A.N. Sakura is facing an unseen Haruki in the basement, Yusuke is fighting Kamiya, and everyone is fighting the insects. Hold on tight.
DCD Gojira: Unfortunately he's not going to get any better.
Ghost of Magic: There's Yandere, and there's whatever Haruki has. Hope you like this one.
Lady Amazon: I'm sorry! I promise it wasn't intentional! I'd probably be a blubbering mess if I were in Sakura's position, but she's got one chance left to escape.
Starrat: Hope you enjoy this chapter!
hw0134160: Yes, Haruki has completely tipped over the edge. Kurama's on his way, but Sakura isn't about to give up so easily. She might just save herself...
Thanks, I'm trying to be kind to myself. I'll stay positive. There's a light at the end of the tunnel for lockdown now, and I'll soon be fully vaccinated so that's a huge bonus. See you in the next chapter!
Sakura-chan: I really can't answer what might happen to Sakura in the rest of the book. Just keep reading!
Guest 2.0: Oh my goodness, thankyou so much. Your review made me want to cry in the best way. The way you've described my work is exactly what I wanted when I started this journey almost a year ago. I have no formal qualifications in writing, I'm just a lifelong bookworm/performer and theatre critic. As for Haruki, he's definitely going to piss of a LOT of people before this book is done. I hope you'll stick around. Sakura send her love and we're so thrilled that you've joined the journey.
kaigirl16: He has, and his twisted obsession is not going to improve anytime soon. He's prepared to do absolutely anything to get answers from Sakura.
Wolf's child: You'll see!
I don't own YYH, just my OCs.
Chapter 14
He was getting closer. Much closer. Sakura managed to push herself up from the cold stone floor and scooted backwards so she was half sitting against the generator.
Now that the dizziness had subsided, Sakura could think more rationally. The psychic's attack had thrown her across the room, and the object she'd cut her head on was apparently the generator itself. By her calculations, there was approximately ten metres from where she was lying to the exit, which was locked, and she could already feel the shadowy presence hovering above her.
I might not be able to attack him when he's hidden in the shadows like this, but I can attack the darkness itself!
The Spirit Blast wouldn't be enough for this. There was only one option. But it was going to require precise timing, and a little more stalling.
"You can't stop this, Sakura!" the mystery psychic hissed. "Whatever you're planning, that tunnel will open. Nothing will stand in our way!"
"But why?" she asked. "Why do you want to be part of this? The whole earth will be destroyed!"
The distorted voice laughed louder than ever. "Dark Angel showed me the truth," he purred. "The human race needs to be wiped out,"
Haruki could feel the other psychics monitoring the situation from behind his physical body. Sensui would call him back soon, and then he'd have to wait for the next phase of the plan. But for now, he was going to indulge in the opportunity.
Or at least, his shadow form would.
He reached out once more to touch the girl's delicate skin. Sakura whimpered the second he made contact. The sound caused another shiver of delight for Haruki.
He continued to trace down her jawline, towards her neck. He could hardly breathe with the frustration and excitement of having her so close, yet so far away.
Sakura was frozen stiff, completely numb with fear. Those cold fingers on her face were more possessive than anything she'd ever imagined. And they were most certainly not from a human, or an apparition.
Who the hell is this freak?
Slowly, Haruki stroked through her lustrous hair and pressed his shadow mouth as close to her ear as possible. He wanted Sakura to hear every syllable of his voice, and he didn't want to miss any of her reaction to his words.
"It must happen, Sakura," Haruki whispered. "You'll understand why soon enough,"
Her sharp intake of breath was more thrilling than he could have hoped for.
Yusuke stayed absolutely still, trying to think of what to do. He'd just witnessed the psychic reattach his own severed limb without batting an eye. Kamiya wasn't even pretending to be balanced anymore.
How the hell am I supposed to stop this freak?
But for now, Kamiya seemed more concerned with talking than fighting. The friendly doctor persona had evaporated, and in the shadows Kamiya looked even more psychotic.
"These powers we psychics have acquired… I think they relate to our own talents and personalities," Kamiya observed. "Like me, a Doctor. I developed the power to save patients who would otherwise die on the table. But then, I chose to use my gifts to kill,"
Yusuke gave a small smile. "So tell me. Which one of your friends is pulling your strings?"
Kamiya growled. He hadn't expected the detective to make such a comment. The boy's sister must've figured it out somehow. He'd heard Sensui and Ghost talk about her telepathic abilities.
"Really, which one?" Yusuke continued while taking a few steps forward. "Is it Sea Man? Game Master? Gourmet? You're not sane enough to be the leader,"
"You know their names?!"
"All eight," Yusuke nodded. "But I need you to fill in the blanks. I'm sure my sister will figure it out eventually, but she has better things to do with her time. What's your boss' name, and how is he planning to beat us? What's his power, and where the hell are you hiding out?"
Kamiya shut his eyes and smiled. "I'll tell you…"
Suddenly he sprang forward with ferocity. Yusuke managed to jump backwards, but Kamiya kept slashing. The dance continued until Yusuke ended up on the ground, catching the doctor by surprise. This was the opening the boy had been waiting for, a split second where Yusuke was able to rise from below for a fierce uppercut hook to the jaw.
Kamiya spiralled through the air, landing heavily several metres away. But instead of staying down, he bounced back up and was on his feet, ready for more.
"Come on!" Yusuke stared in utter disbelief. A trickle of blood from Kamiya's grinning mouth was the only sign of injury from a hit that should've broken bones.
Kamiya laughed. "Yes, I know. That hit was too hard. I shouldn't be standing. But after blocking pain signals and an extra jolt of endorphins, I feel pretty good!"
There was no going back from here. This guy was absolutely round the twist.
"Call off your territory," Yusuke growled in a last-ditch attempt to reason with him. "Let these people get over your sickness, and I swear I'll let you live,"
Kamiya tilted his head. "Yes, but you won't let me go free," It wasn't a question.
"Of course not!" Yusuke glared at him. "You're going where straightjackets are dress code,"
A sinister chuckle from Kamiya made Yusuke's heart sink. "But that won't help," the doctor crowed. "Once I spread my virus I can't reverse it. Even if I leave here, the territory stays. Besides, I never liked those padded rooms,"
"You're telling me there's no way to stop this?" Yusuke asked with rising horror.
Kamiya's face split into a demented smile. "Not while I'm conscious," he giggled. "And by manipulating my brain's chemicals, I can always prevent myself from going under,"
Yusuke swallowed hard. He was determined not to show his emotion, but Kamiya had already pounced on the obvious remedy.
"Your only choice is to kill me, a human. But you can't do that, can you?"
In response, Yusuke took a few slow steps towards his enemy before breaking into a run. He covered the gap between them in a microsecond, and swung his spirit-powered fist at Kamiya. The psychic evaded by flipping away, but the crater left behind in the wall spoke volumes.
Yusuke pulled away from the rubble and gave Kamiya a lethal stare. He was leaving no doubt as to what might happen next. "If you got any fears about death, you better work them out,"
"You missed me," Kamiya taunted. "I think you're the one who's afraid,"
A single drop of sweat rolled down Yusuke's face. For the first time, he wished Sakura was fighting the doctor alongside him.
Shizuru led the way down the hall. "Come on! A little faster Keiko!"
"I'm going!"
The further they went into the building, the more worried Shizuru and Keiko became. Every inch of the hospital looked like a ghost town. Bright green bodies of patients, doctors and nurses were lying motionless in the hallways. Since Keiko couldn't see the insects, it was up to Shizuru to keep the younger girl safe. But the options for doing that were severely limited.
They rounded a corner, only to find another swarm of insects waiting for them. Shizuru removed her jacket.
"Keiko, get us an elevator!"
Keiko didn't question it. "Ok!"
Shizuru began swatting at the insects, trying to keep them at bay, but she was fighting a losing battle. "There must be hundreds of them!"
Keiko kept a tight hold on Puu and jabbed at the elevator button. Shizuru had created enough leeway for them to run into the relative safety of the elevator. The bugs immediately began converging on them, but Shizuru pushed the button. Finally, the doors shut and began travelling upwards to the top level.
Shizuru was able to relax ever so slightly. "I guess that bought us a little time," she muttered.
"This is awful," Keiko hugged Puu close to her chest. "I hope Yusuke's alright…and Kura…"
Shizuru sighed. "Kid, don't you ever think about yourself?"
In this tiny dark box, neither of the girls realised that one of those deadly insects had followed them, and was injecting its poison into Keiko's neck. Before they realised what was happening, Keiko cried out and collapsed.
"Oh no!" Shizuru ran over.
"I'm cold…" Keiko whimpered.
Even in the dim light, Shizuru could see that Keiko had turned that same hideous shade of green, and was shivering uncontrollably despite a rising fever. A bad situation had just turned absolutely dire.
Meanwhile, Genkai was fighting her way through the sixth floor in search of the psychic. His territory seemed to span the entire building, which was alarming.
His territory reaches all the way up here? His power is great. We have to be on guard.
She was running down a darkened hallway when five more insects appeared. Rather than wasting her limited spirit energy, Genkai punched and kicked, destroying them.
"Maybe this is why I hate doctor visits!" the old woman grumbled. She kept on moving towards the elevator, even though the hum of insects behind her was getting louder.
At the end of the hall, Genkai turned around. A cloud of maybe a hundred bugs were converging on her, far too many in this swarm to destroy with her bare hands. Genkai didn't hesitate. She pulled back and fired with an energy wave that vaporised the lot.
Great. Only thousands more.
The elevator dinged behind Genkai. Something was coming. She took up a defensive stance in front of it with her spirit attack ready to fly. The doors slowly opened, and Genkai lowered her hands in shock. It wasn't the twins, Kido or even more insects.
"Shizuru…?" She'd never expected such a sight.
Shizuru hurried forward. She looked relieved. "Oh thank goodness… Genkai, Keiko is sick. I think she's in real trouble!"
Genkai caught sight of Keiko, curled up underneath Shizuru's jacket on the elevator floor. A glance to the side revealed yet another swarm of insects heading their way.
Genkai shoved Shizuru back into the elevator and sent another blast to kill any stray bugs that might follow. The doors shut and they began to travel down again.
Genkai looked at Shizuru with a grim expression. "We're all in real trouble,"
Sakura felt fierce waves of terror rolling over her. She was too afraid to move. The hidden psychic was literally breathing down her neck and sounded excited by her fear, which was the most disturbing part of all. If she did anything, who was to say how he might respond?
Maybe I should just stay here, wait for Kurama or Yusuke to find me…
"Is something wrong, Sakura?" the voice asked slyly. "You seem nervous,"
His hand began to move again, as if heading towards her chest, and that ignited the spark inside Sakura. At last, she forced herself to move, pulling away from his touch and jumping to her feet.
"Don't you touch me!"
Another laugh. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to frighten you. Maybe you'd feel better if we got back to our game of Cat and Mouse?"
Sakura took a small step forward. She couldn't have any contact with the generator when she made her move. "No more games, whoever you are,"
"Is that right?" the psychic sounded amused. "I was rather enjoying myself,"
That same cold rush of air flew by Sakura. He'd moved again, facing her and blocking any chance of escape. At least, that's what he thought. He was positioned exactly where Sakura needed to enact her plan.
I need to time this right. If he suspects anything, I'm finished.
It was risky, using the Spirit Flame in such a small space, but Sakura couldn't see any other way out of this. Attacking the darkness was her best, and probably only chance.
This is what you've been training for, Sakura. You can do this. Remember what Genkai said, and don't hesitate!
"You see, Sakura, I have a job to do here, and rest assured that I will be completing it,"
Sakura brought her hands around to the front. The moment was seconds away. "Oh, that's right. You said something about keeping me entertained?"
His deranged giggling reverberated, echoing around the empty dark basement. "Yes, but it's certainly what I've been waiting for as well!"
But then something happened that Haruki never expected. Sakura smiled. The same smile she'd used in the Dark Tournament when all hope seemed lost.
"Spirit Blast!"
Her magenta orbs rocketed across the room. Safe in the shadows, Haruki was able to dodge the girl's signature move almost lazily.
"Nice try, Miss Urameshi. But you're at a distinct disadvantage in the dark. I on the other hand…!"
So saying, another energy ball was hurled in her direction. Sakura had hoped he'd try to attack her at least once more. She stood her ground until the last possible millisecond before evading to the right.
The psychic's red demon energy collided directly with the generator. Instead of being destroyed, it roared to life again. The emergency power was back on.
Sakura heard her enemy's shocked reaction, but didn't give him a chance to strike back.
"Spirit Flame!"
Her small, controlled fireball exploded into the darkness, illuminating the area and scattering the shadows. Haruki fell back, and saw Sakura run to the door and kick it with all the strength in her petite body. The lock had been loosened from the shockwaves of both their attacks, and in a few seconds Sakura would be able to escape.
Haruki hissed at the sight and began surging over to stop her as she kicked the door again. She couldn't leave. He wasn't finished with her yet!
Ghost, withdraw!
Sensui's command rang loud and clear.
Haruki could hardly believe what he was hearing. But Dark Angel, I have to -
Trust me, Ghost. We've learned what we needed to. Withdraw immediately. That's an order.
There was a loud bang. Sakura had finally forced her way through the door. She stumbled upon exiting, and seemed to be coughing from the dust. Even though the cut on her head was still dripping with blood, the girl raced up the stairs as fast as she possibly could without ever looking back at him.
A number of emotions flooded through Haruki in the span of five seconds. Anger, worry, irritation, grief, desire. But there was nothing else for it. He had to trust Sensui.
Reluctantly, Haruki pulled back and he felt the bizarre energy rush that came with returning to his physical body. The roof, and the silhouettes of the others came back into his vision.
The hospital loomed over Kurama's group. Kuwabara was the first to make a move, slamming a fist into his palm.
"Alright, let's go!"
Kurama flung out an arm to stop him. "Wait!"
"What? I'm ready!" Kuwabara frowned.
Though he wanted to go into the hospital with all proverbial guns blazing, Kurama was remaining cautious, and even without Sakura's message, there was something unusual about this place.
"Just listen," Kurama said darkly. "It's too quiet,"
Botan blinked. Kurama was correct. There was absolutely no noise whatsoever. "Well, I'll give you that,"
"Quiet is perfect!" Kuwabara retorted. "It's a hospital, not a racetrack!"
Kaito looked up at the building. He could see the broken glass no doubt caused by Yusuke's attack. "It's the cause without the effect," he explained. "We saw Yusuke's Spirit Gun blast through a window in the middle of the day, yet there are no doctors, nurses or security taking a look at it?"
"So what?!" Kuwabara snapped impatiently.
"So, curiosity is one of man's most predictable forces," Kurama looked deadly serious. "If people don't come to see, it's because they are not able to. We assume the worst for everyone in that hospital. They're either detained, hurt or dead. And that is why we are not being followed,"
Botan gulped. "Well that does make sense. They wouldn't walk into their own trap,"
Kurama stepped forward. Somewhere inside that hospital, his treasured flower was fighting to escape.
"It's too dangerous for us all," he said firmly. "Especially with Kuwabara's condition,"
Kuwabara went red. "Condition?" he whined. "You make me sound like I'm rabid…"
Kurama couldn't wait a moment longer. Sakura needed him, and so did the others. He glanced at Botan for final instructions.
"You three stay back and watch for developments. I'll go take a look around,"
And with that, Kurama began sprinting towards the building. Botan and Kuwabara had never seen the fox demon move so fast, never.
Kurama pulled out his rose whip. He was going to have to take an unconventional approach here.
The front entrance won't be safe. Neither will the back.
The whip swung through the air and attached to the fence surrounding the roof. Within seconds, Kurama climbed up, and leapt over the barrier itself. As soon as his feet touched the ground, he could feel exactly what he'd walked into.
A psychic's territory. I must take care.
Kurama quickly spotted a discreet way in. A small door leading to a stairwell.
I'm coming, my love.
The feel of Sensui's hand on his shoulder was the first thing that brought Haruki back into reality. He stared at his own hands, the ones that had been able to feel Sakura's perfect face for just a fleeting moment…
"Well done, Ghost. You played your part perfectly. Just rest there for now," Sensui turned to the others. "Sniper, what's the latest on Kurama's group?"
"They're keeping their distance," Sniper lowered his binoculars. He looked impressed. "They're avoiding Doctor's trap,"
Sea Man slipped his hands in his pockets. That certainly matched what he'd observed while tailing them. "This Kurama won't be easily ambushed,"
"Well, that's perfect," Sensui smiled at Haruki, who was still crouched on the ground. "The tunnel's our major objective, but it's not the only one,"
"Sir, let's do it now," Sniper said eagerly. "We'll catch them off balance,"
"The Doctor's outnumbered!" Sea Man pointed out. "Yusuke could kill him!"
Sensui was unconcerned. "Then let him die," he said simply. "The Spirit Detective must be enlightened, one lamp at a time,"
Sea Man only hesitated for a moment, before ultimately giving in. "Yes, sir,"
"Ghost," Sensui refocused his attention on Haruki. "We have much to discuss,"
Haruki still seemed as if he were in a trance. "Yes sir,"
"You have performed admirably, my boy. Let's save the full debrief for when we return to the cave,"
Haruki nodded. "I only wish I could've done more,"
"No," Sensui smirked. "As I told you, I learned almost everything I needed to know from that confrontation. Doctor will provide the rest,"
Haruki looked hopeful. "Really?"
Sensui nodded. "This was merely the first move in the game. Next time, things will be very different for all involved,"
Haruki closed his eyes and smiled.
You might think you got away, Sakura. But I'm not done with you.
Sakura burst through the stairwell door and slammed it behind her. She gave a cursory scan for safety. There were no insects in sight or earshot, and it didn't look like she was being followed by that shadowy figure.
Sakura collapsed on the ground. She was shaking all over. Not just from fear, but from the exertion required to control the Spirit Flame as a fireball. That was the first time she'd used it outside of training with Genkai.
"Don't hesitate, Missy. Fear will only hold back the power of this move. You know you can do it, so push forward!"
Well, she'd done it, and in doing so, she'd managed to get away from that crazy psychic without sustaining too much damage and getting the emergency power back on to boot.
Dizzy and shaken as she was, the adrenaline pumping around her system was beginning to recede. Now that there was some light in the building, Sakura had enough sense to notice the blood on her hoodie. A glance behind her indicated that she'd left a trail of it in her wake as well. Thankfully the laceration didn't feel too deep, but when she pulled her hand away, it was covered in blood.
Sakura leaned up against the wall and tried to stem the flow with her sleeve.
You get one minute. She told herself. One minute to rest, and then you go help Yusuke.
Sakura took stock of her remaining energy. There was enough for a Spirit Snare, maybe one Spirit Blast if she was desperate.
You can do this. Kurama's on his way. You just need to fight until he gets here.
The sound of shattering glass from the floor above told Sakura that her rest was over.
"Ten more minutes, Yusuke," Kamiya laughed. "Then everyone with my virus will be dead. And I know that includes a few of your friends. You have no choice. You have to kill me…but you've never killed a human before!"
Instead of responding to the taunt, Yusuke glared at the Doctor. He was on his own for this one, and it didn't seem like there was another option.
"This time I won't miss," Yusuke raised his finger to show that a lethal Spirit Gun was charging. "This time, I'm going to blow your head off,"
"You're serious?" Kamiya took a step back. For the first time, he looked afraid. "Easy, Yusuke. You don't want to go through with that. Think about your future!"
"Planning out the future's never been my style," Yusuke growled. "I hope you like cremation,"
A whimpering Kamiya turned and began to run. But just as Yusuke was about to fire his fatal attack, a side door opened and someone appeared.
"Doctor, help!"
For a split second, Yusuke thought it might be his sister, and immediately pulled back. But when he looked a second time, he saw that it wasn't Sakura. It was an infected nurse stumbling towards Kamiya.
"NO!" Yusuke yelled. But it was too late.
"That's very good, Yusuke. Raise that finger again and I'll cut off her head!"
Kamiya had already pounced and was holding his psychic scalpel at the woman's throat. Yusuke gritted his teeth. Now there was a hostage involved…
"Quite a complication," Kamiya snickered. "You must be glad to have an excuse not to kill me!"
Damn it! Now what? Yusuke thought in despair. He honestly didn't know what to do…
What was that?
A flash of movement at the other end of the hallway caught Yusuke's attention. Just what he needed, another innocent bystander…
Except it wasn't.
Yusuke stared in amazement. Kura?!
His sister was covered in dust and had a significant gash on her forehead, but she smiled and held up a finger to her lips.
Sorry I'm late.
The elevator reached the second floor, and Genkai turned back to Shizuru, who was still kneeling beside Keiko.
"You should be safe here. Just don't take any pleasure strolls,"
Shizuru bit her lip. "But Keiko… she looks bad,"
"Don't worry," Genkai gave a reassuring smile. "She'll recover fully once I get my hands on that doctor,"
The door opened, and the old woman darted out into the haze of insects.
Having shut the door behind her, Shizuru sat down again and ran a hand through her hair as the elevator began travelling upwards again.
"What a mess…"
"Puu! Puu!"
Shizuru looked up quickly. Around ten insects had managed to fly in before the doors closed. Shizuru picked up her jacket and began swatting at them.
"Get out!"
Keiko opened a weary eye. "Shizuru, get out of here. Save yourself,"
"Shut up," Shizuru advised while stamping on the last insect. "That disease is making you stupid,"
"I'm already stung. It makes no sense to try and protect me,"
Shizuru sighed. "Maybe so, kid. But I'm too stubborn to admit I'm wrong now,"
The elevator shuddered, and Shizuru's panic spiked. They'd reached the top floor but now she could see that the insects had actually squeezed through the escape hatch. It seemed nowhere was safe anymore.
In her panic, Shizuru dragged Keiko out of the elevator and threw herself on top of her. This was it. She'd done her best, but the insects were nearly upon them…
A shadow leapt into the open window and Shizuru heard a familiar swishing sound. The insects fell to the ground, dead.
Their saviour landed in front of them. Shizuru gasped as she recognised the silhouette.
"Kurama?"
His green eyes widened. "What on earth are you two doing here?!"
Kamiya was still giggling, far too smug to even realise that someone else had joined them, let alone the Spirit Detective's sister.
Somehow, Yusuke managed to keep the relief he felt off his face. If he could just keep Kamiya distracted, Sakura would be able to get him from behind. She was silently creeping forward and would soon be close enough to strike. Whatever Sakura was planning, he'd simply react accordingly.
"Do you even know what you're involved in?" Yusuke demanded. "This tunnel they want to open is going to turn earth into Demon World's whipping boy. What you're doing is suicide!"
Kamiya laughed even harder. "I hope so!"
"What the hell is wrong with you?" Yusuke snapped. "You want to die?"
Sakura crouched down low and took another careful step forwards. Just a few more seconds, and he wouldn't know what hit him.
"Everyone goes," Kamiya shrugged. "After all these years as a doctor, that's one thing I know. And in so many bad ways. Dysentery, strokes, aneurysms… I'd lost all sense of hope. Then they showed me the truth. Humans are a disease!"
Sakura froze at his words. They were chillingly similar to what the mystery psychic had said to her in the basement.
Kamiya wasn't finished. "I never had purpose in my awful life, but I'll have purpose in my death,"
The nurse he was holding finally spoke. "Then just die alone!"
The doctor's eyes went wide. The woman had one arm free, and she was hurling a bottle of acid right at his face.
Yusuke gasped. Sakura ducked out of the way just in time. The corrosive liquid splashed into Kamiya's right eye and immediately began to eat away at his flesh.
Dropping the nurse, Kamiya clutched at his head with a scream. Both twins saw the nurse flash a triumphant grin at Kamiya.
"You BITCH!" Kamiya roared, and with a flick of his hand he slashed at the woman. Blood streamed across the floor from the injury to her stomach.
Yusuke ran forward. As he suspected, the alleged nurse was morphing back into someone they knew.
Slumped against the wall, Yana was barely conscious. "I just… wanted to help,"
"Yana!" the twins cried simultaneously.
Kamiya whipped his head around at the sound of Sakura's voice. "Could it be… Sakura Urameshi?!"
With another demented smile, he lunged for her. "Dark Angel said you'd come!"
"Kura, get back!" Yusuke yelled.
Sakura had already raised her hands. "Spirit -!"
"No you don't!" Kamiya's psychic scalpel missed Sakura by a hair. She spun away and let the wall behind her take the hit.
"Ooh, you're a tricky one!" Kamiya snarled. He swiped at her again. Sakura ducked under his arm and kicked him from behind. This was it. She'd caught him off guard…
"Spirit Snare!"
Her magenta ring soared from her hand, heading straight for Kamiya.
Yusuke, when he's immobilised, that's when you -
An unexpected punch in the stomach knocked Sakura down on the ground. Kamiya had avoided her attack by batting it away with the psychic scalpel. With a sinister chuckle, he leapt on top of Sakura and pinned her hands above her head.
"Kura, NO!"
"Shut up or I'll kill her!" Kamiya warned. He turned back to Sakura. "Now, what's my diagnosis for you?"
Sakura spat in his face. Growling, Kamiya seized a fistful of the girl's hair and slammed her head into the ground with deliberate force.
"No, stop!" Yusuke cried desperately.
Kamiya's eyes swept over Sakura's body. "Just like I thought. Fourteen years old, five foot three inches tall, weighs ninety nine pounds,"
With a furious roar, Yusuke slammed into Kamiya. "Get off her!"
The doctor was thrown back from Sakura and came to a halt at the other end of the corridor. Yusuke knelt beside Sakura, who was moaning softly on the ground.
"Yusuke…"
"You'll be ok," he muttered as if trying to convince himself more than anything. "Just stay down,"
Kamiya looked up. Looming over him was none other than Genkai, blocking his escape route.
"What a sad puppet you've become," She said with utter contempt. "You're not leaving now,"
Yusuke took a protective stance in front of his twin sister. If Kamiya so much as looked at her again, he'd kill him without hesitation.
"This is your last chance. You find some way to get unconscious, and call off your virus. Or you die,"
Kamiya scrambled to his feet. He was cornered, and he knew it. "Ok, fine. So I have lied a little," He slowly reached into his lab coat. "There is a way to cure them, but you have to promise to let me live,"
Yusuke didn't even blink. "You'd better convince me,"
"Look," Kamiya opened the box he was holding and held it out, almost in surrender. "It's the anti-virus, enough for everyone. You can have it,"
Never taking his eyes off Kamiya, Yusuke slowly made his way over.
The doctor smiled to himself.
Fool. I'll gut him as soon as he takes it.
Yusuke reached out to take the box, but a yell stopped him in his tracks.
"Don't get closer!"
Murota was dragging himself down the corridor in a mad panic.
"I could read his thoughts. He's planning to kill you!" the mind-reader gasped out. "Those vials are nothing but glucose; sugar water!"
Furious, Kamiya slammed the box on the ground where the vials shattered into pieces. "NO!"
Yusuke's face was murderous. "Your last chance just flew out the window,"
"NO, DEVIL!"
Kamiya hurled himself at Yusuke. This was it. There was only a few seconds left before everyone infected would die.
Yusuke knew he couldn't wait any longer. Kamiya had done far too much damage already. Sakura, Kido, Yana, Murota, and all the other people in this hospital had suffered from his actions. But no more.
Yusuke's fist sank into Kamiya's jaw, the first of many brutal hits.
Punch. Punch. Punch.
Every hit only seemed to fuel Yusuke's rage. He was doing this for his sister, for his friends…
"Go - to - HELL!"
The final blow propelled Kamiya straight through a window and onto the concrete outside. He bounced a few times, hitting his head and twitching for a moment before finally going still.
Yana held up his hand in amazement. "Hey, the colour's wearing off! Does that mean what I think it does?"
The sounds of murmuring could be heard down the hall.
"It was Doctor Kamiya! I saw what he did!"
"Someone… call the police!"
Everyone really was making a full recovery, but the weight of what he'd done was starting to hit home for Yusuke. He'd just killed a human being.
Yusuke stared out the window at Kamiya's lifeless body, hand clenched so tightly it was trembling. For a moment, he couldn't think of anything else.
Damn it… I had to do it… I had to kill him…!
A thud from outside caught his attention. Genkai was there, restarting Kamiya's heart with a spirit-powered fist. Kamiya suddenly took a breath.
Yusuke stared at the sight. "Grandma?"
"We don't have time to have death on your conscience,"
Genkai straightened up and looked solemnly at her young student. "Don't you dare question yourself. You took the right action. You saved countless lives,"
Yusuke smiled a little. Her words were comforting. Just then, he heard a faint voice behind him and quickly turned around.
"Kura?!"
His sister was trying - and failing - to get up. Yusuke hurried to her side.
"I'm… sorry, Yusuke," she mumbled in a half-conscious state. "I wasn't quick enough,"
Yusuke gently lifted her upper body. "It's ok, Kura. But what happened? You're bleeding!"
"Hit my head…" Sakura whispered. "There was… another psychic… in the basement…"
Yusuke's blood went cold. "Another psychic? What are you talking about?!"
She closed her eyes. "I don't… I don't know…" Unable to stay awake any longer, Sakura went limp.
Yusuke pulled her closely into his chest. "Genkai? What does she…"
"Calm down," Genkai hopped through the window. "You won't get much out of a girl with a concussion. Sit her up, but gently,"
Yusuke carefully leaned Sakura up against the wall and moved the hair from her blood-stained face.
"Is she ok?"
"She'll be fine, dimwit. Now let me concentrate,"
Reluctantly, Yusuke backed off and let Genkai take over. His heart was pounding again. Had Sakura been attacked by another one of the eight psychics before arriving? If so, which one?
"Hey, Urameshi!"
It was Kuwabara, flanked by Kaito and Botan. With the threat eliminated, they had finally deemed it safe to enter the hospital.
Botan gasped at the sight of Sakura on the ground. "Oh my goodness, Kura!"
"Don't worry," Genkai called. "I'm on it,"
Botan looked from Yusuke to Yana. "Should I even ask why Yana's wearing a nurse's outfit?"
"Well, you know," Yusuke chuckled. "Playing doctor, then one thing led to another…"
Genkai looked up from where she was tending to Sakura. "Botan, he could use your healing powers,"
Botan saluted playfully. "Right!" she winked.
There was a hurried conversation as Yusuke began to explain what they'd discovered, and what had happened to Kido. He didn't get very far when a shocked voice rang out.
"Kura!? Kura!"
A flash of red hair zipped past Yusuke, almost knocking him over. It was Kurama, ignoring everything and everyone else except for his flower.
"Genkai, what's going on?"
Sakura was slouched against the wall while Genkai channelled her healing energy. She seemed to be unconscious, and there was a large laceration of at least five centimetres running across her forehead.
"Settle down, Fox Boy," Genkai sighed. "She's got a concussion, and I sense that she's used up all her spirit energy. Don't worry though. She'll be alright,"
Yusuke frowned. "All her energy? But how?"
"I suspect Sakura was forced to use the Spirit Flame," Genkai said darkly. "She can control it better than she could at the Dark Tournament, but it's still rather draining,"
Kurama looked at Yusuke. "Do you know what happened?"
"Not much," Yusuke admitted. "Kura turned up a few minutes ago with that cut on her head, and then the freak show I was fighting got a hit in. She said something about another psychic before blacking out,"
Kurama's eyes hardened. Yusuke could see the barely contained fury as he turned back to Sakura, who was coming around.
"Kura, sweetheart? Can you hear me?"
She raised her head at the sound of his voice. "Kurama…?"
The concussion was healed, but she looked exhausted and was covered in dirt. Clearly, something significant had gone down.
"Yes, my love. It's me," The fox demon rested his forehead against hers with relief flooding through him.
"I'm sorry…" Sakura breathed. The fear in her voice was audible. "I tried…but I couldn't see -"
"Shhh…" Kurama stroked her face. "It's alright, my hana. You're safe now,"
Sakura shook her head slightly. She had to tell him. "You don't understand. There's eight of them…and…"
"Enough," Genkai said firmly. "Just rest, Missy. We can fill them in later,"
With a nod, Sakura closed her eyes again. "I just want to go home,"
We will, my love. Kurama kissed her softly. As soon as possible.
"Puu!"
Yusuke's mouth fell open. Not only was his spirit beast flying towards them, Keiko and Shizuru were following closely behind.
"Keiko?" Yusuke gawked. "Damn it, Puu! You're like their Get Into Danger tour guide!"
Puu flapped back to Keiko with tears in his eyes.
"Don't you blame this on him, Yusuke!" Keiko scowled. "We only came because we were worried about you…oh my God, Kura!"
"Oh hey, sis," Kuwabara said a little too casually. "Why are you here? You sick?"
"Yeah, bro," Shizuru rolled her eyes. "Sick of tracking you down. What trouble are you in?"
Kuwabara went red and started scratching the back of his neck self-consciously.
"Well, uh…that's a pretty long story, actually. Tunnels, and stuff…"
Sirens began to wail outside. Genkai looked around at them all. "We'd better move it. This is a crime scene we don't want to be a part of,"
Sakura staggered to her feet, supported by Kurama. Her eyes widened as she remembered someone wasn't with them.
"Kido…" she clutched at Kurama's shirt. "We have to find Kido!"
Yusuke shook his head grimly. "He's going to be in here for a while, kid,"
"I'll stay and make sure Kido gets good treatment," Kaito offered.
Yusuke took a breath. "Yeah, let's just hope he can walk again,"
The group slipped out through the back door. There were a million questions to be answered, but not until they were out of the city.
The detective rubbed his forehead and took a deep breath.
"Ok, Doctor Kamiya, let's go over this again. You say you slashed up your colleagues, gave a nurse a three foot scar and temporarily paralysed a boy because… you were helping them?"
Saying it out loud sounded even more bizarre. After all these years on the force, he thought he'd heard it all. But this… this was something else entirely.
"Detective, have you ever looked in the mirror?" Kamiya enquired through the bandages covering his face. "I mean, really looked? We're diseased. We're suffering. If you knew what's best, you'd take that gun from your little holster and do yourself a favour,"
Both officers exchanged an incredulous look. Neither of them could recall an offender with such an extreme outlook.
"Erasing every human, that's the only way to save us," Kamiya giggled. "Or else, we'll eat and destroy until nothing is left but piss! Capturing me has only delayed the inevitable for us all,"
The doctor gazed out the window at the sunset. It was a shame that he wouldn't be present for the tunnel's grand debut, but he was satisfied. Seven remained, and they'd carry on without him.
Dark Angel was correct. The Spirit Detective didn't stand a chance. And his sister? Well, she was in for quite the surprise…
"...I'm so sorry, my love. I should have been there… I should've been faster…" Kurama held Sakura close and stroked her hair.
"It's not your fault," she whispered. "I just wish I could've stopped him quicker,"
Sakura didn't remember anything from the journey back to Genkai's. Apparently, she'd slept the entire time and that included the debriefing period. She'd woken up on a futon, greeted by Yukina's concern and Kurama's gentle embrace before slowly recalling the events leading up to this moment.
They were all on the same page now. Both teams had filled each other in on what had gone down, and now they just needed Sakura to share her encounter with the mystery psychic in the basement. Her memories were fuzzy thanks to the concussion, but Sakura told Kurama everything she could remember.
"You never saw him?" Kurama asked. "Even when the Spirit Flame gave you light?"
Sakura shook her head. "Nothing. Just a shadow. And I think he was disguising his voice. He started throwing energy blasts at me and then…well, I hit my head pretty hard. It's all kind of a blur from that point until I found Yusuke,"
Kurama was silent for a few moments. "Yusuke took out one psychic, but there's still seven more working on this tunnel,"
"Judging by what the Doctor said, and whoever I fought, I think Dark Angel is the leader," Sakura muttered. "Those names… they're clues…"
"Yes," Kurama agreed while giving her a light kiss. "But for now, you need to rest,"
Sakura closed her eyes. "Stay,"
"Always," he murmured. "I'm not going anywhere, my precious flower,"
Despite her exhaustion, the names of the remaining psychics were turning over and over in her head without pause. Dark Angel, Gatekeeper, Sniper, Gourmet, Game Master, Doctor, Sea Man and Ghost.
Sakura rested her head on his chest and let the sound of Kurama's heart lull her to sleep. She'd start brainstorming possible psychic powers tomorrow…
As she slept, Kurama held Sakura as tightly as possible without hurting her. Inside, he was wracked with guilt.
Whoever was behind this tunnel was more dangerous than any of them had imagined, and two of them had come after his treasure.
If I'd been right there… If I'd been faster… If I hadn't run into Keiko and Shizuru…If only Hiei hadn't left…
Too many if only's. But the fact remained that he'd let her down. His hana had needed him, and he'd failed to protect her.
The shoji screen slid back and Yusuke poked his head in. "How's she doing?"
Kurama motioned for Yusuke to keep his voice down. "Sleeping, but much better. Genkai says she should be fine by morning,"
Yusuke heaved a sigh of relief. "Did Kura say anything about the other psychic?"
"Yes, I was planning to inform you all when Koenma gets in touch," Kurama nodded. "Has he called yet?"
"Well… that's the thing," Yusuke frowned. "Botan went to call him with my briefcase thing, but that ogre said he wasn't available,"
Kurama raised an eyebrow. "Not available? Why?"
Yusuke shrugged. "Probably polishing his pacifier or something. Stupid toddler,"
Kurama didn't say anything. He was lost in thought, combing through his flower's hair.
"It's not your fault, Kurama," Yusuke said quietly. "We'll just have to make sure we smash that psychic's face in when we find out where they're hiding,"
Kurama swallowed. "Indeed,"
"Get some sleep, Fox Boy,"
"I will,"
At last, Yusuke was gone and Kurama began pondering Koenma's unusual silence. Surely he'd seen what had happened today. Why wouldn't he get in contact with them, especially with the new information they'd discovered?
Of course, Kurama's analytical mind had already considered a range of possible reasons, but one in particular was gnawing at him. And it was one that he didn't like, which only strengthened his belief that it could be the answer. Perhaps he should pay a personal visit to Koenma in Spirit World, after getting some much-needed rest.
Kurama leaned over to switch the lamp off when something outside the window caught his eye. A small, shadowy figure perched on a tree branch, watching from a distance.
"Thanks, Akumu. You've slithered right into my trap. Spirit Flame!"
Haruki paused the tape and stared at Sakura. Just hours ago, she'd been right in front of his shadow form. He'd been able to talk to her, touch her, but those answers remained elusive.
Even if he trusted Sensui, knowing that another chance had been taken from him was more painful than he'd ever admit out loud. Without her, all he had was this precious tape.
Haruki pressed rewind, intending to start the tape right from the very beginning. Sakura's fight with Dr Ichigaki…
"Haruki," Sensui appeared behind him. "We need to talk,"
"Yes, Mr Sensui?"
Sensui's face was alive with anticipation. "Itsuki says the tunnel is expanding even faster than his highest calculations. And that means one thing,"
Haruki's heart seemed to skip a beat. "It's time?"
"Yes, it's time. We need to make our move, and when we do… you'll get your answers,"
It was too much. Hearing those words brought tears to Haruki's eyes. "Answers…"
"That's right, my boy," Sensui put a hand on his shoulder. "Follow my instructions, and the girl will reveal everything to you,"
"Anything, sir. Anything you say,"
"I've been waiting for the right moment, but you are ready," Sensui began. "Listen closely. There are things you need to know before we discuss the plan,"
Haruki blinked away his emotions. "I'm listening, Mr Sensui,"
Sensui smiled. "I know you are, Haruki,"
A.N. The hospital arc might be over, but we're really off to the races now :( What Sensui is about to tell Haruki will set an unstoppable force in motion, and it won't end well for anybody.
I would write more, but I've just realised that it's 1:30am here and I should really get to bed. Chapter 15 will be released by September 30th. Don't forget to follow/favourite. And please take a minute to leave a review. What do you think might happen next?
Next chapter: Sensui and his team prepare to strike. Sakura races against the clock to decipher the remaining psychic's powers, but it might already be too late...