A.N. I'll be listening for the screeches from all over the world while you read ;) Good luck!
Remiko Okami: Yes, it was a surprise to me when I heard about the other three too. It's sad that we never got to see most of Sensui's personalities but it is what it is. Just gives us fan fic writers more freedom, I suppose.
Hina714: TBH, I was worried the last chapter was kinda boring but I guess I was wrong! It was such a relief to see Kurama and Sakura together again but like you said, there's so much to unpack. Hope you find this chapter epic. I listened to a crazy amount of Demon Slayer music while writing it.
starrat/guest/B Martinez: hope you enjoy!
Black Dragon 42: there's many more cute moments to come, I assure you. And I hope you don't mind but I giggled at the image of you being scared while reading. It's happened to me plenty of times.
Ghost of Magic: You're making me cry!
Keyword LF: Oh boy, get ready for THAT awesomeness. I teared up writing their reunion too. I hated every minute of Sakura's captivity. It was horrid to write, but vital.
I got some writing advice from theatre school that I've sworn by ever since: "if something is well written, no character is completely right." Sensui's words having a grain of truth in them makes it more hard hitting.
You've got excellent questions, and I'm eager to give you the answers as we go along. Enjoy!
Chapter 45: It Ends Here
What just happened?
Sakura wasn't entirely sure. The world around her was muted, and her voice seemed to have frozen in place. She had no understanding of time or space, nothing except the sensation of falling down, down, down.
She heard the screams and yells of her friends in the distance, and with no way to know what was happening to them, her only choice was to resign to the fact that she was almost certainly falling alone.
It's not your fault, Kurama.
Even with all his strength, there was no way Kurama could have prevented this. Yusuke and Sensui's battle was far and away above any ability he or the others possessed.
Don't worry, Kurama. It'll be ok. I'll find my way back to you this time.
Assuming, of course, that she could survive this fall.
Yusuke managed to get one hit that momentarily paralysed Sensui, just long enough so he could see what had happened. The aura cyclone from the battle had torn his friends apart and they were flying in all directions. Some in pairs, some alone, and he couldn't tell which was which from here.
"Damn it!"
BAM!
The blow to his jaw told Yusuke that the fight was not even close to being over. He had to continue, for there was nothing he could do for his friends or his twin.
I gotta trust them. They can take care of themselves, and her.
"We're gonna die!!!" Kuwabara wailed. He, Koenma and Hiei had flown off to the right, over the dense forest, and they were all just metres from crashing through the treetops into the hard ground. Kurama's gliding plant wouldn't save them this time.
At least, that's what they thought until they heard screeching and the rustle of wings.
The trio landed with a thud on something surprisingly soft. As they sat up and regained their senses, they realised that Puu had swooped down and stopped their fall in the nick of time.
"Puu!" Kuwabara spluttered. "Sheesh, you're not messing around."
"Puu! Puu!"
"Is everyone ok?" Koenma rubbed his head as he looked around. Then his face went white.
"Oh no! Where's Kurama? And Sakura?"
Hiei pointed. "Right there."
They looked up. Apparently, Kurama had regained his balance quite fast from the explosion thanks to his gliding leaf. But Sakura was no longer in his arms.
"Oh crap!" Kuwabara moaned. There was no need to say anything. They all knew.
Kurama was flying again, speeding in the opposite direction. To their horror, the other boys saw Sakura, so far away she was little more than a ragdoll, falling straight towards the forest.
"Oh no, Sakura!" Koenma cried. Yes, Kurama was going as fast as he could, but how in the world could anything get there in time?
Quite simply, they couldn't.
But then…something happened. Something that nobody expected, or could explain.
Sakura's form slowed down, almost to a complete halt, and something swirled around her. No…out of her. Something delicate, something golden, and something definitely not of this world.
Even Kurama froze in shock. Sakura wasn't freefalling anymore, she was gently floating down towards the forest, supported by that strange golden light.
"Wait, what the heck is going on?!" Kuwabara yelled.
Nobody got a second look, for the mysterious sight had disappeared along with Sakura. It was as though she had melted into the treetops.
Kurama roused himself from his shock. He had to move. Even if by some miracle she'd landed safely, that monster was still hunting her. He would not let her be snatched away again. He wouldn't fail her this time. He'd get there first.
With determination in his golden eyes, he soared off.
Kurama, she's beyond the trees, around a mile from the outer forest rim. She appears to be safe for the moment, but Haruki is ten miles away, approaching fast.
Kurama didn't even glance back. Thank you, Hiei.
Go, Kurama. We'll be right behind you.
For a moment, Koenma and Kuwabara seemed too dumbfounded to speak. They just stared after Kurama until he became a mere speck.
"The HELL was that?!" Kuwabara asked. "What was that gold stuff? It can't be her Flame thing; she's too weak for that right now!"
"I…don't know," Koenma said. "It didn't look like demon energy. Or spirit energy."
"Who cares?!" Hiei snapped. "That scarred fool still approaches. And do I need to remind you what it means if he finds her first?"
"Not happening!" Kuwabara growled. "Let's go help!"
"Right," Koenma said. "After them, Puu!"
The beast did not need to be told twice. He reared his head back and with the loudest cry yet, took flight.
In the forest, the three monks stopped in their tracks.
"Hokushin, do you sense it?"
"Hmm…" Hokushin looked up. His eyes narrowed. "Yes. That ki signal…it's just as the king said."
"Are you sure?" Seitei asked. "The one we have been waiting for?"
"I am positive," Hokushin said. "See? That apparition knows it too."
Haruki had also paused below, still quite unaware that he was being followed.
"What is that?"
He concentrated on the ki thread, and when he realised who it belonged to, his face lit up.
She's here!
"That's you, isn't it honey?" he murmured. "Just like I thought. Don't worry, we'll be together soon."
He took off again at top speed and all three monks exchanged a look.
"He is in pursuit of her after all," Touou said. "But why?"
"We may not know the full story," Hokushin fixed his eyes on Haruki's retreating form. "But one thing is clear from his aura: this apparition is a danger, and not just to her."
Seitei paused, then asked, "What are you suggesting, Hokushin?"
"I'm suggesting…that we do what's necessary."
"But the king commanded -"
"The king commanded minimal intervention as necessary. And that is exactly what we shall do."
Come on…get up…
Sakura rolled over and attempted to rise. The landing had been astoundingly gentle, but that didn't mean she was out of trouble yet. The shock alone was enough to make her head spin. Admittedly, the lingering effects of all those sedatives were doing a fine job of that already.
Get up, Sakura. You have to…help…Yusuke…
She got to her hands and knees and managed to crawl, slowly, to the nearest tree.
Kurama…I'll find my way back to you…I promise…
With trembling fingers, she clutched at the rough bark and hauled herself up.
Find…my way…back…
One step. Then two. A third step brought her to another tree.
Keep…moving…
She could hear the battle between Yusuke and Sensui ahead, but it felt much further away through the ringing in her ears.
That's it…don't stop…
Five steps. Six. Then seven. One foot in front of the other until she reached the next tree.
You're doing it.
Sakura's fingers closed around the closest branch when the world started to fade.
"No!" she told herself through gritted teeth. "No, you can't…don't give up…find your way back…"
She wasn't going to stop. Yusuke needed her. They all did. And Kurama? He'd already done more than enough. She was going to do it this time. She would save herself. No more being weak. No more being the easy target…
The Hiruseki pendant started to glow again.
Huh?
Soft pink light, a gentle warmth radiating…Sakura felt some of her strength return, at least enough to reach the next tree.
I feel stronger with Yukina's necklace. How is this possible?
Another question that would have to wait. She had to keep going.
Keep moving forward, Sakura. Come on, you can do it.
There was too much at stake to give up now.
Wait. I hear something.
A strange bang sounded behind Sakura. Faint, but definitely there. And then, a roar that grew louder. And louder. And louder, until it was deafening. It sounded like the Shinkansen heading right for her at maximum speed.
Sakura managed to turn around when a violent force knocked her flat on her face again.
What's that?!
Impossible to say, but it felt like a tornado passing over her very head. Was it from Yusuke, or Sensui? Or worse, had Haruki found her somehow?
No, it's none of them. It's different. I don't recognise it.
If it wasn't Kurama…if it wasn't Yusuke, their friends, or Haruki, then who could it be?
There's no time, Sakura. Hurry!
She heaved herself up again, but the Hiruseki stone's light dimmed.
Stars danced across her vision. Sakura blinked fiercely to hold them at bay.
I have to stay awake. I have to…
She took another step and immediately fell to the ground.
No…no…
Everything was fading again. The sounds of carnage from the fight was growing fainter, and fainter.
You can't, Sakura. Come on, body…come on! Don't pass out again…
With supreme effort, Sakura managed to push herself up slightly, and she saw them. Three silhouettes coming her way.
Her vision was too fuzzy to make anything out. Who could they be? Her friends?
Kurama…I'm coming…back to you. Don't…worry…
The sound of her name being called was the last thing Sakura heard before the darkness overtook her.
Kurama kept going, flying faster and faster while scanning the area for any sign of Sakura. Even if Hiei was correct and she was safe, Haruki was still getting closer by the second.
Where could she be?
They had a rough idea of where she'd fallen, but Hiei might have misjudged it from this distance. And with her energy levels so weakened, finding her exact location would be a challenge. Hopefully, by getting closer he'd be able to narrow the search area…
BOOM!
A colossal explosion illuminated the sky and made Kurama's jaw drop.
Kura!
No…no, that couldn't be near her. Hiei said she was around a mile from the edge. That explosion had to be at least ten miles away. Not that it really mattered; the blast was enormous. Giant trees had been uprooted and others catapulted in different directions. Shockwaves spread far and wide, and Kurama caught sight of Ground Zero. Nothing was left but scorched earth and smoke.
What could have caused that explosion?
Many possibilities, and none that he could worry about right now. He had to get to her.
Then it happened.
Kurama…
He gasped. Kura?!
I'm coming…back to you. Don't…worry…
Kura? Kura! Love, I'm coming. Just stay right there!
She didn't respond. Kurama's heart skipped a beat.
Kura!
Nothing.
Fighting panic, Kurama closed his eyes and concentrated. She was alive, and communicating through telepathy meant she couldn't be far…
Her energy!
It had never been so faint, but it was there. And as Hiei said, she was located about a mile from the outermost rim.
Less than three minutes away from my current position.
He would get there faster than that. Faster than Haruki ever could…
Wait.
Her ki signal was moving again. Specifically, moving towards the forest edge. Towards him.
Kurama concentrated to get a good lock on her position, then quickly flew off again.
Once I'm close enough to the edge, I'll be able to descend.
A gliding leaf would be of little use in such a thick forest. He'd be much faster on foot.
I'm coming, my love.
"She's the one."
"Can you be certain?"
"Yes. Do you not recognise the ki?"
Sakura's eyes opened by about a millimetre. Those three silhouettes were leaning over her. Her vision was too blurred to make out their faces and she didn't recognise their energy. In fact, she had a feeling they might be suppressing their power, because it felt far too low for their overall presence.
Whoever they are, they're not dangerous.
They were talking quickly to each other, but the ringing in her ears drowned out most of the hushed conversation.
"What about…?
"...leave him. I can sense…"
"Is that…Spirit Fox? But…he's dead…how can…?"
"He approaches…no malice…her lover…?"
"...what shall…do? The Spirit Fox…"
"Return…the king…tell…the one we've waited for…"
"...the king commanded…we stay and observe…"
"I…remain…give…my power…"
"...lover…too far?"
"We must assist…take her closer…"
In her half-conscious state, Sakura barely registered being moved until she felt herself practically flying through the forest, closer and closer to Kurama's waiting arms.
But she did notice one more thing. The warmth in her body meant that someone was channelling their power into her. A new kind of power she had never felt before.
What is this?
Just then, one of the strangers spoke. "She's awake."
Sakura blinked, but that did little to refocus her vision, or ease the dizziness she felt.
"What's going…on? Haruki?!"
The man holding her seemed to be smiling as he said, "Don't be afraid, my lady. It's alright."
"I don't…don't…understand, he -"
"The scarred apparition is not here. We…slowed him down."
His voice was deep, reassuring. But he was not the white haired man from her visions. No, this man didn't appear to have any hair.
"Who…are you?" Sakura whispered.
"A friend," he said simply. "Now rest. I've lent you some of my power. It will take effect soon, in case you are needed in the battle -"
"Look, over there! Her companions…"
"...hurry, they're…"
The world was growing dark again.
Stay awake…stay…awake…
Sakura opened her mouth to ask another question when everything went black.
This doesn't make any sense!
Sakura's energy signal was moving fast. Much faster than it should be, given her condition. But it was now close enough for Kurama to descend.
He swooped towards the ground and retracted his gliding plant before he'd come to a complete landing. Without hesitation, he took off running through the forest.
"Kura!" he shouted. "Kura! Can you hear me?"
As expected, there was no reply. But that didn't matter, because he saw something up ahead.
"KURA!"
Kurama covered the fifty metre gap in seconds. There she was, lying sprawled under a tree. No, not sprawled. It looked more like she'd been placed there by someone.
Haruki?
Kurama's eyes darted around. No sign of him, and it was beyond unlikely he'd just leave her here anyway. But there was another scent.
It's a demon scent…no, three separate demons. But none belong to him.
Now certain that they were indeed alone, Kurama turned back to Sakura. "Love? It's me."
She stirred. "Kurama?"
"Yes, my love. I'm here now."
On pure reflex, he tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. She flinched, and he immediately pulled back.
"Kura…"
Her eyes filled with tears. "I'm…I'm sorry…"
"Shhh…it's alright now. You're with me, and I'm going to keep you safe. I promise."
Sakura looked up at him, and for a moment she did not speak. Part of her was afraid to agree in case this really was a dream.
He's real, Sakura. He's in front of you, and you're safe with him.
Sakura closed her eyes, swallowed hard and said, "I know."
The hesitation broke Kurama's heart, but how could he possibly blame her for doubting him?
Take care of her. She needs you.
"That's right, my love. Now…" Kurama quickly checked her over. Aside from the injuries she'd already gotten in the cave, she seemed alright. Nothing new from the fall. An absolute miracle.
"Yusuke…" Sakura murmured. "Get to…Yusuke…"
"Yes, Kura. He's still fighting. Come now, I've got you…"
Kurama carefully picked her up and scanned the area once more.
Nobody there.
Just as well…for their sake.
He turned back to Sakura. "I'm right here, sweetheart," he said. "And I promise you, that I will never let you slip away from me again. Never."
She nodded once before drifting off to sleep.
Kurama exhaled and brought her closer to his chest. No more. She's been through enough. More than enough.
"Hey, Kurama! Up here!"
Puu was hovering above the forest edge with the others on his back. Kuwabara waved madly.
Kurama hurried back out of the trees to meet them at the rim. They'd already jumped off Puu by the time he arrived.
"Oh God, Sakura!" Koenma gasped.
Kuwabara ran over. "Is she ok?"
"Yes," Kurama said. "Just unconscious again. Probably the shock, and all those sedatives."
Hiei's Jagan lit up. "Yes, that's all it is," he said. "She did land safely."
His face was stoic as ever, but Kurama heard the faint relief in his words.
"Thank God," Kuwabara said. "Now come on, we gotta get back to the fight!"
Puu gave another screech. Koenma, Hiei and Kuwabara jumped onto his back. Kurama secured the vines from his flying plant around Sakura's waist and all of them rose into the air.
Haruki struggled to his feet and looked around in shock.
What happened?!
The whole area within a fifteen metre radius had been obliterated. Everything was gone. No trees, no life, nothing except a few smouldering twigs.
BAM!
Haruki looked up quickly. The flashes of light meant Yusuke and Sensui were still locked in their power struggle.
A stray energy blast probably landed here. I must have been knocked out by the explosion.
It was irritating, but there was no time to worry about it. Not when his prize was within reach.
Haruki shook his head a few times and took off at a sprint again.
I know you're here, honey. I felt your energy. It's going to be ok, I'm coming for you.
He and his little porcelain doll would soon be together forever.
Yusuke sprang off the balls of his feet and landed another blow into Sensui's chest. His enemy was thrown backwards and Yusuke was about to go in for more when he heard a familiar voice.
"Urameshi! Urameshi, we're back; it's all good!"
With no movement from Sensui, Yusuke allowed himself to look. His legs buckled with relief.
Oh thank God, they're ok!
His friends were back, they all looked fine, and his precious sister was tucked safely into Kurama's chest -
BAM!
Sensui rammed into him out of nowhere. Yusuke almost fell, but managed to stay upright. He went to retaliate. Sensui blocked him with both arms, and they started shoving against each other while their power exploded. Crackling and blazing, they stared each other down as the ground shattered beneath them.
Kurama bent low over Sakura to shield her from the radiant waves while the other boys backed away as much as they could.
"I wish there was something we could do, Yusuke," Koenma murmured.
Yusuke and Sensui stared each other down, still locked together, both refusing to give in. Until a smirk spread across Sensui's face, and Yusuke knew what was about to happen.
BAM!
Sensui's foot connected with his stomach, and Yusuke went flying across the sand. Over and over he tumbled, each movement throwing up more clouds that obscured him from view.
When the dust parted, Sensui looked around. No sign of Yusuke anywhere, but he was not fooled.
"Come out, Yusuke. I know you're there. It's no use hiding your body from me if you don't take measures to hide that demon energy of yours."
A moment of silence, then the sand behind Sensui shifted and Yusuke emerged from underneath. He looked more than a little sheepish.
"My bad! It was worth a try," he laughed. "Guess I'm still getting used to this whole Demon Energy deal. It's not so easy. But don't you worry, 'cause I'm getting there."
Yusuke rose from the ground, while Sensui gave him a smug, appraising look.
"I said don't worry, not go dumb," Yusuke sighed. "Tell me you're not hatching some elaborate plan."
Sensui tilted his head. "Nothing that you…need be made…privy to."
"Oh come on, share it with the rest of the class!"
"You'll know soon."
"Don't forget," Yusuke said. "I'm working with a short attention span."
It was Sensui's turn to laugh. "You think you're ready?"
"I can't hear!" Kuwabara said. "What d'you think they're talking about now?"
"Who knows?" Hiei said.
"As much as Yusuke's strength and abilities are continuing to evolve before us, I'm concerned about Sensui's dramatic change of demeanour," Kurama muttered.
"That's right," Koenma said, his eyes on both detectives. "Before, fighting was a chore. But now he seems to be enjoying it."
"A weight has been lifted," Kurama continued. "As though this fight is what he's desired all along."
"The joy of a worthy foe. It's what I felt when I fought with Yusuke," Hiei said.
Kuwabara snorted. "That was before. Big deal!"
Yusuke considered Sensui for a moment before flaring his red power once more.
"Are we gonna finish this?"
Sensui's gold seikoki reared up as he said, "Yes…let's."
Kurama tightened his arms around Sakura. This was it. The battle was coming to a decisive conclusion.
"Kurama?"
He looked down. Sakura was staring up at him with eyes full of fear. He hadn't realised she was awake.
"What is it, my love?"
"Down…there," Sakura trembled. "The forest. He's…he's here."
"Huh?" Kuwabara frowned. "What d'you mean?"
He didn't need to wonder for long. Another huge and horribly familiar power reached them all the way up in the air.
Koenma scowled. Hiei's right arm pulsed with energy. Kuwabara's teeth clenched. Without any confirmation, they knew exactly who had just shown up.
Kurama's eyes narrowed as he hissed, "Haruki…"
Likewise, Sensui and Yusuke looked to see him emerge from the trees. A little dishevelled, yes, but more than ready to fight.
"Mr Sensui, I'm here."
Sensui raised a brow, but said nothing.
"Mr Sensui? What do you require of me?"
"Nothing," Sensui said. "I don't need your assistance, or want it."
Haruki's eyes widened. "But sir, I'm ready to fight, I came to -"
"Yeah well, you're gonna have to wait your turn," Yusuke said. "Don't worry though, we're more than ready to take you down, freak."
"You?!" Haruki spluttered. "But you're…you're dead! I saw you!"
"I was. Temporarily. But thanks to my demon blood, I'm back."
Haruki's jaw dropped. "You…you're a demon?!"
"Partly, yeah. What's it to you?"
For a moment, Haruki looked at a loss for words. "Well, how about that? Seems I may have underestimated you. But it doesn't matter, you'll still die here."
"Why don't you shut your trap and stand there like a good boy until we're done here?" Yusuke sighed. "Better yet, go throw yourself into traffic. It's up to you. Either suits me."
"I didn't ask you, detective!" Haruki snapped. "Now where is she?"
Kurama growled.
"None of your business," Yusuke snarled.
"She belongs to me, detective! You have no right to deny me. Where is she?!"
"Well I guess you're about to get a taste of your own medicine, Scarface. Because I'm not telling you a damn thing!"
"She's mine, Spirit Detective. She agreed to be mine. Tell me where she is, now!"
While they shouted at each other, Sakura clutched at Kurama in desperation.
"Kurama, I…I can't, not again…"
"It's alright, my love," Kurama said. "Kuwabara. Hiei."
They snapped to attention and Kurama carefully handed Sakura to them.
"Take her, quickly."
"Wait," Sakura said as Kuwabara immediately lifted her onto Puu's crowded back. "What are you…doing?"
Kurama's eyes flashed. "What he deserves."
"No…" Sakura gasped, though she was struggling to remain conscious. "Kurama, he'll…he said he'd…kill you. All of…you."
"He won't," Kurama said. "I have been waiting for this moment. He will not survive any longer."
"Don't worry, Kura," Kuwabara said. "That freak is so dead."
Sakura looked between them all. "You…don't understand. He's…"
Kurama couldn't help himself. He cupped her face, feeling how she did her best to not wince. "You have nothing to fear, my precious flower. I promise."
Tears filled her eyes. "Come back…to me."
"Always, my love."
From the look in his eyes, Sakura believed him. She nodded.
I love you.
And I love you.
Kurama gave the other boys a long, silent look. "Whatever happens, you must keep her safe."
"Of course," Koenma said.
Hiei gave a single nod. His eyes flared with murderous intent.
"Don't you worry. If he comes near her, we'll rip him to shreds," Kuwabara promised.
"Kurama," Hiei said suddenly. "Destroy him."
Kurama gave a tiny smile. "Before he dies, I will allow all of you to get one blow in."
Sakura gasped, and with one final reassuring smile, Kurama dived towards the ground where Haruki and Yusuke were still trading insults.
They looked up as he swooped over their heads and landed.
"Kurama!" Yusuke grinned. "Figured you'd show up any second."
Haruki's face split into a horrid smile. "There you are, Spirit Fox."
"Leave it to me, Yusuke," Kurama said as he glared at his enemy. "I will deal with this degenerate."
"Go for it, Fox Boy," Yusuke said. "Just make sure you kick his ass for all of us."
"I guarantee that you'll have a chance to get one hit on him before the end," Kurama said, still not shifting his gaze. "But for now, he is mine."
"Mr Sensui," Haruki said. "Seems I'll be taking care of things over here while you finish off the Detective. I trust you'll be satisfied with that?"
"Do as you wish, boy. You are not my problem anymore."
Haruki blinked. "Sir?"
"You heard me," Sensui turned his back in contempt. "I don't care to trouble myself with you and your ridiculous quest for answers any further."
Haruki went white. "Mr Sensui…what are you saying?"
"What do you think?" Yusuke snorted. "We tried to tell you. He doesn't give a damn about you or anyone except himself."
"No," Haruki said. "No… you're wrong. You're wrong!"
"Denial is to be expected in the face of defeat," Kurama said. "But it doesn't matter. You won't have to grapple with the pain of betrayal for long. This is where your life will end."
Haruki bared his teeth. "Is that so, Spirit Fox?"
"Yusuke, shall we continue?" Sensui asked politely. "Indifferent as I am to their squabble, I don't wish to interrupt another's fight."
"Bring it on," Yusuke grinned.
They sprang at each other again, away from the inevitable clash to resume their own.
Kurama and Haruki locked eyes, and at the same moment, began to circle each other.
Punch. Punch. Punch.
The sounds of Sensui and Yusuke reaming each other rang above them, but to Haruki and Kurama, they were the only ones who existed to the other.
"Where is she, Fox?" Haruki growled. "I know my little porcelain doll is here; I sensed her."
"That is none of your concern. She is far beyond your twisted reach."
"She's mine, Spirit Fox. She belongs to me. Give her back right now."
"She belongs to nobody!" Kurama said. "And you will never, never touch her again!"
Punch. Punch. Punch.
Kurama and Haruki kept circling, but a particularly loud crash made them look up. Another energy beam struggle was in progress, and Sensui looked like he was winning. At least, until Yusuke started to force him back.
"Wait…" Haruki said. "There you are!"
He pointed up at the giant winged creature. It was hovering at least three hundred feet in the air, but he could see who was sheltering on it. Hiei, Kuwabara, Koenma, and though they tried to conceal her, he saw Sakura.
"Don't bother, Kuwabara. I can see her perfectly well!" Haruki called. "And once you're all dead, she won't be under your control, and we'll start again. Right, honey? Just like you promised me?"
Sakura squeezed her eyes shut. "No…Haruki, don't…"
"He's not gonna touch you," Kuwabara said through clenched teeth. "We won't let him."
"Don't worry, my little porcelain doll," Haruki simpered. "We'll be together soon."
"Silence!"
Kurama's deadly look sliced into Haruki while they continued in that perfect circle.
"It ends here, you filth. For what you've done to my beloved, I will grant you no mercy."
Haruki smirked. "You're right about one thing, Spirit Fox. It is time to end this for good."
They both stopped circling and everyone knew what was about to happen.
Koenma pulled his communication mirror out and started typing a message.
Koenma: Ayame, the signal will be given any minute now. Bring the contingency plan straight to Demon World the second I tell you.
Ayame: Understood sir. We'll do what we must.
Koenma shoved the mirror away and stared down at the imminent carnage. Neither Haruki nor Kurama would hold back.
When the time comes, I just hope my contingency plan works.
"This is it, Spirit Fox," Haruki was almost salivating. "We will battle on equal grounds, in Demon World, where we both came from, and where you will fall for the last time."
"Tell me, filth," Kurama said quietly, "when did that innocent child from the photograph trade his soul for depravity?"
Haruki gave a furious roar and started to power up. "HE DOESN'T EXIST ANYMORE! NONE OF THEM DO!"
He hurled himself forward to make the first strike at the same moment Kurama did.
"Tornado Air Blades, Magnitude 7!"
The silver discs Haruki had used in the bonus round burst forth. Kurama could sense that they were stronger this time, even if it weren't for the metallic fire burning around them.
"Kenji's attack?" Sakura whimpered. "He still…knows it?!"
"Huh? What d'you mean?" Kuwabara asked. "Who's Kenji?"
In a mirror of Yusuke's moves nearby, Kurama wove and ducked around the blades. They were following him like magnets.
"It's taken me years to hone this move, Spirit Fox! Let's see how long you survive!"
Tears streamed down Sakura's face as she whispered, "Haruki, don't…do it…not that…"
Hiei looked at her for a moment and opened his Jagan eye. It turned a deep shade of purple and Sakura went limp. Kuwabara caught her just in time.
"Kura! Hiei, what the heck?!"
"It's best if she doesn't see this," Hiei said. "Trust me."
The Jagan was glowing again, and it dawned on Kuwabara and Koenma that he knew more about Sakura's ordeal than they did. A lot more.
"That bad?" Koenma asked.
Hiei didn't need to answer. His face said it all.
"Oh God…" Kuwabara went pale and pulled Sakura closer. He hadn't been able to help her in the cave, but he wasn't powerless anymore. He'd protect her, no matter what happened next.
"Give him hell from us, Kurama."
On the ground, Kurama leapt aside to dodge the blades again. "Is this really all you have, boy? I'm giving serious thought to being insulted."
"Oh, I've got more," Haruki promised. "I'm just getting warmed up with you, Fox."
"As am I, filth."
Kurama threw a seed. Thick vines covered with lethal thorns wrapped around the blades in mid-air to stop them in their tracks.
"Very nice," Haruki said. "But I hope you don't think that will actually work!"
Kurama smirked. "Of course not."
The blades ripped out of the vines as if they were tissue paper and roared back at their target. Again, Kurama evaded to the right and something appeared in his hand.
"Wait, is that a sword?!" Koenma asked.
"A leaf sword, yes," Hiei said. "It's been a long time since I've seen him use that one."
The flaming tornado blades whirled around towards Kurama, who swung his weapon straight into one. It split apart and disintegrated.
One down, one to go. The remaining disc boomeranged back. Kurama sprang into the air and brought his sword crashing down to slice it in two.
"Nice one!" Kuwabara cheered.
Kurama landed on his feet among the ashes and returned his leaf sword to a seed form.
"Kurama, look out!" Koenma shouted.
But Kurama already knew that Haruki was coming at him from above. And he'd prepared his defence.
The sand shifted beneath them, as more giant roots emerged. Again, nobody had seen these before. What kind of roots had hands, reaching out to grasp their victim?
Haruki's eyes widened, and he immediately flipped away with lightning fast reflexes. He landed on his feet as the hands converged on him.
"NO!"
Haruki sent a ki attack into the horde and blasted them to pieces. But he barely had time to catch his breath before he heard something whizzing towards him. He looked up to see a series of spiked darts heading his way. The glistening ends told him what they were.
Poison.
With a yell, Haruki retaliated by firing another attack that burned the darts to a crisp. The radiant heat made him take a step backwards.
Punch. Punch. Punch.
Sensui and Yusuke kept attacking each other with all their might. The sound was deafening. But just then, he heard a yell.
"Rose Whip!"
Haruki caught the whip in his hand, even though the thorns dug into his palms. It was nothing compared to the torture in the Experimentation Wing.
He yanked on the rose whip with all his strength, but apparently that was what Kurama wanted. Once he'd crossed the gap between them, he let go of his weapon. Now unbalanced, Haruki lost his footing and fell.
Kurama spun around and threw the rose dart in his hand. Haruki rolled over in time to avoid being pierced in the heart.
"You'll have to try harder than that, Spirit Fox!"
Haruki flared his aura. The second rose dart bounced off the shield and crumbled to dust, but Kurama was already coming back for another round.
Haruki ducked at the last second and slid to the other side. Kurama whipped around, seized Haruki's wrist and hurled him onto his back.
Haruki coughed and gasped, trying to regain his breath when Kurama's shadow fell across him.
"I admit, your power and skill is noteworthy," Kurama said. "How sad that you've chosen this path of delusion. And denial."
Haruki kicked Kurama in the chest and sent him backwards onto the ground. "You know nothing about me, Spirit Fox. Nothing about what I've been through!"
"Be that as it may, it does not launder your actions," Kurama hissed. "It does not absolve you of the sins you've committed against my beloved."
"Sins?! Everything I did was for her own good!"
Kurama leapt with ferocious abandon and slashed at Haruki with his claws. "You delude yourself again."
Haruki felt one nick across his face before he ducked under Kurama's arm and came in for an uppercut, which Kurama promptly blocked.
"You truly don't see what you've done, do you?" Kurama growled.
Their forearms pressed against each other, eyes searing with hate.
"This wasn't just for her, you know," Haruki snapped. "Or me. I did it for my friends too. They deserve that, after what happened to them."
"You chose the wrong vengeance," Kurama said. "You should have focused your anger and blame onto the ones who caused that tragedy. Both Toguro brothers are finished, isn't that enough?"
"Nothing will ever be enough!" Haruki yelled. "Their lives were wiped out in an instant! I suffered for years until being saved by Mr Sakyo, and now you're trying to get in the way of my new beginning!"
"You are wrong," Kurama said. "You alone have gotten in the way of your goals. You have chosen evil, again and again. And in turn, you have destroyed your chance at redemption."
"She's my redemption, Spirit Fox! You don't deserve her; she belongs to me!"
"She is not a prize, filth! Nor is she an object to be owned!"
"Is that what you really think, Legendary Bandit?" Haruki's voice turned soft and manipulative as another idea came to him. "Because your track record is against you."
Those gold eyes widened.
"You were known for one thing here in Demon World," Haruki said. "Stealing valuable objects. Don't pretend that your seduction of her isn't a way to relive the memories of your thieving days. That's all she is to you."
"No!"
Kurama swiped at him again, but caught only empty air. Haruki had slipped around and raised his fist. It sank straight into Kurama's jaw.
BAM!
"Kurama!" Kuwabara yelled.
He just managed to stay upright, but the force still pushed him several feet.
"I'm that close and you still miss me?" Haruki sneered. "What a joke."
"Woah, what was that?!" Kuwabara gasped.
"Focus, Kurama!" Hiei growled.
Haruki laughed to himself. His hunch was confirmed. The way to win this fight was to get under Kurama's skin. Once he was gone, the others wouldn't be a problem.
Punch. Punch. Punch.
Yusuke and Sensui's fight punctuated every moment. Every blow, every punch echoed.
Kurama and Haruki gazed at each other once more, neither making a move.
Haruki flashed an evil smile as he said, "You know, there's something I'm curious about, Spirit Fox,"
Kurama's eyes narrowed. "What might that be?"
"Our little conversation during the bonus round. Do you remember?"
"As I said before," Kurama growled, "I will NEVER allow that!"
"Well, that's the thing," Haruki's eyes filled with darkness. "Given my track record, can you be sure I was telling the truth?"
Time came to a screeching halt.
No.
For a split second, Kurama's mind went blank in horror. But only for a moment, for it was instantly replaced with white hot rage.
True or not, Kurama gave a monstrous roar and threw himself towards Haruki's deranged face. He couldn't breathe, he couldn't think, he couldn't not even be certain of what he was doing. The only thing he was sure of was the need for vengeance.
"Petals and thorns!"
Razor sharp rose petals emerged in a blizzard around Kurama as he reached Haruki and started whirling around them like a tornado. Haruki watched the shards come at him with amusement and fired back with a blast of his own.
Both attacks, so full of wrath and power, ignited on contact and obscured the battlefield in the explosion.
"What just happened?!" Koenma yelled. "Who caused that?"
"It was a combined act," Hiei said without looking away from the scene. "The embodiment of an unstoppable force and an immovable object."
"That freak isn't gonna stop Kurama," Kuwabara said. He was still doing his best to shield Sakura from the fallout. "He can't!"
Nobody had an answer for him. And none of them could see a thing from their vantage point; the dust and debris was still hiding them from view.
"Wait…" Koenma said. "What's that, down there?"
The smoke cleared enough for them to make out one silhouette on the ground, the other standing over it.
"No…" Kuwabara gasped.
"That's right, Spirit Fox," Haruki sneered. "It's your turn to lie at my feet where you belong."
Kurama reached for another seed. Haruki surged more power and pressed down on his arm.
"I don't think so!"
"Kurama!" Kuwabara yelled. Hiei's hand sparked to life while Haruki gave a yell and powered up. Red demon energy flowed from him, all the way to the sky where Yusuke and Sensui battered at each other.
"Huh?!"
Yusuke looked down in time to see Haruki pick up Kurama with one hand and launch him into a towering boulder.
In a panic, Koenma reached for his communication mirror while Hiei and Kuwabara shouted for Kurama.
"Ayame, it's -!"
BAM!
The shockwaves from Sensui and Yusuke's latest hits rocked the air around them. Puu was thrown off balance and Koenma dropped his communication mirror.
"No!"
He grabbed at the mirror, just managing to close his fingers over it. But even as he did, he knew it was hopeless. The contingency plan would arrive too late.
Haruki shoved Kurama into the rock, face inches from his. "The Legendary Bandit really thought he could beat me," he taunted. "Did you forget that I'm now Super A-Class? You never had a hope."
Kurama hissed. "You've lost, filth. The moment you laid a hand on her, you sealed your own fate."
"Not from where I'm standing," Haruki hissed back. "Give up, Fox. It's over now, and so is your control over her!"
Kurama swung his sharpened nails. Haruki twisted his head before throwing a punch of his own that hit Kurama square in the face.
"KURAMA!" Yusuke roared, and he made a move towards his friend.
BANG!
Sensui's blast collided into Yusuke's stomach and sent him flying in the opposite direction. He landed on the ground and slid through the sand.
"You're fighting me, Yusuke," Sensui smiled. "Their scrimmage has less than nothing to do with you."
"The hell it doesn't!"
But Sensui was already coming for him, and Haruki was about to end Kurama, and Yusuke didn't know what to do except shout, "NO!!"
Thud. Thud.
Yusuke's ears filled with the sound of that strange heartbeat.
There it goes again. What is that?
While his heart pounded, The world vanished for a split second and became a dark room where a mysterious figure sat in the shadows. Yusuke could just make out a mop of white hair, and then it was gone.
What's going on?
Almost in response, Yusuke's heartbeat was swallowed up by the sound of a powerful voice in his head.
You are the one. At last.
"Who…are you?" Yusuke asked in a whisper.
Sensui came to a halt. Something was happening. But what?
You don't know how to use your power. The voice growled. Let me show you!
"Huh?" Haruki paused and turned around just in time to be blinded by a blazing light that engulfed Yusuke. And from it, a new power, an insane, mind-bending power erupted with the force of a hurricane.
Everyone stared, some in awestruck horror, others in confusion. Even Sensui shielded his face from this mighty explosion.
Haruki's grip slackened, but even Kurama was too stunned to break free. What in the world was this?
In the centre of the beam stood Yusuke, frozen and unsure, until he threw his head back and screamed.
Chaos reigned. Dust tornados rose, the beam of light turned a traffic-stopping red and spiralled into the black clouds forming above. Lightning crashed around them, thunder rumbled, and above it all, Yusuke's scream resonated through the madness.
Nobody knew what was happening, or what to make of it. Had Yusuke hit a new height of power? But how? And what would they see when the smoke cleared?
They soon found out. From the red aura, someone emerged. Someone with long hair and the most menacing presence they had ever felt.
"Hey, what's happened to him now?" Kuwabara cried. "I mean…is that even really him?"
It seemed to be Yusuke, but it was not the one they knew. This figure had long, shaggy white hair, dangerous eyes, a terrifying smile and blue markings all over his body.
"I have returned."
His voice was husky, almost like another tone was entwined with it.
"I don't believe it!" Haruki gasped. "He transformed!"
"That is correct," Kurama said. "His Mazoku blood has awakened at last."
Haruki turned back to his enemy with a snarl. "And you think that will give you an edge? Nobody's coming to save you, Fox. This is the end!"
Kurama's acid plant sprouted and spat its corrosive liquid at Haruki's face. Again, he swerved to avoid being hit, though a few drops landed on his neck.
"That's nothing, you fool. I survived much more than your pitiful acid."
He slammed Kurama straight into the ground and pinned him. The sound of the other boys yelling in panic was music to Haruki's ears.
He leaned in close and whispered a final taunt in Kurama's ear. "You were too slow, Spirit Fox. Too slow to realise the truth. I'm going to kill you now. And as you die, you'll know you failed once more. You'll know that she belongs to me."
Hiei rose, ready to leap in when Sakura's eyes flew open.
"Kurama."
"Huh? Kura?!" Kuwabara squeaked.
To their astonishment, Sakura stood up. She looked back at the boys and simply said, "It's time."
"Wait, what are you doing?!"
Without hesitation, Sakura leapt off Puu's back, hair and dress flying in the wind as she descended.
"KURA!"
Like Yusuke, bright gold ki appeared from nowhere. It illuminated and surrounded Sakura until all they saw was a shadow inside the light. Shifting, transforming…
"Wait a sec," Koenma gawked, "Are those...are those wings?!"
"Incredible!" Hiei murmured. "Her energy is morphing!"
They were nearly knocked over as a new powerful wave of energy crashed over them. This was unlike Sakura's normal ki signal. This one was alive, but gentle. Like a simmering fire that provided warmth and comfort, but would become an unstoppable inferno when provoked.
"What in the blazes is going on?!" Kuwabara screamed over the noise.
The golden light soared at Haruki, and before it even touched him, he was thrown back from Kurama, only stopping when he crashed into the boulder twenty feet away.
Everyone froze. Haruki lay dazed for a moment until he pulled himself up. He clutched at the rock for support.
"What…what just happened?" he mumbled.
"You will not touch him," a new voice said. "I won't allow it."
Haruki went white. His mouth opened, but no sound came out.
"Impossible!" Koenma breathed. "I don't believe it!"
Kurama stared. The light was slowly dispersing and he made out the shadowy figure within.
Could it be?
The silhouette that they knew to be Sakura stepped forward.
"Haruki, this has gone far enough."
Kurama raised himself up. That voice…
It might be a touch higher, and even more melodic than usual, but it was still Sakura's.
"Kurama…"
The final traces of ki vanished into thin air as she turned around.
Kurama's eyes widened. "Kura?"
His throat closed around her name. Even if he'd been able to talk, there were no words to describe what he was looking at.
Is this real?
He could only stare. Whatever might have happened, whatever she might have become, she was far and away the most beautiful creature he'd ever seen.
A.N. I know, I know, I'm a jerk. I promise all will be revealed next time!
For now, I don't have a lot to say except I'm working hard on the next chapter and will have it out ASAP.
Make sure you leave a review and tell me what you thought of this insane chapter.
The finish line is up ahead, folks. So glad you're all with me and Sakura on this marathon. There's nobody else I'd rather have.
Stay awesome and we'll see you soon!
Rosentic xx
