A.N. After the action of the hospital fight, we need to take a moment to breathe. This is... an interesting chapter. In many ways, it'll make a lot more sense when we get to Demon's Door Cave. But you'll have to read on to see what I mean!

DCD Gojira: :)

Starrat: I hope you like it!

Hina714: No apology needed. :) There's still a lot of suspense in this chapter. You'll have to wait a little bit longer to see her reaction along with the others, but you've definitely got a good idea of how Yusuke and Kurama will feel about it. As for Sensui, he's definitely got his own agenda when it comes to Haruki and promising him answers...

hw0134160: It was a big cliffhanger, but I'm not revealing all my cards just yet. It has to be at the right moment. Sakura won't get pepper spray, but she will get SOME relief this chapter, and it's kind of a double edged sword. You'll see :) Haruki has definitely lost it. His obsession with Sakura is beyond disturbing, and Sensui is about to make it a million times worse. Lots of love and we'll see you in the next chapter!

Sakura-chan: He'll find out this chapter. And once he knows Haruki is alive... all hell might break loose.

Ghost of Magic: Oh no is right.

Kaigirl16: That's exactly right. Sakura has absolutely no idea about any of this, so when Haruki tries to question her she's not going to be able to answer. And he's ready to do absolutely anything to get her to talk. Anything.

Guest 2.0: It was a success in that it got her out, but you're right, Sensui did learn something from it. Honestly sometimes I think I drop too many hints, but I've always loved mysteries and such. I guess it just rubbed off on me. I'm so honoured that you love my work. Hope you enjoy, and we'll see you soon!

I don't own YYH, just my OCs.

Chapter 15

Sensui sat down. "Your encounter with Sakura was most illuminating. Like you, she has been training hard,"

"Yes," Haruki's face lit up. "She has grown stronger, more resilient. The power I witnessed at the Dark Tournament has only magnified since they won,"

"Correct," Sensui nodded. "Her tactics were most impressive. Not only did she use your energy attack as a way to power the building, she realised that attacking the shadows was the best option to escape,"

He smiled at Haruki. "Your tales of the girl's intelligence are well-founded, but Technique Zero will take care of that problem,"

"She used the Spirit Flame…" Haruki gazed back at the visibly rewinding tape. "But it was different this time. Perhaps the demon bandit Hiei was responsible,"

"No," Sensui said thoughtfully. "It was not Hiei. From what Toguro said, only Genkai would be capable of teaching Sakura how to gain precise control over such a draining attack. I believe that the fire would've destroyed you, had you not been in your shadow form,"

Haruki smiled. "Technique Binary, fused with soul projection training from the old man… nobody could see that coming,"

"You did well, my boy. Thanks to you, we have the intelligence needed to continue and they are none the wiser about your status. Now it's time to plan our next move,"

The boy leaned forward eagerly. "Tell me everything, Mr Sensui,"

"Technique Binary is more than a match for anyone in Yusuke's group," Sensui smirked. "And from what I've seen, Technique Zero will be perfect to use on Sakura alone,"

"But when, sir? When do I use it?"

"Sooner than you think, Haruki," Sensui replied calmly. "In a matter of days. But first, it is time for me to reveal something to you. Your fight with Miss Urameshi confirmed the suspicion I've been harbouring, and you must know it before the next step,"

Haruki's attention spiked. "What do you mean?"

The fire was charging, ready to destroy anything it touched, but there was no sign of the enemy.

"Dark Angel showed me the truth. The human race must be wiped out,"

Sakura's fireball scattered the darkness, but the shadowy figure was already looming over her again, hands outstretched.

"It must happen, Sakura. You'll understand why, soon enough…"

Sakura backed away from his grasp, but there was nowhere to run. And it wasn't just him. Others were emerging from the darkness.

"Well well well, what do we have here?"

The tokage demons appeared with their swishing tails and saliva dripping from their teeth. Next thing Sakura knew, they'd pinned her down.

"No escape acts this time, sweetheart!"

A tongue flickered in the side of her vision. It was Akumu and her gloating smile.

"Sakura Urameshi…" Akumu purred. Her knife was pressing into Sakura's throat. "Let's see how much blood I can spill before you die!"

The insane laughter of Elder Toguro filled the void. "I'm sure it'll be delicious!"

"No!" Sakura pleaded. "Stop!"

They simply laughed in response and turned to see who else had arrived. It was Sakyo, lighting another cigarette.

"Such a delicate little flower," he sneered. "Or should I say, damaged goods?"

Akumu raised the knife and brought it down, about to plunge straight into Sakura's chest…

Sakura woke, shaking like a leaf. The room was dark, bathed in moonlight, and it took a few seconds to remember where she was.

It's ok, it's ok. It was just a dream. You're alright…everyone is at Genkai's…

Just then, a tiny sliver of sunlight threaded into the room. Sakura clutched the blankets closer to her and tried to breathe while telling herself that a racing heart was much better than screaming the house down.

The effects of that concussion must've fully worn off by now, which explained the nightmare. She'd been back in the basement, at last remembering those terrifying words spoken from her unseen opponent.

"You can't stop this, Sakura. Whatever you're planning, that tunnel will open. Nothing will stand in our way!"

Even in her dreams, the Spirit Flame wasn't enough.

Sakura sat up and ran a hand through her loose hair. Kurama was still sleeping peacefully beside her. Good. She didn't want to wake him unnecessarily.

Now that her head was clearer than it had been following the incident at the hospital, Sakura could finally allow herself to recall exactly what had gone down, and what it might mean. Just not here, not in the room where Kurama was trying to sleep. She needed to get out into the fresh air, at the start of a new day.

Sakura slipped out of bed and dressed in silence. Again, she thought of the psychics.

Dark Angel, Gatekeeper, Sniper, Gourmet, Game Master, Doctor, Sea Man and Ghost.

We know their names, but what powers do they have?

She had no idea. Hopefully after some physical activity she might be ready to start figuring it out.

With a sigh, Sakura leaned over the futon and kissed Kurama gently.

"I love you," she whispered before leaving the room as quietly as possible.

"You're certain?" Haruki was almost too shocked to get the words out after what Sensui had just told him. "You're absolutely certain?"

Sensui nodded. "I didn't want to believe it, but now I'm sure. Getting answers from her is not going to be a simple task,"

Haruki was floored. He sat in stunned silence. "So what now? What should I do?"

"As long as you play your role correctly, you will get the answers you seek," Sensui said calmly. "I have everything worked out, including these items…"

With a sly smile, Sensui pulled something out of his pocket and handed it to his minion.

"Courtesy of the Doctor,"

Haruki stared at the object suspiciously. "What's this?"

"Something that will make the job easier," Sensui smirked. "There's only a few days left before we strike. To ensure our success, you'll need to do exactly as I tell you. Are you ready to fulfill Sakyo's dream?"

Haruki picked up Sakyo's lighter and turned it over in his trembling hand.

"I was ready a long time ago, Mr Sensui. Tell me the plan,"

Outside, the air was fresh and cool. The birds were singing, and a gentle breeze rustled the forest.

Sakura breathed deeply. It calmed her somewhat.

"Going somewhere, Missy?"

She jumped. "Genkai! I'm sorry, did I wake you?"

"No," the old woman shook her head. "But I didn't expect you to be up so early after yesterday,"

Sakura shrugged. "I couldn't sleep. I thought maybe going for a run might do me some good,"

Genkai looked at her for a long moment. "Fair enough," she said at last. "But don't go beyond the estate, alright?"

"Of course,"

"And don't take too long. We have a lot to talk about when the boys wake up,"

With a nod, Sakura took off around the side of the house, out into the open field. She didn't stop running until she'd reached the summit of the steep hill overlooking the compound.

Sakura leaned on her knees to catch her breath. Some of her adrenaline was ebbing away, but the anxiety from yesterday lingered.

More sunlight was breaking through the clouds. From her vantage point, Sakura could see the lights of Tokyo in the distance.

Her heart swelled, then constricted at the thought of what would happen to her city if they failed to stop the tunnel's creator.

We can't fail.

Sakura sat down to rest and take stock of what they knew. Of the eight psychics, seven remained. She turned the names over in her mind.

Dark Angel, Gatekeeper, Sniper, Gourmet, Game Master, Sea Man and Ghost.

So far all evidence pointed to Dark Angel being the leader, and if that was the case he had to be the man who'd approached them before Murota was shot. Sniper had almost certainly been responsible for the rubber bullet. But the others, she could only make inferences.

The one she'd fought in the basement had been hidden in the shadows, but she also knew that he was fast, liked mind games and didn't seem mentally well. Then again, nobody who wanted to open this tunnel could be of sound mind, so that didn't mean much. Kamiya alone was proof of that.

In all likelihood, her opponent had been the one to shut off the power. As to why, it was probably to keep them all trapped in the building -

Wait…

Another memory was coming back. The very first thing he'd said to her.

"There you are!"

Sakura began shaking all over again. Her ears were ringing. She could still feel his hands brushing over her, just like at the Dark Tournament…

Sakyo's other hand was lightly tracing up her leg. "I said we all wanted to see what was under the jacket, but you far surpassed my expectations,"

"Please stop that," Sakura breathed. His cold fingers were edging far too close to her breast…

Sakura buried her face in her knees and forced herself to calm down.

Forget Sakyo. He's dead. Worry about the other creep you fought.

The psychic's words during the encounter seemed to indicate that whoever he was, he'd been searching for her specifically. The thought turned her stomach.

Which one was he?

Yusuke had taken care of the Doctor. From what Genkai said, Sniper was too far away to have been in the hospital, and her attacker had mentioned Dark Angel more than once. Assuming it wasn't an act, that significantly lowered the number of suspects. Gatekeeper, Gourmet, Game Master, Sea Man and Ghost.

It was something.

Sakura stayed in her position for a few more minutes, practising her breathing exercises from therapy. She may not know who the psychic was, or why he'd been targeting her, but she could not afford to melt down over it. No matter what he might have done, she needed to stay focused.

Easier said than done. More flashbacks were rearing up to seize her, like the clawed hands of the tokage mercenaries…

Stop. Remember what you've learned. Breathe in for a count of four, hold for four seconds. Breathe out for a count of four. Breathe in…

Eventually, Sakura's heart rate slowed, and the flashbacks gradually subsided. Another panic attack averted. Time to go. She got to her feet and took one last look at the view.

Those psychics are wrong. Humans aren't perfect, but they don't deserve to be annihilated by demons.

The sound of a twittering bird caught her attention. Sakura turned around. A tiny Japanese robin was approaching her curiously.

Without thinking, Sakura knelt down to get a better look. The bird hopped towards her, singing its beautiful song. It wasn't afraid of her at all.

She stretched out her hand. The robin jumped onto it and Sakura brought it closer to her face.

"Hi there," Sakura whispered. "Aren't you a cutie?"

The robin chirped happily. Sakura smiled. "Go on, go and fly free!"

She raised her arm and watched it flutter away amongst the forest. Her mind was made up.

We have to protect this world.

It was time to head back to the estate. Her Spirit Flame needed a lot more work, and they were running out of time. There had to be some way of controlling it without sacrificing all her energy in one hit. Hiei said she needed to stop trying so hard -

Hiei.

The thought of him felt like a kick in the stomach.

Tears pricked at her eyes. Why did he have to leave? They'd been through so much together, but he'd walked away without so much as a second thought. The memory of his cold eyes, the way he'd shaken her off in the mansion… it made her chest ache.

Enough! Sakura vigorously rubbed at her eyes. Forget it. You can't change what happened. It's up to you now. Get a grip and work on that Spirit Flame!

Sakura reached the foot of the giant hill faster than expected. In the rapidly expanding sunrise, she spotted Genkai sitting out on the verandah with a cup of tea. Normally she'd join her, but there was no time.

Sakura went to walk straight past Genkai without a word. She was going back to the house and into the training room. She wouldn't come out until she could control that move without collapsing.

"Where do you think you're going now?" Genkai asked while calmly sipping from her cup.

"Training," Sakura said briefly.

"Not yet you aren't," Genkai put her tea down. "Yesterday you had a serious concussion, Missy. And your energy hasn't fully recovered. Practising such a draining move so soon is not wise,"

Sakura waved it off. "I can handle it. Honestly, I feel absolutely fine,"

Genkai raised an eyebrow just as Yukina appeared at the door. "You certainly don't look fine,"

"Kura?" Yukina came closer before Sakura could respond. "You're up!"

Sakura forced a smile. "Yeah, I felt a bit jittery, so I thought a run might help calm my nerves and it did,"

Yukina reached out her tiny hand and inspected Sakura's face. "Is everything alright? You look pale,"

"A nightmare woke me up, Yukina. That's all," Sakura said evasively while averting her eyes. "Now I have to start training, so I'll see you later,"

"Hold it, Missy!" Genkai snapped. "What's the big rush?"

Sakura sighed and turned to face them both. "Yesterday showed that my Spirit Flame still isn't reliable enough. I can't allow that to happen again,"

Genkai frowned. "I suspected you used the Spirit Flame. Care to explain why?"

"Later," Sakura shook her head. "I need to get to work,"

Yukina caught Sakura's wrist with a surprisingly strong grip. "But it's so early. Have you eaten yet?"

Shaking her head, Sakura gently pulled herself free. "That can wait. This is more important,"

"But Kura, you really need to -"

"The only thing I need to do is work on the Spirit Flame," Sakura tried to keep the rising desperation out of her voice. "I won't…it's not happening again," she took a deep breath. "I'll master that fire no matter what it takes,"

Before anyone else could try and stop her, Sakura hurried inside without another word.

Yukina watched her go with her hands pressed over her mouth. "Genkai, what's going on with her?"

Genkai stared after Sakura with a frown. Stubborn and determined as Sakura Urameshi was, she usually exhibited more sense when it came to training, especially after an injury.

"She's rattled, that's for sure. I'd say that her memories were fuzzy in the immediate aftermath due to that concussion, but with rest they've been regained,"

"What she just said…" Yukina said quietly. "About it not happening again…what did that mean?"

Genkai stood up. "I'll be back in a moment. Keep an eye on her, won't you?"

Yukina nodded. Genkai stalked off towards the back of the house.

Something had happened in that hospital. And if anyone could get Sakura to talk, it was Kurama.

"Koenma sir?" Ayame found Koenma standing on the balcony, staring out over the vast clouds of Spirit World.

The toddler turned around with a sigh. "What is it?"

She held up the papers in her hands. "I've received the latest update on the tunnel report. May I ask you why you're out here?"

"I… just needed a place to think. Shoot,"

Ayame opened the file and began to read. "The tunnel's expansion rate is not only high, it's consistent. It seems this psychic never needs to sleep,"

"A combination of stamina and might that a hundred typical psychics couldn't match," Koenma frowned. "That's why Sakyo tried to dig a tunnel with money. Not even he could imagine a psychic as an option,"

Ayame closed the file. "I understand this person has tremendous powers, but we still have the Kekkai barrier to stop them…"

A horrible thought struck Ayame, and she gasped in fright. "You don't think the psychic can break that too?! Surely not! No-one in existence could!"

Koenma shuddered and stared up at the sky. "Knock on some wood…"

Kurama woke up in the early sunlight. With eyes shut, he rolled over, expecting to find Sakura curled up beside him. Instead, his arms caught only empty sheets.

Kurama sat up and looked around. Sakura wasn't on the futon. She wasn't in the room at all.

This was a first for them. Normally, he'd rise, and tighten his embrace before waking her with a kiss…

"She's in the training room," Genkai announced from the doorway.

Kurama ran a hand through his hair. "Is that right?" he couldn't help but smile. Even after the difficult battle she'd fought, his precious flower was back at it again.

"It's not funny, Kurama," Genkai wasn't laughing. "Sakura insisted that she needed to work on her Spirit Flame and nobody could talk her out of it,"

Kurama stood up quickly. "The Spirit Flame? Why?"

"That's what we need to find out," Genkai said seriously. "Sakura was up at the crack of dawn. She said something about not being able to sleep and went for a run. If I had to guess, I'd say it was another nightmare given how anxious her aura felt to me on the way out,"

"What?" Kurama's eyes widened.

If Kura had a nightmare, why didn't I realise? I should have known!

"That's right," Genkai growled. "The second she got back it was straight to the training room. She wouldn't listen to me or Yukina. That's not like her. Something else is at work, and I'm worried,"

Silence filled the room. Kurama seemed at a loss for words.

Why didn't I sense it? Why didn't she wake me?

Before he could even begin to ponder the answers, Genkai was calling to him again.

"Come with me,"

Kurama straightened his clothes out and followed Genkai.

Sakura's hands crackled. Sweat was pouring down her body as she strained to summon the ever-elusive fire. So far the most she could get was a few embers. It wasn't enough.

Come ON!

She gritted her teeth and kept channelling her ki. Those flames were within her reach. They were just under the surface, desperate to appear. She knew it. She could feel it.

Keep going, Sakura. You have to learn how to control this before the next fight!

A single flame erupted, shooting across the room in a streak of golden light. Sakura's heart leapt.

That's it!

She stretched out and brought the fire back, swirling it around herself in a spiral. A tired smile curved up her lips. She could still create a small, controlled Spirit Flame with relative ease. Now, it was time to turn up the heat a little more.

Before Sakura could make her next move, her head started spinning. She let the power die out and pressed a hand to her forehead, to steady herself. It didn't work.

Sakura stormed over to the sink in the corner of the room and started splashing water on her face.

Get a hold of yourself, for God's sake. You have to master this move no matter the cost!

Seven psychics still remained. Without the Spirit Flame, what hope was there?

Behind the two-way mirror, flanked by Genkai and Yukina, Kurama watched the display with deep concern.

"Feel that?" Genkai muttered.

"Yes," Kurama breathed. "She's forcing herself to exert more energy than her capacity allows for,"

The old psychic locked eyes with the fox demon. "She's desperate to get this move under control, even to her own detriment,"

Genkai took a breath. "What did Kura tell you about her battle with that other psychic?"

He paused. "She said her memories weren't very clear after a certain point…"

"Well, I'd be prepared to bet that they are now," Genkai looked grim. "Something happened in that basement. You know it as well as I do,"

Kurama didn't reply, but Genkai knew he agreed. And if they didn't probe Sakura now, things would only get worse.

Yukina gasped. "Genkai, Kura doesn't look good…"

Sakura forced her eyes back open, then wiped the perspiration from her face and took a breath.

Start with the fireball. Just like you did in the basement.

She brought her hands together and focused. Slowly, the fire swelled to the size of a softball. With a grin, Sakura went to expand it, but nothing happened.

"No!" she hissed, and forced more energy into the fireball. Her tiny frame was trembling from the effort. Black dots were swimming across her vision. But still, it stayed the same size.

In sheer frustration, Sakura hurled it across the room where it disappeared almost immediately. The last of her energy had gone into that, with no tangible results.

What's the matter with you? Do you WANT to get caught out like that again?

The thought was unbearable. Being at the mercy of another psychic, thrown around in the dark like a ragdoll…

Sakura shook her head a few times to counteract the dizziness she felt, and raised her hands defiantly.

"Spirit -"

The door to the training room flew open. "Kura, that's enough!"

She turned quickly. "Kurama?"

He was there, along with Genkai and Yukina. All of them were looking at her with worry.

"Hey!" Sakura plastered a smile on her face. "Did you sleep well?"

Kurama walked towards her and cupped her face. "You should be resting,"

She waved her hand dismissively. "I've slept long enough. I need to keep working on the Spirit Flame. "

"Kura, you need to stop," Yukina's face was the portrait of concern. "Give yourself a moment,"

Sakura shook her head. "I'm ok, I swear. I know I'm almost in. I can feel it,"

Kurama put a finger to her lips. "Settle down, sweetheart,"

"I can't!" Sakura's voice was rising with what sounded like panic. "There's seven left, Kurama. And we have no idea what powers they have or where they'll strike next!"

She turned away and raised her hands again. "You better step back, this could be dangerous -"

A rose whip curled around Sakura's waist and she was yanked back into Kurama's arms.

"You need to stop this right now, my love. You're pushing yourself too hard,"

"Good!" Sakura said a little too fiercely. "I have to push myself. I have to be stronger. I won't let it happen again - !"

Genkai stepped forward. "Let what happen again, exactly?"

"I… nothing," Sakura went to move away, but Kurama held her close and gently stroked her hair.

"What's really going on, love?" he asked tenderly.

Sakura's throat burned. Beneath Kurama's gaze, her resolve shattered. Even though Genkai and Yukina were watching, Sakura buried her head in his chest and began to cry.

"I don't want to get caught off guard again," she sobbed. "I wasn't strong enough yesterday, and…I can't go into the next fight without having this move ready…"

Kurama tightened his embrace. "It's alright, my hana. You're just exhausted. Come, let's get you back to bed,"

"But the Spirit Flame…" she protested. "Why can't I control it after all this time?"

Genkai sighed loudly. "It's not working properly because you're trying to force it, Missy!"

Sakura stared at her. "What?"

"You heard me!" Genkai snapped. "If you keep working yourself half to death you'll never master that fire. It's like sand; you need to hold it lightly in order to keep it in your hands. Squeeze it too tight, and it pours out. Understand?"

Sakura's eyes widened. "What are you saying?"

"I'm saying that your current approach is counterproductive," Genkai's tone turned softer. "You exerted a tremendous amount of energy yesterday, and now you're trying to do the same with no fuel in the tank,"

Kurama began leading Sakura out of the room. "She's right, Kura,"

Sakura wanted to argue more, but with Kurama there she couldn't possibly win. "Ok," she agreed. "That makes sense,"

"Yukina, would you mind fetching some water?" Kurama asked while leading Sakura back to the futon. The mattress felt like heaven to her weary body.

"I'm sorry," Sakura whispered. "I don't know what I was thinking…"

"Don't be sorry," Kurama smiled while reaching into his hair. "You'll feel better when you've slept more, my love,"

Yukina returned with the water just as a yellow plant sprouted from the seed in Kurama's hand.

Sakura eyed it. "What's that?"

"A recovery plant," Kurama explained. "It has a mild sedative effect, and it will also help replenish your energy while you sleep,"

He whispered something Sakura couldn't understand. The plant released three drops of a shimmering blue liquid.

Kurama mixed the substance into the glass that Yukina handed him. "You need to drink this directly, alright?" he said softly.

Sakura took the water. "Yes, but…"

"But nothing," Yukina placed her cold hand on Sakura's cheek. "Get some rest, Kura. You have to take care of yourself,"

Kurama watched Sakura drain the cup. Heavy waves of exhaustion began to overtake her, and he eased her down on the pillow.

"I'll be here when you wake up," Kurama brushed the hair from her face. "Don't worry about anything, my precious flower,"

Sakura's brown eyes welled up again, with emotion and with fear. "There's something I need to tell you…"

"What's that?"

Tears spilled down her lovely face. "The psychic I fought yesterday…" she began. "He was crazy,"

Genkai raised a brow. "What do you mean?"

"He knew too much," Sakura whispered, clearly struggling to stay awake long enough to get the words out. "And I didn't remember until I woke up, but he…"

Her voice trailed off. Kurama gently squeezed her hand. "Kura?"

"I don't know… if I can say it…" And with that, Sakura's eyes closed involuntarily.

Kurama leaned in closer. "Kura, what are you saying?"

Too late. She was asleep.

"What's going on?" Yukina asked. "What did Kura mean?"

Genkai and Kurama exchanged a look. "That didn't sound good, did it?" Genkai said darkly.

Kurama continued to stroke through Sakura's hair. "No," he admitted. "You were correct. That's certainly more information than Kura was able to divulge last night. And even laying that aside, I doubt she would resort to the Spirit Flame unless the situation was dire,"

"Right," Genkai agreed. "So now, we have to fill in the blanks,"

Kurama turned to Yukina. Yusuke wouldn't be able to do much, so that only left one option.

"Yukina, would you please go and wake Yana?"

Alone in his den, Haruki watched the tape from beginning to end without stopping. No matter how many times it played, he'd never get tired of seeing Sakura fight.

It was more than addicting. It was a need, something that gave him the very essence of life.

Soon, he'd have so much more than just the footage. He'd have her secrets. He'd finally understand the mysteries that had plagued him for months. And according to Sensui, it would all happen in little more than three days.

Even though his mind was still reeling from the revelation of Sensui's suspicions about the girl, Haruki shivered with delight at the thought of what was going to happen.

He knew the plan. He knew his role. It was simply a matter of carrying it out.

Three days, and I'll be able to ask her everything I want to know.

There wasn't much time. He needed to prepare.

There was quite a crowd waiting for Yana when he emerged from the room a few minutes later, back to his usual self but looking thoroughly disturbed.

"Man…" he muttered. "That was all kinds of messed up,"

Yusuke rounded on him. "What do you mean?"

"Kurama," Yana shook his head. "She really didn't see the psychic, but holy hell. He was one sick freak,"

The fox demon held up a hand. "Perhaps we should discuss this outside?"

He turned on his heel and led the way out the back, followed by Yana, Genkai, Botan and Yusuke. Once they were out of earshot, Kurama took a breath.

"Tell us, Yana. What really happened in the hospital?"

Yana seemed to be choking back his own nausea as he told them what he'd seen in Sakura's admittedly darkened memories of the basement.

Yusuke looked sick. "Who the hell was that son of a bitch?!"

"We have no way of knowing, at least for now," Genkai growled. "But it sounds like these psychics are well informed,"

Kurama didn't trust himself to speak right away, but the anger inside him was threatening to erupt.

One of the eight had touched his treasure. Such treachery could never be forgiven.

Botan wiped her eyes. "Oh, Kura…"

"And there's something else…" Yana hesitated. "Kurama, she's worried that this will undo her progress, you know?"

Kurama swallowed hard. Without a word, he stalked back towards the room where Yukina was watching over Sakura. The ice maiden took one look at Kurama and made herself scarce, only mentioning that there hadn't been any developments while he'd been gone.

Kurama sat down beside Sakura and pulled her into his lap.

Mine.

He should have been there at the hospital. He should have been awake that morning, before Sakura had gone to the training room. He should have realised what had happened…

Stop. What matters is what you can do to help her now. You already know the answer.

Kurama took a breath and reached into his hair. He'd already made up his mind. Whoever that monster was, there was no way he would allow her to be tormented by the memory a moment longer.

Yusuke entered the room just as Kurama was preparing the necessary plant.

"Hey, Fox Boy. I hope that's what I think it is,"

Kurama nodded. "The Flower of Forgetfulness. It's nowhere near as potent as the Dream Flower, but still has amnesiac properties. Don't worry, I'm only erasing the worst part of that encounter," his voice was dangerously cold. "These psychics will not scar her mind any further,"

Yusuke swiped a hand across his eyes. "We have to find these bastards, Kurama," he whispered. "They already got Kido. We can't let them hurt anyone else,"

"I've been meaning to ask, Yusuke," Kurama barely glanced up from what he was doing. "About something Kura told me this week. Do you consider her therapy sessions as something to be mocked?"

Yusuke frowned. "Of course not! It's helping her, isn't it? I'm proud of Kura for trying to get better!"

"Then perhaps you should tell her so," Kurama said coolly.

Yusuke went slightly red, and nodded sheepishly. "You're right,"

"Any word from Koenma?"

Yusuke shook his head. "Still nothing. Wonder what the deal is?"

With another look at his sister, he reluctantly headed for the door. "Let me know when she's awake, ok?"

In silence, Kurama continued to manipulate the spores. He wanted to remove the entire memory of the basement, but unfortunately his analytical mind knew that certain parts might be useful in identifying each psychic at a later date. And then, they could all be destroyed.

His task complete, Kurama lay down beside Sakura and gathered her close. Inside, his anger was bubbling.

Sakura had been deliberately targeted, it was obvious. Who was that psychic? Who had dared lay his depraved hands on such a priceless treasure?

Without a clear answer, Kurama's resolve steeled. They may have defeated the deranged Dr Kamiya, but seven psychics remained and the tunnel was growing closer to completion with each passing moment.

No more waiting for Koenma. Kurama knew that he would have to act first in order to get an answer from the prince.

He'd go to Spirit World and confront Koenma the moment he was sure that Sakura's safety would be guaranteed. Perhaps while she was at school. Until then, he wouldn't leave her side.

"Minamino residence, this is Shiori,"

Sakura was too stunned to reply for a moment. "Oh, Shiori. Hi, it's Sakura. Is Shuichi there?"

"Well hello there, dear! I'm sorry, but Shuichi left early this morning for a biology club meeting. He asked me to tell you that he's sorry, it was last minute, and he'll see you this afternoon,"

Sakura blinked. "Oh yes, of course," she stammered. "No problem. I guess I'll see him after school,"

"I'm sure you will," Shiori's smile was audible through the phone. "When are you coming around for dinner next? It's been a while,"

Sakura fingered the phone cord. "You're right, it has been. When would you like me to come?"

"Does Saturday work?"

"Sure!"

"Excellent. We'll see you then. Have a lovely day at school, dear!"

Sakura hung up the phone and stared at the floor. Kurama was most definitely not part of the biology club, she knew that for a fact.

Where did he really go?

Since the incident in Mushiyori City a few days prior, Kurama had been over at the twin's apartment almost every waking moment. From walking to school in the morning to the moment Sakura fell asleep at night, Kurama was there. And she certainly wasn't complaining about it.

But for him to pass on a message through Shiori was… unusual. It made Sakura's stomach quiver.

He didn't say anything about not being here this morning. I hope he's alright.

Sakura shrugged off the concern. It was probably nothing. She'd see him in a few hours. It would be fine.

The day was fairly uneventful until lunchtime. Sakura managed to suppress her gnawing anxiety over Kurama's unexplained absence while the class discussed ideas for the upcoming culture festival.

As a minor argument broke out between her classmates over whether to put on a skit, have a food stand or some kind of themed photobooth, Sakura felt her mind drifting to the remaining psychics.

Dark Angel, Gatekeeper, Sniper, Gourmet, Game Master, Sea Man and Ghost… Obviously Sniper shoots things, but what does Game Master mean? Or Gourmet? Is that something to do with food? But how could it be? What sense does that make?

She sighed and dodged a paper projectile being launched between two students feuding over whether rice balls were a boring option.

And then there was the psychic I fought. He kept mentioning games, so maybe he was the Game Master? Unless that was just to throw me off course so I'd think it was Game Master when it's actually Ghost or Dark Angel… no, Dark Angel is definitely the guy we saw in the fairway…This is getting me nowhere!

The lunch bell rang. There was a scurry for the exit. Sakura shoved her books into her bag and made a beeline for the roof while massaging her temples. Trying to work out these psychics was giving her a splitting headache.

Yusuke and Kuwabara were deep in conversation about the Doctor when she arrived to join them.

"Well excuse me if I'm not a college boy philosophy grad or a church dude talking about a higher calling," Yusuke began.

Sakura took a seat beside him. "Wouldn't that be a sight," she sighed.

"Very funny, Squirt," Yusuke glared. "But as I was saying, none of this makes sense to me. This doc knew he would die if they opened that tunnel. He knew,"

Kuwabara barely looked up from demolishing his sandwich. "That's freaky… I just figured if they had a human on their side they weren't telling him what he was getting into. But he knew?"

"Yep," Yusuke popped another of Sakura's rice balls in his mouth. "The whole shebang. He said we deserved to die because we were diseased or something,"

"It was the same with the one I fought as well," Sakura said with a shudder. "He said we'd understand why soon enough, but I don't know what he meant by that,"

Yusuke looked at her sharply. "He did?!"

"Sounds like fanatic cult stuff," Kuwabara muttered. "I don't get it. If they're so bummed about their own lives, they should take up rock climbing without ropes. Risk themselves instead of blaming it on innocent people. Or at least only pick on us tough guys,"

"Emergency!"

A panicked voice caused all three teens to whip around. Botan was racing towards them in her school uniform with the Spirit Detective briefcase under her arm. She looked out of breath, but Yusuke was far too interested in his lunch than anything Botan had to say.

"What is it, Botan? They run out of your hair dye?"

Yusuke dodged the kick Sakura sent his way.

Botan swept the hair out of her eyes. "No time for jokes. The tunnel to Demon World will be finished in a week!"

Sakura's stomach dropped. "What?!"

"But -" Yusuke began.

"No time for buts, either," Botan was already opening the briefcase. "Just listen,"

Koenma appeared on the screen inside. "Yes, Yusuke. That's Botan's natural colour. It doesn't make sense to tease her,"

"What is this Koenma?" Yusuke rounded on him. "You told us we had three weeks just the other night!"

Koenma shrugged. "That's the thing about the information business. Always subject to updates,"

Sakura knelt down. "Have we advanced a stage?"

"Not quite, but it's still not good," Koenma brought up a scale image of the centrepoint. "Look kids, we goofed. We assumed the tunnel's centrepoint was on the earth's surface. It was only after Kurama's team visited the site that I ordered a depth analysis. And we found the centre to be five hundred and fifty metres underground,"

The flashing red dot indicating the middle of the tunnel moved down to show how deep it really was.

"Here's an overhead view of the distortion zone we see on the surface. Here's the actual zone at the centrepoint. It's deceptively larger. I was being simplistic when I said the distortion takes place in the form of a circle. It's really a sphere. The circle or dome we see on the surface is just a cross section of its tip,"

Sakura stared intently, trying to grasp what this meant, but Kuwabara was getting impatient.

"Urameshi, tell me what's on the screen. I can't see without my spirit powers!"

"I'll tell you in a minute," Sakura said quickly.

Yusuke growled. "Spheres and stuff… geometry's next year!"

"Ugh!" Botan nearly fell over. "It's basic maths to show why we only have a week. Why can't Keiko be the one with the Spirit Gun?"

Sakura turned to Yusuke. "Basically, the distortion zone we saw when we were in Mushiyori was just the top section. The psychic creating the tunnel is hiding below the ground, and that's where we'll need to go to beat him. Make sense?"

Yusuke's brow creased. "He said five hundred metres under the ground, right? That's one crazy sewer,"

"It's a cave system," Koenma explained. "The closest entrance is in a suburb of Mushiyori City. A feeder cave with a most appropriate name. Demon's Door,"

Yusuke looked back at his twin and Kuwabara with a determined look.

"Well we won't save the world resting our asses. Botan, let's get the crew together. Looks like we're headed for suburbia,"

Sakura nodded. None of them seemed to register Koenma's rage that they were no longer paying attention to him while Botan closed the briefcase.

"Meiou Academy is closest. We should go there first," Sakura suggested.

They raced out of the school and through the front gate. The twins and Botan turned to go right towards Meiou, but Kuwabara unexpectedly raced to the left.

"Bye guys!" he called over his shoulder.

Sakura skidded to a halt. "Kuwabara, hold up!"

"Kurama's school is this way, stupid!" Yusuke said impatiently. "Don't tell me your direction has gone south too,"

"Sorry…" Kuwabara glanced back at them sheepishly. "I can't go with you guys today,"

"What?" Sakura was sure she'd misheard. "Why not?"

Kuwabara seemed to be deliberately avoiding their gaze. "Uh… thing is…"

Yusuke blinked. "You sick or something?"

"No… it's just… you know!" Kuwabara laughed awkwardly.

"What the hell do you mean?" Yusuke cocked his head. "That time of the month? OW! What the hell was that for, you damn brat?"

"Because you're being a pig!" Sakura growled.

Kuwabara held up a slip of paper. "This is why… floor tickets. For Megallica's world tour!"

Both twins and Botan stared at him, absolutely speechless. Sakura's jaw almost hit the ground.

"There you are, Kuwabara!" His gang had just arrived.

"Come on, we'll be first in line!"

"I'm getting a t-shirt from the merch stand!"

Kuwabara waved playfully and went to leave with his friends. "See ya guys!"

Yusuke was the first to stir himself and caught Kuwabara's shoulder. "You forgot something…"

BAM! Yusuke's fist knocked Kuwabara flat on his back.

"WE'RE SAVING THE PLANET!" Yusuke shouted. "NO POP BANDS!"

"Pop band?" Kuwabara seemed unable to form words in the face of such blasphemy. "YOU DARE CALL MEGALLICA A POP BAND?"

He jumped up and punched Yusuke right back. Naturally, Yusuke retaliated and the two boys were locked in a fistfight before Sakura or anyone else could intervene.

"Wow… their fights are great," Okubo marvelled. "It's really an art form,"

"Don't just stand there and look impressed!" Botan cried. "Kura, can't you -?"

Despite wanting to curl up and die from embarrassment, Sakura marched forward into the fray without hesitation. She smacked both their heads together and the boys fell back, dazed.

"Sheesh!" Miyamoto stared in awe. "I forget how tough she is!"

Yusuke and Kuwabara sprang apart and glared at each other. Both were out of breath.

"What if I told you I had front row seats to the Martial Arts World Championship?" Kuwabara panted. "Would you turn that down?"

Yusuke looked stricken. He clutched his head and groaned.

Sakura facepalmed. "Some hero!"

"It's a once in a lifetime shot," Kuwabara said with defiance. "I bought these tickets a year ago and there's no way I'll miss it," He grinned. "Even if the end of the world was tomorrow I'd still go. That just makes it more important!"

Sakura opened her mouth, but Yusuke butted in.

"Whatever, groupie. Go head bang!" He snapped. "Just don't expect me to save your ass when it's demon season!"

Kuwabara bristled. "Like I'd need help from YOU! I'm so sick of your big man crap. Maybe I won't help you tomorrow either, let you see how you do need me!"

They got right in each other's faces for a stare down. Sakura could practically see the wall going up between them.

"FINE!" the boys shouted at each other before whirling around and stalking off in opposite directions.

"...And that's how the human race ended," Botan deadpanned.

Sakura leaned up against the school gate. Hiei, Kuwabara... This was getting worse and worse.

Deep inside the cave, Sensui stepped out into the main lair. He couldn't be more thrilled. Everything was going exactly as he'd planned, and given what he'd just seen from Haruki, the time for action was imminent. The boy was more than ready.

A hesitant voice spoke up. "Mr Sensui? May I ask you something?"

"Yes, Sea Man?" Sensui barely turned around.

The young boy glanced at the passage leading to the secret den where his elusive team member hid.

"I haven't seen Ghost for a few days. Is he alright?"

Sensui gave Sea Man a reassuring smile. "Of course he is, Sea Man. With the tunnel progressing so quickly, the Spirit Detective should arrive before long. Ghost is preparing our last line of defence for the inevitable clash,"

Sea Man lowered his eyes. "What kind of defence?"

"That's not something you need to worry about, Sea Man," Sensui replied. "All that matters is ensuring the obstacles we place in front of Yusuke are unbeatable,"

"Yes sir," Sea Man nodded.

Sensui stood on the edge of the lake and watched Itsuki for a moment. The teal-haired apparition was still in the same meditative position he'd assumed on day one. Above him, the tunnel's centrepoint shimmered.

"I've just been to town, Itsuki," Sensui slipped his hands in his pockets. "It's filled with demon insects. It seems you're expanding the tunnel even faster than we expected,"

Itsuki smiled. "It's hard to explain, Mr Sensui. I feel most peculiar. My powers seem immersed in this rapid stream. Like the tunnel has a life of its own. Like it wants to grow,"

"Then all we need is someone to break that net," Sensui's eyes shone. He nodded at the silhouettes behind him.

"I'm sending out our colleagues. They're exploring the area for a capable psychic. They're also fighting Yusuke's team any chance they get, because I have a suspicion our two needs… are actually one,"

The Spirit Detective and his friends wouldn't see what was coming until it was far too late. The thought made Sensui laugh. Tonight they would make the first move in this game where he alone wielded the power.

They'd find the one to cut the barrier… and then the gates of hell could open upon humanity.

A.N. The action is going to really heat up from here, so I advise you all to hang on tight! What do you think Sensui told Haruki? What do you think they're planning to do?

Chapter 16 will be released by October 7th. I will do my utmost to get it out earlier. You can help that happen by leaving a review. Please follow, click favourite and we'll see you soon!

Next Chapter: The Spirit Detective team is fracturing, but Sakura remains determined to decipher the seven remaining psychic's abilities. Sensui makes his first move, along with Haruki.