile. "You've grown since I last saw you."
Wait…that's Puu?! This has to be a dream!
Logically, it would seem that way. But Sakura knew this was real, since she had seen that winged beast before. Just once, when Yusuke powered up at the Dark Tournament against Toguro. That colossal being that had emerged and flapped around the stadium was Yusuke's true self. She'd always known that.
"Ya know, even though I was dead I could still hear some of what you guys were saying," Yusuke said. "So then…I'm some kind of evil vicious monster!"
His face split into a hideous grin.
"My teachers have been saying that for years. I just thought it was a figure of speech."
The SDF took a step back. Yusuke strode forward and flared his new demon ki. The powerful red wave lit up the whole cave and even Sakura had to shield her face.
"You see, Koenma sir? How strong his Demon Energy is?" Ootake said.
"No…not Yusuke!" Koenma whispered.
Sakura raised herself up a little higher. This was insane. Absolutely bonkers. The evidence from all her senses must be lying.
The SDF had completely lost all traces of their pride and stoicism. They were absolutely wetting themselves in Yusuke's presence.
"Your Supreme Evilness, I'm your humble servant! Please allow me to do whatever it is you desire!" Koshinuke squeaked.
"Thanks, weakling. But for what I desire, I don't need any help," Yusuke smirked. "For what I desire…is ending the world and everyone in it. For I am the mighty Mazoku, lord of evil!"
Sakura looked at Yusuke in disbelief while he continued.
"And now, after hibernating for more than a thousand years, I will finally reveal my true form."
Yusuke threw back his head and roared with insane laughter. The entire SDF turned and ran for their lives like frightened rabbits.
"PSYCH!" Yusuke pulled a ridiculous face and burst out laughing. "Damn, you guys are gullible!"
The SDF paused mid run and fell over, which made Yusuke laugh harder.
Sakura couldn't help it. Tears of relief and joy streamed down her face as she too broke into laughter. She'd known Yusuke's monologue was all an act. This was priceless.
"Hey Koenma?" Yusuke asked once he'd recovered. "You didn't really think I'd turned bad, right?"
"I…well, no…" Koenma stammered.
"You…idiot…" Sakura managed to say. "You just…couldn't resist a joke…"
Yusuke looked towards his twin with a smile. "Nope, never!"
She grinned back. "Yusuke…"
He made his way over and knelt in front of her. "Hey there Squirt. Sorry I scared you."
"Is this real?" she whispered. "You're back?"
"Sure looks like it."
"Good, but if you die again, I'll kill you."
Yusuke chuckled. "Fair enough."
More tears fell as she threw her arms around him. "Yusuke…I'm so glad…so glad you're ok…"
"Shhh, it's ok, Kura. It's gonna be alright." He gently moved her back and brushed the hair from her face. "How'd you get all wet?"
"Don't remember, but I'm guessing I fell in the lake or something."
"Sounds about right," Yusuke said, but his smile faded. Sakura's injuries looked even worse, and from the way she leaned against him, he could feel how weakened she still was.
"You'll be ok," he said, trying to sound more confident than he felt. "Can you stand?"
Sakura gripped his arm as he helped her up. "Yusuke, listen…Kurama…the others…they went…after Sensui…"
"Yeah, I heard. But it's fine; I'm gonna - Kura?!"
She swayed backwards. He caught her just in time.
"Sorry," Sakura whispered. "I'm…so dizzy."
"No kidding," Yusuke muttered. His worried face said it all. "Let's get you out of here, ok?"
"No," Sakura protested. "I want to…come."
"Not a chance, you damn brat." Still supporting his sister, Yusuke glanced to the right and said, "Hey Koenma, can you make sure she gets out safely? Take her to see Grandma or Botan, they should be able to -"
"Out of the question!"
Sakura forced her eyes open. Hiroshi, the SDF soldier who'd injected her moments ago, staggered forward. He pointed an accusing finger and shouted, "The girl…that half-breed…Demon Energy. I felt it. I saw it with my own eyes!"
"What?!" another SDF soldier shouted. "How? She hasn't died or been resurrected! We don't even know if she is a Mazoku."
"I don't understand it either," Hiroshi growled. "But it's happened. She has to be contained!"
Yusuke lowered Sakura to the ground and straightened up. "Try it, pal. You just try it and see what happens."
"You don't scare me!" Hiroshi leapt forward and his hand closed around Sakura's arm.
BAM!
Yusuke socked him square in the face. "Hands to yourself, asshole!"
Hiroshi's eyes bulged. "What…is this?!"
He never got an answer, for Yusuke quite calmly picked him up with one hand and hurled him through the air and into the wall. Hiroshi crashed into the stone, leaving an impressive indentation before he plunged straight into the lake with a spectacular splash.
Jaws dropped around the room. Except for Sakura.
"Nice one." She whispered.
"Thanks," Yusuke dusted off his hands. "Anyway, I better push off to Demon World. Sensui gave me a death sentence as a gift, and I'd be a jerk if I didn't return the favour. Plus, there's a certain scarred freakazoid I need to pay back as well."
"But you can't go anywhere, you have to be quarantined!" Ootake said.
"You even think about stopping me and I'll bite off your head, moustache and all!"
Ootake flinched, but that sneer soon returned.
"I knew you couldn't hide your true character," he hissed. "You've transformed into a demon menace!"
Yusuke rolled his eyes. "Look jerk, gimme a break; it's called a running joke. I'm the same: Yusuke Urameshi, fearless protector of the good stuff with a healthy kick of nastiness and a general hate for authority. And nothing as trivial as a violent death or a few drops of demon blood mixed in with mine is going to keep me from helping out my friends in saving the world, and kicking the bad guy's ass!"
Koenma burst out laughing; it sounded like a mix of relief and amusement. He got to his feet.
"Hold on, I'm coming with you!"
Ootake seized his arm. "But sir! You would be disobeying a direct order from King Enma! Besides, this hostile beast-!"
SMACK!
Yusuke planted his foot right in Ootake's stupid face. "Pass this to King Enma for me!"
Ootake fell flat on his back. The SDF rushed to him.
"Sir!"
"Captain?"
"Are you alright?"
Koenma chuckled. "You should really wash your feet more often, Yusuke."
"Try living with him sometime." Sakura smiled.
"Real funny, you damn brat." Yusuke glared, but she saw he was trying not to laugh.
"Alright, let's go." Koenma said.
"You can't come; I told you to take care of Kura. Look at her, she needs Botan or whoever…"
"I told you…" Sakura coughed. "I want to…come."
Yusuke opened his mouth to tell her in no uncertain terms that she wasn't coming, when Koenma's hand fell on his shoulder.
"She'll be a lot safer with us, Yusuke. Think about it."
Yusuke looked from Koenma, to the SDF and back to Sakura. As much as he hated to admit it, Koenma was right.
"...Fine," he relented. "But you're not fighting. Period."
"Not much…chance of that." she chuckled weakly.
"I'm serious, Kura. It's not happening. You hear me?"
Sakura's smile faded when she saw Yusuke's uncharacteristically stern expression. Instead, she nodded.
"Loud and…clear."
"Good." Yusuke said. "Come on, Squirt."
He scooped her up and hurried over to where Puu waited.
"Puu! Puu!"
"Hey there, cutie," Sakura whispered. "You're all grown up."
Puu chirped happily and nuzzled her neck. Yusuke sprang up onto Puu's back and Koenma followed.
"Koenma, I've tried to save you." Ootake called.
"You can tell King Daddy that," Koenma grinned. "And that he can disown me or fire me or put me up for adoption!"
Yusuke put Sakura down and had just made sure she was secure when something caught his eye. He looked over to see Mitari slumped against the wall, unconscious.
"Mitari, we'll come back for you soon," he promised. "Let's go to Demon World, Puu!"
With an ear splitting screech, Puu reared back and took flight. Sakura gripped onto his feathery coat and closed her eyes while they soared upwards and right through the portal.
That was insane.
So, they were descended from the Mazoku. Whatever that was. But like Ootake said, there was a chance she didn't possess the necessary genes…
That guard said he felt my demon energy awakening. Was that what exploded out of me when they were shooting at Yusuke?
Probably. But that had only lasted a second and she felt weaker than ever now. So maybe it wasn't? Maybe it was just the hysteria from seeing what they were doing to her brother? Either way, it was gone.
Now what?
As if on cue, the white haired stranger flashed across her vision, and she remembered his words.
"I'm part of you. I've always been a part of you."
A shiver went down Sakura's spine. Those words took on a whole new meaning now. Whoever the stranger was, he must be a demon. He must have something to do with all this. He had to.
Wait…if I'm really half demon, then…Haruki, he was…
She pushed the thought away. She couldn't afford to think like that now. This wasn't over. Not by a long shot. And after everything Haruki had done…
Later, Sakura. Later. You have to focus. Stay in survival mode just a little bit longer. You have to be strong. Just a little longer…
But how much longer could she keep this up?
"Sakura? You ok?"
She opened her eyes. They were travelling through a bizarre passage. Darkness and strange luminescent lines surrounded them, and Koenma was looking at her with guilt written all over his face.
"Sakura, how are you feeling?" he asked.
Too many thoughts and fears whirled around in Sakura's mind. There was no way to voice them properly, so all she could do was give a simple, honest answer.
"Absolutely…awful. But don't worry…about that for now. Koenma, the SDF…that soldier, I think he…injected me with something."
"Oh God," Koenma examined her arm where the syringe had been ripped out. "They said it was an analeptic. A restorative."
"It might have been…" Sakura mumbled. "But I don't…think it…was."
Koenma didn't have much power left, but he flared it anyway and pushed it through Sakura's body. She shuddered, and Koenma immediately stopped.
"Whatever it is, he didn't give you much," he said after a moment. "I don't think we need to worry. Botan or Genkai will know something to fix it, ok?"
Sakura went to nod when more spasms of agony shot through her body. She couldn't prevent a tiny whimper of pain.
"Kura?!" Yusuke was at her side in a flash. "Kura, what is it?"
Tears filled her eyes again. Every bruise, every cut and every mark on her body burned. "It hurts, Yusuke."
"I know," he murmured. "But you're safe now, ok? We're gonna look after you."
Safe? No, she wasn't safe. She wasn't going to be ok. How could she even know this was real? What if it was just a dream? Maybe she'd awaken and find herself still tied up in Haruki's den, watching and waiting and hoping that Kurama would come through the door. She might still be watching the ghastly images of Chapter Black and simply lost her mind…
She buried her head in Puu's feathers. Yusuke reached out to rub her back, but she flinched at his touch.
Yusuke drew back and bit his lip. What the hell did that freak do to her?
He'd never find out now. All he could do was remind her of his presence and make sure she was protected. And above all else, make her captors pay.
"You'll be alright." Yusuke murmured, and faced towards their destination again. His enemy was waiting on the other side.
I'm not alright. I'm not.
Sakura's breathing picked up. Her heart raced. She couldn't stand it, she couldn't handle this nightmare for another second…
Stop. Remember what you learned. You can handle this moment.
Sakura pressed her face deeper into Puu's feathers, trying to breathe, trying to hold herself together…
Kurama.
She needed him. Sure, there were serious things they would have to discuss in time, but right now all Sakura wanted was the feel of his strong arms around her. She needed his gentle voice and calming presence. His steady breathing. His warmth and kindness. His beautiful face. She needed to feel him hold her close, say how much he loved her and how he'd never let anyone hurt her again…
Of course, that all depended on whether he was still alive.
Don't, Sakura. Don't think that way. You can't. You mustn't. He's alive. He has to be.
She couldn't bear the alternative. If Haruki had hurt him, or anyone else…
Haruki.
The thought of him sent waves of terror throughout Sakura's body. Where was he now? Had he been destroyed?
"Koenma?"
"Yes?"
"Haruki." Sakura coughed. "Where did he…go?"
"Don't you remember what Mitari said?" Koenma asked. "They forced him through the barrier. But I doubt he's dead."
He's not. I know it.
Haruki was still out there in the Demon Realm, determined to have his way, determined to take her for himself. A monster bent on his mission, a lunatic who'd caused her nothing but pain. It was literally painted all over her body.
But no matter what he'd done, Sakura just could not shake the image of that five year old boy crying alone in a cage covered with talisman cards. The little boy who'd made that fairy garden for Sora, who'd trained every night with Kenji and fought Toguro so their friends might have a chance to survive.
Haruki…
A strange emotion flickered across Sakura's features. Koenma couldn't figure out what it was, but now, he knew what needed to happen. What he had to do.
She's been through hell thanks to Haruki. We can't let that monster live through today. And if my contingency plan is the only way to stop him, so be it.
"Look, you really should rest," Koenma said. "Don't worry about anything. We'll handle it."
Sakura nodded once and closed her eyes again.
She was tired. So very, very tired. And scared. She was so scared of what might be in store for them when they reached Demon World, confused after learning about the Mazoku connection, and terrified of what that could mean.
It's ok, Sakura. You're not alone anymore. You can do this.
She didn't know what would happen next, but she knew one thing. Yusuke was by her side again. The two of them, each one half of a whole, standing together against the world. And for this one precious moment, it was enough.
"Now Yusuke…you do understand there's a good chance we won't be able to go back." Koenma said.
"Yeah, shut up; I can't worry about that now. Remind me after we've beaten Sensui."
Koenma couldn't help laughing again. "You are as irrational as ever."
"Ha! Like I'm gonna give that up. It's the only thing that makes this job any fun!" Yusuke retorted. "Come on, Puu! Faster!"
Puu screeched and the surroundings blurred from the speed. Yusuke looked ahead, eyes and heart full of determination.
I'm coming for you, Sensui.
A.N. :D
Only a few chapters left and a lot to resolve before we wrap up Book 3. The twists and turns are just going to keep coming and I can't wait to share it with you all.
Just a quick FYI, I've had to make the decision to moderate all guest reviews for a while. That means I have to approve all reviews/comments before they're posted. I hoped it wouldn't come to this but in light of some recent incidents I didn't feel there was another choice.
Either way, I'm dying to hear your thoughts on this chapter and what you think might happen next! So let me know.
Chapter 44 is coming soon. Until then, stay safe, stay awesome, and we'll see you next time!
Rosentic xx