A.N. Been having way too much fun writing Poltergeist Report. It's not a perfect film by any means, but it's a very enjoyable one. If only it had a proper dub...
DCD Gojira: :)
Ghost of Magic: Intensity is cranked up here. And yes, Sensui is definitely my favourite YYH villain. As much as I love Toguro, I find Sensui so intriguing, and his plan is the biggest of any in the series.
hw0134160: I'm working overtime to make sure this film fits into what I've got planned for the rest of the story, as well as the canon. Thankfully Poltergeist Report lends itself to a lot of expansion, so I'm kind of spoilt in that regard. You really are a wonderful person. I mean that. The Covid situation is just getting worse and worse here in Sydney, with no signs of improving. We just have really dumb people in charge, but I'm trying to make the most of this time, since I'll be here for a while.
Hina714: Yeah, Sensui is really quite despicable in his manipulation, especially with Amanuma. He's just a kid. There is definitely no stopping our Sakura, and we have a long way to go yet. Enjoy her badassery.
LadyAmazon: That's so cool! I'm embarrassed to say that I didn't know about the film until I got into YYH and finished the series. If you want to see it in full, it's actually on YouTube. And I've added quite a few details that I felt were missing in the film (Hinageshi, the Netherworld's history etc.).
Wolfs child: It's definitely worth watching, but for the sake of your sanity, watch the subbed version. Funimation hasn't dubbed this one, and the existing English version is unspeakably awful. Everytime they say "KuwaHARA", I get a mad desire to bang my head against the nearest wall.
Hope you enjoy this chapter. It's a big one!
I don't own YYH, just my OCs.
Chapter 6
In the void, Sakura approached Botan's pink door carefully. It was shut, and from the way Botan's ki was reacting to her, she knew gaining access was going to be a challenge.
Botan, you need to let me in. I heard you, but I don't understand yet.
It was the strangest sense of push and pull. Botan herself was pulling. She wanted Sakura to see. But the gateway was being held steady by something extremely powerful, pushing Sakura away and resisting all attempts to open it.
I know I can help. Show me what happened in Spirit World. I'm sure that's the key to this whole mess.
Sakura gently channeled her own power towards the door even as the presence behind it battled her.
I'm not afraid, Botan. You know I'm not. Trust me, I can handle whatever you have to say.
The encouragement was working. Little by little, the handle began turning again. Sakura was still straining, but she was so close!
That's it! Just a bit further…!
As soon as the door cracked open by a hair, Botan's memory played in full…
Koenma and Botan were perched precariously on a tiny platform in the Great Vault. The toddler was handing something to Botan, something small enough to be completely hidden in his miniature hands.
"You need to protect this at all costs, Botan! It cannot end up in their hands!" Koenma had never looked so serious before.
Botan stared at Koenma with wide, fearful eyes.
"Hurry and take it to Yusuke," Koenma ordered. "There's no other way to save the Spirit World. Do you understand?"
"Y-yes," Botan's voice shook, but she was resolute. She took the object and slid it inside her kimono.
Koenma looked at the rapidly flooding room. There was no time left.
"Go, Botan. I must remain here. Hurry!"
Botan climbed onto her oar and rose into the air…
Without warning, the door to Botan's mind burst open and a tidal wave of energy surged out. The force was absolutely unbelievable. Sakura was knocked backwards and pinned to the ground.
Take it from me, Sakura. Hurry, there's not much time left. Yusuke needs it!
Botan…what are you… talking about…?
Sakura couldn't move. She could feel something attempting to enter her own body. Botan was trying to give her what was needed to stop Yakumo.
Sakura, you have to keep it safe!
The void swirled into a tornado of chaos. Sakura heard Botan's desperate voice calling out to her, but she couldn't even reply.
I feel like I'm being crushed.
Sakura couldn't fight it anymore. The waves of agony reared up and began to drag her below the surface…
"Kura! KURA!"
Somewhere far away, another voice pulled her back.
"Genkai, what's happening to her?!"
"It's just like before. Sakura's connection has resulted in her being overwhelmed by the same instability that affects Botan. Don't worry, she'll come around in a moment,"
Sakura forced her eyes open. She was still on the ground and her whole body ached. The ice maiden was leaning over her, looking pale and afraid.
Yukina's eyes welled up. "Kura! What happened?"
Sakura dragged herself up slightly. "Botan…" she choked out. "I saw…"
Her head whirled with the aftershocks of the memory, and she fell forward onto the floor. Genkai and Yukina rushed to her side.
"Koenma gave her something, Genkai," Sakura murmured. "I don't know what. Or where it is now. I-"
Genkai's age-worn face was creased with worry. "Rest now," she said grimly. "I don't think you should try that again tonight,"
Sakura gave a feeble nod and closed her eyes.
Genkai stepped out into the night air. The sun would rise in a matter of hours, and then what? She didn't know, but her gut feeling was that things were going to get worse. Much worse.
Kurama stared at the energy source flooding through the city from the window and sighed. It seemed impossible, and yet it was true. So far, the Netherworld were succeeding in their plan. Was there any way to defeat them? It seemed the only hope was whether Sakura would find a way to talk to Botan.
"What's that, Kurama?" Kuwabara's voice asked from behind.
"It is a shield," Kurama replied calmly. "Yakumo must have formed it in preparation for restoring the Netherworld,"
Kuwabara frowned. "Why isn't the city in an uproar?"
Kurama glided back into Kuwabara's bedroom and sat down on the chair. "That is the power of the Netherworld at work. Those without acute spirit awareness such as yourself are blind to its presence,"
"Gah!" Kuwabara groaned and looked around. "Hang on, where's Urameshi?"
"He's gone to join Sakura at Genkai's. Keiko went with him to check on Botan," Hinageshi answered.
Kuwabara furrowed his brow and looked at Kurama. "Wait, if Kura left last night, then why aren't you with her? Aren't you worried something might happen?"
Kurama closed his eyes. He'd woken up to find Sakura gone, and would've panicked had Shizuru and Hinageshi not immediately explained that she was at Genkai's temple after receiving another vision from Botan. That was well and good, but to Kurama's frustration his injuries were taking longer to mend than expected, and until then he couldn't follow her.
"She will be safe with Genkai, I have no doubt," Kurama said quietly. "I will set out as soon as I can finish healing myself,"
Hinageshi shut her guidebook and grinned. "Is that all you're waiting for? You should have told me before?" She laughed. "I can take care of it!"
Without waiting for an answer, she pressed Kurama's side with her tiny hand and he felt the laceration from Kuronue's blade shrink. He pulled his shirt aside to find it was almost gone.
"Hinageshi, you have healing powers?" Kuwabara goggled.
She nodded cheerfully. "Basic healing is mandatory training for all entry-level positions in the Raekai, or Spirit World to you,"
"Why didn't you say anything before?" Kurama got up quickly with a hard look.
"You didn't ask," Hinageshi shrugged. "Are you ready to go?"
Kurama nodded. "Hiei, you should come to Genkai's too. If Kura was able to reach Botan, she might have some useful information,"
Hiei rolled his eyes. "Fine, but if no-one can come up with a good plan, I'll take care of it myself,"
"Guys!" Shizuru appeared in the doorway. "Listen, Genkai just called. Something's happened,"
Kurama's attention spiked. "Shizuru, what's the matter?"
"All she'd say is that Kura got the message," Shizuru said breathlessly. "I don't know what that means, but she wants you all to get there as soon as possible,"
Yukina's eyes were wide with concern. "Kura, are you sure you're alright?"
"Yes, Yukina. You don't need to worry," Sakura smiled upon entering the room. "That shower was just what I needed. I feel fine, really,"
Genkai was solemn. "I called, and they're all on their way. Shizuru said Yusuke and Keiko left before the others and should be arriving any minute,"
"Yes, Genkai," Sakura looked sadly at Botan. For all the chaos in the void, she was still completely unresponsive in reality.
The ice maiden put a hand to her mouth and seemed to debate with herself before speaking hesitantly.
"I still don't understand. You've had a connection with Botan's mind for a long time now. Why are you having this reaction now?"
"I'm not sure, Yukina," Sakura said quietly. "As I said, I feel as if there's some incredibly strong force that's overtaken Botan. I'm sure it has something to do with whatever Koenma gave her,"
Genkai's expression hardened. "I agree, but our actions have to be extremely cautious from here, Missy. I can feel your energy is still weakened from last night, and I don't want you trying the connection again right away. At least not until the boys show up,"
Sakura nodded silently. It was going to take a little longer to get her strength back after such an encounter with Botan's corrupted energy. She sat down beside Botan and took her hand.
What's really going on, Botan? What am I missing?
Yusuke gazed out the window of the train, but he could feel Keiko looking at him from behind. He turned around and saw a faint, knowing smile on her face.
"What are you grinning at?" he asked.
"I'm trying to figure something out," she replied cryptically.
Yusuke raised a brow. "Did I hear right? Keiko doesn't know the answer to something?"
She chuckled and placed a hand on his knee. "Perhaps you can explain it to me then,"
"I'm listening?"
Keiko looked sentimental. "You're not pitching a fit over Kura going back to Genkai's in the middle of the night without you, when there's dangerous enemies around,"
"Why would I worry about her going to Grandma's? It's about the safest place she can be,"
Keiko shook her head. There was more going on here. "That's not like you, Yusuke. Since when did you stop being so overprotective?"
Yusuke didn't answer. He just looked down and covered Keiko's hand with his own. Kurama had explained Sakura's decision to try and heal on her own without resorting to memory erasure, and though Yusuke hadn't found a way to speak to his twin about the matter, he knew Genkai was going to assist in her training. He strongly suspected that was part of the reason she'd gone alone. Not just for Botan.
"I wouldn't say I've stopped," he said slowly. "I worry about Kura more than just about anyone, especially since we… you know, found out about those memories. But I don't know. I just…"
Yusuke struggled to find the words. Conversations about his feelings always made him uncomfortable.
"I'm trying to be better, Keiko. Now I know how strong she is, and how much she wants to heal,"
He smiled a little, thinking of the day before. "You should've seen her fighting yesterday. The way she faced those Netherworld jerks without flinching. If this is how she gets better, then I don't want to take that away from her,"
Keiko's eyes were teary. "Oh, Yusuke…"
"Hey, don't get all mushy on me!" he grinned.
"I haven't asked…" Keiko hesitated. "How has Kura been since the tournament? How are her panic attacks? Her nightmares?"
Yusuke's face fell. "She hasn't had any major episodes. Not in front of me, anyway. But I hear her screaming in her sleep almost every single night,"
Keiko wiped her eyes. "I wish I could talk to her about it. But honestly, after what happened last time, I didn't think I should,"
"You still feel bad about that? Even though Kurama erased the memory?"
"Yes," Keiko admitted sheepishly. "I think part of me always will. I really screwed up that night,"
Yusuke reached over to give her a side hug. "Keiko, if Kura knew you were still beating yourself up for a mistake, she'd be totally pissed,"
"I know," Keiko sighed as the train pulled into their stop. "Ironic, huh? I wish she'd be as kind to herself as she is to other people,"
Yusuke stood up. "Maybe you should tell her that when we get there,"
Keiko smiled and nodded. "Good idea,"
They stepped into the crisp morning air. From here, they would walk the rest of the way to Genkai's compound.
The lights flickered without warning. Botan was moaning quietly, and the bowl of water next to the futon was beginning to bubble.
Sakura's head snapped up. The unstable power she'd felt in the void seemed to be spilling out of Botan, overflowing into the room.
"Botan?" Yukina whimpered. Genkai jumped up from where she'd been meditating in the corner. They could all feel it.
"There is tremendous energy!" Genkai gasped. Botan's entire body was emitting a pearlescent glow.
Sakura tensed up. "It's not just from Botan,"
Genkai's eyes darted to the door, then to Sakura. "We are not alone," she said darkly. "How far away is the dimwit?"
Yusuke? Yusuke, can you hear me?
No response.
"Damn it," Sakura hissed. "Something's blocking my connection. I can't get through to Yusuke,"
"Stay here," Genkai commanded, and darted outside.
Sakura hardly dared to breathe. Had Yakumo found them? If so, they were in big trouble. Her energy wasn't back to full capacity just yet. And without her orb, Genkai was far weaker than she used to be. Not to mention that Yukina was no fighter, and something was blocking Sakura's telepathy.
Against someone as ruthless as Yakumo, this was a worst case scenario.
"Kura, what do we do?" Yukina clung to her friend in fear.
Sakura pulled the ice maiden closer. "Don't leave my side, got it?"
Outside, Genkai spotted the intruders entering through the gateway. "Who are you?" she growled.
"Shall I…?"
"Don't bother. She's mine,"
Sakura recognised the voices as Raigo and Yakumo respectively, and her heart sank. This was bad.
Genkai pointed at them in defiance. "You dare enter my temple without permission?!"
The tiny old woman darted forward with all her might and flung herself at Yakumo.
He held up his hand, and Genkai was forced to turn a full somersault in mid-air to avoid his energy ball. Sakura saw the look of shocked horror on Genkai's face as she prepared to attack again from the air.
With a smirk, Yakumo sent another ki blast at Genkai. Sakura knew the old psychic was severely limited in how much power she could use now, but all the same, Genkai fired back with a blast of her own. The beam struggle gave Genkai enough time to land on her feet.
Surprise flickered across Raigo's face. "What? How is this old woman is able to repel Lord Yakumo's power?"
But Sakura knew the truth. Genkai had given absolutely everything she could to fight that blast off, and now she was depleted with no way to defend herself adequately.
But I can. At least, I have to try!
With no sign of Yusuke's arrival, there was nothing else for it.
"Yukina, whatever happens, you need to stay back, alright?" Sakura all but shook her arm free of Yukina's grip and hurried to assist.
Raigo and Yakumo were striding across the lawn towards her. They were here on a mission, and nothing was going to stop them from getting their prize. Genkai had gotten up and was charging at them again.
"Genkai!" Sakura yelled. "Get back! Let me handle them!"
Raigo grinned widely at the sight of the petite brunette. "Well, look who we have here,"
"We'll deal with her in a moment," Yakumo growled, and raised his hand again. Genkai flipped in front of them, but she didn't have a hope of repelling another blast of that magnitude.
"No, Genkai!" Sakura cried. Genkai was thrown through the air, and straight through the shoji screen which was reduced to matchwood. Genkai hit the wall and slid down on the floor. She didn't move.
The crash had revealed Yakumo's target. Botan, still bathed in that pearly light which was only growing stronger. The energy wave seemed to be pulling magnetically towards the Netherworld demons.
Yukina was cowering beside Botan. She looked utterly terrified, and it jolted Sakura into action.
"Spirit Blast!"
Yakumo batted the orbs away with the back of his hand before turning very slowly to face Sakura.
"I would have thought you'd have gotten the message by now," he snarled. "You cannot win. Learn your place and stay where you are!"
"Not a chance," Sakura snarled back. "The only person you're allowed to lay a hand on here is me, Yakumo!"
Both demons considered her for a moment, then a smile spread across Yakumo's face. "Very well. If you insist,"
He turned to his underling. "Raigo, you may handle her. I could use the entertainment,"
Sakura knew there was one move in her repertoire that could have any hope of holding them at bay. But she hadn't used the Spirit Flame since the finals, and in her state, how could she even summon the strength to produce it, let alone control it? There was still so much more training needed to perfect that move.
I can't attempt the Spirit Flame with the other girls around. It's too dangerous. I'll just try to hold them off as long as I can.
Barely a second after her decision, Raigo was upon her. Sakura went to fire another blast right in his Jagan, but it was as if he'd foreseen her moves. His third eye flashed that same orange colour, and Sakura could immediately feel the malicious energy coming her way.
"Reflection Shield!"
The barrier erupted, but Raigo's smile widened. "Nice try, young lady. But you can't resist forever. My natural Jagan is many times more powerful than the inferior implant possessed by your friend,"
He's right. Sakura thought while desperately straining to keep her weakened shield up. Holes were already forming. This is different from before. I could protect myself when he was invading my mind, but he's not holding anything back now. Yusuke, where are you?
Yakumo looked almost bored. "This is far less amusing than I expected. Raigo, ensure this brat doesn't interfere any further,"
Raigo laughed, and shot his own ki blast through Sakura's blockade, which immediately shredded what little remained. Her feet left the ground and she landed heavily on her back.
"Kura, no!" Yukina's voice was hysterical.
Get up, Sakura. You have to keep fighting!
Sakura dragged herself upright. Raigo and Yakumo had reached Botan, who was beginning to moan even harder.
Yukina was trembling in the face of the enemy, but she was trying to protect Botan. "No, stay away!" she said fiercely.
"No…" Sakura whispered. Her head was still spinning from Raigo's Jagan.
You can't give up, not after everything. You survived the Dark Tournament. You survived everything Sakyo threw your way. You have to find the strength to stand again!
Yakumo stretched out his hand towards Botan's unconscious body. The light emanating from Botan was glowing ever more brightly, and the power level increased.
"We've found it," he crowed.
"Stand aside, Ice Maiden," Raigo threatened. "I will not tell you again,"
Botan's moaning became cries of agony, and Yukina spread her arms protectively. "Stay away from her!"
"Stop it!" Sakura yelled. "Get away from them!"
Raigo's Jagan appeared. Yukina screamed, and she too was hurled backwards by the vile demon. Sakura watched in horror as her friend struck her head violently against the wall before falling unconscious.
"No, Yukina!"
Now there was nothing standing between Yakumo and his prey. Under his influence, Botan's comatose form slowly rose into the air.
Sakura forced herself to stand and began running for them again.
"DON'T YOU TOUCH HER!"
"Silence!"
Raigo whirled around and appeared in front of Sakura in a heartbeat. She didn't have time to react before he seized her throat and unleashed his Jagan eye once more.
The effect was instantaneous. Sakura's entire body went deathly cold and she fell limp in Raigo's grasp.
"You have caused more than enough irritation, human," the demon growled. "And my patience has run out," He turned to his evil master. "Lord Yakumo, have you found it?"
Yakumo roared with triumphant laughter, pointing at Botan. "Yes, Raigo. At last, we have what we need. The power sphere is inside this girl's body!"
"Power sphere?" Sakura choked out.
Raigo gave a sinister chuckle. "I must thank you, young lady. It was only because of you that we were able to find this place. Even if you were too stupid to realise what this girl was hiding,"
Sakura's eyes widened. "You're lying! I never -"
"Your mind defenses were certainly formidable," Raigo explained silkily. "But not enough to conceal her existence,"
"No!" Horror flooded through Sakura.
This can't be happening. Yusuke, where are you?
Yakumo was levitating an unconscious Botan over to them. Meanwhile, Sakura's body wouldn't obey her maddened desire to move.
"HOLD IT!" a furious voice roared.
Sakura's heart leapt. "Yusuke!"
Her twin was standing at the entrance, fists clenched and glaring at Yakumo. He glanced around at the terrible scene. Genkai and Yukina, both out cold. Botan, radiating with a strange yet powerful energy, and Raigo's depraved hands around his sister's neck.
"You bastard! Get off her!"
Raigo smiled and shook his head. "I'm afraid I simply can't do that,"
"Forget me, Yusuke," Sakura was struggling for air. "Help Botan!"
Yusuke looked frantically between Sakura and Botan. They both needed him, but he had to make a choice. Fast.
"You again?" Yakumo sneered at the boy. "You can't stand the fact that I beat you. Like a whipped dog,"
Yusuke growled. "You're dead!"
Unfortunately, at that moment Keiko suddenly appeared. "Yusuke, what's going on?"
She saw her friends' predicament, and gasped. "Kura! Botan!"
"Keiko, get back!" Sakura choked just as Yakumo sent a gust of wind their way. Yusuke withstood it, but Keiko was knocked backwards down several stairs.
"Keiko!" the twins cried. Keiko didn't respond.
Yusuke took a step back as Yakumo teleported in front of him, fist drawn back.
"Learn your rightful place!"
His fist connected, and Yusuke went flying while Sakura screamed his name.
Yusuke crashed through the front of the building, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake. When the dust cleared, Yusuke was revealed on the ground. He didn't seem seriously injured, but all the same he wasn't going to get up anytime soon.
"Yusuke! YUSUKE!" Sakura feebly clawed at the hands around her neck. Raigo pulled Sakura closer and slapped her face.
"The more you struggle, the worse things will get for you!" he spat.
Sakura's breath caught in her throat. Her heart began pounding at the speed of sound…
Natchi pondered Kyap's question, and began giggling. "Why not? Sounds like fun to me," His disgusting tongue traced down the girl's neck, towards her breast.
"No!"
Sakura tried to shrink away from him, but once again, she received another blow across the face.
"Stop squirming, you little bitch!" Natchi growled. "Kyap, can't you keep her still?!"
Sakura knew she didn't have a hope of escaping her wrist restraints, but her legs were still free and she kicked at Kyap with all her might.
"Please, don't -!"
Natchi's hand went back over her mouth. "Shut it, brat! We'll do whatever we want!"
"The more you struggle, the worse this is going to be," Kyap warned. He was pinning Sakura's legs into the mattress. "Just relax. It'll be over soon,"
Sakura's eyes were glassy, consumed with flashbacks. She immediately stopped fighting to escape Raigo's hold and fell limp again.
The demon grinned up at Yakumo, who was bringing Botan over.
"Shall we bring this one along too, my lord?" He indicated Sakura. "Any threat to her safety might be a useful deterrent for those Raekai agents,"
"Unnecessary," Yakumo gave Sakura a look of contempt. "She is of no consequence to me now. We have what we came for,"
"Very well," Raigo dropped Sakura and scooped Botan over his shoulder.
Sakura massaged her neck, coughing and spluttering. "You can't take her!" she gasped. "Botan!"
The demons ignored her.
"Come, Raigo," Yakumo's eyes flashed. "Now that we have retrieved the Power Sphere, nobody can stop us from restoring the Netherworld!"
Sakura reached out, but it was no use. Amidst her frantic cries, they disappeared from sight, and took Botan with them.
"Botan! NO!" Yusuke pounded the ground with his good hand. How did this happen?
Sakura crumpled over and felt tears pooling in her eyes.
Why did I have to get a flashback? If I'd just pulled myself together, maybe I could've…
Those monsters had taken her friend, and once again, she'd been powerless to stop them. That damned Jagan eye… those merciless creatures.
"Botan…"
Yusuke was inching his way over. "Kura! Kura, can you hear me?"
Yes, she heard him. But Sakura couldn't form any words to reply. Her guilt, pain and regret was tearing at her heart.
"Squirt, can you sit up?"
Sakura felt Yusuke roll her over. She blinked at the bright sunlight.
"Yusuke… I'm sorry. I tried. I really did. They blocked my telepathy…"
He pulled her into a hug. "It's ok, just stay still,"
Sakura shook her head. "I'm alright. Only a few minor injuries. What about Keiko?"
Yusuke went white and limped over to the stairs. "She's ok, just knocked out," he breathed a sigh of relief. "Kura, can you contact the others and tell them to get their asses here?"
"I'll try,"
Sakura wiped her eyes, took a deep breath, and concentrated.
Kurama. Hiei. Kuwabara. If any of you can hear me, please respond!
It only took a few seconds for a reply.
Kura, we're all on our way. What's happening up there?
Sakura swallowed hard. Yakumo found us. He's taken Botan.
Upon hearing the news, Hinageshi had immediately jumped on her oar and taken off at full speed. Hiei had also performed his vanishing act, much to Kuwabara's annoyance. Throughout the rest of their journey, Kurama was doing his utmost to remain calm.
Sakura hadn't said much, and even though she'd insisted she was largely unharmed he dreaded what they might find. Kuwabara was borderline frantic over the situation, especially knowing that Yukina had been caught in the crossfire.
At last, they were here. One look at the destruction showed Kurama the magnitude of what had occurred here.
He spotted Genkai sitting cross-legged and stone-faced on the undamaged section of the porch. But where was his precious flower?
Kurama approached just as Hiei appeared in the shadows.
"Master Genkai. Are you injured?"
"I'm fine," she grunted. "Sakura's in that room with everyone else. And don't worry, she's alright,"
Kurama nodded and immediately headed in the direction Genkai had indicated. Truthfully, he wanted to race into that room, snatch up Sakura in his arms and take her somewhere far away, somewhere she could be safe.
Predictably, Hiei arrived at the door first. Hinageshi was bent over the futons, tending to both Keiko and Yukina. They appeared to be sleeping off their injuries. And curled up in the corner was Sakura. Silent tears were streaming down her face.
Kurama hurried to her. "My love, I'm here," he said softly.
She looked up at him and immediately fell into his arms. "Kurama," the words came out as a strangled sob. Noticing Hiei looking at the injured Yukina only made her feel worse.
"Hiei. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I tried,"
The fire demon didn't get a chance to reply before Kuwabara came barreling into the room in a panic.
"Yukina!"
"Shh!" Hinageshi frowned. "They're asleep!"
Kuwabara's gaze fell on Sakura, who was mopping at her eyes.
"Kura, what the hell happened here?!"
Sakura shook her head. "Yakumo showed up, along with Raigo. They were after Botan. And I tried, but…"
Kurama gently rubbed her back. "It's alright, my hana," he murmured. "I'm just glad you're safe,"
Hinageshi stood up. "Yukina and Keiko should make a full recovery. They just need to rest, alright?"
She left the room. Kuwabara stood over Yukina. He was shaking, struggling for words. Then, as if he couldn't bear it any longer, he ran out into the garden. Sakura strongly suspected that he was going to take his anger out on some unfortunate tree.
Kurama took Sakura's hand. "Come," he whispered. "We should check on Yusuke,"
Sakura allowed Kurama to lead her out. As they passed Hiei, she saw his bandaged hand clenched so hard that it trembled.
I tried, Hiei. I really tried.
He didn't turn around. I know.
Kurama waited until they were a distance away before stopping and pulling Sakura into an embrace. He kissed the top of her head and sighed in relief.
"I'm so glad you're safe," he murmured, again.
Sakura clung to him. "This wasn't supposed to happen," she whispered.
"What do you mean, my love?"
"We were meant to be free," she said miserably. "With the tournament over, I was meant to be healing. I was supposed to be getting better. We shouldn't be fighting the Netherworld. We should be going on that date you planned…"
Sakura buried her head in his chest. "If I hadn't gotten that stupid flashback, maybe I could've stopped them from taking Botan,"
Kurama didn't need to ask any more questions to know what she meant.
"It's not your fault, Kura," he said firmly. "I don't doubt that you did everything you could. But this isn't over yet. We're going to keep fighting,"
Sakura felt her heart settling, and she took a deep breath. "Come on, Yusuke's over here. He's… not handling things well,"
Since taking Keiko and Yukina inside, Yusuke hadn't moved from his position on the ruined porch. He was hunched over, staring at the ground with blank eyes. He didn't say a word as they approached, even as Hinageshi tried to reassure him that Keiko was going to be fine.
Genkai came out of the house, rubbing her arm. "Kurama, Hinageshi. Those bastards said they had found a Power Sphere inside of Botan, the source of their energy,"
Hinageshi went pale. "A Power Sphere? Are you absolutely sure they said that?"
"Yes," Sakura's voice was barely above a whisper. "And it was because of Raigo's Jagan eye that they were able to track her down here, after invading my mind. I thought I'd kept them out, but…"
Kurama tightened his arms around her. "But even with the Power Sphere, the Netherworld is extinct. With no place to go and the Spirit World disempowered, Yakumo and his brethren have one final option,"
"Right," Genkai nodded. "To obtain their true restoration here in the Living World,"
Yusuke stayed silent, but Genkai continued. "I'm sure you've figured this out by now, but it certainly explains everything. Sakura saw the memory of Koenma giving Botan the power sphere. Clearly, she hid it inside her own body so they wouldn't find it. She risked her own life, knowing its power would overwhelm her like that. Every time you connected with her, Kura, you were struck down by the orb as well. It corrupted Botan's ki. No wonder your own energy was so affected,"
Sakura's legs went weak. "Those visions I was getting," she whispered. "Botan was trying to reach me, trying to tell me. And I didn't realise until it was too late,"
She shut her eyes, but the image of Raigo and Yakumo taking Botan was seared across her subconsciousness.
Hinageshi collapsed on her knees. "Botan… you wanted me to notice. If only I had been more aware… I'm so sorry!"
Sakura didn't know what to do, or what to say. The hopelessness of the situation seemed to cover the entire estate in a blanket of despair.
Kurama stroked a hand down her face. Stay here. I'll be back.
As he walked off, Sakura noticed Kuwabara crouching behind a tree and gingerly approached. She could hear him muttering to himself.
"If only I had some spirit energy left…"
"Kuwabara?"
He jumped. "Oh, it's just you, Kura. Are you ok after what happened?"
Sakura nodded and wiped her eyes. "I'm really sorry about Yukina, Kuwabara. I -"
Kuwabara seized Sakura in a giant hug, cutting off her apology.
"Don't blame yourself, Kura. I'm the one who's supposed to protect her," he muttered. "I don't know how we're supposed to beat these guys, especially since…"
Kuwabara screwed up his face in frustration and didn't complete the sentence.
"Since what?" Sakura pressed. "You can tell me,"
"I just…" Kuwabara seemed to wrestle with himself. "I used up all my energy fighting Majari, but even before that, my power felt weaker," he admitted. "It scared me, Kura. I don't know what happened,"
Sakura paused. "Maybe it was similar to what happened to me when I tried to connect with Botan's mind," she suggested. "The power sphere was too much for her to handle, and that in turn affected me. Make sense?"
Kuwabara rubbed his face. "I guess so," he muttered. "Sorry, Kura. I just… need to be alone right now,"
"I understand," Sakura backed away.
Kurama stood on the bank and stared into the still river. Inside, he was tormented by the events of the past 24 hours. Fighting the Netherworld, the reappearance of a friend he'd long believed dead, his priceless treasure forced to defend him when he was the one who should be protecting her…
An image of Kuronue's face appeared in the water. "Kurama, you left me for dead!"
Kurama took a step back, wincing slightly as his still-healing wound burned.
"Kuronue, I tried to save you," he muttered. "I'm sure of it,"
Though in truth, he was beginning to doubt his own memory. If it turned out to be true…what would Sakura think? How could he ever reconcile his past with the life he'd created now?
"You know I don't care, right?" Sakura's gentle voice came from behind him. "I don't care what your alleged friend told me during our fight. About your past,"
Kurama turned around. She was standing there, her eyes apparently trying to pierce into his soul.
"Kura, I…"
Sakura crossed the distance between them and reached for his beautiful face. "I know you, Kurama," she whispered. "You wouldn't do such a thing to a friend. I'll never believe it,"
"My love," Kurama caught her small hand and stopped her from coming closer. He couldn't lie to his flower. "In truth, there's so much you don't know about who I was… so much you don't know about Yoko,"
Sakura couldn't begin to comprehend how much he'd changed. She was selfless, sweet and deeply compassionate. The very antithesis of his demon side.
As Yoko, he'd been cold, merciless and vain. His entire existence had revolved around nothing but getting what he desired, whether ancient treasures or rare and deadly plants. Everything had been about gaining power, asserting his dominance. Since fusing with Shuichi Minamino, his demon nature had been softened. But that didn't erase who he'd been, or what he'd done. Even if he'd left that life behind, he couldn't change any of it.
Sakura stretched up and kissed him. "Maybe I don't, but so what? It doesn't make a difference. All I care about is you, the one standing before me," Sakura said quietly. "It's you I love, Kurama. Every part of you. Besides…" She took a breath and fought back tears. "You know my past. I'm far from being over it, and it stopped me from helping Botan today,"
My precious flower…
Kurama stared at her. She truly believed the best in him. His heart swelled, and he leaned down to kiss her again with great passion.
Sakura wrapped her arms around Kurama's neck and allowed him to lift her from the ground. From the way he was attacking her lips, it seemed he would never get enough.
Finally, he lowered her down and planted a gentle kiss on her forehead.
"I love you, Kura. You mustn't blame yourself for today. We'll deal with everything soon, but first…" Kurama's eyes lit up with determination. "We must defeat Yakumo. The Spirit World and the Living World cannot be wiped out,"
"Right," Sakura breathed. She was trying to regain her senses after that intense make-out session.
Kurama began to remove his outer layers, revealing his sculpted physique that was covered with bandages from the night before.
"Go to the others," he instructed. "They need you, especially Yusuke. I have a few things to take care of here,"
She left with some reluctance, and Kurama waded into the water. He had a feeling that the bamboo tree on the other side was going to be needed in the next fight.
Hinageshi's whole body shook with sobs. "How could I be so stupid?" she moaned. "If only I'd used my brain, I could've stopped this -"
A hand went on her shoulder. "Hinageshi, I hear you, but you need to pull yourself together," Sakura said firmly, but kindly.
Hinageshi looked up at her with streaming eyes. "I… I can't Sakura," she shook her head. "I caused so much trouble when Botan was training me, and now… I've let her down again by not realising that she had the Power Sphere. I can't do anything right!"
"Yes you can," Sakura knelt down to her level. "None of us realised what was going on, Hinageshi. But we still have a chance to save Botan, and the Living World. Understand?"
Yusuke was still frozen, silent. He heard his twin's words, but they weren't sinking in. He kept seeing those terrible images of Yakumo hurting Keiko, Raigo's hands around Sakura's throat, and Botan's pleading face.
That's twice I haven't been able to save you, Botan.
In his mind's eye, Botan was right in front of him, pleading for help. She was still resisting Yakumo, wherever he'd taken her.
"Please, Yusuke!"
He reached out for her, only for the hallucination to fade into nothingness. Yakumo's laughter was ringing in his ears.
Even now, Botan's fighting them. Sakura appeared at his side. I know you can feel it too, Yusuke. We have to go after them. You beat Toguro at his best. You'll find a way to destroy Yakumo.
Yusuke swallowed hard. "I know,"
He jumped up and sprang into a fighting stance. "You think I'll let you get away with that, you bastard?" he shouted into the night sky as if Yakumo was listening. "Not a chance, Yakumo! We're coming, and you'll pay!"
Around the estate, Sakura could feel the others gearing up for the final round.
Kuwabara straightened up. Though his sword wasn't materialising, his fighting spirit had returned tenfold.
"Maybe we don't have a chance in hell, but we can't let it end this way!"
He whirled around and began punching the nearest tree. In only four blows, the trunk had splintered in half.
Kurama walked out of the forest. All uneasiness had fallen away from him, and the only emotion he felt now was a deadly calm.
Hiei removed the bandana covering his own Jagan eye, and tossed it away into the wind. The eye on his forehead glowed bright green.
"This time, we will start the attack. From our side,"
Hinageshi roused herself and wiped her eyes fiercely. "Botan, I swear I will…"
Sakura took one final look at the room where Yukina and Keiko slept. "We'll be back," she murmured.
Yusuke slipped his hands in his pockets. Hinageshi and Sakura followed him out of the main entrance.
Kuwabara quickly joined the trio. Next was Kurama, and finally Hiei.
Genkai watched them leave from the porch. You're the only ones who can end this, Missy.
Sakura kept her eyes straight ahead. We'll do what we must, Genkai.
Everyone in the group felt the same. They'd win, or die trying.
Haruki leaned slightly closer to the screen. He couldn't take his eyes off Sakura. She was about to be annihilated by Akumu, yet there it was. That smile.
"Thanks, Akumu. You've slithered right into my trap. SPIRIT FLAME!"
Haruki was mesmerised. Those golden flames ate up everything they touched, freeing Sakura from Akumu's hair as well as the Shadow Cage. Even after being faced with her worst moments, she'd escaped.
Sakura, how did you find the power to create that move?
"Without your hair, you can't keep me in that prison, and you can't block the rest of my spirit attacks. Let's finish this, Akumu,"
I'm going to learn your secrets, Sakura. I will do whatever I must.
He paused the tape and stared at her before pressing rewind. He'd watched this match about five times that day alone, but it wasn't enough.
As many times as you need to. Like Mr Sensui said.
Right as Haruki was ready to press play, Sensui sidled up behind him.
"Haruki. May I join you?"
"Of course, Mr Sensui," Haruki said eagerly.
Sensui took a seat. "Tell me something. What have you learned from watching the tapes?"
Haruki fingered his scar. "Sakura and I have a great deal in common, Mr Sensui. Even though I'm stronger than her, I hope that she'll divulge her secrets without too much persuasion,"
"Very good, my boy," Sensui smiled. "In the meantime, Itsuki reports that the tunnel is coming along well. Soon we will be able to hone the new abilities that will awaken in phase two. I have a strong sense that your awakening will be extremely useful in dealing with the Spirit Detective, when they all arrive,"
"Mr Sensui?" Haruki hesitated. "What will happen when they do? Will I know the truth by then?"
Sensui placed a hand on his shoulder. "All in good time, Haruki," he said reassuringly. "You have nothing to fear. You'll get your answers just like I promised. Until then, keep up with your training,"
"Yes, sir," Haruki's face fell. "I'm sorry for being impatient,"
Sensui considered the boy for a moment. "It stands to reason that you would be, Haruki. After all, you spent so many years in the shadows, forced to bear a terrible burden thanks to the old man's failures. Now that you've found the light, it's no wonder that you'd jump ahead before you are truly ready. But take heart. The answers you seek are coming. Faster than you know,"
Haruki turned back to the screen. "Thank you, sir. Shall we watch the match again?"
"Yes," Sensui's eyes glittered. "And after tomorrow's training session, we might begin to discuss what will happen when our fates collide with that of the Spirit Detective,"
Kurama was the first to react. That otherworldly smoke, identical to that which had appeared alongside Kuronue, was billowing up and shrouding them all.
They'd made it to the construction site, around a kilometre from Netherworld shield. Even from this distance, the aura was stronger than ever. They were running out of time. But the fog was so thick, they could barely see the pathway, let alone any danger that might be lying in wait.
"Let's take a different road," Hinageshi suggested nervously.
"No," Kurama's tone caused everyone to look at him. "It makes no difference,"
An unseen voice laughed in amusement. "You are correct,"
Kurama hissed and stepped in front of Sakura, just as a slim apparition strutted out of the mist.
Sakura tensed up. "It's him!"
"Who?" Yusuke was ready to strike, but Kurama stepped forward and glared at the enemy.
"Kuronue…"
Yusuke gawked. "You know him?!"
"He was a partner of mine, back when I was a thief," Kurama explained quietly. "Let me take care of it,"
Yusuke nodded and drew closer to Sakura. "Be careful,"
Kuronue leapt backwards with a flourish. "Kurama! Are you still against your old partner?"
Sakura shivered. Kurama, don't listen to him.
Whatever happens, Kura, you need to trust me. I will not go down easily.
"Come, Kurama!" Kuronue vanished into the smoke.
Kurama's expression hardened. Jumping straight into the unknown was more than reckless. He had to find another way down.
There was an elevator nearby, and he rushed into it. The other ran over, but Kurama was already halfway to the bottom.
Sakura made a move to follow. "Kurama!"
"No, Kura!"
Yusuke gripped her arms and pulled her around to face him.
Kurama said he can handle it. You have to stay with me, ok?
Sakura shut her eyes and a tear slipped out from underneath.
Ok. I will.
Down below, Kurama stepped out of the elevator and scanned the vicinity for any sign of his opponent. He couldn't see or smell Kuronue, but he soon heard his voice.
"You are truly despicable,"
Kurama turned quickly. Kuronue was behind him, still resolutely swinging his prized pendant back and forth.
"In the past, you fled and left me to die. Now, you are trying to destroy our dream!"
Kurama jumped back to avoid being hit with that razor-sharp scythe.
"Kuronue, it's true that I couldn't rescue you that day. But, I tried, believe me!"
"Silence!" Kuronue hissed.
More blades flew at Kurama, and he flipped away. He evaded one, two, three, but the fourth succeeded in slicing against his torso. Kurama landed in a crouched position, and pressed his hand against the laceration in an attempt to staunch the bleeding.
Kurama heard another scythe heading for him, but this time he was ready. "Rose Whip!"
The blades were stopped in their tracks. Kuronue's gloating smile became a snarl. "What's wrong? You're not fighting back!"
"Kuronue," Kurama was on his knees, trying to reason with him. "What you're trying to do now is wrong,"
Kuronue bared his teeth and descended on Kurama. "How dare you say that!"
"Listen to me, Kuronue!"
"Shut your MOUTH!"
Kurama rolled away at the last minute. Sakura could hear the sickening clang of steel hitting concrete, and she whimpered.
"Kurama!" Kuwabara balled up his fists. "Damn it, we can't see anything in this fog,"
Sakura felt Hinageshi's tiny hand on her back. She took a breath.
Kurama survived much more than this during the tournament.
The blade wasn't the only sound they could hear, however. There was a bizarre swishing sound emanating from the mist.
"What the hell is that creepy noise?!" Kuwabara seemed more bothered by it than anyone.
Hiei's eyes narrowed, and he unsheathed his sword. With one swift, elegant move, he slashed the blade and something clattered to the ground. The swishing immediately ceased.
"I thought so," Hiei muttered, picking up the scythe and inspecting it closely. "He's causing many scythes like this to resonate and create a shield. Inside it, he's able to create evil hallucinations with the aid of that mist,"
Sakura's head whirled. "You mean Kurama's been tricked?!"
Yet another deadly blade sliced Kurama's bicep, and he went down. "Kuronue, you don't need to -"
"Silence!' Kuronue roared. "What are you planning, Kurama? You want to kill me to save yourself again?"
Kuronue was twirling the pendant around in a circle, so fast that it was blurred. Kurama gritted his teeth and raised himself up. Kuronue was wrong. He was positive.
No, he's wrong. That day… his pendant…
Kuronue caught the necklace in his open hand. "I will use this scythe to cleanse your ugly soul. But it doesn't stop here. Once I'm finished with you, I'll go after her,"
Kurama's heart skipped a beat. "No," he breathed.
"Oh yes," Kuronue smirked. "Rest assured, she'll suffer more than you can comprehend,"
The threat to Sakura was the final straw for Kurama. Even as Kuronue threw his prized pendant aside, the white-hot rage inside Kurama cleared his head, and he remembered what really happened that day…
Kuronue snatched up the necklace, but it was too late. Deadly bamboo shards rained down on top of him.
From where Yoko stood, he could see that Kuronue had already been fatally injured.
"Kuronue!" Yoko called.
"Forget about me, Kurama. RUN!"
Kurama suppressed his grief at the memory, and pulled out a seed. This had gone on long enough. From the way the mist swirled around him like a miniature tornado, he knew the enemy was about to strike. But he would be ready.
Kuronue swooped from behind, ready to deal the final blow, but he never got there. A deadly bamboo rod grew at Kurama's will and impaled his opponent through the stomach.
The demon coughed up a fountain of blood. "Y-you?"
"You are not my old friend Kuronue!" Kurama said furiously, withdrawing the weapon. "Show me your true form!"
Kuronue melted into a large Netherworld apparition. He looked furious. "How…did you discover my trick?" he demanded.
"Kuronue always carried this with him," Kurama held up the discarded pendant. "He would never throw it away. What's more, no matter the circumstances, he would never attack an enemy from behind,"
The demon recoiled, but he wasn't ready to surrender just yet.
"Take this!"
The scythe harmlessly bounced off Kurama's energy shield, powered by his fury.
"Kuronue risked his own life to let me escape," Kurama was slowly but surely walking over to his prey. "You twisted my memories, threatened my beloved… and for that, you will die,"
The demon's eyes were wide with terror. It was over, and everyone knew it.
With a yell, Kurama slammed his palm to the ground, and razor-sharp bamboo stakes emerged from under the concrete. They grew at a terrifying speed, piercing the apparition from head to toe.
The mist cleared, and everyone gaped at the forest Kurama had created. They could see him, standing in the centre with his head bowed in sorrow.
Hiei leapt lightly down to meet him. "So, even someone as calm as you occasionally gets angry. That's good to know,"
Kurama turned away. He was so ashamed. "Not being able to save Kuronue that day…"
Hiei shook his head. "Kurama, there is no-one who does not carry scars on his heart," his voice was surprisingly gentle. "If there were someone like that, he would be a shallow soul,"
Sakura and the others had made it, and she weaved her way through the bamboo towards her lover.
They looked at each other for a moment, then Sakura took his hands.
You did it.
Kura, I…
Sakura touched his face. It's ok, I promise.
I'm sorry, my love. I wish… He still couldn't quite meet her eyes.
Sakura stood on her toes and gave him a small, tender kiss.
We can deal with it afterwards. But first, Botan needs us. She reminded him. And I'm not letting these guys postpone our date night any longer. Understand?
Kurama took her hand and gazed into her eyes.
I do.
A.N. One more chapter of Poltergeist Report before we move into the main Chapter Black saga. I hope you're all as excited as I am!
Chapter 7 will be released by August 9th. I'm eternally grateful for everyone's reviews, as well as the follows/favourites. It gets me through writers block, as well as this infuriating lockdown.
Please continue to review, and favourite/follow. Sakura and I love you all, and we'll see you soon!
Next Chapter: Team Urameshi takes on the final Netherworld demons.